PARSIPPANY — Scouts BSA is an amazing way for kids and teenagers to learn skills for the real world, like responsibility, cooking, interview skills, organizational skills, outdoor survival skills, and much more. Luckily Parsippany has had its troop in town for almost 70 years, Troop 72. The troop welcomes both boys and girls from Parsippany and surrounding towns. Troop 72 has helped serve our town in many ways, like trash clean-ups, food drives, and, most recently, working with Liquid Church to pack meals for Rise Against Hunger.
Along with the life skills that you learn, you also earn merit badges. Merit badges are awards earned by youth in the troop based on activities within the study area by completing a list of periodically updated requirements. Some of the different merit badges you can earn are Communications, Citizenship in Society, Citizenship in the Community, Cooking, Fingerprinting, Rifle Shooting, Art, Photography, Genealogy, and a lot more. When you complete the merit badge that you have chosen, you earn the badge at your troops’ next Court of Honor. A Court of Honor is a ceremony where the scouts in the troop earn the ranks that they have finished, any merit badge that they have finished, and any other award that they might have earned. There are seven ranks in the Scouts BSA. The first is Scout Rank and the seventh is Eagle Rank.
There are so many amazing parts to scouts, so I could not choose just one thing that is my favorite part of Scouts BSA, but I narrowed it down to my three favorite parts of Scouts BSA are the memories you make, the skills that you learn, and the friends that you make.
Parsippany’s own Troop 72 will have an open house on April 12, 2023. We will have a lot of activities that will show you just a little bit of all the amazing things you do in Scouts BSA. The open house will be in the back of All Saints Academy in the Cafeteria at 7:00 p.m.
Troop 72: Serves Parsippany in Many Ways
Two Parsippany Men Arrested For Conspiracy and Larceny
PARSIPPANY — Two men from Parsippany are accused of trying to steal $109,000 from an elderly Yarmouth, Massachusetts, woman in a computer virus scam.
Yarmouth police said it started on Friday, March 24, when the 78-year-old woman called a tech support number about a problem with her computer.
Investigators said Nikit Yadav, 22, and Raj Vipul Patel, 21 demanded money to remove “unwanted items from her computer.”
When the two men went to her house Monday evening to collect the money, they were arrested, police said.
The men are charged with conspiracy and larceny over $1,200 by false pretense.
According to police, they were held overnight at the Yarmouth Police Department before being transferred to court for arraignment on Wednesday.
The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information about Yadav and Patel is asked to contact Yarmouth police at (508) 775-0445.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Parsippany Hills High School Visits France
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School takes us on a journey to France as we wrap up our Flavors Around the World promotion. The French Club helped us brush up on our French as we dined on popular French cuisine.
Pool Tables Now Open at the Senior Center
Pool Tables Now Open at the Senior CenterPARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Senior Community Center pool tables are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The center is available to all Parsippany senior citizens at 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha.
There is no joining fee to the center, so come by for a visit to shoot a game or two. If you want to play more frequently, a $2.00 annual fee is all that is requested.
Call Parsippany Office on Aging at (973) 263-7351.
Unaffiliated Voters: Primary Election Law Change
MORRIS COUNTY — Residents of Morris County should be aware of a recent election law change regarding unaffiliated voters.
The change in law, N.J.S.A 19:23-45, states that unaffiliated voters who automatically receive a mail-in ballot for all future elections will not receive a mail-in ballot for the Primary Election. Voters must affiliate themselves with either the Democratic or Republican Party, stated the clerk’s office.
The deadline to declare a party, Democratic or Republican, is Wednesday, April 12.
The letter sent to all unaffiliated voters:
NOTICE TO UNAFFILIATED VOTERS
You are receiving this notice because you have been identified as an unaffiliated voter, meaning a voter who is not affiliated with any political party, has requested a mail-in ballot, or is listed as receiving mail-in ballots for all future elections. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:23-45, an unaffiliated voter shall not receive a mail-in ballot for a Primary Election unless that voter declares a political party affiliation. To vote in the Primary Election of the Democratic or Republican Party by mail-in ballot, you must be affiliated with either the Democratic or Republican Party and not remain an unaffiliated voter.
To receive a mail-in ballot for the 2023 Primary Election, please declare your affiliation with either the Democratic or Republican Party by completing, signing, and returning the enclosed political party affiliation declaration form found on the other side of this letter to the Board of Elections County Commissioner of Registration or your Municipal Clerk. The political party affiliation declaration form must be completed and returned by April 12, 2023, to receive a mail-in ballot for the Primary Election. If you do not declare a party by April 12, 2023, you will not receive a mail-in ballot and will remain unaffiliated.
Finally, please be advised that an unaffiliated voter may still vote in a Primary Election by voting in person during the Early Voting period or on Election Day for either the Democratic or Republican Party. After an unaffiliated voter votes in-person in the Democratic or Republican Party Primary Election, the voter will be affiliated with that political party.
The completed form can be returned to us via:
Online: www.voter.svrs.nj.gov/register
Email: elections@co.morris.nj.us
Fax: 973-285-5208
Mail: Morris County Board of Elections PO Box 900 Morristown, NJ 07963-0900
In Person: Morris County Board of Elections Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; 10 Court Street – 2nd Floor Morristown, NJ 07960
For questions, call (973) 285-6715.
Murphy Signs Legislation to Support New Jersey Small Businesses
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed three bills into law to support New Jersey small businesses.
“Today, we underscore once again that economic opportunity is abundant and accessible in New Jersey, especially for the small businesses that line our main streets and undergird our local communities,” said Governor Murphy. “I thank Assembly Speaker Coughlin for leading the preparation of this comprehensive bill package, which will ensure that we continue to respond to the needs and concerns of small business owners as effectively as possible. This legislation will enable us to attract, retain, and inspire small businesses to expand in a state at the national forefront of economic vitality and innovation.”
The bills A-4748/S-3195 and A-4749/S-3204 enhance the customer service experience at the New Jersey Business Action Center by establishing a publicly available small business manual and collecting and disseminating customer assistance metrics and information, respectively.
Bill A-4753/S-3208 allows a cure period for businesses to address and resolve certain violations.
Together, these bills will make life easier for small business owners while bolstering New Jersey’s standing as an attractive place for starting and growing a business, said the governor’s office.
“The Business Action Center exists to help New Jersey companies navigate how state government rules and resources impact their operations,” said the Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “This legislation strengthens the Business Action Center and ensures that it is responsive to the needs of our constituents.”
“For small business owners, the fines associated with minor violations can be a significant setback,” said Assemblyman Roy Freiman. “By allowing businesses to fix harmless mistakes without being subjected to penalties, we commit to creating an environment that attracts new businesses to our State and allows those already here to prosper.”
Art Competition Announced by Representative Sherrill’s Office
PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced the launch of her fifth annual Congressional Art Competition for NJ-11 students. The competition allows high school students to showcase their creativity and artistic expression.
“New Jersey’s 11th District is home to so many incredible young artists,” said Rep. Sherrill. “Each year, I am impressed with all of our students’ submissions. The Congressional Art Competition is a great way to come together to celebrate their hard work. I look forward to seeing the artwork and encourage each high school to participate.”
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent nationwide and in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panel judges select the winning entries. The winner’s artwork will be displayed alongside winners from nationwide for one year in the U.S. Capitol.
Artwork submitted for NJ-11’s competition will be displayed at an art show and reception at Montclair State University on May 4. The winner will be announced at this reception.
Due to limitations of gallery space, NJ-11 high schools can select up to two students’ work to submit, and their art must be dropped off at Rep. Sherrill’s District Office. The deadline to submit is April 21. Rep. Sherrill’s office is 8 Wood Hollow Road, Parsippany, NJ, 07054. Click here to view the full guidelines and information about the Congressional Art Competition.
Contested Republican Primary in Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Five candidates petitioned to compete in the Republican primary for Township Council on Tuesday, June 6. The deadline to file petitions with Khaled Madin, Municipal Clerk, was Monday, March 27. There are three Council seats up for grabs.
Team Carifi consists of current Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., and his running mates Adam Kandil and Matthew McGrath, who will be on the Regular Republican Organization line on the ballot. This is the first time that Kandil and McGrath are running for political office.
Former Board of Education member Gary Martin and Lake Parsippany resident Danny Desai also submitted petitions. This is the first time Desai is running for public office. Martin lost the election in 2021 to current Councilman Frank Neglia.
The three Republican winners in the Primary will compete in the General Election on Tuesday, November 7, with three democrats. On Monday, three Democrats filed a petition: Judy Hernandez, Bernard Clarkin, and Matt Kavanagh.
The winners in the General Election will join Councilman Frank Neglia and Councilman Justin Musella, serving their second year of a four-year term on the Council.
Fellow Republican incumbents Michael dePierro and Loretta Gragnani previously declared they would not run for re-election.
In addition to local elections, the Board of Commissioners and County Clerk will have competition during the primary.
Current County Clerk Ann F. Grossi will be challenged in the primary by Rockaway resident Andrew Agliata. The primary winner will be challenged in the General Election by Democrat Caroline (Carrie) O’Brien. O’Brien is a Towaco resident.
Current County Commissioner Tayfun Selen is being challenged in the Republican Primary by Pine Brook resident Paul DeGroot and Parsippany resident Robert Snyder. The winner in the Primary race will then face off in the General Election with Democrat Jonathan Sackett, a Rockaway resident.
Parsippany residents BettyLou DeCroce and Robert Peluso is running against current Assemblymen Jay Webber and Brian Bergen for the Assembly race.
Grants Offered to Local Citizen’s Groups in Highlands Region
MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Highlands Coalition announced the availability of grants of up to $5,000 for local citizens’ groups fighting to protect the natural or cultural resources of the Highlands.
Past funding has supported groups opposing unwise development proposals such as million-square-foot warehouses on prime farmland or trying to prevent the logging of large trees in maturing forests that store atmospheric carbon and serve as the best defense against climate change.
Applications for the 2023 Small Grants Program must be received by June 1.
Grants will be presented on Oct. 11 at the N.J. Highlands Coalition’s 2023 Annual Meeting.
“Our Small Grants Program is one of the unique strengths of the Highlands Coalition,” said Julia Somers, executive director. “We work at the state and regional levels, but most members of our coalition are from local grassroots groups who are in touch with breaking issues in their communities. They’re our early warning system.”
The grants can also go to historical projects that include “brick-and-mortar” projects for specific historic sites or districts. This is the seventeenth year of the Coalition’s Small Grants Program for environmental projects and the ninth year for projects that protect cultural, historical, and archaeological resources in the Highlands, an important part of the Highlands Regional Master Plan.
Grassroots organizations are non-governmental organizations with a total annual operating budget of less than $200,000. The organization doesn’t need to be incorporated. To be eligible to apply for a grant, an organization must become a member of the Coalition, but dues are as low as $20 a year. Grants from the Highlands Coalition cannot be used for political purposes.
A grassroots group may apply for one or more grants, either environmental, cultural or components of both. But the total amount requested by any organization cannot exceed $5,000.
Projects covered by the grant should meet at least one of the following five criteria, with the items at the top getting more weight than those below:
1. Projects that focus on developing a stronger Highlands Regional Master Plan (RMP) and/or implementation of the RMP. For example, projects that identify, map, or verify mapped Highlands natural or cultural resources or monitor the implementation of RMP standards at the local level; projects that advocate for and result in municipal conformance with the RMP;
2. Projects that would establish a precedent, advancing strong environmental or cultural protection in the Highlands. For example, hiring a consultant to help achieve the most environmentally protective decision by NJDEP, the Highlands Council, or other regulatory bodies on a Highlands matter or for meeting local affordable housing needs;
3. Projects that may not help set a precedent but would assist an organization in to fight against development in the Highlands Region – such as residential, commercial, agribusiness projects, etc. – that seriously threatens or damages natural or cultural resources in the Region;
4. Projects that support capacity building of Highlands Region grassroots organizations, for example, a membership mailing, a strategic planning exercise, a workshop, conference or public educational event, etc.;
5. Projects that educate about Highlands water and resources and/or increase public awareness of the use and conservation of Highlands water.
Applicants are advised to view the full guidelines for the program on the Coalition’s website, particularly for cultural and historic grant components with very detailed requirements. Go to www.njhighlandscoalition.org/small-grants for more information. To join the Coalition, place click “Donate,” check “Make this gift on behalf of an organization,” and join with your $20 (non-voting) or $30 (voting) membership contribution.
Applicants seeking more information are encouraged to contact Julia Somers at (973) 588-7190 or julia@njhighlandscoalition.org.
The New Jersey Highlands Coalition represents a diverse network of organizations working to protect the Highlands, ranging from small citizen groups working in one community to large state-wide organizations. The Coalition works to protect, enhance and restore the New Jersey Highlands and to preserve the quality and quantity of the region’s drinking water upon which 6.2 million people depend. More information is available at www.njhighlandscoalition.org.
STEAM Poster Competition
PARSIPPANY — The Human Robotics non-profit organization, in partnership with STEM NJ Pathways, recently hosted a STEAM poster competition in Parsippany on March 25. The event featured 38 elementary and middle school students displaying their posters on various topics ranging from green energy, how technology works, save the earth to nuclear fission.
Over 80 people attended the event. The young participants were given a platform to present their posters for one minute, during which they shared their ideas and concepts with the audience.
The Guests of honor were the Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor, Mr. James Barberio, and Kiwanis Lt. Governor, Mr. Frank Cahill.
Mr. Barberio spoke highly of promoting STEAM education and encouraging youth to create a sustainable future actively. Mr. Cahill also commended the kids for their excellent work and highlighted the importance of such events to create awareness and encourage sustainability.
The event was hosted by a Parsippany High School student, and Human Robotics lead volunteer, Aarjun Bodade. The addition of trivia questions during the poster presentation was a hit with the kids and adults, and they learned more about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
The judges for the competition, Dave Reagan and Joseph Cistaro, were impressed with all the student’s work and ideas and had difficulty deciding on the top three posters. Eventually, the top three posters were awarded to Krisha Movalia, Tvisha Singh, and Raayan Bodade.
The event also featured seven talented musicians from the Allegro Music School, who
performed an outstanding violin performance to honor the art in STEAM. The organization
thanked Ms. Debra Seftel, director of Allegro music school, and her students for their performance.
Representatives from the Parsippany High School robotics team and coach Ms. Kathleen Effner, the lead Math teacher, also attended the event. The Redbots and Techhawks Robotics team members talked about the robotics programs offered by Parsippany High School and encouraged the kids to learn more about robotics.
The STEAM poster competition was a great success and is a testament to parents, volunteers, and educators’ role in developing kids’ skills and abilities in science,
technology, engineering, arts, and math. The organization hopes to continue this tradition, encourage more students to participate in such events, and help the kids showcase the
potential of the youth to create innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.
In addition, the non-profit organization is now accepting tax-exempt donations and looking for potential sponsors. Your donations will help conduct more events and volunteer work to impact young minds positively. They appreciate any amount you can give. Please click here for more information.
The success of the STEAM poster competition was made possible by the dedication and hard work of both young and old Human Robotics volunteers. The event provided an opportunity to give back to the community and inspired several parents to inquire about the volunteering program. Human Robotics is committed to continuing its efforts to promote volunteerism by giving back to the community and promoting STEAM education, leadership, and selflessness. The Human Robotics Non-profit plans to organize more volunteering activities this year, allowing children to learn from peers and positively impact their community.
Parsippany Rescue and Recovery and Rockaway Neck Ambulance Held Installation Dinner
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Rescue and Recovery with Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance recently held its Installation Dinner at Hanover Manor. Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio administered the “Oath of Office” to all the members.
The 2023 officers are Paul Anderson, Chief; Andrew Ludwig, Deputy Chief; Jake Beg, Captain; Josh Levine, Lieutenant; Alexis Bota, Lieutenant; and John Bota, Dive Coordinator.
In addition, the Executive Board consists of Billy Sanford, President; John Walsh, Vice President; Rafael Ortiz, Secretary; Andrew Ludwig, Treasurer; and Nick Limanov, Sergeant At Arms.
Parsippany Rescue and Recovery is a 100% volunteer rescue department with an active membership roll of 25 fully trained first responders and heavy rescue. We operate out of two strategically placed stations in town, allowing for the quickest response time.
The Unit has been serving the town since 1960 and provides heavy rescue, vehicle extrication, dive rescue/recovery, confined space rescue, elevator entrapment, downed tree and limb removal, board ups, pump outs, emergency power generation, lighting, and special services to its residents.
They provide mutual aid to our town’s six fire departments, two ambulance squads, and one EMS. In addition, the Unit assists the fire departments and rescue squads of Denville, Mountain Lakes, Randolph, Morris Township, Morris Plains, Morristown, Hanover, East Hanover, Boonton, Montville, Fairfield, as well as any other requests from any other municipalities in the New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania area.
The squad had a confined space team, providing pump-outs and board-ups after fire or theft.
For more information on Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, click here. If you would like to volunteer, click here for a membership application.
Letter to the Editor: Leaf-Blowers Are the Bad
Dear Editor:
The good is bad we don’t do. The rake needed no improvements; how has a leaf blower improved our lives?
As of the last few months, an attempt to bring the annoyance, pollution, and degradation of the quality of life and sense of community by leaf-blowers to the Council has been ignored. Councilman Musella stated to me “privately” he could never support such a Resolution to phase out leaf-blowers for better alternatives available. The better being battery-powered rather than 2-cycle black-carbon polluting and noise-making in excessive 90-100 decibels.
At the last Council meeting, Councilman Justin Musella had to have his own words back in his mouth; “He could never support such a resolution because it was government interfering with business.” It is ok for businesses to interfere with our health, well-being, privacy, and sense of community. He says he is for the community; what he means in his rhetoric is he cares and supports business over the community, no matter the impacts or outcome.
Sensible Human-beings are not perfectionists but Meliorists. They believe in trying or making things better by putting things right and improving them when they do not work well enough.
Some things have to be the best they can be; Medical procedures, airline journeys, and maintaining the security of bank accounts; because of what is at stake.
Here with the lawn industry, the stakes are Human Health and well-being, a sense of community violated, disturbing the peace, invasion of privacy through the noise and air pollution, and continuing anti-ecological industry that does more harm than good in quality of life and ecological sense. Why would a person or a Council be against such a Resolution supporting such proposed legislation as A6238 or S4273?
In close-quarter neighborhoods like Lake Hiawatha, and many suburban places, these blowers are especially offensive, other factors like acoustic properties of home locations. The randomness of one blower being used (after enduring mower noise) and then another, from another property, at another period leaves peace and quite near impossible for long, arbitrary on any given day. (During the recent past summer drought, when grass shuts-down it, growth landscapers were cutting the lawns as usual, despite the lack of ecological sense or need, for their fees).
Even in areas like Parks and Natural Areas, Pyramid Mountain, Wildcat Ridge, and others, the setting is disturbed by these noise creators and air pollution devices.
Many towns and places have finally come to the limits of tolerance in realizing the obvious negative impacts of this unhealthy intrusive industry. The Green here is the money, not any sense or science of ecology. To reject a resolution to improve an industry through available new and better tools is merely a slap in the face of the community and environmental health in favor of business or the common good.
I am pro-free market which has, for the better part of human history, always improved the lives of all people. Competition makes us better. Justin Musella.
Nothing can be further from the truth. Competition wastes energy and resources and has not been the catalyst for better human cooperation, or we would never have gotten this far. Progress is another word for pollution and has improved the lives of some, not most. At present, our economy exists outside the laws of nature. It is unsustainable and promotes endless growth, an impossibility. The competition also leads to a monopoly as one puts the other out of business. Free Market is also an illusion and a deception.
Never in the history of democratic societies has the populace been more removed from the decision-making process than it is today. Our Collective Global future is being made behind closed doors by trade representatives-appointed officials with the blessing of amorphous, transnational corporations. Our Constitution has been hijacked and keeps proving it’s a flawed document; “we the people matter little,” as does science or ecological sustainability. Above all, corporations’ rights and profits are responsible for the present demise of the Republic and any hope of democracy or equitable justice.
Lawn culture is a self-centered anti-community annoyance we are made to suffer, as it encourages life in a vacuum as if no one else exists at the time, and that the impacts of air pollution, noise pollution, and injury to mother earth are sanctioned somehow by private property and individual rights, which puts private property opposed to community and environment itself!
No economic interest should ever be placed above the reverence for life, but that is what we have in a free market. The recent train wreck resulted in free market deregulation, as its cargo of Vinyl chloride is used to make even more plastics, not less has spread harm and sickness; as we see the plastics about us everywhere, that citizens is the free market, making our lives better? Not only is vinyl chloride used in plastic production, it also requires mercury. Cancer, one would suppose, is spread by free-market products made with vinyl chloride and mercury.
The opposite side of progress is pollution from man-made chemicals that don’t exist in nature. The pollution outcome of progress has long ago brought an unsustainable scale of waste, which costs and affects us, not the corporate efficient cause that produces it; they pass off the negative to others, which is another free-market downside. Plastics are the most obvious example of free market delusions of the outcome.
Free Markets are the opposite of free people, and the sanction of corporations are people or better and above people. Free Market is the economy not serving people, but people the economy, a return to the plantation model of the master-slave paradigm.
It appears our present town council is a Chamber of Commerce on steroids. If you are not in business or a Fortune 500, you don’t count. The council has no checks or balances against this. Not supporting this resolution concerning progress in better lawn equipment, specifically leaf-blowers, is shameful.
Nicholas Homyak
Lake Hiawatha
Thor Needs Your Help!
PARSIPPANY — Thor is a 4-year-old German Shepherd therapy dog raised by Lisa and Steven Klink since birth. Lisa is a special education teacher at Schuyler Colfax Middle School in Wayne. Thor was trained to be a Seeing Eye dog, but that was not his true destiny. Thor was just too social and not quite a match for the Seeing Eye, so the Klinks decided to adopt him. Lisa helped Thor to obtain his therapy dog certificate through Bright and Beautiful, where he passed with flying colors.
Since then, he has spent his Fridays with his family at Schuyler Colfax.
Becoming a Certified Therapy Dog was Thor’s destiny. His gentle and patient demeanor makes everyone fall in love with him. He is always happy to be at school, with his tail-wagging, making sure he visits all his friends (and, of course, getting lots of treats!). He loves getting brushed, having the students read to him, playing ball in the gym, and listening to classroom lessons while his mommy teaches. Thor makes everyone happy and relieves stress for both the students and staff.
Thor has helped many people over the years and needs our help. He was recently diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease and is experiencing partial paralysis that needs to be evaluated by a veterinary neurologist. He will need intensive care, treatment, and surgery. Thor is an incredibly special dog who needs our love and support to help him and his family in their time of need. Please consider helping our sweet Thorkins so he can continue to bring love, joy, and happiness to all that know him.
Recently, an MRI showed Thor’s issue was a ruptured disc, so he went into emergency surgery that night! This was great news because the surgery success rate for this procedure was very high, but it required a longer hospitalization for Thor. The Klinks brought our Thor home today, and he already can put 50% weight on the back legs, but apparently, he wants FOOD to do the work. His paws are in the right place to walk, and he even started wagging his tail again! Unfortunately, the final bill was over the original estimate, which doesn’t even include his medicines, aqua therapy, or PT. He will need to learn to walk again. Please continue to show your love and support by donating.
A very special shoutout to Thor’s vet, Dr. Elizabeth Boggier, at Mountain View Vet in Rockaway, and Dr. Katherine Crook at Eclipse Pet Care in Whippany, who performed the surgery.
Easter Bunny Made a Surprise Visit in Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — The Easter Bunny arrived in Parsippany on Saturday, March 25.
He visited Town Hall, and children of all ages came to say “hi,” give a high five or hug the Easter Bunny.
Recreation staff helped the Easter Bunny hand out chocolate bunnies, coloring books, and treats.
Mayor Barberio enjoyed seeing how happy the children were to meet the Easter Bunny and said, “We know spring can’t be far off when the Easter Bunny arrives!”
Easter is celebrated on Sunday, April 9, 2023.
Two Students Arrested Following Incident at Morris Knolls High School
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Denville Police Chief Frank Perna confirmed the arrest of two students following an incident at Morris Knolls High School on Thursday, March 23.
On Thursday, Denville Police Department responded to Morris Knolls High School after receiving a report that school staff discovered two students possessing a gun. The department’s School Resource Officer and other responding officers arrived quickly. The involved students were already identified and secured by school staff, as was the weapon, by the time officers arrived. The two juveniles involved were arrested and charged with the unlawful possession of a weapon and related charges. Since this matter involves juveniles, no further information will be released.
There was no active threat to the school, staff, or students, and the matter remains under investigation.
“This afternoon, the Morris Knolls Administration discovered a weapon on campus. The weapon and those responsible were immediately secured, and there was never an active threat to students or staff. Our onsite School Resource Officer and other officers from the Denville Police Department immediately responded and took custody of the weapon and the involved parties. We assure you that this matter was dealt with swiftly and that the students and staff were not in danger. As this is an active police investigation, we cannot provide further details. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We will continue to work closely with the Denville Police Department to ensure a safe learning environment for our school community,” said Ryan MacNaughton, Principal of Morris Knolls High School
All Denville schools’ safety and security are paramount to the Denville Police Department. There is no ongoing activity or suspected threat to the school, staff, or students related to this incident. However, the Denville Police will have an increased presence at the school over the next few days to help alleviate any fears or concerns.
Prosecutor Robert Carroll thanks the Morris Knolls administration and staff for their actions and cooperation in identifying and quickly resolving this incident.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Parsippany Police is Attempting to Locate Driver of Vehicle
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department is attempting to locate the driver of the above-pictured vehicle.
Earlier this morning, a silver, four-door sedan with window tint and black rims, driven by a black male with a beard, approached a juvenile on River Road.
The juvenile was asked if he needed a ride and was told to get into the vehicle.
The juvenile stated no, and the vehicle quickly left the area and headed towards Hoffman Avenue. If anyone can identify the owner or operator of the vehicle, don’t hesitate to contact (973) 263-4300 extension 0.
Sydney Strumolo Named “Mayor for the Day”
PARSIPPANY — Mayor James Barberio executed the Oath of Office to Mayor Sydney Strumolo, a 7th grader at Central Middle School, as “Mayor for the Day” on Thursday, March 23.
A Police salute greeted Sydney, and then Mayor Barberio administered the “Oath of Office” to Sydney in the Council Chambers. Mayor Strumolo then presided over the staff meeting.
Mayor Strumolo ran the meeting efficiently and commanded the respect of the department heads as she listened to their reports. “Mayor Strumolo is a very smart young lady, and we loved having her at Town Hall today,” the Mayor said.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board Meeting – March 22, 2023
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board Meeting – March 22, 2023.
Click here to download the agenda.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment
2023 Members and Term Dates
- Robert Iracane Chairman 12/31/25
- Dave Kaplan Vice-Chair 12/31/23
- Bernard Berkowitz Member 12/31/24
- Scot Joskowitz Member 12/31/25
- Nancy Snyder Member 12/31/23
- Sridath Reddy Member 12/31/25
- Davey Willans Member 12/31/24
- Casey Parikh Alt. No. 1 12/31/23
- Chris Mazzarella Alt. No. 2 12/31/23
- John Chadwick, Planner, John T. Chadwick IV P.P.
- Chas Holloway, Engineer, Keller & Kirkpatrick
- Peter King, Attorney, King Moench Hirniak & Collins, LLP
- Nora O. Jolie, Board Secretary
Agenda subject to change without notice
Although the information on this site is believed to be reliable, online postings of meeting agendas are not considered official copies.
Demolition of Colony Plaza: Making Room for Chick-fil-A
PARSIPPANY — Those motorists driving on Route 46 this morning saw the excavators as they began tearing down the Colony Plaza building. TriCore Construction crew was out bright and early on Thursday, March 23, with heavy machinery to make room for the new Chick-fil-A, which will be constructed on the site.
Colony Plaza along Route 46 East was sold in 2020. The buyer purchased four more commercial properties across the highway in 2021, for which Top Golf received preliminary approval from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment.
TriCore Construction Group was contracted to complete the demolition of the Colony Plaza property. Earlier this month TriCore also demolished the Inn Crowd on Route 46 to make room for Taco Bell.
Colony Plaza was the home of Parsippany Focus in the early 1990s and the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
The new building will be 5,338 square feet with 62 interior seats and 18 exterior seating. 81 total parking spaces and eight electric charging stations. In addition, the drive-through will consist of two lanes with enough room to stack about 60 cars.
Colony Plaza was slowly dying and required a new life. The property had only 30% occupancy, and in the last three years, there were about six robberies, and there was evidence of people using this site at night time to abuse drugs. The property is an eyesore.
The property could have been developed with a 24-7 365 days Wawa or QuickChek. However, the landlord chose Chick-fil-A since it wasn’t a 24-7, 365-day business and closed on Sundays. The property could also have been used by a Bolla, Supermarket, Auto Repair Shop, Pub, section 8 residential, and many other uses.
Chick-fil-A will employ approximately 80 residents, with residents having the first opportunity.
Morris County Commissioners Adopt 2023 Budget
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a 2023 Budget, with no increase in the tax rate, as funding expanded for public safety, infrastructure, human services, education and training, and economic development.
“We are proud to adopt a 2023 Budget that continues to encourage the high quality of life consistent with Morris County while also being sensitive to the financial strain placed on taxpayers amid historical inflation rates.
Strong ratable growth and prudent financial planning made this budget possible. Morris County’s wise planning on healthcare benefits enabled us to have a much lower impact on increasing costs than other counties experienced with the state health plan. This enables us to provide and increase services such as public safety while maintaining a flat (tax) rate,” said Commissioner Deborah Smith, Chair of the Board’s Budget Committee.
The $343.5 million 2023 Budget includes a $124.3 million Capital Spending Plan for the calendar year, of which $10.3 million is covered in grants and $85 million will apply towards the new Courthouse project. With those factors accounted for, the net 2023 Capital Spending Plan for traditional projects is approximately $29 million. This year’s fund balance also grew by $2.8 million, bringing it to $60.7 million, to safeguard against unforeseeable economic changes and help ensure Morris County maintains the AAA Bond rating held for 47 years.
“Our AAA standing saves everyone money in both the short and long term because it enables our towns and school districts, as well as the county, to borrow funds for important infrastructure projects at the best possible finance rates,” said Commissioner Director John Krickus.
The 2023 spending plan dedicates an estimated $74.6 million to public safety, including full dispatch services to 23 municipalities and continuing daily backup services to local Basic Life Support and Emergency Medical Service units for all 39 Morris County towns. Morris County’s Basic Life Support Emergency Medical Service Unit responded to over 3,866 Emergency calls in 2022.
“The county government is involved in carrying out the mission-driven allocation of financial investments that help target a myriad of programs meeting our community’s diverse needs and challenges. Initiatives like our Navigating Hope program and the Sheriff’s Office Hope One are combatting issues like substance use while raising awareness about county resources and available support,” Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers, a member of the Budget Committee.
Critical Community Investments
The Preservation Trust Fund Tax, which has protected and enhanced Morris County for over 30 years, will stay level for 2023 at 5/8 cent per $100 of total county equalized property valuation. The tax pays for improvements to our county parks and grant programs like Farmland Preservation, Open Space Preservation, Historic Preservation, Flood Mitigation, and Trail Design and Construction.
Among the educational, cultural, and economic development incentives included in the 2023 Budget is:
• $8.9 million to support the Morris County Park Commission, stewards of the largest county park system in New Jersey (20,455 acres of parkland)
• More than $12 million to support the County College of Morris, an increase over 2022
• Almost $6.4 million to the Morris County Vocational School District, also an increase over 2022
• More than $800,000 for Economic Development and Tourism
Critical Infrastructure Investments
Overall, the county’s 2023 Capital Spending Plan designates approximately $25.5 million toward enhancing road resurfacing, improving intersections along the 287 miles of county roadways, and replacing bridges and culverts this year. Nearly $8 million in grants will offset county costs.
Road Resurfacing Projects Include:
• 3.3 miles of Mendham Road (CR 510) from Indian Head Road to Cold Hill Road in both Mendham and Morris Townships
• 2.2 miles of Main Road (US 202) from Fulton Street to Route 287 Northbound Ramps in Montville Township
• 4.1 miles of Ridgedale Avenue (CR 632) from Littell Road (Route 10) to Route 80 in both Parsippany and East Hanover Townships
• 3.8 miles of Tempe Wick Road/Glen Alpin Road (CR 646) from Leddell Road to Blue Mill Road in both Mendham and Harding Townships
• 1.8 miles of Newark Pompton Turnpike (CR 660) from Jacksonville Road to Route 23 in Pequannock Township
Intersection Improvements Include:
• Ridgedale Avenue and Greenwood Avenue, Florham Park
• Center Grove Road and Quaker Church Road, Randolph
• Guide Rail Upgrades and Installations throughout the County Bridge and Culvert Projects Include:
• Dickson’s Mill Road Bridge in Harding Township
• Parsippany Boulevard Bridge in Parsippany
• Beach Street Bridge in Rockaway Borough
• Morris Street Bridge in Denville
Click here to download the 2023 operating and capital budgets PowerPoint presentation.