PARSIPPANY — Mr. Nicholas Ruggiero, 72, East Hanover, was making an illegal turn in front of Mr. Peter Nagy, 55, also of East Hanover and slightly entered the parking lot in order to make the turn. Mr. Ruggiero’s 2003 Hummer did not yield to the 2006 Nissan Altima as he was re-entering traffic causing Mr. Nagy’s vehicle to collide with Mr. Ruggiero.
Mr. Ruggiero was at fault, and was issued a summons for “Failure to Observe Stop or Yield Sign.”
Mr. Nagy’s vehicle was towed from the scene by Corigliano Towing.
The accident which on Wednesday, May 20 at 1:27 p.m. was investigated by Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Brian Keek.
Officer Brian Keek investigating the sceneThe 2003 Hummer H2 was able to be driven from the scene
There were no injuries reported. Parsippany-Troy Hills District 5 Haz-mat team responded to clean up the chemicals in the roadway.
Certified Nursing Assistants, Nancy Ochoa and Fatima Salcedo, think Cinco de Mayo is a celebration too big for just one day. The two crafted every detail of a Mexican village, and transformed Harmony Village at CareOne into a month-long Mexican fiesta.
PARSIPPANY — The festivities ofCinco de Mayo are too big to be confined to just one day. At least that is the case at CareOne at Morris Assisted Living, 200 Madzabrook Road. Instead of a one-day celebration, two nurturing staff members, with big imaginations, have transformed CareOne’s Harmony Village, a memory care community, into Fiesta de Mayo, a month-long staycation in Mexico designed especially for the residents of CareOne’s award-winning assisted living community.
Nancy Ochoa and Fatima Salcedo are Certified Nursing Assistants who have worked in Harmony Village at CareOne for ten years.
“There was a Cinco de Mayo party last year,” said Salcedo, “but it wasn’t a big enough celebration, so this year we thought we would really celebrate.”
Using repurposed everyday items, and a brightly colored palette, the two experienced healthcare professionals sculpted, painted, and transformed the halls and community areas of Harmony Village, into a slice of Mexico. Cardboard from delivery boxes, medicine cups, packing Styrofoam, bed sheets, bubble wrap, recycled bottles, and kitchen seasonings were combined with yarn, acrylic paints, crayons, pencils and tissue paper to become intricate ancient Aztec art, colorful sombreros, carved wooden signs, clay pots filled with blooming cacti, dessert scenery, festival flags, Corona hombres party favors, and vistas of Mexican sunsets.
A creative team of two, the pair worked on the scenery, paintings and decorations everyday for almost four months. Every detail, from “Poncho,” the hombre taking a siesta in the hallway, to the “Tequila” Cantina, was meticulously planned and decorated.
“Things were flowing in my brain,” explained Ochoa of the creativity Fiesta de Mayo inspired. “I wanted to show the Aztec civilization and the way that they expressed themselves. I wanted it to look like a piece of Mexico was here.”
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw it,” said CareOne at Morris Assisted Living Executive Director, Vincenzo Manzella. “The details and breadth of the decorations is amazing. It put a smile on everyone.
Ochoa said that she and Salcedo did not run out of ideas for the Fiesta de Mayo celebration. Instead, they stopped building scenery so they could begin displaying their creations in the hallways of Harmony Village. The decorations were completed in time for the community’s Ocho de Mayo party, a celebration which kicked-off early in the day and ran into the early evening on Friday, May 8, 2015. Residents entertained family and friends from CareOne at Morris, and throughout the tri-state area. Over one hundred twenty attended the El Azteca Restaurante feast of tacos, quesadillas, guacamole, “Margaritas” (lemonade and apple juice), and “Coronas” (white grape juice). There was dancing, singing, socializing and deep admiration for the artwork and scenery created by Ochoa and Salcedo.
“The joy Nancy and Fatima bring to our residents is truly touching,” Manzella said. “Fiesta de Mayo is a beautiful celebration that we are excited to enjoy all month.”
With the help of Salcedo, Ochoa created over thirty-five original paintings and sculptures for Fiesta de Mayo. Countless more decorations and favors were also constructed. Plastic medicine cups were decorated to look like colorful shot glasses, and tissue paper was folded into origami to make flowering cacti. Each piece of art depicts a different aspect of Mexico and Mexican culture from ancient times through today.
“Residents thrive in our environment as they, together with staff, run the gamut of sharing, learning, reminiscing and maintaining their creativity and abilities,” said the Director of Harmony Villages, Francine Gerber.
She noted that this type of dedication and attention to detail is not uncommon for Ochoa and Salcedo.
“These multi-faceted and creatively skilled ladies steadily handcrafted each intricate and delicately fashioned item and decoration,” Gerber added. “They used their time, patience, attention to detail and master craftsmanship for their residents.”-
“Our residents and their families are very grateful for Nancy and Fatima,” said Manzella. “Everyday, they put their heart and soul into providing our residents the highest quality of life. They put the same passion and creativity into everything they do here at CareOne of Morris Assisted Living.”
Come June, the Fiesta de Mayo celebration will be replaced by summer fun and down-the-shore themes. In the meantime, however, residents will enjoy another week in sunny Mexico.
The CareOne staff focuses on assisting residents in maintaining vibrant, independent lives, while providing them with the comfort of knowing that a helping hand is always close by. The wide variety of social activities, such as Fiesta de Mayo, contributes to the community’s health, happiness and continued well-being.
A slice of Mexico! – Using repurposed items, certified Nursing Assistants, Fatima Salcedo and Nancy Ochoa, created over thirty-five original Aztec themed paintings and sculptures for Fiesta de Mayo. A creative team of two, the pair worked on scenery, paintings and decorations everyday for almost four months in order to transform Harmony Village at CareOne at Morris Assisted Living into a Mexican village.
PARSIPPANY — Congregation Shaya Ahavat Torah of Parsippany held a Gala celebration to commemorate its 40th anniversary at The Madison Hotel in Morristown, on Sunday, May 17. Gala Honorees included long serving synagogue board members: Gershon Goldberg, recipient of the Hakarat HaTov (Congregation Appreciation Award), Lewis and Linda Golovin, recipients of the Kesser Shem Tov (Crown of Legacy Award), Dr. Louis Goodman, recipient of the Avodat HaKodesh-(Ritual Service Award), which is being dedicated to the loving memory of Eileen Goodman, of blessed memory. Barry Levitt & Constance Pallas, recipients of the Kehillah (Community Builder Award), Rabbi Shalom & Aharona Lubin, recipients of the Rabbinic Leadership Award, and Congregation President Naomi Rotter, recipient of the Community Leadership Award .
Congregation Shaya Ahavat Torah is the longest serving Orthodox synagogue in Morris County, and is located at 113 Hawkins Avenue.
It began in 1974 when Philip Bardash, Stanley Kaplan, Irv Gavrin, and George Kace met to form a minyan to pray according to Jewish law and custom. After renting space for many years, the congregation moved into its current building in 1997. The Shul added “Shaya” to its name in 2001 to honor a bequest made in memory of Samuel Graw. During the past 40 years, Congregation Shaya Ahavat Torah has adapted to meet the changing needs of its community. A welcoming environment to people from all walks of life, it has recently become a destination Shul attracting weekend visitors from throughout the Tri-State area.
Honorees seated from left to right: Lewis Golovin, Linda Golovin, Dr. Naomi Rotter, Constance Pallas, Barry Levitt. Honorees standing from left to right: Dr. Louis Goodman, Aharona Lubin, Rabbi Shalom Lubin, Gershon Goldberg
MORRIS COUNTY — As domestic violence incidents continue to pervade the world of professional sports, the Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS) is excited to announce the launch of the Yellow Card Campaign, a program that will reach out to young athletes with a proactive message to encourage them to become leaders in preventing dating violence.
Basketball players from Morris Knolls High School’s boy’s and girl’s teams helped shape the Yellow Card campaign that JBWS will now take to colleges, schools and independent sports programs throughout the area. On Wednesday, May 27, the teams will come together at the school to celebrate the launch of the program that they helped shape. Athletes will receive Yellow Card t-shirts, sign a large pledge poster for display at their school, and hear program endorsements from their coach and teammate. The event will take place at 2:00 p.m. inside the Morris Knoll’s gymnasium.
“Morris Knolls basketball helped us determine how we would move forward with this important new program that we believe can be a model for high school and college teams everywhere,” said Patricia Sly, executive director of JBWS. “Now, we’re excited to come back and officially launch the program with them.”
Though estimates of dating violence vary, one study funded by the National Institute of Justice found the following results from a sample of middle and high schools in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania:
33% of students responding reported experiencing psychological dating abuse
18% reported experiencing cyber dating abuse
21% reported experiencing physical dating violence
9% reported experiencing sexual coercion
These numbers are unacceptable.
Through Yellow Card, JBWS will leverage our expertise to communicate a basic but crucial message to college and high school athletes: you can help prevent dating violence. By tapping into the natural leadership role that athletes often enjoy, the program is designed to inspire athletes to set the tone in the locker room and the classroom that abuse in relationships is unacceptable.
“Yellow Card reaches these athletes at an important and vulnerable time in their lives and teaches them not just how to make the right choices in their own relationships, but how to promote healthy behavior in their peers,” Sly said.
Yellow Card will educate athletes on the warning signs of dating abuse so that they can first learn to model healthy behavior in their own relationships, then to encourage it in others. Dating abuse is cultural problem and Yellow Card will enlist athletes, a crucial component of the high school culture, to stop it.
The program involves direct training sessions with teams and groups of athletes as well as a wealth of supporting activities and materials including game-day awareness events, a broad media campaign and No2DatingAbuse.org, our resource-laden website. Every athlete involved is asked to sign a three-part pledge that addresses the tenets of the program. This pledge is available for anyone who wants to read and sign it on our website as well.
This campaign has been made possible thanks to the support of the Community Foundation of New Jersey, Morristown Medical Center-Community Health, Becton Dickinson, Verizon, F.M. Kirby Foundation, Inc., Laurie Peter and Betsy Bernard, Brushfire Inc.’s professional marketing services, and several key individual donors.
PARSIPPANY — Tom Conforti, chief financial officer of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation will participate in a fireside chat at the 2015 Goldman Sachs Lodging, Gaming, Restaurant and Leisure Conference on Monday, June 1, 2015 in New York City. Mr. Conforti will discuss the business, operations and outlook.
Wyndham is located on Sylvan Way.
Mr. Conforti’s remarks will be webcast live at 12:15 p.m. EDT. Investors and other interested persons may listen to the live webcast through the Company’s website by clicking here. The webcast replay will be available 1 hour after conclusion of the live event and will remain available on the website for 90 days following the conference.
About Wyndham Worldwide Corporation One of the world’s largest hospitality companies, Wyndham Worldwide provides a wide range of hospitality services and products through its global portfolio of world-renowned brands. The world’s largest hotel company based on the number of properties, Wyndham Hotel Group is home to many of the world’s best-known hotel brands, with over 7,670 franchised hotels and over 667,000 hotel rooms worldwide. Wyndham Exchange & Rentals is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the world’s largest professionally managed vacation rentals business, providing more than five million leisure-bound families annually with access to over 109,000 vacation properties in over 100 countries through its prominent exchange and vacation rental brands. The industry and timeshare ownership market leader, Wyndham Vacation Ownership develops, markets, and sells vacation ownership interests and provides consumer financing to owners through its network of 210 vacation ownership resorts serving approximately 904,000 owners throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Based in Parsippany, Wyndham Worldwide employs over 34,000 associates globally.
MORRISTOWN — A 30-year-old Newark woman admitted Monday that she drove the getaway car for a friend during two bank robberies in 2013 in Parsippany and Springfield. Quiama S. Harris pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree robbery, admitting that she drove the car and took some of the proceeds from the robberies on Dec. 18,…
PARSIPPANY — A military veteran said he was asked to remove his service dog from a Lake Hiawatha convenience store on Memorial Day. Michael Deitch alleges the 7-Eleven on North Beverwyck Road in Parsippany violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, News 12 New Jersey reported. He went into the store to get water for his dog,…
PARSIPPANY — A house fire was reported on Sedgefield Drive, on Tuesday, May 16. Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire District 1, Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 3, Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 6, and the Cedar Knolls Volunteer Fire Department Rapid Intervention Team all responded to the scene.
Heavy Flames pouring out of the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
A house on Sedgefield Dr. caught fire this afternoon (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
A house on Sedgefield Dr. caught fire this afternoon (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Firefighters carrying a ladder to the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
The fire caused heavy damage to the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
The fire caused heavy damage to the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
The fire caused heavy damage to the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Heavy smoke was coming from the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Dozens of Volunteer Firefighters put out the blaze and ventilated the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Dozens of Volunteer Firefighters put out the blaze and ventilated the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Smoke pouring out of the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
A firefighter extinguishing the fire with the water (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Several Fire Departments responded to the scene to extinguish the fire (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
A firefighter checking for any hotspots (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Firefighters examine the structure for any remaining flames (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Firefighters putting out the blaze (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Heavy Flames and Smoke pouring out of the residence on Sedgefield Dr. (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Parsippany Emergency Medical Services, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad and the Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad all reported to the scene as well. After a lengthy battle with flames, firefighters were able to bring the fire under control. The fire caused severe damage to the home. Smoke was so heavy at times that reports of smoke set off alarms at Parsippany Hills High School which brought out Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire District 2 to the school.
No injuries were reported. The Parsippany Police Department, Parsippany Police Fire Investigator, Patrol Officer David Cavaliere, the Morris County Sheriff’s Department, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s office are all investigating the cause of the fire.
Heavy Flames pouring out of the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
A house on Sedgefield Dr. caught fire this afternoon (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
A house on Sedgefield Dr. caught fire this afternoon (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Firefighters carrying a ladder to the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
The fire caused heavy damage to the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
The fire caused heavy damage to the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
The fire caused heavy damage to the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Heavy smoke was coming from the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Dozens of Volunteer Firefighters put out the blaze and ventilated the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Dozens of Volunteer Firefighters put out the blaze and ventilated the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Smoke pouring out of the residence (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
A firefighter extinguishing the fire with the water (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Several Fire Departments responded to the scene to extinguish the fire (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
A firefighter checking for any hotspots (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Firefighters examine the structure for any remaining flames (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Firefighters putting out the blaze (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Heavy Flames and Smoke pouring out of the residence on Sedgefield Dr. (c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
The fire in the bushes caused by the transformer
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Police reported a working house fire on Sedgefield Drive. Parsippany Focus will update this article shortly with photographs, our photograhers are on the scene
Sedgfield Drive between Ferncliff Road and Exeter Street is closed to traffic. Avoid area to allow for emergency vehicles.
I have been a resident of Parsippany for close to 50 years and during that time I have watched as Parsippany has been the forgotten community when it comes to County Government. Whether it is done on purpose or by accident, it seems that the people in County Government feel that we do NOT need anyone from Parsippany to represent us on the Board of Freeholders..
Again this year there is a concentrated effort to get rid of the only person on the Board of Freeholders who actually lives in Parsippany. That person is John Cesaro. Why do they do this? Is not the largest community in North Western New Jersey deserving of representation on our county government???
I have gotten a ton a fliers telling me this about John Ceasro, telling me that about John Cesaro, but all I know is that we have not had an increase in our country taxes in the three years that Mr. Cesaro has been a Freeholder. Our credit rating has stayed in the excellent range when the state of New Jersey has been dropping like a stone. Young people are moving INTO Morris County instead of out of it.
But, far more important is that John Cesaro IS from Parsippany, he has spent his adult life here in Parsippany, he married a young women who also grew up HERE in Parsippany and Mr. Cesaro and his family live now HERE in Parsippany.
We cannot allow Parsippany to have NO representation on our county governing body, the town that sends the most money to Morris County and we would have no say in how that money is spent if we do not have someone watching of best interest. We have John Cesaro now, lets make sure that we maintain him as OUR representative on the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
I urge everyone from Parsippany who votes to lay aside petty party differences, and vote in the Republican Primary in June to keep John Cesaro, FROM PARSIPPANY representing US, republicans, democrats and independents as OUR Chosen Freeholder.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. The holiday, which is observed every year on the last Monday of May, originated as Decoration Day after the American Civil War in 1868, when the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans — established it as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. By the 20th century, competing Union and Confederate holiday traditions, celebrated on different days, had merged, and Memorial Day eventually extended to honor all Americans who died while in the military service. It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.
Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.
Annual Decoration Days for particular cemeteries are held on a Sunday in late spring or early summer in some rural areas of the American South, notably in the mountain areas. In cases involving a family graveyard where remote ancestors as well as those who were deceased more recently are buried, this may take on the character of an extended family reunion to which some people travel hundreds of miles. People gather on the designated day and put flowers on graves and renew contacts with relatives and others. There often is a religious service and a picnic-like “dinner on the ground,” the traditional term for a potluck meal in which people used to spread the dishes out on sheets or tablecloths on the grass. It is believed that this practice began before the American Civil War and thus may reflect the real origin of the “memorial day” idea.
Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day; Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.
PARSIPPANY — A transformer caught fire on Smith Road, across the street from the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel, and caused a power outage in the area.
The Sheraton Parsippany lost power and there were guests stuck in the elevator, and was released before Parsippany Rescue and Recovery arrived at the scene.
Parsippany Troy-Hills Fire District 6 arrived at the scene and extinguished the area below the transformer which caught on fire.
The Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad was dispatched to the scene, but was canceled before arrival.
There were no injuries and power was only lost for a short period of time.
Firemen from Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 6 putting out the brush fireThe transformer fire cause the area across from Parsippany Sheraton to catch on fireThe brush fire on Smith RoadThe fire in the bushes caused by the transformer
PARSIPPANY — The annual open house and historical re-enactment at the beautiful Livingston-Benedict home was recently held.
This year’s topic was: “The World Comes to Parsippany,” in which they celebrated the many cultures that make history and town extraordinary.
The event highlighted the immigration stories of Parsippany, how families and individuals chose to immigrate to the US and then migrate to Parsippany-Troy Hills.
Descendants of Irish, Italian, Eastern European and South Asian families make up the Parsippany population today, as well as families descended from Scandinavian, Dutch, French, Greek, German, Scots, British, Asian and Latin American ancestors.
There was costumed re-enactors, activities for kids, demonstrations, displays, performances, and a geneology information table.
The NJ Historic Trust holds an historic and conservation easement on this site, which is privately owned and receives no government support. The annual event living history event is presented for the community by the Peterson family with help from the Parsippany Historic and Preservation Society.
Julia Peterson
Mary explains Slavik traditions, including the Easter lamb made of butter
PARSIPPANY — The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Central Morris County’s “Strike Out Cancer” team will be holding a fundraiser at the Gourmet Cafe, as part of the Gourmet Cafe’s “Make A Difference Monday’s” program, on Monday, June 1, 2015.
Regardless of whether you eat lunch or dinner, dine in or take out, or even purchase a gift certificate for future use, Relay For Life will receive 10% of the entire day’s proceeds. Please help us fight cancer, while enjoying a delicious meal!
Gourmet Cafe is located on 136 Baldwin Road, across from St. Peter’s Church. For reservations, please call the Gourmet Cafe at (973) 316-0088.
Should you have any questions about Relay For Life of Central Morris County, which will take place on the campus of County College of Morris, on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, please contact either Margie Forman, “Strike Out Cancer” Team Captain, at (973) 879-9310 or email by clicking here, or or Bonnie Rosenthal, Relay For Life of Central Morris County Chair, at (201) 317-0810 or bonnie@rainbowpeace.net.
Opponents continue cozying up to Big Labor Unions and Democrat PACs, while their paid consultant gets escorted out of Women’s Republican Club debate by the police
Breaking News: Cesaro-Tedesco-Myers Campaign Consultant “plans to sue” Women’s Republican Club
The Morris Conservative Team of Freeholders David Scapicchio and John Krickus, and Denville Councilwoman Deborah Smith convincingly won the final scheduled debate of the campaign this past week by sticking to their conservative message of lower taxes, efficient government and opposition to the solar bailout, while the liberal Cesaro-Tedesco-Myers team were forced to defend massive campaign contributions from Democrats and big labor unions, and embarrassingly watch their paid campaign consultant escorted out of the debate by police for being unruly and disrespectful to the hosts and audience.
The consultant, King Penna, said he plans to sue the Morris County Women’s Republican Club.
The debate, which was held at the Masonic Lodge in Morristown and sponsored by the aforementioned Morris County Women’s Republican Club and Morris Township Republican Committee, drew a crowd of about 100 people. Unfortunately, it was tainted by Cesaro-Tedesco-Myers campaign consultant King Penna causing a scene that required the police to be called.
“Our conservative message is resonating and our liberal opponents are floundering. The Cesaro-Tedesco-Myers team could not explain why they’ve aligned themselves with Democrat power brokers from out of the county, or why they have solicited and accepted nearly $70,000 and counting in campaign contributions from liberal special interests and big labor unions. Moreover, their campaign message of higher taxes, more spending and bigger government makes you wonder if they are running in the right party’s primary election. Their campaign is bankrolled by Democrats, and they sound like Democrats, too.”
Scapicchio, Krickus and Smith also personally thanked the Morris County Women’s Republican Club for hosting and praised them for how they handled the disturbance caused by Penna.
NOW IS THE TIME TO CONDEMN WATERVIEW LANDSCAPE AS BUILDERS REMEDY THREATENS
Elections remark included. Has our Governor allowed sprawl to continue; has he ended smart growth; should not all housing be affordable locally by jobs and immediate population?
Township Attorney John Inglesino, however, said RD’s new proposal could bypass COAH completely because the application calls for affordable housing only; opening the door for a “persuasive argument” that it could be approved by a judge as “inherently beneficial use” of the land.
The “Inherently beneficial use”; How about the long-term economic benefits of protecting our common watershed, as waterview landscape has several characteristics to quality it as an environmentally sensitive area? Condemning this asset will give indirect valuation our future cost avoidance in water quality and quantity through its ecosystems services already working for us. Waterview has steep slopes, forest and its part of the ground water recharge phenomena. It is also a sponge for the areas flood problems being part of the Troy Brook system, which leads to the Troy Meadows Natural Landmark, Whippany, Rockaway and Passaic river complex. It also plays a part in the aquifer wellhead protections. The landscape enhancing the immediate neighborhood of which no major changes have occurred to warrant such a development. Waterviews should of in reality been rezoned long ago as environmentally sensitive, as the Troy Brook Stormwater Study brought out and as its slopes and forest would demand. It is a left over from the office development frenzy of the past market speculation craze. It condemning as environmentally sensitive would be in keeping with the Troy Brook Study recommending prevention of biodiversity loss, to ensure water integrity and flood control.
The land being private property matters not as its development would affect all of us and the region in general so a common shared interest prevails. Under home rule which Parsippany prides itself on a municipality has the right to condemn land for its own best interest, not the interest of a developer. RD has proven they are no friend of Parsippany and have constantly changed their proposals for the land, showing bad faith in every measure toward the community they intend to change.
The time then is right to condemn the landscape, because now is the time we are sure our township is going to be effected by coming development threats and other developments allowed for economic growth, we therefore need to identify, assess and protect these important environmentally sensitive landscapes making sure they are not compromised forever by unneeded developments or developments that can be placed elsewhere. As Mr. Inglesino stated, vacant land puts us at risk, however vacant land cannot be the legal avenue of right alone in choosing sites for affordable housing. Environmentally sensitive lands should not be developed for any reason, in the best interest of all now and into the future. Parsippany must come to recognize and respect their place in the Highlands, planning zone or not, our responsibility and duty not to damage the common resource of water, as Parsippany’s place in among the seventh largest buried valley aquifer in the Nation. This water resource is a commonly shared natural asset and no developers have the right to allow us to compromise its vitality.
If COAH no longer exist any and all contentions by developers to build affordable housing must be carefully scrutinized as the actual demand must stem from the local population in need of this housing with appropriate renting scales based on income. If defies logic that vacant land alone would dictate where housing would be located, as this will allow sprawl to expand even further inflicting more environmental damage ruining landscapes and impeding the lands ability to replenish its water basins. Traffic and air pollution would also affect the health of us all.
Parsippany has more than met any housing needs and most likely still has enough available housing, as should not all such housing be made so-called affordable? Parsippany nor any single municipality can be targeted without seeing the issue on a regional scale as already existing surrounding housing or housing now in the works of construction must all be accounted and considered.
Simply put the people of any community and especially under Home Rule decide what is good and in the best interest of their community, not outside forces, or developers. This has been the case for too long in Parsippany. Parsippany has unwisely decide not to conform to regional planning, which would bring more transparency, public participation and guaranteed best land use practices without question. It would also prevent the constant lawsuits now plaguing tax payers. It makes no sense to continue this way, but we go on, paying taxes to an administration that does not represent the people of the area. Our tax money goes to assist and add developers with their best interest in mind and a self-serving political machine that accompanies and encourages their wants, ignoring our needs. If water is not important, is more traffic doesn’t matter, more trash, litter and noise well then what does? Home rule is a farce because it should be obvious to all; developers rule and if they don’t get their way like RD they sue, this could not happened under a regional land use plan. It would become too expensive for the developer. In our case it sis for us, while our leaders convince us they are saving us money by compromising or giving in.
Mayors or Councilman who think it is all the choices of the developers, whole foods, or public housing for example should not pretend they are in our service, they are not. Every town has the right to choose its own best interest, in zoning and condemning land when required for the best interest of the people living and paying taxes there.
A vote for the dePierro, Ferrara, Gragnani, team would spell disaster for Parsippanys future which now looks dims enough without them. If there is any hope of keeping Parsippany a nice place to live because of its landscapes and relatively cheap water bills and reasonable taxes, the vote needs to go to Paul Carifi, Aida Visakay and John Beehler. We need leadership not follow ship. Compromise if necessary must bring us all to a higher level. It’s time to stop feeling powerless over nonsense. Developers do not rule Parsippany, Mayor Barberio had no right to invite RD here like he did without prior consent or good reason. We however have with us a most powerful influence in the State of New Jersey, John Inglesino. It is his time to show us his magic; developers have had enough of our community, we ask for waterview landscape to be preserved forever part of Parsippany. Show us the Pride you have for us condemn waterview landscape and let what may happen.
Did not Mayor Barberio state he would save waterview as open space? He has now no other way but to condemn the land for the best interest of Parsippany.
Please find the definition here for landscape, for your entertainment as waterview is such a landscape.
A “landscape” is defined as a large area encompassing an interacting mosaic of ecosystems and human systems that is characterized by a set of intersecting management concerns. The landscape is not defined by the size of the area, but rather by the interacting elements that are meaningful to the management objectives. In addition, for the purposes of this report, the term “landscape” encompasses watersheds and marine environments that match the above description.
15 The term “cumulative impacts” refers to the combined, incremental effects of human activity on a resource, ecosystem, or human community. Impacts of an action may be relatively insignificant on their own, but as they accumulate over time and combine with the impacts from other sources, they can lead to significant overall degradation of resources (EPA, 1999)
Let us think not only of development and growth but the elements of life itself, earth, air water, and soul, without these what good is all else. Vote the Carifi Team.
Even a cactus plant has enough god-given intelligence to store itself water; for its future and those of its surroundings.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Democrats congregated at the Parsippany Library on Wednesday, May 20, kicking off the Democratic campaigns in 2015.
The candidates in attendance were Parsippany-Troy Hills Council hopefuls Janice McCarthy and Nick Kumburis, as well as State Assembly contenders Avery Hart and Wayne Marek. Through event host Julia Peterson, Council candidate Greg Elbin apologized for being unable to attend.
All four of the candidates spoke and answered questions from the packed library conference room. The issues at hand included what the Democrats view as the fiscally irresponsible policies of the current Republican government, as well as addressing concerns of job creation and the Intervale Waterview development.
Janice McCarthy was the first to speak, calling for bipartisanship and bringing “sanity” back to Parsippany. She also spoke about her experience as an advisor to Fortune 500 companies, and believes she has a unique understanding of economic issues from a business perspective, a trait she feels is lacking on the current council. She also pledged to control the rampant lawsuits the Parsippany government has incurred, which she noted, “seem to be motivated more by political vendetta than legitimate reasons”. Ms. McCarthy also stated her opposition to the Waterview development, which has come up again under the Republican administration.
Nick Kumburis, fresh off of receiving his MBA, touched on a broad range of issues, including sanity in government, fiscal responsibility and jobs. Mr. Kumburis expressed a concern about the number of abandoned office buildings in Parsippany unable to attract tenants, raising the overall tax burden on property owners. Mr. Kumburis expressed that there ought to be a broad approach to economic development, including luring smaller businesses, not just the global corporations, to Parsippany.
Kumburis also addressed what he believed to be dysfunction in the Parsippany government, asserting that the infighting on the Republican side is bad publicity for the town and counter-productive to improving the lives of its citizens. “Parsippany has become one of the craziest towns in New Jersey politically,” he said, displaying pieces of campaign literature that had been distributed in the Republican primary. “We should all be able to get along”.
Avery Hart, running for the State Assembly focused on two key issues facing New Jersey: environmentalism and education. Ms. Hart railed against the Pilgrim Pipeline as damaging to local communities, blaming the Christie administration for supporting corporate interests over the needs and wants of the 26th District’s people. “The inaction on this issue by our current Assembly members is unacceptable,” she protested.
Ms. Hart then spoke about the need for a streamlined education bureaucracy on the local level. Her plan involved uniting all the school districts in a given county under one superintendent for that county. She claimed that this would save roughly $100 million which could be used to hire more teachers.
Wayne Marek, also running for the Assembly, first spoke about his experience in public service as a member of the Morris Plains Board of Education. He pointed out that the district was able to stay at or under their tax cap for the length of his tenure, while maintaining strong educational standards. He then went on to discuss growing the local economy through the district’s natural advantages, such as highway accessibility for businesses. He reminded the crowd that the election is, “All about the economy,” and stressed the need for an increased emphasis on a production economy in New Jersey.
Parsippany Democrats co-Chair Julia Peterson closed the meeting, thanking those in attendance and urging all Parsippany residents to vote in the primary election on Tuesday, June 2 and the general election on November 3.
Three North Jersey hospitals alerted thousands of patients Thursday that a billing clerk had stolen their personal information, according to reports. The data breach at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, and Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck is being investigated by federal authorities, NorthJersey.com reports. The size of the breach is…
TRENTON — Cops can give you a traffic ticket 24 hours a day. So, one state lawmaker says, why not be able to pay it 24 hours a day as well? Assemblyman Tim Eustace recently introduced legislation to require that New Jersey drivers can pay their tickets online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.…
PARSIPPANY — Cellebrite, the leading developer and provider of mobile forensic solutions, announced its pledge of financial support for Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), a national non-profit organization with a mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. Cellebrite is located at
7 Campus Drive, Suite 210.
“Cellebrite supports those who bravely serve, and we are proud to show our appreciation through this charitable contribution,” said Jim Grady, CEO, Cellebrite Inc. “By committing to a long-term relationship with Wounded Warrior Project, we want to honor the sacrifices that the men and women in uniform have made for our country.”
Cellebrite launched its cornerstone philanthropic initiative at the start of its 2015 corporate planning meeting. Honored guest speaker and wounded veteran Staff Sergeant Erick Millette addressed Cellebrite employees, sharing his experiences and delivering important motivation to drive harder and smarter in all aspects of service to its customers in uniform. Following this moving and motivating speech, Cellebrite Inc. CEO Jim Grady presented Staff Sergeant Millette with a check and pledged future support for Wounded Warrior Project.
“For more than a decade, Wounded Warrior Project has served injured service members, their caregivers and families, continuously adding programs and enhancing our services to help warriors face myriad issues and challenges,” said Ayla Hay, communications executive vice president for Wounded Warrior Project. “As a non-profit organization, Wounded Warrior Project deeply appreciates the ongoing support from supporters like Cellebrite, which help us in reaching our vision to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history.”
“As a market leader, Cellebrite is well-known for its innovative mobile forensic solutions, technical expertise and deep knowledge of our customers’ duties and needs,” added Grady. “Cellebrite employees work every day to give law enforcement and government customers the tools they need to gain a tactical advantage over those who commit crimes and threaten our security.”
About Cellebrite
Founded in 1999, Cellebrite is a global company known for its technological breakthroughs in the cellular industry. A world leader and authority in mobile data technology, Cellebrite established its mobile forensics division in 2007, with the Universal Forensic Extraction Device (UFED). Cellebrite’s range of mobile forensic products, UFED Series, enable the bit-for-bit extraction and in-depth decoding and analysis of data from thousands of mobile devices, including feature phones, smartphones, portable GPS devices, tablets and phones manufactured with Chinese chipsets.
Cellebrite’s UFED Series is the prime choice of forensic specialists in law enforcement, military, intelligence, and corporate security and eDiscovery agencies in more than 100 countries.
Cellebrite is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sun Corporation, a listed Japanese company.
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