Researchers have found a new species of insect living in the New Jersey, according to a recent report. The new species of leafhoppers, which measure about 3 millimeters in length, were found in the grass in Pine Barrens along the New Jersey Turnpike and its habitat may already be threatened. RELATED: See the ‘testicle-eating’ fish with…
Milin Shah: A Star In Licensing
PARSIPPANY — As the nation revels in Shark Week, in Parsippany, there’s even more cause for celebration: Milin Shah, a graduate of Seton Hall University, Class of 2015, was named a 2015 Rising Star by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA).
A global trade organization, LIMA hosts conferences and provides training for professionals within the licensing industry worldwide, while educating and raising awareness of the benefits of licensing within the business community.
“I’m completely humbled to receive this industry recognition,” Shah said. “If you asked me five years ago whether or not I would bet my career on a movie called Sharknado, I’m not exactly sure how I would have replied.”
Shah cut his teeth on intellectual property law as brand manager for Earthbound LLC, a licensing company whose primary client is the SyFy Channel.
Two years ago, when Sharknado took the country by storm, Shah was in the eye of it. His position as brand manager called for him to be conscious of trademarking, licensing and copyright issues. “Every merchandising partner is required to execute a licensing agreement with Syfy,” he said, “and part of my role was negotiating all business points in these contracts.”
Shah graduated with a concentration in Intellectual Property. Currently he is studying for the bar exam and in August, he will join international licensing company Isaac Morris Limited as Vice President of Licensing & Marketing.
“The last four years, balancing an exciting career with evening classes at Seton Hall Law, have been the greatest years of my life thus far,” he concluded. “I cannot wait to begin my next chapter with Isaac Morris. I’m living proof that the cliché holds true: Choose a career you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Milin was featured in Seton Hall “In The Spotlight.”
Credit Seton Hall University School of Law
Morristown hospital tax case is ‘credit positive’ for N.J. municipalities: Moody’s
The recent tax court ruling that Morristown Medical Center should pay property taxes on nearly all of its 40-acre property is beginning to reverberate across the industry. Moody’s Credit Outlook on Monday declared the decision by Tax Court Judge Vito Bianco to be “credit positive” for Morristown, saying that, if unchanged, it would provide an additional…
N.J. farmers could see bumper crop of blueberries
As New Jersey farmers head into the peak harvesting time for blueberries this month, some are expecting an exceptionally fruitful yield, according to The Inquirer. Last year, state farmers brought in about $79.5 million from blueberry sales, making New Jersey one of the top in the U.S. for its blueberry production. Some farmers and industry leaders…
Freeholders Authorize New Assessment of Operations at Morris View Healthcare Center
PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Freeholders have authorized a new assessment of operations at the county owned Morris View Healthcare Center, to look for potential costs savings for taxpayers while also seeking to continued quality care for patients.
The county administration will issue a Request for Proposals in July for a health care consultant to undertake the latest review of the healthcare center, which is located in Morris Township. The consultant will be chosen later this summer, with a review expected to take about two months.
Morris County Administrator John Bonanni and Morris County Human Services Director Jennifer Carpinteri have briefed the Morris View Advisory Council and patients’ family members on the planned review. An explanatory letter also has been sent to all family members
Expected reductions in future Medicaid reimbursements and a possible 2016 loss of state “peer grouping’’ funding (established by the state to help county nursing homes offset costs that private facilities don’t face, such as pensions for their public workers), combined with federal and state government policies that have led to a move away from placing patients in more costly long-term nursing care, have made it essential for the county to take a thorough look at Morris View.
As a result, the freeholders have decided to undertake an operations and options analysis at the 283-bed facility, to ensure that the current high quality of care is maintained and/or improved for residents while providing the county with options aimed at meeting current and future budget requirements.
“We need to be fully educated to allow us to make the best, most informed decisions when it comes to the future of Morris View, which has long been a valuable asset to our community,’’ said Freeholder Hank Lyon, who is the county governing board’s liaison to Morris View. “We aren’t going into this review with any preconceived notions but, in order to have a meaningful review, we have to put every possibility on the table.’’
“We certainly are not going to do anything that should alarm patients and their families, nor the very dedicated staff at Morris View,’’ said Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo. “But there is a definite need for a thorough information update, especially as we face some important changes in Medicaid funding that could affect future revenues at Morris View.
Since 2005, Morris County has commissioned independent consultants and experts to perform various analyses of the facility and make recommendations, the last one being done in 2010. They have resulted in improved and more efficient and cost-effective operations at Morris View.
Resultant changes have included outsourcing of housekeeping, laundry, dietary and other services, an increase in census and Medicare A revenues, implementation of management efficiencies, a reduction of overtime, and less reliance on nurses from outside agencies to staff the facility.
The freeholders voted 6-1 to hire a consultant, with Freeholder John Cesaro dissenting.
As part of the review, the consultant will be asked to examine how other New Jersey counties have handled their nursing homes and take a detailed look at data from previous studies done for Morris County. All steps of the review process, starting at the RFP process, will include participation by the Morris View Advisory Committee, including family members, stressed county officials.
“We are taking a collaborative approach,’’ said Carpinteri. “This will be a true partnership with family members involved in the process. And it’s important to stress that whatever steps are taken will ensure that we maintain or improve our current high quality of care for our patients.’’
Morris View Healthcare Center provides a diverse level of care for those in need of short-term medical, therapeutic and continuous care within the skilled nursing setting
The 2015 budget for Morris View is about $21 million, with $5.8 million paid by taxpayers, who subsidize the facility. The facility has 283 licensed beds and is currently operating near capacity.
Driver of overturned vehicle charged with DWI
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officers E. Giordano, M. Kardos, D. Ross, Patrol Sergeant M. LaManna and Officers from the Denville Police Department responded to the area of Tabor Road and Hope Road for a report of a motor vehicle crash, on Friday, July 3 at 2:26 a.m.
Upon their arrival they observed an unoccupied overturned red 1998 Chrysler minivan in the middle of the roadway.
The officers conducted an area check for occupants, resulting in locating an intoxicated male individual, with visible signs of injury, hiding on a porch of a residence approximately 500 feet from the crash site. The individual provided his name to the officers, which later revealed to be false. He also falsely alleged that another occupant was in the vehicle that fled on foot after the crash resulting in an area search by the officers on scene and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. The search resulted negative for any other individuals. The male was transported to the St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville for his facial injuries.
While the investigation continued, the officers learned that the male’s true identity was discovered to be Mr. Michael Barbato, 48, Staten Island, New York.
The investigation revealed that Mr. Barbato was the driver of the vehicle and there were no other occupants. Mr. Barbato was issued summonses for Failure to Maintain Lane, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Driving with a Suspended License, Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving. He was also charged criminally for Hindering Apprehension/False Identification. The vehicle was towed from the scene and its owner notified. Mr. Barbato was released at the hospital to an acquaintance, pending his charges and court appearance.
DWI arrest on Route 46
PARSIPPANY — Patrolman E. Elston was stopped at a red traffic signal in his marked Patrol vehicle at the intersection of Parsippany Boulevard and Route 46. He observed a black 2007 Ford Explorer travel through the intersection against the red light and proceed onto Route 46 East, on Tuesday, June 30 at 10:47 p.m.
Officer Elston conducted a motor vehicle stop of the vehicle. After a brief investigation, the driver, Mr. Vincent Vivenzio, 46, Somers, CT was arrested for suspicion of Driving While Intoxicated and transported to Police Headquarters where he was issued summonses for Improper Turn at Arrow, Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving.
He was released to an acquaintance, pending his court appearance.
FBI raids home of ‘Subway Guy’ Jared Fogle in child porn probe
The FBI and state police have raided the Indiana home of Subway restaurants spokesperson Jared Fogle, famous for shedding more than 200 pounds of weight by eating Subway sandwiches. Local NBC and Fox affiliates report the raid was in connection with a child pornography investigation. The raid took place at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday at Fogle’s home…
Woman enters Wawa naked: video
Video captured shows a naked woman walked into a Delran Wawa early Monday morning.
According to the News 10 Philadelphia, the woman was seen entering the convenience store on Route 130 at 6 a.m., when the news crew was in the township covering town resident Carli Lloyd’s Women’s World Cup win.
Starbucks prices set to rise Tuesday
The cost of some Starbucks coffee drinks will increase by 10 to 20 cents starting Tuesday in response to rising operational costs, according to the Wall Street Journal. Starbucks’ bagged coffee prices are also set to go up by $1 — from $8.99 to $9.99 — later this month, according to the L.A. Times. Company representatives…
Just a Third of Police Departments Provide Body Cameras
The number of local police departments allowing Tasers and stun guns hit 81 percent in 2013—a “more than tenfold” increase from 7 percent in 2000, according to new Bureau of Justice Statistics estimates. The report also contains stats on how many U.S. police departments supply “body-worn” and “weapon-attached” cameras: 32 percent and 6 percent, respectively. (To…
National Night Out at Mennen Sports Arena
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s thirteenth annual National Night Out, hosted by the Morris County Park Police and the Morris County Park Commission, returns to Mennen Sports Arena in Morris Township on Tuesday, August 4, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with more FREE attractions. Fire, police, and rescue units are on hand to demonstrate a wide range of skills and equipment that bring awareness to the community with special emphasis on family and the multitude of services available to enrich their lives. Dozens of municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies participate, and are available for questions.
There will be FREE food, drinks, entertainment, ice-skating, giveaways, and attractions offering attendees one of the nation’s best ‘Nights Out.’ Each year since 2007, the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) named the Morris County’s National Night Out event a National Award Winner. “The Morris County National Night Out for the past seven years has received national recognition because it offers a comprehensive array of participating agencies to educate the public on available community services,” says Lt. Gabriel DiPietro of the Morris County Park Police. “In addition to the exhibits, there is FREE ice-skating, hands-on activities, giveaways, an opportunity to explore fire trucks, police vehicles, and more. Our most popular activity is the children’s ID program.”
This year, National Night Out overflows with amusements. Investigate the essential equipment of police, fire, and emergency vehicles, such as motorcycles, ambulances, all-terrain vehicles, fire engines, and squad cars. Visit the horses of the Morris County Park Police’s award-winning Mounted Equestrian Unit. Groove to the tunes of DJ and live performances. The Morris County Park Police are once again offering the most popular FREE Child ID cards, an initiative launched in 2000 that registers more than 1,000 children annually.
Chief Dave Doyle and the Morris County Park Police ensure public safety throughout Morris County, and provide assistance to other area agencies. The department currently patrols park facilities with cars, motorcycles, bicycles, all-terrain vehicles, and horses. For more information, please visit morrisparks.net, or contact Lieutenant Gabe DiPietro at gdepietro@morrisparks.net.
The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 18,730 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!
More rain in the forecast as humid, warm weather lingers in Parsippany
The sun will cut through this dreary Tuesday at times as the possibility of rain remains as warm, humid weather lingers in the Garden State. Widespread severe storms are unlikely, however, the National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook in New Jersey. According to the NWS, forecasters are calling for several slim swaths of…
Tractor Trailer accident on Route 80 causes massive delays
PARSIPPANY — Tractor trailer crashed on Route 80 Westbound, near mile marker 46 at approximately 6:30 p.m. Inital reports indicated a person was trapped inside a vehicle, but upon arrival of Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 5 Fire Department it was determined there was no entrapment. Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad was called to the scene and Parsippany EMS reported one person to St. Clare’s Hospital.
Morris County Hazmat and the Department of Environmental Protection were called to the scene on reports indicate a large fuel from crash spilling onto the hill near Route 46 from overpass. Route 80 remained closed to contain the spill and await a tow truck. The traffic was detoured onto Route 46. The U-Turn in front of the Holiday Inn was closed off and all traffic had to remain on Route 46.
Provident Bank donates to Summer Concert Series
PARSIPPANY — The Provident Bank, 401 Smith Road, made a donation to Parsippany’s Summer Concert Series.
Branch Manager Ylka Padilla and Mercedes Covert Muzio presents Mayor James Barberio with a check for $4,000 to sponsor the summer concert series, in memory of Bridget Katalis.
This year Provident will sponsor the concert on Thursday, August 13. “Time Machine” one of the most well-known and most sought after bands in the tri-state area will be performing. Click here to learn more about Time Machine. Time Machine is comprised of top musicians and performers giving you unmatched showmanship and professionalism. With so many all-star performers, their show will be like listening to a human jukebox. Constantly changing styles and vocalist during the course of the concert will keep your audience entertained and awe-struck all night long. In addition on August 13 there is a Special Summertime Barbecue presented by Shop Rite of Parsippany. The barbecue starts at 5:00 p.m!. All proceeds will be donated to the Parsippany PAL.
The concert series is held at Veterans Memorial Park, Route 46 at Vail Road.
Provident Bank is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Parsippany RACES partcipates in Field Day
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Office of Emergency Management Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (R.A.C.E.S.) volunteers participated in the National Emergency Communications Field Day Exercise this weekend, Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28.
All across North America Ham Radio operators take to the outdoors and set up emergency communication radio stations and operated them continuously for a 24 hour period, with the goal of successfully communicating with as many other stations participating in the event as possible.
Parsippany RACES set up their emergency communications station at the Veterans Field Gazebo on Route 46, and operated their station from 2:00 p.m. Saturday to 2:00 p.m. Sunday. Tens of thousands of Ham Radio operators throughout the country participate in this annual event, in order to hone their skills in the event of an emergency situation.
Braving the rains as might be the case during a real emergency, members contacted over 450 other operators around the country even as far away a Hawaii, in this grueling 24 hour event.
All registered ham operators in Parsippany received a postcard inviting them to attend and they did have some visits from operators.
Councilman Mike dePierro stopped by twice, bringing coffee and donuts for the evening crew.
For questions and inquiries, contact Eric Hubner at (973) 390-0192 Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
Tips For Morris County Residents To Reduce Encounters With Black Bears
MORRIS COUNTY — With summer outdoor season in full bloom, with residents hiking and biking through Morris County’s abundant natural areas, and many residents grilling and picnicking on a regular basis, it’s a good time to remember some key rules about dealing with the county’s population of black bears, which are sharing the woods and trails, and are more than happy to share a burger or hot dog from your outdoor grill at this time of year.
Black bears, which are the largest land mammal in New Jersey, are commonly found in many areas of northern and western Morris County, which is considered part of “bear country’’ by the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Bears are attracted by odors from potential food sources created by people. Carefully controlling these sources of food and associated odors can help prevent black bears from being attracted to people’s property and teaching them to associate people with food.
The most common bear problem county residents experience is black bears getting into their garbage. Bears are attracted to neighborhoods by garbage odors, so properly securing your garbage is one of the best ways to prevent bears from becoming a nuisance in your community, according to the DEP.
Residents are encouraged to work within their community to make sure all garbage is secured and kept away from bears. For tips on proper garbage management and coexisting with bears, click here. That site offer tips for homeowners, farmers, municipalities and outdoor enthusiasts.
The DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife offers some common sense tips to minimize conflicts with bears this summer, especially if you live in areas of Morris County that are regularly frequented by bears:
Secure your trash and eliminate obvious sources of food, such as pet food on decks, easy-to-reach bird feeders, or food residues left in barbecue grills.
- Use certified bear-resistant garbage containers if possible. Otherwise, store all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and place them along the inside walls of your garage, or in the basement, a sturdy shed or other secure area.
- Wash garbage containers frequently with a disinfectant solution to remove odors. Put out garbage on collection day, not the night before.
- Avoid feeding birds when bears are active. If you choose to feed birds, do so during daylight hours only and bring feeders indoors at night. Suspend birdfeeders from a free-hanging wire, making sure they are at least 10 feet off the ground. Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
- Immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors.
- Clean outdoor grills and utensils to remove food and grease residue. Store grills securely.
- Do not place meat or any sweet foods in compost piles.
- Remove fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard.
- Install electric fencing as an effective way to protect crops, beehives and livestock.
If you encounter a bear that is standing its ground, remain calm and do not run. Make sure the bear has an escape route. Avoid direct eye contact, back up slowly and speak with a low, assertive voice.
Report bear damage, nuisance behavior or aggressive bears to the Wildlife Control Unit of the DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife at (908) 735-8793. During evenings and weekends, residents should call their local police department or the DEP Hotline at 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337).
Joseph R. Riccardi, 94, passed away
PARSIPPANY — Joseph R. Riccardi, 94, passed away on Thursday, July 2 at Morristown Medical Center.
Riccardi was born and raised in Paterson where he lived for 30 years before moving to Parsippany in 1952.
Joe graduated from Columbia University School of Business with his MBA in Business.
He served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II from 1942 until being honorably discharged in 1944.
Joe worked at the Morris County Probation Department as a Supervisor for 20 years before retiring in 1992. Prior to that, he was an Industrial Engineer with McGregor – Doniger Sportswear in Dover, NJ and Manhattan Industries in Glen Rock.
Joe was a member of the St. Ann’s Social Club, American Institute of Industrial Engineers (AIIE), and AARP in Parsippany where Joe was also an Executive Board Member and a member of the Publicity Committee. He was also a Convention Representative for both McGregor – Doniger Sportswear & Manhattan Industries.
He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Erma K. (nee-Kaiser) who passed away on May 22, 2015 and his sisters: Emily Carlo and Annette Marcotulli.
Joe loved music, the Jersey Shore and traveling.
Survivors include his nephews: Armand and Richard Carlo and Richard and Robert Marcotulli and Brent Kaiser; and his niece, Kathleen Heinbaugh; he is also survived by his many great-nieces and great-nephews; his sister-in-law, Dr. Joan Kaiser and her husband, Donald Hill and Diane Kaiser.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7 at Par-Troy Funeral Home 92 Parsippany Road. Interment: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. Visiting hours are on Tuesday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.
Parsippany residents celebrated Fourth of July
PARSIPPANY — Familes throught out Parsippany celebrated Fourth of July. Family Picnics, concerts, fireworks, graduation parties were among the events celebrated by Parsippany residents.
Independence Day of the United States, also referred to as Fourth of July or July Fourth in the U.S., is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress declaring that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and no longer part of the British Empire.
Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the National Day of the United States
