PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Karen DeChristopher installed new member Craig Eagleson. He was sponsored by Club Member Laura Wohland.
Sponsoring member Laura Wohland “pinning” Craig
Karen DeChristopher said “We welcome Craig to this global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”
“Kiwanis is something so good that each of us loves to share it. What better way to show our love for our club and our community than to welcome a new members into our club? Today we’re very pleased to welcome Craig to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany,” said President Karen DeChristopher.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany supports ten K-Kids clubs, Lake Parsippany Elementary School, Eastlake Elementary School, Lake Intervale School, Mt. Tabor Elementary School, Littleton Elementary School, Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, Troy Hills Elementary School, Northvail Elementary School, Knollwood School and Rockaway Meadow Elementary School, two builders clubs, Central Middle School and Brooklawn Middle School; two Key Clubs, Parsippany Hills High School and Parsippany High School and one Aktion Club. In addition, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany supports a Circle K Club at Seton Hall University.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany raises funds and donates to the Parsippany Food Pantry, Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, Parsippany PAL Youth Center, Parsippany High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Hills High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Child Day Center, Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey, Camp Nejeda, NJ Sharing Network, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Parsippany, Parsippany Project Graduation, Jersey Battered Women’s Services, Family Promise of Morris County, Parsippany Little League West, Parsippany Little League East to name a few.
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 — Visit Gourmet Café on Monday, July 29 to enjoy a delicious meal while supporting The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills. A percentage of the day’s proceeds will be donated to our club as part pf the restaurant’s Make a Difference charitable program. No flyer is needed.
The restaurant is located at 136 Baldwin Road in Parsippany. The restaurant hours are:
Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Dinner 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Gifts cards and take out count orders count also! The restaurant is BYOB. To make a reservation call (973) 316-0088.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. For club information call Marilyn Z. at (973) 539-3703, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Jefferson Township Police Chief Sean Conrad state that John Formisano a City of Newark Police Officer, 49, Jefferson Township, has been charged with first degree Murder, first degree Attempted Murder, and other related crimes, in connection with a shooting that occurred on Mirror Place in Jefferson Township.
On Sunday, July 14, 2019, at approximately 11:21 p.m., members of the Jefferson Township Police Department were dispatched to 1 Mirror Place for 911 calls of shots fired. Upon arrival, first responding officers located a deceased woman’s body laying on the front porch steps of Five Mirror Place. The deceased woman was subsequently identified as Christine Formisano, 37, of Jefferson Township. A second victim, male, age 40, was located with multiple gunshot wounds inside the residence of 1 Mirror Place.
At approximately 2:00 a.m., the Defendant, who was identified as the deceased victim’s estranged husband, was located in a parking lot in Livingston. The Defendant was taken into the custody of law enforcement in Livingston. The firearm believed to be used by the Defendant to inflict the injuries was collected from the Defendant’s motor vehicle, also located in Livingston.
Investigators determined that the Defendant had driven to the Mirror Place home shortly before the first 911 call was received.
As a result of the investigation into this incident, the Defendant was charged with Murder, a crime of the first degree; Attempted Murder, a crime of the first degree; two counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, crimes of the second degree; and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, crimes of the second degree
EDITOR’S NOTE: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — The County of Morris has advised the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills that the road work on Intervale Road is anticipated to be completed in 7-10 days.
Any inquiries can be directed to the Morris County Engineer at (973) 285-6750.
PARSIPPANY — Prism Capital Partners has secured a new mortgage loan for 399 Jefferson Road. The initiative marks yet another chapter in the property’s success story; Prism in 2003 initially acquired the Class A asset as its first investment.
“The time was right to refinance, and we saw aggressive interest from the financial markets for this high-quality property,” said Prism’s Eugene Diaz, principal partner.
399 Jefferson serves as the headquarters of EBI, LLC, a subsidiary of medical device and implant manufacturer Biomet Spine & Bone Healing Technologies, which occupies 102,000 square feet.
Long-term tenant Pinnacle Foods was recently acquired by Conagra Brands and has relocated out of state. The building now offers the opportunity for a highly improved, state-of-the-art tech office space of approximately 104,000 square feet.
From the outset, Prism recognized the inherent value of this well-located, single-story granite and glass office building. When its single tenant announced plans to leave the property at the end of its lease, Prism sold the property, achieving a significant profit. That user never took occupancy, and in 2010, Prism re-acquired it as a vacant asset – at a highly opportunistic price. After adding tremendous value at 399 Jefferson through the lease-up and expansion, Prism in 2014 orchestrated a recapitalization, bringing in an investment partner and remaining operating partner for this flagship property.
Headquartered in Bloomfield, Prism is an experienced real estate owner, operator and developer with a proven track record of creating value through select real estate investments and developments. Geographically focused in the New Jersey/New York/Connecticut market, Prism specializes in identifying, acquiring and creating distinctive, value-added opportunities in the office, retail, industrial and residential sectors. The company invests with institutional and private capital sources that rely on Prism’s ability to identify and realize the highest value potential in real estate endeavors of all sizes.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano and Deputy Police Chief Richard Pantina held a promotion ceremony for Officer Peter Kolln to the rank of Sergeant at Town Hall Council Chambers on Thursday, July 18.
Deputy Police Chief Richard Pantina with Sergeant Peter Kolln
Sergeant Kolln holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Warren County Community College and graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy in Sea Girt, New Jersey. He also served in the United States Navy. He was a New Jersey State Park Police Officer for seven years and has been a Parsippany Police Officer for 13 years.
Sergeant Kolln is a department Alcotest Operator, the Coordinator for Bear Response and is also a member of our Tactical Rifle Unit. Sergeant Kolln will assume his duties in the Patrol Division this upcoming weekend.
MORRIS COUNTY — Employment levels in the Garden State increased in June while the state’s unemployment rate fell to an historic monthly low, according to estimates produced by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s unemployment rate fell by 0.3 percentage points to 3.5 percent — the lowest monthly rate since state-level records began in 1976 — and below the national unemployment rate of 3.7 percent.
Total nonfarm wage and salary employment in the state increased by 10,200 in June to reach a seasonally adjusted level of 4,204,600. Gains were realized in both the private (+9,600) and public (+600) sectors of the state’s economy.
Looking at the longer term, from June 2018 – June 2019, employment in New Jersey was higher by 47,600 jobs, with gains recorded in both the private (+45,400) and public (+2,200) sectors of the New Jersey economy. Since February 2010 (the low point of the last recession), New Jersey’s private sector employers have added 410,900 jobs.
Based on more complete reporting from employers, the previously released total nonfarm employment estimate for May was revised higher by 600 to show an over-the-month (April – May) decrease of 7,000 jobs. Preliminary estimates indicated an over-the-month decrease of 7,600 jobs. The state’s revised May unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.8 percent.
In June, employment increases were recorded in eight out of nine major private industry sectors. Industry sectors that added jobs were professional and business services (+3,000), trade, transportation, and utilities (+2,600), manufacturing (+1,000), information (+800), education and health services (+800), construction (+700), leisure and hospitality (+600), and other services (+100). The financial services industry sector was unchanged over the month. Over the month, public sector employment was higher by 600 jobs.
Preliminary BLS data for July 2019 will be released on August 15, 2019.
PARSIPPANY — The Township Council of Parsippany-Troy Hills passed ordinance No. 2019:33 unanimously to ban single use plastic bags on Tuesday, July 16. No retail establishment within the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills shall provide any single-use plastic carryout bags.
Mayor Michael Soriano signed the ordinance into law on Wednesday, July 17 with Parsippany Environmental Committee Vice Chair Judy Hernandez watching. The ordinance will be effective in six months.
“This morning, I was proud to sign Parsippany’s retail plastic bag ban into law.This is an important step in protecting our environment and keeping Parsippany a beautiful and healthy place to live.It is my hope that local ordinances like ours and dozens more across New Jersey will lead to state and federal action on plastics. I particularly want to thank Judy Hernandez, Vice Chair of the Parsippany Environmental Committee and candidate for Township Council, for helping to make this a reality,” stated Mayor Michael Soriano.
“Since the introduction of the ordinance for a ban on single-use plastic bags, we have discussed the insidiousness of degraded plastics in our water and environment which pose public health and environmental risks. The ban is a step in helping to mitigate the plastic pollution problem. Ideally it will help to create awareness of how our actions impact the environment. Parsippany will be in good company. Many municipalities in NJ, cities, states and many nations have taken this step. I thank Councilwoman McCarthy, the members of the Parsippany Environmental Advisory Committee and ANJEC for spearheading the effort to develop and introduce the ordinance. This began a year ago with educational discussions and a documentary at the Parsippany Library. Education will be important as we transition to adopting the ordinance,” said Judy Hernandez,Parsippany Environmental Committee Vice Chair.
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., said “I have been in favor of this from the beginning and I am very happy that we were able to pass this ordinance in a timely manner. This is a very important issue in helping to save our environment.”
“I am so proud of the hard work done by this council, led by the visionary ambition of Councilmember Janice McCarthy. As the steps of implementation are crafted, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will stand as a model for leadership on a subject requiring global accountability. I’m looking forward to watching this ordinance resolve into a new way of life, and to the building critical mass of action we are helping to grow in the state of New Jersey,” said Councilwoman Emily Peterson.
Council Vice President Janice McCarthy
Council Vice President Janice McCarthy, who spearheaded the ordinance with the Parsippany-Troy Hills Environmental Committee said “I am thankful for great support this effort received from the Environmental Advisory Committee, ANJEC, SEWA International, their volunteers and hundreds of residents that recognize the importance of this issue and understand that the ever increasing use of plastic is out of control as well as how it impacts our environment and health. As I have said in the past, this is a great first step in protecting the environment. I’m proud that Parsippany is the first town in Morris County to implement the ban. Hopefully this will encourage other surrounding municipalities to take action.”
“I’m proud that PARSIPPANY recognized the need to care for our environment.Congratulations to Councilwoman Janice McCarthy for introducing this legislation, the committee that helpedher and the council for approving it. Well done,” said former Mayor Mimi Letts.
Once the ban becomes in effect, all retail establishments must provide at the point of sale, free of charge, compliant bags, to any customer who participates in, or is a beneficiary of, any United States government (Federal) welfare program, or any local or Morris County welfare assistance program, or any New Jersey State welfare program, including but not limited to the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the New Jersey State Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI). Such customers must provide documentation proving that they participate in, or are beneficiaries of such programs.
Mayor Michael Soriano gives the pen he used to sign the plastic bag ban ordinance to Parsippany-Troy Hills Environmental Committee Vice Chair Judy Hernandez
The ordinance reads:
TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY ORDINANCE NO. 2019:33 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS, MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY CREATING CHAPTER 181, SINGLE USE BAGS AT RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS OF THE CODE OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS
WHEREAS, the Township finds that 1 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide and less than 5% of that plastic is recycled; and
WHEREAS, the Township finds that the United States alone uses over 380 billion plastic bags and wraps yearly, and that over 4 billion single use bags are used by New Jersey residents annually; and
WHEREAS, the Township finds that up to 80% of ocean plastic pollution enters from land, injuring or killing 267 species and 100,000 marine animals worldwide annually; and WHEREAS, the Township finds that numerous studies by government and environmental groups have found that use of single-use plastic carryout bags poses serious public health and environmental risks, causing damage to and contamination of public waterways and ecosystems that pollute drinking water, threaten wildlife, block storm drains and negatively impact the ecosystem and food chain as a whole; and
WHEREAS, the Township finds that single-use plastic waste degrades Parsippany-Troy Hills neighborhoods and constitutes litter in parks and sewer systems and the Passaic, Whippany and Rockaway Rivers and their tributaries; and
WHEREAS, the Township finds that single-use plastic bags are now regulated in sixty countries, four major cities in the United States, as well as hundreds of towns throughout the United States and twenty-five in New Jersey as of this date; and
WHEREAS, the Township finds that it is time for the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills to make a stand and do its part to protect our oceans and other waterways and natural resources from the problems associated with non-degradable plastic bag pollution; and
WHEREAS, the Township finds that it is in the best interest of the Township to regulate the use of single-use plastic bags and paper bags by retail establishments and promote the use of reusable bags within the Township;
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, NEW JERSEY AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 181, SINGLE USE BAGS AT RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS, is hereby created and added in its entirety to the Code of Parsippany-Troy Hills as follows: § 181-1. Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
COMPLIANT BAGS Recyclable paper carry-out bags and reusable bags as follows:
A. A recyclable paper carry-out bag is a paper bag that meets all of the following minimum requirements:
It is one hundred percent (100%) recyclable overall and contains a minimum of forty percent (40%) post-consumer recycled material and can be composted.
It displays the words “recyclable” and/or “reusable” in a visible manner on the outside of the bag.
B. A reusable bag means a bag with handles made of cloth or other washable fabric or is otherwise durable that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple use and meets the following additional requirements:
It is machine washable or is made from a material that can be cleaned or disinfected; or
It is a durable bag that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple use.
CUSTOMER Any person purchasing goods or services from a retail establishment.
OPERATOR Any person in control of, or having the responsibility for, the operation of a retail establishment, which may include, but is not limited to, the owner of the retail establishment.
POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED MATERIAL A bag constructed of a material that would otherwise be destined for solid waste disposal, having completed its intended end use and product life cycle. “Post-consumer recycled material” does not include materials and by-products generated from, and commonly reused within, an original manufacturing and fabrication process.
PRODUCE BAG OR PRODUCT BAG A very thin bag without handles used exclusively to carry produce, meats, or other food items to the point of sale inside a retail establishment or, for reasons of public health and safety, to prevent such food items from coming into direct contact with other purchased items.
RECYCLABLE Material that can be sorted, cleansed and reconstituted using available recycling collection programs for the purpose of reusing the altered, incinerated, converted or otherwise thermally destroyed solid waste generated therefrom. The material must be recycled in a manner that is environmentally effective, economically feasible and safe for employees as deemed feasible by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT Any store or commercial establishment that sells perishable or nonperishable goods, including, but not limited to, clothing, food and personal items, directly to the customer and is located within or doing business within the geographical limits of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. Retail establishments include: business establishments that generate sales or use-tax; drug stores; pharmacies; supermarkets; grocery stores; convenience food stores; food marts; or other commercial establishments (i.e. restaurants and take-out food establishments or any other business that prepares and sells prepared food to be eaten on or off its premises). This definition also includes commercial establishments that sell clothing, hardware, or any other non-perishable goods. It does not include nonprofit charitable re-users as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or a distinct operating unit or a division of the charitable organization that reuses and recycles donated goods or materials and receives more than 50% of its revenue from the handling and sale of those donated goods and materials.
SINGLE-USE PLASTIC CARRY-OUT BAG Any bag made predominantly of plastic derived from either petroleum or a biologically based source, such as corn or other plant sources, that is provided by an operator of a retail establishment to a customer at the point of sale. The term includes compostable and biodegradable bags but does not include reusable bags, produce bags, or product bags. This definition specifically exempts the following from the category of “single use plastic carry-out bags”:
A. Bags provided by operators and used by consumers inside retail establishments to:
Package bulk items, such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, candies or small hardware items;
Contain or wrap frozen foods, meat or fish, whether packaged or not;
Contain or wrap flowers, potted plants, or other items where dampness may be an issue; or
Contain unwrapped prepared foods or bakery goods; or
Pharmacy prescription bags.
B. Newspaper bags, door-hanger bags, laundry and/or dry cleaning bags, or bags sold in packages containing multiple bags intended for use as food storage bags, garbage bags, yard waste bags or pet waste bags. § 181-2. Single-use plastic carry-out bags prohibited. No retail establishment within the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills shall provide any single-use plastic carryout bags, as defined in §181-1, above, to any customer at the checkout point or cash register, point of sale or other point of departure or point of distribution for the purpose of transporting products or goods out of the business or store.
§ 181-3. Availability and Use of Compliant Bags to Customers. A. All Retail Establishments shall make available to customers, for a fee, compliant bags, as defined in §181-1, above, for the purpose of carrying goods or other materials away from the point of sale, subject to the provisions of this Chapter. The fee charged shall be reflected in the sales receipt.
B. No provision in this Chapter prohibits customers from using bags of any type that they choose to bring to a retail establishment themselves, in lieu of using bags available for a fee from the retail establishment, or from carrying away goods that are not placed in a bag. § 181-4. Fees for provision of compliant bags.
A. All retail establishments shall make recyclable paper carry-out bags available to customers upon request for a fee of at least $0.10 but not more than $0.25 per bag if customers choose not to bring their own reusable bag.
B. A retail establishment may provide customers with a reusable bag, as defined herein, for a fee of at least $0.10. C. All monies collected by retail establishments for the fees established herein shall be retained by the retail establishment. § 181-5. Use of reusable bags encouraged. All retail establishments must provide customers with compliant bags, upon request, if a customer fails to bring his or her own bags, in accordance with the fee structure set forth in §181-4, above. A retail establishment may choose, in its discretion, to provide a credit to customers who choose to bring their own bags. § 181-6. Exempt customers. All retail establishments must provide at the point of sale, free of charge, compliant bags, to any customer who participates in, or is a beneficiary of, any United States government (Federal) welfare program, or any local or Morris County welfare assistance program, or any New Jersey State welfare program, including but not limited to the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the New Jersey State Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI). Such customers must provide documentation proving that they participate in, or are beneficiaries of such programs. § 181-7.
Outreach and education.
A. The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills shall assist operators of retail establishments by referring them to appropriate municipal websites with information and to retail associations, unions or other organizations that have educational materials concerning the benefits of reusable bags rather than recyclable paper carry-out bags.
B. All retail establishments shall be strongly encouraged to educate their staff in ways to promote the use of reusable bags and to post signs encouraging customers to use reusable bags rather than recyclable paper carry-out bags.
C. All retail establishments shall be strongly encouraged to educate the public on plastic bag and plastic film recycling and to offer a take-back program. § 181-8. Enforcement. The Director of Public Works or his or her designee, which may include the Office of Health in the Department of Human Services, has the responsibility of enforcement of this ordinance and may promulgate reasonable rules and regulations in order to enforce its provisions, including but not limited to investigating violations and issuing fines. § 181-9.
Violations and penalties.
A. Any retail establishment that violates or fails to comply with this ordinance or the rules and regulations promulgated therefrom, after an initial written warning notice has been issued, shall be liable for a violation of this ordinance.
B. If a retail establishment commits subsequent violation(s) after the issuance of an initial written warning notice, the following penalties shall be imposed and shall be payable by the operator of the retail establishment upon conviction thereof:
1. A fine not exceeding $100 for the first violation after the written warning notice is given; 2. A fine not exceeding $200 for the second violation after the written warning notice is given; and
3. A fine not exceeding $500 for the third and any subsequent violations after the written warning notice is given.
C. A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during or on which a violation occurs. § 181-10. Reporting. No later than one year after the effective date of this ordinance, and annually thereafter, the Director of Health and Human Services shall report to the Township Council regarding the progress of the reduction of the use of carry-out bags, which may include the following:
A. The amount of carry-out bags in the residential waste and recycling streams;
B. The amount of carry-out bags identified as litter on the streets, sidewalks and in parks within the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills;
C. The amount of carry-out bags found in Township storm drains;
D. The number of warning notices or notices of violation issued pursuant to this ordinance; and E. Any estimated cost savings for the Township attributable to carry-out bag reduction; this may include but is not limited to reduced contamination of the residential recycling stream and reduction in flooding or combined sewer overflows.
SECTION 2. If any section, paragraph, subsection, clause or provision of this Ordinance shall be declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of this Ordinance as a whole or any part thereof.
SECTION 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills heretofore adopted that are inconsistent with any of the terms and provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall take effect six (6) months from the date of its final passage, approval and publication as provided by law.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School’s Teach Coding Initiative (TCI group) is happy to announce that they will be hosting their annual Block Coding event on Saturday, August 24 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Parsippany-Troy Hills Library, 449 Halsey Road, in tech room.
This interactive, captivating, and free event provides children from first to eighth grade with the opportunity to learn the basic logic of computer programming all while having lots of fun! The new coders will be using the coding platform Tynker, which allows these students to use their thinking skills to win thrilling online puzzle games.
Connecting blocks of code together in order to win each level of Tynker’s games, the children will get a glimpse into the Computer Science world. Especially with an increasingly digitized age of computers, phones, and other devices, The Teach Coding Initiative hopes to inspire children to realize at an early age how fun and easy coding can actually be. Our initiative has experienced computer science teachers interacting with the students, giving a great opportunity for students to ask questions and have a great time.
Online sign-ups for the event are available by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Montville Township Municipal Court Judge Joseph Deming held a probable cause hearing on May 7, 2019 for a complaint of Official Misconduct, a 3rd degree crime against Parsippany’s retired Police Chief Paul Philipps.
After researching the matter, reviewing all of the documents submitted to the Court and hearing oral arguments, Judge Deming determined on July 5 there was probable cause to charge former Police Chief Paul Philipps with Official Misconduct. (Click here for complaint).
The complaint was signed by retired Police Captain James Carifi. According to Parsippany’s Municipal Court Clerk, the matter was transferred to Montville Municipal Court due to conflict of interest of Paul Philipps being previously employed by the Township of Parsippany as Police Chief.
Judge Deming found probable cause that Philipps deliberately withheld police department records that are mandated to be released to the public in order to obtain a benefit for himself and to injure another person.
Apparently, the documents in question show that the Barberio administration misled judicial officials in various proceedings.
The attached document (click here) is from the Parsippany Police Department stating the “PTHPD violated its Policy and Procedures, and did not comply with the New Jersey Attorney General Internal Affairs Policy and Procedures (Guidelines), when it failed to release the reports you requested.” It further states “The PTHPD was required to make the reports available to the public, and erred when it failed to release them at your request.”
Philipps was represented in Court by Denis F. Driscoll, Esq., a partner of Inglesino, Webster, Wyciskala & Taylor, LLC. John Inglesino was the previous Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Attorney.
Attorney’s Thomas Hanrahan and Robert Renaud were also in attendance representing the Township of Parsippany.
The Complaint was presented in Court by attorney’s Ed Bilinkas and Christopher Deininger on behalf of Carifi.
Philipps is due to appear for judicial processing for an indictable offense at the Morris County Courthouse, Criminal Division Manager’s Office Intake Window, first floor on Wednesday, July 24 at 11:30 a.m.
Philipps resigned from the Parsippany Police Department shortly after Mayor Michael Soriano took office. The Township is currently in the process of paying Philipps $423,734.35 for unused sick and vacation time upon his resignation.
PARSIPPANY — American Cancer Society located at Seven Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls recently joined the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Cori Mastropolo, Community Manager and Katelyn Tiernan, Community Development Manager, accepted the membership plaque from Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill. Joining in welcoming American Cancer Society was Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso and Hanover Committee Chairperson Barbara Freda.
The American Cancer Society is a nationwide voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer. Established in 1913, the society is organized into six geographical regions of both medical and lay volunteers operating in more than 250 Regional offices throughout the United States.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents and volunteers that provides education, information and networking opportunities to the Parsippany area.
PARSIPPANY — Smooth will perform at Parsippany’s Summer Concert series on Thursday, July 18 at starting at 7:30 p.m.
This R&B, Soul and Classic Disco style group, perform the hit songs of the great artists from the sixties through today. Their vocal front will mesmerize audiences with slick dance moves and smooth harmonies. Listen to the music of Michael Jackson, The Commodores, The Trammps, Bruno Mars and more!
All concerts are held at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 1839 Route 46 East, unless inclement weather.
During inclement weather the concert will be moved indoors at Liquid Church, 299 Webro Road. Decision on whether to change the venue due to rain will occur before 2:00 p.m. and will be posted on parsippany.net as well as Parsippany Focus.
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany Troy Hills (WCPTH) held its 38th annual “Tee off for Education Golf Classic” on Tuesday, July 9 at the Knoll West Country, their biggest fundraiser of the year.
Woman's Club Annual Tee off for Education Golf Classic
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Joan Garbarino and Diana Freidinger Co-Presidents with Golf Chairwoman Marilyn Zarzycki
Members and guests of the Woman's Club during the delicious buffet at Knoll County Club
Lora Rios Mcbride and Marilyn Marion
Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani and Councilman Michael dePierro
Some of the Tricky-Tray Baskets
Some of the Tricky-Tray Baskets
The golf carts were all lined up waiting for the golfers
The beverage cart sponsors
The golfers enjoying a nice day of golf at Knoll Country Club
The golfers enjoying a nice day of golf at Knoll Country Club
The golfers enjoying a nice day of golf at Knoll Country Club
The success of this event allows WCPTH to support many educational projects throughout the year which includes scholarships to deserving seniors in both high schools in Parsippany, Citizenship Awards at the middle school level and Reading Awards to fifth graders in all ten elementary schools in town.
The club also supports Eagle Scout and Gold Awards, Dr. Seuss events at the local library and much more.
They are so grateful to the generous merchants in town who support us with prizes and sponsorships for this event. All the proceeds from the Golf Classic benefit go directly to their Education/Scholarship Fund. They would like to thank the merchants and also the Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Department District 6 for supplying ice that kept the bottled water cool for the golfers. Once again thank you for your generous support.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Chris Schellhorn, Assistant Prosecutor Reema Kareer, and Assistant Prosecutor Kelly Sandler will be lecturing on a wide variety of criminal law topics as part of the New Jersey State Bar Association Continuing Legal Education program throughout New Jersey. All licensed attorneys in New Jersey must complete 24 credit hours of Continuing Legal Education Courses every two years to remain in good standing with the New Jersey State Bar Association.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood was chosen as a speaker for the 2019 Criminal Law College seminar entitled “Handling a Criminal Case from Arraignment to Appeal”, which will be held on August 22, 2019. She will be one of four speakers on the panel instructing criminal trial lawyers as to the “ins and outs” of prosecuting or defending a criminal case from start to finish. As a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for over two decades, CAP Calderwood has prosecuted a significant number of successful cases including high-profile homicide and major crimes cases. She is currently the Chief Assistant Prosecutor of the Major Crimes Unit and the General Investigations Unit.
Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Chris Schellhorn will be a speaker at the Criminal Trial Advocacy Summer Institute, which takes place on October 5, 2019. The topic of the class is “Identifying, Preparing, and Presenting Expert Witnesses” and will provide those in attendance with important information covering the utilization of expert witnesses in criminal trials. As the Supervising Assistant Prosecutor of the Major Crimes and Fire/Environmental Units, SAP Schellhorn has significant experience in criminal trials. Chris is also a trustee of the Morris County Bar Association.
Assistant Prosecutor Reema Kareer was recently named as a Co-Chair on the New Jersey State Bar Association Government, Public Sector, and Public Interest Lawyers Special Committee. This committee provides a forum for New Jersey lawyers working in the public sector to discuss needs and issues related to their various areas of work. Assistant Prosecutor Kareer also served as a moderator for a program titled “Fostering the Public Trust: Public Sector Lawyering and the Poison of Public Corruption” at the New Jersey State Bar Association Conference in May. Panelists covered the impact that corruption has on the public’s trust of those in positions of power.
Assistant Prosecutor Kelly Sandler was named a Co-Chair of the Women Lawyers Section of the Morris County Bar Association. This committee provides an opportunity for extended learning and networking among female leaders of the Bar in Morris County. Assistant Prosecutor Sandler also facilitates the planning for the Continuing Legal Education program for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in-house training.
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp said, “We are extremely proud to have these exemplary Assistant Prosecutors at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. I am very proud that they have been selected by their peers for these leadership positions. Maggie, Chris, Reema, and Kelly are outstanding members of our office and are leaders among the Bar throughout the State of New Jersey”.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp and Acting Chief of Investigations Chris Kimker announce three promotions effective on Friday, July 12, to fill vacant positions in the Prosecutor’s Office created due to retirements.
The following personnel will be promoted and assigned as indicated below:
Acting Chief Kimker, Sergeant Torres, and Prosecutor Knapp
Detective Supervisor Julio Torres to the rank of Sergeant of the Fugitive Unit within the Special Operations Division. Sergeant Torres has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since June 2002, when he was hired as a Detective. Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Sergeant Torres worked as a support employee of the FBI Newark Division while he was attending college at Essex County College and Rutgers University-Newark. He was then hired as a Detective with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office where he worked for four years. Sergeant Torres has worked in various units in the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office including General Investigations, Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment, Megan’s Law, Intelligence/Narcotics and Major Crimes Units. He is a certified Polygraph Examiner, a Crisis Negotiator, and a 5th degree black belt instructor in Jujutsu.
Acting Chief Kimker, Detective Supervisor Brandley, and Prosecutor Knapp
Detective Paul Brandley to the rank of Detective Supervisor of the Fugitive Unit within the Special Operations Division. Detective Supervisor Brandley has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since June 2016. In that time, he has served in the General Investigations, Pretrial Services, and Fugitive Units. Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Detective Supervisor Brandley worked as a Police Officer for the Barrington, Rhode Island Police Department and the Pawtucket, Rhode Island Police Department where he was promoted to the rank of Detective Sergeant in the Major Crimes Unit. He has served as a Lead Firearms and Tactics Instructor, a Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Officer in Charge of a Gun Task Force. Detective Supervisor Brandley is currently a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Tactical Narcotics Team and Firearms Training Unit.
Acting Chief Kimker, Detective Supervisor Osaigbovo, and Prosecutor Knapp
Detective Spence Osaigbovo to the rank of Detective Supervisor of the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit within the Tactical Division. Detective Supervisor Osaigbovo has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since August 2013. His law enforcement career began in July 2007 as a Patrol Officer with the Teaneck Police Department. Detective Supervisor Osaigbovo has been assigned as a surveillance team leader, wire room supervisor, and team leader of an FBI task force. He also played a vital role in a drug-induced death investigation in which he identified a heroin stamp and its dealer that subsequently resulted in the dealer’s arrest for first-degree Strict Liability Death. He has been assigned to the Special Operations Division, General Investigations and Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Units.
Following the ceremony, Prosecutor Knapp said, “I am proud to promote these exceptional members of our office. They have done outstanding work with our office as well as with multiple other law enforcement agencies. I know they will continue to serve Morris County with distinction in their new roles”.
I will keep this short and to the point. There is a very important meeting coming up with the Town Council on Tuesday, July 16 at 7:00 p.m. at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. It is the the meeting where the vote to accept or reject the ordinance banning plastic bags in Parsippany will take place. It is a public forum and residents will be given time to speak. You are all invited.
If you would like to see this ban passed and if you think we should be more environmentally responsible as a community and if you think this is important for future generations to see us take action now then we NEED YOU to come on down to this meeting. A physical show of support is the best way to sway council members. Let then see the faces of the people they are working for. Let them hear your voices in support of a better future for our children. Let them feel your presence as you watch them vote on this ordinance.
I don’t have to repeat all the issues there are with plastics in our environment or give you a list of the dozens of towns or entire states that have already passed this ban. We all know the facts. But without this ordinance, it will be business as usual and the local stores will be dispersing tons of plastic into the environment of your town. Let’s put an end to this. We have a plan already in place to phase out single use bags, educate the town on the importance of this ban, and a way to get reusable shopping bags into everyone’s hands. But without this ordinance passing on July 16, we will be back at square one. In the meantime, the rest of the world has been banning plastic and moving into the future. Parsippany should be a leader, not a follower and you can help with this goal. Come to the meeting! Show you care! Bring your kids! Plan to speak!
It’s time to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. You will always be able to say you were there when Parsippany moved into the future.
MORRIS COUNTY — Summer fun kicks off at the Morris County 4-H Fair at Chubb Park in Chester next week, from July 18-21. Fair hours are 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Download the daily schedule here. Admission is free, but a parking donation of $5.00 per vehicle is requested. Friday evening, parking donation request is $10.00 to cover the cost of fireworks.
A wide variety of activities are lined up, including pony and hay rides, watermelon eating and cake decorating contests, demonstrations by nonprofits and youth groups, Dress-a-Pet and Dress-a-Cage contests, Cow Pie Bingo, wood carving demonstrations, archery, dunk tank, games, live entertainment and food concessions. Animal displays include dogs, horses, goats, poultry, rabbits, and other small animals.
A special $15.00 pay-one-price for all kiddie rides is scheduled for Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., and a $30.00 pay-one-price for all amusement rides will be offered on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday night will officially start the Fair with the Parade of Clubs and a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Friday will feature fireworks, after the 4-H Graduation Ceremony, and 4-H Talent Show.
Highlights on Saturday include the popular goat races, Canine Nosework Demonstration and Sled Dog Demonstration. Fairgoers can take hot air balloon rides from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for $10.00, weather permitting.
Sunday highlights include the Radical RC 4-H Racers, open pet show and the 4-H Awards Ceremony.
Dogs may be brought to the Fair on a 6-foot leash. Retractable leashes are not permitted.
The Fair is sponsored by the Morris County 4-H Association in support of the 4-H Youth Development Program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
For more information about the Fair, 4-H clubs, or becoming a 4-H volunteer click here or contact the 4-H office (973) 285-8301 or email 4hmorris@njaes.rutgers.edu.
MORRIS COUNTY — Seniors Helping Seniors is looking for mature adults who enjoy giving back, are compassionate and are looking for the perfect part-time job.
The hours are flexible to your schedule… you tell us your availability – day, evening or weekends. Work as much or as little as you like. Perfect for stay at home Moms and older adults.
Supplement your income, stay engaged in your community and make a difference in the lives of an elderly person.
With the Seniors Helping Seniors (SHS) family you get all the good feeling of volunteering — for pay. SHS provides both rewarding work and financial benefits for seniors seeking flexible, part-time employment opportunities. If you are looking for a way to give back and feel good about the work you do then give us a call or fill out the online application.
Caregivers help seniors stay independent in their own home and communities. They provide companionship, family respite, cooking, light housekeeping, driving to appointments and errands and assist with leisure activities.
The job entails providing companionship, socialization, help around the house or running errands. For more information call Seniors Helping Seniors at (973) 435-4873 or (973) 534-7950.
PARSIPPANY — Mela’s Flavors of India is a summer highlight being held at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 1839 Route 46. Now in its third year, they wholeheartedly welcome all to come for an afternoon of live music, lip smacking food, and plenty of fun for families with an international flavor. The event will be held on Saturday, July 20 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The afternoon will include:
Live performances of local first-class ensemble of dancers and musicians bring it to life through classical and fusion Indian dance.
A most spellbinding performance from the super-accomplished students from SHIAMAK USA– it’s going to be really extra-special.
An interactive dance class for kids and grown-ups… all while the traditional instruments provide a brilliantly festive musical backdrop.
Budding artists can take part in a wonderful collaborative Rangoli – colorful, traditional Indian pavement-art (Mandala painting).
Shoppers can browse numerous stalls offering handmade jewelry, clothing, arts and crafts.
Children of all ages can let off steam in a sports zone or get creative in the Activity Zone
There’ll be a photo-booth, face-painting and mehndi (henna), for everyone to enjoy.
We’re also preparing a delightful spread of food and drinks, including: Pau Bhaji, Vegetable Samosas, Bhel, Thums Up, Limca and Chai. You’re not going to want to miss this.
Dear Editor:
