Parsippany resident has produced a reality series about an animal rescue

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany resident Bruce Frigeri has produced a reality series about an animal rescue shelter that will premiere on National Geographic Wild on June 6. Give Me Shelter is a 13 x 30 series about life at a rescue shelter in Charleston, South Carolina.

Frigeri became involved with the project after his previous series, produced with partner Jessie Anderson-Berens, was well received by the international tv market.  “It was more than a little ironic that our series, Rescue Vet, was being appreciated by international audiences but we couldn’t get it on the air here in the States, even though we are American,” said Frigeri. When the producing team decided to explore the possibility of a follow up show about rescue shelters, things took off very quickly. “What we discovered is that animal welfare is always exciting, ever changing, and always dramatic. Then when you factor in that the people at these facilities do some of the most honorable, selfless work you will ever see, it just makes for fantastic tv.”  

With Charleston resident Anderson-Berens as the point person, the producing team secured the cooperation of one of Charleston’s best known shelter facilities; Pet Helpers. Once that was done, the team set about producing the first two episodes, which Frigeri used to secure deals in over 112 countries, and eventually here in the USA  on National Geographic Wild.

There was a personal angle for Frigeri as well. “We have two rescue dogs in our family and they have given us such love and stability through some very tough times and I just wanted to pay that back somehow. Producing this show is a small way to do that.”

Frigeri’s background was originally in independent film as a distributor and sometimes producer, with a horror film, Fear House, and a feature length documentary, Square Circle Dreams, as two of his credits. His distribution company, Lifesize Entertainment, had an Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Language film, Zus and Zo, back in 2004, as well as an Independent Spirit nominee, Oasis. in 2005. When the dvd market that most independent distributors relied on collapsed a few years ago, Frigeri transitioned his efforts towards television production. “It was actually a much smoother move than I ever imagined, even though I went kicking and screaming at first,” Frigeri admitted. But then he started to get to know the people working in animal welfare and he knew he made the right decision. “Hopefully Give Me Shelter will shine a positive light on the animal welfare crisis in our country and the people who give so much of themselves to try and help abandoned and suffering animals.” Episodes 1-4 will broadcast on June 6 from 7pm to 9pm on Nat Geo Wild, with two episodes a week thereafter starting at 8pm. Frigeri urged Morris County residents to support local shelters and rescues like Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter and Eleventh Hour Rescue. “Every dollar we give makes a huge difference,” he added.

Parsippany Police Sergeant Dies at 46

PARSIPPANY — Richard C. Davis Jr., passed away on Thursday, May 28. He was born in Livingston and grew up in Boonton moving to Parsippany in 1994.

Rich was a 24 year dedicated member of the Parsippany Police Department receiving the rank of Sergeant in 2007.

He was a member of P.B.A Local 131 and St. Christopher R.C. Church.

He was predeceased by his mother, O. Sharron (nee-Chirmside) who passed away in 1998.

Survivors include his wife, Donna M. (nee-Visich); his children, Nicholas and Ashley, and his father, Richard C. and his wife, Marilyn; his brother, Marc I. and his wife, Dorothy; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Maryann Visich; his brother-in-law, Christopher Visich; sister-in-law, Cindy Aromin and her husband, Ronnie; and his nieces and nephew, Corinne Davis and Amanda and Ryan Aromin.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Liturgy of Christian Burial to be offered on Tuesday, June 2, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Christopher R.C. Church, 1050 Littleton Road. Entombment will be at Gate of Heaven Mausoluem, East Hanover.

Visiting hours are Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road.

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the Richard C. Davis Scholarship Fund. c/o Parsippany PBA Civic Association. P.O. Box 16, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.

Northvail’s Interfaith Food Pantry Drive

PARSIPPANY — During the month May, Northvail’s Student Council members encouraged everyone to bring in non-perishable food items for the Interfaith Food Pantry in Morris Plains. The spring and summer tend to be lean months in terms of food donations but the need for food doesn’t lessen. The council members under the guidance of Ms. Giordano, a 5th grade teacher at Northvail, helped organize, tally, and bag the food.  Northvail collected three carloads of food for the pantry, which was an amazing success!

More than 4,400 families in Morris County rely on Interfaith Food Pantry in Morris Plains, for supplemental groceries year round.  In 2013, they distributed “893,000 pounds of food to low-income working families and senior citizens living on fixed incomes and currently are distributing nearly 1.7 tons of food per day!”

Pictured: Northvail’s 3rd-5th grade Student Council members

Mayor presents Kiwanis Club with proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month

PARSIPPANY — Mayor James Barberio presented a proclamation to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany for their involvement in Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The Kiwanis Club placed pin wheels and signs throughout Parsippany to get the word out about Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The proclamation read:

Whereas, children are vital to our communities future success, prosperity, and quality of life as well as being the most vulnerable individuals; and

Whereas, we all have a responsibility, as parents, neighbors, community members and citizens of Parsippany to help create healthy, safe and nurturing experiences for children; and

Whereas, safe, healthy d happy childhoods help produce confident and successful adults; and
Whereas, child abuse and neglect often occur when people find themselves in stressful situations, without community resources, and don’t know how to cope; and

Whereas, the majority of child abuse cases stem from situations and conditions that are preventable in an engaged and supportive community; and

Whereas, child abuse and neglect can be reduced by making sure every family has the support they need and deserve to raise their children in a healthy environment; and

Whereas, it is recognized that no one person can do everything, but that everyone can do something, and together, we can create change for the better; and

Whereas, effective prevention programs succeed because of partnerships among agencies, schools, religious organizations, law enforcement agencies and the business community; and

Whereas, displaying pin wheels or planting a pin wheel garden in April will serve as a positive reminder that together, we can prevent child abuse and keep children safe.

Now therefore, I, James R. Barberio, Mayor of the Township of Parsippany – Troy Hills, do hereby proclaim April 2015 as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Parsippany and urge all citizens to engage in activities that strengthen families and communities to provide the optimal environment for children to learn, grow and thrive so that all children have the benefit of happy, healthy and safe childhoods and further urge everyone to work together to eliminate domestic violence from our community.

Troy Hills School PTA holds ‘A Night at the Art Museum’ Tricky Tray

PARSIPPANY — Troy Hills School PTA held ‘A Night at the Art Museum’ Tricky Tray on Thursday, May 21 at the Parsippany PAL The event was organized by Tricky Tray Chairperson Chrissy Allen.  There were over 350 baskets with a retail value over $85,000.00. Participants paid an admission fee of $20.00 and  one sheet of Tier 1 tickets. Additional Prize Ticket Prices: Sheet of 25 Tier 1 tickets: $10.00; Sheet of 25 Tier 2 tickets: $15.00; and Single supersize ticket: $5.00.

The money raised from this fundraiser will be used for education programs, cultural and student activities for students of Troy Hills School.

Little League West players raising money

PARSIPPANY — Little League players Tommy, Andrew, Christian, Louis and Anthony were at Quick Check, Green Hills Shopping Center, on Saturday, May 30 collecting money for the Little League West.  The boys play on the Accelerent Sales Group Team.

 

Lake Hiawatha Park Memorial Day Service

PARSIPPANY — The VFW 10154 held a Memorial Day Service at Lake Hiawatha Park.

The group honored our Lake Hiawatha sons who made the supreme sacrifice in Vietnam.

CWO John Peter Koob, United States Army, December 17, 1968 and PFC Donald Lee Wickline, Jr., United States Army, June 15, 1969 were both killed in action during the Vietnam War.

Others in attendance included Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, Freeholder John Cesaro, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Councilman Michael dePierro and Councilman Louis Valori.

Letter to the editor: The Parsippany Town Council: Who Deserves Your Vote?

lettersDear Editor:

We have an extremely important Republican primary election coming up next Tuesday, June 2.  I’ve provided my choices for the town council seats below, along with the rationale for my thinking and the sources of my information.

There’s no doubt in my mind that the Carifi / Visakay / Beehler ticket is the one to vote for in Tuesday’s Republican primary election.  In fact, I believe that it is critical to vote for this team. 

Why? 

Because I’m in favor of the elimination of dishonesty and malfeasance on the part any member of the township’s administration.

Because I’m for smaller government, honesty and transparency.   I’m for lower taxes in a town that preaches lower taxes and has raised taxes faster than the rate of inflation for decades.

Because there is growing suspicion that many of the actions of the present administration are highly questionable.  I also am opposed to the stream of perceived vicious actions taken by this administration, some of which I’ve highlighted below. 

Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., has continuously worked to oppose these actions.  The Carifi / Visakay / Beehler ticket will support Carifi in these actions.

[Aside: Please note that the substantiation for the information provided in this write-up came from NJ.com, Parsippany Focus, Parsippany Patch, The Daily Record and SaveJersey.com, a total of five different sources.]

Let’s take a look at some facts.

“NJ’s Future First”

The dePierro / Ferrara / Gragnani ticket is presently receiving massive support from an extremist liberal super PAC (Political Action Committee) called “NJ’s Future First.”  It turns out that this PAC has been shown to be radically liberal and has ties to Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Source, nj.com. Click here to read complete story.  PAC linked to Democrats draws fire for backing GOP slate in Parsippany council primary

Washington, D.C.-based political action committee linked to Democrats has been paying for mailings on behalf of a Republican slate in the primary for Parsippany Township Council, touching off the latest political firestorm in the ever-volatile township.

The group, New Jersey’s Future First, has sent out at least three mailings favorable to the slate of Michael dePierro, Vincent Ferrara and Loretta Gragnani, who are opposing Paul Carifi Jr., John Beehler and Aida Visakay. 

Here, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., questions the true political orientation of a Republican ticket that would accept help from a far-left super-PAC: Click here to read complete story. D.C. Super PAC gets involved in Parsippany council race

Council President Paul Carifi Jr., who is leading his own Republican ticket for re-election, issued a statement demanding an explanation from dePierro and his running mates, former Councilman Vincent Ferrara and businesswoman Loretta Gragnani.

“That Republican candidates would call themselves ‘true conservatives’ and then secure the backing of a liberal super PAC that is aligned with Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, as well as other liberal candidates and organizations across the country, is offensive to every Republican voter in Parsippany,” Carifi said in his statement.

The flier, which has a picture of the candidates and slogans such as “True Conservative Republicans for Council,” states that it was “Paid for and approved by New Jersey’s Future First, without the consent or approval of any candidate or committee.”

Now, why is an uber-liberal super PAC supporting dePierro, Ferrara and Gragnani who are Republicans and supposedly conservative?

Worse, this monstrous super-PAC has been circulating flyers accusing Carifi of actions that he has not taken.

The famous leftist radical, Saul Alinski, taught community organizers to “…always accuse the other side of what you are doing yourself”.  (Saul Alinsky, Rules for Radicals, 1971, Random House, ISBN0-679-72113-4) In one of the most blatant examples of this behavior that I’ve seen, NJ’s Future First” wrote in a recent piece of circulated literature, “No wonder he [Carifi] is teaming with state democratic powerhouses to protect his personal revenue stream!”  [Note that there is no substantiation provided for the radical super-PAC’s statement, but only an unsupported and outlandish claim.]

I admit that I burst out laughing at the idiocy of this statement.  This radical super-PAC is spending tens of thousands of dollars supporting the dePierro / Ferrara / Gragnani team.  Therefore, it is circulating literature with false accusations that describe EXACTLY what the super-PAC itself is doing, in its best Alinsky-esque, extremist radical way.

The PAC also accuses Carifi, in other circulated literature, of running up $700,000 in legal expenses for the town, an accusation so absurd that it makes the writer look like a fool.

The article goes on to explain, With Councilmen Louis Valori and Robert Peluso, Carifi has formed a council majority that has repeatedly clashed with Mayor James Barberio and Township Attorney John Inglesino, particularly regarding what Carifi terms as excessive legal bills accrued by the township.

Many of those legal bills have resulted from the administration’s defense of a lawsuit brought against the township by Carifi’s brother, former township police Capt. James Carifi, who claims he was denied promotion and retaliated against for exposing department misconduct. Other significant legal and related investigative expenses have been accrued by the township for its investigation of subsequent allegations that James Carifi deleted or stole electronic documents from the department prior to his retirement in 2013.

“Mike dePierro certainly has a liberal record of raising property taxes and rubber-stamping outrageous legal fees to his politically connected friends,” Carifi wrote. “But for him and his running mates to accept financial muscle from a liberal Democratic fundraiser who helped elect Barack Obama and now wants to elect Hillary Clinton is an outrage.”

Note that dePierro has denied involvement with the super-PAC. Yet, if the dePierro / Ferrara / Gragnani ticket disagreed with the super-PAC’s support, would they not have contacted this super-PAC and told them to stand down?  It appears that they have not.

However, the point here is not to establish the ticket’s truthfulness in this matter.  The issue has now devolved to this: is there any validity to the $700,000 claim?

Let’s dig into the origin of the supposed (but unsubstantiated) $700,000.

 James Carifi, Paul Carifi’s Brother Used to Retaliate During Mayoral Race.

Paul Carifi’s brother, James, was denied a promotion and accused of wrongdoing in an act of apparent retaliation by the township administration soon after the beginning of the mayoral race in 2013.  [James Carifi was later cleared of ALL charges, and the complaints were found to be nearly absurd].

This is explored in the following excerpt from an nj.com article: Click here to read complete article. Investigation into ex-cop is political payback, says brother running for Parsippany mayor

When Parsippany placed retiring Capt. James Carifi under internal affairs investigation — stalling and jeopardizing his pension and $368,482.02 unused-time payout — it was retribution for his brother’s decision to run against Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Paul Carifi said in a statement Wednesday.

“Time and time again, Jamie Barberio resorts to unscrupulous schemes in an attempt to ascertain an easy campaign victory,” Carifi said.

Paul Carifi also said a motion filed Friday in Morristown Superior Court alleging his brother of various acts of misconduct was revenge-motivated.

I found this alleged retaliation to be childishly vicious.  It frankly disgusted me.

Captain James Carifi was completely exonerated, as this Parsippany Focus article shows. Click here to read complete article. Captain Carifi Exonerated

PARSIPPANY — Retired Parsippany Police Captain, James Carifi, has been exonerated by the state Attorney General’s Division of Criminal Justice, the Star Ledger has reported. Township Attorney John Inglesino and Mayor James Barberio had alleged that Carifi had deleted scores of emails and police documents off township police servers in the days leading up to his retirement in the spring of 2013.  In a letter sent to Inglesino and Carifi attorney, Edward Bilinkas, Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Rappa wrote “that criminal charges will not be pursued” but recommend “that these matters be referred back to Parsippany for further administrative action” but “in light of the pending litigation, Parsippany should consider hiring an independent hearing officer.” Click here to read complete article. Council files suit against Barberio; Council to investigate money allegedly illegally spent.

The same article goes on to cite further retaliation against Paul Carifi through his brother, James:

In court proceedings last week, [James] Carifi successfully petitioned the Superior Court in Morristown to overturn Parsippany Police Chief Paul Philipps’ denial of a firearms purchasers ID card.

Under oath at the gun permit hearing last week, Carifi attorney Edward Bilinkas asked Chief Philipps, “Would you agree with me that you’ve made numerous mistakes regarding James Carifi while he was employed as a police officer and after?” Philipps replied with a simple “Yes.”  [Emphasis is mine.]

The conclusion: It seems that the township administration trumped up false charges against James Carifi.  This strongly suggests that the spurious charges were merely a means of retaliation against his brother, Paul Carifi, Jr.  James sued and was exonerated of all wrongdoing.

Now the extremist group, NJ’s Future First, has circulated completely false literature accusing Paul Carifi of creating legal bills when the man was not even a party to the lawsuit! 

The irony is that these legal expenses were not caused by Paul Carifi, Jr., but rather were the result of the administration’s own (apparently) invented allegations against his brother, James Carifi.

This seems to be a shocking display of dishonesty and malfeasance.

I also interpret this another way: the township administration was apparently willing to waste $700,000 of taxpayer money in legal fees in an attempt to damage James Carifi’s reputation and smear his good name.  The extremist group, NJ’s Future First, is now attributing this legal issue and costs to Paul Carifi.

This means that they twisted the facts to discredit the Carifi / Visakay / Beehler team, while ignoring the waste of taxpayer money on the part of the accusers.  Is the good of Parsippany foremost in the extremist super-PAC’s actions?  Perhaps there are there much darker motives driving these leftists.

This is the gang that supports dePierro / Ferrara / Gragnani.  If this ticket accepts massive support from a radically liberal super-PAC, what is their true political orientation?  Why would an extremist leftist organization choose to support them?

In good conscience, and in the interest of what is best for Parsippany, the Carifi / Visakay / Beehler ticket is the best choice to vote for on June 2nd.

With warm personal regards,

Jack Puglis

Note:

These links add additional depth but are not referenced above.

Parsippany Council Candidates Rope in County GOP on Mailer Sent by Dem PAC. Click here to read complete article.

Carifi, Jr. and company ask county chairman to weigh-in on material supporting dePierro team.

Something is rotten in the state of Parsippany. Click here to read complete article.

PIRATE swim team holds car wash to raise money

PARSIPPANY — Members of the PIRATE swim team were at Parsippany Elks Lodge #2078, 230 Parsippany Road, on Saturday, May 30, washing cars to raise money to support the team.

The team will also have a “Clothing Drive” fundraiser at Drewes Beach, 701 Lake Shore Drive on Saturday, June 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Donate usable clothes, shoes, belts, hats, backpacks, linens, blankets, toys, dishes and glasses, bicycles. Please no winter boots, single shoes, skates, rugs, bord games, book or electronic/small appliances. For more information contact Jenn at (973) 610-6511.

Parsippany EMS performs Child Seat Safety Inspections

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Emergency Medical Services with Safe Kids performed “Car Seat Safety” inspections on Saturday, May 29, at Parsippany Municipal Building.

There were Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians on hand to inspect car seats for proper installation, fit and use. Any errors in installation will be pointed out and explained to the parent or guardian.

Approximately 80% of all child safety seats are incorrectly installed and will not protect the child as intended during a crash, according to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

To schedule an appointment with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician call (973) 263-7163.

New Jersey’s child passenger safety law requires:Children under 8 years of age who weigh less than 80 pounds to ride properly secured in a child safety seat or booster seat in the rear seat of the vehicle. If there is no rear seat, the child may sit in the front seat, but s/he must be secured by a child safety seat or booster seat. (Note: A rear-facing infant seat should never be placed in a front seat with a passenger-side airbag unless the vehicle is equipped with an air bag on/off switch. For more information about child safety seats and air bags.Here’s an important reminder on the proper use of child safety seats in vehicles and the actions to take when a family has a critical reason to put a child in a front passenger seat.Many vehicles on the road today are equipped with advanced air bag systems, and many of those vehicles also have air bag suppression systems. Even in vehicles with air bag suppression systems, children should be secured in a rear seat rather than in the front seat. Crash statistics show that children are safer when properly secured in a rear seating position. Children under 8 years of age who weigh more than 80 pounds to ride properly secured in a seat belt. Passengers 8 to 18 years of age (regardless of weight) ride properly secured in a seat belt.

Lady Redhawks Softball Team Wins State Sectional Title beating Bernards;13-2

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Redhawks Girls Softball team won the Section 2 Group 2 State Championship beating Bernards High School with a score of 13-2 on Friday, May 30. This was the first time the team won this title since 1986.

Alivia Mercuro went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and three RBI’s for second-seeded Parsippany in the victory.

Luisa Barone went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two additional runs and Caludia Bennett finished 3-for-3 with two runs batted in for the victory.

Sophomore pitcher Caitlin Brennan allowed two runs, one earned, on seven hits and struck out four as the Redhawks who are 25-5 this season scored 12 runs in the fifth inning.

Parsippany will play Ramsey High School in the Section 2, Group 2, state semifinals Tuesday, June 2 at 5:00 p.m. at Ivy Hill Park, Mt. Vernon Place, Newark.

Parsippany’s 2015 Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s Annual Memorial Day Parade was celebrated on Monday, May 25, along North Beverwyck Road.  The parade started at Katherine Drive and ended in front of the Foodtown Shopping Center. It was a perfectly beautiful day to recognize the sacrifices made by our veterans who have passed on and their families.

Parsippany Recreation Department announces summer concerts

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Recreation Department has announced it’s summer line-up of concerts to be held at Veterans Memorial Park, Route 46 and Vail Road. All concerts start at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise indicated.  Please note: Pets are NOT permitted in the park during the concerts.

Upcoming Concerts:

Rachel Allyn Band
Rachel Allyn Band

Thursday, July 16, 7:30 p.m.  – “Rachel Allyn Band” – A new wave country, this band hosts an incredible female lead singer, a beautiful & talented female fiddle player, a pounding rhythm section, and an amazing lead guitarist. Performing the top modern country hits from Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift to Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum. Click here for more information.

Wednesday, July 29, 7:30 p.m. – “Hotel California” – For two decades, this act has faithfully and accurately reproduced the Grammy Award winning sounds of The Eagles. Each concert presents an exciting showcase of their hits such as “Take It Easy”, Heartache Tonight” and of course “Hotel California” Click here for more information.

TM-BAND-CUTOUT
The Time Machine

Thursday, August 13, 7:30 p.m. – “Time Machine” –  One of the most well known and most sought after bands in the tri-state area, 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!!! Click here for more information.

Special Summertime Barbecue presented by Shop Rite of Parsippany / Sunrise Kitchens starts at 5:00 p.m.! Proceeds will be donated to the Parsippany PAL

Thursday, August 20, 7:30 p.m. – “Street Hassle”  – A “Powerful Horn Band” with skilled area musicians that enjoy performing interpretations of Classic Rock, Blues, Motown and Pop. Energetic and an entertainingly enjoyable band. They also choose the right song for the moment, and don’t not fall into repetitious medleys of just number one hits. Click here for more information.

Special July 4th Concert and Fireworks at Parsippany Hills High School featuring “The Trip.” Concert is planned to start at approx 7:00 p.m. – Fireworks at dark!

Letter to the editor: This 30 year plus guy, lets say goodbye. Time to enjoy your grand kids.

lettersDear Editor:

I have an accurate encounter to report regarding dePierro. Before I do so, I have to ask if he provided 30 years plus of service on the council or if 30 plus years on the council has served him. Its one hell of a part-time pay check. Most government peeps retire after 25.

Moving to my point: He personally told me this story at my fire department wet down in (I believe it was 1998). He said Rosemary Agostini called officials on him. There was some type of allegation regarding his finances in his campaign. (I’m not exactly sure what.) He fixed the error. No charges were brought. But……. The allegation existed. And he resented her forever.

Now, fast forward to Mayoral races Mimi vs. Rosemary, multiple times. Republican Michael dePierro threw all his support and efforts to support a democrat Mimi Letts because he refused to support Rosemary. In his words, as I remember them, “She tried to get me locked up”. Granted, Mimi actually wasn’t bad, but….. when a senior Republican who alternated chairmanship with the great Jimmy Vigilante, how can he justify being a Republican when in fact he is more for himself than the township.

This is the problem with representative politics. On one hand you expect them to vote the way their constituency expects. But it seems on all levels, they vote in a way that supports their own needs, wants, likes and interests.

So, this 30 year plus guy, lets say goodbye. Time to enjoy your grand kids.

His counterpart Ferrara is no better. When hosting a Pasta Dinner fundraiser for a youth sports club in Parsippany at my firehouse, it is custom to put out orange cones to prevent party attendees from blocking the parking lot from firemen in the event of a fire. They come in fast and unexpected, and require the space to pull in quickly, and mount the fire trucks.

Well, I was taking a garbage bag out to the dumpster when a car pulled in between the cones and tried to park, and the driver got out. I asked him to park next door like everyone else. He responded by arguing with me, and pointing out other cars. I agreed with him, and stated I will go inside and instruct these people to move. But….. That doesn’t mean you can park there.

If a fire alarm goes off right now, these guys need a place to come screeching in. Please park next door. He stared me down, argued with me, asked me to say who I was, and hesitated for almost 5 minutes. So…. my question is, once he heard it was for firemen only for emergencies, WHAT ELSE DID HE HAVE TO SAY?? Having said that, Now you know Ferrara too. Same ticket.

I hate to follow Pat, but the election calendar is unfolding.

Carifi is change and good change. Vote his ticket. Carifi, Visakay and Beehler. Lets Stop the fighting. We are constantly making statewide newspapers. Millions spent on disputes. Legal battles. Enough!!

Keith Campbell 

Please note: 

The Board of Fire Commissioners, Officers and Members of District 5 Fire Department have always considered Councilman dePierro a friend of the Fire Department, in a letter to the Editor dated May 29, 2015 Mr. Keith Campbell stated his opinion which he is entitled to, it does not reflect the opinion of the Fire Department Membership of this District. Mr. Campbell is not currently on the roster of District 5’s membership.

Google reveals trump card to build new Mountain View headquarters

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Pulling out a trump card it was sitting on for years, Google has found another way to construct the canopied, utopian campus that caught the world’s attention earlier this year. The search engine giant on Friday filed plans at Mountain View City Hall for a translucent domed building that would rise several…

Rev. Richard Horn, retired Fire Chaplain, receives proclamation from Mayor

PARSIPPANY — At a recent Township Council meeting Mayor James Barberio presented a special proclamation to retiring Fire Chaplain Richard Horn for his 38 years of service to Parsippany-Troy Hills. Then Donald Bragg was named as Horn’s replacement and given his badge during the ceremony.

The proclamation presented to Rev. Richard Horn from Mayor James Barberio read:

Whereas, many individuals contribute to the well-being and welfare of others by giving tirelessly of their time and energy without desire for recognition or remuneration for personal gain; and

Whereas, Reverend Richard W. Horn has announced his retirement after serving 38 years as Chaplain for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Joint Chiefs Council; and

Whereas, Reverend Horn has been a powerful influence in our community and has earned and also justly deserves public recognition for his 21 years of service as the Chaplain for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department; and

Whereas, Reverend Horn has embodied the highest quality service standards that any organization could hope for and his dedication to his follow man, the Parsippany-Troy Hills community and to all those in need is exemplified by his words, deeds and character; and

Whereas, Reverend Horn has counseled and comforted our police, fire and community members with spiritual insight, support and a very calming demeanor.

Now Therefore I, James R. Barberio, Mayor of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, do hereby extend appreciation to Reverend Richard W. Horn for his many years of faithful service and further proclaim that his outstanding service and dedication shall not be forgotten.

I-287 traffic shifts to take place this weekend in Morris County

I-287HANOVER — New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced traffic pattern shifts are scheduled to be implemented this weekend on I-287 northbound and southbound as construction advances on the roadway rehabilitation project in Morris County.

Beginning at 9:00 p.m. Friday, May 29 until 8:00 a.m. Saturday, May 30, NJDOT’s Contractor, Tilcon of New York, Inc., is scheduled to close two northbound lanes to reposition construction barrier and restripe lanes on the I-287 northbound bridge over Eden Lane in Hanover Township. A third lane may be closed later tonight to set up the new traffic pattern. At least two lanes will be maintained.

The new traffic pattern will remove the single left lane “cattle chute” within construction barriers in the northbound direction and add a fifth lane. The new traffic pattern will shift all five lanes to right of the work zone.

On Saturday, May 30, at 9:00 p.m. through Sunday, May 31 at 8:00 a.m., Tilcon will close up to two lanes on I-287 southbound to shift all four travel lanes to the far right. At least two lanes will remain open. Crews will be setting up a work zone on the left to finish the permanent concrete barrier that divides the northbound and southbound lanes. In the event of inclement weather this weekend, the work will be rescheduled.

The $27.4 million project – which began initial construction activity in September 2012 – is designed to improve the pavement condition on a seven-mile segment of I-287 in both directions from just south of the South Street underpass in Morristown (Milepost 35.4) to the Littleton Road overpass in Parsippany (Milepost 42.2).  The replacement of the bridge decks over Eden Lane in Hanover (Milepost 38.8) is included in the project as are guide rail upgrades, drainage clearing and various other incidental improvements to the highway.

NJDOT has designed the project to advance in stages to minimize impacts to motorists.  All I-287 mainline travel lanes will remain open in each direction during peak-period hours throughout construction, while single and double-lane closures will be allowed during overnight and off-peak hours.  The project is expected to be completed by the fall of 2015.

Portable variable message signs are being utilized to provide advance notification to the motoring public of all traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.  Motorists are encouraged to check www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.

Register now for Parsippany Youth (Flag) Rugby

PARSIPPANY — Children entering kindergarten to ninth 9th grade can learn one of the fastest growing sports in the USA, Rugby. Rugby will be featured in the next Olympic Games. Rugby is a great sport to learn teamwork and to get and stay fit. The rugby program runs for six short weeks in early summer.

Please consider joining by registering by clicking here.

Kaitlyn Partington Named to Dean’s List at Lebanon Valley College

Kaitlyn Partington
Kaitlyn Partington

PARSIPPANY — Kaitlyn Partington of Mount Tabor, joined more than 600 Lebanon Valley College students named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester. Dean’s list students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.4 out of 4.0.

Partington, a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, is pursuing a bachelor of science in business administration.

Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pa., welcomes 1,573 full-time undergraduates studying more than 30 challenging and sophisticated majors, as well as customized self-designed majors.

Founded in 1866, LVC has graduate programs in athletic training, physical therapy, business, music education, and science education. Learn more at www.lvc.edu.

Annville is 15 minutes east of Hershey and 35 minutes east of Harrisburg; Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore are within two hours.

Janet Zorsky retires and moves to Delaware

PARSIPPANY — Janet Zorsky, retired on Wednesday, May 27, from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Clerk’s Office. Janet has been with the Township for a little over eight years. She worked in the Mayor’s office for a short time, then joined the Clerk’s Office as a Clerk Typist.

“It’s been a pleasure working with Janet. I wish her enjoyment of many happy and healthy years of retirement,”  said Township Clerk Yancy Wazirmas.

Janet was always a very helpful, pleasant person who will be dearly missed. I wish her the very best with her retirement, said Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.

Council Vice President Robert Peluso said “It was a great opportunity to work with Janet who is a professional that truly cares about our community.  Although we are loosing a great colleague, I wish her the best in her retirement.”

Councilman Dr. Louis Valori stated “Janet was an asset in the clerks office and will be truly missed. I wish her the very best in her retirement with her family.”

“Janet has always been pleasant, professional, and cooperative whenever I reached out to her. She shall be missed. I wish for her good health and happiness in her retirement,” said Michael J. dePierro

Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill said, “Janet was always very helpful, and pleasant to work with. Every visit to the Clerk’s Office, I felt welcomed and Janet was always there to greet me and made sure that all my needs were taken care of. I will truly miss Janet. I wish her the best on her retirement and will surely miss her.”

Janet has moved to Delaware and will enjoy her retirement with her husband.