MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that on March 10, 2017, Superior Court Judge Thomas J. Critchley sentenced the Defendant, Erica Verrone, 49, Wayne, to five years probation for Theft by Unlawful Taking, a third degree crime. The Defendant must also pay full restitution in the amount of $63,856.67, to the former employer.
Verrone originally plead guilty on December 20, 2016 before Judge Critchley. As part of the plea agreement, she paid $25,300 towards restitution at sentencing. The balance is required to be paid to the victim through the New Jersey Probation Division during the five year probationary period.
At the time of the incident, Verrone was employed by a Morris County law firm. The Morristown Bureau of Police initiated an investigation in 2015 when the law firm discovered $2,351.25 missing from one of its accounts. The investigation ultimately disclosed that numerous fraudulent checks were cashed by Verrone, totaling $63,856.67.
Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Michael Rappa represented the State during the Court proceedings.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Morristown Bureau of Police and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit for their assistance with this prosecution.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Mayoral candidate Michael Soriano, who announced his candidacy last month for the Democratic party, is proud to announce his slate of Township Council candidates for the 2017 primary election.
Soriano will run with businesswoman Janice McCarthy and small business owner Emily Peterson.
Janice McCarthy spent a career in private sector finance working for Fortune 500 companies, including ADP as Director of Finance and Ingersoll Rand as Director of Budget and Planning. She also served in managing the budget operation at Montclair State University. Her many years of private and public sector budgeting experience will be an asset to the township’s fiscal processes. Running to bring back bi-partisan government, McCarthy believes Parsippany deserves a Mayor and Township Council working effectively together to maintain our infrastructure, deliver quality services, preserve our environment, control development, and do it in a fiscally responsible manner.
Emily Peterson is a small business owner and adjunct professor at New York University who knows what it’s like to meet deadlines and balance a tight budget every day. She understands what it will take to develop Parsippany’s economy and build a base of small businesses to increase ratables. Standing firm on the belief that taxpayers’ money should be put to better use in providing for the people of Parsippany, she recognizes that controlling spending is one of the most important responsibilities the Township Council and administration have.
With this announcement, a different tone is set for the future of Parsippany’s fiscal planning. Janice McCarthy noted, “I know there is a more productive and beneficial way to spend a million dollars of taxpayers’ money than paying attorney’s fees for a failed lawsuit.” This kind of thinking is exactly what Parsippany needs in order to fully serve the people of this community. Both Peterson and McCarthy understand this, and are proud to partner with Michael Soriano in order to make this philosophy a reality.
Democrat Katie Cassidy is one of the candidates who will be seeking a Township Council seat in the June Democratic primary.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor the Nor’easter which at this time appears to be on track for Monday night, March 13 through Tuesday, March 14. They are preparing for what forecasters have described as a “Major Winter Storm.”
The National Weather Service has issued a “ Winter Storm Watch” which is in effect from Monday evening through Tuesday evening. We continue to monitor several storm models, and we anticipate that the forecast data will change as we get closer to the event. We will provide additional updates as we continue to monitor the data.
Current data suggests we may experience 1-3” per-hour snow rates during the pre-dawn hours through early afternoon on Tuesday, with near blizzard conditions and limited visibility possible at the height of the storm with prolonged blowing and drifting snow.
At this time, the data suggests snow accumulations of 12-16” are likely with isolated higher amounts of 20-24” possible depending on where the storm sets up. The higher snow amounts have a lower confidence rating at this time.
Winds will be northeast at 20-25 MPH with gusts of 40-45 MPH late Monday night through Tuesday.
You are encouraged to plan ahead. Take a look below of Emergency Management Winter Storm Preparedness Tips.
Winter Preparedness Tips:
Prepare at Home: Stock up!
Food that doesn’t require heating or refrigeration
Water (one gallon per person per day)
Flashlights and batteries
Battery powered or hand-crank radio
Battery powered clock
First Aid Kit
Medications and Medical Items (if necessary)
Cellphones with chargers
Pet food, water, and additional supplies
Baby supplies (formula, bottles, diapers, etc.)
Alternate heating methods (wood, coal burning stoves, etc.)
Warm coats, gloves or mittens, boots, and extra blankets
On the Road: Winterize your vehicle.
Keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
Check tires for proper inflation
Check antifreeze
Pack emergency supplies in a backpack for a kit on-the-go:
Ice scraper
Jumper cables
Tire chains
Small shovel
First Aid Kit
Flashlight and batteries
Warning Flares or reflective triangle
As we near the storm, Parsippany Focus will keep you updated.
PARSIPPANY — Free blood pressure checks, advice on prevention and preparedness, low cost on site eye exams, free chiropractic and dental screenings were just a few of the many offerings at the third annual community-wide health fair held at the Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road, on Saturday, March 11.
Participants were offered a wide variety of free services, ranging from cancer screenings to helpful tips on fire prevention, first aid, CPR and disaster preparedness, compliments of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association.
Parents with children ages 2-7 was offered free, supervised activities on the “Fun Bus”, which was stationed just outside the building
Rely For Life: Ajoke Adetula, Patrick Clackner, Carol Tiesi and Karen DeChristopher
Council Vice President Robert Peluso with resident Sydelle Greiff
The Fun Bus kept the children busy throughout the event
The event was hosted by PTHEA: Jay Duhl, PHS Teachers Shawn d’Anunciacao and Christina Zarcone
Council Candidate Brian Stanton, Karen DeChristopher, Michele Lupenski and Nicolas Limanov
Parsippany Fire Prevention: Robert G. Schmitt and Brian Ricci
Michele Picone, Parsippany Health Department
Stella Shizas, Ellen Fishel and Dr. Coustandinos from The Source
Kristie Smith and Teresa Thomas from Rauchberg Dental Group
Saint Clare’s Health
American Red Cross volunteers Bonnie Kerry, Liz Garara and Michelle Valdivia
Participating exhibitors included:
–Parsippany-Troy Hills Health Department: Literature and advice about EMS, pest control, general information, questions & answers
-St. Clare’s Hospital: Free blood pressure checks, general information, Q&A;
-American Diabetes Association: Literature and information;
-Source of Health: Free chiropractic consultation and spinal pre-screening;
-Rauchberg Dental Group: Free oral screenings
-American Red Cross: Information and advice about first aid, CPR and disaster preparedness;
-Parsippany Fire Prevention: Information, safety tips, literature;
-American Cancer Society: Information about cancer screenings;
-Community Blood Services: Full blood drive, blood pressure check, blood type ID.
-Fun Bus: Supervised activities for children ages 2-7
-Optical Academy: Discounted eye exams and eye ware ($30/exam, $29+/glasses).
-Relay for Life: Form a team and sign up for the two day event to be held Saturday, June 10 through Sunday, June 11 at Veterans Park
The mission of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association:
To work for the welfare of students, the advancement of education, and the improvement of educational opportunities for all.
To unify all employees eligible for membership so as to enable members to speak with a common voice on all matters of mutual concern and to represent individual and common interests of members before the Board of Education and other legal authorities.
To represent its members and other employees in negotiations and grievances with the Parsippany Troy-Hills School District on all matters of compensation and all other terms and conditions of employment. (The Association shall be the recognized bargaining agent for all appropriate school district employees to the full extent of the provisions of Chapter 123, Public Laws of 1974, unless another organization has been officially designated as the bargaining agent.)
To promote the general welfare of members, to advance educational standards and to establish and maintain good community relations.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) hosted another “Staples Small Business Showcase” during the week of March 5 at Staples, 760 Route 46.
One of the merchants featured this week was PACC member, Selimo Chiropractic.
Once a month, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the “Staples Small Business Showcase” where local merchants have a table and can greet the customers of Staples and talk about their products and services and give out samples.
Dr. Patrick M. Selimo is Structural Chiropractor serving a number of towns in the County. Dr. Pat did his undergraduate coursework at William Paterson College, focusing on studies in Communication. He then attended Life University in Marietta, Georgia, where he graduated in 2001 with a Doctorate in Chiropractic.
Taking an engineer’s approach to analyzing and correcting spinal deficiencies, he sets his practice apart from other healthcare professionals. The typical approach with doctors, physical therapists, massage therapist and conventional chiropractors, is to focus on addressing pain and symptoms. At Selimo Chiropractic the focus is on stabilizing and correcting the underlying problem, which is often the cause of your secondary conditions (symptoms). By creating a strategy centered around precise structural and radiographic analysis, 3-dimensional postural analysis, specific spinal adjustments, corrective exercises and patient education, the goal is to improve function and ultimately keep you healthier.
Dr. Selimo is a native of New Jersey and currently resides in Lake Hiawatha with his wife Tricia and their two cats. In his free time he enjoys public speaking, kayaking, spending time outdoors and reading.
Dr. Pat has also had the good fortune of being able to give back to the community on several occasions with volunteer activities.
Selimo Chiropractic is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce
Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, said “Once a month we give PACC members an opportunity to display their goods and services to the customers of Staples and to increase their brand awareness.”
This monthly event, “Staples Business Showcase” is available to all PACC members and local non-profit groups.
For more information on “Staples Small Business Showcase” please contact Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400 or email flcahill@parsippanychamber.org.
Next available dates are on Monday, April 3; Wednesday, April 5 and Saturday, April 8.
For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Eastlake Elementary School PTA held it’s annual “Fun Fair.” The children had more than fun, playing games such as Coin Toss, Ring Around The Bottle, and more. There was pizza, hot chocolate, hot dogs, potato chips and even cotton candy.
Students from Parsippany Hills High School were volunteering and running the games so the children could have a good time and win prizes. Many of the games involved team work among the students, and was a perfect opportunity for the students to learn and be together.
Toss games and giveaways were the heart of a successful event, and besides that — it was fun for parents and kids, alike. The day was a fantastic, family friendly, fun day out.
The children were having fun at the “Fun Fair”
Council Vice President Robert Peluso entering the East Lake Fun Fair
PHHS student volunteer Bigal Patel, operating the “Ring Around The Bottle” game
Council Vice President Robert Peluso with Principal Bryan Hershkowitz
Kona Ice is everywhere! Well almost. The weather was too cold for Kona Ice, so Rupesh Patel was selling hot chocolate
Mary Ellen Iradi and Maya Valenzano selling 50/50 to raise funds
Mark Turo Making Cotton Candy
Nick Matnan with his cotton candy
Darsh Patel playing the “Penny Toss”
Kristina Resciniti, Fun Fair Coordinator, 5th Grader Kevin Maass, Casey Maass, PTA President and Robert Peluso
PARSIPPANY — Resolution R2017-38 was unanimously passed on Tuesday, March 7 by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council.
The resolution was authorizing award of a contract to “Knoll West Country Club” (a private company) for the operation of catering and banquet facilities at the Township owned buildings at Knoll West Country Club and Knoll East County Club.
Both buildings will be going under major renovations within the next four years, and at times will be required to be closed to the public.
The Catering Hall at Knoll West County Club
Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills advertised for bids to be received for Operation of Catering and Banquet Facilities and Provision of Related Services at Knoll County Club on two occasions, initially on January 20 and again on February 14. The Township mailed out 24 bid packages to potential bidders in the field of catering and banquet services and no bids were received on either date.
Local Public Contract Law allows a contract to be negotiated after no bids were received on two separate occasions.
CFO Ann Cucci, Director of Purchasing Michael Hardie and Golf Superintendent Glenn Foesel met with the current caterer, Knoll West County Club and negotiated and revised the rent proposed to be more applicable with respect to the current market conditions.
Knoll West Country Club will pay a monthly rent of $30,000 each month for the initial forty-eight months of the term. The monthly rent will decrease by 50% during any time period where either the Knoll West Facility or the Knoll East Facility are completely closed down due to renovations. The monthly rent will increase to $55,000 once the renovations to both the Knoll West Facility and the Knoll East Facility have been completed.
Knoll West Country has booked well over 100 upcoming events in the next several months and is willing to work with the Township to coordinate these events around the upcoming renovations that the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is planning to undertake at both facilities.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany District 5 Fire Department held its 18th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner on Saturday, March 11 at the firehouse on Old Bloomfield Avenue.
The annual event attracted many residents, firemen, politicians and friends who enjoyed a delicious cooked corned beef, cabbage, boiled potatoes and carrots. There were even hot dogs for the kids, as well as homemade cupcakes and cookies.
PARSIPPANY — Members of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany recently donated winter coats to Homeless Solutions. In addition, Ms. Lisette Rivera of Morris County’s Homeless Solutions discussed how that organization helps homeless families. Kiwanis member and former Homeless Solutions employee Nicolas Limanov organized the collection of the coats for the residents at Homeless Solutions.
The Transitional Housing Program opened in 1996 in order to give homeless families more time to work towards their goals and become self-sufficient. The facility includes ten self-contained apartments where families are provided with everything necessary for independent living (furniture, full kitchen, dishes/cooking utensils, etc.). The program requires that all adults in each family work full time with a minimum 30 hours per week. Families can reside in the program for up to eighteen months and most families obtain permanent housing and leave in less than a year. During this time, families work closely with Case Managers who provide them with supportive counseling and help link them with community resources.
Volunteers provide assistance including credit counseling, financial coaching, career
counseling, life skills workshops, tutoring for children, parties and activities for children, yoga, and more.
The program has helped over 190 Morris County families since its inception. In the past two years, twenty families have moved to permanent, affordable housing and remain housed.
The Transitional Housing Program staff stays in contact with families for up to two years after they graduate and provide follow up Case Management services in order to prevent recidivism.
Volunteer opportunities include hosting activities for children, babysitting for children while parents attend life skills workshops/case management meetings, helping to turnover apartments between move outs/ins, providing tutoring and music lessons for children.
Current needs for donations include new towels and wash cloths, new or like new lamps, new pillows, and large sized diapers (5, 6, 7 only and pull ups 2T, 3T, 4T).
Today, Homeless Solutions provides shelter for 25 homeless men, 10 homeless women, 10 families and 20 Safe Haven guests. Our guests receive services including case management, transportation to work and necessary appointments, money management and employment assistance, housing search assistance and daily living skills training. Referral services for counseling, substance abuse intervention, and prevention are also provided.
Homeless Solutions employs 49 staff, 36 full time and 13 part time. Homeless Solutions, Inc. is governed by a Board of Trustees and is incorporated as a non-profit organization in the State of New Jersey.
For more information on Homeless Solutions click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Lincoln is about 14-16 weeks old, about 26 pounds, and he is a handsome with a beautiful chocolate coat and white on his 4 paws and chest. Lincoln also has an adorable wrinkly forehead! Lincoln is a playful, friendly puppy who was rescued from a high kill shelter in North Carolina and now living in a foster home in New Jersey.
Lincoln’s foster mom says…..’Lincoln is an awesome puppy! He is super friendly with everyone and he is all about having fun! Lincoln loves being outside running around, loves toys, loves to cuddle and loves playing with other dogs.
Lincoln listens well and he is smart and loyal. He sleeps through the night without having accidents and is getting the hang of house training by going to the door when he wants to go out. Squeaky toys, bones and rope toys he enjoys and he will even throw a ball in the air and play by himself.
The only thing Lincoln loves more than playing with toys is to cuddle and be with us. Lincoln will lay on the couch with us between our legs and he will put his head on our legs and falls asleep. Just before Lincoln falls asleep he makes these cute little sounds.
So even though Lincoln has a lot of energy, he knows how to chill out! Lincoln has the cutest floppy ears that perk right up when he hears something or when you are talking to him. Cute, cute, cute! We adore Lincoln!!’
Adopt Lincoln he is Awesome!! Please email FHDR@att.net for an adoption application.
PARSIPPANY — Barbara Baxter, Auxiliary Member of the Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 2 is serving Fish and Chips at their annual fundraiser held on Friday, March 10. For those patrons not wanting the famous Fish and Chips, Chicken was also available.
Arglye’s served their famous original recipe Fish & Chips dish. They use fresh, all-natural fish that is delivered daily to their Kearny location.
The tables were all set waiting for the guests to arrive
Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District #2 provides fire protection to the Rainbow Lakes, Interpace Commercial Zone, Lower End of Park Road and the Parsippany Hills High School Area.
Recently Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Fireman Pete Deegan. The following members were recognized for their service at Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department: 10 years service – Corey Martin; 15 years service and now Life Member – Jim Murphy; 20 years service– Greg Robinson; 40 years service – Pete Deegan; 45 years service – Gene Caulfield, Tom O’Connor and BJ Bejarano.
Patriots awards was given to the following members recognizing their time as Veterans serving in the military: Chuck Iantoska, Gene Caulfield, George Appel, Pete Deegen, Matt Mead and Douglas Reighard.
Ken Baxter was recently recognized for his four years as company President.
Rainbow Lakes Fire Department is looking for more volunteers. Training, equipment and uniforms provided at no charge. Serve your community in a meaningful and fun way!
Contact membership@rlvfc.org or stop at the firehouse, One Rainbow Trail
Denville any Monday at 7:30 p.m.
PARSIPPANY — PJ, Michael and Justin have been wrestling together since they were six years old. As the three prepare for the State Tournament, they pose for one last time wearing Parsippany uniforms.
Justin, Michael and PJ
Out of 425 High Schools that participate in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJISAA) which make up the New Jersey State Wrestling Championship, Parsippany was well represented in this years 2017 tournament.
PJ Gohn placed sixth in the State of New Jersey. His teammate, Michael Ilic placed within the top 12 of the state. Both Gohn and Ilic wrestled for Parsippany High School Red hawks. Throughout their four-year career with the Red hawks, Gohn had a total of 85 wins while Michael Ilic had 107 wins.
Justin Carifi was the sole wrestler from Parsippany Hills High School who represented the Vikings at the state tournament. Carifi also placed within the top 12 of the state. Carifi had 39 wins this season and also finished his career with the Vikings with a total of 118 wins. Both of these accomplishments are now school records at Parsippany Hills High School according to Head Wrestling Coach Chris Wells.
Coach Dasti who is the Red hawks head wrestling coach, had this to say about Gohn and Ilic. “They’ll both be missed.” “Obviously with P.J., you’ll miss someone that talented. Now, it’s just a matter of replacing him and I hope we have guys who can do that. Hopefully, the younger guys see the success he had and I hope they understand it came from all of the offseason work. It didn’t just happen overnight.”
The same can be said of Ilic, who plans to wrestle at Worcester (Mass.) Polytechnic Institute.
“He’s a quality kid,” Dasti said. “He’ll be hard to replace, too. He’s another guy who worked his tail off in the offseason. The success that he and P.J. had didn’t just come. They had to work very hard in the offseason to get here.”
Coach Wells had this to say about Carifi. “Justin will be missed greatly next season as his contributions to the team helped propel us to 6 wins this season. I know that many kids on the team this season and even in the PTWC (Parsippany Recreation Wrestling Club) will look up to him and strive for the greatness he has attained in his four years at Parsippany Hills High School. I only had the privilege of coaching Justin for 1 season, this being my first year as head coach at PHHS. I was impressed by his determination to be the best he could be, pushing him to always wanting to improve. He faced many challenges throughout the season, even in the state tournament. But, in the face of adversity Justin stepped up and performed his best. I was happy to see that Justin was able to finish in the top 12 in the state. Though this was not his ultimate goal at the end of the season, I was proud to be in his corner for his final season as a high school wrestler. I wish I had 3 more years with him, but I wish him the best of luck and look forward to what he can do at the collegiate level.”
PARSIPPANY — A sanitation worker was injured Thursday morning when he was struck by a car as he tried to get back to the township garbage truck, police said. Police responded to Lake Shore Drive at about 11:31 a.m. and found a 63-year-old employee with the Parsippany Department of Sanitation had been hit by a car…
PARSIPPANY — Area women are invited to join members of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills (WCPTH) who will meet on Monday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. The club is a great group of women of all ages and walks of life committed to volunteerism and service to the community.
Sheriff James Gannon
After a short business meeting, Sheriff James Gannon, the 77th Sheriff of Morris County, will be the guest Speaker. Sheriff Gannon will speak about his first term in office and what the Sheriff’s Department really does. He will also address current affairs and how his 33-year career in law enforcement and security helped prepare him for his position.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC, which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.
For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or visit their website by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Enrollment for this summer’s highly competitive 2017 Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy has opened, with limited space available for the intensive week-long course for young Morris County women and men, entering grades 9-12 in the fall of 2017.
The fifth-annual, week-long academy will be held from Monday, July 31 to Friday, August 4 at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue.
It is run by the Morris County Department of Law & Public Safety/Office of Emergency Management, in partnership with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and Morris County Park Police, and funded by the Morris County Board of Freeholders.
The academy offers a five-day program that is open to all Morris County students who are enrolled in Grades 9-12 in the fall of 2017. It is completely free of charge to the cadets and their families.
The academy is a uniquely designed program which provides high school students exposure to and a better understanding of the various facets within the field of public safety. This program has been designed to target Morris County’s young adults at a time when they are making decisions regarding their future education and careers.
Freeholder Doug Cabana
“They are in the process of making educational and life commitments that could potentially impact their careers, their character, and their communities,’ said Morris County Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “We want to give them a chance to see if public safety might be a way for them to go.’’
“This is an investment in the youth of our county, and a chance to interest some of the brightest young people who live in Morris County to consider being future leaders in our vitally important public safety team,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo, who is the county governing board’s liaison to the Department of Law and Public Safety.
The Youth Academy is a unique program that exposes cadets to all facets of the public safety profession.
This intensive program will provide cadets with specially designed training and hands-on experience in the fields of police, fire, EMS, emergency management, and more.
Class size is limited, and the summer 2017 class is expected to quickly fill to its capacity.
To get more information about this exciting program, or to apply for enrollment, click here.
PARSIPPANY — “Developing A Successful Marketing Plan for the Small Business” was the topic presented at a Breakfast Networking Event held by the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday, March 10.
The Breakfast Networking Series is held at IHOP, 792 Route 46
This PACC Breakfast Presentation was presented by Ilene Greene and Ted Polmar, Principals of Marketshare Communications and BizCircles Entrepreneurs Business Network
A Marketing Plan offers a simple strategy or set of strategies, a marketing calendar, an evaluation system and a series of tactics that give you complete control of your marketing activities.
Topics discussed included “How to put your Marketing Plan together, Budgeting your plan, The initiatives you must take to make it happen and a good Marketing Plan conveys your company’s vision and mission to your target, markets, customers and employees.”
All participants was able to create a SWOT Analysis and discuss their Successes, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats that goes into planning your business’ future.
The next PACC Breakfast Presentation will be held on Tuesday, April 11 discussing “Email Marketing – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.”
PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Council of Education Associations has named Dr. Denis Mulroony, Parsippany High School principal, as its 2017 administrator recipient of the MCCEA Friends of Education Award. The prize is bestowed annually on individuals who have made outstanding contributions to public education in Morris County. Winners are chosen from among community members, businesses, local leaders, parent organizations, administrators or others who have made significant, extraordinary contributions to public education.
Dr. Denis Mulroony
In his letter of nomination, Dr. Mulroony was commended for “creating a supportive school community in which students, teachers, support staff and administrators alike have united to form an interactive team that has come to be the Parsippany High School family.” It went on to say, “Through his many service nights for students and the public, his pride in the school community and his tireless and motivating personal participation in nearly all aspects of school life, he has demonstrated time and again his impact on students, public employees, parents, and the community far above and beyond what his duties as principal entail.”
Dr. Mulroony, who is a graduate of Parsippany High School, began serving as principal in the fall of 2013 following a term as principal of Lake Parsippany elementary school. He was previously a vice principal of PHS, where he began his career in Parsippany as a teacher of English.
The MCCEA is a county wide organization comprised of the local education association chapters of the New Jersey Education Association, which includes the PTHEA. The award will be presented to Dr. Mulroony before educators from across the county at a formal dinner on March 29.
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills recently conducted its annual drive to collect new bras and children’s underwear to donate to women and their children living at Jersey Battered Women’s Service shelters.
JBWS provides a safe house and transitional living accommodations for victims of abuse, who are often forced to leave their homes with only the clothing they are wearing. The Woman’s Club collected 60 new bras and over 200 assorted pairs of new children’s underwear from club members and friends.This Mardi Bras Collection, conducted during the Mardi Gras season, is a project of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs and the Distributing Dignity Organization. To donate or for more information click here.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC, which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. The next General Meeting is Monday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or click here for their website.
Meeting schedule is subject to change. Please contact Cathy (Membership Chairman) if interested in attending a meeting or to confirm date and time.
PARSIPPANY — According to documents revealed through an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request Ramona (Jackie) Ortiz was hired effective December 5, 2016 as a Keyboarding Clerk I, at an annual salary of $54,000. The salary ordinance for white-collar workers, specifically Keyboarding Clerk 1, Ordinance 2016:22, passed on second reading on August 16, 2016 states the salary is a minimum of $17,000 with a maximum of $48,000. She was hired at $6,000 more than the maximum amount allowed by Township Ordinance. It is evident that Mayor Barberio hired Ms. Ortiz in clear violation of the law.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.
Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., said “My concern is the Mayor is violating a town ordinance. In turn he’s breaking the law and it appears more than once. He’s hired people above the top salary allowed for those positions which clearly violates the town ordinance. We have hard working employees that have been working for the town for over 10 years in those positions and they are not even close to thetop salary for their positions. Barberio seems to think it’s OK for him to bring in certain people and start them not only at the highest end of the salary range for those positions but he brings them in and starts them at a salary that exceeds the highest salary allowed therefore violating the town ordinance. What kind of message is he sending to the rest of our town employees and to the residents of our town. Again just another example of how Barberio thinks he is above the law.”
During a recent Council Meeting, Councilman Carifi questioned Business Administrator Ellen Sandman about the amount being paid and she said “Yes the Mayor is still paying certain employees more than the allowed amount for positions.” So to me, he (The Mayor) obviously doesn’t care.
Business Administrator Ellen Sandman said “As you know, we are going to be adopting the budget for 2017 hopefully by late April, at the very least early May, and you will then see the salary ordinance which will mark that which was approved through the budget by the Council in our new 2017 salary ordinance. It is then that we will have reviewed all the changes made after the August 16, 2016 ordinance. This new 2017 min/max ordinance will modify those changes that occurred after the 2016 salary ordinance and will also reflect adjustments made to individuals who exceed the current min/max. These changes may have occurred due to commitments made through classes, certifications, increased responsibilities. I’ve requested a Finance Committee meeting to review our practice of adopting a salary ordinance once a year and am contemplating perhaps a January salary ordinance to capture those changes that may have taken place after the previous ordinance but before the next budget adoption. It is important to note that the individual referred to was hired on December 5, 2016 and as of this date, has not exceeded the min/max ordinance. This will be addressed in the new 2017 min/max ordinance, as will all other titles that exceed the 2016 salary ordinance.”
“Although you are not asking about the Keyboarding Clerk I title specifically, I believe it is important to provide you with information as it relates to these outdated Civil Service titles. As I stated during the Council meeting, we have asked Civil Service to meet with us as well as the other nine Civil Service jurisdictions in Morris County to address this matter, said Ellen Sandman”
According to sources at Town Hall, Ms. Ortiz was hired to coordinate employee benefits. She was previously employed by Fairview Insurance. Fairview Insurance, a firm with close ties to the township donated approximately $50,000 to America’s Future First (AFF) and New Jersey’s Future First (NJFF) the political PACs that contributed indirectly to the reelection of Councilman Michael dePierro, and the election of Loretta Grangani. Vincent Ferrara was also a candidate but lost the election. Fairview Insurance is the Township’s Insurance Broker of Record.
Ryan Graham
In addition, the Director of Business Development for Fairview Insurance and liaison to the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, Ryan Graham, son of the founder of the firm, donated $12,000.00 to the Super PAC during this period.
This seems to be a normal event in Parsippany. This is not the first time Mayor James Barberio violated the white collar salary ordinance.
Earlier this year on January 9, 2017, Parsippany Focus reported Retired Police Sergeant Eugene Natoli was hired by Parsippany-Troy Hills Township on December 19, 2016 at an annual salary of $50,000. The “Request for Personnel Action” report indicates he works in the “Administration Department” as a “Keyboarding Clerk 1.” The position is a full time, permanent position. He was hired at $2,000 more than the maximum amount allowed by Township Ordinance. It is evident that Mayor Barberio hired Mr. Natoli in clear violation of the law.
According to New Jersey Civil Service Commission, the definition of a Keyboarding Clerk I is “Under close supervision, performs routine, repetitive clerical work involving the processing of documents in a variety of functions; formats and key enters/types correspondence, documents, reports, charts and other materials on a computer console, typewriter, or other key entry device used by the agency; does other related duties as required. Keyboarding clerks typically spend a majority of their work time (more than 50%) typing or operating keyboard equipment. Speed and accuracy are essential for all keyboarding positions.
Business Administrator Ellen Sandman was hired in 2014, with $15,000 over the maximum salary guideline. When Mayor Barberio announced the hiring of Sandman, he revealed Sandman’s salary would be $140,000. Former Councilman Jonathan Nelson asked the Mayor in Public Session, “I don’t have the white collar salary ordinance in front of me but I believe this amount is over the salary cap,” The former CFO Joe Kovalcik stated that her pay was within the salary ordinance. Parsippany Focus filed an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request for the salary ordinance for white-collar workers at that time.
State Statute, 40:69A-40 states the duties of the Mayor shall enforce the charter and ordinances of the municipality and all general laws applicable thereto.
The salary ordinance indicated the white-collar workers, specifically Business Administrator, Ordinance 2013:16, passed on June 13, 2013 states the salary was a minimum of $75,000 with a maximum of $125,000. She was hired at $15,000 more than the Ordinance allowed. It is evident that Mayor Barberio hired the new Business Administrator in clear violation of the law. (Click here to read article)
Shortly after Parsippany Focus published the story, the Mayor introduced Ordinance 2014:15 to the Council requesting a change in the salary ordinance for two positions. The Chief Financial Officer’s pay maximum was increased to $150,000 and the Business Administrator’s maximum pay was increased to $150,000. This ordinance was read on first reading, and voted 5-0. The second reading and final passage of the ordinance was read and voted 4-1 on Tuesday, June 17, 2014. Council Vice President Robert Peluso voted against the salary change. That salary change was retroactive to January 1, 2014.
Parsippany Focus asked Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Michael dePierro, Council President Louis Valori, and Council Vice President Robert Peluso for comment, but didn’t respond to our requests.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) hosted another “Staples Small Business Showcase” during the week of March 5 at Staples, 760 Route 46.
