PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) hosted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), and local mayors yesterday to address flooding in the 11th District of New Jersey. Colonel Thomas Asbery from the USACE gave an update on flooding issues, and mayors from Passaic, Essex, and Morris Counties discussed the issues their towns currently face from repeat and intensifying flooding. Following the discussion, the group went to Two Bridges on Fairfield Road in Wayne for a site visit.
Presentation from Army Corps of Engineers
“With ongoing flooding issues in our communities, it was important to bring together the Army Corps of Engineers, the NJDEP, and local mayors who represent towns along the Peckman and Passaic Rivers,” said Representative Sherrill. “We need to address local flooding and major weather events, and our towns can’t tackle that alone. I will continue to work with our mayors on this issue because the problem of flooding is not going away.”
“We appreciate the leadership of Congresswoman Sherrill in bringing the community together to discuss flooding in the Passaic River Basin,” said NJDEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe.“Especially in the face of continued impacts from climate change, we understand the impact to life and property that chronic flooding causes for the residents of Passaic, Essex, and Morris counties. The DEP looks forward to continuing its work with all of our local and federal partners to explore ways to address these challenges as we endeavor to make New Jersey stronger and more resilient.”
“I am very happy that the Congresswoman convened this meeting,” said Wayne Township Mayor Christopher P. Vergano. “Any time we can have a discussion that moves the conversation on flooding forward is progress.”
“We hope that the meeting was beneficial to engage the local leaders on the challenges the basin faces and that the result of today allows us to move the study effort on a path forward,” said Colonel Asbery, USACE.
Rep. Sherrill and Colonel Asbery at Two Bridges in Wayne
This is the second in a series of flood infrastructure meeting Representative Sherrill has convened since taking office. In February, Representative Sherrill held a Mayors’ roundtable to learn more about the innovative ways local leaders are tackling flood mitigation and the roadblocks they face.
PARSIPPANY — Gourmet Cafe Italian Restaurant not only makes the most delicious food in Parsippany, but Owner and Chef Matthew Pierone has the biggest heart and is always looking for ways to give back to the community.
Jennifer Lorencovitz and Chef Matthew Pierone
Owner and Chef Matthew Pierone called Noah’s Comeback and purchased twenty “ParHigh is Noah Strong” bracelets for his staff to wear in support of Noah’s Comeback.
Matthew, thank you for your thoughtfulness and for joining Team Noah!
Gourmet Cafe is located at 136 Baldwin Road. Click here for more information.
All proceeds will be going towards the January service night at Parsippany High School being hosted by Noah’s Comeback. Since their last “hug a heart” pillow making event eight months ago, they’ve delivered over 600 pillows to pediatric and young adult patients at local hospitals with congenital heart disease.
PARSIPPANY — The Mt. Tabor ARTs Collaborative and the Mt. Tabor Historical Society would like to invite you to the Mt. Tabor Ghost Walk to be held on Friday, October 18 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The event is held at Tabor Tabernacle, 26 Simpson Avenue, Mt. Tabor.
The Mt. Tabor Ghost Walk is based on true events. Every neighborhood has a house different from the rest. On the scariest night of the year come to the Second Annual Mt. Tabor Ghost Walk and discover the secrets hidden within… if you dare!
This is a walking tour of historic Mt Tabor.
Each fifteen minutes a tour goes out with sixteen people per time slot. You must arrive fifteen minutes before your actual walk time.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker and Acting Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson announce that Daniel Soler, 49, formerly of Morristown, was sentenced by the Honorable David H. Ironson, J.S.C., to five years in New Jersey State Prison.
Mr. Soler will also be subject to registration pursuant to Megan’s Law and Parole Supervision for Life. Mr. Soler previously pled guilty to Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2b, admitting to an act of sexual contact upon a child who was under the age of thirteen.
Mr. Soler knew the victim through mutual acquaintances. Mr. Soler must serve a minimum of fifty-one months of the five year State Prison term prior to being eligible for parole. In addition, he was ordered to pay mandatory fines and penalties and to have no contact with the victim.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit and the Morristown Police Detective Bureau, whose efforts contributed to the investigation and resolution of the matter. The prosecution of this case was led by Assistant Prosecutor Gloria Rispoli.
PARSIPPANY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Morris Township Police Chief Mark DiCarlo announce the arrest of Deonarini Jairam, 38, of Parsippany.
Jairam has been charged with one count each of Sexual Assault (2nd Degree); Attempted Sexual Assault (Second Degree), Promoting Prostitution of a Minor( Second Degree), Endangering the Welfare of a Minor (Third Degree) and Criminal Sexual Contact (Fourth degree).
On the evening of October 1, 2019, the victim was walking in Morris Township and was approached by the defendant and offered a ride.
The victim agreed and entered the defendant’s 2001 silver Toyota Solara. While driving, the defendant began touching the victim. Defendant eventually parked his car and offered the victim money in exchange for sex.
The victim refused and the defendant then proceeded to sexually assault her. During the assault, the defendant noticed law enforcement in the area, at which time he unlocked the doors and allowed the victim to exit his vehicle. He then fled the immediate area in his car.
The defendant’s identity was not known to the victim, however, he was identified through extensive and cooperative investigative efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies. On October 4, 2019, the defendant was located and arrested.
The defendant was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a court appearance.
The investigation was conducted by the Morris Township Police Department Detective Bureau and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, with assistance from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit, the Ridgefield Police Department and the New Jersey State Police Forensic Artist Unit.
Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to call Detective Matthew Flynn of the Morris Township Police Department at (973) 326-7480 or Detective Martyna Ruminska of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200.
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 President Frank Cahill installed new member BettyLou DeCroce on Thursday, October 3.
Club President Frank Cahill presented BettyLou with her membership plaque and official Kiwanis membership pin.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill placing the official Kiwanis pin on BettyLou
Frank Cahill said “We welcome BettyLou to this global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is the largest Kiwanis Club in the State of New Jersey with 77 members. New members are always welcome. (Click here for more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany). Kiwanis members dedicate more than 6 million volunteer hours and invest more than $100 million in service projects that strengthen communities and serve children every year. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany ensures that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives. They believe that by helping one child, you help the world.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here.
FLORHAM PARK — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker and Florham Park Chief of Police Joseph Orlando announce the arrest of Carla Tiago, 42, of Plainfield, on Identity Theft, Theft and Credit Card related charges.
On May 14, 2019, the Florham Park Police Department received a complaint from the owners of a local business indicating that since the promotion of the defendant from bookkeeper to account manager in July, 2015, the defendant had been making numerous fraudulent transactions using their client’s credit card accounts.
Due to the defendant’s job function, she had access to their client’s personal and financial information.
The complainants indicated the defendant’s responsibilities were limited to making and authorizing payments for their company and their client’s businesses only. The defendant did not have the authorization to use any of the accounts for her own personal transactions.
Upon review of credit card statements and subpoenaed materials, it was found that the defendant utilized eight credit cards, in the names of two clients of the company, for personal purchases and living expenses.
Additional money was also sent from the credit cards in question to her PayPal account(s). The subsequent credit card balances were then paid off by the defendant by making Electronic Fund Transfers from the victims’ bank accounts to satisfy the outstanding balances.
Three of the eight cards that were utilized were also found to be applied for by the defendant under the victims’ names and utilized for the same personal and living expenses.
The total theft from both victims is in excess of $700,000.00.
The defendant has been charged with the following offenses:
One count of Identity Theft, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17a(1), a crime of the Second degree;
Two counts of Theft, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3a, crimes of the Second degree;
Two counts of Identity Theft, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17a(1), crimes of the Third degree;
Eight counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6h, crimes of the Third degree; and
Three counts of Fraudulent Statements Made in Procuring a Credit Card, in violation of
N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6b, crimes of the Fourth degree.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Specialized Crimes, Fraud Unit and the Florham Park Police Department whose efforts contributed to the investigation of this case.
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 — Whole Foods Market will open its new 47,000 square-foot Parsippany store, located at 60 Waterview Boulevard, at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6. Opening day celebrations will include complimentary Allegro coffee and pastries from local supplier, Balthazar Bakery, before the store opens. Additionally, the first 500 customers will receive a custom Whole Foods Market Parsippany reusable tote bag.
“We can’t wait to welcome the Parsippany community into their new Whole Foods Market,” said Scott Earl, Store Team Leader. “We’ve worked hard to create a store that our neighbors will love, from its responsibly-sourced, local, fresh and innovative product offerings, to its wide variety of grab-and-go options, to its in-store fast casual restaurant, Market Garden.”
All food at Whole Foods Market must meet the company’s rigorous quality standards, which prohibit hydrogenated fats, high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. In addition, all beauty and body care products must meet the company’s body care standards, which ban animal testing and more than a hundred commonly used ingredients.
Special features of the store include:
Fresh produce department featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables and selections from more than 15 local growers, as well as variety of items with Whole Foods Market’s Whole Trade® Guarantee, which supports suppliers that are committed to ethical trade, working conditions and the environment
Full-service butcher department with a variety of ready-to-cook options, such as made in-house sausages and freshly ground, dry aged and whiskey dry aged beef, as well as selections from seven local suppliers
Seafood department featuring fresh offerings from five local suppliers and a large selection of packaged and frozen fish, as well as in-house made salmon burgers, stuffed salmon filets and lobster macaroni and cheese
Specialty foods section with a self-serve, fresh pasta bar offering seasonal varieties and a selection of chocolates and cheeses featuring 30 local suppliers
Prepared foods department featuring a variety of self-serve hot and cold food bars, including stations for in-house made signature sandwiches, pizza, rotisserie chickens, sushi, stir fry noodles and Dish & Saucery, which features seasonal proteins and sides for a taste of home cooking on the go
Full-service coffee and tea bar offering nitro cold brew and tea and a variety of signature drinks
Build-your-own acai bowl station and a self-serve juice bar with six juice blends on tap
Beauty and body care department featuring products from 15 local suppliers
Market Garden: in-store fast casual restaurant featuring artisanal salads, sandwiches and soups with indoor and outdoor seating
Amazon Prime members who shop at Whole Foods Market have access to a number of benefits year-round, like deep discounts on dozens of select popular products each week and an additional 10 percent off hundreds of in-store sale items. In addition, eligible Prime members receive five percent back on Whole Foods Market purchases when using the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card.
To celebrate joining the community, five percent of the store’s net sales on opening day will benefit the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, an organization that aims to protect, restore and enhance the water and other natural and cultural resources of the New Jersey Highlands for the benefit of all citizens and businesses in the state of New Jersey.
Whole Foods Market Parsippany will employ approximately 200 full and part-time team members. The store will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
Whole Foods Market has 20 additional stores in New Jersey.
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Health Department was notified that a raccoon found on Park Place has tested positive for the Rabies virus.
Rabies is a fatal disease of warm-blooded mammals caused by a virus, most frequently spread through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. An infected animal has the rabies virus in its saliva and infects other animals or people through bites and contact with saliva. Once infected animals become ill, they may bite or attack other animals or people.
Common carriers of the virus are raccoons, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, bats, and feral (stray) cats. You are advised to stay away from wild animals and animals that you do not know. Please DO NOT FEED STRAY ANIMALS. Do not make pets of wild animals. Be certain that your dog is properly licensed, vaccinated and up to date on their rabies vaccination. If you know of any stray cats, or dogs or any other animal in the area acting strangely, please contact the Parsippany Animal Control at (973) 263-7083.
Please keep garbage in a container with a tight fitting lid to prevent attracting animals. Clean up spilled bird seed. Do not leave pet food out for extended time periods.
If you are exposed (either bitten or scratched) by any suspected animal; please act promptly. Immediately wash the bite wound with soap and water and call your physician and the Health Department. If your pet is bitten or in a fight with a wild animal, please contact the Parsippany Health Department at (973)-263-7160 and your Veterinarian.
MORRIS COUNTY — A public Remembrance of the life of state Sen. Tony Bucco, open to all residents, is scheduled for Sunday, October 6, at 2:00 p.m. at County College of Morris in Randolph.
The service will feature remarks by state Senate President Stephen Sweeney, Senator Tom Kean Jr., Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, a video message from Governor Chris Christie, and remarks by Senator Bucco’s grandchildren, Anthony “Rocco,” Lauren, and Jenna.
Senator Bucco’s career in public service began when he served as an Alderman in the Town of Boonton and later as Mayor. He served on the Morris County Board of Freeholders and the General Assembly. During his time in the Assembly, Senator Bucco was the Assistant Majority Whip. Senator Bucco has been a member of the State Senate since 1998 and is currently the Republican Budget Officer. He has previously served in the Senate as Deputy Minority Leader, Assistant Minority Leader, Co-Republican Majority Leader and Assistant Majority Leader.
PARSIPPANY — The next phase in the creation of a property management plan to protect the Boonton Reservoir and improve passive recreational access at the site will formally begin this month, as the Open Space Institute (OSI) and its partners begin a series of scheduled meetings with local municipalities.
The “Boonton Reservoir Protection and Trail Project” property management plan will create a blueprint for passive recreational access and water quality protection for the 1,300-acre Boonton Reservoir site in Morris County which has been the primary water supply of Jersey City since 1904.
“The Boonton Reservoir Protection and Trail Project lays the groundwork for creating a key public recreational opportunity that will be enjoyed for generations to come, while ensuring long-term protection of Jersey City’s drinking water,” said Terrence Nolan, OSI’s senior vice president.
At the public meetings, which will take place starting in October, local officials will be presented with a proposed, full property management plan, outlining details including the creation of an approximately eight-mile trail loop around the reservoir for walkers and nature lovers; installation of new drainage solutions and native plantings to reduce stormwater runoff; and making the land publicly accessible to the approximately 15,000 local residents who live nearby.
October 2, Jersey City – 6:30 p.m. (280 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07302)
October 21, Boonton – 7:30 p.m. (100 Washington St, Boonton, NJ 07005)
Additional meetings will take place in Jersey City. The times and dates of these meetings will be announced via the OSI Twitter account (@openspaceinst).
During the final meeting at the Jersey City Council, council members are expected to conduct a final vote on whether to move forward on the project. At each meeting, experts from the environmental consultancy Greener by Design, OSI’s consultants in developing the plan, will be in attendance.
In September 2018, the Jersey City Council passed a city ordinance authorizing the execution of a 40-year lease agreement with the Morris County Park Commission to develop and manage a trail at the Reservoir. The ordinance also authorized creation of a master plan to determine public use of the property.
The Boonton Reservoir site is located in Boonton and Parsippany-Troy Hills Townships. Fed by the Rockaway River, the 700-acre reservoir serves as the primary source of drinking water for Jersey City. On its way to Jersey City, the water passes from the reservoir through a treatment facility which purifies an average of 50 million gallons a day.
For decades, OSI has been a leader in conserving land for drinking water protection. OSI has protected over 11,000 acres through easements in the Beaverkill Valley and over 20,000 acres of New York City’s watershed lands in Delaware County — including around the Ashokan Reservoir, New York City’s deepest drinking water reservoir, which is also ringed by scenic, celebrated hiking, and biking trails.
Within the Delaware River Watershed Basin, in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, OSI has also built upon this decade-long experience using scientific knowledge to drive on-the-ground land conservation work.
Through its Delaware River Watershed Initiative, OSI has approved grants totaling over $7.6 million to protect almost 20,000 acres of land to ensure water quality in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In addition, OSI has supported efforts to integrate watershed science in public and nonprofit planning initiatives to channel funding to protect important watershed lands.
PARSIPPANY — The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the non-partisan and non-profit voice of small businesses for over 75 years, announced its endorsement of Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce for re-election because of her work to help small businesses thrive in New Jersey.
“Your election is not only critical to the small-business owners in your district, but also to protecting free enterprise across the state. On behalf of all NFIB members, we look forward to standing with you this November,” said Laurie Ehlbeck, State Director of NFIB New Jersey, in a letter to the Assemblywoman announcing the endorsement.
BettyLou DeCroce not only has a strong legislative record of supporting New Jersey’s businesses and job creators, but also an extensive experience in managing small businesses. She served as President and Owner of ERA Gallo & DeCroce Realtors, a Morris County-based real estate firm that was owned and operated by the Assemblywoman and the late Assembly Leader Alex DeCroce, her husband. She also is president of ABL Holding Company, LLC, a home consulting and investment company.
“This endorsement by the National Federation of Independent Business is greatly appreciated. Having run small businesses and coming from a family of small business owners and operators, I fully appreciate the challenges they face, which is why I have worked in the Legislature to stop public policies that stifle business growth and kill jobs in New Jersey. Most businesses in our state are small businesses. The only way to keep our economy vibrant and grow jobs is to support the small business people,” said Assemblywoman DeCroce.
The Assemblywoman is member of both the Parsippany-Troy Hills Satellite Rotary Club and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, and she has received numerous business-related awards, including the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Legislator of the Year. She also has been honored with the Defender of the Taxpayer Award for her advocacy of common-sense measures to reduce taxes and create jobs, and she was a two time finalist for the Leading Women Entrepreneur Award.
Assemblywoman DeCroce also has been declared one of the 50 Best Women in Business by NJBIZ and was a New Jersey Monthly finalist for Leading Woman Entrepreneur and Business Owner.
The NFIB has been advocating in the 50 states and in Washington D.C. on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners since its founding in 1943. The NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses, speaking out on the most pressing small business issues, such as taxes, healthcare, and regulations.
PARSIPPANY — Emma Swan recently matriculated as a first-year student at Hamilton College.
Swan, a graduate of Parsippany High School, was selected from a pool of 8,339 applicants to the college, and joins a class of 474.
Originally founded in 1793 as the Hamilton-Oneida Academy, Hamilton College offers an open curriculum that gives students the freedom to shape their own liberal arts education within a research- and writing-intensive framework. Hamilton enrolls 1,850 students from 49 states and 49 countries. Additional information about the college can be found by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Rainbows For All Children is a peer support program for children who have experienced grief through a death or divorce in the family.
Fall registration is now being accepted. Sessions will continue every Tuesday through November 19.
The meetings are held at Saint Francis Residential Community Center from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., 122 Diamond Spring Road, Denville.
Small groups are formed for children ages five years and up. There are no fees to parents. Call Diane Thormann at (973) 627-2134 or Wendy Spector (973) 625-3352 for registration information or click here for more information.
Rainbows for All Children is dedicated to being the premier source of support for all youth as they navigate grief and heal from loss, whether from death, divorce, deployment, or other trauma. Rainbows fosters awareness that youth require support to heal. They nurture a community of effective Rainbows-trained Facilitators, supported with a repository of resources designed to guide youth in their grieving process.
PARSIPPANY Mayor Soriano has scheduled a Parsippany Town Hall for the Powder Mill neighborhood on Monday, October 28. Doors to Temple Adath Shalom will open at 6:30 p.m. and the Mayor and his panel will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Temple Adath Shalom is located at 841 Mountain Way.
If you have any questions, please call the Mayor’s Action Center at (973) 263-4262.
PARSIPPANY — Denise Diessner was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Diessner was initiated at Brenau University. Denise is a graduate of Parsippany High School, Class of 2013.
Diessner is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.
Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is “To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.”
More About Phi Kappa Phi Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated into Phi Kappa Phi. Some of the organization’s notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards nearly $1 million to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi click here.
PARSIPPANY — The official “Law and Order” Tour visited Parsippany on Thursday, September 26.
Their first Parsippany stop was at the Empire Diner where they talked to diners about the upcoming election in November.
The Law and Order tour stopped at the Empire Diner
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Michael dePierro is seeking re-election and is running with Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani.
Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Michael dePierro, Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce and Every Dollar Store” owner Mehul Shah
Their next stop was in Lake Hiawatha where they had the opportunity to meet the new business owner of “Every Dollar Store” Mehul Shah. After a few stops in some of the other stores in the shopping center, they ventured into the Spa Restaurant where they met Lucille Link who was celebrating her birthday. Joining Lucille was her son Steven, and daughter Gail Napolitano and friend Maureen McDermott.
Michael dePierro, Maureen McDermott, Sheriff James Gannon, Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, Gail Napolitano, Lucille Link and Steven Link
Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce is a distinguished legislator with extensive local and state government experience, an unparalleled behind-the-scenes perspective on government functions, and a long history of problem solving through bipartisanship cooperation.
DeCroce serves on several legislative committees and commissions including: NJ Legislative Select Oversight into Murphy Administration Hiring Practices, Transportation & Independent Authorities, the Joint Committee on Public Schools, Banking and Insurance, Science & Technology, Pre-trial Services Review Commission, the Intergovernmental Relations Commission, and the Manufacturing Caucus.
She is member of both the Parsippany-Troy Hills Satellite Rotary Club and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, and she has received numerous awards, including: The NJ Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Legislator of the Year; Defender of the Taxpayer Award, for her advocacy of common-sense measures to reduce taxes and create jobs; two time finalist Leading Women Entrepreneur Award; and was recognized by the Displaced Homemakers Network of New Jersey.
Prior to serving in the New Jersey State Legislature, DeCroce served as Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs in the Administration of Governor Chris Christie. While there, she authored the Best Practices for Municipalities, which became a nationally recognized, statewide model for identifying efficiencies in local government to reduce property taxes.
DeCroce began her government service as a Councilwoman in Mine Hill. She went on to serve as Municipal Clerk, Deputy Township Manager and Planning Board Member in Roxbury. She later served 11 years on the Board of Adjustment in Parsippany, and she served on the Board of Trustees for the New Jersey Crime Victims’ Law Center.
DeCroce also served as the first Chairwoman of the Morris County Joint Insurance Fund, an organization of 40 municipalities, where she achieved savings for the membership through shared services and negotiated healthcare.
DeCroce brings business-savvy and a small business perspective to the Legislature as former President and Owner of ERA Gallo & DeCroce Realtors, a real estate firm in Morris County for over forty-six years; and as Vice President of ABL Holdings, a home construction company. She has been declared one of the 50 Best Women in Business by NJBIZ and a NJ Monthly finalist for Leading Women Entrepreneur and Business Owner.
In addition, DeCroce was selected to participate in The Emerging Leaders Program at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business Administration.
DeCroce resides in Parsippany and enjoys spending time with her two sons and four grandchildren.
James Gannon is re-election for his second term as Morris County Sheriff, and BettyLou DeCroce is seeking re-election to the 26th Congressional District. She has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2012, where she has represented the 26th Legislative District after being appointed to fill the seat following the death of her husband, Alex DeCroce.
Jim grew up in Boonton Township in an Irish and Polish Catholic family with two brothers and one sister, who were all raised by his father, mother and grandmother. His passion for law enforcement came from his father, who was a New York City Police Detective. Gannon graduated Boonton High School where he played sports and also was a member of the Boonton Township Fire Service.
Gannon earned his Associate’s degree in Law Enforcement from County College of Morris, and then his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from William Paterson University. After graduation, Gannon started out as a Patrolman in his hometown of Boonton Township, and then Boonton, followed by service as Deputy Chief of Investigations at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the FBI’s elite Joint Terrorism Task Force and Morris County-based Novartis Pharmaceuticals, where he retired as the Global Head of Security Risk.
Along the way, Gannon graduated from the FBI National Academy, earned a Certificate in Supervisory Management from Rutgers and a Masters of Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
During his decorated, 33-year career in law enforcement and security, Gannon served as Commander of the FuncoLand Homicide Task Force and the Walter Contreras Homicide Task Force, formed the Morris County Cold Case Unit, co-authored the “Morris County Counter-Terrorism Task Force Manual,” and has lectured and trained fellow professionals, and conducted investigations, in places like Russia, Ukraine, South Africa, Hungary, Thailand and Uzbekistan, uniquely preparing him for the day-to-day battle to protect Morris County citizens from terror attacks and other crimes.
In addition to his professional career in law enforcement and security, Gannon has given back to the surrounding communities in other ways, including as current President of the 200 Club of Morris County, Adjunct Professor at Centenary College, Life Member of the New Jersey State PBA #327, Co-Founder of the Morris County Chapter of the Emerald Society of the State of New Jersey, and as a Drum Major in the Police Pipes & Drums of Morris County to name just a few.
Gannon was married to his wife, Lisa, for 26 years before losing her in 2010 after a courageous battle against Multiple Sclerosis. Jim and Lisa had one daughter, Kate who, along with her husband Matt, are parents to son Luca and a new addition, daughter. Jim is a lifelong resident of Morris County and lives in Boonton.
Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, Steven Link and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon
PARSIPPANY — The driver, identified as James Duva, 54, told the officer he swerved to avoid hitting a deer. The officer suspected Duva was intoxicated and asked him to step out of his vehicle to perform field sobriety tests, which he failed, according to police.
Around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, September 23, a Sparta Police Officer was patrolling Route 181 in the area of Mara Boulevard when she observed a black Ford that was off the roadway and into a telephone pole. She observed a male attempting to restart the vehicle, according to police reports.
Duva was charged with driving while under the influence, driving while suspended, careless driving, unlicensed driver and a criminal charge of operating a vehicle with a suspended license due to a prior driving while intoxicated charge.
Duva was placed under arrest for drunken driving and transported to police headquarters for processing. His vehicle was removed from the woods and impounded.
After completion of breath testing, Duva was found to have warrants out of Parsippany for $500 and Sparta for $680. He was given new dates for the warrants and for the new charges.
After complaining of shoulder pain, Duva requested transport to Newton Medical Center. He was released to his son at the hospital.
PARSIPPANY — You can now order Central Middle School Swag in time for a holiday gift or a fall hoodie as the cold days approach.
Click here to place your order. Merchandise is available until October 20.
Orders will be delivered to the school approximately four weeks after October 20.
Central Middle School is located at 1620 Route 46, Parsippany.
Central Middle School, located in Parsippany, serves more than 800 students in grades six through eight. It offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as a yearbook, stagecraft, performing arts club, forensics, student council, newspaper and puzzles and games. Its library and media center offers a computer area for electronic informational needs. The school also provides meals that include burgers, sandwiches, buns, rolls, fruits, pizzas and vegetables. Additionally, the school organizes activities, such as trips, band concerts, fairs and chorus. Central Middle School is a part of the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District that provides education to more than 7,200 students in over 15 schools.
