PARSIPPANY — LongHorn Steakhouse, 690 Route 46, will be holding a “Dine-to-Donate” event on Tuesday, August 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
10% of the proceeds will be donated to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. Just mention to your server that you are dining to help Kiwanis Club.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany currently supports nine K-Kids clubs: Lake Parsippany Elementary School; Eastlake Elementary School: Mt. Tabor Elementary School; Littleton Elementary School, Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, Troy Hills Elementary School, Northvail Elementary School, Knollwood School and Rockaway Meadow Elementary School, two builders clubs, Central Middle School and Brooklawn Middle School; two Key Clubs, Parsippany Hills High School and Parsippany High School and one Aktion Club.
Just recently Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany submitted an application to Kiwanis International to include Intervale Elementary School as part of the K-Kids program, and Seton Hall University as part of the Circle K International.
They also raise funds and donates to the Parsippany Food Pantry, Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, Parsippany PAL Youth Center, Parsippany High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Hills High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Child Day Center, Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey, Camp Nejeda, NJ Sharing Network, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Parsippany, Parsippany Project Graduation, Jersey Battered Women’s Services, Family Promise of Morris County, Parsippany Little League West, Parsippany Little League East to name a few.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief of Investigations Stephen Wilson announce nine promotions effective on Monday, July 30, to fill vacant positions in the Prosecutor’s Office. These vacancies were created by previous promotions in the office, as well as retirements. The following personnel will be promoted and assigned as indicated below:
Prosecutor Knapp and Chief Assistant Prosecutor McNamara
Senior Trial Counsel and Supervising Assistant Prosecutor John McNamara to Chief Assistant Prosecutor, will supervise the Appellate and Professional Standards Units. Chief Assistant Prosecutor McNamara joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 1996, left for a short time in 1998 for private practice, and was re-hired in 2000. During his tenure at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, he served as the Chief of the Major Crimes Unit until being named the Supervising Assistant Prosecutor for the Professional Standards Unit. Chief Assistant Prosecutor McNamara is currently serving his fifth term as a designee to the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Model Criminal Jury Charges, and is a member of the New Jersey Supreme Court Criminal Practice Committee.
Chief Wilson and Captain Dillard
Lieutenant V. Harrison Dillard to Captain, will command the six units that fall under the Special Operations Division including the Intelligence, Homeland Security, Fugitive, High Tech Crimes, Forfeiture, and Special Enforcement Units. Captain Dillard, a veteran of the United States Army, has over twenty-three years of law enforcement experience, including over thirteen years with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Captain Dillard spent four years with the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and five years as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army. He is a lead instructor at the Undercover Narcotics Investigations Training (UNIT) course and the Top Gun training course for undercover drug investigations, and is also a certified expert in drug trafficking as determined by the Superior Courts of Morris and Passaic Counties.
Chief Wilson and Captain Kimker
Lieutenant Christoph Kimker to Captain, will command the various Units of the Specialized Crimes Division. Captain Kimker has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since 2004 and an employee of Morris County since 1992, when he was hired by the County as an Environmental Specialist where he supervised the Environmental Services Unit. He has been assigned to the Major Crimes Unit, Arson/Environmental Crimes Unit, and the Specialized Crimes Division. Captain Kimker has also been a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team since 2008 and a Firearms Instructor since 2010.
Chief Wilson and Lt. Monrad
Sergeant Jan-Michael Monrad to Lieutenant, will supervise the various units of the Special Operations Division. Lieutenant Monrad has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since 2002. Prior to joining the MCPO, he was a Patrol Officer and eventually Detective in the Boonton Township Police Department. Lieutenant Monrad has worked in the Special Enforcement Unit, Domestic Violence Unit, High Tech Crimes Unit, and Intelligence/Homeland Security Unit. He is recognized as an expert in electronic surveillance, and has conducted over 1,000 lawful intercepts of communications, many of which led to the convictions of illicit drug traffickers.
Chief Wilson and Lieutenant Ortiz
Sergeant Stephen Ortiz to Lieutenant, will continue to supervise the Specialized Crimes Unit inclusive of the Financial Crimes Unit, Insurance Fraud Unit, Fire Environmental Unit, and the Professional Standards Unit. Lieutenant Ortiz’s law enforcement career began in 1999 as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Union County Sheriff’s Office and then the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation. He has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since 2004, and has worked in the Fraud and Insurance Fraud Units, the Intelligence Crime Task Force, and the Homeland Security Investigations Task Force. He is a Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist, and a Certified Arson Investigator.
Chief Wilson and Sergeant Gomez
Detective/Supervisor Michael Gomez to Sergeant, will supervise the Intelligence Unit. Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2013, Sergeant Gomez served multiple overseas tours of duty in the United States Army. During a deployment in Afghanistan, he received a Bronze Star medal by then Secretary of the Army John McHugh for bravery and acts of merit while serving in a combat zone. Sergeant Gomez still serves today as a Special Agent in the US Army Reserves. His law enforcement career began in 2007, when he became a Patrol Officer with the Randolph Township Police Department. During Sergeant Gomez’s time in Randolph, he led the department in DWI arrests and was awarded multiple Life Saving Awards as well as the Honorable Service Award, and the Outstanding and Distinguished Service Award.
Chief Wilson and Sergeant Soulia
Detective/Supervisor Joseph Soulias to Sergeant, will continue to supervise the Financial Crimes, Insurance Fraud, Professional Standards and Fire/Environmental Crimes Units of the Specialized Crimes Division. Sergeant Soulias has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since 2015, where he has been a member of the General Investigations Unit and Financial Crimes Unit. Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, he was a member of the New Jersey State Police where he retired after 25 years with the final rank of Lieutenant, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
Chief Wilson and Det./Sup. LaGuerre
Detective Patrick LaGuerre to Detective/Supervisor, will continue in his assignment in the Office of the Chief of Investigations supervising Bias Crimes, Community Outreach, and Recruitment. Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2013, Detective/Supervisor LaGuerre began his law enforcement career with the East Orange Police Department in 2000, where he was assigned to the Patrol, Criminal Investigation, Narcotics, Executive Protection, and the Enhanced Community Safety Team Units. He has been recognized in the past for disarming a middle school student carrying a handgun in a classroom, as well as arresting and prosecuting ten juveniles charged with Bias Intimidation, Criminal Restraint, and Harassment.
Chief Wilson and Det./Sup. Torres
Detective Julio Torres to Detective/Supervisor, will assist in the supervision of the Fugitive Unit. Detective/Supervisor Torres has been with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since 2002, during which time he has been assigned to the General Investigations, Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment, Megan’s Law, Intelligence/Narcotics, Major Crimes, and the Fugitive Units. Prior to joining the MCPO, Detective/Supervisor Torres worked as support employee with the Federal Bureau of Investigation/Newark Division, as well as a Detective with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. He is a certified Polygraph Examiner, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Crisis Negotiator, and Police Instructor. Detective/Supervisor Torres has also presented at the Morris County Police Academy on Sex Crimes, Gangs, and Major Crimes-Strict Liability investigations.
Prosecutor Knapp stated, “I am extremely proud to announce the promotion of these outstanding career law enforcement professionals. It is a tribute to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office that we have members with the expertise and experience of these individuals to fill vacancies created by recent retirements. I know that they will continue to serve the County of Morris with distinction”.
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany wants to ensure that every child is prepared to learn and succeed in the classroom by providing free school supplies to Parsippany students most in need.
Items being sought include pencils, crayons, colored pencils, three-ring binders, scientific calculators, backpacks, pens, scissors, pencil sharpeners and pouches, paper, notebooks, composite books, glues sticks, highlighters, and any other school supply.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany set up drop off locations throughout Parsippany:
Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46; Boiling Springs Bank, 66 North Beverwyck Road; Dr. Phil Santiago, 75 North Beverwyck Road; IHOP, 792 Route 46; Family Bagels, 182 Parsippany Road (Green Hills Shopping Center) and Synergy Chiropractic, 125 Madison Street, Boonton. Items can be donated until August 16. After that date, anyone can drop off items at the Parsippany Human Services, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha.
You can also join us for breakfast any Thursday at 7:15 a.m. to learn more about Kiwanis Club of Parsippany and drop off your donations at that time.
The supplies will be distributed through Parsippany Human Services for distribution to children in need. Any Parsippany student needing school supplies is suggested to call (973) 263-7163.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany said it has been getting calls from families in need for several weeks asking for help. Many of the parents are worried their kids won’t have what they need for school.
“Starting school off with the proper gear is important for a child’s wellbeing. We just want to make sure every child is prepared to learn and succeed in the classroom, so their school performance is not affected,” said Carol Tiesi, Board Member and Community Chairman.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. It is not religious based or partisan in any way. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at the Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. We are 70 members strong and growing. New members are always welcome. (Click here for more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany).
PARSIPPANY — In 2017, Former Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio was ordered by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) to conduct an investigation of then Police Chief Paul Philipps for sleeping on duty while in uniform and never complied with the MCPO’s directive.
Parsippany Patch, Tap Into Parsippany and Parsippany Focus were all included in the correspondence between the complainant, Mr. Harrison and several officials from the Township and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Back in the summer of 2017 when Barberio was Mayor and Philipps was Police Chief of the Parsippany Police Department, an complaint was made to the MCPO about a video on YouTube showing Police Chief Philipps sleeping on duty and in uniform during some type of meeting. Click here for You Tube video.
According to a letter dated July 3, 2018 from Mayor Soriano’s Chief of Staff, Matthew Clarkin, to Mr. Harrison (Click here for letter) it says that the letter is in response to your emails attempting to find what the status of investigation PSU-17-0069 was. Mr. Clarkin goes on to say that the MCPO determined that there was insufficient evidence to warrant a criminal prosecution and that the investigation was returned to the Township for an administrative investigation. The letter then reads that the administrative investigation PSU-17-0069 was the responsibility of then Mayor James Barberio, who served as the appropriate authority under N.J.S.A. 40A-14-118 and in accordance with the Code of the Township. Mr. Clarkin then informs Mr. Harrison that a search of Township records was unable to locate any disposition of PSU-17- 0069. The letter then closes by saying that because of the passage of time and that Chief Philipps is no longer employed by the Township, the investigation PSU-17-0069 by the Township must now be deemed closed.
The emails that Parsippany Patch, Tap Into Parsippany and Parsippany Focus received, Mr. Harrison is questioning the content of Chief of Staff Clarkin’s letter by saying that his complaint number is PSU-17-0167 not PSU-17-0069.
The next issue that Mr. Harrison questions is a portion of the letter that says “Accordingly, given the passage of time (PSU-17-0069) was returned to former Mayor Barberio for his action on or about July 14, 2017”.
Mr. Harrison asks the following question: “If the matter was truly sent to the Township (Mayor Barberio) in mid-2017 as Lt. Kimker (MCPO) has told me, how could the matter be returned to Mayor Barberio when this letter clearly says it was sent to him to begin with?”
The next issue Mr. Harrison questions is about the investigation being closed because Chief Philipps is now retired. Mr. Harrison says he made the complaint over the summer of 2017 and was told all along that his complaint was being investigated. As a matter of fact, according to the Township Clerk Mr. Khalid Madin’s email of May 8, 2018 says “I inquired with the Mayor’s Office and they indicated that there is still an open investigation on this (PSU-17-0069) matter”.
Mr. Harrison poses the next question to several Township officials who have never responded back to him. “If the investigation is deemed closed because this Chief of Police is no longer employed, then why was I told on May 8, 2018 that there was still an open investigation?
As listed on the web Chief Philipps retired on March 1, 2018 so why the conflicting message about it being closed because he left versus my complaint still being investigated as of May 8, 2018?” Mr. Harrison explains that he believes a cover-up is taking place and questions the current administration about how could the MCPO’s order an investigation to be conducted by then Mayor Barberio and Mayor Barberio simply refuse to do it? It is unknown if Chief Philipps retirement had anything to do with this sleeping complaint and the YouTube video, or potentially other outstanding investigations. Also, we were unable to determine if Philipps retired in “Good Standing”.
Philipps was promoted to Parsippany’s Chief of Police by Former Mayor James Barberio in March 2013.
Philipps, in an unrelated matter, testified under oath in 2014 that he has supported Barberio’s campaigns over the years and had recently attended a political function that Barberio hosted. Moreover, Philipps testified that he never took the Police Chief’s Civil Service Exam and admitted in Court, he was a political appointment. (Click here for audio).
Parsippany Focus has emailed the Mayor’s Office and Council members seeking comment as they were all included on the several emails Mr. Harrison wrote. Parsippany Focus also emailed Former Mayor James Barberio for comment.
At the time this article was published no one has responded to various questions that were asked by Parsippany Focus regarding this matter.
MORRIS TOWNSHIP — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris Township Police Chief Mark DiCarlo, and Morristown Police Chief Peter Demnitz can confirm an active investigation into an incident that occurred on the evening of Saturday, July 28, in Morris Township.
On Saturday, July 28, at approximately 8:15 p.m., law enforcement was notified of an alleged burglary, which occurred on Frederick Place in Morris Township.
An unknown suspect, who was armed with a handgun, had attempted to make entry into the rear of a residence. During this attempt, the resident’s dog chased after the suspect, at which time it is believed that the suspect fired the handgun in the direction of the dog.
The fired shot is believed to have entered into a portion of the home. However, there were no injuries as a result of this event.
The home was occupied by the resident at the time of the incident. The suspect has been described by the resident of the home as a black male, with an athletic build, approximately 5-6” to 5-8”.
The suspect is believed to be in his late 20’s or early 30’s. The suspect’s hair has been described as short on the sides, with one inch twisted braids on top. He was further reported to be wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, dark colored pants, and wearing a black backpack.
Multiple law enforcement agencies have been actively involved in this investigation, including the Morris Township Police Department, the Morristown Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigation is active and ongoing, and law enforcement is seeking the public’s assistance with information. Anyone with any type of information is encouraged to contact the Morris Township Police at (973) 539-0777, Morris Township Detective Justin Crowell at (973) 326-7484, the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200, or the Morristown Police Department at (973) 538-2200. In addition, anyone with information regarding this incident may contact the Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers Program by clicking here, 973-COP-CALL or by using the free “P3 Tips” app on any mobile device. You will remain completely anonymous.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Acting Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan of the New Jersey State Police announce the arrest of Chevron B. Rolle, 20, of Far Rockaway, New York, on charges stemming from a motor vehicle crash that occurred during the early morning hours of Sunday, July 29.
It is alleged that on the morning of Sunday, July 29, Chevron Rolle was the driver of a motor vehicle involved in a single vehicle crash that occurred near mile post 26 of Interstate 80 Westbound in Mount Olive Township.
The investigation revealed that there was one other passenger in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
The passenger, who was later identified as Maneya Green, 18, of New York City, New York, died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
It is further alleged that after the crash, Rolle initially provided false information to the responding officers regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash and the occupants of the vehicle.
In addition, Rolle exhibited signs of being under the influence. Rolle has been charged by way of Warrant-Complaint with one count of Reckless Vehicular Homicide, a crime of the second degree, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5a; one count of Obstructing Administration of Law, a crime of the fourth degree, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1a, and one count of Possession of Marijuana, a disorderly persons offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a.
Members of the New Jersey State Police and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit contributed to this investigation.
Editors Note: A 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.
MORRIS COUNTY — The ACLU of New Jersey filed suit against twelve school districts throughout New Jersey, spanning from Camden County in the south to Sussex County at the state’s northern edge. The school districts, scattered throughout ten counties, all require forms of state-issued identification that require Social Security numbers or valid immigration status as a condition for students to enroll in school, a requirement that New Jersey law clearly forbids.
At recent Township Council meeting, residents were concerned that out of town residents were registered in our school system, and it was brought up that the Board of Education does everything in their power to verify students enrolled in Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Schools. Parsippany abides by the guidelines. We are publishing this article to inform residents of some of the laws in the State of New Jersey.
The exclusionary policies are particularly disturbing in light of the climate of fear in immigrant communities, along with the number of schools that appeared on previous ACLU-NJ audits of discriminatory policies.
“New Jersey’s state Constitution calls for free public education, and that applies to every single child – no exceptions,” said ACLU-NJ Staff Attorney Elyla Huertas, who filed the lawsuits. “In a state where one in five residents is foreign-born, at a time when our president has made the exclusion of immigrants a key part of his policy agenda, it’s more important than ever for every school district in New Jersey to meet its obligations, both to New Jersey’s families and to the Constitution.”
The 12 districts, which include one charter school district, asked for state-issued identification that can only be obtained by someone with citizenship or a Social Security number:
• Harding Township School District (Morris County) – Click here for copy of complaint
• Northern Valley Regional High School District (Bergen County)
• Bellmawr School District (Camden County)
• Sterling Regional High School District (Camden County)
• Winslow Township School District (Camden County)
• East Orange Community Charter School (Essex County)
• West New York School District (Hudson County)
• Sea Girt School District (Monmouth County)
• Watchung Hills Regional High School District (Somerset County)
• Montague School District (Sussex County)
• Cranford School District (Union County)
• Allamuchy School District (Warren County)
State statutes, the New Jersey Constitution, and the U.S. Constitution, through case law settled since 1982, all forbid school districts from denying education to public school students based on their immigration status or the status of their parents.
The ACLU-NJ sued only the 12 districts with the most restrictive policies, but several others impose improper requirements that hinder enrollment by immigrant parents.
“Together, these policies add up to a quiet, daily injustice that allows discrimination to metastasize and that tells families, incorrectly and unconstitutionally, that they can’t access the fundamental rights they’re entitled to,” said ACLU-NJ Executive Director Amol Sinha. “Public schools exist to educate all of a community’s children. The stakes are too high to allow these unlawful and discriminatory policies to continue, especially here, especially now.”
In 2008 and 2014, the ACLU-NJ conducted audits of the state’s 560+ school districts to identify problematic enrollment requirements. Five of the districts sued today also appeared on the 2014 list of offenders, and two of those districts – Watchung Hills Regional High School District and Montague School District – were identified as having discriminatory policies both in 2008 and in 2014.
Sterling School District, Bellmawr Public Schools, Sea Girt School District, Watchung Hills Regional High School District, and Montague School District were on the list in 2014. Northern Valley, Watchung, and Montague were identified has having unconstitutional enrollment policies in 2008.
This is not the first time the ACLU-NJ has been forced to sue districts to ensure that all students who live in the district have access to school, regardless of immigration status. In the last four years, the ACLU-NJ has sued thirteen districts that had policies similar to those challenged today; in each instance the case settled after the district agreed to change its policy.
The ACLU-NJ calls on all of New Jersey’s school districts to remove unlawful barriers from their registration forms, and requests that the state Department of Education devote resources to ensure that school districts follow the constitutional and statutory mandate to educate all children regardless of immigration status.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrol Officers R. Appel and K. Hawthorne responded to the South Beverwyck Park and Ride for a reported theft of motor vehicle parts.
Upon their arrival the victim advised them between 7:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25 an unknown suspect(s) cut the catalytic converter off his vehicle.
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officer L. Nicos responded to the Waterview Park and Ride on Tuesday, July 24 at 5:30 p.m. for a reported theft of motor vehicle parts.
Upon his arrival he spoke to the victim who stated his catalytic converter was cut from his vehicle. The victim stated this was the second time his 2001 Honda Odyssey had the catalytic converter stolen.
MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Senate has passed legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) that would allow New Jersey National Guard members who have been issued a NGB-22 form to access certain veterans’ benefits. An NGB-22 is a type of discharge form issued to National Guard members in New Jersey after they have served the country.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s legislation would expand VA benefits to thousands of New Jersey National Guard members.
“All veterans, regardless of where they have served our country, must be able to access the benefits they have earned,” Pennacchio said. “Right now, National Guard members are at a disadvantage. Many of these heroes are never issued the accepted DD-214 form. By expanding eligibility requirements to include the discharge forms they receive, we will ensure that the members of New Jersey’s National Guard can access the resources and tools they need to live and thrive at home.”
Currently, New Jersey has more than 8,000 active National Guard members serving on foreign or domestic missions
Under current law, veterans use DD-214 forms to access to veterans’ benefits, such as a county veteran identification card or a “veteran” designation on their license. However, instead of a DD-214, members of the National Guard in New Jersey are issued a NGB-22 form upon discharge. The difference in documentation has made it difficult for members of the National Guard to access the benefits they need to live in New Jersey.
S-2538 would rectify this concern, by allowing members of New Jersey’s National Guard who are issued an NGB-22 form to receive certain benefits designated for veterans.
An identical version of Sen. Pennacchio’s bill is currently pending a committee hearing in the Assembly. If passed by the Assembly and signed into law, the legislation would take effect immediately. A copy of S-2538 can be found here.
“A county veteran identification card can provide important benefits and produce cost savings for our heroes,” Pennacchio added. “Thousands of National Guard members serve our state and country honorably. The least we can do is provide them with direct access to the support they deserve. Today’s Senate passage of this bill proves that we are committed to helping all of New Jersey’s veterans succeed here, not just a select few.”
SOUTH JERSEY — If you live south of about Lanoka Harbor, you probably have a 609 area code, the second oldest in the state, only behind 201. The only problem with a 60-year-old area code is the fact that it will eventually run out of numbers.
In fact, “eventually” is more like “before the end of this year”.
With critical mass right around the corner, next month new phone numbers in South Jersey will be assigned a new area code – 640.
If you already have a 609 area code, it’s not going to go away, but one change will be that you’ll have to dial the full 10 digit phone number, even within the same area code (which, if we’re being honest I think most people do these days anyway).
It really wasn’t that long ago that the Garden State only had two area codes that firmly delineated north and south Jersey – 201 north of Trenton, and 609 to the south.
Then, the 90s rolled around, and so did cell phones, fax machines (remember those?), and dial up internet services, and we went from two area codes to nine in only ten years.
So, be proud of your 609 phone number! It’s not only one of the oldest in New Jersey, but one of the oldest in the whole country, and pretty soon it’ll be a closed club that won’t be accepting new members.
The new 640 area code will be added to the existing 609 region, including Atlantic, Cape May and parts of Ocean County. While the new area code will not change existing numbers, it will be added as new telephone lines and services are added.
In April 2017, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved a plan to overlay 640 to the existing 609 coverage area, after a study found the region would run out of available phone numbers in the third quarter of 2018. Heading into the new year, the BPU is advising residents in the 609 area code region to be prepared to change the way you make a call.
“When calling another number, you will have to dial the area code first, even if it’s 609 to 609,” said Gregory Reinert, director of communications for the Board of Public Utilities. “You should start getting used to dialing 10 digits.”
The dialing procedure primarily affects calls made to and from landline phones. According the Pew Research Center, 95 percent of American adults have at least one cellphone.
Started in January, a period of “permissive dialing” will start. According to the BPU, calls within the new 609/640 overlay area code will still be placed if dialed without the area code.
The 10-digit dial procedure will go in effect August 18. Calls without an area code will not be completed.
The 640 area code will be issued for new telephone lines or services starting September 17.
Many South Jersey businesses still advertise without including the area code. Reinert added that the change is very important for automated dialing services used by local and state offices.
“We want to get the message out to public safety or state offices to reprogram speed dialers or call-transferring equipment to the 10-digit area code and phone numbers, so there’s no issue going further into the year,” Reinert said.
The BPU said in a press release that three-digit special service numbers, including 911 and 411, will remain the same and assured residents that the price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police report during the evening of Monday, July 23 into the morning of Tuesday, July 24 the below incidents occurred:
Minnehaha Boulevard A 2014 BMW was stolen after another vehicle in the victim’s driveway, a 2014 Ford Mustang Convertible was also burglarized. The Mustang contained the key to the BMW. The BMW was recovered by Newark Police D on Tuesday, July 24. Entry to the Mustang is believed to have been made by forcing the convertible top in a way to allow the unknown suspect to gain entry into the vehicle.
A 2005 Scion xB was burglarized, but no items were reported missing. No damage was noted to the vehicle.
A 2007 Toyota Yaris was burglarized, but no items were reported missing. The owner stated the vehicle was left unlocked overnight.
A 2007 Buick Lucerne was burglarized. The victim advised the only item missing was a set of keys. The owner stated the vehicle was left unlocked overnight.
Ashwood Place A 2018 BMW was burglarized, and the victim advised his laptop bag was stolen from the vehicle. The estimated value of the bag and its contents is $2,700.00. The vehicle was believed to have been left unlocked overnight.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department reports during the evening of Tuesday, July 24 into the morning of Wednesday, July 25 the below incidents occurred:
Marcella Road A 2017 Ford Escape was burglarized. The victim advised electronics, bags, and a purse were stolen totaling approximately $600.00, along with $200.00 in cash. The vehicle was believed to have been left unlocked overnight.
A 2016 Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse were burglarized. The victim advised that checks, personal documents, and $1000.00 in cash were stolen from the Explorer. Both vehicles were left unlocked overnight. Officers located an iPhone box containing personal documents belonging to another person at the scene of the burglary. After a brief investigation it was determined that they were stolen out of a vehicle on Alloway Road.
Alloway Road
A 2017 Nissan Pathfinder was burglarized. The victim reported the only item missing was a box containing various credit cards and receipts. The items were found outside of another vehicle that was burglarized on Marcella Road.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer C. Dottino was conducting a property check at 2:04 a.m. on July 24 at the 7-11, 959 Tabor Road, when he observed a 2003 Ford Explorer parked and what appeared to be vomit running down the driver’s door onto the ground.
He approached the vehicle and observed a male, later identified as Anthony Espinoza, 20, Denville, hunched over the steering wheel.
Officer Dottino knocked on the window and Mr. Espinoza did not respond to the knocks. To check on his wellbeing he opened the driver side door and woke Mr. Espinoza. He also smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage and burnt marijuana once the door was opened.
After a brief investigation Mr. Espinoza was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. Inside the vehicle officers also located an apple which was fashioned in a way to allow the smoking of marijuana.
He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Disorderly Person Offense; Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving.
He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.
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 — On July 22 at approximately 6:00 p.m. Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to Modell’s Sporting Goods, 780 Route 46, for a shoplifting that had just occurred.
Upon their arrival, they spoke with the store manager who advised them that two black males and one black female entered the store and spoke to store employees briefly and then ran out of the store carrying merchandise.
The unknown suspects entered a dark green minivan and fled the area.
The store manager stated they stole approximately $215.00 in merchandise.
PARSIPPANY — Veronica Zoon, a 2014 Graduate of Parsippany High School graduated with a BS from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania during the May 12, 2018 commencement exercises.
Zoon was among more than 1,500 students who received degrees.
Bloomsburg University is one of 14 universities in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. The university serves approximately 9,600 students, offering comprehensive programs of study in the colleges of Education, Business, Liberal Arts and Science and Technology.
PARSIPPANY — Families participated in the Family Kindness Rock Craft held at the Lake Hiawatha Library on Tuesday, July 24. Adults and children were given two rocks to decorate to place in a random public place in our community to make someone else feel good! Rocks were generously donated by the Parsippany Home Depot.
Devsi Patel, Arpita Arya, Medha AryaDevsi Patel
The Kindness Rocks Project aims to spread connection through art. The goals are to 1) touch others through randomly placed rocks and 2) inspire those touched by the rock to perform another random act of kindness. In short, by leaving rocks with inspiring messages you can help make someone’s day and start a domino effect of thoughtfulness, patience and love.
There is a reason Louis Valori is a former Councilman. He just doesn’t get it. As a retired Parsippany Police Officer Mr. Valori receives a monthly pension check of $7,518.97 for life. But that’s not all. As part of his retirement package, Mr. Valori, along with his wife and school aged children, will receive the best of the best in healthcare, with no out of pocket expense, ever, until both he and his wife die, courtesy of the taxpayers of Parsippany. As I watched yesterday’s council meeting where the 2018 municipal budget was approved, it was revealed that municipal taxes will increase $52 for the year for a median valued house. No one is ever happy with a tax increase, but contractual obligations to the police force and sanitation workers ensure (rightly so) that taxes must go up slightly each year.
Mr. Valori’s faux outrage over this year’s increase would be laughable if it weren’t ridiculous. Mr. Valori complained last evening about new township owned cars. After yesterday’s meeting, I asked Ms. Cucci, the township CFO about these. These cars were budgeted and approved in 2016 while Mr. Valori was council president. Either Mr. Valori forgot or he didn’t know what he was doing as a councilman. Under Mr. Valori’s watch taxes increased 4.2% in 2016, yet he complains about a 2.8% increase this year.
Once again, municipal taxes will increase $52 for the average priced home in 2018. The cost of covering Mr. Valori’s healthcare alone will increase that amount threefold this year and every year until the day he dies. People have a right to hold their government accountable. Mr. Valori should look inward and then go away.
PARSIPPANY — Registration is now open for Par-Troy West Fall Ball, softball and baseball, for ages 7 to 12. You must register online by August 15 by clicking here.
You can also mail in your registration, along with your child’s shirt size, medical form and $85.00 per child, to PTWLL, Attn: Registrations, PO Box 206, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.
Games will start in early September through late October. There are a few practices (determined by team manager) and there is approximately two games per week. The games are typically played at the Par-Troy West Little League fields (weeknights) and on the opponent fields (typically weekends). There are approximately 10-14 players per team, ages 7-9 and ages 10-12. Base on last year opponents include Hanover, Par-Troy East, Denville, Wharton, Morristown, Tri-Town (Boonton/Mt. Lakes) and Roxbury.
Par-Troy Little League West provides T-shirt and hat per registered player. Team equipment for each manager includes bats, helmets, balls and catchers gear.
Player must provide baseball/softball pants, cleats, protective gear, cup, glove, other personal health and safety items required by player (own helmet with chin strap and bat optional.
All children on the west side of Parsippany are eligible. This would include those attending Intervale, Lake Parsippany, Mt. Tabor, Littleton, Eastlake and Brooklawn. Also any other children that are within the perimeters of these schools are eligible.
Please call (973) 326-1694 for additional information. You can also email volunteer4ptwll@gmail.com.
MORRIS TOWNSHIP — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris Township Police Chief Mark DiCarlo, and Morristown Police Chief Peter Demnitz can confirm an active investigation into an incident that occurred on the evening of Saturday, July 28, in Morris Township.
SOUTH JERSEY — If you live south of about Lanoka Harbor, you probably have a 609 area code, the second oldest in the state, only behind 201. The only problem with a 60-year-old area code is the fact that it will eventually run out of numbers.
Dear Editor: