PARSIPPANY — On Friday, September 9, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local #131 held its esteemed 39th Annual Golf Outing at the Knoll West Country Club. Over the years, the event’s success has surged, owing largely to the generosity of local businesses and corporations.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella collaborates with Morris Plains Chick-fil-A owner Drew Blind on the community-focused initiative.
The overwhelming support garnered from these events enables the association to remain deeply involved in various community initiatives. Notable beneficiaries include scholarship programs at Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School. Further, contributions have been made to a myriad of organizations like the L.E.A.D. Program, local Little Leagues, Soccer Clubs, Football Programs, and Cheerleading Programs.
Additionally, the golf outing allows P.B.A. Local #131 members to actively partake in events such as the Special Olympic Torch Run, Polar Bear Plunge, and the Police Unity Tour.
Continuing its tradition of goodwill, P.B.A. Local #131 extends its support during the festive season, donating gifts and toys to local Social Services programs to help families in need.
Springfield Mayor Alex Keiser, Matt Anderson, Frank Vitolo, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella unite in backing the community endeavors of PBA 131. The many sponsors of the event
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Mendham Township Police Chief Ross Johnson confirmed that a juvenile delinquency complaint has been filed in connection with the December 1984 death of “Baby Mary” in Mendham Township.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll
On Christmas Eve 1984, at approximately 10:35 a.m., two boys reported an abandoned and deceased newborn baby girl in a remote wooded area off of Mt. Pleasant Road in Mendham Township, New Jersey. Law enforcement officers located a baby girl’s body wrapped in a towel, inside a plastic bag. At the time of her discovery, the baby girl’s umbilical cord was still attached. The Medical Examiner determined the infant had been alive at the time of her birth. The death was ruled a homicide.
The baby girl, whose identity was unknown, was baptized by Rev. Michael Drury of St. Joseph Church, the Mendham Township Police Department chaplain. Father Drury named her “Mary.” Baby Mary is interred at St. Joseph’s Church in Mendham Township.
Over the last nearly four decades, investigators have vigorously pursued every lead to identify Baby Mary and learn more about the circumstances leading to her discovery in the woods. Using new technology, law enforcement networking in three states, and old-fashioned police work, investigators were recently able to identify Baby Mary’s biological father and mother.
The biological father passed away prior to being identified by investigators. There is no evidence the biological father was aware of the pregnancy, or Baby Mary’s birth or death.
The biological mother of Baby Mary was a juvenile at the time of her birth in 1984. On April 24, 2023, a juvenile delinquency complaint was filed against the biological mother of Baby Mary. She has been charged with one count of Manslaughter, an offense which would be a second-degree crime if committed by an adult.
Since the woman was a juvenile at the time of Baby Mary’s death and has been charged by way of a juvenile delinquency complaint, her name will not be released.
Prosecutor Carroll acknowledges the work of Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Deputy Chief Jan-Michael Monrad, Lieutenant Michael Gomez, Sergeant Sasha Gould, Sergeant Matthew Magnone, Detective Dakota Keyworth, and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn; along with Morris County Sheriff James Gannon and Morris County Sheriff’s Office Detective Rosie Brown; and Mendham Township Police Chief Ross Johnson, Mendham Township Police Lieutenant Steven Bittman, Sergeant Matthew Ambrosi, and Detective James Arnesen; and Forensic Scientist Christine Schlenker of the New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “This arrest is the culmination of decades of effort, across multiple generations of law enforcement. It is a tribute to the tenacity and dedication of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, our Major Crimes Unit, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mendham Township Police Department.
The death and abandonment of this baby girl is a tragic loss and even after nearly 40 years, remains just as heartbreaking. Justice may not take the form the public has imagined all these years, but we believe with this juvenile delinquency complaint, justice is being served for Baby Mary. Nothing can right this terrible wrong. Thanks to the men and women who worked so diligently on this case, we hope the community is given a sense of closure.
We thank our law enforcement partners – Chief Ross Johnson and the Mendham Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division CSI and Crime Lab sections, NJSP Office of Forensic Sciences, NJSP Forensic Serology Unit, DNA Laboratory, and the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office, and our interstate colleagues from the Richland County (South Carolina) Sheriff’s Department – Criminal Investigation Division and Deputy Chief Stan Smith, the Fifth Judicial Circuit (South Carolina) Solicitor’s Office, Cape Coral (Florida) Police Department, Fort Meyers (Florida) Police Department, and the FBI, without whom this arrest would not have been possible.”
Sheriff James Gannon
Sheriff James Gannon said, “I want young parents to know that there is help available. In 1984, the Safe Haven Infant Protection Act did not exist but, on August 7, 2000, the Act became law (sponsored locally by the late Senator Anthony Bucco). The legislation allows parents or their representatives to anonymously surrender a newborn baby at any hospital emergency room, police station, fire station, ambulance, first aid, or rescue squad that are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If the baby appears to be 30 days old or less, and free of any abuse or neglect, the baby will be accepted with no questions asked.”
For the past 39 years, the Mendham Township Police Department has pursued this investigation relentlessly to solve this case. If it were not for the hard work and dedication of our officers, who have worked on this case over the years, this case would still be unsolved.
Mendham Township Police Chief Ross Johnson said, “For the past 39 years, the Mendham Township Police Department has pursued this investigation relentlessly to solve this case. If it were not for the hard work and dedication of our officers, who have worked on this case over the years, this case would still be unsolved. Nine years ago, past Chief Steven Crawford called for a re-examination of Baby Mary’s case for the upcoming 30th anniversary. Our officers, alongside our partners from the county and state, would pursue many leads and investigative avenues, eventually bringing justice for this infant who never had a chance to fight for herself. This has been a great example of law enforcement collaboration, and I want to thank everyone who has been involved. A special thank you to both Prosecutor Carrol and Sheriff Gannon for their unwavering support and dedication to this case. I want to commend all of our current and former Mendham Township Police Officers who investigated or worked this case in one fashion or another, which helped get us here today, as well as Father Michael Drury, who made Baby Mary a part of our community and department over 30 years ago. Every Christmas Eve for the past 35 years members of our department and community have left their own families at noon to remember Baby Mary at a service by her grave, to ensure she is never forgotten. Today we are finally able to bring closure to this case and the community that has supported her.”
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education, the Administration, and members of the community gathered on Wednesday, September 6, for the ceremonial groundbreaking to launch the construction of six new classrooms and a small group instruction room at the Littleton Elementary School. The $6,500,000.00 expansion project is funded through the district’s Capital Reserve Fund. Due to the diligent and prudent spending protocols of the Board of Education and the office of the Interim School Business Administrator, Robin Tedesco, the district is able to fund the project without additional taxpayer dollars. The district has strategicallyset aside reserves over the past several years to fund projects like this to save the taxpayers from increased taxes.
Alison Cogan, Board President, said “With all the residential building going on in Parsippany and our elementary schools already at capacity, we worked with our architects to identify the best school to start a much-needed expansion project. Littleton was the ideal site due to the large field area adjacent to the school.” The additional classrooms will include Preschool and Kindergarten classrooms with self-contained bathrooms, small classrooms for Resource Room instruction, and a small office for Child Study Team staff.
The new classrooms are expected to be completed by the end of the school year.
Littleton Elementary School is located at 250 Brooklawn Drive.
It is anticipated that the fresh classrooms will be ready by the school year’s conclusionBoard President Alison Cogan commented, “Considering the surge in residential development in Parsippany and with our elementary schools already filled to capacity, we collaborated with our architects to determine the most fitting school for a crucial expansion. Littleton emerged as the perfect location given its expansive adjacent field.”Together, with these shovels, we pave the path to knowledge.Hats off to the visionaries and builders of tomorrow.
MORRIS COUNTY – In a major expansion step, nourish.NJ, the Morris County-centered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, proudly announces the grand opening of its brand-new 8,000 square feet Community Hub. Designed with state-of-the-art facilities, the new hub will assist thousands who grapple with financial challenges, showcasing the organization’s dedication to uplifting the community.
nourish.NJ is located at 347 South Salem Street
Originating almost 40 years ago, nourish.NJ, formerly recognized as the Community Soup Kitchen, has been a beacon of hope in Morris County. Their relentless efforts to combat hunger, homelessness, and poverty have evolved dynamically over the years. Operating every single day of the year, the Morristown-based organization remains steadfast in its mission, embedding values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in every service it offers. Their unique strategy, emphasizing an inclusive and empowering atmosphere, stands as a testament to their dedication to maximum community aid.
Notably, the past triennium witnessed a significant upsurge in nourish.NJ’s outreach. The consequent enlargement in both their geographical footprint and program spectrum has substantially augmented their community impact. This positive trajectory reached a high point with the inauguration of their second location at 347 South Salem Street in Victory Gardens.
The Community Hub’s highlight includes a cutting-edge commercial kitchen, set to amplify the number of wholesome meals provided. Furthermore, the introduction of office quarters for the Outreach Team will streamline the provision of complimentary, user-friendly case-management services, encompassing housing assistance, health resources, and financial guidance.
PARSIPPANY — Executive Director of Parsippany PAL, Sam Yodice, Jr., has announced his resignation effective September 22. Yodice began his tenure with the PAL in March 2019, following his departure as the Executive Director of the Passaic County Department of Senior Services.
Apart from his role at PAL, Yodice has also been active in Woodland Park politics, having assumed the role of a Council Member in January 2023. Yodice is now slated to take up the position of Business Administrator of Woodland Park. On the subject of his appointment, Woodland Park Borough Attorney, Albert Buglione, elucidated the legal stance. He shared, “It is legally permissible to hire an elected official as a municipal employee. However, the official must resign prior to taking on the new role. This is a matter that we will discuss with the administrator.”
It’s worth noting that Yodice’s predecessor in Woodland Park, former Parsippany Business Administrator Keith Kazmark, served in the same role before relocating to Ridgewood as the Village Manager.
Meanwhile, the Parsippany PAL has been undergoing significant cosmetic upgrades. As the leading charitable and non-profit youth organization in Parsippany, the Police Athletic League is committed to creating an environment for young people to flourish. Their motto, “At Parsippany PAL Kids Come First!”, exemplifies their dedication to fostering a healthy, educational, and safe environment for the youth.
Sam Yodice, Jr. currently resides in Woodland Park with his wife, Danielle, and their two children.
MORRIS COUNTY — The IRS disclosed that effective from January 1, 2024, businesses should transition from paper to e-filing for Form 8300, which details cash payments exceeding $10,000. This change is in alignment with the latest regulations modifying the e-filing rules.
Cash transactions over $10,000 are reported by businesses to the U.S. government. While most of these transactions are lawful, Form 8300 assists in identifying tax evasion, illicit drug dealings, terror funding, and other crimes. Timely and accurate submissions can enable the tracking of illegal funds.
Businesses already required to e-file particular returns, like Forms 1099 series and W-2, must now e-file Form 8300 from 2024. This transition simplifies IRS interactions. If businesses need to file a minimum of 10 such forms, excluding Form 8300, they must e-file them all. For instance, if a business files five Forms W-2 and five 1099-INT, all their returns, including Forms 8300, must be e-filed. But, if there are fewer than 10 returns excluding Form 8300, they can opt to e-file or not.
Waivers Should electronic filing pose undue hardships, businesses can request a waiver using Form 8508. If granted, it covers all Forms 8300 for the year. Specific waivers for only Form 8300 aren’t available. Businesses should label paper returns with “Waiver” on the top center of the first page. Those with fewer than 10 forms can file Form 8300 on paper without a waiver or can e-file voluntarily.
Exemptions Should e-filing clash with religious beliefs, the filer is automatically exempted and should label paper returns with “RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION” on the top center.
Late Returns Late submissions should be self-labeled. If e-filed, mention “LATE” in the comments. If on paper, write “LATE” on the top center of the first page.
Recordkeeping Businesses should retain all filed Form 8300s and associated records for five years. E-filing confirms receipt but isn’t enough for recordkeeping. A saved or printed copy before final submission is necessary.
Benefits of E-filing Numerous businesses favor the e-filing system for its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and the 15-day reporting deadline post-transaction. E-filing provides a confirmation email and allows batch filings, suitable for those with multiple forms.
To e-file Form 8300, businesses should register on the BSA E-Filing System. The IRS guarantees data security.
For further details, contact the BSA E-Filing Help Desk at 866-346-9478 or bsaefilinghelp@fincen.gov from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST on weekdays. Additionally, visit IRS.gov for insights on e-filing Form 8300.
PARSIPPANY — Lehigh University is excited to extend a warm welcome to Jack Wentworth of Mount Tabor, who has officially joined the prestigious Class of 2027. This incoming class is a remarkable and diverse assembly of students hailing from 49 U.S. states and territories, as well as 51 countries. Congratulations to Jack on embarking on this academic journey at Lehigh – we take pride in considering you one of our own!
Jack is a 2023 graduate of Morristown Beard School where he was involved in the Business, Finance & Investment (BFI) club, Lacrosse 3x, Honor Roll, and achieved High Honor Roll.
With a history spanning over 150 years, Lehigh University (lehigh.edu) has consistently provided outstanding academic and learning opportunities while taking the lead in pioneering innovative research. It stands among the nation’s most selective and highly-ranked private research universities. Lehigh’s five esteemed colleges – the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Health, and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science – offer over 7,000 students the chance to explore and develop within a rigorous academic setting, supported by an engaged and nurturing campus community.
PARSIPPANY — It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Summer 2023 President’s List. The summer terms run from May to August.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Kimberly Leandry of Lake Hiawatha
Bryan Tauro of Lake Hiawatha
Wayne Kubs of Parsippany
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with a 90-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 170,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as one of the “Most Innovative” regional universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high-quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner. Learn more by clicking here.
Matt DeVitto, Tim Berrios, and Andy Choffo formally announce our candidacy for the Board of Education. Our candidacy reflects our commitment to continue to serve the students, teachers, parents, and residents of Parsippany-Troy Hills. Collectively, we have over 30 years of dedication and service on Parsippany’s Board of Education. We love the Parsippany community and are thankful for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Education. We truly believe in the community phrase “Pride in Parsippany” and would gratefully continue to volunteer our time and experience to the Parsippany Township.
We celebrate the diversity and the many cultures of the Parsippany community, which is what makes Parsippany the best place to live and raise children. We know that with so many varied points of view, there will be differences of opinion as it relates to education, curriculum, taxes, and parental rights. Our commitment to you is that if elected, your opinion will be valued, and we will always base our decisions on what is in the best interest of our students and parents.
Listed are our Core Tenants for your review:
Reimagining Education by envisioning and implementing innovative approaches to learning that go beyond traditional classroom settings and methods.
Providing a safe and secure environment for our children to learn.
Enacting policies and setting goals that increase student achievement.
Developing fiscally responsible budgets.
Enhancing Social/Emotional, academic, and co-curricular programs.
Investing in technology as a teaching and communication tool.
Supporting our “at risk” students.
Incorporating the considerations of all stakeholders’ rights in the decision-making process.
MORRIS COUNTY — Family Promise, a national leader addressing the crisis of family homelessness, announced that Michael Kerkorian has been named Chief Development Officer.
A native of Michigan, Kerkorian has 20 years of experience successfully driving revenue, creating innovative partnerships, and optimizing operations.
“I am thrilled to welcome Mike to the national office of Family Promise,” said Chery Schuch, CEO of Family Promise. “His extensive background in resource development and his strong relationship-building skills will help us develop partnerships and create strategic alliances that will be instrumental as we expand to meet the growing needs of families facing homelessness.”
As Chief Development Officer, Kerkorian will focus on deepening the culture of philanthropy at Family Promise, leading the development and marketing teams to diversify funding streams and drive brand awareness.
After launching his career in the financial services industry, Kerkorian moved into the nonprofit sector. Most recently, he served as Senior Director of Corporate Relations at United Way Worldwide, where he led the organization’s global account team and worked with some of the world’s most recognizable brands on fundraising, social impact, and volunteer strategies.
Kerkorian received a BA degree in International Studies from Middlebury College and an MBA from Boston University.
“Everyone has the right to safe and affordable housing. I’m honored to join an organization dedicated to making sure all children and families have a home and a chance to thrive,” said Kerkorian.
Family Promise was founded in 1988, in Summit. Family Promise is the leading national nonprofit addressing the crisis of family homelessness. The organization, comprised of approximately 200 Affiliates, tackles the range of issues that can lead to homelessness. From prevention services to emergency shelters to post-program stabilization, Family Promise ensures families develop vital skills, have access to critical resources, and receive ongoing support to achieve lasting independence. The organization has served more than one million individuals since its founding. To learn more about Family Promise click here. familypromise.org
Dear Editor: