PARSIPPANY — During the months of October 2015 and November 2015 members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department received information concerning the belief that synthetic drugs were being distributed from within the Video Boutique, located at 100 Route 46.
(Click here to view original article in Parsippany Focus).
The investigation resulted in the October 11, 2016 seizure of over one hundred (100) packages of synthetic drugs from within the store.
Criminal warrants were issued for Gamage Jayantha, Parsippany, an employee of the store, and Jeffrey Namer of Livingston, the store’s owner.
Both defendants were charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Imitation CDS, Conspiracy to Distribute Prescription Legend Drugs, Conspiracy to Distribute Toxic Chemicals, Possession of Imitation CDS with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Prescription Legend Drugs with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Toxic Chemicals with Intent to Distribute, as well as multiple counts of Distribution of Imitation CDS, Distribution of Prescription Legend Drugs and Distribution of Toxic Chemicals.
Jayantha’s bail was set at $125,000 cash or bond. He was unable to post bail and is currently lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility.
Namer’s bail was set at $150,000 cash or bond. Upon his October 14, 2016 arrest, he immediately posted bail and was released.
Chief of Police Paul Philipps would like to thank the Parsippany Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit for their dedication and commitment during this investigation. He would also like to thank the Investigators from the NJ Office of Attorney General’s Consumer Affairs Enforcement Bureau, the Morris County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigations Section and K-9 units, and Detectives from the Morris County Prosecutors Office for assisting our Department.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department were called to the scene of a pedestrian hit in the area of 138 North Beverwyck Road on Tuesday, October 25 at approximately 9:00 p.m.
Morris County Sheriff Department on the scene of a fatality on North Beverwyck Road
Parsippany Police, Morris County Sheriff’s Department, Morris County Medical Examiner, Morris County Prosecutors Office and Rockaway Neck Volunteer First Aid Squad were at the scene.
Witnesses at the scene stated a female was hit by a car and did not survive the crash.
A vehicle which was parked on nearby Longview Avenue was towed to Parsippany Police Headquarters by Eagle Towing.
As details are released, Parsippany Focus will update this article.
When Chris Christie first came on the public stage as a hard charging U.S. Attorney it was easy to see that he had big plans for himself. He cruised into office and spent the first few years of his administration working across the aisle with the Democrat controlled legislature and earning himself a reputation as a…
PARSIPPANY — It has been a year since the Main Building at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital was demolished in late October 2015, resulting in the destruction of yet another Kirkbride Building. Kirkbride buildings were mental health facilities popular during the late 19th Century that were named after Dr. Thomas Story Kirkbride, a founding member of the…
Where is our Declaratory Judgment? Where is the exact number of the obligation; Regional and Local?
This letter is in support of the recent letter to the editor by a Parsippany resident protesting the sending of three municipal secretaries to Atlantic City; for what seems to be a good time or change of pace at taxpayers expense.
Perhaps a conference on Fair Share Housing’s proper obligation and application methods. Almost a year ago the Mayor rejected the Administrators advice to seek separate council in applying Parsippany’s Affordable Housing obligation if any.
Instead we have our township attorney acting as judge and jury making closed door deals with developers without the citizens input, or the essential parties necessary to accomplish the intention of the law. Without knowing the regional obligation and how it applies or not to Parsippany’s situation we cannot know any actual numbers. We were told Par-Troy was in good standing; now we are about to give ourselves over to developers and destroy more sensitive landscapes. We must ask; why would Parsippany not seek a declaratory judgement; as Town Administrator, Ellen Sandman recommended nearly one year ago?
See no other reason than to help corporate developers disregard our Master Plan and inflict unnecessary housing developments, for no just cause. Where is our declaratory Judgement? Make it known and transparent. Parsippany has plenty of housing. Our Town Attorney is too close to too many developers for us to receive a fair-share; has our Council simply given in? Instead of adhering to a legal obligation, we are helping developers overcome hardship due to bad investments of property, wetlands, steep slopes, remaining forest, water recharge using housing as the method to rezone and ignore our Master Plan, disgrace!
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Louis Valori announced a special meeting to be held on Tuesday, October 25 at 1:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
The purpose of this meeting is to consider the adoption of an ordinance rezoning certain properties located in Troy Meadows to the RCW Recreation, Conservation, and Wildlife Zone District. Formal action may or may not be taken.
PARSIPPANY — Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms held a “Head, Hand & Heart Gala” on Saturday, October 15 at Knoll County Club East.
The “Head, Hand & Heart Gala” was held to honor two local non-profit groups, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio gave special recognition to the honorees, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills and thanked the Craftsman Farms Foundation for helping to make Parsippany a great place to live and work. Those volunteer organizations make up the fabric of Parsippany and have contributed to the designation by Money Magazine as the fifth best place to live in the nation.
Governor Christ Christie, in a letter to the attendees stated “As a National Historic Landmark, the Stickley Museum has been an integral part of New Jersey’s historical and cultural landscape. By offering a range of educational programs and tours for its visitors, the Museum is committed to providing a distinctive for their dedication to preserving and sharing our State’s history and commend those who will continue this worthy endeavor in the future.”
The Gala’s “head, hand, and heart” theme has long been associated with the Arts and Crafts movement, the movement that inspired Gustav Stickley’s vision for Craftsman Farms, stated Vonda Givens, Executive Director. “The dedicated members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills serve our community with head, hand and heart. Over the years Kiwanis Club has partnered with Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms and both clubs have pointed the way, pioneering a path of service to the community that the museum seeks to emulate. We all share the overlapping goal of serving children in Parsippany-Troy Hills and enhancing the lives of local families. For many years, the Kiwanis Club and the Woman’s Club have worked tirelessly doing both. We are thrilled to spotlight their efforts,” said Givens.
Nancy and Steve Dickens
Entertainment for the evening
Carol Tiesi and Karen DeChristopher
Jayne Beline and Jim Hecht
Connie Keller and Susan Elbin
Connie Keller and Julie Peterson
Nancy Dickens, Gordon Meth and Suzanne Meth
Brenda Barberio and Susan Elbin
Members of Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills
Members of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany
For over 60 years, the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills has demonstrated its commitment to the community through an impressively wide range of community service endeavors. For many years the Club has served the township and the state with initiatives to support education, home life, conservation and more. An early project supported the founding of Parsippany Library. Today the Woman’s Club is involved with both large and small projects, many ongoing, which assist and support families in need, victims of domestic violence, the elderly and active military. Educational opportunities for local children are fostered through a spelling bee, reading awards for 5th graders, citizenship awards for middle school students and scholarships for high school seniors. For the last two years, the club has also awarded a scholarship to a victim of domestic abuse who wants to continue her education. Every two years, the New Jersey Federation of Woman’s Clubs selects a new charitable organization to support. Currently the club is championing “Prevent Child Abuse-NJ.” Past statewide projects included “Autism Awareness” and support for “National Alliance on Mental Illness.” The club also has an active social side. From Bunco nights, a book club, holiday parties and more – club members keep busy!
The focus of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is to improve the quality of life for children and families by giving primacy to the human and spiritual rather than the material values of life. The Club is committed to making the world better by making communities better.
Marking its 25th year of service to Greater Parsippany, the Kiwanis Club hosts weekly meetings, each Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner. Any community need can become a Kiwanis service project, especially the needs of children. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany believes that by helping one child, you help the world. This dynamic organization sponsors Key Clubs in both local Parsippany high schools, Builders Clubs in the middle schools, and K-Kids Clubs in elementary schools, with over 500 student members. The Kiwanis Club has supported the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms’ Family Days and other children’s programs for many years, but it is just one local organization to benefit from the organization’s support. Its community service efforts, particularly in service to children and families, leave a large footprint on the area. The club supports the Parsippany Child Day Care Center, Parsippany Library, and numerous other organizations such as Housing Partnership, NJ Sharing Network, The Women’s Theater, Jersey Battered Women’s Service, Homeless Solutions, Eliminate Project, Parsippany Community Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Camp Nejeda and Children’s Specialized Hospital.
PARSIPPANY — Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk was held in the Mack-Cali Business Campus on Sunday, October 16. 332 teams and 3,373 participants have raised $404,792.47.
The tree top individuals were Making Strides Gold Pacesetter Joan Van Soest raising $18,687, Making Strides Silver Pacesetter Fran Saliter raising $6,905 and Making Strides Silver Pacesetter Making Strides Donor Nancy Medford raising $6,615.
Three top teams were: Team Tilcon raising $22,448; The Fighting Champions Team raising $8,445 and Team Mary raising $8,225.
And the three top corporations were Morristown Medical Center raising $25,894.11; Tilcon New York Inc. raising $22,448 and Realogy raising $7,906.
Parsippany-Troy Hills School District headed by Ms. Aimee Doyle, with 92 members participating raised $2,570.00.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks are the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, uniting communities with a shared determination to help free the world from the pain and suffering of breast cancer. Passionate walk participants raise critical funds that enable the American Cancer Society to fund innovative research; provide free, information and support to anyone touched by breast cancer; and help people reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable.
Council Vice President at the finish line
American Cancer Society
Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Kathleen Talosi, Dawn Taylor and Kelsie Taylor
Cindy Stavrou
Former Asst. Business Administrator Paula Cozzarelli and team during the walk
Parsippany District 6 flag is flying high above the event
Robert Peluso and Addie Rufino, Norvartis
Students, Cheerleaders, Coaches of Parsippany High School and Council Vice President Robert Peluso
Kirsten Taylor, Olivia Santore and Tia Cherbaka
The money raised through Making Strides walks helps the American Cancer Society in the fight against breast cancer by funding innovative breast cancer research; by providing free, comprehensive information and support for those touched by breast cancer; and by helping people reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable.
PARSIPPANY — William “Bill” Cleary has been at Brooklawn Middle School for 19 years as an Assistant Principal and eight years prior to that as an Assistant Principal at Parsippany Hills High School. He has been an administrator for nearly 40 years overall.
In the words of Student Council President Kelsey Mogan, “Mr. Cleary makes the students his number one priority, and is always there when a student is in need. He can often be found at athletic events where he is constantly cheering on and encouraging our athletes. He supports all the clubs and takes pride in the talent students display in plays and concerts.” She adds, “This man is a true inspiration to every student he encounters, and spreads positivity and care to all those around him.”
In the words of Student Council Co-Advisor Alison Franz, “It is clear by his interaction with students and staff that he is not there simply because of his role in the building, but because he believes in the program and the tremendous benefits it offers to school and community.”
We congratulate Bill Cleary and the Brooklawn Middle School community on his achievement of this award. The established excellence for student leadership at Brooklawn, including that of several past NJASC State Officers, is a direct and tangible result of his guidance, support, and encouragement.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Express continue their success in week five of the Lakeland Running series held on October 9 at Central Park of Morris County. They had three top three team finishes. The girls 7/8 team placed third, The girls 9/10 team placed third and the boys 9/10 team placed second.
Top twenty ribbon winners in the picture are from left to right: Kira Chebishev 4th in the girls 9/10 race, Chase Kosovich 12th in the boys 7/8, Tyler Kaplan 20th in the boys 7/8 and Brian Metz 16th in the boys 9/10.
PARSIPPANY — The National Institute for People with Disabilities of New Jersey runs a program for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome, autism spectrum disorders and those with similar traits, held a ribbon cutting grand opening on Wednesday, October 19.
Davey Willans, Chair Board of Trustees
Christine Reinhard, Executive Director
Michelle Newburger, Asst. Director Aspergerer’s Skill Building Network
Emily Kushner, a graduate of th
Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Asperger’s Skill Building Network
Joining in the celebration were Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Michael dePierro, Council President Louis Valori, Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Parsippany Parsippany Business Administrator Ellen Sandman, Economic Development Advisory Committee Chairman Frank Cahill, James Walsh, Parks & Forestry Director and NIPD/NJ attendees Davey Willans, Chair Board of Trustees; Gail Dombeck, Board of Trustees; Christine Reinhard, Executive Director; Ralph Coloma, Director; Michelle Newburger, Asst. Director Aspergerer’s Skill Building Network; Dara Westler, Program Supervisor; Jennifer Holak, Lead Facilitator; Katie Daley, Asst. Facilitator; Eti LeMoulled, Office Manager and Lynn Berman, Sr. Media Relations Manager, YAI.
The grand opening was held at the Parsippany Park Center, Knoll Drive, Lake Hiawatha.
Emily Kushner, a graduate of the program who spoke about her experience in the program and the how it has impacted her life.
“NIPD/NJ is grateful for the support that the Town and people of Parsippany have shown in making the Asperger’s Skill Building Program a success here. They have welcomed us into their community and have demonstrated an interest not only in what we do, but in collaborating with us to help make the lives of people with Autism who live in and around Parsippany better. I am hopeful that the relationship between NIPD/NJ and the Town of Parsippany continues to be mutually beneficial for many years to come, saidChristine Reinhard, Executive Director.”
The National Institute for People with Disabilities of New Jersey was founded in 1998 and is a member of the YAI Network of agencies. NIPD/NJ provides a range of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These services include a continuum of residential programs, as well as respite and in-home services for children and adults living at home, Support Coordination services in Sussex, Essex and Hudson counties and programs for social opportunities and skill development such as the Asperger’s Skill Building Network as well as the Coffee House, a weekly socialization program.
The Asperger’s Skill Building Network began in Parsippany in February. They currently offer this program in Wayne and Warren as well serving approximately sixty people.
It has been brought to my attention that Parsippany-Troy Hills Business Mrs. Ellen Sandman has not only approved, but encouraged three secretaries to attend the League of Municipalities Convention in Atlantic City.
Not only is it ridiculous to send secretaries since there is absolutely no courses for them to take, it is a waste of taxpayers dollars.
Hotels, travel and living expenses not to mention the work they miss is on the clock.
MONTVILLE — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief Rudy Appelmann of the Montville Police Department announce the arrest of Police Officer Kurt Geisinger for Driving While Intoxicated, a motor vehicle offense, on Friday, October 21. Police Officer Geisinger was charged in connection with his operation of an unmarked patrol vehicle while on duty and under the influence of alcohol. He was also charged with Careless Driving in connection with the incident.
The investigation at this time has not revealed any indication that the officer was involved in any motor vehicle accident. There is no indication that the officer had any interaction with the public while intoxicated, based on the investigation at this time. Officer Geisinger has been suspended with pay. The investigation is continuing.
A Municipal Court date is to be determined.
Editors Note: A complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
During the travels of a Parsippany Focus photographer they were behind a New Jersey State vehicle who was “striping” new white lines on Route 80. You would think they would clean and sweep the highway before striping, since the highway was full of dead animals and garbage. The photographer did refrain from posting the pictures of the dead animals with strips across their decomposed bodies.
NEWARK – In an emotional day of testimony, Bridget Anne Kelly refuted the charges against her in the Bridgegate scandal, telling a jury she told Gov. Chris Christie in advance about the plan to close toll lanes at the George Washington Bridge in 2013, and had gotten his approval for what she thought was a legitimate…
This is extremely damaging testimony from Chris Christie’s former deputy chief of staff. The former deputy chief of staff testified that the governor approved the study, which prosecutors allege actually was cover-up for a revenge plot against a local Democratic mayor. Christie has long maintained that he knew nothing about the lane closures that brought traffic…
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce’s Employment Outreach Program will be hosting it’s 6th Annual Job Fair to be held on Thursday, November 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive. In prior years, over 450 potential job seekers and 25 hiring organizations attended this annual event.
“Our Job Fair has a reputation for supporting families and businesses over the years and in mentoring our young adults with practical business skills to become our future leaders. This is another example on how we strive to give back to our community!” stated Chamber President and Job Fair Chair Robert Peluso. The job fair is a great opportunity for job seekers to connect with area employers while gaining new skills through the event’s free workforce development seminar. However, there is much more to the event. The job fair is part of the Chamber’s Employment Outreach Program which is the Chamber’s unique approach to drive community and economic growth in the Greater Parsippany Area through providing employers with a high quality workforce. However, the success of the Job Fair and Employment Outreach Program, which assists job seekers and area employers, demonstrates the success of Chamber President and Job Fair Chair Robert Peluso’ s strategic partnership initiative.
In 2009, led by Peluso, the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce began focusing on creating strategic partnerships with other community based organizations.
To date the Chamber supports many local organizations and works with New Jersey Department of Unemployment and Morris County School of Technology which also assists in the Annual Job Fair.
“A high quality workforce creates an advantage in attracting and retaining top companies to the Parsippany Area. We provide comprehensive services, including: job postings, a website by clicking here, internship opportunities, scholarships for Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School, training events, career counseling, and workforce development opportunities for students. All of these services are provided free of charge by the self-funded and volunteer based organization, however we could not make this program a success without our dedicated partner organizations,” stated Chamber President Robert J. Peluso.
For more information on the Employment Outreach Program and the job fair click here or call (973) 402-6400.
MORRIS COUNTY — Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick announced he has appointed Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco to the position of Assembly Republican whip. Bucco replaces Scott Rumana, who was confirmed by the state Senate to become a Passaic County Superior Court judge.
“Tony is politically savvy, intelligent, and hard-working,” said Bramnick (R-Union). “He has a proven track record of successful leadership in our caucus and will be an effective advocate to advance our message as whip.”
Previously, Bucco served as the Republican deputy leader since 2012. He has served in the Assembly since 2010, and represents parts of Morris and Somerset counties in the 25th Legislative District.
“I am truly honored that Republican Leader Bramnick has asked me to take on this new role,” said Bucco (R-Morris). “I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to advance Republican solutions that make the state more affordable for taxpayers, encourage more job opportunities in every community, and reform state government.”
Bucco’s office is located at 1040 Route 10 West, First Floor, Randolph, and can be reached by calling (973) 927-2526.
PARSIPPANY — State wildlife officials are reminding motorists from across Morris County, from Parsippany and Cedar Knolls to Denville and Morris Plains, to be alert for white-tailed deer crossing their roads with the arrival of the fall breeding season, a time of year when deer may unexpectedly dart onto roads and cause accidents.
Motorists are urged to be especially attentive during morning and evening commutes when visibility may be poor, according to experts from the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Deer are involved in thousands of collisions in New Jersey every year, with as many as half coming during the fall mating season, known as the rutting season.
An adult male deer can weigh 150 pounds or more, and can cause dangerous accidents whether on local Parsippany or Morris County roads or on high-speed interstates that crisscross the region, such as I-80, I-287 and I-78.
“People should always be alert for deer when driving, but especially at this time of year, when deer can suddenly run onto any roadway, from busy highways to country roads,” said Division of Fish and Wildlife Director David Chanda. “One moment of inattentive driving can result in serious or even life-altering consequences.”
During rutting season, deer are most active in the very early morning and around sunset, when visibility conditions can be very difficult. This is when bucks are most actively pursuing does.
Using caution while driving will become even more important when Daylight Saving Time ends November 6, causing commutes to align with periods when deer are most active.
For motorists, low levels of light and sun glare can make it very difficult to see deer that are about to cross the road. Moreover, multiple deer may cross the road at any given moment, usually in a single file.
Peak rutting season for deer in New Jersey runs from late October, throughout November, and into mid-December in all areas of the state, beginning earliest in northern regions.
Motorists are encouraged to inform the Department of Transportation of dead deer they find along the state highway system, and can share information by clicking here.
Municipal and county governments are responsible for removal of dead deer from roads they maintain.
The following tips are offered to help motorists stay safe:
The following tips can help motorists stay safe during rutting season:
If you see a deer, slow down and pay attention to possible sudden movement. If the deer doesn’t move, don’t go around it. Wait for the deer to pass and the road is clear.
Pay attention to “Deer Crossing” signs. Slow down when traveling through areas known to have a high concentration of deer so you will have ample time to stop if necessary.
If you are traveling after dark, use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. High beams will be reflected by the eyes of deer on or near roads. If you see one deer, be on guard: others may be in the area. Deer typically move in family groups at this time of year and cross roads single-file.
Don’t tailgate. Remember: the driver in front of you might have to stop suddenly to avoid hitting a deer.
Always wear a seatbelt, as required by law. Drive at a safe and sensible speed, considering weather, available lighting, traffic, curves and other road conditions.
If a collision appears inevitable, do not swerve to avoid impact. The deer may counter-maneuver suddenly. Brake appropriately, but stay in your lane. Collisions are more likely to become fatal when a driver swerves to avoid a deer and instead collides with oncoming traffic or a fixed structure along the road.
Report any deer-vehicle collision to a local law enforcement agency immediately.
Obey the state’s hands-free device law or, better yet, avoid any distractions by refraining from using cellular devices while driving.
As a result of New Jersey’s deer management policies, the estimated population of deer in New Jersey, derived from a formula based on deer harvested in hunting seasons, is about 101,000, down from 204,000 in 1995.
This does not factor in deer inhabiting areas where hunting is not permitted. The DEP’s Community-Based Deer Management Program is available to help municipalities control deer in areas where sport hunting is not a viable management tool.
If you should encounter an injured deer in your travels, call (973) 263-4300.
Dear Editor:
