It’ll be another damp day in New Jersey on Wednesday. Forecasters are calling for scattered showers and muggy conditions with highs mainly in the upper 70s across the state, according to the National Weather Service. While up to an additional half-inch of rain is possible, most of the heavy precipitation has moved to the northeast of…
Rockettes arrive at Parsippany Library
PARSIPPANY — The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an experience that’s meant to be shared, so before they start rehearsals for the 2015 production, they visited Parsippany to kick off the holiday season.
Megan Levinson, North Caldwell, and Christine Sienicki, Clifton, were the two Rockettes visiting the Parsippany Library. The children and their parents as well as other residents had the opportunity to meet, ask questions and take photographs with the Rockettes.
When you post your photo with the Rockettes, be sure to tag @Rockettes on Facebook and Twitter, and @theRockettes on Instagram – they’ll be looking out for your pics and sharing their favorites! See your picture? Want it printed for free? All you have to do is join our email list from our home page and then send an email to news@parsippanyfocus.com requesting which picture you would like printed.
The Rockettes debuted on stage at the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” in 1933. The 80-member group’s routine is complex and the company rehearses six hours a day, six days a week. The group begins six weeks of rehearsals Friday.
The “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” opens November 13 and runs through January 3. Tickets start at $46.00.
To purchase tickets, visit radiocitychristmas.com. For more information, visit the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular’s” Facebook page.
The Rockettes visited the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, 449 Halsey Road, on Tuesday, September 29 where a crowd of children and their parents were anxiously waiting their arrival.
Two Males Plead Guilty To Multiple Robberies
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Vincenzo Viola, 39, and Robert Capriglione, 37, have pleaded guilty to multiple robberies that occurred in Morris and Bergen County in May 2013. The robberies occurred while the Defendants were impersonating police officers.
Both Defendants appeared before the Honorable Stephen Taylor, P.J.Cr. and entered guilty pleas on Tuesday, September 29.
Defendant Viola entered a guilty plea to two counts of second-degree Robbery (Count One of Bergen County Indictment 13-10-01404-S and Count Eight of Morris County Indictment 13-08-00922-I). The plea calls for the Defendant to be sentenced to five (5) years in New Jersey State Prison on each of the two counts. At the time of sentencing, the State will be recommending a total consecutive sentence of ten (10) years in State Prison. Each offense is subject to the ‘No Early Release Act’ (NERA) requiring Defendant to serve 85% of the sentence before he is eligible for parole.
Robert Capriglione entered a guilty plea to two counts of second-degree Robbery (count one of Bergen County Indictment 13-10-01404-S and count eight of Morris County Indictment 13-08-00922-I). The plea calls for the Defendant to be sentenced to four (4) years in New Jersey State Prison on one count and five (5) years on the second count. At the time of sentencing, the State will be recommending a total consecutive sentence of nine (9) years in State Prison. Each offense is subject to the ‘No Early Release Act’ (NERA) requiring Defendant to serve 85% of the sentence before he is eligible for parole.
Defendant Viola’s sentencing has been scheduled for October 30, 2015 before Judge Taylor. Defendant Capriglione sentencing has been scheduled for November 6, 2015 before Judge Taylor.
Firearm and Drug Arrest at Red Roof Inn
PARSIPPANY — Through an investigation the Parsippany Police Department’s Narcotics Unit developed information that individuals were actively selling narcotics from multiple rooms at the Red Roof Inn, 855 Route 46 East.
During the investigation James Howell, 44, Easton, Pennsylvania and Richard Burwell, 46, East Orange were identified as the suspected individuals that were selling the narcotics.
On Monday, September 28 at 11:30 a.m. Officers with Parsippany Police Department’s Narcotics Unit, Parsippany Rifle Team, Parsippany Patrol Officers, along with members of the Morris County K-9 Unit executed a search warrant at the Red Roof Inn.
Officers arrested Howell and Burwell without incident.
A search of the room revealed one Taurus .44 Magnum Revolver loaded with six hollow point bullets, 17 small baggies containing suspected marijuana, 47 glassine folds containing suspect heroin, 44 pills of suspected MDMA, one bag containing 16 grams of suspected marijuana, one bag containing eight grams of suspected MDMA, 16 grams of suspected Cocaine along with suspected packaging and weighing equipment commonly used in the packaging and distribution of illicit drugs.
Both individuals were charged with the following: Possession and Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession and Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Possession and Intent to Distribute MDMA, Possession and Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of Hollow Point Bullets, Possession of a Firearm While Committing Certain Drug Crimes, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons Prevented From Having One.
Both individuals were lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in default of $50,000 bail with no 10% option. Parsippany-Troy Hills Chief of Police Paul Philipps and Detective Sgt. Lesiak, Parsippany Narcotics Unit Supervisor, would like to thank all of the Detectives and Officers who assisted in the investigation.
Man on trial for fatal Parsippany crash not ‘a criminal,’ attorney says
MORRISTOWN — A 61-year-old driver from Dover caused the death of a pedestrian on Route 10 in Parsippany, but that doesn’t make him “a criminal,” his attorney said Tuesday. Meanwhile, the prosecutor argued, Fabio Aristizabal was responsible for the death of 64-year-old Richard Oberst, because he was under the influence of alcohol and was driving “recklessly”…
Letter to the editor: Rats North Beverwyck Road, Let Freedom Ring
Dear Editor:
While doing my litter walk to bank this morning, I noticed that rats were visible at Hiawatha and North Beverwyck Roads. This location has been reported by me several times as being in violation of good sanitation and house-keeping practices; as well as several other ongoing addresses in the area. No enforcement or proper communications are occurring at all. The excuse I get is that Parsippany is so big and they can’t be everywhere all the time, is a weak one. Is the whole town in need of inspections? One must pick the chronic and known, on-going, and obvious problems and concentrate on them. A recycle officer makes up to $85 thousand, I believe.
Mayor James Barberio claimed during the Waterview hearings that it was somehow his obligation to create jobs for the outside forces. He neglects making sure his own employees do their jobs correctly. He prefers hiding the truth with flags and flowers. In reality there is no sanitation along North Beverwyck. Restaurants and food establishments use municipal receptacles; and plastic bags, both for trash and recycle for their waste; including food waste.
How can establishments get away with not having proper waste containers and services to separate and remove food waste properly? Is this how the administration gains favor and votes from the local and corporate business establishments?
It appears so overwhelming. This is not the first time this person has seen rats along North Beverwyck. Any proper inspection would reveal violations of any sane and proper codes of health and sanitation. Perhaps some higher authority needs to investigate the allowance of improper ordinance enforcement, a laissez faire attitude that does not serve the community but the business and outside property owners. We have forgotten what clean is as trash is everywhere, but nowhere are the obligations and responsibilities of officials and property owners. This can only occur where rats in high places see not rats in reality. The day has come to enforce the laws and keep our spaces free of litter trash and have usufructuary responsibilities of a higher standard especially with the abundance of food waste on North Beverwyck.
These rats need be handled properly as to not poison other species that may feed on them. This calls for an organized force stemming from the municipal authorities; Mayor, Police, Sanitation, Health and Housing. Taxpayers deserve better, an examination of salaries in these field demand a better performance. Below some salary examples; we have no bang for the buck.
Senior Housing Inspector $27,000-$70,000
Recycling Enforcement Officer $29,000-$85,000
Aide Trainee $15,000-$38,000
Specialist Public Health $25,000-$62,000
Nicholas Homyak
Editors Note: On August 14, 2015 Parsippany Focus reported on this same issue. Click here to read article.
Letter to the editor: Poems about what many refer to as Schedulegate
Dear Editor:
The following poems were written by a Parsippany Parent in the past month in reference to series of events that led the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District into what many refer to as Schedulegate.
Part 1:
Twas the day before school started and all through the town,
When the kids in the middle schools were really let down.
They waited all summer for their schedules to arrive,
When they logged onto Genesis it seemed to take a nose dive.
There were many kids with out any classes,
As the parents thought what a bunch of Asses.
The Superintendent had this really great plan,
Let’s change the schedule, I don’t give a damn.
If you asked the teachers they said it would fail,
However to get his bonus, the plan must prevail.
He moved forward and got paid for his goal,
It is time for the Board to regain control.
As parents we all must take a stand,
For our kid’s future is at hand.
Enough is enough, we can no longer be silent,
We need to put an end, and stop the tyrant.
Part 2: The Story Continues
Twas a few days after middle school when all through the town,
when Mr. Rixford, the Superintendent, could no longer be found.
From the start, he upset a whole bunch of teachers,
With disgust we all watched from the bleachers.
The dress code was the first thing he wanted to change,
Worrying about rivets, now it seems so strange.
He continued to rule with an iron fist,
As he guided most Board Members by their wrists.
The Middle School schedule was another item on his list,
When the board approved the change, the parents were pissed.
If you asked the teachers, the said it would not work,
Yet he cashed in his bonus check with a really big smirk.
He came to the district with his master plan,
chances are it will result in him getting canned.
His big changes, he hoped, would be his claim to fame,
Yet when put to the test, put the district to shame.
The first day of school the kids were with out their class assignment,
To bad his contract, was not on consignment.
With no schedules in hand, he said it was a glitch,
When in reality, he was starting to twitch.
As expected his plan seemed to have failed,
it is time for his ship to raise the sail.
The moral of the story is for the board to listen,
to the people who voted them in to their position.
While the Board and his team thought this was a grand slam,
It was the Counselors and Teachers who got them out of this jam.
The parents are outraged with the issues at hand,
Don’t be surprise if we come out and take a stand.
Part 3:
Twas the night of the meeting, The first of the school year.
When the parents of Parsippany, began to appear.
The came out in full force, ready to take a stand.
To speak about the redesign, which seemed to take a crash land.
The story at hand, that I want to share,
Is to tell a story for those that may be unaware.
Well over a year ago, the hunt was on,
To find a Superintendent the district could rely upon.
The Board found Mr. Rixford, they said he was the man.
Who eventually came up with, what we will call the master plan.
The middle school schedule at the top of the list,
Is when this story took a twist.
The parents, the teachers, were against it from the start,
Yet the board approved this thinking it it was state of the art.
There was a lot to absorb, so much to discuss,
Unfortunately the board failed to listen to us.
For Rixford’s goals, he had to succeed,
His plan was passed with light speed.
He presented his plan, which the board approved his check,
Yet from the start, this was a train wreck.
A week before school started the schedules came out,
It was at that point the parents began to doubt.
Mr. Rixford said that there was a little glitch,
Apparently new schedules was not his niche.
He tried his best to pass the buck,
As his master plan ran amuck.
The middle schools were in major trouble,
Yet he remained in his bubble.
As Superintendent he was paid top dollar,
So the parents began to hollar.
When things began, to get really heated,
Is when it seems that he was defeated.
When we needed him most he seemed to bail,
For his plan was nothing but a fairy tale.
With Mr. Rixford no longer in site
The schedules were still not right.
To correct the problem the board had to decide,
That it is time to swallow their pride.
Nine periods is what the middle school needs,
As they began to apologize on their knees.
The moral of the story as you see,
Is that the board should not be afraid to disagree..
Part 4: Back by Popular Demand
T’was the night of another Board Meeting, a month after the initial schedule release date,
When the people came out to vent frustration over what is now called Schedulegate.
If you have not been following, I could fill you in over a cup of tea,
However you probably should read part one, two, and three.
We left off when the decision was made to switch back in time,
When both middle schools were running just fine.
We were told this process would take a lot of time,
All of this funded on the taxpayer’s dime.
The night of the meeting Dr. Gigante addressed the crowd,
She announced the schedule was fixed, she seemed so proud
This process to fix this mess should have taken at least five weeks,
But she sped up the process and fixed it in 9 days, as she continued to speak.
She recognized the counselors, supervisors, building administrators, and academic technology staff.
I’m just wondering if they were all paid time and a half.
A big thanks to all those who helped fixed this big mess,
We all know it has caused a whole bunch of stress.
The meeting continued like nothing was wrong,
When the Public portion was open when we learned Rixford said so long.
The Board and administrators tried to hide the fact,
That Mr. Rixford was planning on breaking his pact.
It was a parent, who mentioned this to the crowd,
When she was done, the audience clapped really loud.
A topic that was important as this,
Should not have been pushed through, hoping it would be missed.
The citizens of Parsippany are ready to take a stand and fight,
To find out what happened, this is our right.
His plan was pushed as being so elementary,
Yet when it failed, he rode off into the sunset in his Bentley.
Many did not like him due to his ego trip,
Yet when things where rough, he was the first off the sinking ship.
Now that he is no longer around,
It seems as though everyone is jumping up and down.
As the district begins doing damage control,
There is no doubt this fiaso has taken its toll.
The moral of the strory has left with me writer’s cramp,
Maybe the Board and District should put away the rubber stamp.
Name withheld upon request
Bowl with Employment Horizons for a Scary Good Time
CEDAR KNOLLS — Join us for the annual Employment Horizons Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser featuring a Halloween theme complete with costumed bowlers and prizes.
Sponsored by the New Jersey office of Avison Young, the Bowl-A-Thon supports the Cedar Knolls based nonprofit agency that provides job training and placement services to individuals with disabilities. Additional sponsors include Matthijssen, Inc. and VFW Watnong Post #3401. Volunteers from Avison Young and Tiffany & Co. will be on hand to assist with the day’s events.
The Bowl-A-Thon will be held on Sunday, October 25 from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 p.m. at Hanover Lanes, East Hanover.
The fundraiser is one of the most anticipated of the year for the organization’s program participants, who begin asking about the event in June! The event provides hard-working people with disabilities a special celebration, while raising money to enhance job skills training.
This year, Employment Horizons again welcomes retired professional bowler Jeff Morin. Morin joined the Professional Bowlers Association in 1988. He was a three time television finalist, eight time regional PBA champion, PBA Regional Player of the Year 1998, two time NJ All Events Champion, and has 56 perfect games. Morin is excited to give back and looks forward to providing bowling tips and tricks to Employment Horizons’ program participants. Last year, Morin signed autographs and took photos with bowlers to the delight of all the guests! Anyone can join in the fun while supporting the agency’s mission, by purchasing tickets online for $20.00 each or becoming a lane, lunch or costume sponsor. Checks may also be mailed to Employment Horizons, 10 Ridgedale Ave., Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927.
Those unable to bowl can show their support by joining the Bowl-A-Thon luncheon for $5.00 or by making a Bowl-A-Thon donation. Pre-registration is required by October 16th. For further information, visit www.emhorizons.org or contact Karen Rynearson, Community Relations Assistant at (973) 538-8822, ext. 228 or e-mail krynearson@ehorizons.org.
Law Enforcement Development Course Kicks off in Parsippany
PARSIPPANY − The Fall Session of the Law Enforcement Development Course kicked off Monday, September 28 at the Morris County Public Safety Academy.
There are approximately 70 students from various colleges and universities around the area participating in this semesters program. Undersheriff William Schievella who organizes and runs the entire course started of the first session by introducing some law enforcement professionals who spoke to the group of the students.
The Law Enforcement Development Course is a 10-week course for college students interested in developing a career in law enforcement.
The course is a cooperative venture of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the county’s Department of Law and Public Safety and the New Jersey Community Affairs Officers Association in partnership with colleges, universities and law enforcement groups throughout New Jersey.
Participants were introduced to the work of law enforcement to broaden their perspectives and understanding of the criminal justice system and to better understand what it takes to enter the field of law enforcement.
“The image of a law enforcement officer, for many, is formed by what they see on television or in the movies,” Kathy DeFillippo said. “The students who take this career development course will soon learn their perception of what it’s like to be a law enforcement officer is not reality.”
“This course was truly amazing, very informative and fun, and I got to meet some real professional law enforcement officers and build relationships with them and with the other students in the class as well, said Nicolas Limanov, one of the graduates. “I learned some neat tricks on how to stand out at an interview and what a perfect resume should look like. And best of all it was all for free because of the so many volunteers from various agencies who took the time out of their busy schedules to come and teach us. Special Thanks to William Schievella for all your hard work in putting together and running this program and the Morris County Freeholders as well for having this in the budget,” he said.
The Law Enforcement Career Development Course is a highly competitive program that was created in 2010, and it is the first of its kind in New Jersey. The course is recommended for college students interested in criminal justice, social sciences, and justice studies, as well as those students who are undecided but have an interest in pursuing careers in the field of legal justice.
Students got a closer look at law enforcement by being exposed to practical scenarios and hands-on instruction.
“The hands-on instruction given to the students is the critical component of this course,” said Freeholder Doug Cabana, the freeholder board’s liaison to Law and Public Safety. “It provides the students with exposure to the real world of law enforcement to help them determine if this career field is right for them.”
The Law Enforcement Career Development Course covered topics ranging from domestic violence, mock crime scenes and defensive tactics to dressing for success, health and wellness and preparing for the written and psychological exams.
The Morris County Public Safety Training Academy is located at 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany.
Par Hills Cross Country team held Car Wash
PARSIPPANY − The Pasippany Hills Cross Country Team held a car was this past Sunday, September 27 to raise funds for their team. The car wash was held at Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3, Halsey Road.
Today is National Coffee Day!
PARSIPPANY — Whether you like it hot, iced, sweetened or even infused with nitrogen, there’s no denying that coffee is one of America’s favorite beverages.
According to the National Coffee Association, Americans spend over $40 billion a year on coffee with the average person shelling out just over $20 a week for their favorite cup of joe.
But today is National Coffee Day so a few of America’s biggest coffee shops are showing their appreciation by handing out free or discounted cups to coffee lovers across the country.
Here’s a list of national freebies and deals to help you get your caffeine fix:
Dunkin’ Donuts: Free medium cup of Dunkin’ Donuts hot or iced dark roast coffee. Limit one per guest and deal is only available at participating locations.
JetBlue: If you’re traveling today, Jet Blue is offering Mint customers the opportunity to
enjoy complimentary espresso brews from the Brooklyn Roasting Company.
Krispy Kreme: Guests can enjoy one free small coffee and original glazed donut.
Staples: Post a photo on social media with your coffee mug and the hashtag #OfficeMugShot for the chance to win a free pack of coffee.
Wawa: Free coffee in any size.
Whole Foods: The grocery store is celebrating all month long with 25 cent cups of 12-ounce coffee.
Cumberland Farms: Consumers of this convenience store chain can text FREECOFFEE to 33733 to get a free iced or hot coffee of any size from one of its 600 stores. Added bonus: starting on October 9, consumers can get free coffee on Fridays at the chain; the offer expires at the end of that month.
If your favorite spot for coffee is not on our list, and they are offering coffee specials today, email news@parsippanyfocus.com, and we will add it!
Outdoor Movies at St. Gregory’s
PARSIPPANY — Outdoor cinema makes a return to Parsippany on Saturday, October 17, as the Films For Thought Series kicks off at Saint Gregory’s Episcopal Church with a screening of beloved cartoons from the Sixties and Seventies. Besides being outdoors (weather permitting) the most notable aspect of the evening will be that it features projection from real film, just like at the drive in theaters of old. Due to the proliferation of digital media, film projection, especially of cartoons, is a phenomenon that most kids have never experienced. “We know that technology marches on but we want to provide an opportunity for young people to experience the depth and clarity of real film projection before its gone forever,” said event mastermind, Dave Sica. “Plus these cartoons are classics and worth a watch in their own right.”
Event organizers will employ a giant, inflatable movie screen, 16mm projectors and state of the art sound to enhance the experience. Kids of all ages are welcome. Admission is free. Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended. The first cartoon will be shown at 7:00 p.m.
Hot cider, coffee and light snacks will be available for purchase. If the weather does not cooperate the event will be re-located inside as the Series has done in the past. Saint Gregory’s is located at 480 S. Beverwyck Road.
For more information please call the church office at 973-887-5879.
Blood Donors at Community Blood Services will Receive Restaurant Gift Card
PARSIPPANY — Community Blood Services invites its volunteer donors to make a life-giving blood, platelet or plasma donation on Monday, October 12 and get a “thank you” restaurant gift card.
Any blood, platelet or plasma donor who donates that day at the Paramus, Parsippany or Montvale donor centers will receive a gift card redeemable at a number of popular restaurant chains, including Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Longhorn Steakhouse.
Donors can call (201) 251-3703 for hours and locations and to schedule an appointment. Whole blood donors can also walk in but an appointment is needed to donate platelets. You can also schedule online by clicking here.
O negative donors are especially needed because this blood type is in most demand by local hospitals. As the universal blood type, it can be transfused to any patient in need regardless of their own blood type. Platelets are also urgently needed to treat patients diagnosed with cancer or other blood disorders.
Whole blood donors must be healthy, 17-75 years old (16 years old with parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds.
Community Blood Service is a not-for-profit organization that provides blood and blood products to more than 20 hospitals in New Jersey and New York, including Atlantic Health System Hospitals, HackensackUMC, St. Joseph’s Healthcare System in Paterson/Wayne and The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood.
Community Blood Services is located at 1259 Route 46 East and can be reached by calling (973) 676-4700.
Parsippany Ice 12U are Tournament Champs
PARSIPPANY — This past weekend, September 26 and Septembr 27 the 12U Parsippany Ice Team were the champions of the Fall Friendly Softball Tournament held in Long Valley. Pictured with their well earned trophies are from left to right: Manager Jason Adams and Coach Norm Gong. Players Rosa Marfia, Haley Belfiore, Chloe Budd, Kiersten Koch, Sabrina Gong, Madison Thiel, Lauren Hernandez, Carlee Urban, Abigail Adams, and Laura Swan. Not pictured: Coach Greg Duska and players Katie Duska and Mikayla Swan.
Whole Foods to cut 1,500 jobs
AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods Market says it will cut 1,500 jobs in the next two months in the midst of a challenging year for the retailer. Austin-based Whole Foods said it is making the cuts “as part of its ongoing commitment to lower prices for its customers and invest in technology upgrades while improving its…
In young athletes, what are the warning signs of an injured spleen?
With the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office determining that Warren Hills High School quarterback Evan Murray died of massive internal bleeding due to a laceration of the spleen, we asked two doctors at University Hospital in Newark – one of the state’s three Level One trauma units – about spleen injuries. Adam Fox is a trauma…
500-year storms could now occur every 24 years, study says
Under normal odds, the chance that a New York City or Jersey Shore resident would witness a so-called “500-year flood” — one with massive storm surge and flooding — would be so low, many residents would never live to witness one. But according to new research, those residents today could witness ocean flooding of that magnitude…
Super Blood Moon wasn’t so super to see in Parsippany: PHOTOS
Because of heavy cloud cover, the Super Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse was a dud in Parsippany. But that didn’t stop some great photos from being taken in New York and across the country. If you weren’t able to see the eclipse last night, don’t worry, the show will be back in town again in 2033.
Warren Hills QB Evan Murray died from a lacerated spleen
Warren Hills Regional High School quarterback Evan Murray died of a lacerated spleen, a medical examiner found. An autopsy of the 17-year-old from Warren County found the cause of death to be massive internal bleeding due to the laceration. Morris County Medical Examiner Dr. Ronald Suarez determined during the examination that Murray had an abnormally enlarged…
Facebook Goes Down for the Second Time in a Week
For the second time in a week, Facebook had outage issues. The website began having issues around 3 p.m. Eastern Time, causing a flurry of angry posts on the other social media networks that were working. Facebook went down on September 24th for a brief time, much to the frustration of their one billion active users.…