EAST HANOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and East Hanover Chief of Police Christopher Cannizzo is seeking information regarding Edwin A. Urbina, date of birth October 14, 1993, with a last known address of 14-02 Clyde Potts Drive, Morristown.
Edwin A. Urbina
Urbina has been charged by complaint-warrant with first-degree Murder, second-degree Endangering the Welfare of Children, third-degree Tampering with a Witness, and fourth-degree Tampering with Evidence in connection with this matter.
These charges arise in connection with the beating death of Urbina’s girlfriend’s three-year-old son.
On August 13, 2021, shortly after 5:00 a.m., officers from the Morristown Police Department responded to the Morristown Medical Center in Morristown on a report of a three-year-old male in cardiac arrest.
The subsequent investigation revealed that the child had sustained a number of physical injuries. Following an autopsy, Morris County Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Carlos Fonseca, M.D. determined the manner of death to be a homicide.
Crime scene at OYO Hotel, 130 Route 10, East Hanover
The subsequent investigation has revealed that the fatal beating of the child occurred at the OYO Hotel, 130 Route 10 West in East Hanover.
It is alleged that Urbina physically beat the three-year-old boy in the early morning hours of August 13, 2021, resulting in the boy’s death and that the victim’s mother, Krystal Straw, was not present during the assault but arrived at the hotel shortly thereafter. It is alleged that after her arrival, Straw transported Urbina to another location before bringing the victim to the Morristown Medical Center. It is further alleged that Urbina instructed Straw to delete content from her cellular telephone and deny his involvement in the homicide when speaking to the police.
Crime scene at OYO Hotel, 130 Route 10, East Hanover
Urbina remains a fugitive at this time. He should not be approached and is considered dangerous. An image of Urbina is attached below.
Krystal Straw, date of birth May 20, 1993, has also been charged in connection with this matter. Specifically, she has been charged with second-degree Endangering the Welfare of Children, third-degree Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution, third-degree Tampering with a Witness, and fourth-degree Tampering with Evidence. She remains lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a court appearance currently scheduled for August 18, 2021.
Numerous law enforcement agencies have participated in this investigation, including members of the East Hanover Police Department, the Morristown Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigation is active and ongoing. No other information is being released at this time.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Edwin Urbina or any other information about this incident is encouraged to call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200, the East Hanover Police Department at (973) 887-0432, or Morris County CrimeStoppers at (973) 267-2255. Persons reporting any information may remain anonymous. Information on how to leave an anonymous call or text message can be found at the CrimeStoppers Program website by clicking here.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany continues to prepare dinner at Homeless Solutions for the clients.
Kiwanis Club of New Jersey Division 11 Lt. Governor Frank Cahill and Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany members Joseph Jannarone, Jr., and new member Robert Pactwa, volunteered on Saturday, July 24.
New member Robert Pactwa, long-time members Joseph Jannarone, Jr., and Frank Cahill holding the over 250 meatballs prepared for the dinner.
Following all COVID-19 protocols, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany has been serving food at Homeless Solutions and providing food for residents affected by the pandemic.
With a generous donation from Chick-fil-A Morris Plains and food donated by Restaurant Depot, the group was able to shop at Costco to purchase the items needed to prepare the dinner.
The guests enjoyed homemade Baked Ziti, Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Fruit Salad, and dessert.
The Kiwanis Club has been providing meals to Homeless Solutions for the past 19 years and has served over 7,000 meals. Members volunteer their time to shop, cook, and serve dinner.
Homeless Solutions, “Providing a Hand Up, Not a HandOUT.” They offer shelter, services, and supportive housing to the homeless and working poor in Morris County.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. It is not religious-based or partisan in any way
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany supports ten K-Kids clubs, Lake Parsippany Elementary School, Eastlake Elementary School, Intervale School, Mt. Tabor Elementary School, Littleton Elementary School, Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, Troy Hills Elementary School, Northvail Elementary School, Knollwood School, and Rockaway Meadow Elementary School, two builders clubs, Central Middle School and Brooklawn Middle School; two Key Clubs, Parsippany Hills High School and Parsippany High School and one Aktion Club.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany will be participating in a “FREE Food Distribution” on Saturday, August 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Road. Interested parties please sign up by clicking here.
Interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, contact President Laura Wohland, by emailing law4pres@gmail.com. Click here to view the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany website.
Fruit cup prepared by the membersFrank and Joe preparing the baked ziti
We have an election coming up in November and there is just one question the people of Parsippany need to have answered – Is Jamie Barberio a real Republican or is he just a RINO (Republican In Name Only)?
The May 17-19 Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll found that 53% of Republicans believe Trump, their party’s nominee, is the “true president” now, compared to 3% of Democrats and 25% of all Americans. During a longwinded speech in Arizona on Saturday, July 24, the twice impeached, one term former guy who never won the popular vote in two elections lashed out at the “RINOs” who he believes are “worse than Democrats.” Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk said “If you were silent or complicit in what happened in the 2020 election, resign and go re-run as a Democrat. Get the heck out of the Republican Party.” Does Jamie believe that Joe Biden is President or does Jamie support the former guy and that the election was stolen? Is Jamie a real Republican, or just a RINO?
According to Miles Taylor — a Republican who served as chief of staff at the DHS until 2019 before leaving in disgust — should the GOP take over the House, current House minority leader Kevin McCarthy will likely be Donald Trump’s puppet if he is handed the gavel by his party. “The number one national security threat I’ve ever seen in my life to this country’s democracy is the party that I’m in, the Republican Party,” Taylor warned. “If my party retakes the House of Representatives in the next cycle, it’s going to become a haunted house. And the ghoul and the specter haunting that house is going to be Donald Trump.” Does Jamie support the former guy, is he going to go to Bedminster and swear fealty like real members of the GOP or is he a RINO?
“Those who served in the GOP have a greater burden to tell the truth about what their party has become,” Nicolle Wallace, who served as the White House Communications Director during the presidency of George W. Bush wrote “Those who know that the voter suppression laws masquerading as election integrity measures are solutions in search of problems have a duty to sound the alarm. The story of our times is understanding how one of the two major political parties became addicted to the same disinformation and anti-democratic practices it once rebuked in foreign countries and why its base has so eagerly embraced this disastrous pivot.” I think we know Jamie supports disinformation based on his term in office and allowing political parasite Johnny I. to bleed the Town as the Township Attorney. Is Jamie a real Republican, or just a RINO?
The Republican Party used to be pro-business, small government, and low taxes, now the Republican Party is pro-authoritarian, supports gerrymandering and voter suppression, and waging culture wars. The Republican Party did not even have a party platform in 2020, no need since the only thing that mattered was subservience and loyalty to the former guy. Where is Jamie on these issues? Based on past performance in office we know he is pro-authoritarian, but does he support these other GOP issues or is he just a RINO?
Thomas Mann, a senior fellow at Washington’s Brookings Institution and a resident scholar at UC Berkeley, is widely regarded by members of both parties as a leading expert on Congress and democracy wrote of the GOP “It is ideologically extreme; scornful of compromise; unmoved by conventional understanding of facts, evidence and science; and dismissive of the legitimacy of its political opposition. When one party moves this far from the mainstream, it makes it nearly impossible for the political system to deal constructively with the country’s challenges.” Is Jamie a real Republican, ideologically extreme; scornful of compromise; unmoved by conventional understanding of facts, evidence, and science; and dismissive of the legitimacy of its political opposition, or just a RINO?
CBS News-YouGov polling was conducted in mid-May. Two-thirds said it was “important” for Republicans to be “loyal to Donald Trump now.” The same share said they did not believe President Biden was the legitimate winner of the 2020 election. If you were consulting for the party, respondents were asked, would you focus on developing a message and “popular policies and ideas” to win over more voters? Or would you prioritize changes to the voting rules in states and districts? A whopping 47 percent chose the latter option. In other words, nearly half of those who still identify as Republicans appear to have given up on a key premise of democracy: that you earn the right to govern by proposing ideas that appeal to a majority of the public. They’d prefer to short-circuit that process and, instead, make it harder for their opponents to vote. Is Jamie a real Republican and makes it harder for his opponents to vote and have a say in government, or is he just a RINO?
Former Vice President Dick Cheney (R-WY) is “deeply troubled” by what he’s watching his Republican Party become, his daughter, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), revealed during a speech to the Aspen Institute. When war criminal Dick Cheney is “deeply troubled” about the Republican Party you know it’s bad. Dr. Frankenstein is “deeply troubled” by the monster he helped create. Is Jamie a real Republican, or just a “deeply troubled” RINO?
Justice Antonin Scalia wrote in DOE v. Reed (No. 09-559) “Requiring people to stand up in public for their political acts fosters civic courage, without which democracy is doomed.” The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the 1974 case of The New York Times v. Sullivan, the court wrote that the “debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide-open and that it may well include vehement, caustic, and sometimes unpleasantly sharp attacks on government and public officials.” This article falls under that rubric. As a registered Unaffiliated voter “I’m just asking questions” like TV dinner heir Tucker McNear Swanson Carlson does every night.
MORRIS COUNTY — Looking to get a better job, get better in the job you are in, or grow your skillset? The Center for Workforce Development (WFD) at County College of Morris (CCM) has released its new schedule of classes for the Fall Semester. WFD is accepting new students for its fall classes and also invites companies looking for a professional partner to develop their employees.
As labor demands continue to change and the demand for certification grows, WFD has continued its focus on industry-recognized credentials. Its programs include MS Office, QuickBooks, Project Management, Data Analytics and Visualization, Custom Business Training, English Language Learning, and more.
A leader in apprenticeship opportunities, WFD has expanded its offerings to include Pharmacy Technician and Certified Nurse Aid apprenticeships, adding to its extensive selection of Career Pathway Healthcare programs. The Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center at CCM also has Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships available this fall.
If you want to increase your potential for a successful career, join WFD at one of its Virtual Open Houses, taking place September 8, 9, and 10, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. WFD also will be hosting “Focus on the Workforce,” alive, on-campus event on Saturday, September 18, from 9:00 a.m. to noon in the Davidson Conference Rooms in the Student Community Center. For more information and to register, click here.
The next hire can be you. The next job landed can be yours. Aspire to be a part of a thriving workforce. Start at CCM.
PARSIPPANY— Vincent Xavier Bozza was named King and Rhaya Hope Lau was named Queen during Mt. Tabor’s Children’s Day Celebration held August 6 through August 8. Also, Braylon Moore was named the First Attendant.
The origin of Children’s Day in Mount Tabor grew out of the Sunday School activities. An early program promotes the Sunday School Anniversary held Saturday evening, August 1, 1885, with the instruction that cottages are to be illuminated as the procession of Sunday School students and a band pass through the principal streets of Mount Tabor halting at the new Tabernacle for a program of songs and recitations followed by ice cream and good cheer. A Sermon to Young People followed on Sunday.
The special festivities soon came to include athletic games, singing, decorations, and a concert, along with religious instruction and the parade. By 1887, the Tabor Record notes that Children’s Day was a three-day event. A program from 1893 describes the day’s activities starting with a tennis tourney on Saturday morning, an afternoon parade accompanied by Voss’ Military Band to the Young People’s Park for music, children’s carousel, and balloon ascensions. A full schedule of field games, refreshments, prizes, and music was followed by an evening parade with illuminations and decorations and a Promenade Concert featuring Voss’ Band.
The children growing up in Mount Tabor gain a healthy appreciation for service at a young age since every year they witness their parents, siblings, and neighbors come together to make this special event happen. They know that one day they will be the volunteers needed to make Children’s Day work, and therein lies the magic. One generation after another, caring enough to make sure Children’s Day happens. That the lanterns are displayed, the show goes on, the maypoles are ready and the ice cream is cold.
Vincent Xavier Bozza
Vincent Xavier Bozza is the fourth son of Dan and Alicia Bozza, a lifelong resident of Mount Tabor. Vincent is an upcoming Junior at Parsippany Hills High School who loves to sing, play video games and swim with his friends.
Vincent enjoys being part of the Baseball Team at Parsippany Hills and has been a part of the performing on the stage for many years at All Saints Academy (Edna in Hairspray, Peter Pan, & Annie) and with Mt. Tabor ARTs Collaborative, (Simba in Lion King, Jr & supporting roles in Seussical Jr and Once on This Island, Jr.)
Vincent is looking to help others in the Automotive Industry as a mechanic. He is proud to be the 152nd King of Mount Tabor. It holds a special place in his heart and is proud to be a part of the neighborhood here in Tabor.
Rhaya Hope Lau
Rhaya Hope Lau is the daughter of Jim and Dawn Lau. She is currently a junior at Parsippany Hills High School. She loves singing, performing, and babysitting.
Rhaya has performed with Mt Tabor ARTs Collaborative as well as Parsippany Hills Players. She was recently Ado Annie in Par Hills “Oklahoma” and the Acrobat in MTAC’s recent production of “Matilda Jr.” Rhaya loves video editing and hopes to make that a career someday. She is honored to be the 152nd Queen of Mt Tabor. When asked what her favorite thing about living on “the hill” is, she said the community and our activities for the community.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, September 2021.
PARSIPPANY — The Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company will be holding their 2nd annual fall plant sale fundraiser on Saturday, September 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Thanks to our community’s unwavering support, last year’s fundraiser was a huge success. They look forward to bringing back a wide variety of seasonal plants including mums, asters, peppers, cabbage, pumpkins, flowers, and more.
To honor the 20th anniversary of 9/11, a portion of proceeds will be donated to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Tunnel to Towers helps ease the financial burden for families of fallen firefighters and first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Rainbow Lakes Fire House is located at 1 Rainbow Trail.
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is proud to support Prevent Child Abuse NJ in their Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign.
During April, Kiwanis Club kicked off Child Abuse Prevention Month setting up pinwheel gardens and displays, with the first one set up at the Parsippany Town Hall and followed by a second display set up at the Parsippany IHOP on Route 46.
And while the pinwheel can do many things — bring smiles, lift spirits, call for healthy starts for all children — the one thing it cannot do is move on its own. Be the force that makes it move, bringing about real change for children in the United States. Protecting our children is everyone’s job…it’s your turn to make a difference!
Since 1983, April has been a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse. As we look upon the faces of the many children in our communities and think about all of the children around the world that suffer at the hands of others, let’s remember that April may be Child Abuse Prevention Month, but unfortunately abuse happens every day. That is why every year, during the month of April, communities across the country come together to focus on this startling issue and on the need for widespread prevention and public awareness campaigns to reduce the number of children who, sadly, are victims of abuse. Close to 700,000 children were victims of child abuse, and almost 1,700 children died as a result of abuse or neglect.
During a recent Kiwanis meeting, Karen DeChristopher who has lead this campaign for many years explained, “As an organization that focuses on children, there is one goal that we are looking to achieve…to raise awareness of the many ways people can get involved in the fight against child abuse: First, we can get educated, so you can learn to recognize the signs of child abuse, so you can be that one person with the courage to step up for these children and report abuse when you suspect it. Secondly, you can volunteer or support your child advocacy centers (Prevent Child Abuse-NJ ) by calling to determine how you can support them because every children’s advocacy center can benefit from your support for the programs and services they provide to child victims of abuse and neglect. And lastly, but most importantly we must help break the silence surrounding child abuse by raising awareness and spreading the word. These children deserve a voice because this problem has been overlooked for far too long and you can open the doors on this crime of secrecy because we can all make a difference for these children.”
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany recently made a donation to Prevent Child Abuse-NJ.
To learn more about what you can do to help prevent child abuse, contact Pamela Stalcup, Director of Development & Communications for Prevent Child Abuse-NJ at (732) 246-8060 or click here.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. It is not religious-based or partisan in any way
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany supports ten K-Kids clubs, Lake Parsippany Elementary School, Eastlake Elementary School, Intervale School, Mt. Tabor Elementary School, Littleton Elementary School, Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, Troy Hills Elementary School, Northvail Elementary School, Knollwood School, and Rockaway Meadow Elementary School, two builders clubs, Central Middle School and Brooklawn Middle School; two Key Clubs, Parsippany Hills High School and Parsippany High School and one Aktion Club.
For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here.
PARSIPPANY — Joyce Gong graduated after majoring in chemistry at Bates College. Gong, the daughter of Baoqing Gong and Lin Zhang, is a 2017 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School.
Bates College graduated 469 students from 38 states and 43 countries on May 27, 2021.
The 2021 commencement was a doubleheader, with students split by where they fell in the alphabet between morning (A-K) and afternoon (L-Z) ceremonies in order to allow for social distancing among the graduates and their guests. It featured introductory remarks by President Clayton Spencer, who lauded the students for their response to the pandemic and its restrictions. “Your perseverance allowed us to keep the college operating safely, and your lives moving forward, in the face of some pretty high hurdles,” Spencer said.
There were four recipients of honorary degrees: Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, who was born in Lewiston; Pittsburgh-based artist Vanessa German; Americana musician and ethnomusicologist Rhiannon Giddens; and ACLU lawyer and trans-rights activist Chase Strangio. Each delivered remarks via recorded videos.
In keeping with the doubleheader aspect of this unusual commencement, two seniors were selected by their peers to give speeches, Nicole Kumbula ’21 of Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe in the morning, and Munashe Machoko ’21 of Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe in the afternoon. In her speech, Kumbula invoked the Bates custom of holding the door for a fellow Bates person, a gesture both practical and symbolic, of “someone willing to wait a bit, just to make sure the door is open wide enough so that I can enter into the space with them – or at times even before they do.”
Located in Lewiston, Maine, Bates is internationally recognized as a leading liberal arts college, attracting 2,000 students from across the U.S. and around the world. Since 1855, Bates has been dedicated to educating the whole person through creative and rigorous scholarship in a collaborative residential community. Committed to opportunity and excellence, Bates has always admitted students without regard to gender, race, religion, or national origin. Cultivating intellectual discovery and informed civic action, Bates prepares leaders sustained by a love of learning and zeal for responsible stewardship of the wider world.
PARSIPPANY — After two letters from the Department of Community Affairs, one threatening a personal fine of $25.00 per day to each Township Council member (click here to read story), and the second ordering each Council member to appear at a hearing in front of the Local Finance Board (click here to read story), Council President Michael dePierro scheduled a special meeting for Monday, August 9 to introduce the 2021 Township Budget.
Mayor Soriano submitted a balanced budget that was pre-approved by the State to the Township Council at the Tuesday, July 20 meeting. His proposed budget would have raised taxes by just 2.15%. The budget proposed by Soriano addressed the budget shortfalls of 2020 without putting any burden on taxpayers. Local businesses and hotels were heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in decreased tax revenues. The State approved Soriano’s proposal to reallocate unused funds from 2020 to cover the $1.1 million gap in order to help our town recover from the unprecedented economic challenges of COVID-19. Mayor Soriano’s proposal would have allowed Parsippany to move forward without asking the town’s residents to make up the difference. The Town Council’s rejection of Mayor Soriano’s proposal is irresponsible and fails to acknowledge the hardship being faced by so many Parsippany residents as a result of the pandemic. Council President Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Peterson, and Councilwoman McCarthy voted to reject the proposal thus increasing the taxes of the introduced budget to 4.28%.
Council President Michael dePierro stated “The Mayor initially introduced his budget in April that was not statutorily correct, including a $5 million loan (plus interest) that must be paid off within five years; a Fund Balance that may not be used; overestimating revenue and underestimating expenses. The Township Auditors had identified a number of serious errors in the budget and could not certify it. By the end of July, the Administration finally submitted a budget that could be certified.”
Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.
“I voted to keep the $1.1 million in the budget so that the tax increase for our residents would remain at 2.15%. By removing that money from the budget raises the taxes to approximately 4.5% which I do not want to do. We already had to increase the sewer and water rates by 39% this past year because our surplus no longer exists. That increase still keeps us in the middle of the county as far as water and sewer rates and those rates have not been raised in 12 years but still counting that and the effects of the COVID pandemic and many residents losing their jobs I just feel increasing taxes above and beyond what was proposed at this time is not fair to our residents.I did my due diligence as I always do and spoke to many residents in the town and every single person that I spoke to said to me please do not raise my taxes any more than what is being proposed and it is for these reasons I voted not to raise taxes more than what was being proposed,” stated Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.
“The Mayor’s budget, submitted to the Council at its meeting on July 20, 2021, included a resolution to “Authorize Cancellation of Current Fund Appropriation Reserves”. This resolution would allow the Administration to “borrow” $1.1 million from the 2022 budget to balance the 2021 budget. The budget still significantly Overestimated Revenue and Underestimated Expenses,” continued dePierro.
“These “Mayoral Gimmicks”, borrowing from the 2022 budget, overestimating revenue, and underestimating expenses, may get the Mayor through the 2021 budget, but he has pushed most of the Township’s deficit into 2022. He has “Kicked the Can down the road” so he can get reelected. He blamed the previous administration for not leaving him enough surplus,” continued dePierro.
Councilwoman Emily Peterson said that we must stop robbing Peter to pay Paul. She felt that the borrowing of reserves earmarked for 2022 was not a solution in formulating a 2021 budget that should be accepted.
Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani missed the last meeting due to being stuck out of the country with a family member’s COVID diagnosis. She commended the Council for its courageousness in not accepting the $1.1 million dollars in borrowed funds for this year’s budget.
Councilwoman McCarthy stated that the $9 million dollar deficit needs to be addressed and that the Administration was not transparent in working with the Council on creating this budget. She feels it puts the Township in a difficult position with reserves.
“I am glad that the budget has finally been introduced. I am disappointed that it was introduced by the council with a 4.28% tax increase, nearly double the tax increase I had proposed,” said Mayor Michael Soriano, “Parsippany and its residents are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is callous and out of touch to think that this will not hurt our residents.”
There will be a special meeting on Monday, August 16, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. The agenda to the extent known includes a budget meeting. Formal action may or may not be taken, and any other action reasonably related thereto may also be taken.
All five Council members voted ‘Yes’ to introduce the budget. If the budget is approved without the $1.1 million dollar reserve money, Parsippany taxpayers can expect a 4.28% tax increase.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Deli and Emerald Gifts owner Edward Hasberry celebrated his 57th Anniversary of coming to the United States from Ireland, on Thursday, August 13.
Edward Hansberry is the owner of the Parsippany Deli and Emerald Gifts for over 52 years. Ed is loved by many in the community of Parsippany.
Justin Musella was spotted at Parsippany Deli and Emerald Gifts congratulating Ed while ordering a delicious corned beef sandwich for lunch.
Parsippany Deli and Emerald Gifts is located at 137 Parsippany Road.
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct a special Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting on Wednesday, August 18 at 7:30 p.m. This meeting is a continuation from June 23, 2021.
GTP Acquisitions, LLC, has applied to the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills for a “Senior Living Facility” on a parcel to be subdivided from the property currently occupied by St. Christopher’s Church.
The property known is as 1050 Littleton Road, Block 166, Lot 96. The application is comprised of 156 dwelling units with a mix of assisted/memory care and independent living units. Amenities include a central social court, fitness center, café, open workspace, outdoor recreation areas, hardscape, and softscape landscaping, and a promenade walking area.
This special meeting will be held via a web conferencing program named WebEx. This program will allow the public to listen in to the meeting and to participate during the public portion session only. This program uses a “raise hand” button in the software to address those who wish to speak during the public portion.
Please be advised that in order for a member of the public to speak during the public portion, they will need to provide their first name, last name, email address, address and city accurately. Anyone not using their real name and address will not be allowed to speak during the public portion.
According to corporate documents filed with the State of New Jersey, the registered agent of GTP Acquisitions, LLC, is David J. Weiner, 171 Fifth Avenue, Paterson. Pike Construction Company is also located at the same address. David Weiner is a managing member and principal of Pike Construction Co., LLC and has over 30 years of experience in all aspects of the general contracting and real estate development business. Upon graduating from Hamilton College with a B.A. in Economics, David began his career at Pike in the field as an assistant superintendent, then project superintendent.
MORRIS COUNTY — Top New Jersey elected officials and climate justice advocates urged the state’s elected leaders in Washington to support strong federal investments in clean transportation infrastructure.
The press conference was hosted by the Parsippany Green Team as part of a $10 million grassroots campaign during the August 2021 congressional recess in 12 states to demand ambitious investments in clean energy, environmental justice, and climate solutions organized by the Climate Action Campaign. Speakers urged Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) to continue supporting clean energy growth and expansion of the market for clean school and transit buses in order to improve public health and create economic opportunity for all New Jerseyans.
“Parsippany has been a trailblazer for green initiatives. Parsippany Green Team’s implementations in New Jersey have been made successful through our collaborations with local residents and government. Rep. Mikie Sherrill has been a long-time supporter of these efforts. We encourage her to continue to champion climate action at the federal level and support significant investment in EVs as part of this summer’s budget process,” said Judy Hernandez, Founder of Parsippany Green Team.
Transportation accounts for the largest source of climate-harming carbon pollution in the US. Modernizing our transportation sector and investing in clean school and transit buses are critical to combating climate change, which makes extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires more frequent and intense.
“The Borough of Madison has our own borough-owned electric utility. Our investments in EV infrastructure locally are a good first step; however, like the bipartisan infrastructure bill, we need to go further and we need big, bold investments by the federal government today to do that. We thank Rep. Sherrill for her work on behalf of the Madison community and look forward to her leadership on this urgent issue,” said Madison Mayor Robert H. Conley.
Investments in clean transportation and electric vehicles are essential to meeting our nation’s climate goals, reducing air pollution, improving public health, achieving environmental justice, and spurring the economy. Meaningful federal investments can spur the advancement of local programs that lead to cleaner air, reduced fuel costs, and more family-sustaining jobs.
“Thousands of vehicles cut right through Boonton on I-287 every day. Tailpipe pollution leads to increased respiratory illness such as asthma and bronchitis and impacts all of us, directly and indirectly. Boonton feels this impact. We look forward to working with Rep. Sherrill to pass bold investments in electric vehicles, which will reduce tailpipe pollution and protect our health and that of generations to come,” said Boonton Mayor Richard Corcoran.
These are popular investments. Recent polling found that 82 percent of voters in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District support investments to rebuild roads and bridges and modernize public transportation to ensure it is cleaner and able to serve more people. 64 percent of voters in the 11th Congressional District also support investments in electric vehicles and charging stations to reduce pollution and help more Americans buy clean cars.
“The NJ Sustainable Business Council and its member companies have led successful sustainability initiatives that have also had positive economic impacts. Since clean energy is a critical component in the transition to a more sustainable and equitable transportation system, federal investment is essential to scale up programs, which is why it is so crucial for Congress to include bold climate action in the budget process this summer,” said Richard Lawton, Executive Director, New Jersey Sustainable Business Council.
PARSIPPANY — The Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is scheduling a Special Meeting to be held on Monday, August 16, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
The agenda to the extent known includes a budget meeting. Formal action may or may not be taken, and any other action reasonably related thereto may also be taken.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Acting Chief John Miscia of Madison Borough Police Department, announce the arrest of Nicholas Spagnoletti, 52, of Madison.
Spagnoletti has been charged with one count of Endangering the Welfare of Children for the Distribution of Child Pornography, a crime of the Second Degree; and one count Endangering the Welfare of Children for the Possession of Child Pornography, a crime of the Third Degree.
It is alleged that between April 15, 2021 and August 12, 2021, the defendant utilized his personal cell-phone to upload, possess and distribute images of child pornography. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was first alerted to the upload by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
After the defendant’s arrest, he was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a court appearance scheduled for August 13, 2021.
Anyone with information relating to this case or any related incident is asked to call Detective Thomas Laird of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6245.
Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Madison Borough Police Department whose efforts contributed to the investigation of the matter.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Asish Bhuyan of Lake Hiawatha was selected to participate in this summer’s Adelphi University summer internship Jaggar Community Fellows program. A major in Global Business Management (MBA program), Bhuyan worked at the Center for Youth Dialogue.
The Jaggar Community Fellows Program, designed for continuing students, helps provide experience working for a nonprofit organization during the summer. Students in all fields of study are eligible to apply.
From June through August, fellows devote 30 hours a week for 10 weeks to a nonprofit organization to which they are assigned. For more than a decade, the program has been providing students with paid internships. See more about Adelphi’s distinctive Jaggar Community Fellows program.
Adelphi University, New York, is a highly awarded, nationally ranked, powerfully connected doctoral research university dedicated to transforming students’ lives through small classes with world-class faculty, hands-on learning, and innovative ways to support academic and career success. Adelphi offers exceptional liberal arts and sciences programs and professional training, with particular strength in our Core Four-Arts and Humanities, STEM and Social Sciences, the Business and Education Professions, and Health and Wellness.
Recognized as a Best College by U.S. News & World Report, Adelphi is Long Island’s oldest private coeducational university. It serves more than 7,500 students at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, New York — just 23 miles from New York City’s cultural and internship opportunities — and at dynamic learning hubs in Manhattan, the Hudson Valley, and Suffolk County, as well as online.
More than 118,000 Adelphi graduates have gained the skills to thrive professionally as active, engaged citizens, making their mark on the University, their communities, and the world.
PARSIPPANY — The honor and distinction of the Eagle Scout rank can only be achieved through hard work and commitment to the ideals of the Scouting movement. The achievement is so rare, that only 5% of Scouts earn the Eagle rank. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million Scouts.
Once a Scout advances to Eagle Scout, they will remain an Eagle for the rest of their life regardless of age or participation in Scouting. Eagle Scouts are expected to set an example for other Scouts and to become the leaders in life that they have demonstrated themselves to be in Scouting. As such, they have disproportionately represented in the military, service academy graduates, in higher education and academia, major professions, the clergy, business, and politics.
The Vojta Family: John, Evan and Sandra
Evan Vojta placing a pin on his grandmother
Evan Vojta placing a pin on his grandfather
Evan Vojta placing a mother pin on his mother Sandra Vojta
Evan Vojta placing a father pin on his father John Vojta
Sandra Vojta places the Eagle Badge on Evan
Kyle placing the mother pin on his mother, Ann
Kyle placing the father pin on his father, Len
Ann Cipkins places the Eagle Badge on Kyle
Bruce Michaels, American Legion Post 249 with Kyle and Evan
Kyle, Bob Roberti, Sedgefield Civic Association and Evan
Kyle, Richard Kunz, and Mark Miller, VFW Post 10184 and Evan
Kyle, Carol Tiesi, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and Evan
Kyle, Frank Cahill, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Evan
Kyle, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council member Paul Carifi, Jr., and Evan
Kyle, Parsippany-Troy Hill Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Sargent, and Evan
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano, Kyle and Evan
Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw with Kyle and Evan
The Cipkins Family: Ann, Kyle, Len and Kali Cipkins
The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks, the highest being that of Eagle Scout. Officially, the trail starts with the Tenderfoot rank and continues through Second and First Class ranks. Then, the mountain climbing begins. The path is marked with merit badges, leadership responsibilities, service projects, and the practice of Scouting skills and ideals. The first peak reached is that of Star Scout, the second is Life Scout, and, finally, Eagle Scout.
On Saturday, July 24, Parsippany welcomed two Scouts who advanced to Eagle Scout, Kyle Joseph Cipkins and Evan Thomas Vojta.
Scoutmaster Michael Catapano welcomed the guests to The Eagle Court of Honor. The invocation was by Deacon Al Frank, St. Ann’s Church with opening remarks, the Flag Salute, the Scout Oath, and Law was by Dylan Franz, Senior Patrol Leader. Troop Committee and Past Scoutmaster John Worthington certified the Eagle Candidates. John Worthington presented the Eagle Badge to Kyle and David Franz presented the Eagle Badge to Evan.
The Eagle Charge was presented by Howard Wolkow, benediction by Deacon Al Frank, St. Ann’s Church with the taps by Parsippany’s Anthony Paterno.
Kyle Joseph Cipkins
Kyle Joseph Cipkins
Kyle began his Scouting experience as a Tiger Scout with Pack #5 at Intervale School. His favorite activities in Cub Scouts were the Pinewood Derby, launching bottle rockets, and the week-long summer camp at Camp Wheeler. He earned the Arrow of Light and crossed over to Boy Scouts of America Troop 173 in 5th grade. In his first year in Scouting, he attended his first Boy Scout summer camp and participated in the Dan Beard program.
Throughout his experiences in the troop, Kyle has participated in countless campouts such as the National Jamboree, annual Turkey in a Can, and Big Trips. He has accumulated 91 total camping nights and has received the National Outdoors Award for camping. One of his favorite Big Trips was the visit to West Point in Virginia to watch the Army Vs Navy football game with the troop. He participated in the Iron Chef competitions every year, with his most memorable dish being spaghetti with spam and tomato sauce made with the help of his patrol. He loved the annual Klondike Derbies, improving his sled placing every year, winning second and first place in his final two years.
Kyle participated in and led several community service projects. He enjoyed assisting the Whippany River Watershed Action Committee, a non-profit organization specializing in environmental issues, performing outreach to communities, and assisting in yearly river cleanups. Through these service project opportunities, he completed a total of 60 community service hours by participating in Scouting for Food, clothing drives, and river cleanups. He earned the World Conservation Award for his service hours as well as the Environmental Science Merit Badge.
As a member of Troop 173, Kyle held 6 Positions of Responsibility including Den Chief, Instructor, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and Troop Guide under the guidance of his two Scoutmasters, Les Wu and Michael Catapano. Kyle enjoyed the Position of Senior Patrol Leader the most since it allowed him to inspire leadership and share knowledge with his fellow scouts.
Kyle was a Den Chief for two years assisting Pack 142 and achieved the Den Chief Service Award, helping the Cub Scouts learn important skills for when they cross over to Boy Scouts. He has also attended the National Youth Leadership Training Conference, where he learned valuable techniques to bring back and use to lead the troop. Kyle was elected into the Order of the Arrow and completed his Ordeal in 2019. The Order of the Arrow (OA) is a service organization and the national honor society of Scouts BSA.
Towards the end of his SPL tenure, the Covid-19 pandemic hit, shutting everything down, pausing all in-person meetings. There was no guidebook for virtual meetings, but with the help of his leadership team, he came up with the idea to hold troop meetings via Zoom. He held a virtual Patrol Leader Conference (PLC) every weekend and planned Friday meetings, engaging the scouts in activities such as Kahoot and Bingo. He was also able to plan and execute virtual campouts, having a Zoom meeting at the beginning, checking in halfway through, and a final Zoom leaving the scouts to go and camp in their own backyards. He incorporated activities such as a nature scavenger hunt and a virtual campfire with some entertaining campfire songs.
For Kyle’s Eagle Project, he led scouts while following strict Covid guidelines to install a sign at the entrance of Intervale Elementary School in Parsippany. He previously attended Intervale School and kept a strong relationship with the principal thereafter. After several meetings, they came up with the idea to install a sign at the entrance to create a safe environment for the students who walk home and attend the school. He appreciated the encouragement and guidance from his Eagle coach, John Worthington, Parsippany Town Officials, and help from fellow scouts and family.
Kyle has graduated from Parsippany Hills High School, where he played soccer for all four years and led the JV team as captain during his junior year. He will be attending the County College of Morris where he will be majoring in Criminal Justice to earn an associate’s degree and continuing on to achieve a bachelor’s degree.
Kyle hopes to continue to live by the Scout Oath and Law and always live by the lessons and leadership the Troop and Scouting have taught him. He plans to pass that on for generations to come.
Kyle earned 23 Merit Badges: Bird Study, Camping*, Citizenship in the Community*, Citizenship in the Nation*, Citizenship in the World*, Communications*, Cooking*, Cycling*, Emergency Preparedness*, Environmental Science*, Family Life*, Fingerprinting, First Aid*, Hiking*, Kayaking, Leatherwork, Personal Fitness*, Personal Management*, Pets, Rifle Shooting, Small-Boat Sailing, Soil and Water Conservation, and Swimming. (Note: *Eagle Required)
Evan Thomas Vojta
Evan Thomas Vojta
Evan began his Scouting journey in Pack 5, where he started as a Webelos Scout. He participated in activities such as the pinewood derby, camping trips, and outings with local Boy Scout troops. Evan earned his Arrow of Light and crossed over to Troop 173 in 5th grade. After attending summer camp with the troop and participating in the Dan Beard program, he decided Scouting was something he wanted to continue. Throughout his Scouting journey, Evan has been given guidance by Den Leader Charles Ferentinos and Scoutmasters Les Wu and Michael Catapano.
While in Troop 173, Evan served in many different leadership positions including Den Chief, Instructor, Troop Guide, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leader. Evan enjoyed his time as a Troop Guide the most since he was able to help younger scouts complete requirements and advance in rank. During his scouting experience, Evan accumulated 73 camping nights and earned the National Outdoor Award for camping. He attended Troop 173 “Big Trips” and enjoyed participating in several Klondike derbies. He also completed 114 hours of community service through events such as Pedals for Progress, Scouting for Food, and assisting his fellow scouts on various Eagle Projects. In addition, Evan completed Catholic Scouting’s Pope Pius XII five-step unit program, and in March of 2018, he received the Pope Pius XII emblem from Bishop Serratelli. Evan also attended the National Youth Leadership Training held by the Patriot’s Path Council in the summer of 2018.
For his Eagle Project, Evan led friends, family, and members of his troop to remove an old, deteriorated bridge on his neighborhood association’s property and replace it with a walking path and culvert. The previous bridge, which was made using tree logs, was rotted, and the mulch that was put between the logs to create a flat walking path had eroded away, making it unsafe to cross. The new walking path and culvert have made the area safer to cross while still allowing water to flow through the area. Evan chose this project because he has been a part of the Glacier Hills Association for many years and wanted to give back to them.
Evan attended the Morris County School of Technology, Animal Science Academy, where he participated in the Peer Leadership Program his junior year. His senior year, he took classes at the County College of Morris however classes were mostly remote due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. He returned to his home school, Parsippany Hills High School, through all 4 years of high school to play trombone in the PHHS Vikings Marching Band and Jazz Band and was a member of the swim team. During his senior year, he held the position of section leader in the marching band and was appointed captain of the swim team. Evan has also been a member of the Glacier Hills Summer Swim team since 2013. He will be attending the University of New Haven in the fall where he will be studying Computer Science and participating in the Chargers Marching Band.
Evan is appreciative of all that he has gained through his years in Boy Scouts. He encourages younger scouts to take advantage of the opportunities and experiences they can acquire through scouting.
Evan earned 22 merit badges: Camping*, Citizenship in the Community*, Citizenship in the Nation*, Citizenship in the World*, Cooking*, Communication*, Electronics, Environmental Science, Family Life, Fingerprinting, First Aid*, Geology, Kayaking, Leatherwork, Lifesaving*, Metalwork, Personal Fitness*, Personal Management*, Shotgun Shooting, Space Exploration, Swimming* and Weather. (Note: *Eagle Required)
Troop 173 was chartered by the Sedgefield Civic Association in 1957. Yet from the beginning, Troop 173 has included boys from all over Morris County in its programs. While most of our members come from the area of Parsippany from Lake Parsippany to Powder Mill and across the Township, we have had members as far away as Succasunna and Randolph.
Boy Scouts of America Troop 173 Eagle Scout Honor Roll includes Norman Schofield, Jr., Michael Gottschalk, James Searing, Geoffrey Brown, John Chervenak, Guy Corbett, Tim Corbett, Robert Burney, Juan Correa, Richard Lauber, Tim Roche, Christopher Callahan, Thomas Cook, Stephan Pirylis, Brian Stewart, Patrick Roche, Edward Chiorazzi. Brian Pomarlen, Simon Healey, Keith Henderlong, David Chezem, Alex Lin, Robert Strechay, Jr., John Oleske, Daniel Strechay, Joseph Strechay, Kevin Smithers, Joseph Stevens, James Ward, Jason Viglione, Michael DeGuarde, Michael Smith, Tim Foster, Christopher Malcolm, Mark Viglione, Gary Hwang, William Barcliffe IV, Jonathan Cook, Daniel Aguanno, Anthony Valvano, Eric Kratz, David Kratz, Thomas Corigliano, David Kinskey-Lebeda, Ryan Diggle, Mike Fulton, Dan Fulton, Brian Galley, Shane Moravsik, Paul Rossnagel, Jesse Garbarino, Shay Grabinsky, Sean Galley, Matthew Breeman, Ryan Barwick, Dylan Grabinsky, John Stretavski, Brendan Barwick, Eric Galley, Bobby Ebel, Sean Michie, Michael Ludwig, Matthew Luther, Chris Gardner, Chris Worthington, Cameron Boone, Daniel Metcalf, Rishi Konkesa, Noah Munn, Erik Darling, Thomas Catapano, Daniel Corcoran, Colin Aguesseau, David Dodd III, Michael Gaudio, Galen Wu, Timothy Metcalf. David Albin, Ryan Porcelli, Jack Summa, Anthony Paterno, Chris Neumann, Alex Geddes, David Sinchi, Kyle Cipkins, Anli Liu, Joseph Messana, Evan Vojta, Matthew Sinchi, Sreemanth Meka, Dylan Franz, and Jacob Kaplan.
PARSIPPANY — Residents are invited to participate in the NJ Cornhole Festival on Saturday, August 14. The festival will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 1515 Route 10 East.
MegaBite Events and Jersey Club Sports are combining both summer staples into one event. There will be over 14 food trucks, live music, activates for kids and adults … and the opportunity to put your cornhole skills to the test for cash and prizes.
Participation information:
Competitive Division: $90.00 per team (2 beer tickets included), $115.00 Day of Tournament
Backyard Division: $60.00 per team, $80.00 Day of Tournament
The Competitive Division will be playing for a prize pool of $2500. Guaranteed Payout for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams. (1st- $1500, 2nd- $600, 3rd- $400)
Double elimination tournament. Round robin pool play where teams are guaranteed 4 games to determine seeding into double-elimination bracket play.
Prizes for the Backyard Division will include 2 sets of the boards for 1st place and 2nd place will win two sets of bags.
Bring your lawn chair….your blanket and our 4-legged family members!
MORRIS COUNTY — Shaw, Smith, and John Krickus held a successful fundraiser at The Mansion in Mountain Lakes on Tuesday, August 10.
There was lots of great conversation, company, and fun, and many other friends at the “Summer Reception ’21” for the Keep Morris Strong campaign.
Olivia Cohen, Josh Cohen, Esq. and Town of Boonton Council Member Ward 3 Joseph Bock, Esq.
Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling and Morris County Commissioner Doug Cabana
State Senator Anthony Bucco and Ronald DeFilippis, CPA
Commissioner John Krickus, Michael Patrick Carroll, Commissioner Director Deborah Smith, Senator Anthony Bucco, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn and Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw
Laurie Bogart, Senator Anthony Bucco, and Grace Paris
Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen with Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi and Parsippany Council Candidate Justin Musella
Luke Ferrante with Morris County Sheriff James Gannon
Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, Debra Casha and Barbara Dawson
Robert Tovo, Cynthia Shaw and Stephen Shaw
Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw, Commissioner John Krickus and Deputy Director Deborah Smith
Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen with Deputy Commissioner Deborah Smith
Stephen Shaw with Luke Ferrante
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro, his wife Delores, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.
Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi and Luke Ferrante
Stephen H. Shaw
Stephen H. Shaw is a lifelong resident of New Jersey and has lived in Morris County for more than five decades. He is serving his first term on the board and was elected by his peers on January 4, 2021, to be Commissioner Director for 2021.
He also chairs the county’s Capital Budget and Facilities Review Committee and the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee, which has been key to Morris County retaining its AAA financial rating throughout the pandemic. He is a voting member of the County College of Morris and Morris County School of Technology Boards of School Estimate and liaison to the County Public Works.
Commissioner Shaw moved back to his hometown of Mountain Lakes 22 years ago and became active in public service, was elected to the borough council for 12 years, and was selected by his peers as mayor for three of those years.
He was a member of the Mountain Lakes Planning Board for seven years and was named “Mountain Lakes Police Citizen of the Year” in 2012. He also served his community as a leader of the Vestry of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Mountain Lakes.
Commissioner Shaw was a member and Vice-Chair of the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee, assisting in the preservation of the Giralda Farms Preserve at Loantaka Brook Reservation in Chatham Township with a $10 million Morris County Open Space grant.
Professionally, Commissioner Shaw owns and operates a small family contracting business and has been president of his local and state builder’s trade association.
He is a graduate of New Jersey Institute of Technology; Newark College of Engineering, with a BS in Civil Engineering; and in 2006 was named their “Outstanding Alumnus.” In addition, he is a licensed New Jersey real estate agent, a licensed private pilot, is married, and has two adult children and one grandchild.
Deborah Smith
Deborah Smith joined the board on January 3, 2016, and she is now serving her second, three-year term. She served as Director last year and was elected by her peers on January 4, 2021, to lead the board as Commissioner Deputy Director for a new year.
She also is chair of the County Budget Committee and is a voting member of the Insurance Fund Commission, and is a liaison to the County Administration and Finance departments.
Previously, Commissioner Smith served on the Denville Council for 20 years, with two years as Council President and two years as the Council’s Planning Board Member. She also served on the Denville Zoning Board before her Council tenure.
Commissioner Smith has long served her community, volunteering for many community activities. She was the Township Council’s liaison to the Denville Public Library, senior citizens’ organizations, the local historical society, fire department, and many other groups.
While serving on the Denville Council she cast the key vote that prevented potential development and led to the eventual acquisition and preservation of 420 pristine acres of former Jersey City watershed land, a site now named Jonathan Woods.
A graduate of Long Island University in Brooklyn, N.Y. with a BS in Mathematics and a Masters in Counseling, she received a Certified Financial Planning degree from Adelphi University, completed a Certificate in Municipal Government from Rutgers, and participated in the CTW Excellence in Public Service Series.
Commissioner Smith had careers in market and media research with AC Nielsen and Simmons Market Research Bureau, worked in financial markets as a stockbroker and commodity broker, and was an advertising director for a New Jersey rehabilitation magazine, before starting a 25-year-career with Dun & Bradstreet as a Key Accounts Manager. In November 2014, Commissioner Smith retired from D&B.
Commissioner Smith resides in Denville with her husband Steven, a small business owner in Randolph.
John Krickus
John Krickus is serving his second, three-year term on the board. He is a member of the Budget Committee and the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee that has been key to maintaining the County’s AAA finance rating during the pandemic. He also is a liaison to the Morris County Improvement Authority and a voting member of the County College of Morris and Morris County School of Technology Boards of School Estimate.
During his first term on the board, Commissioner Krickus served on the budget committee that reduced county property taxes and prioritized investing in county infrastructure, including doubling the mileage of county roads that were repaved annually.
Previously, he served on the Washington Township Committee for 12 years, including three years as Mayor.
While serving on the Washington Township Committee, he was active in preserving 4,000 acres of farmland and some 14,000 acres of open space, which helped maintain the rural and historic character of the Long Valley and Schooleys Mountain sections of Washington Township.
Commissioner Krickus served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and is a graduate of Drew University with a BA in Economics and Political Science. He received his MBA from Lehigh University and was a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New Jersey. He is employed as a product manager working in business information services.
Born and raised in Madison, he now lives in Long Valley with his wife Carolyn and daughters Kelly and Casey.
Vote for Shaw, Smith and Krickus on Tuesday, November 2.
Dear Editor:
