MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, and Rockaway Borough Police Chief Conrad Pepperman announce the sentencing of three males in connection with a home invasion robbery that occurred on the evening of October 21, 2018, in Victory Gardens.
On September 6, 2019, Victor Hernandez, 20, with a last known address in Rockaway Borough, and Marlon Martinez, 24, also with a last known address in Rockaway Borough, were both sentenced by the Hon. Robert M. Hanna, J.S.C. to three years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the eighty-five (85) percent parole ineligibility requirements of the No Early Release Act.
On February 11, 2019, both Hernandez and Martinez had entered separate guilty pleas to one (1) count of second degree Conspiracy to Commit Robbery before the Hon. Catherine I. Enright, J.A.D.
Carlos Rodriguez, 22, with a last known address in Victory Gardens, was previously sentenced by Judge Enright on March 29, 2019, to five years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the eighty-five (85) percent parole ineligibility requirements of the No Early Release Act. On February 27, 2019,
Rodriguez entered a guilty plea to one count of first degree Robbery before Judge Enright.
The charges arise from a home invasion robbery that occurred in Victory Gardens on October 21, 2018.
The investigation revealed that the defendants entered a residence through a closed, but unlocked, front door during the evening hours. The residence was occupied by the leaseholder and two guests. During their guilty pleas, Hernandez and Martinez both acknowledged that they were armed with weapons, specifically metal pipes, and that they had agreed with Rodriguez and one another to enter the residence to commit theft. During his guilty plea, Rodriguez acknowledged that he entered the residence with the two other males, both of whom were armed with metal pipes. Rodriguez further acknowledged that he stole a safe and metal chains from the residence while the other males used the metal pipes to threaten the victims.
Prosecutor Knapp acknowledges Assistant Prosecutor Tara Wang, who represented the State in these cases, members of the New Jersey State Police, the Rockaway Borough Police Department, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, who contributed to the successful prosecution of this matter.
PARSIPPANY — As first-year students embark on their college experience, Andrew J. Mercado will all take part in Loyola’s living learning program, Messina. The common text for Messina is Heartland, by Sarah Smarsh. Andrew is a 2019 graduate of Parsippany High School.
The book, an eye-opening memoir of working-class poverty in America that “will deepen our understanding of the ways in which class shapes our country.”
Established in 1852, Loyola University Maryland is a Catholic, Jesuit comprehensive university comprising Loyola College, home to the University’s arts and sciences programs; the Sellinger School of Business and Management; and the School of Education.
Loyola enrolls 4,000 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students from across the country.
PARSIPPANY — Lauren Smith of Girl Scout Troop #96229, along with her sister Emily of Troop #96713 and her parents John and Colleen, were honored recently at American Legion Post 249 in Lake Hiawatha.
They received a Certificate of Appreciation signed by the Legion commander and adjutant. Lauren, while volunteering to serve at the Post fish & chips dinner, noticed the hall was badly in need of a paint job.
She asked the Legion’s permission to paint the hall as her Girl Scout Silver project, a Girl Scout’s second highest honor. Since the hall is quite large, she did receive assistance from her family members. The hall looks great and all Legion members were very appreciative.
Elaine Dudek, Eileen White and Ruth Westerfield with Mayor Michael Soriano
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Mayor Michael Soriano presented a proclamation to “Parsippanong Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution,” at the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, September 3.
Soriano said “This week is “Constitution Week” and we have present with us the daughters of the American revolution. This is an organization that’s been around in the United States since 1890. That’s, it’s 129 years. Currently, they have about 185,000 members in the United States. And there’s 3000 chapters in all 50 states. Prominent living members include congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, former First Lady Eleanor Rosalynn Carter, astronaut Margaret Seddon. The daughters, the American illusion revolution was founded after the Sons of the American revolution voted to exclude women from their membership and the women decided we are important and important to American history as well. And let’s keep in mind one of the founding members was George Washington’s great grandniece as well.”
PARSIPPANY — A tasteful time will be waiting attendees at the Taste of Parsippany, Hilton Hotel, One Hilton Court, Parsippany. Restaurants, catering companies and other area businesses put their delicacies on display, giving area residents an opportunity to sample a wide variety of cuisines. The event will be held on Monday, September 9 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Parsippany Visitor Center made the event possible. Major sponsors of the event are Hilton Hotel, Hampton Inn, Parsippany Focus and Wegmans.
“This is about supporting the community, giving exposure to businesses, people learning about restaurants,” said Robert Peluso, President of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce. “Taste of Parsippany is about giving a kickstart to the local economy.”
The idea is that people attend the event, sample edibles from participating restaurants and later become loyal (repeat) customers of their favorite new eateries.
“We estimate over 300 people will attend,” he said.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill said vendor participation shows that many Parsippany business people believe in the power of the American Dream.
Among the edibles being served are Bang Bang Shrimp, Tuna Sashimi from Bonefish Grill, Savory and Sweet Crepes from CrepeTime Catering, Eggplant Rollatini, Chicken Piccata, Sandwiches, Pepperoni breads, Italian cookies and desserts from Parsippany’s Chef and Author Dana Ilic, Kale Tonic Fresh Juice – Kale, Fuji apple, cucumber and lemon from Frist Watch, Chef Matthew from Gourmet Café will cook up his Dijon Salmon, Strawberry Pecan Salad, Prime Rib, and Chocolate Stampede from Longhorn Steakhouse, Gourmet Mac and Cheese Martini’s from Michelle’s Catering. Award Winning Barbeque Sliders from Minuteman Smokehouse, Ruth’s Chris award winning Mashed Potatoes with Tenderloin, ShopRite will be serving Bourbon Braised Brisket with Red/Pancetta Slaw, and Sushi from Wegmans.
Spotlighted eateries and enterprises at Taste of Parsippany Area included American Vending and Coffee Service, Anthony Franco’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, Applebee’s, Baldwin Pizzeria, Bonefish Grill, Boonton Station 1904, Chick-fil-A, Costco, Crepe Time, Eccola Italian Bistro, First Watch, Ferraro’s Catering, Gourmet Café, Grato Restaurant, i2i Indian Italian Fusion, IHOP, Jeremiah’s Catering and Cooking Studio, Longhorn Steakhouse, Main 233, Michelle’s Catering, Minuteman Smokehouse Barbecue, Parsippany’s Best Pizza, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Scoop House, ShopRite, Spice Grill, Tierney’s Copperhouse, Tito’s Burritos and Wings and Wegmans.
We also will feature many local businesses such as 24 Hour Fitness, Allstate Insurance, America’s Mortgage Lender, Blue Foundry Bank, Certified Financial Services, CKO Kickboxing, Denville Florist, Dream Vacations, Faisal Crafts, Frankie and Kim Jewelry, Fume 46 Cigars, Garden State Chiropractic, Golden Living Guidance, Keller Williams Metropolitan Realty, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, M & T Bank, M.L. Culter, Mary Kay Products, My Ride Worldwide, Neighborhood Urgent Care, Spavia Greater Morristown, Springwood Events and Promotions and Staples!
If attendees visit the display tables, they will have an opportunity to win “Dinner for 8 and a stretch Limo to Bonefish Grill.”
“If you purchase six or more tickets, we will even pick you up in a stretch limo, and bring your home,” said Cahill.
For more information click here or call (973) 402-6400. Presale tickets are $45.00 and $55.00 at the door.
MORRIS COUNTY — David S. Klein, D.O., sports medicine and general orthopedic surgeon, has joined Tri-County Orthopedics. Dr. Klein specializes in sports injuries, arthritis and conditions of the hip, knee and shoulder. He is available to see patients at four of the practice’s offices, including in Cedar Knolls at 197 Ridgedale Avenue, Suite 300; in Bedminster at 1590 Route 206 North, in Sparta at 376 Lafayette Road, Suite 103, Route 15 S.; and in Denville at 109 Route 46 East, Suite 1. Patients in need of sports medicine care are encouraged to call (973) 625-1221 to schedule an appointment.
David S. Klein, D.O.
As a fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon, Dr. Klein’s expertise includes the latest treatments and techniques for all phases of musculoskeletal repair and reconstruction—from fracture care and ligament reconstruction to joint replacement and revision. Dr. Klein offers specialized treatment for a wide range of patients, including athletes with sports-related injuries and older adults whose mobility is limited by severe joint pain from arthritis.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Klein, who joins us with a wealth of knowledge and skill in getting patients back to their healthy, active lifestyles,” says Stephen A. Hunt, M.D., sports medicine surgeon at Tri-County Orthopedics. “He will be an excellent addition to our practice and an asset to our community.”
After earning his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City, Dr. Klein completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City. He served as the academic chief resident his final year of residency before returning to New York to gain further training in orthopedic sports medicine through a year-long fellowship at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital.
Dr. Klein is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, the American Osteopathic Association, the Arthroscopy Association of North America and AOTrauma North America. He has published and lectured extensively at local and national meetings on topics of surgical and nonsurgical treatment in sports medicine, fractures and arthritis.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Klein, please call (973) 625-1221.
For more than 30 years, Tri-County Orthopedics, the most preferred, recognized and awarded orthopedic practice in the region, and its highly trained orthopedic specialists have been committed to providing excellent treatment and care for every bone, joint and muscle in the body to area residents. Through the practice’s six centers of excellence at six locations in Cedar Knolls, Bedminster, Livingston, Sparta, Denville and Bridgewater, Tri-County Orthopedics offers care for the ankle, back, elbow, foot, hand, hip, knee, neck, shoulder, spine and wrist as well as joint replacement and revision, pain management, physical medicine and rehabilitation and sports medicine. Tri-County Orthopedics’ doctors proudly serve as the official orthopedic providers for Drew University, Delbarton School, Roxbury High School, Morristown-Beard School, Morris Hills High School, The Pingry School, Ridge High School, Bernards High School, Morris Catholic High School and Parsippany High School. For more information regarding Tri-County Orthopedics and its specialists, visit www.Tri-CountyOrtho.com, “like” Tri-County Orthopedics on Facebook or follow @TriCounty_Ortho on Twitter.
PARSIPPANY — Delta Dental of New Jersey, the state’s largest dental benefits provider, has announced passage of legislative bill S2507, which restricts the sale or lease of access to dental provider network contracts, which is sometimes referred to as creating “Silent PPOs.”
“Delta Dental of New Jersey is proud that we directly contract with all our participating dentists and have never leased our network of dentists from another company,” said Dr. Keith Libou, Chief Clinical Officer for Delta Dental of New Jersey and Delta Dental of Connecticut. “Most major dental insurance carriers in New Jersey patch together their network of dentists by “leasing” access to the networks of other companies. This important legislation will minimize confusion for both dentists and patients and ensure that contracts and costs for services are clear, transparent, and fair.”
Network leasing is a practice whereby a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) rents (leases) its dental network from other carriers. As a result, the rented PPO’s in-network dentists are now considered in-network for the PPOs of the carrier that holds the lease agreement. The dentist must unknowingly accept that network’s patients and terms without having agreed to them. The patient does not become aware of this until they submit a claim and receive an Explanation of Benefits and may see higher-than-expected out-of-pocket costs. The practice, while beneficial to carriers, can result in unexpected costs for patients, network instability and confusion, and lost business for dental care providers. The New Jersey Dental Association and the American Dental Association has described this trade practice as unfair and unjust.
A key provision under the new law is that dentists now need to be explicitly informed of network leasing agreements by insurers. This provides dentists with an informed opportunity to refuse to sign a contract – or to opt out of an existing contract – giving them more control over the networks in which they participate. Previously, dentists typically did not have a say in their involvement within a lease arrangement when they contracted with a carrier that leased its networks from another entity.
“We applaud Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce and Assemblyman Joe Danielsen for sponsoring this bill, and Governor Murphy for signing it,” said Jeff Furbish, Chief Sales Officer for Delta Dental of New Jersey and Delta Dental of Connecticut. “This legislation will enhance transparency and peace of mind for countless New Jersey dentists and patients, regardless of their dental carrier.”
Silent PPO legislation has been addressed throughout the country. New Jersey is now the 16th state to regulate or prohibit the practice. Every state has based their legislation on the same set of facts: credentialing standards of the leased dentists, quality issues, and confusion regarding coinsurance and copays.
Delta Dental of New Jersey suggests that policyholders ask their dental insurer if their network of dentists is leased and sold.
Offering dental benefits since 1969, Delta Dental of New Jersey’s mission is to promote oral health to the greatest number of people by providing accessible dental benefit programs of the highest quality, service, and value. We are a not-for-profit service corporation and, as a member of Delta Dental Plans Association, we’re part of a network that provides national dental coverage to more than 73 million people. For more information click here.
In March, Fairfield Police raided a Nutrition Zone store, seizing about 61 bottles and arresting a man they believe was selling the drug
MORRIS COUNTY —Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Rockaway Borough Police Chief Conrad Pepperman announce the arrest of Ronald V. Castellano, 55, Chester, on charges stemming from an illegal drug distribution investigation.
During the month of August 2019, members of the Rockaway Borough Police Department received information concerning the belief that Catnip Cocktail was being distributed from within the Nutrition Zone, located at 350 Route 46, Rockaway Borough.
Catnip Cocktail, also known as Lucky 7 and Yohoo Cleaner, is a Schedule I CDS identified as 1, 4-Butanediol, which mimics the date-rape drug Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (commonly known as GHB) once ingested.
The investigation resulted in the September 3 seizure of sixty-eight (68) bottles of this Controlled Dangerous Substance from within the store, over one-thousand dollars ($1,000) and a 2017 Bentley Continental GT.
Castellano is charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, a crime of the third degree in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance, a crime of the third degree in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(13); and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance, a crime of the third degree in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(13). He is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility awaiting his First Appearance.
Prosecutor Knapp stated, “This is a very harmful substance and unfortunately its abuse is on the rise. The Morris County Narcotics Task Force will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute its illegal sale and possession”.
Prosecutor Knapp wishes to thank the Rockaway Borough Police Department and Detectives from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division for their dedication and commitment during this investigation.
The investigation and prosecution is being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury and Assistant Prosecutor Noelle Fiorentino are representing the State in this matter.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano cuts the ribbon at Jashan by Dhaba
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes a new business, Jashan by Dhaba” to Parsippany by participating in the official ribbon cutting ceremony.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano cuts the ribbon at Jashan by Dhaba
Joining in the celebration with owner Ankush Punhani, was Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano, Councilman Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Freeholder Heather Darling, Former Mayor James Barberio, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, and Executive Board Member Frank Cahill, Board Members Ildiko Peluso and Nicolas Limanov. Also in attendance was numerous Chamber members, as well as friends and family.
Jashan by Dhaba is located at 252 Route 46, Parsippany.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President and Chairman of Parsippany Economic Development Advisory Committee Robert Peluso and Freeholder Heather DarlingJashan by Dhaba owner Ankush Punhani, Mayor Michael Soriano and Parsippany resident Al GoldbergParsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisor Committee Chairman Robert Peluso and Mayor Michael Soriano presents Ankush Punhani with a certificate of appreciation for locating the new business in Parsippany-Troy Hills. Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Vice Chairman Frank Cahill looks on.Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso presents Ankush Punhani with a membership certificate
Jashan by Dhaba is an Indian and Indo Chinese Cuisine Fine Indian Restaurant and Party Hall.
Fine Indian Dining Group presents its latest and largest restaurant venture to date, Jashan By Dhaba.
Jashan means celebration, and Jashan By Dhaba is a celebration of Indian Food. Featuring the best from the restaurant Dhaba in NYC which has been featured in respectable media outlets including Food Network, ABC, NY Times, Eater NY, among many others.
Showcasing some of the best featured dishes from Dhaba, NYC as well as Chote Nawab, Sahib, Malai Marke, Dhaba Express. Specializing in Authentic North Indian Cuisine along with Featured Indo Chinese dishes. Party Rooms for parties of all occasions and sizes. Catering available across NJ, NY, CT.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire District 5 and 6, Parsippany Elks and Sons of Italy is sponsoring a “Pasta Meatball Fundraiser Dinner” to benefit the Chmura Family and to support them in their time of need.
The event will be held at Fire House District 5, Station 2, 200 South Beverwyck Road
on Saturday, September 7 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Adults $15.00; Seniors $10.00; Children $5.00 Bring your own wine and beer. Cigars Welcome. For additional information please call Dave Cavaliere (973) 390-0982
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Karen DeChristopher, IHOP Manager Nicolas Lopez and Touch-A-Touch Chairman Nicolas Limanov
PARSIPPANY — IHOP Parsippany Manager Nicolas Lopez attended a breakfast meeting of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and presented a donation to Touch-A-Touch Chairman Nicolas Limanov.
IHOP is a Mission Partner of Kiwanis Club and is a generous local business supporting the club. IHOP also participated in Touch-A-Truck and donated breakfast to all the volunteers and participants that made the event. IHOP is located at 792 Route 46, Parsippany and 102 East Hanover Avenue, Cedar Knolls.
Touch-A-Truck was voted in as the #1 service project by New Jersey District of Kiwanis International.
Parsippany High School Asst. Principal Melissa Carucci
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School is partnering with “The Outreach Program” on Sunday, November 17. The goal of the event is to package 80,000 meals to donate to Community FoodBank of New Jersey.
The event is perfect to spend time with family and friends participating in an unforgettable table experience. An Outreach Program event is festive, hands-on opportunity to roll up your sleeves and feed those that are food insecure. The meals are packaged, sealed and distributed to food insecure people locally and internationally. Participants are deeply changed by spending just a few hours to help feed hunger and food insecure people.
Funds are needed to pay for the ingredients and packaging supplies. The fundraising goal to support the packaging of 80,000 meals is $20,000.00. If you can provide financial assistance, please take a moment to consider a sponsorship opportunity or a donation of your choice. Online donations can be made by clicking here.
You can also become a fundraiser and create your own team.
The outreach Program is a non-profit 501(c)(3) based in Des Moines, Iowa, whose mission is to provide safe water, food, medical care and education to children and those in need at home and abroad.
For more information contact Melissa Carucci at mvcarucci@pthsd.net.
Standing Room Only at Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Chambers
PARSIPPANY — During the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 3, the standing room only crowd cheered for Former Captain James Carifi as the Township Council approved Resolution R2019-177, “Authorizing the payment to James Carifi Unused Accrued Leave with Interest.”
Councilman Michael dePierro, who introduced a similar version of the resolution at the Tuesday, August 20 meeting, re-introduced the revised version. Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani then seconded the motion. Council Vice President Janice McCarthy also voted in favor of the resolution. Councilwoman Emily Peterson abstained and Council President Paul Carifi recused himself. The resolution called to payout $368,482.02 plus accrued interest at the rate of 2.25% from his retirement date of April 1, 2013.
Attorney Christopher Deininger with retired Parsippany Police Capt. James Carifi
Councilwoman Peterson stated “I believe, and I have always believed since my first day in this chair and I have argued behind closed doors that Mr. Carifi is owed this money. (The crowd cheered at this point) Let me finish. However, with the potentially access to the declassified documents… However with the absence of knowing the impact on our insurance pursuant to this case, I’m going to continue to abstain from this.”
Councilman dePierro said, “The money owed to James Carifi is punitive. The township owes him his pay and sick time and the money has been put aside. Also, at no time did legal ever recommend we give Carifi the money we owe him. I’m doing this because it’s the right thing to do. I haven’t spoken to James Carifi in six and a half years”.
“The motion pays Mr. Carifi the earn contractual obligated compensation when he retired in good standing. And I can’t speak to anyone’s motivation in this matter, but for me, after reviewing the information, in my opinion, it’s the right thing to do. I vote yes.” stated Council Vice President Janice McCarthy.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Attorney James Lott voiced his objections to the resolution.
The prepared agenda included an Executive Session to discuss the resolution, but motion failed to pass with a 2-2 vote with Gragnani and dePierro voting against and McCarthy and Peterson voting in favor. Attorney James Lott said “Just advice for the Council Vice President acting as presiding officer. I’ll note for the record, the Council was advised that we have Mr. Parikh here as well as Mr. Renaut. Mr. Parikh, our special mitigation counsel in Carifi matters. Mr. Renaut currently represents the Township on Carifi 3 and Carifi 4. It’s my advice that, it would be imprudent for the Council to take action on Resolution 2019-177 without hearing from Township Attorneys in closed session. I would respectfully request that we move into closed session and to have the Council reconsider its vote.”
Mayor Michael Soriano stated after the vote “The Friday after your introduction, the ham-handed introduction of this motion, which was against protocol. The attorney released a 50 page memo to Council and to myself detailing all the aspects of that. Since we cannot do this in a closed session, because we have a deadlock in a closed session, I would ask the Council to waive it and release this privilege document to the public. So the public can know exactly what the Township Attorney has been advising everyone and what the council needs to discuss related to this issue. I would ask you to do that now. Second. Yeah, we could settle this now. We could settle this tonight. We have our attorney here for this. We have the attorney for the Carifi case. We could go and take care of this right now.”
Pursuant to the Township’s practices governing the payment of accrued leave due eligible employees, any payment to Captain Carifi shall not exceed his annual base salary when he retired in any given year. The first payment is to be made within seven days of the approval of the resolution, in accordance with the schedule of regular salary payment made to Township employees.
Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani, Council President Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Emily Peterson, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Councilwoman Janice McCarthy
Joe Howell, Kathy Knittel, Joan Bujacich, Joe Bilotti and John Hummel
MORRIS COUNTY — Come spend a late summer evening enjoying a popular classic rock music concert, “Songs at Sunset,” at County College of Morris (CCM) featuring two student and alumni bands and Morris County’s own Heart of Gold band led by CCM Music Professor Joe Bilotti.
The free concert takes place Friday, September 20, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the outdoor amphitheater located in front of the Edward J. Yaw Music Technology Center on the CCM campus, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph.
Opening the concert will be two bands featuring CCM students and alumni: Junkanoo and Friar Fritzl’s Funtime Monastery. Junkanoo consists of CCM student Naomi Smith and alumni Ailed Hernandez, Rebecca Alleman, Nicole Santana and Samuel Fallas-LoManto. Friar Fritzl’s Funtime Monastery includes CCM students Jayce Winant and Kenny Schweighardt.
The Heart of Gold band then will play favorites by Steely Dan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, David Bowie, Peter Frampton, Joan Baez and more. Along with Bilotti, the Heart of Gold Band consists of tristate music legends Joan Bujacich, Joe Howell, John Hummel and Kathy Knittel.
Bring your own chair and park in Lots 5 or 6. In the event of rain, the concert will take place in the Dragonetti Auditorium in the Student Community Center.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon announces the promotions of nine Officers who all excelled at their previous ranks, including new Chief Sheriff’s Officer Kelley Zienowicz.
“The Officers who are being promoted have all had a part, through their vision and leadership, in making the Morris County Sheriff’s Office a stellar agency. Their positive and proactive work will continue elevating this agency to greater heights,” said Sheriff Gannon.
The Sheriff administered the oath of office to the nine Officers who officially were promoted during an afternoon ceremony Tuesday, September 3, in the Historic Courtroom of the Morris County Courthouse. Along with bagpipers, the Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard was present to pay respect to their fellow Officers.
Sheriff Gannon commended the Officers for helping to shape the agency into one that is at the forefront of addressing societal problems, including opioid addiction and threats of violence in schools and at public events.
Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Detective Sergeant Thomas Reilly, Detective Lieutenant Walter Rawa, Detective Lieutenant Laura Flynn, Detective Captain Denise Thornton, Chief Sheriff’s Officer Kelley Zienowicz, Detective Captain Mark Chiarolanza, Detective Lieutenant Aaron Tomasini, Detective Lieutenant Michael Turkot, Detective Sergeant Jamie Rae, and Bureau of Law Enforcement Undersheriff Mark Spitzer
“I want to thank all the tremendous people in the Sheriff’s Office, sworn officers and civilians, who have made it a preeminent law enforcement agency that is a model of discipline, courage, efficiency and compassion,” Sheriff Gannon said.
Chief Zienowicz, an FBI National Academy graduate and crime scene investigation expert, was promoted from the rank of Detective Lieutenant to Chief Sheriff’s Officer. She now is the highest-ranking Sheriff’s Officer in the Bureau of Law Enforcement and is responsible for daily oversight over 120 sworn officers in the bureau’s newly restructured three divisions: Protective Services, Specialty Services, and Criminal Investigations.
Collectively, the divisions encompass security in the Morris County Courthouse, Sheriff’s sales and foreclosures, warrants, professional standards, Community Outreach and Planning, the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team, the Crime Lab and Crime Scene Investigation Unit, K-9 and Bomb Sections, and Evidence, among other areas. The Sheriff’s Office has two bureaus, the Bureau of Law Enforcement and the Bureau of Corrections.
“Throughout my career, I have had an opportunity to work with most of you, either as a peer or as a supervisor, and I have learned from each and every one of you along the way,” Chief Zienowicz said at the ceremony.
“I know this agency is successful because there are dedicated members in every rank and assignment who make us successful. I am honored to be a part of this great agency, and to have this chance to help guide us into a new and exciting chapter with this freshly minted and very capable group of supervisors. I hope that every member knows our mission is to help everyone find their own successes, striving to be the best people they can be, while providing the best services to the citizens of Morris County,” Chief Zienowicz said.
THE PROMOTIONS: CHIEF Kelley Zienowicz. She began her sworn officer career with the Sheriff’s Office in 2001, and spent nearly a dozen years in the Crime Scene Investigation Unit. A fingerprint expert in Superior Court, she also testified at trial about evidence in major homicide cases, including State v. Jose Feliciano, State v. Anthony Novellino, and State v. Carlos Rojas.
Chief Zienowicz is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, is experienced in the work performed by all divisions, and has risen through the ranks from Officer to Detective Lieutenant before being selected as Chief.
CAPTAIN Mark Chiarolanza. His right leg was amputated below the knee after a motorcycle crash in 1992 but Captain Chiarolanza persevered, took the Law Enforcement Exam, and was hired by the Sheriff’s Office in 1996 and completed the Morris County Police Academy and all fitness requirements with a prosthetic leg.
Captain Chiarolanza has a master’s degree in public administration, is a certified tactical EMT who is a founding member of the Morris County Rapid Deployment Team that went to New Orleans in 2005 on a relief mission to assist after Hurricane Katrina. In 2016, he was promoted to Detective Lieutenant and was assigned as Division Commander of the Legal Services Division and all aspects of the K-9 Section.
CAPTAIN Denise Thornton. She started her career with the Sheriff’s Office in 2002 and worked in the Protective Services Division at the Morris County Courthouse until 2012. Captain Thornton has been responsible for maintaining accreditation for the Sheriff’s Office, and she assisted with security when the 2014 Super Bowl game was played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Promoted to Detective Lieutenant in 2016, her duties have included overseeing professional standards in the Bureau of Law Enforcement and community outreach efforts such as the Explorers Post 140, and meetings with area clergy.
b A decorated U.S. Army National Guard Captain who has twice been deployed, he supervises the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Section and is a certified Bomb Squad technician. Lieutenant Tomasini is pursuing his doctorate in organizational leadership. He is a member of the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team, and has been commissioned as an Infantry Officer in the National Guard.
LIEUTENANT Laura Flynn. She joined the agency in 2001 and soon after was assigned to the Crime Scene Investigation Unit and promoted to Sergeant of the Unit in 2015. Lieutenant Flynn has worked on thousands of investigations that include murders, robberies, sexual assaults and other felonies. She testified as a fingerprint expert in several cases, including the 2014 trial of Anthony Novellino, who was convicted of killing his former wife, Judith Novellino, and the trial of Shakur Carasquillo, who was convicted of assaulting and robbing a man in his home in Harding Township.
LIEUTENANT Michael Turkot. A lifelong swimmer and swim coach, Lieutenant Turkot joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2006. He has worked in the Protective Services Division, Marine Unit, and Process Unit. He was promoted to Sergeant in June 2015, and has served in the Legal Services Division since April 2016, where he conducts Sheriff’s sales as the final step in the foreclosure process. He has reorganized and streamlined the Legal Services Division to better address the needs of the foreclosure crisis, and helped design a class for civilian employees to enhance their knowledge of the complexities of foreclosures, writs, wage garnishments and civil complaints.
LIEUTENANT Walter Rawa. He joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2002, worked in the Warrants Section, Protective Services Division, and in 2006 helped start the Sheriff’s Office traffic support unit. Lieutenant Rawa previously was a detective for the Emergency Services/K-9 Unit, where he trained, handled and certified multiple canines in explosives, search and rescue, patrol, narcotics and arson. He is one of the Morris County-wide instructors for the Sheriff’s Office’s Responsible School Violence Prevention, Preparation and Protection (RSVP-3) program.
SERGEANT Thomas Reilly. Sergeant Reilly was a New Jersey Corrections Officer before joining the Sheriff’s Office in January 2003. He worked in the Protective Services Division, and in 2007, was transferred to the Emergency Services Unit where he was assigned a K-9 partner Koby. Sergeant Reilly is a New Jersey Army National Guardsman who was deployed in 2008 to Baghdad, Iraq, and currently is again deployed. During his career, Sergeant Reilly became a certified Bomb Technician.
SERGEANT James Rae. Sergeant Rae worked for the Morris County Juvenile Detention Center for one year before he was hired by the Sheriff’s Office in 2003. He worked in the Protective Services Division and was reassigned in 2004 to be a detective in the Crime Scene Investigation Unit. Sergeant Rae worked extensively on major crimes, including the 2005 murder of 16-year-old Jennifer Parks by two neighbor brothers, and the 2011 murder of Nazish Noorani in Boonton by her husband and his lover. In 2017, Sergeant Rae left CSI for a full-time assignment to the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team. This highly-trained tactical unit responds to emergencies and patrols Morris County daily to ensure critical infrastructure sites and sensitive facilities are secure.
MORRIS COUNTY —Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp and Acting Chief of Investigations Chris Kimker announce that on September 3, Aldophus Mims, 42, of Charlotte, North Carolina was sentenced to forty years in New Jersey State Prison.
Mr. Mims must serve forty years before he is eligible for parole. Mr. Mims will also be subject to registration pursuant to Megan’s Law and Parole Supervision for Life. Mr. Mims was sentenced by the Honorable Donald G. Collester, J.S.C., retired and acting on recall.
On June 12, 2019, a Morris County jury found Mr. Mims guilty of four counts of first degree Human Trafficking, three counts of first degree Promoting Prostitution, two counts of second degree Sexual Assault, one count of third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and two counts of third degree Distribution of Heroin.
The crimes themselves occurred over a one week span in June of 2015, when Mr. Mims provided heroin to two juvenile females, then aged 15 and 17, and enticed them to engage in acts of prostitution at a Rockaway Township hotel. At the hotel the victims met with several male clients. Mr. Mims would then collect the money received after the sexual acts were completed. The 15-year old victim also disclosed that Mr. Mims engaged in sexual acts with her. Mims then transported the victims to a different hotel in Parsippany to have them continue to engage in acts of prostitution.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Rockaway Borough Police Department, the Rockaway Township Police Department, the Town of Boonton Police Department, the Hackettstown Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit for their involvement in this investigation and prosecution. Prosecutor Knapp would specifically like to thank and recognize the prosecution team of Assistant Prosecutor Laura Magnone, Assistant Prosecutor Elizabeth Beaman, Sergeant Marshall Wang and Detective Craig May of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for their efforts in this case.,
Prosecutor Knapp stated, “Assistant Prosecutors Magnone and Beaman did an outstanding job trying a very complex case. Additionally, the investigation by Sgt. Wang and Det. May was exemplary”. “All are to be commended”, he said. Prosecutor Knapp added, “AP Magnone and Sgt. Wang have been specially trained to investigate and prosecute the heinous crime of human trafficking and are leaders in statewide efforts to do so”.
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is holding an informational session regarding the 2020 Census.
The Township has partnered with the Census Bureau and local non-profit organizations, to speak to our community about what to expect in the coming months. Your partnership is vital to making sure the 2020 Census reflects an accurate population count for Parsippany. This session will cover topics such as outreach, too Hard to Count Populations, data collection, and education.
We ask for your participation Thursday, September 5, at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting will take place at Parsippany Hills High School, located at 20 Rita Drive.
If you have any questions call the Mayor’s Office at (973) 263-4262.
Nick Santangelo, Nana Agyemang, Joe Stull, and Anthony Colasuonno
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School Redhawks named their Senior Captains: Nick Santangelo, Anthony Colasuonno, Nana Agyemang and Joe Stull! Good luck to all the coaches and players this season.
The Parsippany varsity football team has a home conference game vs. Kinnelon on Friday, September 6 at 7:00 p.m.
In support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Redhawks has joined high school football teams across the country in Touchdowns Against Cancer 2019!
Pledge for every touchdown they score this Friday, September 6 to September 29 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and help the 16,000 children and adolescents that will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
PARSIPPANY — Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, a life-long supporter of improving education and maintaining quality teachers in Garden State schools, was endorsed by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) in her re-election to the 26th District covering Morris, Essex and Passaic counties.
“I’m honored to be among the state legislators supported by the NJEA this year. Even before I came into the Legislature in 2012 and landed on the Assembly education committee, I had always been supportive of our hard working teachers and deeply interested in how we are supporting our education system,” said Assemblywoman DeCroce.
“Our teachers deserve our strong support, and that requires the state maintaining public confidence in how we spend more than $13 Billion each year on education services. We must continue to demand transparency and accountability on how the state is spending those tax dollars, most of which are allocated in direct aid to our local school districts,” she added.
Assemblywoman DeCroce serves on the state Joint Committee on the Public Schools, which provides an ongoing review of public schools, school financing, administration and operations, often resulting in the committee making recommendations for legislative action. She also has served on the Assembly Education Committee, Assembly Higher Education Committee and Assembly Women and Children Committee. Assemblywoman DeCroce has championed transparency and accountability for all education expenditures, including the Schools Development Authority, where recent investigations uncovered the unethical hiring, at exorbitant salaries, of more than 30 people connected to the now-former director.
“I have always taken a bipartisan approach to resolving issues that come before the Legislature, particularly when it involves our public education system, our students and our teaches. We are at our best when we work to reach consensus to solve problems in this state,” she said.
