PARSIPPANY — An early morning accident closes Parsippany Road at East Halsey Road on Tuesday, October 9.
Update: As of 9:30 a.m. the road has reopened.
Parsippany Focus will update this article as details become available.
Early Morning Accident closes Parsippany Road at East Halsey Road
Shake Shack finally opens its doors!
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano welcomed the employees and customers of Shake Shack on Monday, October 7, and then cut the ribbon in celebration of their grand opening.
According to the manager, Michael Heisler, this location hired 57 people, with half of those full-time positions. Shake Shack opened at 70 Waterview Boulevard, in the Waterview Marketplace.
Shake Shack is an American fast casual restaurant chain based in New York City. It started out as a hot dog cart inside Madison Square Park in 2001, and its popularity steadily grew. In 2004, it moved to a stand within the park, expanding its menu from New York–style hotdogs to one with hamburgers, hotdogs, fries and its namesake milkshakes.
Since its founding, it has been one of the fastest-growing food chains, eventually becoming a public company filing for an initial public offering of stock in late 2014. The offering priced on January 29, 2015; the initial price of its shares was at $21, immediately rising by 123% to $47 on their first day of trading.
Shake Shack Inc. owns and operates more than 250 locations both domestically and internationally, typically located in stand-alone restaurants and shopping malls.
The new location in Waterview Marketplace features a 3,620 square-foot restaurant an outdoor patio with ample seating for guests.
Stores already open in the new Waterview Marketplace include DSW, HomeSense, The Paper Store, Ultra Beauty and Shake Shack. Orangetheory, MedFirst Primary and Urgent Care, B. Good will be opening soon, along with Whole Foods. Whole Foods is set to open on November 6 and will occupy 47,558 square feet.
Trinity Rehab to Host Open House and Ribbon Cutting
PARSIPPANY — Trinity Rehab, an all-inclusive physical therapy and rehabilitation center providing comprehensive treatment for patients of all ages, walks of life and fitness levels, will host a complimentary open house and wellness event on Tuesday, October 8 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at its newly opened facility at 131 New Road, just off Route 46 and easily accessible from Route 280.
The free event is open to the public and will feature an official ribbon-cutting with Mayor Michael A. Soriano and other guests. It will also act as a start to the company’s grand opening “Welcome to Parsippany” community drive, in which Trinity Rehab will provide free screenings throughout October.
Led by Trinity Rehab Northern Regional Director, Keith Scott, MPT, OCS, the on-site team will provide valuable prevention tips and rehabilitation treatment options, including one of the greatest safety risks when winter weather looms ~ slips, trips and falls. Attendees of the open house will have an opportunity to tour the facility, meet the center staff, test the state-of-the-art AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill® and schedule a one-on-one wellness consultation. Guests will enjoy light refreshments and be entered into a raffle for items offered by other local businesses.
Trinity Rehab not only treats injuries but strongly believes in prevention through education. It is inherent in the Trinity Rehab Three T – Technology, Teamwork and Tailor-Fit – Approach taken with all patients but equally for the community as a whole. Programs are designed to discuss the broad nature of physical therapy in a way that addresses that every ‘body’ is unique and each person has a different cause for their symptoms even if the diagnosis is the same. “I have always been committed to providing the highest level of care by custom-designing patient programs that meet one’s specific needs and goals,” says Scott, MPT, OCS. He goes on to say, “This open house is a great way to introduce area residents to the Trinity Rehab culture and our pledge of excellence as well as become integral members of the community working together to make a difference.”
Founded in 2001, Trinity Rehab is an all-inclusive physical therapy and rehabilitation center that treats patients of all ages, walks of life and fitness levels for back and neck pain, orthopedic injuries, post-operative rehab, sports related injuries, auto or work accidents, hand therapy and other common or rare conditions. State-of-the-art technology, including the highly effective, non-invasive EPAT® treatment, video monitoring and AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill®, is complemented by its teamwork approach and tailor fit treatment plans unique to each patient’s needs. Trinity Rehab is located at 131 New Road in Parsippany, New Jersey with flexible appointment scheduling Monday through Friday. Trinity Rehab has a growing list of convenient locations throughout New Jersey and participates with Medicare and most commercial insurances. For more information click here or call (800) 518-0977.
The passing of the Lt. Governor Kiwanis Banner
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany received the Lt. Governor Banner from the Kiwanis Club of Randolph on Thursday, October 3.
Past Lt. Governor District 9 Mary Ann Simonenko “passed the banner” to the new Lt. Governor District 9 Carol Tiesi. Carol is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. Kiwanis Club new year starts on October 1.
Joining in the banner transfer was New Jersey District Kiwanis International Treasurer Howard Gordon, Randolph Kiwanis Club President Jon Huston, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank and New Jersey District Kiwanis International Gordon Meth.
The Lieutenant Governor is the leader of the division. The lieutenant governor serves as a leader in the district as well, by expanding Kiwanis’ reach through the opening of new Kiwanis clubs and helping clubs improve the value of the club experience.
New Jersey District 9 includes Kiwanis Clubs in Boonton, The Chathams, Denville, Dover, Greater Parsippany, Montville Township, Morristown, Randolph and Somerset Hills.
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.
Parsippany Focus Magazine is released
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano was caught reading the first edition of Parsippany Focus Magazine in his office last week.
Parsippany Focus Magazine was released on October 1, 2019 celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Parsippany Focus.
Copies of the magazine were mailed to 7,000 selected homes within the Township. There are copies also available at Parsippany Community Center, Parsippany Police Station, Parsippany PAL, Lake Hiawatha Library, IHOP, Applebee’s, Staples, Parsippany-Troy Hills Main Public Library, Parsippany Post Office and other locations throughout Parsippany. In addition to the printed version, there is a digital version available by clicking here, or clicking on the image below.
We are always looking for news! Engagements, Weddings, Birth Announcement, Anniversaries, Celebrations. Just submit your celebrations to news@parsippanyfocus.com. Remember to include a photo (720 x 480 pixels, high resolution works the best).
If you are interested in advertising in the next issue of Parsippany Focus Magazine, contact Frank Cahill at (862) 295-1300. The deadline for our November issue is October 18. The issue will be in the homes the last week of October.
IBEW steps up for Vets in a very big way
PARSIPPANY — Several months ago, a chance encounter between Project Help’s Executive Director Sandy Mitchell and IBEW Local 102 Treasurer Dave Fiore led to the decision for the union to support the veterans’ charity through their annual IBEW Bike Run and Car Show.
The event, held on the hottest day of the year, took off with a roar of Harley Davidson bikes, ending at IBEW’s Parsippany headquarters. Not unexpectedly, the heat led to fewer participants than years past, but that didn’t dampen the high spirits of the riders. With fantastic food, awesome tricky tray and silent auction raffles, and rock and roll music playing to keep the crowd moving, the IBEW crew worked through the heat to ensure that everyone had a great time.
At the end of the day, the unofficial tally of funds raised was quietly mentioned to be $30,000.
“I almost fainted when I heard that number,” said Sandy Mitchell, Project Help founder and Executive Director, “but I decided not to believe my ears and waited for the official count from Dave.”
Word recently came down to Mitchell that after some last-minute donations, the total amount raised for Project Help was $33,750, which she called a wonderful surprise. Fiore invited Mitchell to come and receive a check, and they were able to take photos and celebrate.
“I was so moved by this, it nearly brought me to tears, but I managed to hold it together,” said Mitchell, “I proceeded to thank them from the bottom of my heart and filled in some of the background information about how Project Help came to be and what our mission is in the support of our vets.”
This money will allow Project Help to assist more vets than ever before. As a grassroots, all-volunteer charity, every dollar is stretched to aid New Jersey veterans and their families. Mitchell said this donation will go a long way towards their mission, but that they can’t take it for granted.
“We have to continue to work,” she said, “We have to squeeze every dollar we get; we can’t sit back and take it easy.”
For more information about Project Help or to get involved, click here or call Sandy Mitchell at (973) 875-2068. Volunteers are welcome to register by phone or on the website. Project Help is 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving the lives of veterans and their families by providing financial support and assistance with finding long-term, stable jobs and housing.
Shake Shack to open on Monday
PARSIPPANY — Shake Shack will officially open in the Waterview Marketplace on Monday, October 7 with a ribbon cutting ceremony set for 10:45 a.m.
Shake Shack is an American fast casual restaurant chain based in New York City. It started out as a hot dog cart inside Madison Square Park in 2001, and its popularity steadily grew. In 2004, it moved to a stand within the park, expanding its menu from New York–style hotdogs to one with hamburgers, hotdogs, fries and its namesake milkshakes.
Since its founding, it has been one of the fastest-growing food chains, eventually becoming a public company filing for an initial public offering of stock in late 2014. The offering priced on January 29, 2015; the initial price of its shares was at $21, immediately rising by 123% to $47 on their first day of trading.
Shake Shack Inc. owns and operates more than 250 locations both domestically and internationally, typically located in stand-alone restaurants and shopping malls.
The new location in Waterview Marketplace will feature a 3,620 square-foot restaurant an outdoor patio with ample seating for guests.
Stores already open in the new Waterview Marketplace include DSW, HomeSense, The Paper Store, Ultra Beauty and Shake Shack. Orangetheory, MedFirst Primary and Urgent Care, B. Good will be opening soon, along with Whole Foods. Whole Foods is set to open on November 6 and will occupy 47,558 square feet.
Jets Tackle Bullying program will honor Central Middle School
PARSIPPANY — In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month, the New York Jets and STOMP Out Bullying, through the Jets Tackle Bullying program presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union will honor Central Middle School, on Tuesday, October 15.
Jets Center Jonotthan Harrison along with STOMP Out Bullying will recognize Central Middle School for their commitment to preventing bullying with a fun and informative presentation.
In August, the Jets along with STOMP Out Bullying and Bethpage Federal Credit Union, hosted the 4th annual Jets Tackle Bullying Educators Symposium at MetLife Stadium. More than 200 educators and coaches from the tri-state area attended the event which featured content on digital wellbeing and anti-hazing.
Attendees then had the opportunity to implement the Jets Upstander of the Week program at their school during the season which highlights an upstander on Twitter each week. Schools that implement the program receive 34 tickets to award to students along with a Jets Upstander of the Week t-shirt.
Central Middle School has been selected for their first three Jets Upstander of the Week posts of the season. Any school who posts an Upstander of the Week for the entire season will be eligible for several additional school recognitions in the spring.
Through the organization’s collaboration with STOMP Out Bullying, the Jets and Bethpage Federal Credit Union have made available a Jets branded STOMP Out Bullying Educator’s Prevention Toolkit at no cost to schools in the tri-state area, conducted their annual Jets Tackle Bullying Symposium, created awareness through a robust PSA campaign and annually host an anti-bullying awareness day at MetLife Stadium on game day. With the assistance of Bethpage Federal Credit Union, the Jets will expand the program throughout Long Island this school year.
To join the Jets Tackle Bullying Program please register for a toolkit click here.
Building a Community of Upstanders to Stop Bullying
PARSIPPANY — Bullying continues to take place, causing lasting scars for some children and teens. During National Bullying Prevention Month, NewBridge Services joins in the call for communities to take steps to stop all forms of bullying.
“No matter where you look, you’ll find incidents of bullying,” said Mary Vineis, director of Community Response and Education at NewBridge Services. “It is imperative to create a school culture that embraces people’s differences, addresses underlying issues that lead to bullying, and creates an expectation that the behavior won’t be accepted.”
NJ School Statistics on Bullying
Bullying in New Jersey’s public schools increased to more than 7,500 incidents during the 2017-2018 school year, and more than half of them took place in middle schools. That’s according to the most recent Student Safety and Discipline in New Jersey Public Schools report and an analysis by the Education Law Center. The ELC analysis found a 17 percent increase in Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying (HIB) incidents between the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years. Surveys have found that one in five students is bullied.
Bullying takes various forms, from physical abuse to verbal attacks and rumor-spreading, but always, the intention is to inflict harm. Children’s expanding access to cell phones, social media websites and software applications has contributed to cyberbullying. (Still, most bullying incidents occur on school grounds, the state report said.)
Bullying doesn’t only harm the victim, but also the perpetrator. Studies also show that children who bully are more likely to have problems holding down a job, struggle in relationships, become dependent on alcohol or drugs, and get in trouble with the law, Vineis said.
Learning to Resolve Conflicts
Of the 18,741 HIB investigations conducted in schools in the 2017-2018 school year, about 40 percent were deemed to be bullying incidents, the state report showed. “Often, what appears to be bullying is actually kids trying to solve conflicts without having the skills to do it,’’ Vineis said. “Adults need to teach kids tools to effectively resolve conflict.”
NewBridge offers in-school trainings that teach children ways to handle bullying and deal with conflict, and educators ways to create a safe environment. Students learn coping skills and approaches to building self-image so they are less susceptible to other people’s opinions. Children learn to react non-emotionally to hurtful words and to take power away from a student who is bullying by not engaging him. NewBridge also offers programs for parents, to let them know what the latest threats are and how best to cope with them.
What Students, Schools and Parents Can Do
Classmates can help defuse bullying by simply speaking up. A 2012 study found that when bystanders intervene, bullying stops within 10 seconds in more than half of incidents. “When bystanders say or do nothing, the kid who is doing the bullying may interpret that as them endorsing the behavior,” Vineis said.
One of the most important approaches for schools is to implement rules that delineate acts of bullying and the consequences of those acts.
At home, parents can seize on teachable moments, she said. If their child talks unkindly about another child, “call him on it. Ask him how he would feel if someone were saying something like that about him,’’ Vineis said. Doing so “provides an opportunity for him to have empathy.’’
Warning Signs
Here are warning signs from StopBullying.gov that indicate a child is being bullied, and others that a child may be doing the bullying:
Being bullied:
Unexplainable injuries
Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry
Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness
Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating
Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school
Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations
Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem
Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide
Bullying:
Gets into physical or verbal fights
Has friends who bully others
Shows increasingly aggressiveness
Gets sent to the principal’s office or to detention frequently
Has unexplained extra money or new belongings
Blames others for their problems
Doesn’t accept responsibility for their actions
Worries about their reputation or popularity
Here’s how children can help themselves
Treat everyone with respect. Stop yourself from saying or doing something that could hurt someone. And if you think you’ve ever bullied someone, say you’re sorry.
If you’re being bullied, look at the person who’s doing it and tell him or her to stop in a calm, clear voice. If you can’t, walk away. Talk to a trusted adult, who can help you make a plan to stop the bullying. Staying near adults and other kids can help you avoid bullying situations.
Stay safe online. Think about what you post, knowing someone could forward it. Don’t share anything that could hurt or embarrass someone. Don’t share passwords with friends or other classmates (but do share with your parents!) Check your security settings to ensure only the people you want to see your posts see them. If you get a message or see a post that alarms you, talk to a trusted adult.
Stand up for other kids. If you see bullying, let an adult know. Reach out to the person who was bullied so they know they are not alone.
For more information about in-school program provided by NewBridge, contact Vineis at (973) 686-2228 or click here.
Transportation Workers Endorse Cara Parmigiani for Morris Freeholder
MORRIS COUNTY — Cara Parmigiani, the Democratic challenger for Morris County Freeholder, has earned the endorsement of the Transportation Workers Union of America, Local 100, which represents public transportation employees in the New York City metropolitan area.
“Public transportation is a critical cog in Morris County’s economic machine that allows our residents to commute to their jobs and support their families. We need to improve and expand our public transportation options to improve the quality of life of our commuting residents and staunch the exodus of younger generations out of Morris County because they cannot commute easily to their jobs,” Parmigiani said.
“Additionally, public transportation provides good jobs, and I am proud to have the support of the TWU, which ensures the integrity of these professions,” Parmigiani said. “The TWU makes sure our public transportation workers are properly trained, are protected in their workplace and receive fair compensation and retirement security. We must always be diligent in recognizing the role organized labor plays in sustaining our middle class and protect their rights to collective bargaining,” Parmigiani said.
The Transportation Workers Union of America represents employees working in bus and subway lines, as well as several airlines, nationwide. TWU Local 100 represents 41,000 public transportation employees in the New York City metropolitan area who operate and maintain subway trains and tracks, staff token booths, clean platforms and cars and repair mechanical equipment, such as elevators and escalators; drive and maintain public buses; and perform similar work with many private commuter transportation firms and school bus companies. Local 100 also represents 26,000 retired transportation workers.
Cara has appeared as an attorney in fifteen New Jersey counties in most divisions of the Superior Court. She has also appeared before various planning boards, zoning boards and municipal courts. Cara provided guidance for a Municipal Master Plan re-evaluation and served on her local Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. Cara represents patients in psychiatric facilities across the state. Cara is a graduate of Rutgers University and Seton Hall Law School. She lives with her wife and daughter in Morris Plains.
For more information click here.
Sherrill Convenes Army Corps of Engineers, NJDEP, and Local Mayors to Discuss Flood Mitigation
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.
“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.
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.
Gourmet Cafe Supports “Par High is Noah Strong”
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.
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.
Mt. Tabor Ghost Walk
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.
For tickets click here.
Morris County Man Sentenced to Prison for Sexually Assaulting a Child
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.
Deonarini Jairam Charged with Sexual Assault
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.
Kiwanis Club welcomes new member, BettyLou DeCroce
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.
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.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Agenda Meeting – October 1, 2019
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Agenda Meeting – October 1, 2019 – Part 2
Woman on Identity Theft, Theft and Credit Card Related Charges
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:
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- 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.
Whole Foods Market in Parsippany to open November 6
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.
For more information click here.
Another Raccoon Tested Positive for Rabies
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.