PARSIPPANY — The Lake Hiawatha K-Kids sponsored a food drive to benefit the Parsippany Food Pantry. Through their efforts, the school donated many boxes foodstuffs to those in need. What an important way to support and benefit our community!
Special thanks to all families who made donations.
Lake Hiawatha K-Kids carrying out the donations to be delivered to Parsippany Food PantryLake Hiawatha K-Kids displaying some of the items donated to Parsippany Food Pantry
Making a difference within the school and community is what Kiwanis K-Kids is all about! Club members identify needs within the school and community and develop a plan of action to meet those needs. Whether it’s collecting coats and canned goods for those in need or organizing a teacher appreciation event, K-Kids members have the opportunity to work together with Kiwanis-family volunteers to make the community and the world a better place.
K-Kids can provide opportunities for students to discover their heart to serve. When students discover their heart to serve, they decide that serving others is a new, exciting way of life. The service club experience at a young age can help students accept their own ability to make a difference, enhance their knowledge of their own passions and convictions, and develop their ability to empathize with those in need in their communities.
K-Kids is a service club for students in elementary school. It’s led by elementary students and teaches the value of helping others by taking part in community service projects.
Lake Hiwatha K-Kids is sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
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 at 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).
The Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry is located at the Parsippany Community Center at 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Donations of non- perishable food items are always needed. Any resident in need of supplemental food are invited to call ahead (973) 263-7163 or (973) 263-7351/52. Ready-made bags of basic food staples such as canned goods, cereal and dried food, are available through donations.
PARSIPPANY — Members of the Parsippany Police and Fire Departments, Office of Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Personnel, Mayor Michael Soriano, Former Mayor James Barberio, Sheriff James Gannon, family and friends honored retiring Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps Wednesday afternoon outside Police Headquarters.
After serving the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills for over 38 years, Chief of Police Paul Philipps, has decided to retire effective tomorrow, March 1, 2018.
Philipps paused at the end of the sidewalk and turned on his radio to contact the dispatcher
Philipps paused at the end of the sidewalk and turned on his radio to contact the dispatcher.
Parsippany Police Headquarters to Operator Two-eight-two.
“Two-eight-two standing by,” he said.
“After 38 years of faithful and dedicated service to the township of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Police Chief Paul Philipps, No. 282, will be out of service for the final time at 1301 hours. “We wish you a happy, healthy and safe retirement. The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, and all its residents, thank you for your service,” dispatcher announced over the radio.
“I love Parsippany and its people, I’ve been blessed and privileged to work in, and for a time lead, Parsippany’s Police Department, the finest department in the state of New Jersey if not the entire United States. Thank you,” said Chief Philipps.
Mayor Michael Soriano stated “Although we did not have the opportunity to work together for very long, I have a deep respect for Chief Philipps.He served our township from the rank of patrolman to chief over the last 38 years, and leaves us with a record of success and community service.”
Chief Paul Philipps retires
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Patrolman David Cavaliere holding the flag
Sheriff James Gannon congratulating Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps on his retirement
Police Chief Paul Philipps
Patrick Minutillo and Mayor Michael Soriano
Philipps paused at the end of the sidewalk and turned on his radio to contact the dispatcher
Parsippany-Troy Hills Business Administrator Ellen Sandman hugging Police Chief Paul Philipps
Chief Paul Philipps gives his son, Paul, Jr., a hug during the ceremony
Karen DeChristoper hugging Police Chief Paul Philipps
Patrolman Damon Farms hugging Police Chief Paul Philipps
Sergeant Ross Cooper
Police Chief Paul Philipps with Davey and Nancy Willans
Police Chief Paul Philipps and Karen DeChristopher
Police Chief Paul Philipps, his wife Grace, and son Paul, Jr.
Police Chief Paul Philipps and Former Mayor James Barberio
Business Administrator Ellen Sandman, Chief Philipps, Jennifer Sikora and Emma Sikora
The honor guard
Italian American Police Society
Al Goldberg and Nicolas Limanov members of Parsippany's CERT
He began his career in October of 1979, as a member of the 12th Police Academy Class at the Morris County Police Academy. Over the past 37 years he steadily progressed through each of the ranks and cycled through every division. He is a graduate of the West Point Leadership and Command Program, has received training in Leadership and Anti-Terrorism from the United Kingdom’s Police Staff College, and received his Master’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He assisted during the recovery and cleanup of both 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.
Within the first three years of his career, while investigating a minor motor vehicle crash, he was struck by a pickup truck, which was driven by a drunk driver. He was hospitalized for over a week due the injuries he sustained. Two other notable events that occurred during his career occurred after a man he revived through CPR met him a year later on the anniversary of the event and thanked him for his lifesaving actions. The second notable event was when he prevented someone from harming himself while also preventing the man from harming the other officers on scene. Months later, that man apologized for his actions and thanked him for preventing him from injuring himself.
Chief Philipps has received a multitude of training over his career and participated in many community-based organizations. He has partaken in the following organizations and/or held notable positions in them, such as Director of Parsippany OEM, Company Commander of the Morris County Rapid Deployment Force, Dive Coordinator and Rescue Diver with Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, past President of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and also served on their Board of Directors. He has also been an active participant since 2007 with the Police Unity Tour, which is a bicycle ride from Northern New Jersey to Washington, D.C. to honor and raise money for fallen police officers.
Throughout his 38 years of service he has earned numerous awards which include a Meritorious Service Medal when he prevented a suspect from stabbing a fellow officer, a Unit Commendation, 3 Command Citations, and an Exceptional Duty Award. He has also received multiple awards for his work with the community and as a police officer such as being named the Kiwanis Club Kiwanian of the Year, Rotary Club Outstanding Officer of the Year, and he received the Lakeland Hills YMCA Community Service Award.
Chief Paul Philipps received an escort from Police Headquarters to his home in the Troy Hills section of Parsippany.
Captain Andrew Miller will be promoted to Chief of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, effective March 1.
Newly appointed Chief Andrew Miller
“Over the past two months, it has been a true honor to get to know the men and women of Parsippany’s police force, including our senior leadership,” Soriano said. “After an extensive decision-making process and careful consideration of every eligible candidate, as well as the recent tragedy in Florida, I came to the conclusion that Captain Miller is my choice to the lead the department, particularly during these troubled times.”
Miller has served with the Parsippany Police Department for twenty-six years, most recently serving as commander of the Investigative Division. In addition to eight years of honorable service in the New Jersey Army National Guard, he holds a Master’s Degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He is also the recipient of eleven awards and commendations from the Parsippany Police Department, including the Exceptional Duty Medal and Life Saving Award.
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, February 24, the Parsippany Christian boys’ and girls’ basketball teams competed in their conference tournament finals.
The girls’ team defeated Abundant Life Academy of Nutley by the score of 51-32 to claim their first conference tournament title since the 2010-11 season. The Lady Patriots led 18-13 at halftime but opened the game up by outscoring Abundant Life Academy 18-3 in the third quarter to take a 36-16 lead into the fourth quarter. The Lady Patriots were led by League Co-MVP Chloe Milanesi who added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 7 steals and League All-Star Rose Hockman who also contributed 14 points and 9 rebounds. Other League All-Star Charlotte Milanesi added 8 points and played aggressive defense by securing 5 steals. The Lady Patriots improved their record to 25-3 on the season, having swept through the Metro Christian Athletic Association regular season and conference tournament undefeated. The Lady Patriots will now enter the Mid-East Regional Christian Schools tournament in Maryland on March 1st-3rd as the No. 1 seed. The Lady Patriots will play Calvary Christian (MD) on Thursday, March 1.
Patrick Vance, Jr., Michael Jetton, Chloe Milanesi (League Co-MVP), and Rose Hockman
In the boy’s championship, Parsippany Christian, looking to defend last year’s tournament title, lost to American Christian 57-41. The Patriots were down 29-20 at halftime and could not manage a second half comeback in their bid to repeat. The Patriots were led by senior point guard George Gonzalez who had 15 points on three 3-pointers. Gonzalez also had 3 assists. Senior forward Michael Jetton added 14 points and 6 rebounds.
Michael Jetton and Patrick Vance Jr. received League All-Stars for Parsippany Christian.
The Parsippany Christian boy’s team will accompany the girl’s team in Maryland this upcoming weekend as the No. 2 seed in the Mid-East Regional Christian Schools tournament. The Patriots will play Temple Christian (VA) on Thursday, March 1.
PARSIPPANY — Meet Zucchini, Zucci for short! This precious girl is a two-year old American Staffordshire Terrier mix. She has never met a person she hasn’t liked! She does great with dogs, cats, and kids above the age of age. She is a gentle soul who just wants to be loved!
Meet Zucchini
If cuddling were an Olympic sport, she would win gold! Nothing makes her happier than being in the company of people. She has the most loving personality and is a complete mush! She is house trained and crate trained. Zucci is not destructive when left alone. She would make an amazing companion for a young family.
Zucci was dumped by her owner with a prolapsed rectum. W.A.R immediately took her in and she went into emergency surgery. She is recovering in her foster home and she is doing fantastic!
If you are interested in adopting this sweet doll, please fill out an application by clicking here. Wise Animal Rescue (WAR)” is a volunteer-based group and want to ensure that all applicants are as serious about the adoption process as we are.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Like Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
W.A.R.’s goal is to find the perfect family dynamic and place our dogs in a loving, safe and permanent home. All of our dogs available for adoption are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on shots and microchipped.
Our adoption process starts with filling an application, home visit, meet and greet and then finalizing with an adoption contract and fee.
Adoption fees range from about $300.00 to $600.00. These fees help defray costs of veterinary and foster care and are tax deductible.
PARSIPPANY — Mr. James Parodi, 66, Pine Brook, was travelling west on Edwards Road toward Vail Road on Saturday, February 24 at approximately 8:15 p.m. when a 2006 Silver Pontiac Torrent was travelling east on Edwards Road. The 2006 Silver Pontiac Torrent was being driven by Mr. Santos Flores-Alfaro, 31, Parsippany.
The 2006 Silver Pontiac Torrent was being driven by Mr. Santos Flores-Alfaro
Mr. Flores-Alfaro attempted to pass a parked vehicle, into the opposite lane of travel and struck Mr. Parodi’s vehicle. Mr. Parodi was driving a Black 2011 Jeep Cherokee.
Mr. Flores-Alfaro admitted to passing over the double yellow line, in an attempt to pass the parked vehicle. A Witness at the scene also stated he was passing over the double yellow line.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrolman Ryan Taylor investigated the accident and determined Mr. Flores-Alfaro was at fault for improper passing.
Additionally, Mr. Flores-Alfaro was charged with (N.J.S.A. 39:3-10) Driving Without a License and (N.J.S.A 39:3-40) Driving While Suspended.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene by Ajaco Towing.
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany cooked dinner for the clients of Homeless Solutions on Saturday, February 24.
The Kiwanis Club has been providing meals to Homeless Solutions for the past eleven and have served over 7,000 meals. Members volunteer their time to shop, cook and serve the dinner.
This month, volunteers Dr. Julie Scarano-Debrossy, Nicolas Limanov and Kiwanis President Frank Cahill prepared a nice hot delicious dinner. Edward Limanov also joined in helping the group.
Meatballs, Meatballs… 280 of them!Vanilla Cheesecake was served to the guestsDr. Julie Scarano-Debrossy preparing toss salad for the guestsDr. Julie Scarano-Debrossy, Edward Limanov and Nicolas LimanovNicolas Limanov and Edward Limanov preparing the fruit saladDelicious Baked Ziti prepared by Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany purchases all the food used by the volunteers.
The group of volunteers meet at Homeless Solutions to start preparing dinner for the guests in the transitional housing program. The group prepared a fresh fruit salad, tossed salad with numerous dressings, baked ziti with meatballs and rolls and served chocolate cake for dessert. They also served iced tea and coffee. Other volunteer groups such as St. Ann’s Church, Kiwanis Club of Morristown, prepares dinner for the shelter on other days of the month. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany has been providing meals to Homeless Solutions for the past eleven years.
Interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, contact President Frank Cahill, by emailing flcahill@parsippanykiwanis.org.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. Join us for breakfast to learn more about our group of volunteers.
The mission of Homeless Solutions is to offer shelter, services, and supportive housing to homeless and low-income people. For the homeless and working poor in our community, hope begins at Homeless Solutions, Inc. Homeless Solutions is a private, non-profit organization, helping those in need for past 30 years. In 2012, they served 267 people by providing emergency shelter and transitional housing. Their case managers offer the support needed to help the guests rebuild their lives and successfully return to independent living. They also develop permanent supportive housing that is energy efficient for very low, low, and moderate income families and individuals. They provided homes people can afford to 119 people in 2012. By supporting HSI through financial donations or volunteering, they are making a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need in our community. For more information on Homeless Solutions, click here.
Three Reason to Donate to Homeless Solutions:
When you donate to Homeless Solutions, you make a tangible difference in the life of someone in need in our community. Your donations –
Buy milk for children living in shelter.
Pay for childcare so a single parent can work.
Pay for gas for our shelter vans that take guests to public transportation to get to work and to medical appointments.
Click here to make a donation to Homeless Solutions.
PARSIPPANY — Pancakes. Pancakes. Pancakes. That was the word on the street on Tuesday, February 27 when IHOP, Parsippany, participated in the 13th Annual National Pancake Day. Anyone that stopped in, received a a free short stack of pancakes.
Mo Abdelhadi, co-owner of the Parsippany IHOP said, “We gave away over 3,800 pancakes, and the best part is we were able to raise $10,210.00 which will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, for use of our local children.”
They gave away 1,283 short stacks, or 3,849 pancakes. But there was a purpose of National Pancake Day. IHOP’s signature philanthropic event, IHOP National Pancake Day and all related activities directly benefit charities dedicated to finding cures and eradicating life-threatening diseases that affect children and families, including Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Parsippany’s goal was to raise $10,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Donations are requested for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Parsippany IHOP has been very active in donating to local organizations and families.
Parsippany IHOP owners Mo and Sobhy Abdelhadi will be opening up their fourth location early Spring 2018 in Cedar Knolls at the Hanover Crossings. (click here for story) They currently have locations in Elizabeth, Ramsey and Parsippany.
IHOP waiter Daniel Arguelles serving short stacks during National Pancake Day
PARSIPPANY — RE/MAX Honors Local Agent for Outstanding Business Performance! Andrea Martone, with RE/MAX First choice, has qualified for the distinguished RE/MAX Chairman’s Club Award in 2017, which honors successful agents who have earned at least $500,000 in commissions in the past year. In 2017, the Chairman’s Club Award was presented to less than one percent of all active RE/MAX agents.
“It’s a tremendous honor to receive this prestigious award,” said Martone. “As a real estate agent with RE/MAX, I am fully committed to my clients, whether it’s getting the highest offer for my sellers, or helping my buyers negotiate the best deal on their dream home. I am extremely proud of this recognition and it’s an honor to be surrounded by an incredibly supportive team.”
Martone has been serving her community as a real estate agent with RE/MAX for 18 years and has extensive experience in listings, buyers, negotiations, and marketing. Among Martone’s list of achievements, she has earned, Top 1% Of RE/MAX Agents In NJ, NJ Circle Of Excellence® 2000-2017, NJ Distinguished Sales Award®, RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award, RE/MAX Hall of Fame member, RE/MAX Platinum Club 2005-2016, and NJ Monthly Five Star Real Estate Agent Award 2010-2017 (voted by the public).
PARSIPPANY — Northvail Elementary School recently celebrated United Nations Day. The seven countries represented were China, India divided into Northern and Southern India, Ireland, Egypt, Zimbabwe and Greece. Parents, families and friends hosted exhibits that provided students with information about the history, customs, clothing, entertainment and traditions of their respective countries. The event lasted the entire school day giving each class a designated period of time to circulate throughout the auditorium from country to country.
The purpose of the event was to cultivate global citizenship in the students. They were encouraged to ask questions and to celebrate cultural differences. It was amazing how engaged, curious and receptive they were to learning about various cultural nuances.
At Northvail, they believe that it is important for the students to learn at a young age about accepting those that are different from them. There is also an underlying message of tolerance and to be respectful of things that are unfamiliar.
Special thanks to the Northvail parents and friends for volunteering their time and providing us with an opportunity to celebrate all the richness and benefits in being a diverse community.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief David Stokoe of the Randolph Township Police Department announce the arrest of Lawrence W. Ball, 60, Randolph, on numerous weapons related charges.
Randolph Township Police made contact with the defendant due to a report of him making obscene gestures towards others. Thereafter, the Randolph Police Department, in conjunction with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Homeland Security Unit, initiated a suspicious person investigation which ultimately led to a search of the defendant’s home where numerous prohibited weapons were located. Specifically, law enforcement officers seized 5 air/pellet guns, 51 daggers, 33 slingshots, and 11 metal knuckles from the defendant.
The defendant was charged on Monday, February 26 with the following offenses: Five counts of second-degree Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon (Air Gun/BB Gun) in violation of J.S.A. 2C:39-7B(1); Three counts of fourth-degree Certain Persons to Have a Weapons (51 daggers, 33 slingshots, 11 metal knuckles) in violation of J.S.A. 2C:39-7A and Three counts of fourth-degree Possession of Prohibited Weapons and Devices (51 daggers, 33 slingshots, 11 metal knuckles) in violation of J.S.A. 2C:39-3E.
The Defendant is currently lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility in accordance with Criminal Justice Reform.
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 — That’s right. Today is IHOP’s 13th Annual National Pancake Day at Parsippany IHOP, 792 Route 46. Stop in and get a free short stack of pancakes. No purchase necessary.
Get pancakes with a purpose today. As the brand’s signature philanthropic event, IHOP National Pancake Day and all related activities directly benefit charities dedicated to finding cures and eradicating life-threatening diseases that affect children and families, including Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Shriners Hospitals for Children. Parsippany’s goal is to raise $10,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
IHOP waiter Nicolas Lopez serving short stacks during National Pancake Day
There will be members from Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany available to discuss the donation process.
The dine-in only deal is limited to one short stack per person while supplies last. A short stack of three pancakes usually costs $5.79.
According to the statement, the company has raised close to $30 million for youth health, wellness and educational organizations since the first National Pancake Day in 2006. The money raised stays local and benefits thousands of children’s hospitals across the country.
This year, IHOP’s goal is to raise $5 million for children’s hospitals and medical research during its 60 Days of Giving campaign, which runs through March 31.
“For 60 years, IHOP and our franchisees have made it our mission to support the communities we serve,” Rebelez said in the release. “IHOP National Pancake Day is our declaration to pancake lovers everywhere that we are committed to giving back in meaningful ways.”
As part of the 60 day campaign, customers can make a cash contribution at restaurants or add a donation to charity partners on their tab through the end of March.
To help meet the fundraising goal, publicly pledge your support by purchasing a “wall icon” in increments of $1, $5, $20 or $100 through Tuesday. If you buy a $5 icon, you’ll get a coupon for $5 off a $10 or more purchase to use at participating restaurants, the release notes.
IHOP’s goal is to raised $10,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
“We’re thrilled to have Kiwanis International, an exceptional service organization, back as our official volunteer partner and appreciate all that their Club Members do to support our charity partners and IHOP National Pancake Day,” said Stephanie Peterson, Executive Director, Communications at IHOP.
Donations are requested for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
ABOUT CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK HOSPITALS
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity’s Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children’s hospitals need community support, identify your member hospital and learn how you can Put Your Money Where the Miracles Are, at CMNHospitals.org and facebook.com/CMNHospitals .
MORRIS COUNTY — During the afternoon of Monday, February 26, Morris County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury spoke at the Morris County School of Technology in Denville, to educate the Healthcare Science Juniors on the ongoing Opioid and Heroin epidemic in New Jersey.
These high school juniors are studying to become active members of the healthcare industry. The attending students take college level healthcare courses, to better prepare them for their future endeavors. They are the next generation of doctors, nurses, and physical therapists, the majority of whom will have access to opioids, as well as the power to prescribe these drugs. Accordingly the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Seabury were eager to conduct this presentation, at the request of one of the Healthcare Science Teachers.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Seabury explained how the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is working with local agencies, such as the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and Morris Center for Addiction Recovery Education and Success (CARES) to battle the current epidemic.
Seabury’s presentation covered multiple aspects of the opioid epidemic, including how it impacts the community, what law enforcement is doing to combat the crisis, and the success of the current educational, enforcement, and treatment programs in Morris County.
Even though the majority of people in our community have been affected by the opioid epidemic in some way, there has been a general lack of knowledge about how street opiates have changed over the years. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Seabury provided a basic understanding of pharmaceutical opioid drug abuse, how this problem can lead to addiction, how heroin is used, distributed, and priced in Morris County, as well as how Fentanyl has become a major killer of illicit drug users.
Assistant Prosecutor Seabury talked to the students for approximately one hour, then allowed them to ask any questions that they had. Many of the students were interested to further learn about how they can help make an impact on the Opioid and Heroin Epidemic in their future careers. Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp stated, “Providing educational programs to students about to enter the healthcare profession can be a critical component in fighting the current Heroin and Opioid Epidemic. We are grateful to the Morris County School of Technology for inviting us to speak to these future health doctors, nurses, and physical therapists”.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief of Investigations John Speirs announce four promotions effective on Monday, February 26 to fill vacant Investigative Staff Positions in the Prosecutor’s Office. These vacancies were created by the retirements of Sergeant Christopher Then and Sergeant Matthew Potter.
The following personnel will be promoted and assigned as indicated below:
Chief of Investigations John Spiers (L) with Sergeant Dan Haber
Detective/Supervisor Daniel Haber to Sergeant who will supervise the Fugitive Unit. Sergeant Haber has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since 2003, and received an “Annual Distinguished Achievement Award” in 2008 for excellence of service in the Field of Criminal Investigation.
Chief of Investigations John Spiers (L) with Sergeant Mark Castellano
Detective/Supervisor Mark Castellano to Sergeant who will assume the responsibilities of Training Coordinator/Supervising Firearms Instructor. Sergeant Castellano has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since 2002 and has been assigned to a variety of investigative unit. He has also instructed at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy for the last twelve years.
Detective/Supervisor Thomas Joiner with Prosecutor Fredric Knapp
Detective Thomas Joiner to Detective/Supervisor who will assist in the supervision of the Intelligence/Homeland Security Unit. Detective/Supervisor Joiner has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since 2009 and has been the President of the Morris County Detectives’ Association since 2016, as well as the Quartermaster of the Morris County Rapid Deployment Team since 2015.
Chief of Investigations John Speirs with Detective/Supervisor Carolina Moreno
Detective Carolina Moreno to Detective/Supervisor who will assist in the supervision of the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit. Detective/Supervisor Moreno has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for eight years and has instructed Sex Crimes Investigations at the Morris and Monmouth County Police Academies, as well as lecturing on this topic to an international delegation from Costa Rica in 2015.
Prosecutor Knapp stated, “Through their everyday performance, each of these individuals has demonstrated the qualities necessary to serve at the next level in the organization. I am confident that they will ensure that the office continues to be efficient and effective.”
MORRISTOWN — The Morris County Board of Freeholders will introduce their 2018 county budget at the board’s meeting on Wednesday, February 28 starting at 7:00 p.m., in the Public Meeting Room on the fifth floor in the Morris County Administration and Records Building, 10 Court Street, Morristown
Freeholder Christine Myers
Freeholders Christine Myers, Kathy DeFillippo, and Deborah Smith, who comprise the board’s budget committee, will be joined by the county’s professional staff at the session, to unveil and outline the proposed fiscal package.
“We have worked hard to ensure that we offer a fiscally responsible 2018 budget, one that adequately finances key programs and services, deals with our responsibility to help our less-fortunate residents, but also looks to set the county us on a long-term path to fiscal stability through strategic planning,” said Deputy Freeholder Director Myers, who chairs the committee.
Key budget documents and financial information, including the 2015, 2016 and 2017 operating and capital budgets, can be found by clicking here.
The board will hold its work session at 4:30 p.m. in the Knox Room on the fifth floor in the Administration Building. Residents should be aware they must go through a first floor security screening process to enter the building.
MORRIS COUNTY — A tax relief amendment offered by Senator Joe Pennacchio as a sensible alternative to Governor Phil Murphy’s scheme to mask property taxes as charitable contributions was blocked by the Senate today.
Senator Joseph Pennacchio
“Nobody in New Jersey is happy with the federal limitation of the SALT deduction to $10,000,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Governor Murphy’s response, however, is a gimmick that is almost certain to be shot down by the IRS. There are more sensible approaches to tax relief that we can and must advance.”
The Governor’s proposal, S-1893, would allow homeowners to contribute to municipal charitable funds as an alternative to making property tax payments.
It’s an attempt to skirt the new $10,000 limit on the federal income tax deduction for state and local taxes (SALT).
A number of tax policy experts have warned that the federal deductibility of “donations” made under this scheme are almost certain to be disallowed by the IRS.
Pennacchio attempted to amend S-1893 during Senate debate on the legislation to replace it with a substitute bill incorporating the language of legislation he sponsors, S-413, to permit homeowners to deduct the full amount of their property taxes from their state income tax obligation.
“If we’re claiming the federal limit is bad policy, we should also acknowledge that New Jersey’s identical $10,000 limit on the property tax deduction that we allow state income taxpayers to claim is similarly bad,” said Pennacchio. “Our State cap is something that’s within our power to fix, and we should act to do so. To continue criticizing the federal SALT limitation while doing nothing to address our own limitation would be completely hypocritical.”
The Senate immediately tabled Pennacchio’s effort to amend the legislation.
“It sends the wrong message to our residents for legislators to push a scheme like this to evade federal taxes, especially when we don’t allow charitable contributions be deducted by state income taxpayers,” added Pennacchio. “Our taxpayers deserve real solutions that will cut their tax bills, but all they’ve been offered is a shell game that they are sure to lose.”
PARSIPPANY — Morris County Democrats will hold their convention on Tuesday, February 27 at 33 Baldwin Road starting at 6:30 p.m.
There will be delegates present who will vote on which candidate to support in the June primary. Morris County Democrats are all invited to attend and are entitled to a vote at the convention. Please make sure that you are available to attend.
There are opportunities to volunteer for help with signs, signing up volunteers, and collecting petition signatures.
You can contact Ore Obiwumi at o.obiwumi@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. or click here.
On January 29, Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen announced his decision to retire. Presumably he is now free to vote his conscience rather than blindly go along with his party’s agenda against the interests of the working class in America.
On February 14, he voted to support a bill that allows usurious credit card rates to apply when loans are sold from one institution to another. The bill, with the Orwellian title, Protecting Consumers’ Access to Credit Act of 2017, states, “A loan that is valid when made as to its maximum rate of interest in accordance with this subsection shall remain valid with respect to such rate…regardless of state law.” The bill was prompted by a 2015 federal court ruling, Madden v. Midland, where a judge ruled against a New York debt collector charging an interest rate of 27 percent on credit card debt purchased from a bank. The legal limit in New York is 25 percent.
The Center for Responsible Lending says “The sole purpose of this bill is to enable non-bank lenders to use bank partnerships to override state interest rate limits. The bill poses a serious risk of enabling predatory lending and unsafe lending practices. Unaffordable loans have devastating consequences for borrowers—trapping them in a cycle of unaffordable payments and leading to harms such as greater delinquency on other bills.”
It’s sad that Frelinghuysen still cannot stand with working families of the district as he retires as their representative.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department was contacted by the driver of a tow truck who had recently towed a vehicle from Eisenhower Parkway near Route 280 and gave the driver, John Colangelo Jr, 47, Morris Plains, a ride, on Thursday, February 22 at 6:22 p.m.
The tow truck operator stated that Mr. Colangelo began to act strange and was nodding off.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrol Officer Scott Baker spoke to Mr. Colangelo and requested an ambulance to assess him due to his inability to recall details of the crash. Mr. Colangelo spoke to members of Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad and refused further medical attention.
After a brief investigation Mr. Colangelo was placed under arrest for being under the influence of CDS. He was also found to be in possession of a short straw with suspected heroin residue and two bundles (containing 18 individual glassine folds) of suspected heroin. He was transported to police headquarters for processing at which time he was charged with one count in the Third Degree of Possession of CDS (Heroin)
one count of Being Under the Influence of CDS, a Disorderly Persons Offense
one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (straw), a Disorderly Persons Offense.
He was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his first court appearance.
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.