Route 80 ramp to close for major bridge demolition and reconstruction

PARSIPPANY — The New Jersey Department of Transportation today announced it will start work in April on a major bridge demolition and reconstruction project that will close the Route 80 westbound entrance ramp from Route 46, near Edwards Road.

According to the state DOT, this work will require the full closure of the Route 46 westbound ramp to Route 80 westbound local lanes from April 4 through August 31.  The DOT anticipates potential traffic impacts along Route 46 westbound during this time period.

The ramp in question leads from Route 46 westbound, just past the Edwards Road traffic light and a short distance prior to the traffic light at the Arlington Plaza shopping center.

During Stage 1 of construction, the lanes along Route 46 Eastbound will be reconfigured to provide a work zone along the right shoulder.  Three through-lanes will be maintained during this duration. Bridge deck demolition, the construction of a new bridge slab, and repairs to the existing concrete abutments and piers will be conducted during this phase.

During Stage 2 of the construction, the lanes along Route 46 Eastbound that pass under the bridge will be reconfigured to provide a work zone along the left shoulder of Route 46 Eastbound.  Three through-lanes will be maintained during this duration. Repairs to the existing concrete abutments and piers will be conducted during this phase.

Short-term night-time lane closures will be needed to complete the cleaning and painting of the existing steel beams which are to remain.  Lane closures will be limited to hours between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Monday through Thursdays and Sundays; between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Fridays; and between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Saturdays.

There will posted detours during the project.

The overall project improvements involve the bridge deck to be replaced within the limits of the existing bridge (no widening or expansion will be performed); repairs to the existing substructure units; repairs to the existing steel superstructure; lighting improvements; installation of new guide rail; and minimal approach roadway work will be performed.  There are no impacts to right of way, access, or environmental resources anticipated.

Overall completion of this project is anticipated to be in late November 2016.

Erratic Driver Crashes; Charged with DWI and Possession of Drugs

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Police Department’s Communication Center received a phone call reporting an erratic driver in a red Ford Focus at Manor Lane and Route 10 West, at 11:46 p.m. on March 28.

Upon arrival of responding Patrol Officers they located a red 2015 Ford Focus on Manor Lane just off of Route 10 West and initiated a traffic stop. The driver, Peter Lewis, 58, Ocean City, Maryland, attempted to flee the area, but was unable to do so because his vehicle was disabled from damage sustained from a motor vehicle crash.

Patrol Officer G. Lowe conducted the crash investigation and determined that Mr. Lewis initially crashed into the curb and a stop sign located at the entrance to 2350 Route 10 West and continued driving west to the area of Manor Lane and Route 10 West.

After a brief investigation, Patrol Officer L. Nicos placed Mr. Lewis under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated and transported back to Parsippany Police Headquarters for processing. Mr. Lewis was also found to be in possession of suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia. He was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of a Controlled and Dangerous Substance in the Third Degree. His bail was set at $2,500 with no 10% option at which time he was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his court date.

Mosque Leaders to Hold Anti-Extremism Event

MOUNTAIN LAKES — Condemning the deadly events that took place in Brussels, Belgium last week, local religious leaders will be joined by Morris County officials to discuss anti-terrorism and anti-extremism positions at the Villa at Mountain Lakes on Wednesday, March 30.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will hold the event, titled United Against Extremism, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will be joined Mayor James Barberio and mayors from Basking Ridge and Saddle Brook, along with officials from Morris County and Homeland Security Operations Chief Walter Pullen, as well as Imam Azher Haneef, Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

“The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community categorically condemns all terrorist attacks, including the recent assault in Brussels, Belgium,” the group said in a statement. “As a counter narrative to extremist ideology, the True Islam and the Extremists campaign dispelling myths and misconceptions about Islam will be discussed to unite in the fight against extremist ideologies.”

The event is free and open to the public. The Villa is located at 90 Route 46, Mountain Lakes.

Bethany Church holds Easter Egg hunt

PARSIPPANY — Bethany Church held their annual Easter Egg hunt on Saturday, March 26.

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The children searching for the Easter eggs

The event was attended by hundreds of children and there were over 6,000 filled eggs for the children to find.

Families were also able to have their Free Pictures with the Easter Bunny.

For more info about Bethany Church Parsippany click here. Bethany Church is located at 419 East Halsey Road.

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Community Center showing the movie “The Martian”

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Community Center will be starring Matt Damon on Friday, April 1 at 1:00 p.m. in room B room. The movie is free.

“The Martian” is about the survival of an astronaut stranded on Mars, and the daring rescue attempt by NASA. The movie is a fantasy science fiction film which runs for two hours and 24 minutes.

When astronauts blast off from the planet Mars, they leave behind Mark Watney (Matt Damon), presumed dead after a fierce storm. With only a meager amount of supplies, the stranded visitor must utilize his wits and spirit to find a way to survive on the hostile planet. Meanwhile, back on Earth, members of NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring him home, while his crew mates hatch their own plan for a daring rescue mission.

The movie was first released on October 2, 2015 and is directed by Ridley Scott and made over $600 million in the box office. It won Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and was nominated for Academy Award for Best Picture.

The Community Center is located at 1130 Knoll Road.

Heidi Cruz’s campaign visit to Parsippany postponed

PARSIPPANY — Heidi Cruz’s trip to New Jersey is being pushed back, the chair of her husband’s New Jersey campaign said Monday. Heidi Cruz, the wife of Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz, was scheduled to campaign for her husband in the Garden State the next two days, appearing at a fundraiser in Parsippany on Tuesday night,…

Vanessa Brown found guilty of DWI

PARSIPPANY — Vanessa Brown, who was acquitted Thursday on all criminal charges in the 2012 crash that killed East Hanover community activist Ralph Politi, Jr., was found guilty Monday of driving while intoxicated. Brown, 35, Parsippany, was found not guilty of first-degree aggravated manslaughter and second-degree vehicle homicide charges in the death of Politi. She…

“Cinderella” to be performed at PHS

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Drama Club will be opening its production of “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella” this Thursday, March 31 at Parsippany High School. There will also be performances on Friday, April 1, and Saturday, April 2. All shows start at 7:00 p.m.

The musical is the 2013 Tony Award winning Broadway revival of the 1957 TV Special of the same name, featuring the music of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Rediscover classic songs including “In My Own Little Corner”, “Impossible/It’s Possible”, and “Ten Minutes Ago” in this re-imagining of the classic Cinderella tale. A spectacle of emotion, ballroom dancing, and theater magic, this family-friendly musical about finding your true self and the power of kindness is a must see for children and adults alike.

Leading Cast: Ella: Talia Wynzel; Madame: Carly Pasquale; Gabrielle: Lyla Evans;  Charlotte: Brianna Cooper; Marie: Anya Kosachevich; Prince Topher: Brendan Laux;
Jean-Michel: Jahmil Roland; Sebastian: Bobby Wilson and Lord Pinkleton: Noel Chambers.

Admission is $12.00 for adults, $8.00 for children, students and seniors, and free for Parsippany students with a valid ID.

There is an opportunity for young children to participate in a “tea-time” and meet-and-greet with the cast on the afternoon of the Saturday show for $10.00 per child. This special opportunity includes reserved seats for the Saturday night show and a backstage tour. Anyone interested should visit the Facebook event page by clicking here for an RSVP form.

UPS to Open Tech Facility in Morris Corporate Center

PARSIPPANY — A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Tuesday, March 29. The facility will serve as a hub for the company’s developers, designers, and other technology professionals to collaborate, innovate, and maintain current applications. The facility will serve as a new location for software developers, designers and other technology professionals – previously based in Paramus – to collaborate and develop innovative technology solutions that serve our customers, improve operational efficiencies, drive growth and run UPS’s global network.

Parsippany is already home to a gigantic UPS warehouse and customer center at 799 Jefferson Road.

PARSIPPANY — A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Tuesday, March 29. The facility will serve as a hub for the company’s developers, designers, and other technology professionals to collaborate, innovate, and maintain current applications. The facility will serve as a new location for software developers, designers and other technology professionals – previously based in Paramus – to collaborate and develop innovative technology solutions that serve our customers, improve operational efficiencies, drive growth and run UPS’s global network
Gov. Chris Christie spoke about employment at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new UPS facility

UPS officials, Governor Chris Christie and Mayor James Barberio attended ground-breaking ceremony on a new facility for its information technology professionals. The new 200,000 square-foot building will be constructed in the Morris Corporate Center, off Cherry Hill Road. Governor Chris Christie spoke about employment at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new UPS facility.

“UPS is known for its innovation, whether that means helping customers succeed with transportation and supply chain management solutions or giving consumers real-time visibility to their package at every step of the delivery cycle,” said Dave Barnes, UPS chief information officer. “This new facility will provide a collaborative setting for the creative team developing the UPS technology of tomorrow.”

“We are proud UPS will be developing this state-of-the-art technology facility in New Jersey further demonstrating a firm commitment and faith in the state as a place to live, work and do business,” said Governor Chris Christie. “UPS is another example of the economic growth and innovation that is continuing throughout our state. It’s the success of companies like these in the private sector – not the government – that will grow our economy and create jobs.”

The new building will belocated at 10 Upper Pond Road will sit on 20 acres. In demonstration of UPS’s commitment to sustainability and the environment, the facility was designed by HLW International to be LEED certified.

The four-story office space, expected to open in mid-2017, is designed to promote collaboration, communication, efficiency and learning in a work environment that fosters creativity and problem solving. The building will also feature a full-service cafeteria, indoor fitness center and campus hiking trail.

UPS corporate headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia. There are more than 15,000 employees based in New Jersey.

Ashley Nicole Cistaro passed away

PARSIPPANY — Ashley Nicole Cistaro passed away on Sunday, March 27 at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.

Ashley was born in Livingston and has lived in Parsippany for the past nine years. She was a third grade student at Troy Hills Elementary School. Ashley was a member of Saint Ann R.C. Church. Ashley’s curly hair, freckles, scrunchy smile and bubbly personality was a ray of sunshine to everyone she knew.

Survivors include her parents, Joseph A. and Christina N. (nee-Gaudenzi); her sister, Ella Josephine; her Paternal grandparents, Peter and Mary Ann Cistaro; her maternal grandparents, Dennis and Phyllis Gaudenzi; and her Maternal Great-Grandmother, Bernadette De Santis; Ashley is also survived by her many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, many cherished friends and her fur babies Charlie and Huey.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Liturgy of Christian Burial to be offered at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 31 at Saint Ann R.C. Church, 781 Smith Road. Interment is at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

Visiting hours are on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road.

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey, 1347 Perrineville Road, Monroe Township, New Jersey 08831 or Autism Speaks 5455 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2250 Los Angeles, CA 90036.