MORRISTOWN — The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, in collaboration with local organizations and community leaders, is gearing up for a special event aimed at fostering unity and promoting inclusion. On Saturday, October 12th, the 4th Annual Morris County “National Coming Out” Day and 3rd Annual Community Unity Festival will take place at Pioneer Park Plaza, located at 3 Speedwell Avenue in Morristown, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This year’s theme is “Combat Bias, Hate & Violence,” and the event seeks to create a space for open dialogue, education, and celebration. Organizers are bringing together law enforcement officials, local government representatives, and community leaders to discuss key topics such as bias crimes, hate crime prevention, and violence reduction within Morris County. Additionally, the event aims to highlight the importance of trust and positive relationships with the LGBTQ+ community.
“This event is about more than just awareness—it’s about action,” said a spokesperson from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. “We want to equip our community with the tools to stand against hate and bias while celebrating the strength that comes from diversity.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in discussions on the impact of bias and violence in their communities. These sessions will help attendees better understand the law surrounding bias crimes and provide strategies for fostering a more inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, race, or identity.
In addition to the informative sessions, the event will feature free food provided by local favorites Colonial Grill and Rita’s Italian Ice, along with vendors and live music to create a festival-like atmosphere for all attendees.
Organizers are hoping the event will not only bring awareness to critical issues but also create a welcoming space where the LGBTQ+ community and allies can come together to celebrate National Coming Out Day, showing support for those on their journey to self-acceptance.
“This festival is about more than just combating bias and hate; it’s about coming together as a community, lifting each other up, and ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and respected,” said one of the event organizers.
The Community Unity Festival is free and open to the public. Everyone is invited to join in for a day of education, celebration, and unity in Morristown. Don’t miss the chance to learn, connect, and enjoy some great food and entertainment—all while supporting the fight against hate and violence.4o
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Focus has received information from an anonymous source that Parsippany’s CFO, Leonard Ho, has submitted his resignation.
Upon receiving this information, Parsippany Focus has confirmed a job posting on New Jersey’s League of Municipalities website entitled “DIRECTOR OF FINANCE / CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO) – PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS TOWNSHIP.” (Click here to read job posting). The job was posted on September 13.
“Len’s been an exceptional member of the team, and we are grateful for his contributions. We wish him the best.” Jamie Cryan, Business Administrator.
Parsippany Focus filed an OPRA (Open Public Records Act) requesting additional information.
Ho has a long professional history in government. He was a Certified Municipal Finance Officer and Certified Tax Collector in both the Township of Tewksbury from 2019 until he took the position in Parsippany. Mayor James Barberio also served as Business Administrator in Tewksbury.
He also served as a Certified Municipal Finance Officer, Certified Tax Collector, and Qualified Purchasing Agent in the Township of Long Hill from 2014 to 2018. He was also Assistant Treasurer in the Township of Harding from 2009 to 2014.
He holds a B.A. in Economics from the City University of New York – Queens College, graduating in 2002.
He served as an Enlisted Soldier in the United States Army from 1995 to 1998.
Leonard is a State of New Jersey Certified Tax Collector, and State of New Jersey Certified Municipal Finance Officer with strong analytical, accounting, and process implementation skills; He is very familiar with municipal finance, tax collection, and other related statutory requirements.
PARSIPPANY — Nick Ferro, a rising young actor from Parsippany, has been on a journey many aspiring actors can relate to. His passion for the stage began when he was just eight years old, attending classes at Barbizon, a renowned modeling and acting school. While his acting endeavors paused for a while, his passion never faded. After rediscovering his love for acting, Nick began to focus seriously on pursuing it as a career.
Graduating from the County College of Morris (CCM), Nick initially felt uncertain about his path. He spent time applying for different jobs and even considered opportunities in casting directing. However, acting remained his true calling. His decision to train at LaGuardia Acting School under Joshua Nelson marked a pivotal moment in his career. Through dedication and hard work, Nick gained the skills needed to transition from student to professional actor.
In November 2023, Nick landed his first role in the movie Focus. The film centers on a young man trying to break away from street life to pursue an acting career, and while Nick didn’t play the lead, he took on the supporting role of Matt, a drug dealer, showcasing his versatility as an actor. The experience of working on a professional film set was invaluable and deepened his commitment to the craft.
Despite facing setbacks with management earlier in his career, Nick’s persistence paid off when he signed with Brenda Fisher as his manager. Fisher has helped him secure new opportunities and continues to guide his career in the right direction. Nick is now fully focused on auditioning and booking more roles, with a bright future ahead in the entertainment industry.
To support his journey to the top, Nick is currently preparing for one of his most significant career opportunities to date: attending the prestigious International Modeling and Talent Association (IMTA) convention in Los Angeles in January 2025. The IMTA event is a renowned platform where emerging talents showcase their abilities in front of top agents, casting directors, and managers. It serves as a launching pad for actors, models, singers, and dancers, providing participants with unparalleled opportunities for representation and career advancement.
However, attending such a high-profile event requires financial support. To help cover his expenses, Nick is hosting a Flapjack Fundraiser breakfast at Applebee’s in Parsippany on Sunday, October 6, 2024. From 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., community members can enjoy a delicious breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs, and a beverage while supporting Nick’s IMTA journey. Tickets for the event are $20.00, and all proceeds will go toward helping Nick showcase his talent at IMTA. Tickets can be bought by emailing iamnickferro@gmail.com or texting (201) 247-0841.
Nick’s story is a testament to perseverance and passion. From his early days at Barbizon to his upcoming appearance at IMTA, Nick Ferro is determined to make a name for himself in the acting world.
In contrast to the constant message from Mayor Barberio that the sky is falling and no one is interested in office real estate, I would suggest he look at recent articles in the Star-Ledger. Samsung Electronics America is moving its headquarters from Ridgefield Park to Englewood Cliffs by 2025.
Unilever will be relocating its corporate headquarters to Hoboken. Granted the Unilever deal may have been so large in scope that Parsippany may not have been a good fit. But both of these moves prove that commercial real estate is not the albatross Mayor Barberio constantly proclaims it to be.
If other towns that do not have access to a host of highways as Parsippany does can swing these deals what are they doing that we are not? Why are their strategies so much better than Parsippany’s when luring clean and environmentally friendly businesses to their towns? Why is Parsippany charging headlong into becoming the “whare house capital” of northern New Jersey which includes more trucks fouling the air in our community? Is it because of a lack of effort on the part of the Parsippany Administration or is it simply ineptitude? Whatever tactics that the Barberio Administration is currently using to lure good clean business partners are coming up empty.
Facts are facts, and the fact of the matter is that better tenants are available for the commercial office space we have in Parsippany. Why our present administration is incapable of securing some of these tenants to come to our town is a question that needs to be answered.
PARSIPPANY — High school is a whirlwind of emotions, achievements, and setbacks. For a student at Parsippany High School, every day is a study in conformity and teen drama. Let’s follow a student through an ordinary day at school and witness the mundane and the unexpected that shape the high school experience into a challenging but rewarding journey.
Morning Rush and First Period
An alarm sounds – usually at 6:30 AM – and a student jerks awake, hitting the snooze button a couple of times before dragging themselves out of bed. Breakfast might be a bagel or a bowl of cereal gobbled down in a hurry, and soon, our student throws themselves into the car or a bus as they rush to school. The school building is starting to buzz with activity, kids pouring in through the doors, meeting friends and teachers. The first period might be Math or English, setting the serious tone of the academic day. Some learners hastily finish up their essay assignments before their class arrives, while others needn’t worry about their papers due to the best online essay writing services they have hired well in advance. Of course, there are always those who were burning the midnight oil and are now ready for any school challenge.
Navigating the Academic Landscape
Later comes anatomy, where some students might cut open a frog or a class about how to mix chemicals for an experiment in a science lab. Then comes a history class that seems like a roller-coaster ride through the past. Students listen to lectures, talk, and work in groups, and then they move on to the next class. In the hallway, a keen observer can hear the sound of scuffling shoes and the whispers of students planning their weekends or discussing their next football game.
Lunchtime – Social Hour
Lunchtime is about much more than just eating – it’s a key social hour of the day. In the frantic atmosphere of the cafeteria, students can take a breather and grab a bite. They share pizzas and secrets, make friends, or discuss their feelings about the new Netflix series. Others might opt for a more solitary lunch, perhaps somewhere on the grounds, which gives them the space to catch up on schoolwork or read a favorite book.
Afternoon Sessions and Extracurriculars
At Parsippany High, lunch is followed by a range of courses and programs where students can learn about and hone their interests. These can be elective coursesin art, music, or computer programming, providing an artistic or technical outlet. Fun courses are like a breath of fresh air, giving learners a nice break from the morning’s classes. Parsippany High students also partake in after-school activities. Various clubs and sports include drama, robotics, and athletics.
These activities help students develop core character and social skills such as:
Communication skills.
Creativity.
Leadership.
Cooperation.
This is the time of day when students are most likely to grow and experience a healthy balance between academic rigor and personal growth.
Homeward Bound and Beyond
The school day ends in the afternoon, but the day of a Parsippany High student might not end even then. When learners go home, they face the final challenge of the day: homework. They have some study time before indulging in leisure time filled with, possibly, online gaming or social media. Then comes dinner with the family and downtime.
The Balancing Act
One of the greatest challenges of adolescence is balancing academic responsibilities with personal interests. Students at Parsippany High must learn to manage the demands of coursework with extracurriculars and social lives, and so they do via the conducive atmosphere of this educational institution. The skills they pick up along the way will serve them well long after high school.
More Than Just Books and Bells
Being a high schooler at Parsippany High goes far beyond the confines of books and bells. It means growing up, entering a new phase of life, becoming more of an adult, learning to take on more responsibility, and learning to navigate the wider world. Day by day, students of Parsippany High become more autonomous. A mosaic of everyday experiences is shaping their academic career, character, and worldview. From tumultuous morning chaos to the tranquility of a quiet evening, each moment at Parsippany High School is just one brick in the decades-long construction project that will be their lives. The students here aren’t just preparing for college or for a career; they’re getting ready and mastering the tools for a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills in Morris County, is a bustling area boasting ample opportunities for students seeking internships. It should not be surprising that a short distance from New York City and its surrounding areas, not to mention New Jersey’s capital, Trenton, Parsippany-Troy Hills, attracts a steady stream of companies opening satellite offices. Home to pharmaceutical giants, including Johnson & Johnson and Wyeth Ayerst Laboratories, technology and marketing companies, Dole Food Company Inc., and Panasonic, students in Parsippany-Troy Hills have ample options. The following guide offers insight into the plethora of internship opportunities offered in the area.
Exploring Local Industries
The township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a crucial business center home to a high concentration of pharmaceutical and technology firms. Many established and up-and-coming companies integral to these industries are represented here. Two primary healthcare and pharmaceutical companies – Allergan and Teva Pharmaceuticals – have significant operations within the township, as does the technology firm ADP. Another critical technology company in the area is Dialogic.
An enterprise internship is a meaningful way for students to build an enterprise-based professional network and keep their resumes competitive compared to peers. To improve their competitiveness, students can seek help from the best dissertation writing services. These platforms can help learners improve their resumes, write wonderful cover letters, and even check complicated reports or projects for their internships.
How to Find Internships
There is no better way to secure the internship than to go local; some great sources include:
Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library: Career resources, career fairs, job listings, and internship leads at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library. It is where you find out about what’s happening in your community.
College Career Services Office: Another great resource is your university’s career office. Like the on-campus university relations office, the career office often has a list of local internships and can partner with local businesses to place students with them.
Local Business Events: There are often networking seminars, business workshops, or similar events held locally. Places you could go to meet people who work in a field you’d like to get into.
Online Job Portals: Websites like Indeed.com and LinkedIn are essential for finding good internship listings.
Mastering these tools can significantly improve your chances of acquiring a valuable internship, a potential first step on your career path.
Networking in the Community
Networking is not just a good policy in this kind of diverse and competitive environment found in Parsippany-Troy Hills – it’s the foundation for starting a career. Local networking events, seminars, and workshops are essential to attend. The Morris County Chamber of Commerce holds regular events local business owners attend. At these events, you can meet people directly, making the personal connection that leads to an internship and, sometimes, to a job. Being part of the local business network puts you on the inside, getting you closer to prospective employers who might remember your initiative when they need someone and who could be the people to hire you.
Making the Most of Your Internship
Making the most of an internship involves more than just showing up, performing assigned tasks, and punching the clock. Interns should arrive eager to absorb as much information as possible and be willing to pitch in with various tasks. It broadens the range of practical knowledge that will define the intern’s position while conveying a willingness to be flexible. As the expectations of what constitutes a successful internship shift, savvy interns will not be afraid to request more challenging assignments that challenge them and expand their repertoire of skills.
Also, regularly ask for feedback from your supervisors and other colleagues. It demonstrates your restless efforts to improve your performance and style and conveys your seriousness about personal development and growth. In turn, you’ll come across as a self-conscious, responsible individual aware of your impact on others and the signs of burnout. This kind of initiative is personally and professionally rewarding and will help ensure you are evaluated favorably compared to your peers.
Stepping Stones to Success
Internships play a big part in your professional career and are one step into the real world of work. In this competitive job market, you must understand your local industry, understand the resources to find jobs, and network within the community. Your internship is more than just a temporary job; it’s where you can become a professional, make lifelong friends, and possibly find future employment.
Mark your calendars and get ready to be a part of a grand celebration! Parsippany’s Fall Festival is back
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department is advising residents about parking arrangements for the Fall Festival, scheduled to take place at Smith Field Park on Sunday, September 15, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please be aware of the following:
Parking: Festival parking will be available at Parsippany High School, where multiple shuttles will provide timely transportation to and from the event.
Handicap Parking: Accessible parking for those with disabilities will be located at the Smith Field parking lot, accessible via Baldwin Road.
Pedestrian Safety: If you are walking to the event, please use the designated crosswalks. Officers will stop anyone attempting to cross the roadway outside of a crosswalk.
Officer Assistance: Officers will be stationed at the intersection of Route 46 and Baldwin Road to assist pedestrians using the crosswalk.
No Parking Areas: No parking signs will be posted on surrounding streets, including Baldwin Road, Troy Road, Mazdabrook Court, and portions of Mazdabrook Road and Troy Road.
Residents and attendees are encouraged to plan accordingly and follow all posted regulations for a safe and enjoyable festival experience.
Cannot understand your justification for voting for the 30-year PILOT deals for the warehouses, using PFOS chemical water pollution of our wells. You promote the notion that local taxpayers will be made responsible somehow for industrial polluters and that Parsippany citizens have to face this possible reality.
How exactly does this fit into the PILOTs, will this reduced tax revenue help even if local citizens somehow were subjected to burden the costs of PFOS contamination of our aquifer? Why is your lack of faith in the higher powers of Federal or State sources to remedy this so strong, is that that the purpose of government as intended or the means proper?
When you admitted you did not know enough about the PILOTs rather than vote No, you abstained, allowing the vote to succeed. These PILOTs all initiated by John Inglesino have now divided the town into divisions that can not and will not be remedies by an audit of the BOE, the numbers you say that are “all over the place” seem to be mere estimations of projected children that will live in these so-called affordable units. PILOTs and especially for places like Parsippany only help justify a upside-down and regressive tax system that corporate power has subjected the working class to in this country.
Strange how the warehouse approved for Lanidex 20-30 and in an inappropriate location according to the warehouse guidelines themselves, needs not a PILOT, when it requires major modifications to the present site? The truth is that Lanidex 20-30 would be more suitable for affordable housing. A scorched earth policy of inappropriate development will not change the obligations of the Housing Mandates. The only logical answer is making housing more affordable overall. The only result of this would be slower profits for corporate real estate owners in their usury extraction of fees, and rents, for living space. Housing should be a passive right of citizenship, not a free market enterprise. The Housing Market is totally alienated from the reality of our austerity economy and the working people’s wages and costs of living.
PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, September 10, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council approved Resolution #R2024-151, authorizing the hiring of Di Maria & Di Maria LLP for accounting, auditing, and consulting services. Although the resolution did not specify the purpose, it called for an audit of the 2024-2025 Parsippany Board of Education budget.
The resolution includes a payment cap of $17,500.
The resolution passed with a 3-2 vote, with Councilman Justin Musella and Councilwoman Judy Hernandez opposing.
“It’s not an audit, it’s a review of their audit is what it is,” Mayor James Barberio said before the vote. “Their numbers are all over the place.”
Andy Choffo, Parsippany Board of Education President
Board of Education President Andy Choffo argued that the mayor’s objections and characterization of these members as irrational were politically motivated, noting that several members have publicly supported Councilman Justin Musella, who is challenging the mayor in the 2025 Republican primary. The disagreement centers around the PILOT projects approved by the Council in December, which remain a key point of contention between the parties.
The Board of Education claims that the Mayor has refused to meet with them. However, according to the Mayor, he believes the Board of Education is attempting to strong-arm the Township with financial demands. As a result, the Mayor is requesting an audit of their finances before agreeing to any such meeting.
Councilman Frank Neglia reads a prepared statement
Council Vice President Frank Neglia, who ran with Mayor Barberio and Councilman Justin Musella had strong words for Musella and the Board of Ed as he read a prepared statement.
“Musella and certain Board of Ed members continue to lie that PILOTs take money away from the schools. This is a lie and they know it. The truth is that the BOE gets every penny that they budget for, whether there are PILOTs or not”.
This may be why many residents seem confused. Neglia is correct that the BOE will get every penny that they budget for. The debate is regarding the future PILOT revenue that gets sent to the Township. This is what the BOE has stated concerns over since there is no agreement or arrangement with the Mayor.
Mayor James R. Barberio
Barberio has repeatedly stated the board will receive its full share of revenues based on its annual submitted budget, approximately $156 million for the 2024-25 school year.
Neglia was angry. “Stop lying to our residents and children that PILOTs will cause programs to be cut. They don’t…..the other lie is that PILOTs create school-age children. PILOTs aren’t creating the Parsippany housing boom. The Supreme Court of NJ is under the Mt. Laurel Act. ”
Neglia stated that he thought the BOE finances may not be as sound and strong as it was when he left. “Here is what is going on. Their attacks on the Council and Mayor are a shakedown strategy to get money. Andy Choffo, the Board President, you are behaving like a spoiled child demanding money from his parents. Shame on you. You are much better than this. You are a good man.”
His harshest criticism was directed at Musella. “Justin Musella is a fool being used to do the Board of Education’s bidding because he thinks it will earn him votes. Justin, that’s why I can’t respect you. All you care about is yourself, not the kids,” he said. The Mayor maintains that an audit should occur to ensure the Board of Education is responsible for finances before handing over PILOT funds. He further criticized the Board of Education’s support for Musella, calling it unwise. “Embracing a very green, naïve, and wanna-be politician like Musella isn’t going to help you get money.” Additionally, he referred to Musella as a “disgrace.”
In his statement, Neglia also accused Musella of assisting in the distribution of a document that supported the board while criticizing the town’s administration, a claim that Musella strongly denied.
Councilman Musella condemns Mayor Barberio’s audit threat as retaliatory and abusive.
Musella responded. “I do agree with you on one thing. We do have a problem and that problem is elected officials who abuse their power and attack people who question those that have it.”
PARSIPPANY — A Parsippany High School Senior has been recognized as a semifinalist in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Lithra Sankari is among the select group of New Jersey students moving forward in the prestigious competition.
The semifinalists, announced on Wednesday, September 11, include approximately 16,000 high school seniors nationwide. These students will now compete for scholarships to be awarded next spring.
According to the National Merit Scholarship Program, about 95 percent of semifinalists are expected to advance to the finalist level, with roughly half of those finalists receiving scholarships.
The 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program began with over 1.3 million juniors from about 21,000 high schools, all of whom took the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.
The number of semifinalists from each state is proportional to its share of the national total of graduating seniors, officials said.
To become a finalist, each semifinalist, along with their high school, must submit a detailed scholarship application outlining their academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment, and any honors or awards.
Winners of the 2025 National Merit Scholarship will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July.
MORRIS COUNTY — Assaults on New Jersey law enforcement officers have surged in recent years, prompting Assemblyman Alex Sauickie to push for harsher penalties to deter potential offenders, many of whom are already incarcerated.
On Thursday, September 12, the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee advanced his bill (A2378), which seeks to increase penalties for assaults on law enforcement officers. Click here for more information.
The proposed legislation would classify assaulting an officer as a second-degree crime, carrying a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000. The bill would also prohibit plea deals to reduce charges.
Currently, assaults causing bodily harm to officers are treated as third-degree crimes, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of $15,000. Assaults without bodily harm are classified as fourth-degree crimes, with penalties of up to 18 months in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Additionally, the bill mandates that anyone using bodily fluids to attack an officer must undergo testing for infectious diseases, with the results made available to the assault victim.
“Not only have attacks on law enforcement officers been rising, but offenders have also resorted to spitting, biting, and other despicable acts that expose officers to disease,” said Sauickie (R-Ocean). “These perpetrators need to understand that such actions will not be tolerated.”
Representatives from the State Troopers Fraternal Association and New Jersey Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local 105, which represent state troopers and corrections officers respectively, reported a sharp increase in assaults over recent years.
In 2022, the Department of Corrections reported 424 attacks on personnel, more than doubling the 200 incidents from the previous year. Nearly half involved the use of bodily fluids, and over 10% of the department’s 4,500-member workforce took leave due to injuries sustained from assaults.
The bill extends protections to law enforcement officers, correctional and probation staff, paid and volunteer firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.
“Law enforcement and emergency workers face unimaginable risks just by doing their jobs,” Sauickie said. “They are often targets for disgusting attacks because of their profession. It’s crucial they know that justice will be served when they are assaulted in the line of duty.”
PARSIPPANY – A motorcycle accident occurred at the Jefferson Road and Parsippany Road intersectionon Friday, September 13. The motorcycle involved appears to be a Suzuki GSX-R.
At this time, no further details have been released. Parsippany Focus will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Editors Note: All articles on www.parsippanyfocus.com are subject to copyright protection laws and cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
Just listened to the Town Council meeting of Tuesday, September 10, and can only conclude that Mayor Barberio is scared to death of the challenge that Councilman Musella is posing with his decision to run for Mayor in the upcoming Republican primary.
That became apparent when Mayor Barberio unleashed Vice President Frank Neglia to personally attack Mr. Musella’s integrity and motives in a blatant attempt to discredit Mr. Musella.
The fact that Mr. Neglia was unable to back up a single one of his outlandish accusations raises the question as to why Mr. Neglia is determined to destroy his own well earned reputation of decades of community service. to cover for Mayor Barberio’s self serving and desperate attempts to survive politically?
I served with Mr. Neglia for seven years when we were both on the Parsippany Board of Education and while we may have energetically disagreed on many issues, I always believed and trusted that Mr. Neglia’s motives were sincere and in the best interests of Parsippany’s residents and children. Given his temper tantrum at Tuesday’s Council meeting and his seemly blind and obsequious loyalty to Mayor Barberio, I can’t help but wonder if that is still true.
What happened Frank?
Bob Crawford
Editors Note: All articles on www.parsippanyfocus.com are subject to copyright protection laws and cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
PARSIPPANY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Richard Pantina confirmed that charges have been filed in connection with a pedestrian death in Parsippany on August 19, 2024.
Davut Batca, 31, Wayne, has been charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of an Accident Under Certain Circumstances, a crime of the Second Degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:11-5.1.
At approximately 9:56 p.m. on August 19, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was notified of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle with serious injury that occurred on Route 46 West near Sandra Drive. A male pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle, believed to be a newer model Toyota Rav4, which fled the scene. The victim was transported to Morristown Medical Center, where he was subsequently pronounced deceased. Investigators have confirmed the victim to be Jelson Cabrera, 35, of Trenton.
Subsequent investigation determined Batca as the vehicle’s driver who fled the scene. It is alleged that Batca had been operating his parents’ 2021 Toyota Rav4 when he fatally struck the pedestrian.
Investigators determined Batca had left the United States for Turkey in the days following the incident. Upon his return to the United States, he was taken into custody in New York. He is currently lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending further court proceedings pursuant to the Criminal Justice Reform Act.
Numerous law enforcement agencies have participated in this investigation, including members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation unit, the Port Authority Police Department, the U.S Department of Homeland Security, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit.
Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Councilman Justin Musella, Council Vice President Frank Neglia, Councilwoman Judy Hernandez, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Councilman Matt McGrath
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council held its meeting on Tuesday, September 10, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting took place in the Council Chambers at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard within the Parsippany Municipal Building.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for the meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request an auxiliary aid.
Mayor James Barberio Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. Council Vice President Frank Neglia Councilman Justin Musella Councilman Matt McGrath Councilwoman Judy Hernandez
The Morris County School of Technology has received a $5,000 grant from the Rachael Ray Foundation to enhance its culinary arts program.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County School of Technology, part of the Morris County Vocational School District, is one of 40 high schools nationwide selected to receive a $5,000 grant from The Rachael Ray Foundation and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) to enhance their ProStart culinary arts and restaurant management program with new equipment, curriculum, and experiential learning opportunities.
“The continued support through this grant, which we have been fortunate to receive in the past, has allowed our school to enhance our school-based events as well as our student-run enterprise,” said Miguel Alfonso, teacher, at the Academy for Culinary Arts.
The funds from the Rachael Ray ProStart Grow Grant Program this school year will provide the Academy for Culinary Arts the opportunity to purchase kitchen equipment, such as serving platters, utensils and bowls. Additionally, a portion of the funds will help to offset costs for the National Restaurant Association Show.
“Providing Grow Grants is one of my favorite times of the year. The educators who invest their passion and energy into their classrooms are inspiring. I love to see the impact their work has on the students who graduate from ProStart with the knowledge and excitement for the restaurant industry,” said Rachael Ray.
Parsippany Reflects on the Lives and Legacies of 9/11 Victims
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills held a Ceremony in Remembrance of September 11, 2011.
The National Anthem was performed by Michelle Musolino-Roberts.
The ceremony opened with Former Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Loretta Gragnani with the Pledge of Allegiance. The National Anthem was performed by Michelle Musolino-Roberts. Exactly at 8:46 a.m., there was a moment of silence in remembrance of those killed during the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. This time marked when the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Attendees stood in solemn reflection, honoring the victims, first responders, and all those affected by the tragic events of that day. The silence was a poignant tribute to the lives lost and the enduring impact of the attacks on the nation.
Remembering the Parsippany residents we lost on 9/11:
•Martin Boryczewski, 29, was born in Passaic and grew up in Parsippany. He attended Morris Catholic High School in Denville and later Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City. He went on to play in the A and AA Minor League divisions of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers. Martin was not only a talented ballplayer but also a trader and an avid fly fisherman. He thrived on the fast pace of his trading job at the World Trade Center. Yet, every weekend, he returned to Parsippany to spend time with his family. He would also travel to Pennsylvania to visit his father, where he enjoyed spending the afternoons fishing.
Mark Miller of VFW Post #10184 participated in the tolling of the bell as the names of Parsippany residents who lost their lives on 9/11 were read aloud by Former Council President Michael dePierro. This solemn act of remembrance was part of a larger ceremony honoring the victims and reflecting on the impact of that tragic day on the Parsippany community
•Antoinette Duger, 44, a resident of Belleville, was raised in Newark and attended Barringer High School. She worked as an operations associate for First Union for 26 years, the only company she ever worked for. Born to Italian immigrant parents, Antoinette always prioritized her family. She and her husband, Raymond, were on the verge of purchasing a new home in Parsippany. Although the commute would make her days longer, she believed it would provide her daughter, Megan with a better education.
•Jason Kyle Jacobs, 32, a business partner at Fiduciary Trust Co., Jason had a deep love for both his family and cooking. He and his wife, Jennifer, lived in Randolph, where he was born. They had a 14-month-old daughter, Zoe. Jason was passionate about cooking and subscribed to numerous food and cooking magazines. His favorite dish to make was filet mignon in a red wine-mushroom sauce wrapped in pastry dough, served with a carrot and potato puree. According to his wife, there was one dish he never grew tired of preparing: he would craft a rose from a tomato and place it on his wife’s plate.
•Michael Pescherine, 32, was a wrestler and baseball player at Parsippany High School, graduating with honors in 1987. He earned a master’s degree in business finance and became a successful bond trader with Keefe, Bruyette & Woods. Michael resided with his wife, Lyn, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The couple ran the New York City Marathon together in 1999 and 2000. They were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their baby boy in March of 2002.
•Thomas H. Polhemus, 39, of Morris Plains, was raised in Bridgewater. He earned his associate degree from Raritan Valley College and worked as a computer consultant for Accenture. Thomas shared 11 wonderful years with his beloved wife, Barbara, and they had been married 4 ½ of those years. A passionate golfer, Thomas was a dedicated member of the Delaware Water Gap Country Club.
•Maria Theresa Santillan, 27, of Morris Plains, graduated from Rutgers University’s Newark campus with a degree in biology. She had always dreamed of working in the city and landed a job at Cantor Fitzgerald. Months before, Maria became engaged to her high school sweetheart, Darren Sasso of Parsippany, after 9 ½ years together. The couple had been dating since their sophomore year and were set to be married in May 2002.
•Michael C. Sorresse, at 34, Michael was a graduate of Whippany Park High School and held a degree in business economics from Rutgers University, as well as a master’s degree in business economics from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He was vice president at Marsh USA Agencies. Michael met his wife, Catherine Naiva, through a mutual friend, and the two were married in May 2000. The couple bought a house in Morris Plains. He was a family man who would do anything for his family and friends. He also enjoyed running, biking, and hiking.
Guest speaker Richard Palmer Jr., a retired NYC Department of Correction Warden, shares his powerful firsthand experience of leading rescue efforts at Ground Zero on 9/11. Palmer continues to advocate for 9/11 first responders and victims, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.
Richard Palmer Jr. speaks at Parsippany’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, Sharing His Experience and Advocacy.
Richard Palmer Jr. is a retired Warden with the NYC Department of Correction. He was Deputy Warden in Command on September 11th, 2001, when the plane hit the 1st tower. Commissioner Fraser assigned Richard to lead all the uniformed personnel to assist the NYPD with the chaos in the streets outside the World Trade Center.
They were on the street below, directing pedestrians coming from the tower, when the second plane hit. Upon hearing the towers would fall, they were instructed to pull back and watched in horror from 60 Hudson St. as the Twin Towers collapsed.
Within the hour, the DOC personnel returned to Ground Zero, bringing with them generators with lights, telecommunication units, water, blankets, body bags, and everything required for a search and rescue operation. The Correction Department also staffed and ran the entire morgue operation, had Emergency Service Units at Ground Zero around the clock, and had a team at the landfill every day for 12-hour tours.
Joseph Stella, Brooklawn Middle School Band Director, Performs Taps at Parsippany’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
In 2008, after several major surgeries, Richard met John Feal on a bus heading to Washington D.C. to advocate for sick and dying first responders. It was the beginning of their next 11 years advocating to Congress on behalf of 9/11 First Responders. Richard personally made 100 trips to D.C. since 2008.
They were successful in getting three bills passed after over 1,300 meetings with Congress and the Senate. It was the effort and dedication of the Fealgood Foundation that precipitated the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund Bill, later renamed after James Zagroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez, in passing.
Richard continues to advocate on victims’ behalf, educate the public on the Department of Corrections’ role in the September 11th rescue and recovery, and works to preserve the memory of that tragic day so future generations will never forget.
As a Resident of Parsippany for the last 29 years, I have tried to be a good resident giving back to my community in as many ways as I could. I am normally a civil person and no one can ever say I disrespected them or have ever raised my voice.
I am a board member of our wonderful school district. When we are not at a school board meeting we are not considered Board Members speaking on behalf of the Board or the School District. It is a disclaimer we have to use per our attorney. So that people are aware that whatever is said cannot legally bind the School District in anyway.
Our voice is only official at a Board Meeting or when the 9 Members of the Board of Education have authorized us to speak on their behalf.
With that being said, I can tell you that nothing upsets me more than someone who takes people for granted and tries to lie and disregard the voice of the people that is why what the Mayor did during tonight’s Town Council Meeting upset me so much.
Why does he get the floor to speak at the Town Council Meetings is bewildering to me since it is a Town Council Meeting and not a Mayor’s meeting. He is invited to the meeting, not part of the Town Council.
I did call out during the meeting and disrupted his speaking and called him a liar. He keeps stating that the Board gets 100% of the budgeted amount and that is true because it is mandated by law. What the Mayor does not say is that as of now we will get zero amount to cover the developments granted Pilots regardless of the children that they bring in. Which in 3 to 5 years when he says the developments will be completed the number of students coming from this developments will be substantial.
The Mayor stated that the Board keeps on telling people that we are not getting any money from the Pilots, but he was on the defensive by stating the town has not received any money either.
That none of the Pilots have been completed and no certificate of occupancy have been issued.
The mayor has at no point stated an intention of sharing any Pilot money with the board.
That is why we keep on insisting that the Mayor agree to meet with us and agree to a percentage amount.
We are not money hungry as he likes to call us, we are just making sure that the residents are aware that he has never included not only the School District in any negotiations with the housing developers but he has not included the Fire Department either.
Yes I was out of order and yes I called him a liar and disrupted the meeting, but when someone can be so obviously unconcerned about the education of our children I could not stay quiet. He likes his photo ops more than he cares about the community, but with actions demonstrating such lack of integrity I could not stay silent.
Had our Mayor done like the Mayor of Hanover did and put forward a resolution on the books that states that the Town will share Pilot revenue with the school district and fire district without being asked to, then that my fellow residents is a man of integrity.
There were more than 900 residents at the December meeting at the PAL to protest the Pilots. The Mayor and the Town Council members at the time disregarded the attendees and voted for Pilots anyway. Where will these politicians be in 10-15-30 years? Residents who may afford to stay in their homes and those that may move in are going to pay.
Parsippany needs a transformative leader who does not get scared to call in people who may disagree with them and maybe just maybe work together.
There is so much good that can happen in our Town without destroying our suburban hometown and making it into an urban town.
In my opinion our Mayor has had such an incestuous relationship with Attorney Inglesino. The mayor was voted out after his first term because of his dealings with this attorney and it will happen again. He cares about putting money into his associates pockets rather than the citizens pockets.
We citizens of Parsippany will be left to hold over 90 million dollars of debt over a 30 year period for the Pilot developments that have already been approved, this amount is on the low estimate.
Who do you think is going to pay for the shortfall? The Residents of Parsippany.
Enough Mr. Mayor you want to enrich your friends and associates, I hope that you won’t regret the consequences.
Be careful who you surround yourself with, who you listen to they are wolves in sheep clothing. You may think they are your friends, but only as long as they can use you. Mr. Mayor you serve us, not the other way around.
MORRIS COUNTY — A Hackettstown man, Edward W. Wess, filed a false police report in Denville Township. On August 31, Wess reported to Denville Police that he had been assaulted by a group of people on Luger Road and that a blunt object had severely damaged his vehicle. However, after investigating the claim, police determined that the incident did not occur as Wess had described.
As a result, Wess was charged with third-degree false reporting to law enforcement authorities. He voluntarily turned himself into the Denville Police Department, where he was served with a criminal complaint summons. Wess has since been released pending a court appearance.
This case highlights the seriousness of filing false reports, which not only misuses police resources but can also carry significant legal consequences.
Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
