Temperatures in Parsippany will remain a bit cooler than normal for the end of April and meteorologists are calling for “quite pleasant” weather overall on Sunday.
Highs in the upper 50s or lower 60s are mostly expected throughout the region, according to the National Weather Service’s Mount Holly office, and sunshine should make its way through the clouds. Low temperatures, meanwhile, should mainly fall overnight to the low- and mid-40s.
A high of 62 degrees is expected in Parsippany on Sunday, with mostly sunny skies.
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills celebrated their Annual Arbor Day celebration at the Parsippany Municipal Building, on Friday, April 24.
Parsippany also is celebrating 39 years as Tree City USA.
Attending the celebration was Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Michael dePierro, Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Freeholders Doug Cabana and Tom Mastrangelo, Parsippany-Troy Hills Business Administrator Ellen Sandman, Superintendent of Schools Scott Rixford, Parks and Forestry Department Superintendant James Walsh, the First Grade Class of Little School and the Second Grade Class from Mt. Tabor School.
In addition, Jack Shuart, Tree City USA, presented Parsippany Township and both elementary schools with a banner honoring Parsippany as Tree City USA, 39 years in a row. Mr. Shuart stated that it is possible that Parsippany will be the host for the States 40th Anniversary Arbor Day celebration next year.
Everyone who attended received seedlings for planting, which was prepared by the Boy Scouts.
Bob Campbell, Sr. and his partners also demonstrated bee hives and educated the children about local honeybees.
Arbor Day (from the Latin arbor, meaning tree) is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. Today, many countries observe such a holiday. Though usually observed in the spring, the date varies, depending on climate and suitable planting season.
This year Arbor Day is celebrated on Friday, April 24.
The first American Arbor Day was originated in Nebraska City, Nebraska, United States by J. Sterling Morton. On April 10, 1872, an estimated one million trees were planted in Nebraska.
Birdsey Northrop of Connecticut was responsible for globalizing it when he visited Japan in 1883 and delivered his Arbor Day and Village Improvement message. In that same year, the American Forestry Association made Northrop the Chairman of the committee to campaign for Arbor Day nationwide. He also brought his enthusiasm for Arbor Day to Australia, Canada, and Europe.
Bob Campell Sr. shows and talks about the bees to the students
Students going up to the front to observe the bees
First Grade Students from Littleton School sing a song about trees
Mayor James Barberio showing off his viking ring while Councilman Michael DePierro and Councilman Robert Peluso watch on
Students from Mount Tabor and Littleton listen about the history of Arbor Day
Several students craeted and held up signs of different types of trees, seeds, Arbor Day
Students from Mount Tabor singing and moving to a song about trees
Jack Shuart from Tree City USA presenting the banner to The Township of Parsippany. File Photo
Students from Littleton School pictured with Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Robert Peluso, Councilman Micheal DePierro and Freeholders Thomas Mastroangelo and Doug Cabana
ROXBURY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Officer in Charge Martin McParland, Jr., of the Rockaway Township Police Department, announce that Roger Schneider, 55, residing at 11 Notch Road, Rockaway Township, has been charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(1), a crime of the 2nd degree, and Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3a, a crime of the 3rd degree. Schneider is the Assistant Principal at Roxbury High School.
During the week of April 20, 2015, the alleged victim (referred to by the fictitious initials X.X.) disclosed to a third person that Schneider had sexually touched X.X. Schneider was subsequently interviewed on or about April 24, 2015, and admitted committing acts of contact upon X.X.’s intimate parts. During a subsequent interview by law enforcement, X.X. disclosed acts of sexual contact between Schneider’s hand and X.X.’s genitals. X.X. resided part time at the defendant’s home between the dates of August of 2013 and January of 2015. The defendant was acting in loco parentis to the victim with X.X.’s parents’ consent. X.X. was 15 years old at the time of the alleged incidents. X.X. is not a student in the Roxbury school district.
On April 24, 2015, the Honorable Gerard Smith, J.M.C., authorized charges against Schneider for Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(1), a crime of the 2rd degree, and Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3a, a crime of the 3rd degree. Schneider was arrested by the Rockaway Police Department on April 25, 2015, and bail was set at $100,000 with no 10% option, no contact with the victim, and surrender of any firearms.
The investigation is active and ongoing. No other information is being released at this time.
Anyone with information relating to these charges or any similar conduct by this defendant is urged to contact Detective Bruce LaFera of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at 973 285-6200.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Rockaway Township Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — The Sedgefield Civic Association held a very successful International Wine and Cheese social on Friday, April 24 at the Mout Tabor Fire House.
Wines from around the world were offered to the guests attending the event. Sandwiches and cheeses were supplied by The Daily Joe, 56 Fanny Road.
Dan Coleman, owner of Creative Solutions Investigative Services, spoke to the crowd regarding residential burglaries. Dan founded Creative Solutions in 2012. He retired from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and built the company on the foundation that the investigative firm provides superior evidence and results capable of holding up in a state or federal criminal prosecution.
Carlos I. Guzman, President Sedgefield Civic Association addresses the residents
Mayor James Barberio addressing the audience
The audience listens to the speeches
George Kimmey
Resident Marie Taylor, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Louis Valori and resident Dee Kunz
Carlos Guzman and Friendlys of Morris Plains owner Will Haiback and Alex Bertrand
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President speaking to resident Virginia Kimmey
Carlos Guzman with Mayor James Barberio
Louis Valori, Carlos Guzman and Robert Peluso
Diane Govelitz and her mom Virginia Kimmey. Diane is the owner of The Daily Joe
Dan Coleman offered information regarding home burglaries
Boy Scouts Troop 173 was chartered by the Sedgefield Civic Association in 1957 and the Association still sponsors the Troop.
The History of Sedgefield…. In the late 40″s Justus Nienaber purchased a 200 acre tract from Peter Freylinghuysen Jr. This was formerly the Ballantine Estate and included a beautiful two-story white colonial mansion, complete with gazebo, creek, pond and other outbuildings.
In 1949, he started to develop Sedgefield with a group of builders. The name was taken from a charming and peaceful Carolina resort hotel, The Sedgefield Inn, which is surrounded by a development of gracious homes.
The name Sedgefield itself is derived from two Anglo-Saxon words: secg (a sword), its popular meaning – any course, grasslike herb, growing in damp places; and feld – a cleared piece of land.
Carrying on with the Anglo-Saxon Association, all the streets bear the names of English towns, villages or locations. The three entry streets are Sherwood, Sedgefield and Dartford. All streets between Sedgefield and Dartford are in alphabetical order. All streets between Robinhood and Friar are of English origin but are not in alphabetical order.
Development in Sedgefield can be determined by the type of roads in the area. The first section contained ranch or single story homes built on streets with no curbs. The second section contained ranch, split-level and two-story colonials built on streets with concrete curbs. The third and final section contained two-story colonials or split-level homes built on streets with Belgian block curbing and sidewalks.
Long time residents can remember when Littleton Road (US 202) was a two-lane tree-line road with very little traffic. It passed Rusty’s Hardware Store, the old St. Christopher’s Church (which was housed in the Blue Swan Inn) and a goat farm that used to be in the area of the Littleton Road bridge over Route 80. Alderney Dairy had a barn and pasture where Gatehall is now located. Cows and deer used to wander into Sedgefield along Robinhood Road. A few deer still visit us on occasion.
Back then, the Morris Plains Shopping Center had a Two Guys from Harrison store. Sip and Sup was located at the intersection of Route 202 and Route 10 where one could enjoy food and dairy products in a leisurely manner and watch the few cars going through the intersection. The area now covered with commercial buildings (Campus Drive, Sylvan Way and Dryden Way) contained dairy farms and was used by the Civic Association for picnics and fireworks.
In the 1970s, Sherwood Village (the section around Sherwood, Friar, Robinhood and Littlejohn Roads) was included as part of Sedgefield. Crawford Road was the last area to be developed.
The last home in Sedgefield was erected in 1988, a two-story colonial manufactured in Pennsylvania. This was the 295th home in Sedgefield.
PARSIPPANY — What makes a home? Find out with fun activities exploring what home means for people, animals, and more!
The Stickley Museum hosts its third annual Family Fun & Games program on Saturday, May 9, from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m. The day’s activities are built around the theme “My Home.”
Children of all ages will be invited to explore and learn about homes of all kinds, including the Stickley family’s home, the Log House at Craftsman Farms. Families are invited to visit the Education Room for the chance to get up close & personal with live animals from Animal Experiences, an outreach program developed by the Happy Tales Animal Sanctuary in Pine Bush, NY. Children will have the opportunity to pet and ask questions about the animals and their homes in nature in a fun and safe environment.
Stick around for Story Time in the Log House, brought to you by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library.
While focused on family fun, this program will also encourage children to consider concepts that Gustav Stickley held dear, like the value of nature and the meaning of home. The program will include scavenger hunts, both indoors and out, that encourage a fun exploration of the Log House and its beautiful natural environment, craft activities, and games. And while you’re here, treat your family to snow cones from Kona Ice.
Admission is FREE to Members at the Dual/Family level and above. All others $10.00 for Children for the first two children; $5.00 for each additional Child; $5.00 for Adult. No reservations necessary.
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that the Honorable Stuart A. Minkowitz, P.J.S.C. sentenced Bernard W. Ozarowski, 60, of Princeton, to serve five years of Special Probation pursuant to the terms of the Morris County Drug Court for second degree Misapplication of Entrusted Property in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-15. He was further ordered to pay restitution to four victims in the amount of $509,998.44.
On March 19, Ozarowski pled guilty to second degree Misapplication of Entrusted Property, in connection with his role as executor of the estate of R.H. who was Ozarowski’s brother-in-law. R.H. was a former resident of Madison who died in December of 2011. At the time of his death, his life insurance policy, annuity funds, IRA accounts, certificates of deposit and other bank accounts contained significant assets. However, between December 8, 2011 and September 5, 2012, Ozarowski illegally transferred assets of the estate to his own company, Loyola Management, a dealer and distributor of print services as well as a document management company.
If the defendant violates the terms of the Special Probation he could be ordered to serve up to ten years in the New Jersey State Prison.
The State was represented during the sentencing by Morris County Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Francine S. Ehrenberg.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Financial Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Assistant Prosecutor Julian Hill for their efforts resulting in this sentence.
Online Recruiting Ads also indicate PAC is paying field workers in Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Internal Revenue Service filings for the liberal Democrat Super PAC called New Jersey’s Future Fund link the Washington, DC-based organization to an Essex County Democratic Party Committeeman named Robert Dombrowski, said the Conservative Republican Team of Council President Paul Carifi, Jr, businesswoman Aida Visakay and community leader John Beehler today. (Click here to see IRS Filing)
Zip Recuriter ad for America’s Future First
In addition, want ads via the online hiring service ZipRecruiter.com reveal that the Democrat Super PAC is actively hiring and paying field workers to aid the campaign of Republican Councilman Mike dePierro and running mates Vincent Ferrara and Loretta Gragnani.
The Carifi Team also said they had received an email from Morris County Republican Chairman John Sette saying he was “shocked and against” this outside interference in Parsippany’s GOP Primary and would gladly share his opinion with the media if asked.
The Carifi Team said the new revelations raise more questions about who is funding the PAC and what their motivation is to meddle in a Parsippany Council race. Moreover, the Carifi Team said the fact that the Super PAC used a high-resolution image of dePierro and his team on their mailing – an image not publicly available anywhere – proves that dePierro or someone connected to him is working directly with the PAC in violation of campaign finance laws.
“Something is certainly rotten here in Parsippany,” said Carifi, Jr., echoing the headline recently in New Jersey’s leading conservative blog, Save Jersey. “I am now convinced this is all about lucrative public contracts controlled by people connected to and supported by Mike dePierro. They are the ones funding this PAC to attack me and my team, so they can keep their grip on millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded legal and insurance contracts in Parsippany. They know that if my team sweeps this election, their gravy train will be permanently derailed.”
Visakay and Beehler said Essex County Democratic Committeeman Robert Dombrowski, listed as the PAC’s Director, needs to be asked how he got involved in this PAC and who put him up to it. They said they have their own suspicions and were closing in on confirming them.
“The Washington, DC-based Treasurer of the PAC is in hiding after we questioned her involvement, so now it’s time to turn attention to Mr. Dombrowski,” said Visakay. “How did he come to be involved in this PAC? What is his interest in Parsippany? Who is funding this PAC and what is their connection to Parsippany? These are questions that must be answered. As PAC Director, Mr. Dombrowski has the ability to disclosure his funding sources and he should do that immediately,” said Visakay and Beehler.
PolitickerNJ.com’s coverage indicated that “sources” believe political appointees with legal and insurance contracts in Parsippany may be behind the PAC.
“If these ‘sources’ are accurate – that’s a major problem. Mike dePierro needs to join our public call for this PAC to disclose its donors. They are benefitting his campaign after all,” added Beehler. “There are certainly people with a lot to lose if we win. Someone out there knows the whole truth here and the more we raise these alerts and turn up the pressure, we’re confident the truth will come out soon and uncover why this Democrat PAC is involved in our town’s Republican Primary.”
Parsippany Focus reached Morris County GOP Chairman John Sette for comment on Friday afternoon, and he stated “In respect of the long standing policies of Morris County Republican Chairman, I will not become involved in a local Primary election. For too many years certain Parsippany Republicans have supported Democrats in General Elections. It is my hope that Parsippany Republicans will unite after the Primary so that we can maintain Republican control of the council. I am always available to assist Parsippany Republicans in that regard.”
Councilman Michael dePierro, Council Candidates Loretta Gragnani and Vincent Ferrara did not respond to requests for comment.
A tree planting ceremony was held in honor of Arbor Day at the Township’s historic Baldwin House located at 460 South Beverwyck Road
PARSIPPANY — Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has been named a Tree City for the 39th consecutive year. Tree City USA recognition from the National Arbor Day Foundation is a symbol of how important our community forestry program is to us.
Communities receive Tree City USA designation upon recommendation by state foresters who co-sponsor the program along with USDA Forest Service. To become a Tree City USA, a community must have a city tree ordinance, a legal tree governing body, a comprehensive forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.
A tree planting ceremony was held in honor of Arbor Day at the Township’s historic Baldwin House located at 460 South Beverwyck Road.
PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Multi-Organ Transplant Group is now holding their May meeting on Thursday, May 7 at a new location, the lower level meeting room of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Library, 449 Halsey Road. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. The normal meeting schedule will resume in June.
This group is open to anyone in the surrounding area who has had an organ or tissue transplant, on the wait list, donors and family members. All welcome!
Contact Nick with any questions at (973) 984-6966.
PARSIPPANY — Earth Friendly Products held a ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, April 22 at its new manufacturing facility where the company manufactures green cleaning products. The facility is located at 50 Lackawanna Avenue.
Family owned and operated since 1967, Earth Friendly Products is a team of mothers, fathers, chemists, visionaries and pioneers who passionately uphold the idea that everyone should have access to delightfully toxin-free products. Making ECOS® in their five carbon-neutral plants has enabled us to keep prices low and quality high, shattering myths that buying “green” has to be expensive.
The company, began making its products in New Jersey in 1989, starting in Westwood and moving to Norwood in 2007, needs more space as demand for its Ecos laundry detergent and other products has grown and has relocated its Northeastern operations to Parsippany. The Parsippany operation, one of five divisions, serves retailers on the East Coast, as well as markets in Europe and the Middle East.
Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, the daughter of Earth Friendly Products founder Van Vlahakis, is the company’s Chief Executive Officer.
About 50 people previously worked in two buildings totaling about 46,000 square feet in Norwood, a number that rose to about 60 in the new 80,000-square-foot on Lackawanna Avenue.
Earth Friendly was founded in 1967 by her father, Van Vlahakis, a Greek immigrant who was unhappy with the chemicals in the cleaners he worked on in his first jobs as a chemist.
The company is privately held and does not release sales numbers, but Vlahakis-Hanks said sales have quadrupled in the last five years, as large national retailers, including Walmart and Costco, have begun carrying their products. In the early years, the products were carried mostly by health and natural food stores.
The new location is in a building formerly occupied by the shipping company DHL. Earth Friendly renovated the building with an eye to the environment, using solar panels, recycled materials and paint that is low in volatile organic compounds. The company is seeking to have the property certified by the U.S. Green Building Council as a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building.
“Each of us can make a positive change in the way we live our lives to be part of a solution to preserve our planet. That’s why I choose Earth Friendly Products for my cleaning needs. They are naturally fresh, effective and safe for my health and the environment.” said Debbie Levin, Environmental Media Association.
Earth Friendly Products achieved carbon neutrality as a result of major sustainability initiatives, including the switch to 100% renewable electricity starting in 2010. Earth Friendly Products now saves 53,843,434 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.
Their logo stands proudly on the front of the building
Chief Executive Officer, Earth Friendly Products with Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Robert Peluso
The employees of Earth Friendly Products
Parsippany resident Alicia Bozza signing the National Athem
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio and Chief Executive Officer, Earth Friendly Products
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Treasurer Robert Greulich, CPA, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, Chief Executive Officer, Earth Friendly Products and Parippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Robert Peluso
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Treasurer Robert Greulich, Andy King, Robert Peluso and Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member Nicolas Limanov
Mayor James Barberio, Michele Sylvan and Zach McCue, Project Specialist Cory A. Booker’s office
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Treasurer Robert Greulich, CPA, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerc Board Member Rick Wasserman, Parippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill and Board Member Nicholas Limanov at the ribbon cutting ceremony
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President welcoming Earth Friendly Products to Parsippany
Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, Chief Executive Officer, Earth Friendly Products
Earth Friendly Products celebrates their Grand Opening. Cutting the ribbon are General Manager Kenneth Teich, Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, CEO of Earth Friendly Products, Mayor James Barberio, Nicolas Limanov, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Christine Kostantakis of Earth Friendly Products.
Members of Earth Friendly Products planting a tree for Earth Day at the Grand Opening Celebration
Jim Jones and Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, Chief Executive Officer, Earth Friendly Products
The audience listens to the speeches during the ribbon cutting celebration
Zach McCue, Project Specialist Cory A. Booker’s office
The piano played during the catered luncheon
Inside of their new processing plant in Parsippany
Inside of their new processing plant in Parsippany
A product display in the research and development lab at Earth Friendly Products’ new manufacturing facility in Parsippany.
David Levine, Cofounder and CEP American Sustainable Business Council
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio addressing the audience
Children of all ages will be invited to explore and learn about homes of all kinds, including the Stickley family’s home, the Log House at Craftsman Farms. Families are invited to visit the Education Room for the chance to get up close & personal with live animals from Animal Experiences, an outreach program developed by the Happy Tales Animal Sanctuary in Pine Bush, NY. Children will have the opportunity to pet and ask questions about the animals and their homes in nature in a fun and safe environment.
