PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department is in the process of transitioning its text and email alerts from Nixle and Constant Contact. They will be using RAVE Mobile Safety which was provided by the Morris County Office of Emergency Management at no charge to Parsippany. By using RAVE Mobile Safety it gives us the ability to use one product that can cover all of our needs so messages and alerts can be sent out rapidly and accurately.
New Alert System for Parsippany Police Department
Family SummerFest held at Living Waters Church
PARSIPPANY — Living Water Church held a “Family SummerFest” on Saturday, July 21. The event was free and is designed to bring the community together on a sunny summer day. Living Waters Church raised funds for Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5.
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Cat missing in Lake Hiawatha
PARSIPPANY — Missing cat! Please be on the lookout for this small, 11 year old black and white cat named Cookie.
She is missing from Hiawatha Boulevard in Lake Hiawatha. Please call us or Michelle at (862) 207-2388 with any sighting.
Driver accelerated and hit front of store
PARSIPPANY — Ms. Lavanya Kamalaiah, 35, Parsippany, was attempting to park in the Green Hills Shopping Center, when she stepped on the accelerator rather than the brake causing the vehicle to move, jump the curb and strike the front of the building.
The drivers airbag deployed upon impact.
She was driving a 2008 Honda Civic which was towed from the scene by Powder Mill Towing.
There were no summons issued at the scene.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Andrew Sadowski investigated the incident which occurred on Sunday, July 22 at 10:15 a.m.
Murphy Signs Legislation to Modernize and Equitably Distribute School Funding
Parsippany Resident Lynda Starr Elected District 83 Toastmasters Program Quality Director
PARSIPPANY — Integrated Marketing Consultant, Lynda Starr, DTM, of Parsippany is the newly elected Program Quality Director for District 83 Toastmasters, serving members in metropolitan New Jersey, Rockland County, and Staten Island, New York. Starr is a member of Dining to Speak Toastmasters.
As Program Quality Director, Starr oversees all aspects of education and training with the district. The program quality director is the second ranking member of the district executive committee and presides when the district director is not available.
“I am honored to be called upon by members of the district to help then to achieve their educational goals and to assure the quality of the Toastmasters program within the clubs,” notes Starr. “This year, we are asking all members to challenge themselves by trying something new, be it to take on a new role or to build a new speaking talent. The goal of Toastmasters is learning in moments of enjoyment to develop leadership skills.”
“Lynda Starr, DTM is a dynamic and effective leader that knows wholeheartedly what it takes to win,” notes said Manny Reyes, District Director. “She is assertive and always operates with a sense of urgency, is always ready to help anyone who needs to put the final touch on an almost finished project. I look forward to working with her this year to promote the individual and collective achievement of members and to expand and strengthen the district.”
Lynda Starr, DTM, has been a member of Toastmasters International since October 2006. She has achieved Toastmasters International’s highest honor, Distinguished Toastmasters (DTM). Currently, she serves as Vice-President, Education for Dining to Speak Toastmasters, Fairfield, NJ and is a member of Northern Stars Advanced in Basking Ridge, NJ. She has previously served as district public relations officer, conference chair, and newsletter editor in addition to other club officer roles. An enthusiast of the written word, she has a Master’s Degree in Communication from University of Pennsylvania, and a BA in Communication and Marketing from Rutgers College, New Brunswick, NJ. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
District 83 includes 150 clubs (4,000 members), in Metropolitan New Jersey, Staten Island, and Rockland County, New York. For more information click here.
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Founded in October 1924, the organization currently has more than 270,000 members in 13,000 clubs in 116 countries. Each week, Toastmasters helps more than a quarter million people of every ethnicity, education and profession build their competence in communication so they can gain the confidence to lead others. For information about local Toastmasters clubs click here.
Patrick Lanigan Selected to Play in 2018 Maverik National Lacrosse Classic
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PARSIPPANY — Patrick Lanigan, of Parsippany High School was recently named as a 2018 Maverik National High School Lacrosse All-American and just finished competing for Team New Jersey in the Maverik National Lacrosse Classic held last week in Frederica, Delaware.
Lanigan, entering his senior year at Parsippany High School helped Team New Jersey to a 2-1 record in round robin play before falling short by a goal to Colorado in the quarterfinals.
This is the third consecutive year that Lanigan has competed at the National Lacrosse Classic.
Celebrating its 11th year, the 2018 Maverik National Lacrosse Classic and National Lacrosse Academy bring together the finest players and coaches in an event offering extreme competition, exposure to the next level of the sport and an Olympic-style lacrosse experience for every player.
Regional team qualifiers are scheduled throughout the country for all players that want to represent their State at the 2018 Maverik National Lacrosse Classic.
Register for Fall 2018 at County College of Morris
RANDOLPH — Registration for the Fall 2018 Semester is currently taking place at County College of Morris (CCM). By applying and registering now, students are presented with a selection of classes they can work into their schedule.
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. In addition, full-time students who want to go on and earn a bachelor’s degree can save $20,000 or more by starting at CCM.
To get started, review the degree and certificate programs at CCM by clicking here. To apply to the college click here or visit the Admissions office in the Student Community Center, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, NJ 07869. For more information, including how to apply for financial aid click here. Classes start on August 31.
Edith Dallavalle turns 100 years old
PARSIPPANY — Edith Dallavalle turned 100 on Sunday, June 24th. She was born on June 24, 1918.
She grew up in Newark and moved to Parsippany over 35 years ago, where she lives with her daughter, Denise Probost.
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Edith has two children Charlie Dallavalle and Denise Probst. She has five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
Her family celebrated her 100th birthday with a party held at Pucciarello’s Italian Kitchen, 34 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover.
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Julie is looking for her forever home
PARSIPPANY — Meet Julie! This three-year-old Pit mix is just a little peanut at under 50 pounds!
Rescued from the Newark Shelter, it’s obvious that Julie has been through a lot in her life, but she is as sweet as pie! Julie’s favorite activities include snuggling, being held, and cuddling in bed. She won’t leave her foster dad’s side! Julie also loves to roll on her back for belly rubs.
Julie is great with other dogs and can also live with children six and up. She knows basic commands and is housebroken!
We are so excited for this little sweetheart to find her forever home. If you’re looking for a little moo like Julie, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Like Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
New Central Park Access Road Moves Towards Completion
PARSIPPANY — Construction crews are beginning to work on the final phases of the new main access road for Central Park of Morris County, with the possibility of a late summer opening of the new Governor Chris Christie Drive.
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This new Central Park access road will run from West Hanover Avenue at a signalized intersection on the Parsippany and Morris Township border to Central Avenue, which is the main road through the county park, near the Morris Plains border.
The new signals have been installed and are ready for the new road opening.
Work crews have put in base stones for new road that could lead to paving next month and then final landscaping and other project requirements. The project was scheduled for November 2018 completion.
“We are moving quickly to complete this much needed access road to Central Park of Morris County,” said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “Once it opens, we expect that it will take much of the traffic burden off local neighborhoods that have borne the brunt of the success of the county park. We look forward to the road’s opening.”
Morris County built Central Park on the former Greystone Park State Psychiatric Hospital campus tract that was acquired from the state in 2001.
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In addition, last year, in cooperation with the Christie Administration, the Morris County Park Commission worked out a long-term management agreement with the state for 106 undeveloped acres of state land on the former Greystone Hospital campus to add to the Central Park venue.
The new park has developed into a very popular and heavily used recreational venue, which has resulted in sometimes-heavy vehicular traffic through local neighborhoods.
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The new access road, to be called Governor Chris Christie Drive, should divert much of the park traffic for activities, such as soccer and lacrosse matches, cross-country races, inline skating, softball and a busy dog park, from residential roads in Morris Plains.
In addition to installing new road signs directing park traffic to the new entrance, the county will seek to update GPS data providers to have motorists directed to the new entrance.
The road design, done by Boswell Engineering of South Hackensack, includes a new signaled intersection on heavily traveled West Hanover Avenue. The new signals recently were completed and will be ready for use when the road is completed.
The county in 2015 allocated funds for the design and construction of the new road and the new intersection, which will cost about $1.5 million. However, before the county could move on the locally anticipated project, the Freeholder Board had to get a 14-acre right of easement and other approvals from the state to give the county access to the state-owned property needed for the new park entrance.
That easement required approval of both the State House Commission and the New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority. The approvals were received last year, with the support of the Christie Administration. The final design subsequently was completed and construction began in the late fall.
For more information on Central Park of Morris County click here.
Man intentionally hits head on patrol car during arrest
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer Ryan Taylor was in the area of Arlington Plaza on Friday, July 13 at 4:50 p.m. when he observed a 2017 Jeep Compass cut through the parking lot of LongHorn Steakhouse to avoid the traffic signal. A traffic stop was initiated. Upon speaking to the driver, Anthony Mastriani, 23, Bloomfield, the officer detected the odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the vehicle.
After a brief investigation Mr. Mastriani was found to have an active warrant issued by Atlantic City Municipal Court with a bail of $1,500.00. He was advised that he had an active warrant and became agitated and would not follow the officer’s directions to place his hands behind his back.
Officer Taylor and Officer Elston were able to place Mr. Mastriani’s hands behind his back. While being escorted to the Police vehicle he continued to pull away and struggle with the officers.
Mr. Mastriani intentionally struck the hood of the patrol vehicle with his head causing a dent. Officers were able to place him into handcuffs and secure him in the patrol vehicle.
During the course of the investigation, officers located a marijuana cigarette and rolling papers in the vehicle he was operating. Officers also determined that he was driving on a suspended license
After being transported to police headquarters, he was charged with Possession of Less than Fifty Grams of Marijuana, a Disorderly Person Offense; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Disorderly Person Offense;Resisting Arrest, a Disorderly Person Offense; Driving While Suspended (Traffic Offense); Failure to Exhibit a Driver’s License (Traffic Offense); Failure to Exhibit Vehicle Registration (Traffic Offense); and Avoidance of a Traffic Control Device (Traffic Offense).
While at police headquarters Mr. Mastriani stated he was having a medical issue and was transported to Morristown Medical Center for treatment.
He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date for both the warrant and Parsippany charges.
Driver arrested for Possession of Marijuana; Driving with Expired Registration
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer E. Elston was observing the traffic on New Road when he conducted a random plate inquiry on a 2007 Acura RDX. He was alerted that the vehicle’s registration was expired and he quickly conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Route 46 and New Road.
Upon speaking to the driver, Mariela Jimenez, 30, Newark, he detected the distinct odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the passenger compartment. After a brief investigation a partially smoked marijuana cigarette “blunt” was located in the center console of the vehicle.
Ms. Jimenez was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. While there she was charged with Possession of Less than Fifty Grams of Marijuana, a Disorderly Person Offense and Driving with an Expired Registration (Traffic Offense)
She was released on her own recognizances pending her court appearance.
Explanation of Estimated Property Taxes
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council passed Resolution R2018-089 on May 15, 2018 stating that since the County of Morris is unable to certify the 2018 Tax Rates and the Tax Collector would be unable to mail the 2018 tax bills on a timely basis, the Township would send out “Estimated Taxes”.
The estimated third quarter 2018 Tax bill is based on a 5% increase in the Total Tax Levy. This estimate was calculated in accordance with New Jersey State Statutes.
Taxes are NOT compared quarter to quarter but rather year to year.
The first and second quarters are each 25% of the prior year’s taxes by law.
When comparing the difference between the second and third quarters, it appears to be a 10% increase but in reality the total increase for the year is 5%.
*** Please note that there are six different Tax Rates (Fire Districts) and therefore the percentage increase may be more or less than 5%.
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council will be meeting on Tuesday, July 24 to vote on the 2018 Township Budget. The meeting is held at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard and starts at 7:30 p.m.
Sons of Italy holds successful Golf Outing
PARSIPPANY — Sons of Italy President Lou Amato stated “I would like to thank all of the lodge members who contributed to this successful day. A very special thank you to Golf Committee Chairman, Jim Torsiello as well as Bob Wilhalme and Joe Jannarone for their significant contributions. Without them, the event could not have taken place.”
Boy Scout Troop 72 participate in Rain Garden Clean up at Town Hall
PARSIPPANY — The rain garden clean up at Parsippany Town Hall was sponsored by the
Whippany River Watershed Action Committee. Boy Scout Troop 72, along with
their leaders and parents, from Parsippany provided the crew along with a
few Morris County residents, including Ingrid Whitty our rain garden expert,
and Don Covart from Fox Hollow Landscaping who donated 2 tons of river rock.
Any Parsippany or Morris County residents who are interested in volunteering
for a future rain garden clean-up can contact Len Cipkins at 973-229-8740 or
lenprguy@optimum.net.
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Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany had visitors from Florida
PARSIPPANY — Joining the members of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany last week for breakfast were Yanelly Pavon and Eduardo Martinez from Hialeh, Florida.
Eduardo was in New Jersey to visit the college which he will be attending this fall, Montclair State University. Yanelly joined Eduardo on his journey to New Jersey.
Eduardo has been very active in Youth Coop Key Club, Mater Academy Key Club, City of Hialeah Ed Key Club, Latin Builders Academy Key Club and Lieutenant Governor Division 25A. Eduardo also recently attended the Florida Key Club District Convention.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill welcomed both guests to our club and they were able to see how we do things, then they had the opportunity to tell Parsippany members all of their exciting events happening in Hialeh.
Yanelly is an active member of Kiwanis Club of Hialeh, Florida.
Girl Scouts and CCM Announce the Launch of New National STEM Badges
RANDOLPH — The Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey today announced the launch of 30 new national Girl Scout badges exclusively for girls ages 5–18 at County College of Morris (CCM), a nationally designated center of excellence for cybersecurity education.
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The badges, which are immediately available, not only enhance the one-of-a-kind Girl Scout experience, but also address some of society’s most pressing needs such as cybersecurity, environmental advocacy, mechanical engineering, robotics, computer science and space exploration.
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The announcement was made in partnership with CCM in recognition of the college’s designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. CCM is the only community college in New Jersey to hold that designation.
Nine of the 30 new Girl Scout badges focus on cybersecurity, and local Girl Scouts from Northern New Jersey worked on those badges at the launch event. As part of the rollout, CCM and the Girl Scouts plan to work together to offer program activities at the college’s Center for Cyber Security that will help girls earn their cybersecurity badges.
“At Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, we are working to give girls the skills they need to succeed in the real world and give them the opportunity to practice their leadership skills so they change the world,” said Betty Garger, Chief Executive Officer for Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey. “We feel it is important to help fuel the pipeline for women leaders in the future. In order to do that, girls and young women need to participate in program activities that show them that they can become leaders in the STEM field and see their potential in changing the world.”
“CCM welcomes the opportunity to join with the Girl Scouts to educate girls and young women about the field of cybersecurity,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, President of CCM. “Career opportunities in this well-paying and rewarding field are growing, as the need for protecting information only becomes more critical. Teaching girls about this field at an early age is one of the most effective ways to increase the number of women in cybersecurity, while also showing them how to protect themselves and others online.”
Girls in grades K–5 can now earn badges in:
- Cybersecurity, introducing girls to age-appropriate online safety and privacy principles, information on how the internet works, and how to spot and investigate cybercrime.
- Space Science, enabling girls to channel their inner NASA scientist as they learn about objects in space and how astronomers conduct investigations.
- Environmental Stewardship, through which girls learn how to respect the outdoors and take action to protect the natural world.
- Mechanical Engineering for Girl Scout Juniors, through which girls in grades 4 and 5 design paddle boats, cranes, and balloon-powered cars, learning about buoyancy, potential and kinetic energy, machines, and jet propulsion.
The new programming for girls in grades 6–12 includes:
- Environmental Stewardship badges, GSUSA’s first-ever badge series focused on environmental advocacy. Girls in grades 6–12 prepare for outdoor experiences and take action on environmental issues.
- Badges that teach girls how to program, design and showcase robots, completing the suite of Robotics badges GSUSA first introduced for grades K–5 last year.
- The College Knowledge badge for Girl Scouts in grades 11 and 12, the first badge completely dedicated to college exploration. By showing girls how to research the admissions process, financial aid and other factors, the badge fills a specific need that girls asked for—and that many do not have support for outside of Girl Scouts.
- Two Girl Scout Leadership Journeys: Think Like a Programmer Journey provides a strong foundation in computational thinking and the framework for Girl Scouts’ first ever national Cyber Challenge, coming in 2019. The Think Like an Engineer Journey exposes girls to design thinking to help them understand how engineers solve problems.
Prepare your girl to unleash her inner strength. To join or volunteer click here.
To learn more about cybersecurity and other IT programs at CCM click here.
Girl Scouts is the premier leadership development program for girls. In Girl Scouts, girls discover themselves, connect with others, and take action to create positive change in their own communities. For more information about Girl Scouts, call the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey at (973) 248-8200.
Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey serves girls ages 5-18 in 160 municipalities in Bergen, Morris, Passaic, Sussex and Northern Warren counties. There are currently over 25,000 girl members.
County College of Morris (CCM) is a nationally ranked community college offering more than 45 associate degree programs and a wide range of certificate programs. A dedicated faculty of leading experts in their fields provides CCM students with a learning environment that has produced one of the highest graduation and transfer rates among the state’s community colleges. Also included among its distinctions, CCM is the only community college in New Jersey to be named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. PayScale also has placed CCM as the number one community college in New Jersey based on the earnings of its graduates. Additionally, BestColleges.com has rated CCM as one of the state’s best community colleges, while Washington Monthly magazine has recognized CCM as a community college well suited for adult learners.