Employment Horizons earns Three-Year CARF Accreditation 

Frank L. Cahill
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Employment Horizons earns Three-Year CARF Accreditation 

CEDAR KNOLLS — CARF International announced that Employment Horizons has received a three-year agency-wide accreditation for its programs. The latest accreditation is the eighth consecutive Three-Year Accreditation that the international accrediting body, CARF, has given to Employment Horizons.

This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process. It has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality.

The CARF surveyors found employers are “extremely happy and satisfied with the services offered” by Employment Horizons, as well as with the training and communication provided by staff. Program participants are “very pleased with the support that is offered and appreciate the information that is provided to help them to create self-sufficiency in the community.”

Employment Horizons is the premier not-for-profit agency providing comprehensive employment, training and job placement services to persons with disabilities and other disadvantages in the greater Morris County, NJ area. To obtain more information about Employment Horizons, click here or contact Maria Verducci-Florio at (973) 538-8822 ext. 240 or mariaflorio@ehorizons.org.

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF International, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services. For more information about the accreditation process, please visit the CARF website by clicking here.

ATNJ Congratulates Murphy on Winning the Democratic Nomination

Frank L. Cahill
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ATNJ Congratulates Murphy on Winning the Democratic Nomination

NEW JERSEY — The grassroots group of 18,000 members across the state offers our congratulations to Phil Murphy, who bested all other candidates in the Democratic primaries to become our nominee for Governor of New Jersey. They are united in solidarity as Democrats to work to get Phil elected in November to become New Jersey’s next governor.  We need a Democrat to undo all the damage done by Governor Chris Christie.  We expect Phil to fulfill – or, fulPHIL – his campaign promises in order to make gains in the years ahead for New Jerseyans, including:

  • PHIL up our pension system – that Chris Christie and his administration underfunded and mismanaged.
  • PHIL up the pay stubs of our working families – with tax fairness ensuring the wealthiest 1% will pay a fair share of their income.
  • PHIL up the minimum wage to $15 – so that if someone is working full time, they should not be in poverty.
  • PHIL up the paychecks of women – who have long been underpaid, hurting them and their families – by signing the Equal Pay legislation into law that passed both houses but yet was vetoed by Chris Christie.
  • FulPHIL our rights as citizens to live in a safe and just world – protecting Women’s Rights to earn the same wage for the same work; restoring funding for women’s health that Chris Christie denied for 7+ years; fixing the racist criminal justice system that targets People of Color; ensuring safety and equality for LGBTQ community; protecting our immigrants in New Jersey from the Trump and GOP administration’s harmful policies; and speaking out against Islamaphobia fueled by the GOP administration.
  • FulPHIL our promise to our veterans – by developing jobs and skills training, supporting Veteran-owned businesses, providing mental health services for those coming home from serving, and supporting our military families.

These are just some of the progressive policies that Phil Murphy has promised in his campaign. For those of us who did not vote for Phil, they are nonetheless united in supporting Phil as our Democratic gubernatorial candidate in the general election. For those of us who voted for Phil, he earned the votes based on these promises.  And they will ALL hold him to it.

The 2016 election inspired millions of Americans to fight for the progressive values that they believe in. Action Together New Jersey, part of the grassroots national network, Action Together Network (ATN), was formed as thousands of New Jersey residents banded together to help secure a more inclusive and progressive future for our state and our country.

Action Together Network is a growing grassroots group from all over the Garden State, and we share a passion for equal rights, for progressive ideals, and for building a brighter future for all Americans. We are your neighbors, your friends, and your coworkers. And while we don’t always see eye to eye on every issue (just look at the pork roll/Taylor ham divide), we combine our talents, our smarts, and our scrappy, underdog mentality to make Jersey Strong—and our nation stronger.

A few of the causes they value and fight for include:

Racial Justice, Reproductive Rights, Environmental Concerns, Women’s Rights, LGBTQ+ Rights, Common Sense Gun Laws, Immigration, Education, Healthcare, Social Services, Criminal Justice Reform, Electoral Reform, Finance and Economic Reform, smart Foreign Policy, Workers’ Rights, Civil Rights Protection and Expansion, and Military and Veterans Issues.

Chase Bank on Route 10 robbed

Frank L. Cahill
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Chase Bank on Route 10 robbed

HANOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Hanover Township Police Chief Mark Roddy announce an active investigation into a bank robbery that occurred on Tuesday, June 6 in Hanover Township.

At approximately 3:32 p.m., law enforcement received a report of a bank robbery that occurred at the Chase Bank, located at 480 State Route 10.

Bank robbery that occurred at the Chase Bank

The subsequent investigation has revealed that a male entered the bank branch and demanded money while in possession of a handgun. Various surveillance photographs from the interior of the bank have been obtained. The suspect can be further described as a white/light-skinned male, who was wearing a dark colored jacket, pants, and shoes, light colored gloves, dark sunglasses, and a dark hat.  The suspect was carrying a handgun and a bag.

Upon exiting the bank, the male fled from the scene.

Numerous law enforcement agencies have responded and are currently investigating this incident, including the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hanover Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident, including the identity of this male, is asked to call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office – Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200, the Township of Hanover Police Department at (973) 428-2512, or Crimestoppers at (973) 267-2255.

 

Barberio, Valori and Ferrara win the Republican Primary; Soriano, McCarthy, and Peterson win Democrat Primary

Frank L. Cahill
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Barberio, Valori and Ferrara win the Republican Primary; Soriano, McCarthy, and Peterson win Democrat Primary

PARSIPPANY — As results were called into the Campaign Headquarters, we tabulated the unofficial results. From our tabulations:

Republican

Barberio  2,748
Peluso  2,368
Valori  2,200
Ferrara  1,924
Parikh  1,739
Stanton  1,671
Martino  1,485

Democrat

Janice McCarthy, Michael Soriano and Emily Peterson
Soriano  2,217
Fulco    259
Peterson  1,968
McCarthy  1,966
Cassidy     488

Brennan files new criminal charges against Mayor Barberio

Frank L. Cahill
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Brennan files new criminal charges against Mayor Barberio

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Focus has received a new Summons filed against Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 in Parsippany Municipal Court. The charges filed by William Brennan against James Barberio state “Within the Jurisdiction of this Court, commits an act related to his office, but constituting an unauthorized exercise of his official function, knowing that such act is unauthorized, with purpose to obtain a benefit for another, did unlawfully hire Ramona J. Ortiz, to the title Keyboarding Clerk I above the salary range provided within Ordinance 2016:22. The value of the benefit obtained by defendant on behalf of Ramona Ortiz exceeds $200.00, contrary to an in violation of 2C:30-2A.

2C:30-2 states. Official misconduct: A public servant is guilty of official misconduct when, with purpose to obtain a benefit for himself or another or to injure or to deprive another of a benefit: a. He commits an act relating to his office but constituting an unauthorized exercise of his official functions, knowing that such act is unauthorized or he is committing such act in an unauthorized manner; or b. He knowingly refrains from performing a duty which is imposed upon him by law or is clearly inherent in the nature of his office.

Official misconduct is a crime of the second degree. Under New Jersey’s Official Misconduct law, N.J.S.A. 2C:30-2, a public servant can be prosecuted for acts committed in their official capacity and, if convicted, imprisoned for up to ten years.

Click here to view a copy of the complaint.

On May 25, Pequannock Township Municipal Judge John A. Paparazzo failed to find probable cause on the criminal charges filed against Mayor James Barberio and Business Administrator Ellen Sandman, stating that Mr. Brennan should have filed a hearing with the Civil Service Commission. The original charges were filed under a different statue.

At the time, Mr. Brennan stated “The judge didn’t do any favors for the defendants because he created a new paradigm in which fourth-degree crimes have to be processed by an administrative agency.”

“But if he wants to do that, then all the elements of official misconduct are met by their charges, and I’m just going to go back and charge him with official misconduct for violating the municipal ordinance. I was trying to be decent to them. I didn’t want to put them in jail for five years. But if the judge doesn’t want this big fourth-degree crime, then he’s related them to a five-year mandatory minimum.”

At this time it is unclear if the same charges were filed against Business Administrator Ellen Sandman, or if an additional charge was filed for the hiring of Eugene Natoli, in December 2016.

Parsippany Focus will update this story as developing details are released.

Read previous stories:
Judge denies probable cause in criminal charges against Barberio: click here.
Criminal Complaints filed against Barberio: click here.

Corey is looking for his Furever home

Frank L. Cahill
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Corey is looking for his Furever home

RANDOLPH — This is Corey! Corey is about 13-14 weeks, weighs about 15 pounds and so very sweet!

Corey and his brothers were rescued from St Maarten. St Maarten is beautiful, but life can be difficult for dogs. Fresh water is hard to find as well as food. FHDR heard about Corey and brothers and we were able to transport them to the US to live in foster homes. 

Corey’s mom says…..’Corey is friendly, sweet and playful!! He loves everyone and he is a very happy puppy! Corey enjoys playing with all toys, especially tennis balls and he loves belly rubs.. Corey is so funny when he sleeps…he loves sleeping on his back and spreading out! haha! Corey likes going for car rides and he walks nicely on the leash. He spends his days playing with our dogs and he is very well behaved. Corey is a smart puppy who loves to please. He barks to go out, he already knows the command “no”, “sit”, “drop it” and “leave it” Corey is such a good boy! And he has such a cute personality!”

If you are interested in adopting Corey, please email FHDR@att.net for an adoption application. You can see more photos of Corey and our other rescue pups by going to www.FHDR.petfinder.com.

Please adopt me….. My name is Corey

Relay for Life of Central Morris County to be held this weekend

Frank L. Cahill
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Relay for Life of Central Morris County to be held this weekend

PARSIPPANY — This year Relay for Life of Central Morris County will be held on Saturday, June 10 with registration starting at 2:00 p.m. and continues through Sunday, June 11 at 6:00 a.m. at Veteran Memorial Park, 1839 Route 46 at Vail Road, Parsippany. Cancer touches us all in one way or the other. Western Pest Services is sponsoring the event.

Relay for Life of Central Morris County encompasses support from eight towns Parsippany-Troy Hills, Denville, Rockaway Borough, Wharton, Mountain Lakes, Rockaway Township, Dover and Randolph Township.

Relay for Life Co-Chair Karen DeChristopher presents Denville Mayor Thomas Andes with a plaque thanking the Mayor and Council for their past and continued support
Randolph Deputy Mayor Mark H. Forstenhausler, Mayor Christine Carey and Relay For Life Logistics Chairman Nicolas Limanov. Limanov presented a plaque thanking the Mayor and Council for their past and continued support

As the nation’s largest fundraising event, Relay For Life of Central Morris County rallies families, friends, businesses, schools, hospitals, service and faith-based organizations in communities throughout Morris County and beyond and is asking you to participate in the event by: starting or joining a team, making a donation, sponsoring the event, purchasing a track sign or just coming out to show your support to those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and by providing an opportunity for everyone to fight back against the disease. They are also looking for survivors and caregivers, as we would love for you to join us so that we can celebrate and honor you during our special Survivor activities and dinner, as well as during the Luminaria Ceremony.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. With the support of thousands of volunteers like you, the American Cancer Society is helping save more than 500 lives a day. Please join us and take action against a disease that has taken too much!

For more information about getting involved, making a donation, sponsoring the event and/or purchasing a track sign, contact Karen DeChristopher, Event Co-Chair, at karen.dechristopher@gmail.com. Visit their website by clicking here or like their Facebook page for event details.

The American Cancer Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Prosecutor’s Office seeks information about fatal crash

Frank L. Cahill
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Prosecutor’s Office seeks information about fatal crash

MONTVILLE —  The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey State Police are seeking any information related to a fatal crash that occurred last Friday, June 2, on Route 80 Westbound in Montville Township near Mile Marker 47.5.  

 At approximately 6:52 p.m., the New Jersey State Police were notified of a motor vehicle crash that ultimately resulted in a fatality.

The investigation revealed that a black 2014 Nissan Rogue struck a white 2013 Suzuki Burgman motor scooter.  The Nissan Rogue was being operated by Michelle Perez, 42.  The Suzuki Burgman motor scooter was being operated by Ismail Iqbal, 32, who was fatally injured in the crash.

Perez was charged by way of a criminal complaint with second degree Death by Auto, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5, and Driving Under the Influence, in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-50. 

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and New Jersey State Police are asking anyone with information regarding this fatal crash to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200. 

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

Letter to the editor: Anybody but Barberio!

Letters to the Editor
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Dear Editor:

With the Primary election only a day away (Tuesday, June 6) the Parsippany Republicans have a choice to make. There are two candidates running for Mayor and its our duty to vote for who we feel will  best represent the taxpayers of Parsippany in November and for the next four years.

Mayor Barberio has been in office now for eight years. During this period he has created a lot of controversy within our township. Remember Waterview? The question we must answer now is can we afford another four years?

Things to consider:

1) 0% municipal property tax increase for 2017. In order for Mayor Barberio to accomplish this he used $3,800,000.00 of surplus and reserve money (2,500,000 sewer/ 700,000 water/ 600,000 township reserve). 0% increase is politics 101 during an election year. However, this could hurt us in the future the 2% saved in 2017 can be used in 2018 allowing up to 4% increase. We’ll have to wait and see.

2) Township ordinances are being ignored by Mayor Barberio (ex. Township vehicles and White Collar Salary Ranges). Township attorney John Inglesino has stated on record that “ordinances are more guidelines than laws”. I ask you, if they are just guidelines why do we pay Mr. Inglesino to prepare them? Why do they have to go before council three times be voted on and adopted

3)  Mayor Barberio has made it a habit of using surplus monies to help balance his budgets over the years. Mayor Barberio has drained more than 8 million dollars in surplus for this purpose. The water/sewer utility is being used as a piggy bank by the Mayor. The water/sewer utility is a self-sustaining facility and surplus should be used for the needs of the facility only.

4)  Job postings in town hall under Mayor Barberio’s watch have changed. Per OPRA request I was advised that the only jobs that are posted are jobs that civil service refer to as open-competitive. This is a big change from previous administrations that followed the employee handbook policy and posted job opportunities on bulletin board giving township employee’s a chance for advancement if they desired. Is it possible Mayor Barberio may be hindering the advancement of some township employee’s?

    5) Mayor Barberio hired two individuals in December 2016 for the positions of Keyboard Clerk offering them salaries that exceeded our White Collar Salary Ranges.  An emergency meeting was called by Council President Lou Valori on April 11, 2017 to have this ordinance amended to show new salary ranges. Ask yourselves:

  • Why would Mayor Barberio offer more money then ordinance allowed?
  • These positions were not posted anywhere (newspapers, town website) so how were these individuals chosen?
  • How did these individuals hear about job openings? Is it possible Mayor Barberio is hiring family and friends (daughters boyfriend, boyfriends mother, recently retired police officer)?

6) Transparency is still lacking. Only what Mayor Barberio wants residents to know.

7) Aurora Information Security is being paid a monthly fee for storage of materials related too James Carifi’s case. Is this not ridiculous? The township doesn’t have a place to store this stuff? More taxpayer dollars being wasted. As of March 1, 2017 a total of $68,820.83 has been paid. When will this end?

8)  James Carifi lawsuit – this witch hunt/vendetta that Mayor Barberio created is costing the taxpayers of Parsippany dearly. Millions have been spent (our hard earned dollars)in the last four years and we can expect millions more in the future. The only one benefiting from this is Mr. Inglesino the township attorney. I believe its time Mayor Barberio resolves this major issue the taxpayers of Parsippany can no longer afford to have this witch hunt continue.

9) Attorney fee’s- Mr. Inglesino’s 1099 for 2016 totaled $701,985.21. When does it stop?When do we say enough is enough?

Parsippany residents, we have a decision to make come Tuesday, June 6. Do we want/need another four years of Mayor Barberio or do we want a new leader to step up and make change? New leadership with fresh ideas would be a welcome relief in my eyes. So, once again I urge you to go out and vote. No matter what you think your vote does count. For new leadership vote Peluso.

Pat Petaccia

 

Letter to the editor: Thoughts on 2017 Vote Issues of Life

Letters to the Editor
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Dear Editor:

The truth is our NJDEP under the present Christie administration is bought out and weakened in the name of a false economy that separates good land use from water issues; this of course is impossible; but “economically”convenient” for market speculation sprawl development. This form of economy to nowhere injures and negatively impacts water sources. When private economic interest “trump” the science and needs of the common ignoring long term accumulative impacts and cost avoidance scenario’s we have pirates and politicians, not statesman and enlightened scientist administerings our life. When ecology becomes an obstacle rather than an friend of the way of living, humanity dooms itself through the body of alleged economic job stimulation for short-term land consumption in the name of property, not Earth, life and all things in it.

Our economy becomes the body of the dinosaur we move further further from real values and closer to senseless existence away from organic links to life itself into artificial class separations. Plastic, asphalt and ugliness replace not only gods nature but our souls…Water is Life. Somehow money makes us think oil and water mix. This is the extreme that the financialization of life itself has brought us…

We must think green, real life itself; our planets future on every level in this election. In the richest nation on earth, how can, why is money a problem? If one does not know this, one knows No-thing, and can easily believe water and oil do mix…

There is plenty of work for a society in tune with itself organically linked to the real world outside the pages of money magazine; from infrastructure, clean energy to keeping up with the trash. Vote human, vote common sense grounded in nature and man as part of not apart from.

Nick Homyak
Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034

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