MORRIS COUNTY — Banking industry veteran and Morris Plains resident Daniel Sharabba has joined Unity Bank as senior vice president and senior retail officer.
Sharabba is responsible for the development and execution of the community bank’s branch banking operations.
“We are excited to welcome Daniel to the Unity Bank family,” said James A. Hughes, Unity Bank president and chief executive officer. “Daniel brings great banking experience to the team and has an impressive background growing both business and consumer relationships. We look forward to his continued success with Unity.”
Unity Bank will be opening soon in Lake Hiawatha.
Sharabba previously served as regional manager and vice president with Citizens Bank, overseeing 17 retail locations, across five counties in Northern and Central New Jersey. Prior to that, he was with J.P. Morgan Chase, serving as private client branch manager, vice president, financial advisor, and office manager.
Sharabba is an Advisory Board member of nourish.NJ, a food bank based in Morristown, and the New Jersey Devils not-for-profit organization.
He and his wife, Emily, have two children, Macie and Leo.
Sharabba has a bachelor’s degree in corporate finance from Montclair State University.
PARSIPPANY — In November, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Board of Education election will be a highly contested race, as 12 candidates are vying for the three open seats. The deadline for candidates to file petitions to run for school board seats in the November general election in New Jersey was Monday, July 31.
This year, there are three three-year seats available: Timothy Berrios; Matthew DeVitto, and Debbie Orme (not seeking reelection). Berrios stepped down in May since his daughter became an employee of the school district. Kendra Von Achen temporarily filled his seat until an election is held.
The candidates who filed for these seats are:
Matthew DeVitto (seeking re-election)
Kendra Von Achen
Balakrishna “Bala” Samaga
Nilesh Bagdai
Falgun Bakhtarwala
Cassandra Cogan
Wendy Wright
Nicole Dellafave
Lily Benavides
Deitria Smith-Snead
Timothy P. Berrios
Andrew Choffo
Qualifications for candidates include:
Be able to read and write
Hold citizenship and one year’s residency in the school district
Have no interest in any contract with, or claim against, the board
Not hold office as mayor or member of the municipal governing body
Be registered to vote in the district and not be disqualified as a voter under N.J.S.A. 19:4-1
With such a diverse pool of candidates, the election promises to be an engaging and important event for the local community. Voters will have the opportunity to choose representatives who will contribute to the betterment of the education system in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Schools consists of 14 schools, grades K-12 with a student enrollment of 7,153 students. The student-to-teacher ratio is 11:0.
MORRIS COUNTY — As parents start to plan for a new school year, Table of Hope once again is helping to make things easier with a free backpack distribution event at the County College of Morris (CCM).
The Backpack Giveaway at CCM takes place Friday, August 18, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 1 on CCM’s campus at 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Visitors are asked to use CCM’s Center Grove Road entrance.
CCM has hosted numerous events with Table of Hope to assist those in need. This latest distribution event will provide backpacks filled with school supplies, consisting of pencils, rulers, glue sticks, notebooks, and more.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood have elevated Kelly Sandler to the position of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor, and Tara Wang to the role of Senior Assistant Prosecutor within the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
A formal ceremony was held on August 1, 2023, in the Commissioner’s Public Meeting Room.
Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Sandler will supervise the Domestic Violence Unit and Firearms Returns within the Family Division.
First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Senior Assistant Prosecutor Tara Wang, and Prosecutor Robert Carroll.
Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Sandler joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2016 as an Assistant Prosecutor in the Major Crimes Unit and the Arson/Environmental Crimes Unit. Since the resumption of trials in the last 2 years during and post-covid, SAP Sandler has successfully tried three jury trials as lead counsel, specifically State v. Kelvin Briggs, which resulted in a conviction for sexual assault, endangering and invasion of privacy and a 24-year NJSP sentence; State v. Andrew Pena, which resulted in a conviction for Corrupting a Jury and Obstruction and a 5-year NJSP sentence and State v. Shonette St. Clair who was found guilty by a jury on June 7, 2023, of two counts of second degree Arson and related charges. SAP Sandler also assisted Sr. AP Tara Wang in trying Edwin Urbina for murdering a 3-year-old boy resulting in a life sentence.
Immediately prior to the pandemic shutdown, SAP Sandler traveled with members of the Major Crimes Unit to California during the investigation of State v. Laureano-Gonzalez, a homicide defendant who had fled New Jersey to avoid prosecution, which ultimately ended with his plea of guilty in May 2020. She also recently effectively argued for an 18-year sentence in the homicide prosecution of Edilson Trejo, who killed an acquaintance in front of a child. SAP Sandler has received past commendations for her work on an Environmental Crimes prosecution for State v. Roberto Benitez, a case involving a violation of the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act, which resulted in a $10,000 fine; and the successful Sex Crimes prosecution of State v. Kelvin Briggs.
Prior to joining the MCPO, SAP Sandler worked as an Assistant Prosecutor for eight years in the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office where she served primarily in the Special Victim’s Unit and the Trial Team. While there she was the Human Trafficking liaison to the Attorney General’s Office. She successfully prosecuted the first case charged in the State under the revised Human Trafficking statute, resulting in a sentence of 20 years in New Jersey State Prison with 20 years of parole ineligibility in State v. Charles Torres, Sr.
SAP Sandler also represents the MCPO as the liaison to the Attorney General’s Environmental Crimes Task Force and the New Jersey Northern Region Child Fatality Review Board. She is currently the co-Chair of the Women Lawyers Section of the Morris County Bar Association. Prior to joining the MCPO, SAP Sandler clerked for Presiding Criminal Judge Scott Moynihan in Union County. She holds a Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law – Newark and a Bachelor of Arts from Boston University.
Senior Assistant Prosecutor Wang will continue to be assigned to the Major Crimes and Arson Units within the Tactical Division.
Sr. AP Wang started with the MCPO as a legal intern in 2010 and 2011. She later worked briefly for a civil defense firm and clerked for Civil Judge David H. Ironson in Morris County, before formally joining the MCPO in 2014 as an Assistant Prosecutor. While assigned to the General Investigations Unit, where she successfully tried State v. Jamal Nurse, involving the armed robbery of a Babies-R-Us in East Hanover where the defendant received a 12-year prison sentence; and State v. Casey Powers, involving a burglary of firearms from a residence in Mount Olive which resulted in a 15-year prison sentence.
In 2018, Sr. AP Wang was transferred to the Major Crimes and Arson & Environment Crimes Units, where she has been involved in a number of notable cases, including the trial of defendant John Formisano, an Acting Newark Police Lieutenant who was convicted of murdering his estranged wife and attempting to murder her boyfriend in Jefferson. Earlier this year, Sr. AP Wang brought to trial the case of State v. Edwin Urbina, who was ultimately convicted of murdering a three-year-old boy in East Hanover. The defendant, in that case, received a sentence of life without parole plus 20 years.
Sr. AP Wang has completed several noteworthy trainings while a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, including the Division of Criminal Justice’s Basic Course for Arson Investigators and Top Gun here in New Jersey, as well as the National Computer Forensics Institute’s Digital Evidence in Court for Prosecutor’s Program in Hoover, Alabama.
Sr. AP Wang earned her Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bryn Mawr College.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “I am proud to promote these accomplished prosecutors. Kelly and Tara have each distinguished themselves in the courtroom and amongst their colleagues. I anticipate many more successful investigations and trials in cases they are involved in.”
PARSIPPANY — Located at 409 South Beverwyck Road, this stunning and utterly gorgeous single-family colonial home boasts bright and sunny interiors, reflecting the true pride of ownership. Situated in a prime location with an excellent school system and convenient commuting options, this fully renovated property offers high-end quality throughout.
Step into elegance: the grand 2-story foyer at 409 South Beverwyck Road, adorned with high-end Italian crystal chandeliers, sets a tone of luxury from the very first glance.
A grand 2-story foyer welcomes you, adorned with fine high-end Italian crystal LED chandeliers and beautiful oak wood flooring that continues throughout the home. With six bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and one-half bathroom, there’s plenty of space for a growing family.
The property also features a finished basement, a media room, and a total of 12 rooms. The four-car garage offers ample parking space. Built in 2001, this luxurious home spans 5,390 square feet on a .88-acre lot, providing an elegant and comfortable living environment. This home sold for $1,325,000.
Pete’s book, “They Call Me Produce Pete;” co-authored by Susan Bloom, an award-winning writer and collaborator with Produce Pete on a broad range of articles and monthly columns
PARSIPPANY — On Friday, July 2, the Township of Parsippany Farmers Market, a weekly event at Veterans Memorial Park, offered a special treat to foodies, young and old, with a visit by loved and renowned fruit and vegetable expert, and highly popular television personality, Peter “Produce Pete” Napolitano.
Pete began his career in the produce industry in the early 1950s at the age of 5 and joined “Weekend Today in New York “in 1992, providing three-to-five-minute segments every Saturday morning educating viewers on seasonal produce; often smattered with candid, meaningful personal stories, along with his wife, Bette’s, family recipes (many of which can be found in his book). You know you’re doing something right when you can claim to have one of the longest-running segments in TV history!
With my latest copy of Parsippany Focus Magazine in hand, I was excited to meet with a man whose entertaining and informative television segments I have enjoyed for over 30 years. Pete has a reputation as a genuine, plain-speaking, regular guy with a heart of gold who easily relates to all segments of his viewing audience. Having the opportunity to have a nice conversation, discussing his new memoir/cookbook, as well as our restaurant-related features in Parsippany Focus, it was evident that he clearly lives up to his reputation. Of course, I had to make sure I picked up a signed copy of Pete’s book, “They Call Me Produce Pete;” co-authored by Susan Bloom, an award-winning writer and collaborator with Produce Pete on a broad range of articles and monthly columns.
Parsippany’s Farmers Market was obviously the perfect venue in which to meet with a man whose life has revolved around fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Listen to Produce Pete when he advises, “Support our farmers and buy local,” “They’re so important to the community, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.”
Finally, eat your veggies. “If you eat right, you’re going to live right!” he said.
The Farmers Market in Parsippany offers a diverse assortment of vegetables and fruits.It’s a world where dogs enjoy their treats.The Parsippany Farmer’s Market is in Veteran’s Park and will be open every Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. until October 27.
PARSIPPANY — A veteran firefighter, past chief, and life member of Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company recently lost everything in a house fire. He has served his community and protected others for almost forty years and now he finds himself in need. Donald Denise has always been a considerate, hardworking, and thoughtful public servant. Anyone who knows him knows that he is willing to give the shirt off his back to anyone who needs it. He has devoted so much of his life to aiding others and we are thankful for any donations received.
We know we cannot replace the nostalgic memories of the items lost in the fire, but we aim to help rebuild any material possessions.
We are asking for help in any way you can and appreciate all donations. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
MORRIS COUNTY — Harmonium Choral Society will hold selective auditions for a limited number of openings in all voice parts for experienced singers with good sight-reading ability for the 2023-2024 concert season. Auditions will be held on select dates between August 26 and September 5 at Grace Church in Madison, 4 Madison Avenue at Kings Rd. Click here to learn more and sign up:
Rehearsals for the acclaimed 100-voice chorus begin September 10 and will be held at Grace Church in Madison on Sunday nights. Harmonium schedules three major concerts per season – December, March, and June – as well as a Chamber Singers concert and special appearances throughout the year. This year’s concerts are December 8 at 7:30 pm. and December 10 at 3:00 p.m., at the Presbyterian Church in Morristown; March 9 at 7:30 p.m. and March 10 at 3:00 p.m. at Morristown United Methodist Church and June 1 at 7:30 p.m. and June 2 at 3:00 p.m., also at, Morristown United Methodist Church.
Harmonium concert soloists are usually selected from the chorus’s members, over one-third of whom are professional musicians and/or music educators. Members are also invited to audition for the Harmonium Chamber Singers, a 20-voice ensemble selected from the full Harmonium chorus. This year’s repertoire ranges from Mozart’s Vespers to a world premiere by Dale Trumbore, with works from the Renaissance to the present.
Harmonium Choral Society, based in Morris County, is one of New Jersey’s leading choral arts organizations. The 100-voice choral society, directed by Dr. Anne Matlack of Madison, has been recognized for its eclectic programming, choral excellence, and community spirit, and sponsors commissions and musicianship workshops. Harmonium’s composers-in-residence are Mark Miller and Martin Sedek; the chorus has also commissioned and premiered works by Amanda Harberg, Matthew Harris, Elliot Z. Levine, Dale Trumbore, and many more. The chorus also sponsors an annual High School Student Choral Composition Contest, which celebrates its 27th anniversary in 2024. This innovative program won the prestigious Chorus America Education and Outreach Award.
PARSIPPANY — Pack your lawn chair and your hunger as more than 15 food vendors descend on Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, September 9 from 12:00 Noon to 7:00 p.m. This grand event marks the farewell to summer 2023 and supports fundraising efforts for The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
The festival will feature many local craft vendors
Expect not only a smorgasbord of delicious food and live music featuring Naughty Humphrey and Twisted Charm but also a variety of activities! Explore local craft vendors, try your hand at airsoft rifles, bounce on a bungee trampoline, get adorned with a henna tattoo, craft with sand art, and much more!
Pretty Good Pizza was one of the food vendors at the 2022 Food Truck Festival
For attendees aged 21 and above, our bar will serve chilled beer, wine, or hard seltzer.
Entry is set at $6.00 for everyone older than six years. Avoid the lines by getting your FastPass tickets online by clicking here.
This event welcomes pets!
Please note: Bringing outside food, drinks, or coolers is not permitted.
MORRIS COUNTY — The weather held off for nine holes at Hamilton Farm Golf Club’s Highlands Course in Gladstone Monday, June 26, when 108 golfers raised a record $180,000 for Preschool Advantage, enough to send 30 kids to preschool this fall.
“We are so grateful for the support we received from all our sponsors and attendees,” said Matt Mirett, event chair and Preschool Advantage trustee.
“We’d specifically like to recognize our Presenting Sponsor, Provident Bank, and our Tournament Sponsor, Open Road Auto Group, who provided foundational support for our event. Despite the weather, it was a great day for all involved and most importantly for the families we serve.”
Preschool Advantage is a Morristown-based non-profit organization that has provided more than 1,500 families with financial assistance for high-quality preschool education since 1995. The golf outing is one of its primary fund-raisers.
The organization will fund preschool tuition for 100 children for the 2023-24 school year and is still accepting applications for September.
