Governor Murphy Signs Resolution Designating “Puerto Rico Day”
Lani Michalski arrested by Hanover Police
PARSIPPANY — Hanover Township Police Officer Ed Sanchez responded to the ShopRite, 171 East Hanover Avenue for a disorderly person report, on August 2.
Upon arrival, loss prevention officers advised Officer Sanchez that Ms. Lani Michalski, 40, Parsippany, was extremely intoxicated and damaged a security officer’s cell phone. While speaking with loss prevention about the incident, Ms. Michalski became belligerent and began using profanity in the vicinity of several customers who were entering and exiting the store.
After several attempts to calm Ms. Michalski down, she refused to provide her information and began threatening the officers on scene with violence. She was arrested and transported to Morristown Memorial for an evaluation due to her level of intoxication.
She was charged with Obstruction, Resisting arrest, Criminal mischief and two counts of Disorderly conduct. She was released pending her court date.
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.
Delta Dental donates school supplies to “Gracious Smiles”
PARSIPPANY — MORRIS COUNTY — Delta Dental of New Jersey (DDNJ) associates with 35 backpacks worth of school supplies collected during their recent Pack a Smile collection drive that will be donated to children enrolled in the Gracious Smiles program at Camden’s KIPP Academy.
Gracious Smiles provides comprehensive dental care to children in preschool programs, youth in after-school programs, elderly in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, veterans and their spouses.
Minecraft Mania for a Good Cause at the Parsippany Library
PARSIPPANY —The Friends of the Parsippany Library is once again teaming up with Powerplay Gaming of Denville for a fun fundraising event for area children.
On Monday, August 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Parsippany Main Library, 449 Halsey Road, incoming second- through fifth-graders will be able to compete in online and Lego build battles as well as enjoy other Minecraft-themed activities such as crosswords, crafts, and more. Light refreshments will be served.
A portion of the $20.00 registration fee will go to the Parsippany Library to fund future programming. Registration is taking place at the Main Library and the registration form is also available for download on the Friends’ website under “Fundraisers” or by clicking here.
To learn more about how you can contribute to the growth of Parsippany’s libraries and community, visit the Friends of the Parsippany Library website by clicking here.
Parsippany Hills High School Welcomes New Principal
PARSIPPANY — Students and staff members at Parsippany Hills High School will be greeted by a new school leader when school opens in September. Dr. Matthew Thompson, who began work in the district in July, will serve as the high school principal, replacing Mr. Michael DiSanto who has taken a position in the district as Director of Health/PE. Dr. Thompson brings valuable experience from Hunterdon Central Regional High School where he served for eight years as Assistant Principal and three years as Instructional Technology Coordinator.
Dr. Thompson earned a B.S. at Lock Haven, University of Pennsylvania where he was a member of the Varsity Wrestling Team. He studied at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and received a M.S. in Education, received a M.A. in Educational Leadership at Centenary College, and completed an Ed.D. program through Nova Southeastern University. He was inducted into the Lock Haven University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.
Dr. Thompson was hired following a rigorous selection process that included a committee interview with teachers, parents, administrators, and Board of Education representation, and an interactive walking tour of Parsippany Hills High School with high school students. Committee members and students commented on Dr. Thompson’s high level of energy, his strong high school leadership experience, his experience with block schedules, and his engaging manner with students.
“I am honored and excited to join the Parsippany-Troy Hills School Community,” said Dr. Thompson. “Everyone here has been so supportive and friendly. I know we’re going to have an outstanding school year.”
Letter to the editor: Legislators did a great job on lake associations
Dear Editor:
The trustees of the Rainbow Lakes Community Club in Parsippany, a voluntary membership club for over 90 years, unilaterally decided in 2017 to require all Rainbow Lake residents to join their club. They sent invoices for dues to all 300 property owners in Rainbow Lakes regardless of whether the owners had chosen to join the club.
For a year they threatened to file liens on the properties of those who did not pay the “mandatory dues”.
In December of 2018 they filed liens on the properties of the owners who did not choose to join their club. They did not file lawsuits and obtain judgments against those owners first as required by law, but instead they told the County Clerk’s office that they had the right to file liens automatically as if they were a condominium association.
Several homeowners dug out their title insurance policies, contacted their title companies, searched their full chains of title and determined that there are no documents recorded anywhere that give any notice to a purchaser in Rainbow about the existence of the club or membership in it.
There is no master deed or declaration of covenants or restrictions in the chains of title.
The trustees of the RLCC say that they have bylaws but those bylaws are not recorded in any public records anywhere.
In 2017 the RLCC trustees told the property owners that they had amended their bylaws to take advantage of the Chapter 106 amendment to PREDFDA. That 2017 amendment to their bylaws is not recorded anywhere.
The RLCC was trying to apply PREDFDA (Planned Real Estate Development Full Disclosure Act) to the residents of Rainbow Lakes. PREDFDA has nothing to do with association fees and dues for lake maintenance. PREDFDA is the law in NJ that controls creation and management of condominium and homeowner associations.
The Chapter 106 amendment to PREDFDA in 2017 was solely intended to provide transparency and access to voting rights for all residents within legally established, validly-created condominium and homeowner associations. It was never intended to create a right to demand membership in clubs that were previously voluntary.
Legislators saw the need and took swift action to correct the obvious misuse and misinterpretation of PREDFDA. Residents in several lake communities were suddenly being bullied.
The legislators stepped in and stopped it. Six different legislative districts played a part in sponsoring these bills. 111 out of 120 legislators voted to approve. It was a pleasure to see that politics played no part in the bills. This was a completely bipartisan action to remedy a series abuse of the law.
S3661/A5043 only releases the obligations and removes the illegal liens for those who were previously non-members. It does not take away any membership status or dues from those people who voluntarily join the club. It is intended to ensure that a voluntary club remains voluntary and that people are not forced to join.
Linda McKenna
Rainbow Lakes
Another Raccoon found with Rabies
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Health Department was notified that a raccoon found on Jean Terrace 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.
Rep. Sherrill Announces 2019 Congressional App Challenge Launch
PARSIPPANY — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) is excited to announce that her office is hosting the 2019 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) for students in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, and the submission portal is now open.
“The technical skills and innovation highlighted by the Congressional App Competition are crucial not only to the competitiveness of our future workforce, but to solving the biggest challenges we face as a nation like election security, climate change, and healthcare access,” said Congresswoman Sherrill. “I can’t wait to be inspired by the creative spirit our New Jersey students bring to the 2019 challenge and to see which issues they choose to tackle with their apps.”
The competition is open to middle school and high school students who live or attend school in NJ-11. Students with all levels of coding experience are encouraged to participate. This is an excellent opportunity to develop the skills and innovative spirit needed to create your own apps. The CAC accepts computer programs (or apps) written in any programming language, for any platform (desktop/PC, web, mobile, raspberry Pi, etc.). The full set of eligibility rules for individual and team entries can be found by clicking here.
Winners will be selected by a panel of judges from New Jersey’s 11th District and honored by Congresswoman Sherrill. Their apps are eligible to be featured on display in the U.S. Capitol building, on house.gov and on the Congressional App Challenge website.
Students are encouraged to register online by September 10, 2019, before submitting their app by the November 1, 2019 deadline. Click here for more information.
Bill designating county correctional officers, wardens as police signed into law
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation that would add the word “police” to the titles of county correctional officers, wardens and deputy wardens.
“This will help eliminate any confusion over their authority and just clarifies the powers that these officers of the law already possess,” said Assemblyman Parker Space (R-Sussex), sponsor of the measure S1739/A3236.
In January last year, similar legislation was enacted that changed the titles of state corrections officers. The laws aim to support officers when they are assigned to duties outside their normal operations by making it clear they have police powers, including the ability to make arrests.
The Civil Service Commission will create the following new titles: county correctional police officer, county correctional police warden and county correctional deputy police warden. Any fees associated with the title changes will be covered by the officer, warden and deputy warden. This may include any cost associated with an updated uniform, badge, or equipment.
Assemblyman Hal Wirths (R-Sussex) is also a co-sponsor of the legislation that passed the Assembly 76-0 on June 20. The Senate version is prime sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho (R-Sussex) and passed 34-0 on June 27.
Fall Harvest Festival at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm
MORRIS COUNTY — On Sunday, September 15, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m., spend the day at one of Morris County’s most popular fall festivals at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township.
Hop aboard the open-air wagon for a scenic ride around the farm, visit the friendly farm animals, lend a hand churning butter and pressing apples into cider, and watch a blacksmith perform his craft.
Enjoy live music, and learn some new old-fashioned dance steps. Food will be available for purchase as well.
Stop by the 1920s Farmhouse, and discover seasonal foods being prepared on the wood-burning cook stove, and watch a sewing demonstration on a treadle sewing machine. At the Visitors Center, experience the interactive display at the Transportation Exhibit. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy!
Admission is $8.00 per adult, $7.00 per senior (65+), $6.00 per child age three through 16, and free for children under three. Friends members are half price with a current membership card.
For more information and directions to Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township, visit morrisparks.net, or call (973) 326-7645.
The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 20,197 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy.
Dogs Gone Wild Swimming Party
DENVILLE — “Dogs Gone Wild” swimming party will be held on Saturday, September 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Cooks Pond Denville Recreation, 19 Entrance Way, Denville.
Off leash swimming and playing for your dogs enjoyment, picnic area and playground for your enjoyment the entire facility is fenced in and safe for your dogs. Fee for the event is $20 all money goes to support the Denville Dog Park and Animal Shelter.
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Veggie Burgers and Drinks will be available for purchase.
Please no dogs in heat. All dogs must enter facility leashed and will be let off leash once inside. All dogs all shapes and sizes are invited.
Off leash swimming and playing event for all well behaved pups. Donation of $20.00 per family limit two pups per family. Food and drinks extra start time 11:00 a.m. finish 4:00 p.m. questions contact ACO Petrillo at (973) 627-4900 ext. 5.
Erica Isakower graduates from Hofstra University
PARSIPPANY — About 1,900 Hofstra University students earned their undergraduate, graduate, or law degrees during commencement ceremonies at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. Watch videos or check out photos from the various ceremonies by clicking here.
Erica Isakower earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance.
Hofstra University is a nationally ranked and recognized private university in Hempstead, N.Y. that is the only school to ever host three consecutive presidential debates (2008, 2012 and 2016). Our campus is a leafy oasis just a quick train ride away from New York City and all its cultural, recreational and professional opportunities.
They offer small classes and personal attention, with the resources, technology and facilities of a large university. Students can choose from more than 160 undergraduate program options and 165 graduate program options in the liberal arts and sciences, education, health professions and human services, the Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs, the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Frank G. Zarb School of Business, the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law, the Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
Hofstra University is a dynamic community of more than 11,000 students from around the world who are dedicated to civic engagement, academic excellence and becoming leaders in their communities and their careers.
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Connor M. Clark graduates from West Liberty University
PARSIPPANY — Connor M. Clark, PA-C, who graduated from Parsippany Hills High School in 2013, recently graduated from West Liberty University in West Virginia with a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies, Class of 2019. More recently, he passed the National exam, the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
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As a result, Connor has achieved National success by achieving NCCPA Certification as well as the PA-C Emeritus Designation.
A physician assistant (PA) is a state licensed healthcare professional who practices medicine with physician collaboration. PAs are able to perform an extensive range of medical services from entry-level primary care to highly technical specialty procedures in nearly every medical and surgical healthcare setting.
West Liberty University is a forward-looking, four-year public university steeped in a rich heritage as West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education. Established as West Liberty Academy in 1837 (26 years before the state was admitted to the Union), it was created to respond to the need for higher educational opportunities west of the Appalachian ridge. The institution is named for the town in which it is located. West Liberty was so named in the late 18th Century as the westernmost point of the new liberty provided through the Declaration of Independence.
For more information click here.
Indian Independence Day Celebration to be held
PARSIPPANY — Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will hold its 2nd Annual Indian Independence Day Celebration, on Saturday, August 17 at 9:00 a.m.
The celebration will be held at Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
India’s Independence Day is celebrated to commemorate its independence from British rule and its birth as a sovereign nation in 1947. The celebration will feature traditional songs, dances, cuisine, and special guests.
Michael Barisone Charged with Two Counts of Attempted Murder
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Chief Jeffrey Almer of the Washington Township Police Department announce that Michael Barisone, 54, of West Mill Road, Washington Township, has been charged with Attempted Murder and weapons offenses in connection with an incident occurring on Wednesday, August 7.
At approximately 2:13 p.m. on August 7, police received a 9-1-1 call requesting service at 411 West Mill Road for a female with gunshot wounds. Washington Township Police responded to the scene and located one female who had sustained what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. The Defendant, Michael Barisone, and a second male victim were also located at the scene. A handgun was recovered.
As a result of the investigation into this incident Barisone was charged with two counts of Attempted Murder, crimes of the first degree, and two counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, crimes of the second degree.
Police arrived to find the woman bleeding on the ground with wounds to her chest, and another man lying on top of Barisone. Barisone had fired at the man as well but had missed, according to the complaint, and the man had subdued him until police arrived.
The woman’s injuries were described as serious and life-threatening.
Barisone was an alternate for the 2008 U.S. Olympic dressage team and coached the 2012 U.S. Olympic eventing team.
Members of the Washington Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit contributed to the investigation.
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200, or the Washington Township Police Department at (908) 876-3232.
Rain is looking for her fur-ever home
PARSIPPANY — Meet Rain a seven-month-old Plott Hound mix puppy! Rain was unfortunately surrendered to the rescue because of landlord issues. Don’t feel bad though, now she has the opportunity to find her real furever home!
Rain is actually on the smaller size coming in at just twenty pounds. She is super sweet and loves the company of other dogs. Rain is very smart and is picking up basic commands and potty training quickly. She is also doing well with crate training! She will need a family dedicated to continuing her training as she is so young. Rain also will require exercise and lots of kisses!
Rain’s ideal home would be one with a yard to play in and a family to love on with no young children. She can live with children 13+ and other dogs though!
If you’re looking for a young, happy girl to be your new dog-child, apply to adopt Rain today!
If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
New Jersey becomes sixth state to ban pet leasing
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation making New Jersey the sixth state in the nation to ban pet leasing. As pet stores and breeders scramble to sell expensive puppies while they are young and most attractive to buyers, some resort to leasing contracts to place animals.
The measure (A4552), sponsored by Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney, bans cat and dog leasing except in cases where they are purebred and being used for breeding purposes or if the animals are specially trained to perform tasks like police K-9s and guide dogs.
“You’re not buying a dog, you are renting it,” said Rooney (R-Bergen). “The lease can double or triple the cost, and with some dogs going as high as $5,000, it can add up fast. Families can suffer a serious financial hit, and if they miss a payment, the family pet can be repossessed. This law also protects our pets as they often become part of our families.”
When the lease is up, typically in three years, there can still be a final payment that must be made before ownership of the pet is transferred, explained Rooney.
“Families looking to bring a pet into the home can easily fall in love with a dog or cat they can’t afford,” Rooney noted. “Buyers end up signing a lease without understanding the fine print or knowing the total cost.”
The law, which takes effect immediately, establishes a penalty up to $10,000 for leasing a dog or cat, and up to $30,000 for additional violations.
Other states that have bans include California, Nevada, New York, Indiana and Washington.
There is Still Time to Enroll for Fall 2019 at County College of Morris
MORRIS COUNTY — There is still time to enroll for the Fall 2019 Semester at County College of Morris (CCM). Students who apply now can either register for classes online or take advantage of several in-person registration sessions. Classes begin Wednesday, September 4, and students can register up to the first day that a particular class starts.
In-Person Registration sessions are scheduled for the following days and times:
- Saturday, August 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, August 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Thursday, August 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
All sessions take place in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center, Room 121, 214, Center Grove Road, Randolph.
An appointment is not needed but new students should apply to the college first before attending one of the sessions.
New Student Advisement and Registration (NSAR) sessions also are being offered on Mondays, August 12 and 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Wednesdays, August 14 and 21. These sessions are by appointment only. An invitation to reserve a seat was sent from nsar@ccm.edu to new students to their home email.
Students may still apply for Financial Aid, but should be aware that it could take up to 21 business days to obtain FAFSA application results, as additional documentation may be required for award determination. That means students may have to pay their bill first until they are reimbursed by the Bursar office based on their financial aid award. To register for financial aid click here.
At CCM, students are able to select from more than 45 associate degrees and a wide range of certificate programs taught by a faculty specifically focused on teaching.
To get started, review the degree and certificate programs at CCM click here. To apply to the college click here or visit the Admissions office in the Student Community Center. For more information click here.
Art Exhibit and Silent Auction at Liquid Church
PARSIPPANY — Art Exhibit and Silent Auction will be held on Tuesday, August 13 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Liquid Church, 499 Webro Road.
This event is to raise funds for thirteen-year old, Riya Dadheech’s project “Girl’s Dignity & Empowerment.”
The project aims to build 500 toilets for schools girls in India and try to help protect their dignity as well as empower them. The event will have more than 50 paintings of Riya’s displayed at the auction.
Riya has been working for 8-10 hours for past several weeks that too during her summer vacation in order to prepare for this Art Exhibit.
Purple Paint is a mission to help children around the world. Riya’s passionate about making a difference in the community. She is using her artistic skills to create beautiful paintings. The purpose behind creating these paintings is to raise funds by selling them to patrons that will visit the Art Exhibit and Silent Auction. She also contacted various charities and raise funds by selling the paintings. All of the proceeds are donated to the charity. From there they go to people in need. She has learned that each drop, each painting, and each stroke counts. She is hopeful that everyone will support her project by purchasing the paintings. Through Purple Paint she has been able to accomplish this little by little. Please visit the “Past Projects” by clicking here to learn more.
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Kwik Mortgage celebrates 1st Anniversary in Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso and Executive Board Member Frank Cahill along with Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano recently celebrated the one year anniversary of Kwik Mortgage in Parsippany.
In addition, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Committee presented Mr. Payal Parikh with a certificate of appreciation for choosing Parsippany as well as congratulating Kwik Mortgage on its one year anniversary in Parsippany.
Kwik Mortgage is located at 959 Route 46 East, Suite 401.
Kwik Mortgage was founded by Mr. Rantideo Parikh over twenty years ago with one mission: “Help people achieve the ultimate American dream of home ownership.”
Over the years they’ve done just that. Unlike other lenders, they perfected how to leverage the power of technology with the right amount of human touch to deliver a borrower experience like no other. Kwik Mortgage has grown the business on the backbone of our reputation and doing right by our clients.
The result: this past month was our biggest in our 20 year history and we plan to continue on our growth trajectory.”
For more information on Kwik Mortgage, click here.
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