PARSIPPANY — Diana Yturbe is 13 years old and lives in Lake Hiawatha with her parents. She was awarded Gold medal in the USA Youth National Powerlifting competition on February 16, 2018 in Spokane, Washington.
She is currently an eighth grade student at All Saints Academy in Parsippany where she maintains straight A’s while juggling multiple extra curricular activities.
Diana will be attending Mount Saint Dominic Academy class of 2022 in the Fall where she will be taking Honors classes.
“To be honest with you, I got a little emotional, because she puts in so much hard work,” said her father, Michael Yturbe. “I still feel like I’m on Cloud 9. She gives me so much. It’s amazing.””To be honest with you, I got a little emotional, because she puts in so much hard work,” said her father, Michael Yturbe. “I still feel like I’m on Cloud 9. She gives me so much. It’s amazing.”
Diana plays club softball for NJ Pride 14U. She is the treasurer for the National Junior Honors Society; a Girl Scout; Alter Serves for her Church St Peter’s and plays other sports such as Basketball and Tennis.
She trains and works out religiously 4-5 days a week at Pinnacle Athletic Development in Parsippany and Whippany Athletic Club in Whippany.
Diana started powerlifting in September 2017 and participated in her very first powerlifting event The Philadelphia Love Classic in Pa. on December 16, 2017. She won Gold to qualify for the USA Youth Nationals Powerlifting in Spokane, Washington on February 16, 2018.
Diana went to Spokane with high hopes of achieving Gold…..mission accomplished.
She finished in first place in Youth 3 (12-13 year old) 63-KG weight.
There were over 30 Athletes from 14 states competing in the event.
Diana set 4 National Records and
5 New Jersey State Records:
Squatting 97.5 Kg 214.9 lbs National Record
Benching 55 Kg 121.3 lbs Personal Best
Deadlifting 137.5 Kg 303.1 lbs National Record
Total 290 Kg 639 lbs National Record
She’s competed against more than 30 athletes from 14 states, and not all of them were girls. She’s proved it doesn’t matter your age or gender, it’s your determination that gets you far.
“The competitiveness,” she cites. “Seeing other girls compete really drives me to do my best.”
Diana says one day she hopes to reach the Olympics.
PARSIPPANY — Gibraltar Bank, one of New Jersey’s most trusted community banking institutions for over a century, has announced a new program that waives loan origination fees for community service employees. Effective immediately, and available at each of the Bank’s three branches in Parsippany, Oak Ridge and Newark, the Community Bank Partnership Program waives origination fees for community service employees on a wide selection of home loans. Gibraltar Bank is located at 1719 Route 10 East.
Available to most community service employees – including teachers, police officers, firefighters, and EMTs – the new program also offers reduced interest rates on portfolio loans, such as home equity loans, as well as Totally Free Checking and Savings Accounts with no minimum balance.
The initiative rose out of Gibraltar Bank’s desire to, as Bank President Robert Walsh explained, “Serve the ones that serve our communities.” Community personnel, he says, are the fabric that holds local communities together, and this is the Bank’s way to both appreciate and incentivize community service employment.
“Waiving loan origination fees for our valued community service employees is a way to attract the pillars of the communities we serve – the exemplary men and women who keep us safe, teach our children, and keep their communities running,” continued Mr. Walsh. “These folks are VIP members of their communities, and we want to be the Bank they turn to for loans and other financial services.”
Gibraltar Bank is one of New Jersey’s oldest and most trusted community banking institutions, one which has been helping residents and businesses achieve their financial goals for over a century. Gibraltar Bank’s ongoing mission is to provide FDIC-insured deposits, promote homeownership, and consistently offer a customer friendly selection of products and services that help individuals prosper.
Gibraltar Bank has three branch offices located in Essex and Morris Counties, each with a highly-trained management and customer service team. For more information, visit a branch office, call (973) 515-0885 or click here.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. announced the Township Council meeting for Tuesday, March 6 has been cancelled, and will be rescheduled for Tuesday March 13 at 7:30 p.m.
The meeting was cancelled after Mayor Michael Soriano announced that Town Hall would be closing for the evening.
Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency as New Jersey braces for another big coastal storm that could dump up to a foot of snow in parts of the state.
The state of emergency is effective at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday. Typically Township Council meetings can last until 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m.
Although the storm is not expected to be as strong as the monster nor’easter that ravaged New Jersey and other states along the East Coast on Friday, it is expected to bring a big mix of snow, rain and gusty winds.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrol Officers responded to 96 North Beverwyck Road, on Tuesday, February 27 at 4:14 p.m. for an attempted vehicle theft.
Upon arrival of responding officers, the victim stated he was unloading his 2013 Mercedes Benz when an unknown male suspect jumped into the driver’s seat and attempted to leave.
The suspect was confronted by the victim before he could drive the vehicle away, at which time the suspect stole two cellphones and exited the vehicle.
He attempted to flee the area on foot, but was stopped by the victim long enough to recover his cellphones.
Patrol Officers responded to 96 N. Beverwyck Road for an attempted vehicle theft
A perimeter was setup by responding officers, along with Parsippany Police Department Detectives. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, along with MCSO CIS were dispatched to the scene to assist in the investigation.
The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 5’06, wearing jeans, a baseball hat, and a dark zip up sweatshirt, jeans.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department’s Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
PARSIPPANY — Nicole Hill, a graduate of Parsippany High School Class of 2016, will travel abroad for Cedar Crest College’s Carmen Twillie Ambar Sophomore Expedition. The Sophomore Expedition is a unique program that allows every sophomore who is in good academic and judicial standing to study abroad during spring break at no extra cost. This year’s trip is to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from March 3 to March 11, 2018.
Travel, lodging and meals are paid for by an anonymous alum. Minus the cost of a passport and visa, it won’t cost students anything beyond their regular semester tuition, room and board, and fees.
To give students a basic understanding of the country’s culture, they are required to take a semester-long class about the country. Students will be assigned one of eight itineraries based on their major which will include service learning projects, cultural visits, team building activities, and free time or optional activities.
Located in Allentown, Pa., Cedar Crest College was selected as a “Top Regional College” and “Best Value” in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges rankings from 2012-2016 and “Best College for Veterans in 2015 and 2016. In addition, the College is the fourth best online college in Pennsylvania ranked by Best in State Online Colleges in 2016 and the School of Adult and Graduate Education was ranked a Top 50 school for adult education by Best College Reviews in 2015. Founded in 1867, Cedar Crest currently enrolls approximately 1,500 students-full-time, part-time and graduate-in more than 30 fields of study.
PARSIPPANY — Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce is working with the governor’s office to have a State of Emergency declared in areas of the state that were hard hit by Friday’s nor’easter.
The State of Emergency declaration is necessary for municipalities and counties to apply for federal assistance to recoup the money they are spending on personnel and equipment to clean up after the storm that dumped rain and wet snow on many areas of the state.
By one estimate more than 170,000 people lost power this weekend. Nearly a quarter of Morris County households or more than 35,000 homes were without power on Saturday night.
The power company — JCP&L — said it will take days to restore power to all its customers as high winds toppled trees and cracked telephone poles.
DeCroce (R-Morris, Essex, Passaic) said she has been in contact with the governor office since Sunday seeking assistance for the hard hit counties. Today the state dispatched the Office of Emergency Management to assess the storm damage in northwest New Jersey.
DeCroce said municipalities have been working around the clock removing downed trees, clearing snow and other debris and assisting people who need shelter. Montville Township, says DeCroce, had already expended more than $100,000 by Monday morning on storm related clean up issues.
“Without the State of Emergency designation, the municipal taxpayers will have to bear the full cost of the storm damage – which could have a substantial impact on the 2018 budgets that municipalities are just now finalizing,” said DeCroce.
“I urge the governor’s office to declare a State of Emergency that will release federal aid to the hard hit municipalities and counties,” said DeCroce.
PARSIPPANY — Friday, March 2 started out as a normal day for Josh Lefferts. After school he drove to the Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department, where he wants to become a full member after graduating high school in June.
But as Josh entered the parking lot, he noticed a tree had fallen across the train tracks adjacent to the fire station. Knowing that this train is mainly a commuter line he felt it was critical to stop the trains and remove the tree.
He immediately ran inside the firehouse and told Rainbow Lakes Fire Chief Doug Reighard. “They looked out the window of the firehouse but could not see the tree,” Josh said. Then he and Russ Greuter went outside and located the tree. “Russ said go get everyone else in the Firehouse and get a chain saw so we can clear the tree out the way,” Josh recalls.
At that time they called the New Jersey Transit Police to advise them of the situation and to shut down the railway. They also assigned “spotters” on each side of the tracks to see if there were any coming trains.
Because of Josh’s quick thinking and acting, they were able to cut the tree in pieces and remove it off the tracks before any trains travelled those tracks.
After they were all done clearing the tracks, New Jersey Transit Police arrived and about ten minutes later a commuter train passed through the area, that once contained the fallen tree.
Mayor Michael Soriano said “It is a testament to the vigilance and volunteerism Parsippany’s bravest.”
The New Jersey Transit commuter train minutes after the tracks were cleared of the fallen tree
Had the junior firefighter not identified that hazard no one would know what could have happened, however ten minutes after they cleared the tree off the tracks a commuter train came through at normal speed.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Lieutenant Keith Lefferts said “I’m very proud of Josh. I’m proud of what he did. He did the right thing, reporting what he saw. We don’t know what would have happened if the train hit the tree, but thanks to Josh, we won’t have to find out.”
Josh Lefferts is a proud Junior Firefighter for the Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire DepartmentSome of the remains of the tree that was cut off and removed off the tracksJosh in the area where the tree had fallen on the train tracks
Josh has been a junior firefighter for almost a year and he will turn 18 on September 6 and will then enroll in Firefighter School to become a volunteer Fireman for Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department. He currently is a senior at Morris Knolls High School.
PARSIPPANY — Sons of Italy Chapter 2561 sponsored a fundraiser for Par-Troy Wrestling Club. The fundraiser was held at Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 5, 180 Old Bloomfield Road on Saturday, February 24.
Included with the pasta dinner, cooked by the Sons of Italy members, are homemade meatballs, bread, salad and dessert.
Kiwanis K-Kid member Christine Baumann, and her mom JackieScott Massefski and his familyKiwanis K-Kid member Anthony Caponegro enjoying the pasta dinner at the fundraiserSons of Italy member Ralph Rocco serving the pastacoPar-Troy Wrestling Club Board Member June MadinaNando Caldarone, Raffaele Rocco, Domenick Rocco, Joseph Jannarone, Jr., Domenick Regina, Ralph Rocco, Juan, Erberto Carluccio and Dominick Regina were cooking in the kitchenPeople waiting for their foodThe room was packed with guests
Parsippany is such a large town that its children’s wrestling programs are traditionally split into two teams – the Parsippany Redhawks and the Parsippany Hills Vikings. Both had long-established histories, successes, and victories. As strong as both teams functioned separately, coaches, wrestlers, and parents knew that if they joined forces to create one team Parsippany Wrestling would become a major squad.
This became a reality in the spring of 2010. The Par-Troy Wrestling Club was formed with the motto, “One Town. One Team.”
PTWC registers children from grades kindergarten through eighth grade and participates in a number of competitive wrestling leagues. Their function with a full Executive Board and Executive Committee Members. Their major annual fundraiser is a two-day Holiday Tournament with teams gathering from all over. Over the years PTWC boasts successes of all the kids, including:
New Jersey Kids State Qualifying Wrestlers, Place Winners and Champions
Participation and Great Success in Numerous Leagues: Grade School, Passaic County, Tri-County, Future Stars, Northwest NJ K-6, North Jersey, Northern NJ Gold and Silver Teams, and King of the Mat
Place Winners and Champions at Competitive Tournaments
Bronze Certified Coaches
Alumni Wrestlers who move on and are highly successful at Parsippany High School, Parsippany Hills High School, and local private programs
The full roster looks forward to more success under the club’s long list of qualified coaches. The 2016-2017 season will include participation of teams in five competitive leagues and local tournaments.
For more information on Par-Troy Wrestling, click here.
PARSIPPANY — On February 25, Morris County Park Police Officers executed a motor-vehicle stop for an equipment violation. He was stopped on Route 10 Eastbound in Parsippany.
An investigation revealed that Luai A. Nour, 47, Bloomfield, to have a warrant from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
He was also found to have a warrant for failure to appear in Irvington Municipal Court. He was able to pay the required bail of $275.00 and was issued a new court date.
He was issued a summons for Driving While Suspended.
Mr. Nour was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — A special biking camp for persons ages eight and older with disabilities is going to be held for the first time ever in Morris County this summer, at the County College of Morris in Randolph during the week of August 6.
The weeklong iCanBike program teaches participants to ride independently through a week of training.
Using adapted, custom-built bike equipment, and with assistance from trained professionals and volunteers, participants in the five-day iCanBike program receive 75 minutes of daily instruction.
The riders each will have two-to-three volunteer “spotters” to offer encouragement and provide physical support, if needed. The goal is to have each rider graduate to her or his own bicycle by the end of the week.
“This is a remarkable program that can benefit an important segment of our community,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “We thank the organizers for bringing it to Morris County.’’
The iCanBike program, which is a nonprofit endeavor, will be held at CCM from August 6 to August 10, said camp organizers Diane Doherty and Judy Lauber. The cost is $200.00.
“Biking has the potential for being a family activity since everyone can ride together,’’ said Doherty.
“For the campers, biking is a monumental accomplishment. And their families can sit back and enjoy watching the participants having fun.’’
“For the campers, biking can build self-esteem, improve their confidence and improve their physical fitness,’’ said Lauber, who along with Doherty is an avid cyclist.
Each daily session will have a maximum of eight participants, with five sessions per day, so this summer’s iCanBike at CCM can accommodate a total of 40 participants.
It will be held indoors from Monday through Friday. But riders who acquire enough skill will be able to ride outdoors for part of the week in a roped off parking area, with their volunteer spotters.
“This is a great opportunity for people with disabilities to learn to independently ride,’’ said Marty Epstein, the owner of Marty’s Reliable Cycle, and the bike shop sponsor of the event.
The Morris Area Freewheelers Foundation also is a sponsor. Their mission is to promote safe cycling and advance the awareness about the role of cycling in the community.
The Hyatt House Hotel also is sponsoring the program, and is facilitating reservations
For professional staff members from iCanShine, Inc., which is the national organization.
“This is a unique and rewarding program,’’ said Doherty, who said that donations would gladly be accepted by the nonprofit group to help cover the expenses of running the camp.
To learn more about iCanBike camp or register, click here.
PARSIPPANY — Dr. Patrick Selimo, of Parsippany, is offering a FREE Seminar on Thursday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Parsippany Public Library, 449 Halsey Road.
Dr. Pat has been a Parsippany resident for 45 years and is currently a Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany member as well as a Parsippany Chamber of Commerce member. As a community service to the awesome EMT, Firefighters, Police, and area residents. Dr. Pat will be hosting this FREE presentation which has been developed with the intention of helping these public servants have a more productive, injury free, and longer career.
The three departments listed above have physically taxing careers that can sometimes lead to career ending disabilities. The information presented will give these groups some powerful information that will prevent early retirement from occurring, and, teach them a way of obtaining an optimal level of health.
On behalf of Synergy Chiropractic and the town of Parsippany, Dr. Pat is truly honored to have the opportunity to to present this information to such an outstanding group of public servants who play a vital role in helping this town be as AWESOME as it is to work, play and live in.
PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department held a Fish or Chicken and Chips Dinner on Friday, February 23.
Funds from this event help support many of the community activities the all volunteer fire company performs. The dinners was catered by Argyles Restaurant. (Argyles is known for its Scottish style Fish & Chips)
Due to a mechanical problem with one of the three fryers from Argyles not getting hot enough to properly cook they experienced some delays in serving at our usual pace.
The volunteers were able to serve 250 meals.
We thank everyone for their patience and next years event will be Friday, March 15, 2019.
Rainbow Lakes Fish & Chips Dinner
1 of 10
Samantha Denise serving the food
Peter Nardi
Loretta and Adam Gragnani
Michael and Delores dePierro
Samantha Denise and Maria Lysak serving the guests
Paul Carifi, Jr., and his twin sons, Jonathan and Tyler
Joey Reeber, Sr. Deputy Chief
Doug Reighart, Chief and Nicolas Limanov
Joey Reeber, Jr., serving up fish and chips
Robert Campbell, Sr. and Richard Miller
Argyle’s Scottish style Fish & Chips has been featured on several television programs, in New Jersey Monthly magazine, as well as in many local newspapers. They attract a largely Scottish, Irish and English clientele from all over the country and around the world – and frequently encounter visitors from Scotland and Ireland just dropping in for some “home cooked food.”
PARSIPPANY —The Morris County Office of Emergency Management had a briefing with JCP&L earlier today. Based on that briefing there are currently more than 35,000 customers in Morris County without power.
Never go near a downed power line, even if they think it is no longer carrying electricity. Extra caution should be used in areas where downed lines are tangled in trees or other debris. This tree was resting on power lines on Beachwood Road, Lake Parsippany
It is estimated that Parsippany-Troy Hills has 1199 locations without power. Union Road is in progress, Moraine Road is also in progress and the following four roads should be today. Lake Shore Drive, Puddingstone Road, Knoll Road and Lord Stirling Drive will also have crews out today attempting repairs. JCP&L is predicting that the entirety of Parsippany will have all power restored by 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6. If you encounter any downed electrical lines please call Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department non emergency phone number at (973) 263-4300 or in the case of a life threatening emergency dial 911.
On Sunday afternoon Mayor Michael Soriano said “I would like to thank the first responders for their diligence and hard work. We are blessed to have dedicated professionals that work at our Police department, Office of Emergency Management, Ambulance services, Parks & Forestry Department, and Department of Public Works. We also have dedicated people in our six Fire Departments, our Volunteer Ambulance Squads, and Rescue and Recovery, Health and Human Services.I also want to thank the Knoll Community Center, Library staff and the the PAL for serving as warming and comfort stations for people who were in need because of the storm.”
Trees landed on a car on Richard Street
At the height of the storm on Friday, more than 54,000 JCP&L customers reported outages in Morris County. Randolph had the most customers affected with more than 8,000, or 75 percent of total customers.
Friday’s nor’easter brought winds up to 40 to 50 miles per hour with rain and some snow in parts of Morris County.
Due to the magnitude of the outage, getting specific information on the restoration time for a particular neighborhood or street is not possible at this time while JCP&L remains in storm mode.
Water and Ice are available at these locations for JCP&L customers currently without power:
Acme Supermarkets, 329 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains
Acme Supermarkets, 550 Myrtle Avenue, Boonton
Acme Supermarkets, 123 East Main Street, Denville
If you need power or you need a shower, Lakeland Hills YMCA is available. If you reside in their service area (Parsippany, Boonton, Boonton Township, Butler, Denville, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Montville, Mountain Lakes, Pequannock, and Riverdale) and are still experiencing a power outage from the storm, they welcome you to come warm up at the Y! Feel free to come take a shower, and power your devices, and visit with neighbors going through the same thing. Non-members must present photo ID. Pass the word in your neighborhood. They close at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 4.
You can also use the Parsippany-Troy Hills Library at 449 Halsey Road, until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday to warm up or to power your devices.
JCP&L advised Morris County OEM they still have facilities and residences that have not been entered into their outage system.
It is imperative that all locations without power are entered into their system. To report outages, customers may call 1-888-LIGHTSS (888-544-4877), go to www.jcp-l.com, or click on the “Report Outage” link on www.firstenergycorp.com.
This is what gives JCP&L the ability to manage the prioritization process and make sure all power is restored.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces the arrest of three individuals stemming from an investigation into the illegal distribution of narcotics and firearms.
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp
This joint investigation was conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit/Narcotics Task Force and, the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, the Mt. Olive Police Department, the Dover Police Department, the Byram Police Department, the New Jersey State Police and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation culminated on Thursday, March 1, when several Court authorized warrants were executed and led to the seizure of two handguns, thirty-five rounds of ammunition, over one half ounce of cocaine, over six pounds of marijuana, drug distribution related paraphernalia and the profits of criminal activity in excess of $14,000 United States currency.
The following individuals were arrested as a result of this investigation:
Defendant: Naeem White
Two counts of first-degree unlawful possession of a weapon (Handgun) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5j.
Two counts of second-degree Certain Persons Not to Possess a Weapon (Handgun) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7b(1)
Two counts of second-degree possession of a weapon while committing a CDS related offense (Handgun), in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1a
Two counts of third-degree distribution of CDS within 1000 feet of a school zone (Cocaine) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7a
Two counts of third-degree possession of CDS with the intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school zone (Cocaine) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7A
Four counts of third-degree distribution of CDS (Cocaine) in violation of 2C:35-5a(1) and 5b(3).
Four counts of third-degree possession of CDS with the intent to distribute (Cocaine) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1) and 5b(3)
Four counts of third-degree possession of CDS (Cocaine) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1)
One count of third-degree distribution of CDS within 1000 feet of a school zone (Marijuana) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7a
One count of third-degree possession of CDS with the intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school zone (Marijuana) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7a
One count of third-degree receiving stolen property (Handgun) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7a
One count of fourth-degree distribution of CDS (Marijuana) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1) and 5b(12)
One count of fourth-degree possession of CDS with the intent to distribute (Marijuana) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1) and 5b(12)
Two counts of fourth-degree distribution of a weapon (Handgun) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9d
One count of a disorderly persons offense of possession of CDS (Marijuana) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(4)
Defendant: Christian Mojica
One count of first-degree unlawful possession of a weapon (Handgun) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1)
One count of second-degree Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon (Handgun) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7b(1)
One count of second degree possession of CDS with the intent to distribute (Marijuana) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1) and 5b(10)(b)
One count of fourth-degree possession of CDS (Marijuana) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(3)
One count of a disorderly persons offence of possession of drug paraphernalia, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2
Defendant: Darryl Riggs
One count of third-degree possession of CDS with the intent to distribute (Marijuana) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1) and 5b(11)
One count of fourth-degree possession of CDS (Marijuana) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(3)
One count of a disorderly persons offense of possession of drug paraphernali, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2
Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Naeem White and Christian Mojica were lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a first appearance and pre-trial detention hearing. Darryl Riggs charged on a summons complaint.
Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp wishes to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit (Narcotics Task Force and its participating agencies), the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, the Mt. Olive Police Department, the Dover Police Department, the Byram Police Department, the New Jersey State Police and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts related to this investigation.
Prosecutor Knapp said, “This joint investigation coordinated by our Narcotics Task Force resulted in the arrests of individuals responsible for distributing illegal firearms and drugs in our communities. The success of this investigation would not have been possible without the commitment of the law enforcement agencies who worked cooperatively with the Narcotics Task Force.”
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY – Longhorn Steakhouse, 690 Route 46, has renewed their membership in the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Longhorn is a casual steakhouse chain known for grilled beef and other American dishes in a ranch-style space. LongHorn Steakhouse’s steaks are filled with juicy flavors. LongHorn Steakhouse is creating healthy meals that are enticing to anyone’s taste buds. A night out deserves a drink to celebrate, and this restaurant has the perfect selection of beer and wine to go with your meal. Got kids? No problem at LongHorn Steakhouse! This restaurant is a fantastic spot for families to dine together.
Pictured above is Longhorn’s General Manager, David Nelson, with Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Welcoming Committee Chairman Dr. Patrick Selimo.
PACC is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents, and volunteers that provides education, information, and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area. We work with our local and county governments and stand ready to pursue any matter that can make our community a better place in which to live, conduct business, and make a living. We promote a healthy and more prosperous economic climate.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 90 East Halsey Road, Suite 322, Parsippany. For more information call (973) 402-6400.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Hills Players of Parsippany Hills High School will be performing their 2018 Spring Musical starting on Thursday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m.
This year’s production is “The Drowsy Chaperone!” The students of PHHS, ranging from Freshmen to Seniors, have been hard at work since January rehearsing nearly every day to bring this hilarious Tony award winning show to life.
The cast consists of Dan Gardner, Nicolette Kelly, Anthony Paterno, Teresa Folan, Jackie Pascale, Mikayla Acree, Brittani Vecchia, Shoumik Vaddi, Ruth Kowalski, Meera Iyer, Jake Hockwitt, Brianna Davies, Brian Davies, Chris Berardo, Mia Maccarella, Abby Lee, Virginia Lanza, Catie O’Neill, Laila Kirsten, Sabrina Vacardipane, Rafaella Espinosa, Alyssa Borino, Abby Marin, Abby Wilson, Jake Murphy, Tinalyn Nguyen, Caroline Berardo, Scarlette Horvath, Janna Belfiore, Rosie Walek, Sarah Fichter, Tara Antonacci, David Sinchi, Jack Reppen, Sam Reppen, Aishling McCarthy, Amanda Yorlano, Carolyn Modin, Davida Padi, Angelina Robie, Bethany Powell, Dhaara Bhatt, Marta Torres, Disharee Dastidar, Vanessa Iradi, Meghan Lalo, Rachel Klemovitch, Will Ferentinos, Amol Srivastava, Olivia Isakssan, Sarah Zigman and Samantha Catalini.
Show dates are Thursday, March 15, Friday, March 16, and Saturday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are sold at the door. $10.00 Adults; $5.00 Senior Citizens and Non District Students; PTHSD Students with school ID free.
Performances are held in the auditorium of Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive.
PARSIPPANY — The Friends of the Parsippany Library is asking you to clean out your closets to support their upcoming Prom Dress Sale.
Held Thursday, April 5 through Sunday, April 8 at the Main Library, the event will allow area young women to feel beautiful and confident through access to affordable prom dresses (priced at $15.00 each).
Teens will also benefit by the Friends of the Parsippany Library donating all proceeds to the library’s teen programming and collections to supplement the library’s operating budget.
The Parsippany library provides the town’s diverse population of teenagers with valuable resources through its collections as well as technology-related classes, art sessions, and workshops. The teen room is also a safe haven; Teen Central is often full of students studying or simply spending time with their peers. The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) also offers this age group a leadership opportunity. TAB members help plan teen programming, develop the teen collection and promote teen library use.
Now through March 31, new or gently used formal dresses that are appropriate for the prom are being collected at the Main Library location at 449 Halsey Road. They can be dropped off during the library’s normal hours of operation.
Sponsorships and donations of prom-related goods and services such as florists, beauty salons, and photographers are also being sought.
PARSIPPANY — Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 recently donated to The Valerie Fund. Accepting a check from Sons of Italy President Joseph Jannarone, Jr. is Bella Rocco, Parsippany. The Sons of Italy has been supporting The Valerie Fund for a number of years
The Valerie Fund’s mission is to provide support for the comprehensive health care of children with cancer and blood disorders.
The Valerie Fund is a not-for-profit organization established in 1976 in memory of nine-year-old Valerie Goldstein by her parents, Ed and Sue.
Families turn to The Valerie Fund because of the unique combination of medical care, counseling, and other services it provides. The Valerie Fund Children’s Centers comprise the largest network of healthcare facilities for children with cancer and blood disorders in New Jersey, and one of the largest in the nation. They host over 25,000 patient visits each year.
Bella Rocco with Sons of Italy President Joseph Jannarone Jr. Sons of Italy. Sons of Italy donates to The Valerie Fund on behalf of Bella.
The Valerie Fund Walk and JAG Physical Therapy 5K will be held on Saturday, June 9 starting at 8:00 a.m. at Verona Park, corner of Bloomfield Avenue and Lakeside Avenue, Verona.
You can join Bella Rocco at the 5K by clicking here.
2018 will mark the 10 year Anniversary of Bella’s Bunch. TEN YEARS of family, friends and our community coming together to support this amazing cause. TOGETHER Bella’s Bunch has raised over $50,000 and counting for these warrior kids that continue to fight the fight! Walk for every kid in a green shirt and every parent that is part of the club that we never signed up for. Three surgeries later Bella continues to be monitored on a regular basis never knowing what the next MRI will bring but confident that no matter what, together we will keep pushing forward to get through anything thrown her way. She has always been and always will be in my eyes a Rock Star, a shining example of perseverance, strength, and fearlessness. Walk with us! Run with us! Donate with us!
The MRIs and doctors visits continue but thank god they have remained uneventful, just the way we like it. Her support for The Valerie Fund continues and has become a welcomed tradition with many friends and families that join us year after year.
Bella has set a goal to raise $5,000 this year for The Valerie Fund.
The Valerie Fund relies on the dollars raised to help the children who live in our community. The Walk and 5K Run will support our mission to provide comprehensive health care for children with cancer and blood disorders. Every step you walk or run and every dollar you raise helps at The Valerie Fund Centers. Patients receive far more than treatment for their physical illnesses. Our philosophy is that to truly heal the children with whose care we are entrusted, we must treat them emotionally, socially, and developmentally, as well as medically.
The annual Valerie Run/Walk is an effort to raise money and support for children with cancer
PARSIPPANY – The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany was recognized as a model club by Kiwanis International, for their contributions to The Eliminate Project.
The Eliminate Project is the Kiwanis family’s biggest campaign for children yet. But it’s not the first.
In 1994, Kiwanis joined UNICEF and partners for Kiwanis’ first worldwide service project to virtually eliminate iodine deficiency disorder, the world’s leading cause of preventable mental disability. Kiwanis-family members raised and leveraged nearly $100 million.
The effort spared millions of children the pain of disability and continues to make an impact in more than 103 countries. Thanks to The Eliminate Project, started in 2010, Kiwanis and UNICEF continue to make the world a better place for children.
With a goal of raising $110 million, The Eliminate project strives to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus “MNT”. Tetanus can infect newborns, spreading quickly, causing excruciating pain and killing within days. It’s a terrible disease, preventing even the comfort of a mother’s touch—but it’s highly preventable. MNT is easily prevented by giving women of childbearing age a series of three vaccine doses, which cost roughly $1.80. This cost includes the vaccinations, syringes, safe storage, transportation and more.
In January 2018, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany fulfilled their pledge, donating a total of $45,000.00, to The Eliminate Project. This donation represents a total of 25,000 lives of mothers and babies saved.
On behalf of Kiwanis International, NJ District Eliminate Chair Michael Mulhall and New Jersey Kiwanis Division 9 Lieutenant Governor Howard Gordon presented club president Frank Cahill the Model Club Patch and Model Club Lapel pins for each member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
Frank Cahill said “This wasn’t a project that I started or can take credit for, I just happen to be President when Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany made their final donations. Many thanks to the previous presidents that kept this commitment as part of their fundraising efforts. Bob Keller (2011-2012), signed the pledge during his term as President, and it continued through five presidents, Davey Willans (2012-2013), Carol Tiesi (2013-2014), Mimi Letts (2014-2015), Connie Keller (2015-2016), and Greg Elbin (2016-2017), until our commitment was reached.”
To learn more about the Eliminate Project click here.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. It is not religious based or partisan in any way. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at the Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. We are 62 members strong and growing. New members are always welcome. (Click here for more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany).
PARSIPPANY — Morris County Democratic Committee held its Nominating Convention on Tuesday, February 27 at Parsippany PAL Youth Center.
The Nominating Convention determines who will be on the Democratic party line on the ballot in the primary election to be held on Tuesday, June 6. The nominating committee selections are Senator Robert Menendez, Mikie Sherrill for Congress and Richard Corcoran, Mary Dougherty and Rupande Mehta for Morris County Freeholder.
Mary Rupande Mehta, who ran for the Denville council last year, and Richard Corcoran, an accountant from Boonton who ran for the state Assembly.
The nominating committee selections are Mary Dougherty, Richard Corcoran, and Rupande Mehta for Morris County Freeholder; Mikie Sherrill for Congress and Robert Menendez for Senator (not pictured)
Mikie Sherrill said “I am thrilled to have the support of Morris County Democrats for the June primary. Since I announced in May 2017, I have been meeting with people throughout Morris County in their homes, at town halls, and in diners. I am proud to have their endorsement and look forward to working together to flip this district in November.”
Currently, the 11th district Congressional seat is occupied by Rodney Frelinghuysen who recently announced he was retiring at the end of his term.
Frelinghuysen held that seat since 1995. A member of the Republican Party, Frelinghuysen has served as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee since 2017. Frelinghuysen announced on January 29, that he would not seek re-election that year.
Democratic candidates for the US Senate, US House of Representatives and Morris County Freeholder spoke to over 600 people in attendance
There was overwhelming support in the room for Mikie Sherrill to fill his seat. Ms. Sherrill’s applause was only surpassed by a standing ovation for Freeholder candidate from Denville, Rupande Mehta, who shared her touching story of a long-held dream of leaving her home country of India to build a new life in the United States; that dream being fulfilled over a year ago when she became a naturalized US citizen. Ms. Mehta rallied the crowd with her call for “representation” and honored the many women in the room who had taken the lead and fought a battle of representation in their communities.
There was overwhelming support in the room for Mikie Sherrill to fill Rodney Frelinghuysen’s seat
Mary Dougherty said concerns about the quality of care at the Morris View nursing home, where her mother-in-law resides, helped motivate her to run. The freeholders recently privatized the facility. She also has questions about $107 million in renovations and new courtrooms proposedfor the county courthouse in Morristown.
Since moving to Morristown 29 years ago, Dougherty has chaired the town Democratic committee and the town planning board, and served on the Morristown Housing Authority. She is in her 19th year on the Southeast Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority.
The freeholders appointed her a trustee of the county School of Technology, and of the Open Space Trust Fund. She also was a member of the first Morris County Women’s Advisory Council.
Mary Dougherty said “It’s an honor to run for Morris County Freeholder, I strongly feel that in this crucial time we don’t need a ‘One Party Voice and Vision.’ All Morris County residents deserve to be represented, no Democrat has served on the Freeholder Board since the 70’s. I feel it’s imperative that we have a new lens on how we are spending our funds overseeing our social services, our county parks, who we’re appointing to boards and commissions and how the County is running overall. I believe with my 20+ years of serving in many of these areas, I can bring the needed change and experience to serve the county well.”
Freeholder candidate Rupande Mehta said “I am so overwhelmed by the support and the nomination I have received and feel confident that working together we can change the tide of this single party rule in Morris. This election year will be a turning point in our country’s history and I am honored to play a small part in it.”
Noticeably absent in attendance was perennial Freeholder candidate, Dr. Rozella Clyde.
Morris County Chairman Chip Robinson said, “I want to thank the hundreds of people who attended our Morris County Democrats Nominating Convention tonight.”
There were also nominations made for the 7th district at the Nominating Convention.
Parsippany-Troy Hills is part of the 11th Congressional District.
Three, three-year terms on the all-Republican Freeholder board will be contested in November. Incumbent Christine Myers of Mendham Township has taken a federal job; incumbents Deborah Smith and John Cesaro are likely to seek re-election.
For the 113th and successive Congresses (based on redistricting following the 2010 Census), the district contains all or portions of four counties and 54 municipalities.
Essex County:
Bloomfield, Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Livingston, Montclair, North Caldwell, Nutley, Roseland, Verona, West Caldwell, West Orange. (Note: Bloomfield, Montclair and West Orange are also part of District 10).
Morris County:
Boonton Town, Butler, Chatham Township, East Hanover, Hanover, Harding, Jefferson Township, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Madison, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, Montville, Morris Township, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Pequannock<, Randolph Township, Riverdale, Rockaway Borough, Rockaway Township and Victory Garden.
Passaic County:
Bloomingdale, Little Falls, North Haledon, Totowa, Wayne and Woodland Park.
Sussex County:
Byram Township, Hopatcong, Ogdensburg, Sparta Township and Stanhope.
Senate: Senator Robert Menendez: 189 votes. Mitchell Horn: 25 votes. Lisa McCormick: 15 votes. Michael Starr Hopkins: 8 votes.
Congressional District 11: Mikie Sherrill: 142 votes. Tamara Harris: 29 votes. Mark Washburne: 3 votes. Mitchell Cobert: 1 vote.
Congressional District 7: Tom Malinowski: 34 votes. Goutam Jois: 17 votes. Linda Weber: 10 votes. Peter Jacob: 8 votes. David Pringle: 4 votes.