PARSIPPANY — Dozens of area scouts and scout leaders converged on Temple Beth Am on Friday, March 29, in celebration of Scout Shabbat.
Scout Shabbat was established by the Jewish Committees on Scouting to celebrate the anniversaries of the founding of the scouting organizations, and to honor the values that Judaism and Scouting share. Scouts of all faith traditions participate in Scout Shabbat events, often attending together with other members of their dens, troops or crews.
This year, Temple Beth Am’s annual event included the presentation of Jewish scouting emblems and awards earned by six local scouts. Girl Scout Jordan K of Parsippany was awarded the Lehava award, Dylan R. of Whippany was recognized for earning the Maccabee emblem, Caleb S. of Mountain Lakes and Franklin C. of Hopatcong received the Aleph emblem; and Daniel G. and Jonathan G. of Pine Brook were presented with the Ner Tamid emblem. “Jewish scouting emblems and awards recognize scouts who put time and effort into exploring their religious heritage and teachings,” notes Lynn Cutler, Chair of the Jewish Committee on Scouting of BSA Patriot’s Path Council, and member of the National Jewish Committee on Girl Scouting.
This year’s service included a very special addition: the naming of a baby boy whose father achieved Eagle Scout rank himself.
Scouts who are interested in learning more about earning their religious emblems and awards, or learning more about hosting or attending a Scout Shabbat service, are invited to email [email protected] for more information.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrol Officer D. Sisco responded to Domino’s Pizza, 199 Littleton Road for a fraud report at 6:34 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3.
The Officer spoke to the manager who advised him that she received a call from a female in Missouri who advised her the two orders that were charged to her credit card were fraudulent.
Officer Sisco responded to the commercial building on Jefferson Road where the order was delivered and spoke to security personnel. Detectives A. Morelli and J. Keiling also arrived on scene to assist in the investigation.
After a brief investigation, a new employee at the company, Mr. Morenson Thelusmond, 18, East Orange, was placed under arrest and charged with two counts of Third Degree Credit Card Theft-Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards and Theft by Deception, a Disorderly Persons Offense.
He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.
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 — First through fifth-graders are invited to attend this fun night out at the Parsippany Library on Wednesday, April 17. Attendees will have the chance to participate in an emote dance contest, play Fortnite-themed carnival-style games, challenge each other to the video game, and more. Prizes include V-bucks provided by Powerplay Gaming, a party at CS Gymnastics in Flanders, and other prizes from the Friends of the Parsippany Library.
Pizza, ice cream, and drinks provided thanks to Waffles and Cream Cafe and Powerplay Gaming. Proceeds from the event will go to the library to fund materials and programs for the community. Space is limited so register online by clicking here.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library is located at 449 Halsey Road.
PARSIPPANY — NanoGurus made their way to the New Jersey State Championships with a consistent robot and lots of preparation, on March 10.
After a full day’s worth of tough competition and hard work, the team finished as the Finalist Alliance Captain and the prestigious Inspire Award Winner! As a result, the NanoGurus have advanced to the FIRST World Championships which will be hosted in Detroit, Michigan in late April.
The team is extremely grateful for its sponsors: Evonik for 11 years, the Department of Defense for seven years, Medstar and Subway for four years, and new sponsors BAE systems, ADP, and Wegmans. This journey to Worlds would not have been possible without their support.
After a season’s worth of fun and excitement, the NanoGurus look forward to making a strong finish to the Rover Ruckus season at the FIRST World Championships.
Mountain Club is located on Route 10 East Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Multiple Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to the Mountain Club Complex, 2467 Route 10 East, on a report of a possible assault, on Tuesday, April 2 at 3:03 p.m.
Upon their arrival, the officers spoke with management personnel who advised them that a male, identified as Mr. Rafael Cintron, 21, Morris Plains, attempted to punch a maintenance employee, but the employee was able to avoid being struck.
The officers were further advised that Mr. Cintron stated he had a gun and threatened the employee. Management personnel stated that the maintenance employees were following Mr. Cintron because he entered their offices earlier, once wearing only underwear and the second time clothed, but requesting where to buy marijuana.
Officers made contact with Mr. Cintron after locating his vehicle in the complex, however, he failed to obey their commands and moved both hands towards the center of his abdomen.
After a brief struggle, he was placed under arrest. He was transported to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Headquarters for processing and was charged with Obstructing the Administration of Law, a Disorderly Persons Offense and Resisting Arrest, a Disorderly Persons Offense.
He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.
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.
Marie's Sandwich Shop is located at 450 North Beverwcyk Road, Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Marie’s Sandwich Shoppe quietly opened its doors mid-February 2019.
Shoppe owners Marie Riccio and David Rainero welcome friends, family, and local customers to come try their menu before the big Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration.
The cozy, casual atmosphere features a giant chalkboard menu, classic rock music and six small tables for an upscale fast casual experience.
The menu featured over-sized sandwiches, some uniquely named like “drunk chicken,” “sacred swine,” and “Italian stallion.” Appetizers include rice balls, meatballs, and mac and cheese.
The menu is rounded out with big delicious salads, soups, and wraps. Stop in during business hours, Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
To avoid long wait time, call ahead (973) 263-4000. Cook times range between 15-20 minutes for a phone order. Want delivery? Not only does Marie’s offer local delivery, but they are also featured on Uber Eats and Doordash. The catering menu is extensive, and they also accommodate special menus and events.
Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member, “stated we are planning a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, April 11 at 3:00 p.m. Mayor Michael Soriano and members of the Township Council as well as Board Members of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Parsippany Economic Advisory Committee have been invited to join in the celebration. Customers are also invited to attend the ceremony.”
Marie’s Sandwich Shoppe is located at 450 North Beverwyck Road. For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Captain James Bock, 75, passed away on April 1 surrounded by his loving family. James was the devoted husband of Sharon (Fogus) Bock.
James was born on September 1, 1943 in Irvington, to the late Harold and Mary (Depre) Bock. He grew up locally, graduating from Parsippany High School. Upon graduation he began working for the Post Office and enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. While balancing his postal duties and serving our nation in the Army Reserves, he began pursuing his career in law enforcement at the police academy.
He began his career as a patrolman and served on the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Force for 30 years, rising through the ranks to become Police Commissioner and appointed Director of Police. James was fully devoted to his family and community, actively participating in so very many avenues. He was a member of the Police Rescue and Recovery team, Police Explorers for children wishing to become police officers, D.A.R.E. educator, National Night Out, and even portrayed McGruff the Crime Dog on many occasions.
James loved to help and serve others, as evidenced by his years on the Police Force and commitment to the community. He enjoyed organizing and participating in fundraisers for the township, charity events such as gifting Thanksgiving Turkeys for folks in need and remaining politically active. He found joy traveling the world with his family, Mickey Mouse and all things Disney, but above all was his love of time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and furbabies.
James is survived by his beloved wife Sharon (Fogus) Bock, son James Bock and wife Debbie of Sarasota, daughter Melissa Mound and husband Charles of New Jersey, daughter Tara Barrientos and husband Roberto of Venice. He was Grandfather to Tyler, Jessica, and Justin, and brother of five. He will be dearly missed.
In Lieu of Flowers, donations in Honor of James may be made to: Canine Castaways, In Memory of James Bock, P.O. Box 3295, Arcadia, FL 34265.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano (File Photo)
PARSIPPANY — Mayor Soriano scheduled his Parsippany Town Hall series for the Druid Hill neighborhood on Monday, April 29. Doors to the cafeteria at Central Middle School will open at 6:30 p.m. and the Mayor and his panel will begin at 7:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please call the Mayor’s Action Center at (973) 263-4262.
Central Middle School is located at 1620 Route 46 West.
William Schievella announced his candidacy for Morris County Sheriff on Tuesday, April 2
MORRIS COUNTY — William Schievella, a law enforcement professional with over two decades of experience in Northern New Jersey, announced his candidacy for Morris County Sheriff.
He made his announcement in his hometown of Rockaway Township at the Parks Lake Gazebo, where he made his first speech years ago for Rockaway Township Council.
Schievella served as the Undersheriff and Chief Warrant Officer at the Morris County Sheriff’s Office from 2015 to 2017. Prior to that, he was the Chief of Detectives in the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office from 2007 to 2013. He is currently the Director of Communications & Community Policing in the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, and the Director of the Police Studies Institute at the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown.
He was a Member of the Board of Trustees, County College of Morris from November 2013 to October 2015.
Schievella said “It’s about safety. Saying he wanted more focus on opioid addiction and keeping schools safe. These are hardly unique concerns.”
“He wants to make better use of retired officers to bolster school safety. He conceded that the county is a safe place, but that an incident involving one child would be too many,” said Schievella.
Schievella is running unopposed in the Democratic primary, but will be running against the current Sheriff, Republican James Gannon, in the General Election in November.
William Schievella filed his petition for Morris County Sheriff. Accompanying to the Morris County Elections was Rockaway Township Democratic Chair Doug Romaine and Jack SchulzSchievella surrounded by candidates running for Freeholder, and Morris County Democratic Chairman Chip Robinson and Rockaway Township Councilmen Jonathan Sackett and Emanuel FriedlanderWilliam Schievella announced his candidacy for Morris County Sheriff on Tuesday, April 2
MORRIS COUNTY — The 200 Club of Morris County’s Scholarship Committee cordially invites you to celebrate the achievements of our 2019 Scholarship Recipients. Join us as we present scholarships to these outstanding high school seniors who have shown extraordinary dedication to their studies while also serving the communities in which they live and work.
Samantha Anne Bednarz | Morris Knolls High School
Jeffrey Brodhecker | Roxbury High School
Jaclyn J. Carifi | Parsippany Hills High School
Ava Downs | Morristown High School
Grace E. Flanagan | Morristown High School
Adam R. Hasba | Morristown High School
Michael S. Kovach | Roxbury High School
Matthew Lin | Parsippany Hills High School
Christina A. McMahon | Morris County School of Technology
Rajvi M. Patel | Morris Hills High School
Bradley Rindos | Chatham High School
Raymond J. Ryerson, III | Boonton High School
Patrick D. Salazar | Morristown Beard School
Sabina A. Schuele | Whippany Park High School
Blagorodna Spaseska | Montville Township High School
Markus Truumees | Mountain Lakes High School
Nicole R. VanNiekerk | Kinnelon High School
Samuel E. Weinstein | Montville Township High School
Abigail R. Wilson | Parsippany Hills High School
Corinne J. Worts | Morristown-Beard School
The 200 Club of Morris County scholarship program began in 1982 to provide college, post-high school education or vocational school assistance to children. Scholarship eligibility is limited to high school seniors serving in a branch of public safety within Morris County, or whose parent is actively serving with or retired from a Morris County public safety department, or whose parent is actively serving with or retired from the New Jersey State Police.
These scholarships were awarded on a one-time basis for the students’ 2019-20 academic year. Award criteria includes academic performance, community service, extracurricular activities and family financial need. The scholarship committee reviews applications impartially with no knowledge of the applicants’ identities.
The students will receive their scholarships at a dinner on Monday, May 13 to be held at The Zeris Inn, 372 Route 46, Mountain Lakes.
Reserve Seats Here
$48 per person; Seats must be reserved in advance (no walk-ins). Payment must be received by Monday, May 6. They accept checks only
Cocktails and Conversation (Cash Bar) from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.; Buffet Dinner and
Awards Ceremony from 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) will be holding “An Open House for Everyone” on Saturday, April 13, providing attendees with opportunities to explore degree and certificate programs, a range of career opportunities and to take part in workshops on successful job searching strategies.
Career workshops will be provided on information technology, manufacturing and engineering, hospitality and culinary arts, criminal justice, health care, early childhood education, music recording, exercise science and personal training, and human services. The workshops will cover salaries, job demand and what requirements are needed to seek employment.
Sessions also we offered on financial aid, career services, transfer opportunities and programs for high school students to earn college credit.
For job seekers, workshops will be offered on “Creating a Resume for Today’s Job Market,” “LinkedIn: What’s in Your Profile?” “Nailing Your Interview Do’s and Don’ts” and “Job Search in the Digital Aid.”
All sessions will be offered multiple times during the course of the day. Campus tours also will be provided, so visitors can explore the college’s state-of-the-art equipment, facilities and labs, meet with current students and enjoy CCM’s beautiful surroundings.
The Open House takes place 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., starting in the Health and Physical Education Building, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. There will be three introductory sessions on the college offered at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Park in Lots 7, 8 or 9.
Whether you’re a high school student looking to earn a college degree or seeking to gain qualifications for quick entry into a field such as engineering or IT, or an adult desiring to improve your career opportunities, CCM has a pathway to meet your goals.
Reserve a spot for “An Open House for Everyone” by clicking here to register.
For more information, contact the CCM Office of Admissions at [email protected] or (973) 328-5100.
TRENTON — After multiple reports of the Department of Community Affairs’ mismanagement of the federally-funded low-income home energy assistance program (LIHEAP), Assemblymen Hal Wirths and Jay Webber push for the legislature to take action on their bills to ensure only eligible applicants receive benefits.
“How much evidence do we need before we do something to stop the DCA from awarding millions of dollars to people who underreported their income?” said Wirths (R-Sussex).
First News 12 New Jersey’s investigative reporter Walt Kane did on a story on Dennis Kerrigan, a whistleblower who witnessed fraud while working for a Mercer County agency administering LIHEAP funds. Kerrigan also alerted the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Department of Energy, which referred the case to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. The AG’s office closed the case citing “insufficient evidence of a crime” and the Prosecutor’s Office declared the allegations “unsubstantiated.” However, a 2016 report issued by the state comptroller backs up the whistleblower’s claims. And just last week, a new report from the state auditor found as much as $3 million in benefits went to LIHEAP recipients who may have underreported their income.
“Watchdogs have told us repeatedly that bureaucratic negligence is enabling fraud, wasting public funds, and jeopardizing assistance to people who need it,” said Webber (R-Morris). “A simple bipartisan fix was proposed years ago. Let’s enact it before any more tax dollars are wasted.”
The Assemblymen’s bills (A2543 and A2540) would require the DCA to verify applicants’ income and ensure that applicants are not deceased.
Trees being cleared off the property along Route 10 West near Dryden Way
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hanover Realty has been clearing the grounds at a property they own on Dryden Way near the Route 10 ramp. (Block 202, Lot 6.04). They are getting ready for the new Capital Grille to be constructed on the property. Parsippany Hanover Realty is a owned by Mack-Cali Realty.
The new restaurant will have easy access to “The District at 1515,” recently approved by Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council. Stanbery Development is planning on constructing 441 apartments along with 100,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, at the former Itel building at 1515 Route 10 East. Stanbery will be submitting the plans to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Planning Board in the near future.
On the agenda of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council meeting of Tuesday, April 2, a resolution was presented to the Township Council to grant a “Major Soil Moving Permit” to Parsippany Hanover Realty, LLC.
According to their website “The Capital Grille is a fine dining restaurant & steakhouse. We use only the freshest ingredients for our artfully prepared dishes.”
The Capital Grille is an American restaurant chain of upscale steakhouses owned by Darden Restaurants. The brand has locations in twenty states and the District of Columbia.
The Capital Grille is owned by Darden Restaurants. Darden Restaurants also owns
For more information on The Capital Grille, click here.
In 2017, The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council approved a Person-to-Person Transfer of a Plenary Retail Consumption liquor license for Mack-Cali Realty Corporation.
The application indicates it will be used for a restaurant, and will be issued in the name of Hanover Hospitality Corp, and will remain a pocket license until such time a physical location is secured to transfer the license. A license which becomes inactive and is no longer sited at a business premises becomes a “pocket” license. At the time a pocket license is reactivated, the licensee must file an application for a place-to-place transfer of the license so that it may be sited at the new active business address.
Construction Trailer on the property along Route 10 and Dryden WayWhat Makes Their Steaks Extraordinary Long before their steaks meet the grill, they are meticulously dry aged on premises for more than 18 days to achieve incomparable flavor and texture. Then, each is hand-carved by in-house butchers to exacting standards.Tree stump on the property along Route 10 West near Dryden WayTrees being cleared off the property along Route 10 West near Dryden WayTrees being cleared off the property along Route 10 West near Dryden WayTree stump on the property along Route 10 West near Dryden Way
The Darden family of restaurants features some of the most recognizable brands in full-service dining: The Capital Grille®, LongHorn Steakhouse®, Olive Garden®, Bahama Breeze®, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen®, Yard House®, Seasons 52®, and Eddie V’s®.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Hanover Committee Chair Barbara Freda, Adams Direct and Media Services Dawn Donohue, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill, and Dr. Pat Selimo, Chairman Ambassadors committee
MORRIS COUNTY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill presents a membership plaque to Dawn Donohue, Adams Direct and Media Services. Joining in the festivities were Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Hanover Committee Chair Barbara Freda and Dr. Pat Selimo, Chairman Ambassadors committee.
The year was 1965 – a First Class stamp cost 5 cents, and Lyndon B. Johnson was President. The world was still just dreaming about space flight, but in East Hanover, Allan and Lillian Adams already had a vision and a goal: To establish the best direct mail service, and become the premier marketing solutions provider in their field. Through years of hard work and dedication, both the vision and the goal became a reality!
Starting in a 2,400 square foot facility, the company continuously expanded and in 1998 moved into their brand new 35,000 square foot state-of the-art building with over 60 employees. None of this growth would have happened had the Adams’ not held tight to the highest of standards in marketing solutions for their clients.
Today the company uses cutting edge technologies, best-in-class equipment, and boasts a staff of committed marketing specialists who believe “good” is not enough and “better” is always possible. Offerings have expanded to include integrated Cross Media Marketing solutions that maximize Return on Investment (ROI). Management now includes son, Keith W. Adams, and son-in-law, William A. James III, who continue to keep the vision and dream of Lillian and Allan alive and well.
Adams is the choice for all your Cross Media Marketing Solutions, Variable Data Printing, Digital Printing, and Mailing needs.
Adams Direct and Media Services is located at 39 Farinella Drive, East Hanover and can be reached by calling (973) 887-3409. You can also click here for their website.
PACC is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents, and volunteers that provides education, information, and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area.
PACC works with the local and county governments and stand ready to pursue any matter that can make our community a better place in which to live, conduct business, and make a living. They promote a healthy and more prosperous economic climate. For more information on PACC, click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany will be hosting its annual Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday, June 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 1515 Route 10 East,Parsippany (Just before Dryden Way). The price is $5.00 per person or $20.00 maximum per family. In 2018 over 1,100 children attended the event.
Kids had fun putting out the fire using a real hose from a fire truck
Touch-a-Truck is a fundraising event to benefit the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. Children of all ages can have a hands-on experience with all kinds of vehicles and interact with community support leaders like police officers, firemen, first aid squad volunteers, sanitation workers and many more!
Every child will receive a goody bag full of surprises including a free ice cream cone and much more.
New Jersey State Police Helicopter
Aside from being a great time for the family, this event helps support our major initiatives. Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Our Parsippany based group supports and sponsors many community causes.
Kiwanis Club is looking for additional vendors to participate in this great event, as well as sponsors.
For more information click here, or contact Touch-a-Truck Chairman Nicolas Limanov at [email protected] or (917) 499-7299. Interested in a sponsorships please contact Barbara Freda at (973) 769-5310.
PARSIPPANY — Ladies and Gentlemen we welcome you to come out and support the local adult Soccer team. This team is undergoing some big changes and has cleared its way to start climbing up the American Soccer tiers one day at a time, one training…one game at a time. That’s right, it will pave the way for soccer here in Parsippany by going to the pro’s by climbing out the current amateur level into the semi pros and eventually into to the Pro’s. It will be a long process but it’s in the plans.
How can you be involved and be part of history in the making? Come out and support, come out and join the community with a common goal, something we can all work towards, AS ONE. Bring your kids and the local kids so they can see something that they can aspire to and look up to and work towards. As any other sport it will help instill great values they can use on and off the field, discipline, team work, courage, integrity. Come out and push our players and give them more of a reason to work hard on and off the field to better themselves day in and day out, help give them a platform in which they can use to go to other big established clubs and take with them the Parsippany experience and represent us all the way through. Parsippany Blues isn’t just a team to watch…it’s bigger than that. We will work hard to make you proud for your support and understand that morning Sundays are difficult for many, but we can assure you that you will enjoy every moment of it.
We hope to see you there and a HUGE thank you in advanced.”
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano presented the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills with a “Proclamation,” proclaiming April 2019 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is authorized by State Statute and Federal Law to help the Court and Child Welfare systems make “best interest” decisions on behalf of children removed from home because of abuse or neglect. CASA volunteer advocates in the Township of Parsi pp any Troy-Hills help to ensure that abused and neglected children who are placed in foster care and other out-of-home placements are safe and receive the services they need to achieve well-being.
CASA advocates reduce the number of moves between placements, help shorten the overall time a child remains in placement, and serve as a consistent person in the child’s life until that child achieves permanency in a safe home with a loving family.
Michael A. Soriano, Mayor of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills proclaimed April 2019 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and Friday, April 5 as CASA Child Advocacy Day 2019; and urge all citizens to support the CASA network across New Jersey, as it strengthens families and helps children learn, grow, and thrive.
PARSIPPANY — Joseph T. Roman of the Glacier Hills section of Parsippany has been nominated by the faculty at New Jersey Institute of Technology for the excellence in teaching award.
Mr. Roman who is an Adjunct Professor at the Martin Tuchman School of Management at NJIT received this nomination in April. When asked about the nomination Joseph said,” I am truly honored and humbled by this nomination because of the high caliber of everyone who teaches at NJIT and works throughout the university. Having the ability to make an impact in students lives and then see them succeed in leadership roles throughout their professional careers is a huge motivator and reward for me personally.”
Mr. Roman in addition to teaching is a globally known enterprise software executive. He works day to day in leading technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cloud Software, Data Science, Decisioning and Business Process Automation among other areas. He is considered a thought leader in his field. He highly recommends technology and business as a career path for people starting out in their educational journey.
Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon at the launch
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office on April 3, announced the launch of the Police Assisted Addiction Recovery Initiative (PAARI), an expansion of Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon’s hallmark Hope One mobile substance abuse recovery and resource vehicle whose two-year anniversary coincides with the start of PAARI.
The launch of PAARI and expansion of Hope One in Morris County is made possible through receipt of a $332,658 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice that was applied for in 2018 by Morris County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Erica Valvano and Sheriff’s Office Trends and Analysis Team Analyst Jane Recktenwald.
Expanding on its commitment to help wrest individuals from the grip of addiction and, for some, stop the cycle of crime associated with substance abuse disorders, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office is the first law enforcement agency in Morris County to launch PAARI and the only Sheriff’s Office in New Jersey to embark on the initiative that draws municipal police departments and non-profit agencies into a partnership to help individuals fight the ravages of addiction.
Under PAARI, individuals who walk into participating police departments and request help for their addiction will be screened, and in most cases connected with a certified peer recovery specialist who will guide the individual to treatment options and resources. Daytop-NJ, a premier substance use facility based in Mendham, is the Sheriff’s Office’s partner in providing the peer recovery specialists.
Individuals who self-initiate the treatment process by going to police headquarters must surrender any drugs or paraphernalia and will not be criminally charged with possessing contraband, under a directive to police prepared by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. As participation is voluntary, the individual can elect not to continue seeking assistance.
Separately, police can use their discretion in approaching individuals they encounter on the street to determine whether they are open to meeting with a peer recovery specialist. However, the PAARI program exclusively applies to people who ask for help and cannot be used in lieu of charges or arrest.
“With opioid and heroin addiction consuming the lives of family members, neighbors, classmates and friends, and often leading them to break the law to finance their addictions, we all have a stake as human beings to try to stop the scourge,” Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon said.
“Police officers who are familiar with vulnerable populations in their communities are well-suited to start the process of helping people connect with treatment services in a compassionate, non-judgmental style,” Sheriff Gannon said.
Daytop-NJ President and CEO Jim Curtin
Daytop-NJ President and CEO Jim Curtin said of the PAARI partnership, which builds upon the non-profit’s relationship with Hope One: “We commend Morris County Sheriff Gannon for implementing the PAARI program, and are honored to provide Daytop’s trained peer counselors as a first line of defense and a choice for people with substance use disorders.”
“The PAARI program recognizes that addiction is a disease, not a character flaw or a crime, and implementing PAARI in police stations throughout Morris County is a critical step in saving the lives of those suffering from this devastating disease,” CEO Curtin said.
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp noted the array of care programs aimed at ending the disease of addiction.
“The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office looks forward to partnering again with the Sheriff and our municipal law enforcement partners on this life-saving initiative. As with Operation Helping Hand and Narcan 2.0, under the leadership of Attorney General Grewal, we and Morris County law enforcement agencies have sought to stem the tide of the horrific opioid and heroin epidemic. PAARI is another innovative effort by Sheriff Gannon towards preventing the needless loss of lives experienced during this plague which has engulfed many of our residents,” Prosecutor Knapp said.
“Expanding upon the concept of Hope One and the addition of Medically-Assisted Treatment (MAT) at our County Correctional Facility, the innovative work of the Sheriff’s Office has taken the lead in New Jersey towards reducing overdose deaths and we join in this effort today and going forward,” Prosecutor Knapp said.
On April 3, about 50 police chiefs and officers from 20 municipal police departments around Morris County participated in four hours of instruction on their obligations under PAARI, at Morris County’s Public Safety Training Academy in Parsippany. Police chiefs and superior officers from the Butler, Mount Olive, Montville, Dover, and Morristown Police Departments are part of an advisory group that met in February to plan the PAARI launch.
Morris County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Erica Valvano, coordinator the Hope One-PAARI program
“The PAARI program helps local law enforcement tremendously because it delivers certified peer recovery specialists out to meet directly with the person who is suffering from addiction, either on the street or right in our municipal police stations. As a result, we can offer real help,” said Butler Police Chief Ciro Chimento.
Police department participation in PAARI is voluntary and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office hopes to make the program available at all police departments in the future. To activate their police department’s participation in PAARI, governing bodies in the respective municipalities have to pass resolutions.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office has signed on as a venue to receive walk-in requests for help from individuals battling substance abuse, after the Morris County Board of Freeholders in March 2019 approved a resolution of support.
The freeholder resolution commends the Sheriff’s Office “for taking a leadership role in creating a positive impact on individuals and their families struggling with addiction, thus, providing a clear path to recovery.”
PAARI was launched in 2015 in Massachusetts as a constructive alternative to incarceration for people battling substance abuse and about 430 law enforcement agencies in 33 states have signed on.
PAARI USA Executive Director Allie Hunter McDade was present for the April 3 launch and said of the movement:
“We are delighted to be present as the Morris County Sheriff’s Office joins PAARI and launches the Hope One-PAARI Program. They are joining a growing movement of nearly 500 law enforcement agencies nationwide that are using non-arrest strategies to address the mounting opioid epidemic.”
“As we have seen with other PAARI initiatives across the country, this program will create a pathway to treatment and recovery, which will ultimately prevent overdose deaths and improve community safety and well-being. We are grateful to all the partners involved for the dedication and leadership, and we are thrilled to have the Morris County Sheriff’s Office as partners in this important effort,” Executive Director McDade said.
Hope One, which travels twice a week to communities in Morris County where drug overdoses and narcotics arrests are occurring, has logged more than 6,400 contacts with individuals since April 3, 2017, and 1,636 people as of March 31, 2019, were trained by Hope One staff in how to administer Narcan to a person who is overdosing. Hope One has verified that at least 32 lives have been saved by people administering Narcan provided to them on their visit to Hope One.
