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Letter to editor: Preschool education is considered important investment

parsippany focusDear Editor:

In places like New York City, preschool education is considered important enough to make the investment in every child.  In towns like ours, pre-K for three and four year olds is widely available, but the financial responsibility falls on young families.  Knowing how important early education is for later success in school, some families make sacrifices to find the money to send their child to a good quality program.  However, not all families have the resources.

The time may come when New Jersey schools make universal pre-K available, but that will come too late for the children turning three and four years old now.  There is not a broad array of scholarships and financial aid programs available to help the preschool child.

Fortunately, one local non-profit assists local families in affording preschool for their children.  Preschool Advantage, based in Morristown, has been helping Morris and Somerset county families for 22 years now and has funded more than 1300 scholarships for pre-school.  

This year, Preschool Advantage has significantly expanded its services in Parsippany and is looking for additional applications in the community.

Parents and friends concerned about how to pay for preschool for a child turning three or four by October 1, 2018 (the school cutoff date this year) can submit an application to Preschool Advantage starting in January.  The applications can be found on the website by clicking here.

Julia Peterson
Barbara Demarest

Little Vikings Competition Cheerleading Comedy Night

PARSIPPANY — Little Vikings Competition Cheerleading will hold Comedy Night on Saturday, February 10 at the Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road.

The night will feature two comedians, Derrick Knopsnyder and Michael Dean Ester.

This is an event for the parents and grownups to enjoy and have some fun. Let’s enjoy big laughs to benefit Little Vikings Competition Cheerleading.

Door open at 6:30 p.m., silent auction called at 9:00 p.m. 21 and older, bring your own food and drinks.

Purchase tickets for only $25.00. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Include your full name, email address, number of tickets, names of people in party (8-10 per table).  Cash or checks made payable to “LVCC.” You will receive an email confirmation upon receipt of payment. Mail payment to Michelle Lutkowski, 22 Friar Road, Morris Plains, New Jersey 07950 or Danielle Mautone, 25 Colonia Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.

Derrick Knopsnyder

Derrick Knopsnyder officially made his start doing stand up comedy after his freshman year in college, at the age of 19, and he never looked back. Since then Derrick has become one of the fastest rising comedians in Pittsburgh, and is the youngest comedian to be a regular feature act at his home club, the Pittsburgh Improv.

Being a young comedian, Derrick uses his boyish charm and quick wit to connect with audiences all over, but it’s his awkwardness that keeps them laughing all through the night, making him a fan favorite wherever he takes the stage. In 2010, Derrick started out with a dream of being a stand up comic, and four short years later he’s living that dream. Since then he has had some success in the comedy industry, such as winning The Stand Up To Cancer Comedy Competition in Huntington WV, and was most recently named a finalist at the Cleveland Comedy Festival.

During the four years Derrick has been performing stand up, he also completed his bachelor’s degree in Professional Golf Management, and a master’s degree in science. Balancing school and comedy was a difficult process during his first four years. However, he was able to do so successfully earning dean’s list every semester, and performing stand up at clubs and colleges all over the east coast.

As a recent college graduate he is able to use his experiences as a student to entertain this generation of college students in a hilarious way. Now that he is finished with his education he is ready to jump into the comedy scene to pursue his dream of becoming a national club and college act. This is one comic you don’t want to miss! Neon Entertainment has some of the funniest stand up comedians in the country available to book anywhere in the United States.

According to the IRS, Michael’s occupation is a “Professional College Student!” His perky blend of campus comedy has been served up at over forty NACA and APCA Showcases. Two time nominated NACA’s, “Comedian of the Year,” and  “Best Male Performer!” by Campus Activities Magazine, Michael has over 1,800 live performances to his credit. His crowd-pleasing talents are matched only by his professionalism. Maybe that’s why his upbeat humor is a repeat success at so many schools across the country, often as the first face new students see. Penn State University and the University of Maryland entrusted Michael with ‘Welcome Week’ audiences as large as 10,000 students – – two years in a row!

Two Fundraisers for Home Fire Victims

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills would like to invite residents to come out and support a Parsippany family who tragically lost their home in a fire on Christmas Day. There will be two fundraisers in the coming weeks to raise funds for the family.

The first is at Applebee’s on 1057 Route 46 on Saturday, January 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. $10.00 admittance to the breakfast fundraiser. The breakfast includes flapjacks, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, tea, milk or orange juice.

The other will take place at IHOP on 792 Route 46 on Saturday, February 3 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (click here to download flyer to present to server). A percentage of the meal proceeds during that time will go to the family.

Mayor Soriano encourages all of Parsippany’s residents to come out and support our fellow residents during this difficult time.

WHEN: Saturday, January 27, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Applebee’s Parsippany, 1057 Route 46, Parsippany

 

WHEN: Saturday, February 3, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

WHERE: IHOP Parsippany, 792 Route 46, Parsippany

 

Planning Board holds Reorganization Meeting; Keller nominated Chairman

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board held a reorganization meeting on Monday, January 8. The following appointments were made:

John Von Achen was pointed as a Class IV member, Alternate Number 1, of the Planning Board for a term ending December 31, 2019.

John Von Achen taking oath of office for Planning Board member

Bruce Frigeri was pointed as a Class IV member of the Planning Board for a term ending December 31, 2021.

Bruce Frigeri taking oath of office for Planning Board member

Judy Hernandez was pointed as a Class I member of the Planning Board for a term ending December 31, 2021.

Judy Hernandez taking oath of office for Planning Board member

Attorney Scott Carlson, from Carlson, Siedsma and Warner, was appointed to the position of Planning Board Attorney.

Mayor Michael A. Soriano swears in Scott Carlson, Planning Board Attorney

The entire board voted unanimously to appoint Robert Keller as Chairman of the Planning Board. Keller has been a member of the Planning Board for 22 years and has served under three Chairmans, the most recent being Tom Dinsmore.

Robert Keller was nominated for Chairman Planning Board

Tom Dinsmore, former Chairman, was appointed to Vice-Chairman of the Planning Board by an unanimous vote.

Tom Dinsmore was nominated for Vice-Chairman Planning Board

The board then reaffirmed Nora Jolie as Planning Board Secretary; Appointed Susan Favate, BFL Planning as Township Planner; Andrew Cangiano, Keller & Kirkpatrick as Township Engineer.

In addition, former Township Planner, Edward Snieckus, Burgis Associates, was re-appointed as a hold-over to complete all applications the firm has started; and Bryan VanderGheynst, NV5, Board Engineer was also re-appointed as a hold-over to complete all applications the firm has started.

Jennifer Vealey was reappointed to serve as a Class II member with a term ending December 31, 2018.

Other members of the board consist of Vincent Aperawic, Turan Ayaz, Paula Csantaveri and Saurin Pathak.

Janice McCarthy

Township Clerk Khaled Madin confirmed the Council Appointment of Janice McCarthy, Class III Member, term ending December 31, 2018. Ms. McCarthy was not present at the meeting due to illness, and will be sworn in at the next Planning Board meeting.

In addition Chairman Keller appointed the following members to the Minor Site Plan and Subdivision Committee: Tom Dinsmore (Chairman) Jon Von Achen, Paula Csantaveri, Vincent Aperawic and Bruce Frigeri. The Minor Site Plan and Subdivision Committee meets at 7:00 p.m. (when necessary) prior to a regular Planning Board meeting.

After the reorganization meeting, there was one application to finalize on the agenda. Application 17:521, UPS, Block 136, Lot 43.3, 10 Upper Pond Road for Final Major Site Plan was approved by the board.

The Planning Board is responsible for administering, updating and enforcing the Township’s master plan which is a comprehensive, long-range plan intended to direct the community’s growth and development. It also reviews all sub-divisions and site plans.

The Planning Board is comprised of nine members plus two alternates appointed by the Mayor. These include the Mayor, a Council member, a representative from the Administration and six residents from the general public.

For additional information on the Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board, click here.

Morris County Young Republicans to Host NJGOP Chairman Steinhardt

Douglas J. Steinhardt

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Young Republicans are pleased to host newly elected Chairman of the NJ Republican Committee, Doug Steinhardt, at their upcoming Thursday, January 18 Social held at Vinnie’s Pizzeria, 406 Main Street, Boonton.

The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public of all ages. Chairman Steinhardt is a partner at Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt and and Cappelli.

He was the first five-term Mayor in Lopatcong, New Jersey and previously served as Chairman of the Warren County Republican Committee. Chairman Steinhardt will address the crowd about the State of the New Jersey Republican Party going into 2018.

Vinnie’s Pizzeria and Italian to Indian Fusion will be providing delicious appetizers and refreshments. Guests over 21 may bring their own beverages. Ample parking is available on Main Street or on adjacent Mechanic Street and Cornelia Street.

Morris County Freeholder John Cesaro is serving as Event Sponsor. For any questions, please e-mail morrisyr@gmail.com or visit the Facebook Event Page by clicking here.

Doug served on President Donald J. Trump’s Presidential campaign National Finance Committee. After being named to NJ’s Electoral College delegation for President Trump, Doug served as counsel for Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. in the post-2016, general election, provisional ballot counts in Orange County, FL. Since the November 2016 general election, Doug has been a frequent visitor to the White House and Washington D.C. on various matters of client, political and legal interest.

Doug received a BA in History from Gettysburg College, where he was also a four-year member of the Gettysburg NCAA Division III football team. At Widener University Law School, Doug was a member and, later, associate editor of the Law Review.

Doug and his wife Trudy were married in Belvidere in 1996 and live in Lopatcong Township with their two children.

Leigh DelPorto, Marketing Sales Coordinator, Boiling Springs Savings Bank joins Kiwanis Club

PARSIPPANY — Frank Cahill, President of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, installs new member, Leigh A. DelPorto, Boiling Springs Savings Bank Marketing Sales Coordinator at a recent breakfast meeting.

DelPorto was sponsored by Silvia Cooper, also from Boiling Springs Savings Bank.

Among Leigh’s duties at Boiling Springs Savings Bank are to train, coach, and provide ongoing sales development and mentoring to an eight branch network consisting of 46 team members to ensure branch goals are met; Plan and coordinate business development activities in both the private and 501(C)3 sector; Active involvement in both civic and business organizations to promote our Community Alliance Program (“CAP”) as well as other business lines of the bank; Ongoing collaboration with CAP clients to increase their supporters; Present financial literacy courses to various organizations as community service and prepare monthly reporting on all sales and marketing activities to VP of Marketing.

Frank Cahill said “We welcome Leigh to this global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here.

Silvia Cooper, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill and Boiling Springs Savings Bank Marketing Sales Coordinator Leigh A. DelPorto

Breaking news: Slippery Driveway Causes Vehicle to slide into stairwell

PARSIPPANY — A motor vehicle accident with entrapment occurred at Mountain Club, 2467 Route 10, at approximately 4:27 p.m. on Sunday, January 7.

The Acura slid off the roadway, landed in a stairwell and overturned on its driver side and hit a electrical box, requesting building maintenance to the scene. Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Department District 1 was on the scene, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery.

Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department worked quickly to stabilize the vehicle and remove both passenger doors to gain access to the victim. The male driver was removed from the vehicle. The driver was complaining of back pain, and was transported to Morristown Medical Center.

Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire District 4 provided station coverage for the duration of the call

As details are released Parsippany Focus will update this story.

Parsippany Christian Lady Patriots Hoopsters take Title

PARSIPPANY — On Friday, January 5 and Saturday, January 6, Parsippany Christian School hosted the 40th Annual Garden State Association of Christian Schools (GSACS) varsity basketball tournament. 

The first seeded Parsippany Christian girls’ varsity basketball team (10-1) defeated second seeded Gloucester County Christian 36-20 on Saturday to claim the school’s first GSACS championship in 16 years. The Parsippany Christian girls’ varsity basketball team lead 16-12 at halftime. In the third quarter PCS extended its lead by outscoring Gloucester County Christian 11-4, as the girls cruised to their first GSACS title since 2002 and second GSACS championship overall.

Senior guard, Alyssa Chellaraj stated, ” It was very special to win GSACS my senior year and to finally break the sixteen drought!”  

Chloe Milanesi

The Parsippany Christian girls were lead by tournament MVP Chloe Milanesi, a sophomore guard, who had 15 points including two 3-pointers, 16 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals in the final. It is the second year in a row Milanesi has been awarded GSACS tournament MVP.  Freshman forward Rose Hockman contributed 8 points and 8 rebounds in the title game. In addition to Milanesi earning MVP, All-tournament selections from Parsippany Christian included Rose Hockman, Alyssa Chellaraj, and Charlotte Milanesi.

Alyssa Chellaraj
Lily Jules

On top of the championship victory, the girls’ team earned the Christian Testimony award, an honor afforded to the team that exhibits great sportsmanship and high character values during the tournament.

On the boys side, second seeded Parsippany Christian boys’ varsity basketball team (8-4) lost to first seeded and defending champions Solid Rock in the championship by the score of 32-29.  Parsippany Christian, down by 11 at halftime, battled back to get within 3 points with 12 seconds remaining and with possession of the ball but missed at the buzzer.  PCS boys were looking to claim their first GSACS title since 2014. 

Head Coach Armand Milanesi stated, “Credit Solid Rock, playing their second game of the day, to gut out the win. They played great defense, put us on our heels, and made us uncomfortable on offense.  But as we’ve stated all season, win or lose we give glory to The Lord. So we are grateful that The Lord allowed us the opportunity to play in the championship and experience all the challenges that come with trying to defeat a champion. We will re-group and start our league schedule fully prepared.” 

Senior wings, Michael Jetton and Patrick Vance were named to the all-tournament team.  

Parsippany Christian boys and girls varsity basketball teams continue its league schedule at rival Veritas Christian on Tuesday, January 9.

All tournament players

Seeking Nominations for 2018 Annual Community Service Awards

MOUNTAIN LAKES — In keeping with the mission to strengthen the foundations of community, the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is proud to recognize individuals, groups and organizations for their commitment to giving back to others in our geographic service area.

Those selected are formally recognized for their outstanding community service at the Y Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation to be held on Wednesday, May 16 at 6:00 p.m. at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes, 90 Route 46 East, Mountain Lakes.

There are four award categories; nominations and scholarship applications are now being accepted through April 1.

Citizen of the Year: The ideal candidate has given time and energy without personal gain. His or her unselfish contributions and positive attitude have distinguished the individual as a “model citizen.” You may nominate more than one person, from more than one community (complete separate nomination form for each). One recipient from each of our service-area communities will be chosen. You may nominate an individual from Parsippany-Troy Hills, Boonton, Boonton Township, Denville, Kinnelon or Butler (same zip code), Lincoln Park, Montville, Mountain Lakes, Pequannock or Riverdale. Click here for nomination form.

Educator of the Year: The Educator of the Year Award has two categories: K-8 Educator of the Year and High School Educator of the Year. Both honor education professionals who have gone above and beyond in the development of youth/teens in the Y’s service area, through his/her significant, positive, and guiding influence in one or more of the following areas: The classroom, athletics, or enrichment/extracurricular programs. Individuals may be nominated from any school, public or private, within the Y’s service area. Click here for nomination form.

Scholarship Applications: Bronie Parkins Service Award for Graduating 8th Graders. The Bronie Parkins Community Service Award is presented to one eighth grade boy and one eighth grade girl based solely on community service. This application requires two letters of recommendation. The two winning students will each receive a free one-year membership to the Y, and an engraved plaque at the Y Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation. The winners, along with their parents and a teacher of his or her choice, are invited as our guests for the evening. Click here for nomination form.

William Kogen Community Service Award for Graduating High School Seniors: The William Kogen Community Service Award is presented to one high school senior boy and one high school senior girl based solely on community service. This application requires two letters of recommendation. The two winning students will each receive a $1,000 college scholarship, a free one-year membership to the Y, and an engraved plaque at the Y Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation. The winners, along with their parents and a teacher of his or her choice, are invited as our guests for the evening. Click here for nomination form.

Dinner reservations are available through Nancy Dunham: nancyd@lhymca.com or (973) 334-2820; tickets are $60.00 per person.

For more information on the award nominations or scholarship applications please contact Rosemary Linder Day, Community Relations Director: rosemaryl@lhymca.com or (973) 334-2820.

Letter to the editor: Trump Administration killed a crucial infrastructure deal

parsippany focusDear Editor:

On December 29, the Trump Administration killed a crucial infrastructure deal to fund a $13 billion rail tunnel under the Hudson River, a key piece of the larger Gateway Project. The action highlights Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen’s impotency among his fellow Republicans in Congress and the White House on issues critical to his constituents.

Frelinghuysen has been silent since the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced that it doesn’t recognize the agreement President Obama struck to have the federal government pay half the rail project costs. As House Appropriations Committee chairman, the rail project – crucial to the economies of Frelinghuysen’s district, the region and the nation – should have been easy for him to support.  But as a blue state Representative in a deeply conservative Republican congress, hostile to blue states, and fearful of losing his coveted position as chairman, he failed to speak out for us.

Regardless of whether the rail project’s federal funding commitment is restored, it’s obvious that Frelinghuysen has little influence in Washington – and is not able or willing to fight for his constituents.  NJ and District 11 constituents deserve better.

Ken Dolsky

Morris County Freeholders hold Reorganization meeting

MORRIS COUNTY – The Board of Chosen Freeholders held their annual reorganization meeting on Friday, January 5.

Incoming Freeholder Heather Darling took the oath of office for a three year term. (Click here to read related article). Darling replaced Freeholder Hank Lyon who did not seek re-election to the county governing board.

Heather Darling and former Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Robert Peluso

Douglas R. Cabana was elected Freeholder Director and Christine Myers was elected Deputy Freeholder Director for the new year.

Other members of the Freeholder Board include Thomas J. Mastrangelo, John Cesaro, Kathryn A. DeFillippo and Deborah Smith.

Father John Theodosion, Presiding Priest of St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church in Randolph, gave the invocation, while the Morris County Law Enforcement and Boonton Township Fire Department color guards also participated in the event.

Among the many officials in attendance were Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Congressman Leonard Lance, Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon, Senator Anthony Bucco, Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, newly elected State Senator Kristin Corrado and her running mate Assemblyman-elect Chris DePhillips, Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll, Morris County Young Republican Secretary Joseph Bock, Esq., Former Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Former Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Captain Andrew Miller, Former Freeholder John Inglesino, Former Freeholder and Current Morris Plains Mayor Frank Druetzler, Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi; Morris County Republican Chairwoman Patti Page and MCRC Finance Chair Ron DeFilippis.

Freeholder Director Douglas Cabana

Douglas R. “Doug” Cabana is the longest serving member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, having joined the board in April 1997.

He is a former freeholder director who was elected by his colleagues to that post in 2000, 2001, and again in 2017.  He served as deputy director in 1998, 1999, 2011 and 2012.

A past president of the New Jersey Association of Counties, it was under his leadership in 2006 that the association became an initial driving force behind the now popular concept of “shared services.” Cabana will continue in 2018 as Morris County’s representative to that statewide association, a role he has held since 1999.

Cabana was mayor of Boonton Township for six years and a member of the township’s governing body for eleven years. He is a member of the 200 Club of Morris County and a former president of the Morris County League of Municipalities.

Freeholder Cabana is an attorney who received his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law.  He also has a degree in business management from Ithaca College.

Christine Myers began her first term on the board of freeholders on January 3, 2016. The Mendham Township resident has a long history in corporate and private business, and has been active for many years in community affairs in Morris County

Deputy Freeholder Director Christine Myers

Myers launched a specialty food business in 2013 after a 25-year career as a technology and telecommunications executive and consultant. At AT&T, Myers was responsible for managing the technology and communications needs of all 1996 presidential elections, the Republican National Convention, and hundreds of federal, state and municipal campaigns.

She also led the team that won multi-million dollar communication contracts for the Executive Office of the President and White House Communications Agency. Later, as Vice President, Alliances and Business Development at Siemens, she negotiated global technology, strategic alliance and joint venture agreements.

Myers served until June of 2016 as President of the Board of Cornerstone Family Programs and the Morristown Neighborhood House. She also was a board member of Turn the Towns Teal, an ovarian cancer awareness initiative; Madison Daycare, and the Pastoral Advisory Board of St. Joseph Parish in Mendham.

In December, The Trump administration Myers regional advocate for the U.S. Small Business Administration.

She will be able to complete her term through the end of 2018. She can’t run again while working as one of ten regional advocates for the SBA.

Myers expects to work in New York City when she isn’t traveling for the job. She said she intends to complete work she started last year as head of a freeholder committee developing a strategic master plan for the county’s future.

She and her husband own a small business called Madison Park Foods that formulates spices. Myers said her husband will run the business solo.

She is a graduate of the College of William and Mary.

Christine is married and lives in Mendham with her husband Stan Gorski and their sons, Tom and Stan.

The Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders will meet again on Wednesday, January 10 at 7:00 p.m. All regular meetings at which formal action may be taken will take place at the Board of Chosen Freeholders’ Meeting Room, Fifth Floor, Administration and Records Building, Court Street, Morristown.

Heather Darling Sworn in as Freeholder

MORRIS COUNTY — Heather Darling took the Oath of Office for Freeholder on Friday, January 5, at the Morris County Administration and Records Building, Morristown.

Darling, a 43-year Morris County resident, ran for the open Morris County Freeholder seat vacated by Former Freeholder Hank Lyon, who chose not to run for re-election.

Heather fully understands the role of a Freeholder and is prepared to take on the tasks associated with that job specifically. She will be focusing exclusively on County issues and leave state and federal issues like minimum wage and immigration enforcement to the appropriate governing bodies. She is a fiscal conservative interested in preserving the character and values of Morris County in a manner that is affordable and beneficial to our residents while upholding the Constitution, according to her oath of office, in performing her duties as Freeholder.

While she intends to bring a fresh perspective to the Freeholder Board, she is aware of issues within the county. The three main categories that are central to Heather’s goals are the promotion of economic growth and job creation; fiscal responsibility and free enterprise and professional integrity and transparency.

Deer freed from fence thanks to Patrol Sergeant Kinsey

PARSIPPANY — Patrol Sergeant Earl Kinsey was patrolling the area of Granada Drive when something caught his eye in the fence of a residence, on Friday, January 5.

He quickly stopped his patrol vehicle and determined a young deer had become stuck between the fence rails.

Detective Lieutenant Keith Lefferts, along with members of the Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department, Parsippany Animal Control and Shelter, and Par-Troy EMS responded to assist Sergeant Kinsey free the deer.

After a short time, the deer was freed by the responding personnel with minimal damage to the fence. The deer was last seen running into woods.

Honoring Dr. King with a Statewide Call to Action

TRENTON — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will mark a statewide day of service in honor of Dr. King’s legacy.

The Governor-elect, Lieutenant Governor-elect, and the entire Murphy-Oliver Administration will be participating in designated service activities throughout all 21 counties to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  If you would like to join us in volunteering to both honor Dr. King and create a stronger, fairer New Jersey, click here to sign up.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to: inaugural2018@njdems.org.

Reminder: Renew your dog license by January 31

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany residents are reminded that all dogs in the township are required to be licensed each year. The deadline for licensing your dog, seven months or older, is January 31. According to state statute a dog must be registered within ten days of such acquisition or age attainment.

Click here to download an application to apply for a dog license.

Licenses may be obtained in person at the office of the Township Clerk, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Licenses may also be requested by mail, addressed to the Township Clerk, at the above address, by enclosing the proper fee, current rabies vaccination certificate and/or prior year’s license, and a self-addressed, stamped return envelope.

The fee for spayed/neutered is $15.00 and non-spayed/neutered is $18.00.

All licenses expire on December 31 and must be renewed in January of each year. Licensed renewed after January 31 require a $5.00 late fee.

There is no fee required for Seeing Eye dogs. According to Township Ordinance potentially dangerous dogs the fee is $150.00. If you need a replacement registration tag the fee is $2.00. To transfer registration tag (optional) is $2.00. The turn-in fee for sick or unwanted dogs up to 20 pounds is $25.00; Twenty-one pounds to 50 pounds is $45.00 and over 50 pounds is $65.00.

Eli is available for adoption

PARSIPPANY — Eli is a gorgeous, sweet, and fun Husky! He is seven years old but don’t let that stop you, he has the personality and energy of a much younger dog!

Eli is friendly, loves to play, enjoys the snow like a typical Husky does, and will make a great companion who will keep you entertained. He is already trained and knows tricks! He is neutered and up to date on vaccines. Eli is great with dogs of all sizes and he is fine around cats.

If you’d like more information, please call the Parsippany Animal Shelter (973) 263-7083, or stop by for a visit! The shelter is open Monday through Friday 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Parsippany Animal Shelter is located at 1069 Parsippany Boulevard.

Arrest made in carjacking and robbery at Wells Fargo Bank

MORRISTOWN — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp and Morristown Bureau of Police Chief Peter Demnitz announce the arrest of Michael Conway, 37, Morristown, on charges related to a robbery and carjacking that occurred during the early evening hours of January 3, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Bank located at 87 Ridgedale Avenue, Morristown.

On January 3, 2018 at approximately 5:40 p.m., law enforcement was notified of a robbery that had occurred at the outdoor ATM of Wells Fargo Bank located on Ridgedale Avenue.  The suspect allegedly approached the victim on foot, demanded cash from the victim, and stated that he had a gun.  After receiving an amount of cash from the victim, the suspect fled from the scene in the victim’s vehicle.  The vehicle was subsequently recovered.

As a result of an investigation by law enforcement, Conway was taken into custody by detectives with the Morristown Bureau of Police on January 4, 2018.

Conway was charged with one count of Carjacking, a crime of the first degree, one count of Robbery, a crime of the first degree, and one count of Theft of a Motor Vehicle, a crime of the third degree.  Conway was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility on a warrant-complaint in accordance with the Criminal Justice Reform Act.

The Morristown Bureau of Police was the lead investigative agency in this matter.  They were assisted by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigation Section, and the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Narcan 2.0 Saves Lives throughout Morris County

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office partnerships with Morris CARES, Atlantic Health, and Saint Clare’s Health in the implementation of “Narcan 2.0”, has had great success in the past seven months. Since the inception of the program in May of last year, the newly created Addiction Recovery Response Team is already producing positive results in the fight against the heroin epidemic.

On May 18th, 2017, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office launched the “Narcan 2.0” program. Morris County Prosecutor, Fredric M. Knapp, worked with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, local law enforcement, medical, and social service agencies to enact this program. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office provided Morris Cares with a check for $10,000, to provide training to Peer Recovery Specialists. These funds were obtained from civil forfeiture proceedings against drug dealers.

The program requires every person who has suffered from a drug overdose, and has had their condition “reversed” in the field due to the administration of the drug Narcan, by police officers, to be counseled by a certified Peer Recovery Specialist. The aim is to provide the survivor with a meaningful second chance and to navigate them into treatment to break the cycle of addiction.

Before the Peer Recovery Specialists are allowed to work with anyone, they have to pass an exam and training course through Morris CARES. Morris CARES is a non-profit, recovery oriented sanctuary, based in Rockaway, NJ that works to change the lives of those suffering from a substance abuse disorder. Their focus on utilizing peer support throughout the community works hand in hand with the goal of “Narcan 2.0”.

“Narcan 2.0 is proving to be an overwhelmingly successful response to the opiate epidemic. The project allows for individuals who have been reversed from an opiate overdose to receive recovery support from a trained Peer Recovery Specialist. The Peer Recovery Specialist is a person in recovery who uses his or her lived experience with addiction to help an overdose survivor find and maintain a path of recovery,” said Melody Runyan, Associate Director of Morris CARES.

The Peer Recovery Specialists utilize their own experiences as an attempt to break the vicious cycle of addiction. Their first-hand knowledge allows the victims to feel more comfortable in their recovery, knowing that the person across from them has been where they are right now.

Out of the 83 times that Narcan was administered in Morris County by law enforcement officers since the implementation of “Narcan 2.0” seven months ago, 59 of those victims accepted the services of the Addiction Recovery Response Team. That comes out to a starting success rate of 71.08%.

Of the 59 overdose victims that were willing to accept these services, 59% of them utilized the peer support program, 17% were sent to a detox program, 15% were sent to an inpatient program, and 9% utilized an outpatient program.

The personal testimonies from the individuals who have taken advantage of “Narcan 2.0”, prove just how much of a difference having a follow-up to the “reversal” of the overdose makes.

For example, a confidential patient, overdosed and ended up on life support at St. Clare’s Dover, and expressed his interest in the Peer Support program. Following his release, he did not keep in contact with his Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and eventually relapsed. Once he decided to reach out to his Peer Recovery Specialist again, they were able to get him into a Detox and Inpatient program the same day, ultimately saving his life. This individual has expressed his enormous gratitude for the program, and he’s just one of the many success stories that “Narcan 2.0” has created thus far.

The heroin and opioid epidemic continues to affect lives across Morris County, where at least 79 people died in 2017 from an opiate overdose. Programs such as “Narcan 2.0” attempt to utilize recovery as the main tool in saving those suffering from substance abuse disorder. If the vicious cycle of addiction can be broken, progress will be made. To assist law enforcement first responders, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, very recently provided additional Narcan supplies for all participating Morris County police departments on December 12, 2017.

Prosecutor Knapp commented on the positive effect to date, “We are very encouraged by the positive impact “Narcan 2.0” has had so far. Law enforcement partnership with the treatment community is enabling the “Narcan 2.0” program to save lives. Being a “Stigma Free” County helps those suffering from substance abuse disorder to break away from this horrific disease.”

Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Reorganization Meeting

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PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Reorganization Meeting was held on Monday, January 1, 2018

H&R Block tax offices open for 2018, offer free 1040EZ

H&R Block opened its 10,000 offices nationwide today to serve taxpayers during the upcoming filing season. H&R Block has an office located within five miles of 95 percent of Americans. Whether they need help filing their 2017 return, W-4 planning for 2018, dealing with IRS-mandated refund delays or more, H&R Block can serve them when and how they want. 

“We help taxpayers get their taxes won, starting with getting them their maximum refund,” said Karen Orosco, senior vice president of U.S. retail for H&R Block. “We don’t stop there to get your taxes won, though. We will serve you when you want, where you want and how you want, including through our new virtual method that allows you to never step foot in an office but still get your taxes won with our expert tax professionals.”

Millions can file for free at H&R Block offices 

H&R Block’s free Federal 1040EZ offer will allow approximately 23 million taxpayers to file a Federal 1040EZ for free for a limited time at participating offices.

“Our free Federal 1040EZ offer gives taxpayers access to expert assistance in completing their returns and guarantees they get their maximum refund – all for free.” Orosco said.

“Filing a simple tax return may not be as easy as many taxpayers believe, especially if they are new filers, experienced a life change in 2017, face IRS refund delays or are concerned about how tax reform legislation will affect them in 2018, including the impact to their paychecks starting as early as February,” Orosco said. “Having assistance from a qualified tax professional provides taxpayers confidence that they aren’t leaving any money on the table and that they are prepared for the future.” 

Generally, a 1040EZ filer is a taxpayer whose filing status is single or married filing jointly, who does not pay mortgage interest, has no dependents and earned less than $100,000 last year. 

To learn more about filing a Free Federal 1040EZ and all other offers like H&R Block Tax Pro Go, find a nearby location or make an appointment, visit www.hrblock.com or call 1-800-HRBLOCK.

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