Another day, Save Jerseyans, another dust-up between the former two-time running mates Chris Christie and Kim Guadagno. In case you missed it, our Governor appeared on Wednesday night’s monthly ‘Ask the Governor’ program which he co-hosts with NJ 101.5’s Eric Scott, and he both refused to endorse his second-in-command while simultaneously expressing doubt as to whether…
Christie’s Not Sure Guadagno Can Do The Job… After She Did His? For Hundreds of Days!
Parsippany Town Hall Council Regular Meeting (01/24/2017)
This video contains two parts. This is part two.
https://youtu.be/f-xpZIppLIQ
In addition, Mr. Brian Tappen spoke to the Council. At the end of his three minutes, Mr. John Inglesino, Township Attorney, and Council President Louis Valori made statements and Mr. Tappen wasn’t given the opportunity to respond. On Wednesday, January 25, Mr. Tappen submitted the following letter to Council President, Dr. Louis Valori.
| SUBJECT: | Council Speech Response |
| SEND TO: | · Council Paul Carifi Jr. · Council Member Michael J. dePierro · Council Member Loretta Gragnani · Council Vice President Robert Peluso |
| Greetings all;
Below is a copy of the email I sent to Council President Dr. Louis Valori. Since the topic was discussed during the Open Public Session there is no reason you can not see it. To: Councilman Louis Valori From: Brian R Tappen RE: Council Speech Response Date: 2017-01-25 I just wanted to respond to you since I was not allowed to last night. I do look forward to working with you on the Town’s Economic Development Advisory Committee. The reason Council Vice President Peluso and others come to me is because I am a dedicated researcher and data head. I will put those skills to use for the Committee. With that said: 1. You said we had never met. That was not true. We met at Coffee with a Cop, November 30, held at the Parsippany Library on Halsey Rd. We spoke for 5+ minutes including discussing the GHA request to re-zone the GHA Parklands from Residential to RCW. You saw no problem with that happening. 2. You said that you were not contacted by the Daily Record. On Tuesday , January 17, pg. A5 the article “Will Parsippany office space be turned into apartments?” the third paragraph from the end states “Council members Louis Valori and Loretta Gragnani did not respond to requests for information.” Council members Peluso, Carifi, and dePierro are cited also in different parts of the article on pg. A5 deferring to the Town Attorney. So I based my statement “Every elected official asked by the Daily Record on this subject deferred to the Town Lawyer or did not respond.” in last night’s speech on that report. Everything I said last night has a citation or source. I do not make up filler to toss around. As a further example I stated “The Town Lawyer also told a journalist he had a document from me approving a fourth extension, a statement he was later forced to retract, since it was untrue. I never gave approval for a fourth extension.” That is based on a call I received from the reporter (Friday 2017-01-06) who told me he had just spoke with the Town Lawyer and that he had an OPRA extension from me for 2016-12-22 to 2017-01-20. I told the reporter “The Town Lawyer is a ……….” (You call fill in the blank). I then provided the reporter with documents to show the Town Lawyer’s statements were untrue. On Monday (2017-01-09) the reported called again and told me the Town Lawyer had retracted his statement, and that the ensuing conversation was the strangest he had ever had with a lawyer. He said the Lawyer’s statements made no sense. Again, every statement I made last night has a source or citation. 3. Lastly, the Town Lawyers statement that he did not know about the OPRA request until mid-December defies common sense. The Town Lawyer’s communications with Mack-Cali were part of the November 4 OPRA request. To imply the Clerk’s Office sat on the request until mid-December is clearly untrue. Khaled Madin and Susan Ackerly would not have sat on the request for five weeks. Both are outstanding public servants based on my interaction with them. They would have notified the Town Lawyer shortly after receiving the OPRA request that his communications were under request, and therefore he would have known about the OPRA request. The people who I work with on this project know about the OPRA request date and facts, and the Town Lawyers statement does not mesh with the documents or timeline. I cannot speak how things are from your side of the dais, but on mine the Town Lawyer has no credibility, especially when he makes statements like last night. I again want you to I am committed to making Parsippany the best it can be, but truth and facts are important and I will not undermine what my teachers in the Parsippany School system instilled in me that “Knowledge Conquers All”. Thanks for your time. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. |
Neel Patel arrested for DWI; leaving scene of accident
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police, Morris Township Police, Mount Tabor Fire Department, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Morris Fire Department, along with Morris Minutemen First Aid Squad responded to the area of 500 West Hanover Avenue for a hit and run motor vehicle crash with injuries at 11:00 p.m. on January 10.
The vehicle that was crashed into was a 2011 Honda CRV occupied by three people. While the victims were being tended to for their injuries, Officers were able to obtain a description of the vehicle that fled. Shortly after arriving on scene, officers were advised of a second motor vehicle crash approximately a quarterly mile away on North Star Drive in Morris Township that officers from Randolph Township and Morris Township were currently investigating.
After a brief investigation it was determined that the vehicle, a 2014 Acura RDX, that caused the crash and fled was the same vehicle involved in the single vehicle motor vehicle crash in Morris Township. Neel Patel, 36, Morristown, was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated.
Upon arriving at Parsippany Police Headquarters Mr. Patel was charged via Summons with the following:
Three counts of Assault by Auto with Injury, two counts of Reckless Driving, Driving While Intoxicated, Failure to Maintain Lane, Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Injuries, and Following too Closely.
Mr. Patel was released on his own recognizance into the custody of a sober adult pending his court appearance.
The three occupants of the Honda were transported to Morristown Medical Center for treatment of their injuries which were described as: The 74 year old male driver of the Honda CRV received multiple internal injuries; The 69 year old female front seat passenger and 42 year old female rear passenger received minor injuries to their heads.
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.
Shoplifter at Foodtown attempted to leave scene; hits two employees with vehicle
PARSIPPANY — Officers responded to the Super Foodtown, 435 North Beverwyck Road, for a reported shoplifting at approximately 6:00 p.m. on January 20. Upon arrival of responding officers, they found the suspect, Richard Johnsen, 61, Denville, detained by employees.
After a brief investigation it was determined that while exiting the store, Mr. Johnsen was observed by a witness exit without paying for multiple items in his shopping cart and advised store employees.
When employees attempted to stop Mr. Johnsen in the parking lot he entered a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder and began to back up from the parking spot, even though two other employees were standing behind the vehicle. As he backed up he struck two male employees causing them to fall to the ground, but they were not injured. Mr. Johnsen was then removed from his vehicle by the employees and held until Officers arrived.
Mr. Johnsen was then placed under arrest and transported to Morristown Medical Center for a medical assessment. Once cleared he was transported back to Parsippany Police Headquarters and processed.
While at Police Headquarters he was charged on a Summons with the following: Shoplifting and Criminal Mischief Mr. Johnsen was released on his own recognizance pending his court appearance.
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.
Theft of Motor Vehicle Parts throughout Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, January 11 two residents responded to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Headquarters to report during the evening of the Tuesday, January 10, unknown suspect(s) cut the catalytic converters from their vehicles.
The first victim’s vehicle, a 2002 Honda Accord, was parked on Lake Shore Drive, Lake Hiawatha.
The second victim’s vehicle, a 2010 Infiniti G37, was parked on Crown Point Road.
On Wednesday, January 18 officers responded to 199 Smith Road and One Hilton Court for theft of motor vehicle parts. Officers found a 2016 Audi S6 that had its tires and rims stolen at 199 Smith Road and a 2017 Chevy Impala at One Hilton Court that had its rims and tires stolen. The thefts occurred between Sunday, January 15 and Wednesday, January 18.
These incidents remain under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department’s Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
ATTEMPTED BURGLARIES
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to One Hilton Court for two attempted motor vehicle burglaries. The 2017 Cadillac Escalade and 2016 Dodge Charger both received damage to their driver’s side door handle area. The attempted burglaries occurred between Tuesday, January 17 and Thursday, January 19.
These incidents remain under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department’s Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
Three car accident on Route 46 sends one driver to St. Clares
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, January 21 at approximately 8:30 p.m. there was a three car chain reaction accident on Route 46, just east of North Beverwyck Road.
Mr. Shaumik, was driving a 2011 Toyota Corolla and was stopped at the traffic light. Behind his vehicle, Mr. Luisito Bacosa was driving a 2009 BMW 28I and was stopped at the traffic light, when a 2016 Honda Civic driven by Ms. Stefanie Shellhamer crashed into Mr. Bacosa’s vehicle, causing his vehicle to crash into Mr. Shaumik’s vehicle.
Ms. Shellhamer stated to police “she was upset due to an unrelated incident, which caused her to be distracted. She further stated that she observed a green signal at the intersection of Route 46 and North Beverwyck Road but did not observe Mr. Bacosa’s vehicle prior to the crash. Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance arrived on the scene and assessed all parties involved. All occupants of the Shaumik and Bacosa vehicles refused any further medial treatment.
Ms. Shellhamer was treated at the scene and then transported to St. Clare’s Hospital.
Police investigation revealed that Ms. Shellhamer was at fault due to driver inattention and following too close. She was issued a summons for Careless Driving.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Officer Denis DeMuro investigated the accident.
Editors Note: A 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.
Applebee’s Raises Over $113,000 for USMC’s Toys for Tots
PARSIPPANY — Representatives of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar present a check for $113,000 to the U.S. Marines Corps in support of its Toys for Tots program.
Applebees is located at 1057 Route 46, Troy Hills Shopping Center.
The funds were raised during Applebee’s annual Breakfast with Santa events held in New Jersey, in which 100 percent of the proceeds benefitted underprivileged children in local communities during the holiday season.
Over the past 18 years, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey and Long Island – which donated a combined total of $264,723 as a result of its 2016 Breakfast with Santa fundraiser – have raised more than $4.1 million for the Toys for Tots initiative, helping to spread holiday cheer to over 230,000 deserving children.
Lincoln is hoping you can help him find a furever home…..
Say Hi to Lincoln…
Lincoln is about 14-16 weeks old and he has a beautiful chocolate coat. Lincoln is a playful, friendly puppy who was rescued from a high kill shelter in North Carolina and now living in a foster home in New Jersey.
Lincoln’s foster mom says…..’Lincoln is a playful puppy. He spends his days running in the yard and playing with my dogs. He enjoys playing with toys especially squeeky bones and rope toys. The only thing Lincoln loves more than playing with toys is to cuddle and be with us. He will follow us around and will lay right next to us and fall asleep. He is just so darn cute! We love Lincoln!!’
If you have a furever home for this pet, please e-mail Furever Home Dog Rescue, and request an adoption application. To see more photos of Lincoln and to see our other adoptable pups, click here.
MPAC’s fifth annual spring musical will be West Side Story
MORRISTOWN — Auditions will take place Wednesday, February 15 and Thursday, February 16 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Theatre for principal roles and ensembles. Auditions for dancers will be Wednesday, February 22 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Details on casting and auditions can be reviewed by clicking here.
MPAC is looking for talented young and diverse performers between 14-23. They should be excellent singers, actors and dancers.
The show will be directed by Cathy Roy. Musical Director is Charles Santoro. The show will be staged Friday, June 2 through Sunday, June 4.
“We see so much talent at MPAC and they are definitely ready to take on the challenge of West Side Story,” Ms. Roy said. “We are looking forward to putting together an amazing cast and giving them a true professional experience they will never forget. ”
The story of Romeo and Juliet is transported to the turbulent streets of New York City in the 1950s as star-crossed lovers are caught between rival street gangs. West Side Story originally opened on Broadway in 1957. The original musical featured music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and choreography by Jerome Robbins.
“Although West Side Story originally premiered in 1957, its theme still resonates today,” Roy added. “We are hoping by telling this powerful story that we can remind our audiences about the hope and power of love in a time of divide and tension in our society.”
Previously, MPAC has produced Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2013), Hairspray (2014), Les Miserables (2015) and Mary Poppins (2016).
Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2016-2017 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been designated a Major Presenting Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Mayo Performing Arts Center has been named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres.
Red Cross Assisting Two Families Displaced by Fire in Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — The American Red Cross is assisting two families who were displaced by a fire at their homes on Stockton Court on Tuesday, January 10.
Two volunteer members of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) responded to provide comfort and emergency assistance to the families affected by the fire.
Four people in two families received Red Cross emergency assistance for temporary lodging, food, and clothing as needed, as well as comfort kits containing personal care items.
Red Cross volunteers remain available to the families for support, counseling and referrals to local agencies that may provide long-term assistance during their recovery.
All emergency assistance is free to those affected by disasters and is made possible through the donation of time by dedicated Red Cross volunteers and the generosity of the American public.
You can help people affected by disasters like home fires and countless other crises by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10.00 donation.
About the American Red Cross in New Jersey
The American Red Cross provides programs and services to a population of 8.8 million in New Jersey. The Red Cross trains and mobilizes more than 5,300 volunteers who support the delivery of services throughout the state. In New Jersey, last year, the Red Cross responded to more than 760 local disasters, mostly home fires, helping more than 1,800 displaced families; collected more than 89,100 units of blood through blood drives and Red Cross Blood Donation Centers; provided more than 3,500 military family case services with emergency messages, helping families find assistance and/or get counseling and referrals; and trained more than 116,100 individuals with life-saving skills in preparedness, CPR, AED use, first aid and aquatics. For more information, please visit redcross.org/NJ and follow us on Twitter @NJRedCross.
Update on Nor’ Easter…..
MORRIS COUNTY —Morris County Emergency Operations Center is currently monitoring a Strong Nor’ Easter. A wind advisory remains in effect until 7:00 p.m. this evening. We anticipate Northeast winds 20-30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. The Forecast data suggests that the strongest winds are expected to occur from late this morning through early this evening. It is possible that the strong winds may blow down limbs, trees, and power lines which may result in isolated power outages. In addition to the strong winds and heavy rain, we may also experience a wintry mix scenario. We anticipate drizzle and spotty rain showers this morning. Mid-day will give way to steadier rain with the possibility of some sleet mixing in. The heaviest rain will fall this evening with the possibility of additional sleet. A coating of 1.0″ of sleet is possible, with the best chance for a coating of 1.0″ towards and north of I-80. The main threat will end by 1:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, with lighter rain and occasionally mixed showers still possible through Tuesday on the tail-end of the storm.
We have been in contact with representatives from JCP&L and we will be speaking with them throughout this storm. If you experience an outage due to the weather, please report it using one of the following methods:
• Text OUT to 544487
• Online at www.jcp-l.com
• Use the JCP&L smartphone app (iPhone and Android)
• Via the “Report an Outage” tab here on Facebook (http://statictab.com/h8vmadi from a mobile device)
• Call 888-LIGHTSS (888-544-4877)
Stay clear of downed power lines. Always assume they are live and dangerous. Report downed lines immediately to (888) 544-4877.
We anticipate additional call volume in the Morris County Communications/911 Center. We ask that you only call for an “EMERGENCY”.
We suggest making sure that light-weight objects such as patio furniture, garbage cans and other items be removed and/or secured.
Morris County Young Republicans held Monthly Meeting
BOONTON — The Morris County Young Republicans met on Thursday, January 19 at Vinnie’s Pizzeria and Ristorante, 406 Main Street, Boonton. The guest speaker was Morris County Freeholder Hank Lyons. Morris Township Committeeman Matheu Nunn was the event sponsor.
Also Chair Joe Bock, Boonton, and Secretary Michael Crispi, Hanover, was sworn in for their new positions for 2017.
Special guests attending the event were Freeholders Doug Cabana, Hank Lyons, John Cesaro and Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.
The Morris County Young Republicans is a chapter within the New Jersey Young Republican Federation. We are one of the most active Young Republican clubs in the State of New Jersey. In 2016, they were proud to receive the NJYRF’s Award for “Club of the Year.” With increased membership and fundraising this past year, including for charity, the Young Republicans take pride in improving their community and working on key races for Republicans in 2017.
Several members and former members have run for and won elected office. They continue to support fellow Young Republicans in their campaigns and making a difference.
The Morris County Young Republicans is determined to grow our membership to build strong Republican networks in every one of our municipalities. We would like to encourage YOU to join our club, by donating yearly dues of just $35. You may bring a check made payable to “Morris County Young Republicans” to their next meeting, or mail a check to our office at 26 Schuyler Place, Morristown NJ 07960. You may also pay online by credit card by clicking here. Membership dues allow our group to survive and to run monthly events. For club voting rights, members must be registered Republicans between ages 18-40 living in Morris County. However, they would be delighted to have any of our other friends who are outside of those qualifications to join as Associate Members, and to attend all of our events.
Mack-Cali purchases Plenary Retail Consumption liquor license
PARSIPPANY — Mack-Cali Realty Corporation has made an application to the Township Clerk for a Person-to-Person Transfer of a Plenary Retail Consumption liquor license.
The application indicates it will be used for a restaurant, and will be issued in the name of Hanover Hospitality Corp, and will remain a pocket license until such time a physical location is secured to transfer the license.
The license is being purchased from the owners of the former Chand Palace, 189 Littleton Road.
The application will be on the agenda of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council meeting on Tuesday, January 24.
Other than this license, there are no other licenses currently available within the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
Recently, it has been rumored that Mack-Cali will repurpose office buildings off of Route 202 and Route 10. The plan, according to some, is to turn one of the Campus Drive Mack-Cali building into 97 apartment units and store-fronts at the main level. There was also talk about bringing a upscale restaurant within the complex.
Parsippany officials won’t say if any empty Mack-Cali office buildings are being considered for housing complex.
Recently, 1515 License, LLC., purchased a Plenary Retail Consumption license and is also a pocket license. 1515 lists an address in Bexley, Ohio, which is the same address as Stanbery Development, which is planning to build a multi-use project at 1515 Route 10 East. The Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board will be hearing their application in upcoming months.
A license which becomes inactive and is no longer sited at a business premises becomes a “pocket” license. At the time a pocket license is reactivated, the licensee must file an application for a place-to-place transfer of the license so that it may be sited at the new active business address.
The license must be used within the borders of Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. According to a recent OPRA request, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has 44 establishments with liquor licenses.
There are six, Class 31 which is defined as a “Club license.” American Legion, Elks Club, Lake Hiawatha Fire Department are some examples of establishments with this type of license. This license may only be issued to a non-profit organization that has a minimum of sixty (60) votin[l members and has been in active operation and has been in possession of its clubhouse for three (3) continuous years.
There is one, Class 32 which is defined at a “Plenary Retail Consumption License with Broad Package Privilege” Basket of Cheer is an example of an establishment with this type of license. This license is a Plenary Retail Consumption License, except the sale of package goods is not restricted to the principal public barroom. This “broad package privilege” was added to certain Plenary Retail Consumption Licenses in 1948, and those licenses continue to retain that privilege. These licenses are counted with the Plenary Retail Consumption Licenses for the purposes of the population cap limitation.
There are 23, Class 33 which is defined at “Plenary Retail Consumption.” Houlihans, Outback Steakhouse, The Inn Crowd, Buffalo Wild Wings are examples of establishments with this type of license. This license permits the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the licensed premises by the glass or other open container. The license also allows the sale of package goods for consumption off the licensed premises.
There are eight, Class 36 which is defined as “Plenary Retail Consumption (Hotel/Motel Exception)” Holiday Inn, Sheraton Parsippany hotel and Hyatt House are examples of establishments with this type of license. This license may be issued to a person or business entity who operates a hotel or motel containing at least 100 guest sleeping rooms. A municipality may issue this license even though a new consumption license cannot be issued in the municipality due to the limitation on licenses by population.
And there are six, Class 44 which is defined as “Plenary Retail Distribution” Shop Rite of Parsippany, Green Hill Liquors are examples of establishments with this type of license.
The issuance of new Plenary Retail Consumption Licenses (including Seasonal Licenses) and Plenary Retail Distribution Licenses is restricted by population. No new Plenary Retail Consumption License or Seasonal Retail Consumption License may be issued in a municipality unless and until the combined total number of such licenses existing in the municipality is fewer than one for each 3,000 of its population as shown by the last preceding federal census, and no Plenary Retail Distribution License may be issued in a municipality unless and until the number of such licenses existing in a municipality is fewer than one for each 7,500 of its population as shown by the last preceding federal census
2017 New Jersey Association of Student Councils Board
PARSIPPANY — A number of students from all across New Jersey gathered at TCNJ for the annual NJASC (New Jersey Association of Student Councils) election.
This election seats the eight high school and one middle school representatives for the 2017 NJASC Board.
This year there are three students from Parsippany will hold seats on the board:
Vice President: Claire Donahue from Morris County School of Technology
Treasurer: Khalid Alzubi from Parsippany High School
State Board of Education Student Representative: Karan Chauhan from Parsippany Hills
The NJASC is certified by the New Jersey Department of Education as a Professional Development Provider. They offer programs at each seasonal conference as well as during LTC for Student Council Advisors and other educators interested in student leadership. These workshops and programs count toward the “100 Hours” Certification Requirement for Professional Development in New Jersey.
The NJASC is the oldest state Student Council Association in the United States, and has inspired the “Spirit Of New Jersey Youth” since 1927. The members are from high schools and middle schools, public and private, across the State of New Jersey.
For ninety years, the NJASC has provided thousands of students in New Jersey’s public and private schools the opportunity to discover, develop, and apply their leadership skills to serve their schools and communities.
2017 – Khalid Alzubi (PHS)
As the officially recognized state affiliate of the National Association of Student Councils (NASC), and an active member of NASC Region 2, they also organize delegations to and participation by New Jersey student leaders and advisors in such activities as LEAD Conferences and the NASC National Conference.
2017 – Karan Chauhan (PHHS)
The NJASC is an indispensable resource for member schools to discover new ideas and enhance their own Council Projects as well as to foster student involvement in school and community.
They also provide an opportunity for leading Student Councils to provide Student Workshops and share the great things they are doing in their schools and communities.
For more information on New Jersey Association of Student Councils, click here.
PHS Announces Hall of Fame 2017 Inductees
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School will be inducting their 2017 Hall of Fame Class on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. in the Media Center with a brief ceremony at the start of the Boys Basketball game at 7:00 p.m.
PHS would like to invite community members, alumni, parents and students to celebrate with us at this year’s induction ceremony. This year’s class consists of five impressive inductees.
The 1977 PHS Football Team
The 1977 Football Team is widely regarded as the best football team in PHS history. Coming off a 2-7 season the previous season, expectations were not high for this group. Fortunately, they worked hard and banded together to finish their regular season with an Iron Hills Conference title and a perfect 9-0 record. They won their first state playoff game to advance to the Group 3, Section 2 State Finals at home versus state powerhouse Phillipsburg. In front of the largest crowd in PHS history, they lost a tough game but left their mark on the school and community. They were ranked the 2nd best team in Morris County and were heralded as one of the area’s top defenses. They succeeded under the direction of Head Coach/PHS Hall of Famer Bob Martin, and his Assistant Coaches: PHS alumni/teacher Mike Yesunas, and former PHS Athletic Director Joe Grippaldi. The roster consisted of the following players and coaches: B. Mainardi, S. Pucilowski, S. Kaufman, B. Fulton, B. Freeman, B. Picinich, B. Stivaly, T. Pucilowski, M. Caruso, S. Russo, J. Spagnola, K. Connell, R. dePierro, B. Dalrymple, H. Horowitz, T. Pine, J. Molinare, T. Gonzales, R. Scrivani, R. Aber, S. Furini, N. Stone, T. Blazier, B. Knott, J. DiGiacinto, T. Pescherine, J. Miele, R. Krush, V. Mini, S. Simonetti, G. Lepre, S. Miczak, M. Hopkins, M. Brady, K. O’Connell, A. Paradise, E. Weinstein, F. Paradise, C. Pizzi, B. Matthias M. Plath, K. Miele, E. McGarry, M. Pignatelli, T. Behrle, C. Lategano, T. Santangelo, P. DelGazio, D. Tubby, F. Bolcar, P. Fahy, J. Burke, J. Schkolnick, M. Thompson, B. Snedberg, Darrel Knops, Coach Grippaldi, Coach Yesunas, Coach Radice, Coach Martin
Joe Bernabe (Teacher)
Joe Bernabe served as the PHS Band Director for thirty-one years (1977-2008), instilling a love of music in thousands of students and inspiring dozens to pursue careers as professional musicians or music teachers. As Band Director, he prepared and conducted over 150 concerts with his students. He also served as coach of the Golf Team for many years. In his retirement, he has managed to keep in touch with PHS, attending every concert and Hall of Fame ceremony and continuing to mentor and assist the music department in any way that he can including the school’s 60th Anniversary. Mr. Bernabe was beloved by his students and colleagues for his talents, passion and his never-ending sense of humor.
LeRoy William Collins, Jr. (’78)
Roy graduated from PHS with academic honors as a member of the National Honor Society, earned 7 Varsity Letters and held leadership positions in several after school activities, including INTERACT, Institute for Political and Legal Education (IPLE), and Student Council, and contributed to the Daily Record’s publication of “None Outsings Parsippany”, a history of Parsippany-Troy Hills. Upon graduation, he reported to the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, where he earned a BS degree in Ocean Engineering and was commissioned an Ensign. During his ten-year Coast Guard career, he received several personal and unit awards; at the age of 24, was one of the youngest sea service officers to assume command afloat; and was selected to serve as a military Aide to Presidents Reagan and Bush. He subsequently transitioned to private industry where he has assumed executive leadership positions in the defense/aerospace industry, pioneered the delivery of internet services via satellite, and earned an MBA. He currently serves as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Senior Advisor contributing to the agency’s space-based environmental monitoring mission (i.e. weather) by managing satellite acquisition programs, international partnerships, and science-based climatic research. Roy is an international cycling enthusiast who has competed in numerous endurance cycling events, such as the Race Across America (RAAM), where he and his team hold the world record for the Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD (3010 miles) race in under 5.5 days, has served as the US Naval Academy’s cycling team Head Coach for the past 9 years, earning 6 ACC Division 1 Conference Champion and National Championship Titles, and mentors his Nationally ranked son (or is mentored by him). He, his wife Kim, and son, Ryan, currently reside in Annapolis, MD.
Fei-Fei Li (’95)
When Fei-Fei Li moved to New Jersey from China when she was 16 years old, and she couldn’t speak a word of English. However, despite this disadvantage, and through an incredible amount of diligence, she graduated sixth in her class gained acceptance to Princeton University where she received a BA in Physics. She then earned her MS and her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology. Fei-Fei has had a successful career teaching at the college level: Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in both the Psychology and Electrical and Computer Engineering Departments; Assistant Professor at Princeton University in the Psychology and Computer Science Departments; and Assistant Professor and, currently as an Associate Professor at Stanford University in the Computer Science Department. Fei-Fei’s accomplishments are astounding. She is currently the Director of Stanford’s Artificial Intelligence Lab (SAIL), and she is one of the Directors for the SAIL OutReach Summer Program, designed to reach out to rising 10th grade girls and expose them to the world of Artificial Intelligence (Al). Fei-Fei also leads the partnership between Stanford and Toyota, along with MIT, where the focus of the partnership is on Al – assisted driving. She is also the Director for the Stanford Vision Lab, which explores issues in computer and human vision. In March of 2015, Fei-Fei gave a TED talk describing the way we teach computers to understand pictures as humans do; this video has been viewed over 1.7 million times. She was recently named one of our country’s 2016 Great Immigrants by the Carnegie Corporation, and she was interviewed by CNN about her life story. Fei-Fei has given dozens of keynote speeches, talks and seminars around the world. She has been the Chair, Co-Chair, or organizer of more than two dozen committees and workshops. She has co-authored more than a hundred papers, journals and book chapters in addition to numerous.
Bob Sabella (Teacher)
Bob Sabella was a Mathematics teacher in the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District for 31 years; he taught at Parsippany High School for 23 of those years serving as Lead Teacher of the Math Department for all of them. An accomplished teacher and leader in the District, Bob held numerous positions and won numerous awards over the years, including the Distinguished Faculty Award in 2001, Vice President of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association, Co-Director of the Iron Hills Conference Math League; chairing the Parsippany High School Middle States Steering Committee in 1989-1990. Bob was also a published writer, with numerous articles in the New Jersey Mathematics Teacher, Who Shaped Science Fiction and co-edited Nanking 1937: Memory and Healing. But where Bob really stood out was in his love and advocacy for his students. Despite the fact that his standards and expectations for his students were extremely high (his students’ AP scores can attest to that), he was beloved by the students he taught and/or mentored. A long-time advisor to the Indian Cultural Club and the Asian American Club (in addition to the Math Team, of course), he celebrated the diversity that is the student body of PHS.
Former Teacher Sentenced to State Prison for Sexual Assault of Minor Females
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief Rudolph Appelmann of the Montville Township Police Department announce that Jason Fennes, 42, of Bloomfield, was sentenced by the Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr., to 14 years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the No Early Release Act, Parole Supervision for Life and Megan’s Law.
The Defendant pleaded guilty on September 22, 2016 to two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault, crimes of the first degree in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2(a)1 and N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2(a)2(b), and three counts of Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S 2C:14-2(b), crimes of the second degree.
The crimes committed by Defendant came to light in December 2011 when a 13-year-old female reported that she had been sexually abused by Defendant when she was a student in his first grade class at William Mason School in Montville. Defendant was arrested on this charge on March 2, 2012. Thereafter, three additional victims disclosed that they had been sexually assaulted by Defendant while students in his first grade class in William Mason School. The assaults on the victims at the William Mason School occurred between 2005 and 2008. A fourth victim also came forward and reported that she had been sexually assaulted by Defendant when she was 14 years old and Defendant was her track coach at Butler High School during the 1996-1997 school year.
At the time of the plea, Defendant admitted in court to acts of sexual penetration with two victims and acts of sexual contact with the remaining three. All acts occurred while he was in a supervisory position, either as a track coach or a teacher.
Defendant has also pled guilty in Somerset County to a separate count of Sexual Assault upon a child. He is pending sentencing on that matter, which is being prosecuted by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.
Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Meg Rodriguez represented the State in these proceedings.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Montville Township Police Department, specifically Captain Andrew Caggiano and Sergeant Christopher Keezer, as well as the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit for their combined efforts in this matter.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office encourages anyone with additional information related to these allegations and/or this Defendant to contact Lieutenant Steven Brylinski of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at (973) 285-6200.
Man Sentenced in Connection with Armed Robbery at Morristown Medical Center
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Tyhan Lighty, 45, with a last known address in Orange, has been sentenced to ten years New Jersey State Prison with 85% parole ineligibility pursuant to the No Early Release Act following his guilty plea to Armed Robbery, a crime of the first degree. The charges stem from a crime that occurred on May 18, 2014, in the parking garage of the Morristown Medical Center complex on Madison Avenue, Morristown.
The investigation originated from a May 18, 2014, report of an armed robbery in the parking garage of the Morristown Medical Center. Information revealed that a male who was armed with a handgun entered a parking lot complex office and demanded money from an employee. The suspect then fled the location.
During the robbery, the suspect used plastic zip ties to attempt to bind the victim’s wrists. Several of these zip ties were recovered from the scene by investigators and were submitted to the New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences for examination. Forensic scientists identified DNA on a zip tie from the scene and concluded that Tyhan Lighty was the source of the DNA. On June 18, 2015, Lighty was arrested on an outstanding complaint-warrant related to this incident and was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility, where he remained on bail until sentencing.
On December 6, 2016, Lighty pled guilty to Armed Robbery before the Honorable Thomas J. Critchley, J.S.C. At the time of the plea, Lighty admitted that he went to a parking garage at Morristown Medical Center, demanded money from the victim, and showed the victim a silver handgun to place her in fear.
Lighty appeared for sentencing before the Honorable Thomas J. Critchley, J.S.C. on January 20, 2017. The State was represented by Assistant Prosecutors Christopher Schellhorn and Sean Gaynor at sentencing.
Prosecutor Knapp stated: “This case was solved by outstanding police work performed by several different agencies. We thank all of them for their cooperation. All are to be commended.”
Prosecutor Knapp would like to acknowledge the Morristown Bureau of Police, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section, the New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Victim/Witness Unit for their collective efforts in securing this conviction.
Gregory Chandi Persaud, 19, passed away; Graduate of PHHS
PARSIPPANY — Gregory Chandi Persaud passed away Saturday, January 14 at the U.H.S. Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, New York following an automobile accident in Binghamton, NY. Gregory was 19.
Born in Toronto, Canada, Gregory immigrated to the United States at the age of 4. He had lived in Bloomfield before coming to Parsippany in 2005.
Gregory was a 2014 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School where he had played on the Varsity Soccer Team. He was currently matriculated at the County College of Morris.
He had been a volunteer at the Morristown Medical Center.
Gregory is survived by his mother, Janet Persaud of Parsippany; his father, Vish Mangru of Toronto, Canada; his maternal grandparents, Deo and Kowsilla Persaud of St. Petersburg, Florida; his paternal grandmother, Rose Mangru of Toronto, Canada; his aunt, Annette Persaud-Jairam and her husband Amar; his uncle, Premanand D. Persaud; his aunt, Sunita Singh and her husband Rajin, his uncle, Radha Persaud and his wife Ram, his aunt, Pearly Rambhaj and her husband Harold, and his aunt, Joan Ackloo and her husband Rudy; and his cousins, Ryan and Kevin Jairam, Sean, Nicole and Christine Singh, Andrew and Natasha Persaud, Anthony Rambhaj, and Sabrina and Kenny Ackloo.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gregory Chandi Persaud click here.
Visiting hours are from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20 at Stephen J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service, 60 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha.
PACC hosts “Staples Small Business Showcase”
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, January 14,Selimo Chiropractic and Eye Level participated in “Staples Small Business Showcase,” sponsored by the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.”
Once a month, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the “Staples Small Business Showcase” where local merchants have a table and can greet the customers of Staples and talk about their products and services and give out samples.
Dr. Patrick Selimo, Selimo Chiropractic, is pictured above talking to area residents about the services his practice offers. Selimo Chiropractic is located at 125 Madison Street, Boonton and can be reached by calling (973) 917-8451.
Dr. Patrick M. Selimo is Structural Chiropractor serving a number of towns in the County. Dr. Pat did his undergraduate coursework at William Paterson College, focusing on studies in Communication. He then attended Life University in Marietta, Georgia, where he graduated in 2001 with a Doctorate in Chiropractic.
Taking an engineer’s approach to analyzing and correcting spinal deficiencies, he sets his practice apart from other healthcare professionals. The typical approach with doctors, physical therapists, massage therapist and conventional chiropractors, is to focus on addressing pain and symptoms. At Selimo Chiropractic the focus is on stabilizing & correcting the underlying problem, which is often the cause of your secondary conditions (symptoms). By creating a strategy centered around precise structural and radiographic analysis, 3-dimensional postural analysis, specific spinal adjustments, corrective exercises and patient education, the goal is to improve function and ultimately keep you healthier.
Dr. Selimo is a native of New Jersey and currently resides in Lake Hiawatha with his wife Tricia and their two cats. In his free time he enjoys public speaking, kayaking, spending time outdoors and reading.
Dr. Pat has also had the good fortune of being able to give back to the community on several occasions with volunteer activities.
Selimo Chiropractic is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Robert Peluso, President Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, said “This is a great opportunity for chamber members to display their goods and services to the customers of Staples and to increase their brand awareness.”
This monthly event, “Staples Business Showcase” is available to all PACC members and local non-profit groups.
For more information on “Staples Small Business Showcase” please contact Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400 or email flcahill@parsippanychamber.org.
Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Parsippany and Lake Hiawatha Libraries
PARSIPPANY — Freedom Quilt Project – In honor of Martin Luther King Day, children of any age colored a paper quilt square to add to the bulletin board in the Lake Hiawatha Children’s Department.
The quilt square patterns represent secret messages designed to help slaves travel safely to freedom on the Underground Railroad.
At the Parsippany Library on Wednesday, January 17, the Children’s Department held the program – All About Martin Luther King, Jr., children listened to stories about Martin Luther King, Jr. and made the attached Peace themed craft.