MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco and Senator Jean Stanfield that provides a one-time income exemption for seniors to avoid losing tax benefits under the Senior Freeze Program was signed into law.
“The signing of this legislation delivers legitimate property tax relief for senior citizens in New Jersey. The Senior Freeze Program has provided substantial tax benefits that have helped many of our older and retired residents stay in their homes,” said Bucco (R-25). “This law will prevent seniors from incurring massive property tax increases and being disposed of their home for exceeding income limitations during one tax year. This law provides a small but impactful exemption that will protect tax benefits for seniors in the State of New Jersey.”
The homestead property tax benefit, the Senior Freeze Program, provides property tax relief to seniors with incomes under $100,000.
When seniors qualify for the program, they determine their base by considering their previous year’s property tax amount. If property taxes increase beyond their base in any subsequent year, the Senior Freeze Program reimburses the claimant for the additional tax increase.
A senior could lose eligibility by earning too much income, resulting in their base being reset higher if they regain eligibility. This rest costs seniors thousands of dollars in annual tax benefits.
Senator Bucco and Senator Stanfield’s bill, A-4674/S-3278, establishes a one-time exemption to protect seniors from losing their Senior Freeze tax base due to increased income. Going forward, if a senior were to exceed the program’s income limitation, they would be granted the one-time exception, and their base year would remain unchanged.
“When you have seniors living on fixed incomes, a drastic increase in property taxes is devastating for homeowners. I am pleased that this legislation was signed into law to protect seniors from massive tax increases resulting from a temporary increase in income,” said Stanfield (R-08). “The Senior Freeze Program is intended to help seniors manage New Jersey’s soaring property tax rates. This one-time income exception will give seniors a break by protecting crucial tax benefits that help them stay in their homes.”
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – July 11, 2023.
Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. Council meetings are held at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request auxiliary aid.
Mayor James R. Barberio Council President Loretta Gragnani Council Vice-President Michael J. dePierro Councilman Paul Carifi Jr. Councilman Frank Neglia Councilman Justin Musella
PARSIPPANY — It was another outstanding year in the classroom for Kutztown University student-athletes, with 227 being named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Scholar-Athletes, the league office announced Wednesday afternoon, including Nicholas DePietro. The 2022-23 academic year marks the fourth in a row that the Golden Bears have eclipsed the 200 honoree mark.
To be eligible for PSAC Scholar-Athlete honors, student-athletes must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25. This year, the conference instituted a new policy, honoring athletes meeting the academic requirement in only PSAC-sponsored sports. This change directly affected Kutztown’s acrobatics & tumbling and women’s bowling teams, which do not compete under the PSAC banner. Acrobatics & Tumbling is part of the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA). It does not have a conference affiliation, while women’s bowling is an East Coast Conference (ECC) associate member. Bowlers are eligible to be named to the ECC Commissioner’s Honor Roll, usually released in late July.
Previous recipients were also affected from various sports that the PSAC doesn’t sponsor at other institutions, resulting in a drop of overall honorees across the conference’s 18 institutions to 3,795. The percentage of honorees among all student-athletes remained consistent at 52% (3,794-of-7,319) compared to last year’s 53%.
Founded in 1866, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education located on 289 acres nestled in the beautiful East Penn Valley in Berks County, between Reading and Allentown, Pennsylvania. KU is just two hours from New York City; 90 minutes from Philadelphia.
As the region’s center for excellence in academics, culture and public engagement, KU’s programs and reputation for quality offer students the opportunity to discover lifelong avenues of learning and discovery. KU students select from more than 130 areas of study within four colleges in a diverse liberal arts academic environment. To complement their studies, KU’s NCAA Division II athletics program with 22 varsity sports joins the more than 160 student clubs and organizations providing students with a variety of activities for learning and discovery.
MORRIS COUNTY — Frank Cahill, Lt. Governor of the New Jersey Kiwanis Division 9, had the privilege of officiating the installation of new officers for the Morris County Aktion Club. The installation ceremony occurred during a dinner at the Randolph Diner, with approximately forty guests.
Lt. Gov. Cahill ceremoniously pins President Patti Licht during Aktion Club’s official installation.
The newly appointed officers for the club are as follows: Patti Licht as President, Stephen Somich as President-Elect, Lisa Markey as Secretary, and Michael Longendyck as Treasurer. Following her installation, President Patti Licht had the opportunity to address the club members and guests, sharing her thoughts and vision for the future.
Lt. Gov. Cahill congratulates President Patti Licht and presents her with a plaque of appreciation and a bouquet.
The Aktion Club is a remarkable organization, being the only service club for adults with disabilities and boasting a membership of over 10,000 individuals worldwide. Through the Aktion Club, members develop their leadership skills, compassion, and capability by engaging in meaningful service activities. It provides a platform for individuals to contribute to their communities and make a positive impact.
Installing new officers signifies a new chapter for the Morris County Aktion Club, as these dedicated individuals step up to lead and serve their community.
Aktion Club Advisors Heidi Caruso and Davey Willans
When people discover their desire to serve, they decide that serving others isn’t just something they do—it’s their way of life. Aktion Club can provide opportunities for members to discover their desire to serve. The service-club experience helps people of all ages accept their ability to make a difference, enhance their knowledge of their passions and convictions, and develop empathy with those in need in their communities.
For more information on the Aktion Club of Morris County, contact Frank Cahill at (862) 213-2200.
Kyle Ropp, CPA, Treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Mt. Olive, donates to Aktion Club to show the support of Mt. Olive Kiwanis.Maryann Simonenko presents President Patti Licht with a check on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Randolph.Kiwanis Club of Greater Rockaway President Valerie Kuglin presented Licht with a donation on behalf of her club.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Morris Plains Chief Michael Koroski confirmed charges have been filed against Antonino LaRosa, 26, of Morris Plains.
The defendant has been charged with one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM)), in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4B(5)(b)(iii), a third-degree offense.
The investigation began in April 2023 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received complaints via Discord Inc. that a user had uploaded suspected CSAM files to its messaging platform. Additional complaints were made to NCMEC from Reddit Inc. that a user, who allegedly utilized the same contact information and Internet Protocol (IP) address, had uploaded a suspected CSAM file to its social media platform.
The IP address in question is allegedly associated with the defendant’s residence. Additional investigation revealed direct messages authored by the suspect account discussing CSAM.
LaRosa was subsequently charged on a complaint summons and has a court appearance on August 2.
Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank the Morris Plains Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT), the New Jersey State Police, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their efforts in the investigation and arrest of this defendant.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Ferraro’s Italian Food Specialties, a family-owned deli, has offered prepared meals and Italian specialties for over 30 years.
Of course, they’re also known for an incredible selection of classic Italian sandwiches. Specialty items include Michael’s Belly Buster with chicken cutlet, provolone, hot fryer peppers, broccoli rabe, crispy prosciutto, and balsamic glaze.
Michael’s Belly Buster with chicken cutlet, provolone, hot fryer peppers, broccoli rabe, crispy prosciutto, and balsamic glaze
They also offer hot sandwiches like The Sloppy Italian: smashed homemade meatballs topped with provolone, fryer peppers, onions, and broccoli rabe. The restaurant is owned by a family and is well-known for its incredible selection of classic Italian sandwiches. Another favorite is the Joe Pesci (Homemade roast beef with provolone, arugula, and horseradish sauce).
Joe Pesci (Homemade roast beef with provolone, arugula, and horseradish sauce) Extra horseradish sauce was added to this sandwich by request.
At Ferraro’s Italian Food Specialties, quality and freshness are paramount. They source their ingredients exclusively from local farmers’ markets, ensuring that every item on their menu is made using the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients.
By relying on local farmers’ markets, Ferraro’s can guarantee that their customers enjoy the best flavors each season offers. Whether it’s the vibrant produce of summer or the hearty root vegetables of winter, their commitment to using the best of the season ensures that every dish is bursting with flavor and goodness.
No matter the time of year, you can trust that Ferraro’s will provide a dining experience showcasing each season’s essence. From farm-fresh vegetables to locally sourced meats and dairy, every ingredient is carefully selected to create delicious dishes representative of the region’s culinary traditions.
So, when you visit Ferraro’s Italian Food Specialties, you can have confidence that you’re supporting local farmers and producers and indulging in the freshest and finest ingredients that perfectly capture the essence of the season.
Ferraro’s is located at 166 Halsey Road. They open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, July 15, the Economic Development Committee of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township proudly hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of The Mail Box Store.
The Mail Box Store, conveniently located at 87B North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha, is the ultimate destination for all your packing, shipping, printing, and business service requirements. The team of skilled and dedicated professionals is committed to providing top-notch customer care, saving you time and money with a comprehensive range of products and services, all quickly and efficiently.
“Congratulations on your grand opening! We want to express our gratitude for selecting Parsippany as the location for your business. We wish you success and prosperity in your new ventureThank you for being a part of our community,” said Chairman of Parsippany Economic Development Committee Frank Cahill.
They have you covered whether you need to ship items domestically or internationally. Their expertise enables them to pack and ship almost anything to almost anywhere in the world. But the assistance doesn’t stop there. As Lake Hiawatha’s leading copy, print, and document services center, they offer a wide range of solutions to meet your needs.
During the ribbon-cutting event, Frank Cahill, Chairman of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development, had the honor of presenting a plaque to Jonathan Goettich, the owner of The Mail Box Store, extending a warm welcome to him in Parsippany.
In attendance at the ribbon-cutting event were esteemed guests, including Ildiko Peluso, a Board Member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella, Councilman Frank Neglia, Mayor James Barberio of Parsippany-Troy Hills, Jonathan Goettich, the owner of The Mail Box Store, Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development, Raj Dichpally, Secretary, and Robert Peluso, President of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Mail Box Store has the expertise and resources to handle everything from small to large print jobs, black and white, or color printing.
The Mail Box Store has the expertise and resources to handle everything from small to large print jobs, black and white, or color printing.
They are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Mail Box Store, conveniently located at 87B North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha, is the ultimate destination for all your packing, shipping, printing, and business service requirements.
PARSIPPANY — Order Sons of Italy In America – Lodge 2561 held their Annual Basil Ricci Memorial Charity Golf Outing at the Knoll West Country Club in Parsippany on Thursday, July 13. Mother Nature was generous and treated all in attendance to a gorgeous day, with bright blue skies and a slight breeze to offset the near 90-degree temperature. A little hot weather was certainly not enough to deter any of the maximum capacity 144 golfers, comprising 36 foursomes, from enjoying 18 holes on one of the most beautiful golf courses in New Jersey.
Sons of Italy Treasurer Mike Zambito and 2nd V.P. Mike Fazzio check in Anthony “Buster” Branca.
Lodge President Robert Adamo summed it up best with his message to the membership; “The culmination of all the work that started in February occurred yesterday at the Knoll West Country Club with the playing of the 23rd Annual SOI Golf Outing. Great weather, a beautiful course, and good friends and family all came together for a memorable day.”
Patsy Casamassa and Tony Rizzolo are selling raffle tickets and 50/50’s.
I just wanted to thank all our Golf committee members, all those members who volunteered their time, and all those who donated prizes and sponsorships for a job well done.
With all of us doing our part, no matter how small or large, it made the event a great success.”
Mayor James Barberio came by to offer his support and wish the golfers luck. The Mayor also generously donated a 65-inch television to the outing, which was raffled off during the post-game dinner.
The day included 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, a buffet lunch, drinks, refreshments on the course, an open bar at dinner, numerous prizes, goodies on and off the course, and much more. The Lodge wants to thank all the hole sponsors, full and half Cart Beverage sponsors, and all the numerous Prize Sponsors who generously contributed to the event’s success.
Players received a goodie bag and a 2023 Sons of Italy Golf Shirt. Holding the shirt is Dennis Farina.
The Sons of Italy is one of America’s largest and longest Italian American organizations. The Morris County Lodge was founded as a non-profit organization that contributes thousands of dollars to worthwhile local charities and families. 100% of what the Lodge raises in events like this goes directly back to local needy families as gift cards and various local charities, including but not limited to the Parsippany Food Pantry, High School Scholarships, the Valerie Fund, The Shelter for Battered Women, Alzheimer’s, and many more.
in honor of Adam Gragnani
Lodge 2561 Golf Committee is already in the process of organizing next year’s outing: it’s 24th. If you want to become one of their sponsors next year, don’t hesitate to contact Bob Wilhalme, Lou Amato, Joe Jannarone Jr., Jim Torsiello, or Bob Adamo. You can also email BobWilhalme@gmail.com or visit the Lodge’s website by clicking here.
Annual Basil Ricci Memorial Charity Golf Outing at the Knoll West Country Club144 golfers, comprising 36 foursomes, from enjoying 18 holes on one of the most beautiful golf courses in New Jersey.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally announced the recent promotions within the investigative team.
They proudly announce the promotion of Jan-Michael Monrad to Deputy Chief of Detectives. Jan-Michael has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership throughout his tenure, and we have every confidence in his ability to excel in this new role.
FAP Calderwood, Prosecutor Carroll, Deputy Chief Monrad, and Chief McNally.
These advancements and additions to our team reflect our ongoing commitment to maintaining a highly skilled and efficient investigative force. Congratulations to Jan-Michael Monrad on his promotion, and warmly welcome the new Detective to the ranks.
A formal ceremony was held on July 10, 2023, in the Commissioner’s Public Meeting Room.
Jan-Michael Monrad was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief of Detectives. Deputy Chief Monrad graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Business Administration. He has over 28 years of Law Enforcement experience, having started his career as a Patrolman/Detective with the Boonton Township Police Department. In 2002, Deputy Chief Monrad was sworn in as a Detective with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. As a Detective, Deputy Chief Monrad served in the Domestic Violence Unit, High Tech Crimes Unit, General Investigations Unit, and Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), where he conducted numerous undercover and surface narcotics investigations. In 2015, he was promoted to Detective Supervisor, and in 2016, to the rank of Sergeant of the Intelligence/ Homeland Security Unit, also supervising the High Tech Crimes Unit. Deputy Chief Monrad was promoted to Lieutenant of the Special Operations Division in 2018 and Captain in 2021. In 2023, when he was transferred to the Tactical Division, he was responsible for the operations of the Major Crimes Unit and the Sex Crimes Child Endangerment Unit. Deputy Chief Monrad has been involved in numerous narcotics, homicide, sex crimes, burglary, and missing persons investigations and has successfully testified in the State v. Jose Feliciano and State v. Kashif Parvaiz homicide trials. Deputy Chief Monrad is recognized as an expert in electronic surveillance and has conducted over 1,000 lawful intercepts of communications, and has taught classes on the subject on behalf of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, the County Prosecutor’s Association of New Jersey, the County Narcotics Commanders Association of New Jersey, MAGLOCLEN, the New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He also has held certifications as a Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS), a Tactical Emergency Medical Technician (TEMT), and the Commander of the Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) and Commander of Rapid Deployment Team (RDT). Promoted to Captain were Mark Castellano and Joseph Costello. Both previously had held the rank of Lieutenant.
Captain Castellano will command the Courts & Administration Division while retaining responsibility for Firearms and Training.
Capt. Castellano
Captain Castellano is a 24-year Law Enforcement veteran. His experience includes assignments in the Narcotics, Fugitive, Gangs, and Community Affairs Units. Capt. Castellano was a member of the Tactical Narcotics Team and is a Master ICAT, ABLE, Resiliency, and Implicit Bias Trainer. Capt. Castellano is a Police Training Commission Certified Firearms Instructor. He graduated from Seton Hall University and is an FBI Trilogy award recipient. Capt. Castellano is a lifelong martial artist who holds black belts in various disciplines and is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Captain Costello will command the Tactical Division.
Capt. Costello
Captain Costello began his law enforcement career in 2001 with the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office. In 2006, he joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. In 2013, he was promoted to Detective Supervisor, then again in 2014 to Sergeant. In 2019, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He is a NJ Police Training Commission certified Instructor. Also, he serves on the executive board of the County Narcotics Commanders Association of New Jersey and is a member of the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Law Enforcement Subcommittee. Captain Costello earned a Bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina University and a Master’s from Seton Hall University.
Promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant was James Bruno. Lieutenant Bruno will supervise all units within the Special Operations Division.
Lt. Bruno
Lieutenant Bruno began his career as a Detective in the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2009. In 2016, Lieutenant Bruno was promoted to Detective/Supervisor in the Special Enforcement Unit and subsequently to Sergeant. Lieutenant Bruno is a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team, Tactical Narcotics Team, Rapid Deployment Team, and DEA Clandestine Laboratory Team and has received multiple commendations and awards from various associations. Lieutenant Bruno has been deemed an expert in the field of narcotics by the New Jersey Superior Court. He instructs officers in the field of narcotics and tactical operations.
Promoted to Sergeant were Jimmy Atoche and Matthew Magnone. Both previously had held the rank of Detective Supervisor.
Sergeant Atoche will supervise the Special Enforcement Unit within the Special Operations Division. Sergeant Atoche began his law enforcement career in 2014 with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. In 2015, Sergeant Atoche joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. In 2019, Sergeant Atoche was assigned to the FBI’s Transnational Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Enforcement Task Force. In 2021, Sergeant Atoche was promoted to Detective/Supervisor with the supervision of the Special Enforcement Unit. In 2023, Sergeant Atoche played a part in closing one of the largest fentanyl mills in the NY/NJ area, receiving the FBI Transnational Organized Crime Top 10 Case award. Sergeant Atoche sits on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association and has received numerous individual and unit awards. Before his career in law enforcement, Sergeant Atoche served in the United States Army National Guard, deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. Magnone
Sergeant Magnone will supervise the Major Crimes Unit within the Tactical Division. Sergeant Magnone began his career in 1999 with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, being promoted to Crime Scene Investigator in the Major Crimes Division in 2006. Over nearly a decade, he led investigations into numerous high-profile cases, including homicides, police-involved shootings, and suspicious deaths. Sergeant Magnone has received recognition for his expertise in latent friction ridge processing and friction ridge comparison and identification and has provided expert testimony in Superior Court on multiple occasions. In 2015, Sergeant Magnone transitioned to the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office as a county detective and joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2017. Initially serving in the General Investigations Unit, he was transferred to the Professional Standards Unit and then the Major Crimes Unit. In late 2022 and early 2023, Sergeant Magnone solved a significant cold case, displaying his dedication to justice and commitment to solving homicides regardless of time. He was promoted to Detective Supervisor in January 2023. Sergeant Magnone holds certifications as a PTC and State instructor in Firearms Training and Internal Affairs Policy and Procedure.
Promoted to Detective Supervisor were John Cassie and Muhammad Thomas. Both previously had held the rank of Detective.
Det. Supervisor Cassie
Detective Supervisor Cassie will be assigned to the Professional Standards Unit within the Specialized Crimes Division. Detective Supervisor Cassie began his law enforcement career in 2013 with the New Jersey Department of Corrections. In 2015, he was hired by the Morris County Park Police and was assigned to the Patrol Division upon graduation from the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy. Detective Supervisor Cassie joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2016 as a Detective in the General Investigation Unit. Detective Supervisor Cassie has worked in the Domestic Violence Unit and the Special Operation Division’s Intelligence and Homeland Security Units. He is a Supervisor for the Morris County Auto Theft Task Force. He is also a Tactical Narcotics Team/Officer Rescue Team member and a BERLA Forensic Examiner/Technician. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology.
FAP Calderwood, Prosecutor Carroll, Detective Supervisor Muhammad Thomas, and Chief McNally.
Detective Supervisor Thomas will continue to be assigned to the Major Crimes Unit. Before his career at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Detective Supervisor Thomas served for four years as a Marine, completing four deployments. 2005 Detective Supervisor Thomas joined the East Orange Police Department as a Patrolman. Thomas worked on the East Orange Police Violent Crimes Task Force, investigating more than 200 crimes and aiding in a high unit case closure rate. During this time, he participated in the investigations of a Seton Hall off-campus party homicide (2010) and an abducted child Driscoll Bridge homicide (2010), leading to arrests and convictions. Detective Supervisor Thomas joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in March 2017 and was assigned to the General Investigations Unit.
Prosecutor Carroll, FAP Calderwood, Det. Nicholas Jung, and Chief McNally.
Nicholas Jung was also sworn in as Detective. Detective Nicholas Jung is a Morris County native who earned an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from the County College of Morris before transferring to Rutgers University – Newark, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice & Political Science. Detective Jung joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in February 2022 as a Support Staff member assigned to the General Investigations Unit. In April 2023, Detective Jung was transferred to the Intelligence & Homeland Security Unit and is responsible for assisting the unit Detectives with ongoing investigations. Prosecutor Carroll said, “Throughout my law enforcement career and particularly as a prosecutor, I have worked to maintain my commitment to promoting from within, especially when the personnel has demonstrated the leadership, experience, and selfless dedication to advance the interests of justice. The people promoted today have undergone a rigorous review process and have demonstrated their commitment to team building internally and externally with our state, county, and municipal law enforcement professionals. When coupled with our dedicated legal staff, they present a formidable force against criminal conduct. I am confident that we have selected the most qualified and appropriate leadership to advance the current needs and objectives of the MCPO.”
