PARSIPPANY — During the early morning hours of Saturday, September 30, there were nine mailboxes that were damaged, destroyed, or stolen. The incidents occurred on the following roads: five on Pondview Road, one on Moraine Road and three on Spencer Court.
These incidents remain under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department’s Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
PARSIPPANY — Commenting on the mass shooting last night in Las Vegas, Nevada that has left at least 50 people dead and approximately 400 injured, Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce said she is encouraging her constituents and all people throughout the state and nation to pray for the victims and their families and to come together as Americans.
“This was a heinous and cowardly act that was as senseless as it was tragic,” said DeCroce (RMorris, Essex, Passaic). “The victims and their families deserve nothing but our supp01i, as do the brave men and women of law enforcement who responded to this deadly incident.”
The assemblywoman cautioned that the massacre should not become a political flashpoint. “Tragedies such as this should bring Americans closer together not drive us apart,” she said. “There are too many things that we do not know about this atrocity; about the shooter’s motives or his state of mind.
As more information is gathered, authorities will dissect it and perhaps come up with a motive for the killings. But no explanation will relieve the grief of the victims’ families and friends.
PARSIPPANY — 50+ year Parsippany resident celebrates his 95th birthday among friends and family at the Parsippany Senior Center.
On October 2, 2017, Joseph G, Bulgarini (Joe) celebrated his 95th birthday among friends and family at the Parsippany Senior Center on Knoll Drive. The Mayor of Parsippany, James Barberio, graciously read a proclamation honoring the long standing resident by officially declaring October 2, 2017 “Joseph G. Bulgarini Day.”
Prior to the day’s event, Joe was recognized as September 2017’s “Parsippany Senior of the Month.” He was asked to draft a biography that was posted throughout the Senior Center. The content of that follows:
Joe was raised during the Great Depression. An athlete, he played semi-pro football for the Clifton Starlings.
Joe was drafted into the Army during World War II, and reported for boot camp on January 2, 1943. He was assigned to US Army Corps of Engineers, obtaining rank of Sergeant and served for over three years during which he spent over two years overseas. He was discharged from the Army in spring of 1946. Afterwards, he opened “Courtesy Cab” company with radio dispatch in June 1946, owning a livery service with five cabs and two limousines.
Joe married Louise Ficarra in October of 1946, and they had two daughters, Carol and Janice. With his wife’s urging, he went back to school, earning his high school diploma at Clifton High School, then went on to graduate from Rutgers University. This resulted from 13 1/2 years of part-time studies, some at home, some at Rutgers’ Paterson Campus. After graduating Rutgers, Joe worked for Curtis Wright as model maker and supervisor.
The Bulgarini family left Clifton in 1966 for employment in Morris County. Later jobs included school supervisor of Buildings & Grounds for the Morris Hills School District.
In 1977, Joe and Louise bought a beach house in Monterey Beach at the NJ Shore where they enjoyed many walks and bike rides through the years. Late in life, their trips expanded to include world travel, along with winters spent with great friends at a camp ground in Key Largo, Florida.
Joe greatly misses his wife, with whom he began his daily lunches at the Parsippany Senior Center. She passed away in 2014, at almost 90 years of age, and after 68 years of marriage.
Aside from work, Joe has many hobbies. He enjoys fixing anything from lawn chairs to lawnmowers to electronics. He began a stamp collection at age eight and hasn’t stopped since. In addition, he is an avid fisherman; aside from his wife, his fishing pole was his most constant life companion.
Joe lives on Lake Parsippany, with a well worn swing facing the water that has seen 3 generations – from his two teenage daughters who moved there, to three grandchildren (Sharon, David & Cheryl), and now two great grandchildren (Carina, age 9, and Victoria, age 6).
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School Marching Band took first place, on Sunday, October 1, in competition at J.P. Stevens High School in Edison. Their new show for 2017-2018 is called “Turning Points.”
The John P. Stevens Marching Hawks hosted its 30th annual Marching Band Festival at McGowan Stadium. 1st Place—Group 4A; Score 83.475 – Best Music and Best Visual.
The 2017-18 PHS Marching Band show features “House of the Rising Sun,” “Birdland,”
“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),” and “Echano.”
Band Director is Gregory Dalakian and Erin Neglio is Assistant Band Director.
The Parsippany High School Marching Band will be competing in USBands Yamaha Cup: MetLife Stadium at East Rutherford on Saturday, October 14.
Parsippany HS Marching RedHawks Win First PlaceParsippany HS Marching RedHawks Win First Place
PARSIPPANY — Howard Brush Dean III, an American politician and author who served as the 79th Governor of Vermont from 1991 to 2003 and Chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2005 to 2009 was in Parsippany on Sunday, October 1, along with Tammy Murphy showing their support for Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayoral Candidate Michael Soriano, Township Council Candidates Emily Peterson and Janice McCarthy as well as other Morris County Democrats.
Howard Dean also came up with the 50 state strategy. In 2005, Democrats launched the 50-State Strategy—an ambitious effort to build the Democratic Party from the ground up in every single precinct, city, and state in the country. We know that we won’t be able to win everywhere until we are able to compete everywhere, and that means fielding candidates and providing resources to even the most traditionally “red” parts of the country. The DNC works in partnership with state Democratic parties to provide resources for electoral efforts, voter registration, candidate recruitment, volunteer recruitment, and training.
Howard Dean rallies N.J. Democrats
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Gov. Howard Dean the former Vermont governor, Democratic National Committee chair and 2004 presidential candidate
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayoral Candidate Michael Soriano
Chairman of the Democratic Party in Morris County Chip Robinson
Tammy Murphy, wife of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy
Gov. Howard Dean the former Vermont governor, Democratic National Committee chair and 2004 presidential candidate
Janice McCarthy, Parsippany Council Candidate; Emily Peterson, Parsippany Council Candidate;
Kris Grasso, Mount Olive Council Candidate; Tom Moran, 25th District Assembly Candidate; Howard Dean, former Governor of Vermont & Presidential candidate;
Tammy Murphy, wife of Ambassador Phil Murphy; Lisa Bhimani, 25th District Senate Candidate; Michael Soriano, Parsippany Mayoral Candidate;
David Rubin, Hanover Township Committee Candidate; Cathy Wilson, Morris Township Committee Candidate / Morris Township Democratic Chairwoman;
Dean opened his remarks saying his first elected office was County Chairman.
“You have a lot going for you,” said Dean. “Not only is Phil Murphy on top of the ticket, which is going to be incredibly helpful, but you also have a lot of disgust among voters with Republicans in general, but specifically the governor and president.” “When you knock on someones door, they are coming out and voting because you asked them to go vote. Ask them to get out and vote,” he said.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayoral Candidate Michael Soriano, who is running against incumbent Republican Parsippany Mayor James Barberio, was in attendance, with his two running mates, Township Council Candidates Emily Peterson and Janice McCarthy.
“It was a pleasure meeting so many supporters that are excited about the Mayoral and Council race in Parsippany, “ said Mayoral Candidate Michael Soriano.
In addition Morris County Freeholder candidate Rosella Clyde, Medical Dr. Lisa Bhimani, running for the Senate in Legislative District 25, was there with her running mate, Assembly candidate Tom Moran, who is an IT professional. Several candidates for other municipal offices were in attendance.
PARSIPPANY — Diamond Dance held a water and diaper drive to help Puerto Rico with the devastation from Hurricane Maria on Sunday, October 1.
Diamond Dance Fundraiser for Puerto Rico
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Director Tiffany Slowinski, Allie Cimaglia of East Hanover, Brooke Liskiewicz of Long Valley. Bottom left to right: Ava DeAngelis of Parsippany and Brooklawn Middle School student Chloe DeAngelis and Claire Dolen of Parsippany
Chloe DeAngelis and Claire Dolen of Parsippany
Parsippany residents Amy Roberts, Brooke Liskiewicz and Amber Huang
The director Tiffany Slowinski of Diamond Dance's father Hector Rafael Rios (Parsippany resident). He is a Puerto Rico native who is devastated by the loss of his homeland and prays and hopes for a everyone to continue to come together to help rebuild and continue to love
Donations were dropped of at the Bloomfield Fire Dept where they will be sent directly to Puerto Rico
Community members poured in from shared social media posts about the event. Diamond Dance competition team members came out to support their country and their Director Tiffany Slowinski who is of Puerto Rican dissent. The directors still has many family members who live in Puerto Rico and hosted this event to contribute to not only her nation but for her parents family members. “I see the devastation the hurricane has caused my parents, cousins, aunts, and grandmother and I felt I needed to do something. Anything,” said Tiffany Slowinski.
It was a beautiful, successful, and emotional morning at the Diamond Dance help Puerto Rico Drive. Thank you to all of our neighbors, families, dancers, extended family members, dance moms, dance dad’s, and parsippany residents for your contribution to this wonderful cause!
The donations included 40 cases of water (1,200 individual bottles), over 20 cases of diapers, 10 boxes of baby wipes, baby clothes, and multiple boxes and containers of baby food!
PARSIPPANY — St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church annual blessing of Animals Liturgy celebrating the life of St. Francis who is remembered as having a deep appreciation for all of creation and a special bond with animals was held on Sunday, October 1.
All God’s creatures were welcome, however for safety concerns, participants were asked to bring their pets leashed or caged. Following the liturgy, refreshments are provided as an opportunity for people and pets socialize.
Honey, a 15 week old Chocolate Brown Lab, rescued from Puerto Rico received a blessing from Rev. Sica.
Honey giving love to Parsippany Mayoral Candidate Michael Soriano at the Blessing of the Animals
Honey is now living in a foster home in Parsippany. Puerto Rico is beautiful, but life can be hard for dogs. So many dogs wonder the streets in search of food, water, shelter and affection. Thankfully someone was nice enough to take her to a shelter where the wonderful people at Save A Sato Foundation took care of her and gave her affection.
Save the Sato Foundation contacted Furever Home Dog Rescue and was flown to New Jersey to find their furever homes. Honey’s foster says…..”Honey is such a sweetheart! She is a happy puppy who loves to be with you! She follows us around and likes to cuddle. Honey spends her days playing with stuff toys, running around the yard and playing with my dog. She likes having fun! You can’t get any sweeter than Honey!!’ For information on adopting Honey email FHDR@att.net.
To support the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter donations of dog or cat food, paper towels and cleaning supplies were requested. For more information about Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter click here.
St. Gregory’s is a progressive, inclusive and affirming, community of faith joyfully sharing the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ with all God’s Children, located at 480 South Beverwyck Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054.
PARSIPPANY — Thanks to our readers, advertisers and supporters, October 1 marks Parsippany Focus 28th Birthday celebration.
Parsippany Focus was first released as a monthly printed newspaper on October 1, 1989 mailed to every resident of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
At that time, Parsippany Focus was named the “Official newspaper of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC)”. Publisher Frank Cahill, was named on the Board of Directors of PACC in 1989, eventually elected Vice President, and then President-elect (but due to commitments with Focus did not continue as President, just remained on the Board of Directors.) He also created a Retail Committee to work with area businesses.
Parsippany Focus converted to a weekly newspaper serving the residents of Parsippany-Troy Hills in June 1991. Eventually Parsippany Focus was named the legal newspaper of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. This was the first weekly newspaper in many years appointed to serve the needs of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
Due to competition of newspapers in the late 90s, and the change of advertising markets of major companies devoting their advertising dollars to major newspapers, the advertising revenues of Parsippany Focus decreased to a point where it was not profitable to publish. Focus ceased publication in 1996.
Since then we have received many requests that Parsippany needs a “hometown” newspaper, that covers Parsippany news and events.
Due to the technology of the internet, we have created this website for the people of Parsippany, to publicize the events that involve their everyday life. Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, business briefs, honor rolls, club news, community announcements, school happenings (the same basic information the print version of Parsippany Focus featured from 1989 through late 1990s). “All Local, All Parsippany.”
The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills proclaimed October 1, 2014 as “Parsippany Focus Day“
Parsippany Focus acknowledges Cathy Haddon, Editor, for the hard work she contributed to Focus during the days of publishing the printed version. Many thanks to Cathy.
Parsippany Focus published a printed 25th Anniversary Issue which was distributed throughout Parsippany, on October 1, 2014.
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Governor Candidate Phil Murphy spoke to a crowded room of Democrats during the Morris County Democratic Committee 2017 Fall Gala held on Tuesday, September 25 at Zeris Inn.
Morris County Democratic Committee 2017 Fall Gala
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The room was crowded with Murphy supporters at Zeris Inn
E. William Edge, Assembly, Democratic candidate for District 26 of the New Jersey General Assembly, Elliot Sibor for Senator of 26th District and Democratic candidate for District 26 of the New Jersey General Assembly
Parsippany residents Judy Hernandez, Meredith Giovanelli with Parsippany Mayoral Candidate Michael Soriano
Attendees posing with Phil Murphy
Judy Hernandez with Jonathan Nelson
Phil Murphy and Parsippany resident Haley Carlson
Attendees at the 2017 Fall Gala
Chip Robinson, Phil Murphy and guests
Rupande Mehta, Denville Town Council, Ward 4; Parsippany Mayoral Candidate Michael Soriano and Parsippany Town Council Candidate Janice McCarthy
Parsippany resident Judy Hernandez and Phil Murphy
Parsippany residents Meredith Giovanelli and Phil Murphy
Parsippany Mayoral Candidate Michael Soriano, Governor Candidate Phil Murphy and Parsippany Town Council Candidate Janice McCarthy
Heather Champagne with opening statements
Chip Robinson, Currently Chairman of the Democratic Party
Former U.S. Senator Robert Torricelli
Governor Phil Murphy
Council candidate Rachel Marlowe, Phil Murphy, Shelly Morningstar Municipal Chair, and with Council candidates Kris Grasso and James Buell, Mount Olive Democrats
Phil has also fought for opportunity, fairness, and justice through his involvement in the Democratic Party. He served as Finance Chair of the Democratic National Committee, helping to elect Barack Obama. He worked with Howard Dean on the fifty-state strategy that rebuilt the Democratic Party from the grassroots up.
Last August, the State Board of Education passed a resolution making passage of the nationalized PARCC tests a requirement for graduation. PARCC tests are considered by many educational experts to be outdated, expensive, and not helpful to students. They have also been criticized by teachers, parents, and school administrators alike for taking away too much classroom instruction time and for forcing curricula to align with test topics to ensure higher scores. New Jersey is an outlier in its reliance on PARCC: only a handful of states still use the test, and only one other state is using it as a graduation requirement.
Phil Murphy is committed to ending New Jersey’s reliance on PARCC tests and eliminating standardized testing as a requirement for graduation. If elected, he would direct the state Department of Education to work with educators to create an assessment that would meet the federal reporting requirements of ESSA. He also would eliminate passage of a standardized test as a graduation requirement.
Murphy said money from the tax increases will be prioritized for public-worker pensions, education and transportation. Murphy also hopes to institute new programs like universal pre-kindergarten and free community college tuition. The state’s wealthiest will pay more in income tax, corporations would see tax loop-holes closed, and marijuana smokers would see their drug of choice become legalized — and taxed.
Murphy leads Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno by double digits in all polls.
Governor Chris Christie has vetoed five Democratic attempts to institute a “millionaire’s tax.”
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, September 30, the fifth grade class from Lake Parsippany School enjoyed a visit from the Parsippany Police Department. The students had fun washing the police vehicle.
They are also having a fundraiser at Palmero’s Pizza, 3045 Route 46, Morris Hills Shopping Center from Friday, October 6 through Sunday, October 8. Click here for flyer, bring it when ordering and Lake Parsippany Fifth Grade Class will receive a donation of 15%.
Purchases include dine in, take out, online ordering, catering and drinks.
Under a grant awarded to Chatham Borough, seniors in the Borough of Chatham can get Uber rides for $5.00 for the first 15 miles.
As a senior who can no longer drive, I can appreciate the value of such a program. It provides for much needed on-demand, independent mobility to move around town. It can also be useful to seniors who are concerned about driving after dark or when road conditions are poor. Could elected officials in Parsippany look into a similar program for its seniors?
If any of my fellow seniors think such a program has merit, please let the Parsippany officials know. Remember – strength in numbers.
PARSIPPANY — Keely Flanagan, a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, is among 18 University of Scranton education majors serving as student teachers during the fall semester at 11 different local schools, which include the following six school districts: Forest City Regional, Lakeland, North Pocono, Scranton, Valley View and Wayne Highlands.
Flanagan, is serving as a student teacher at North Pocono Intermediate School in the North Pocono School District.
PARSIPPANY — Scouts from Boy Scout Troops 173 and Troop 72, and Cub Scout Packs 142 and Pack 5 gathered at Saint Christopher’s Parish,1050 Littleton Road and assembled 697 hygiene kits. The kits will be sent to people who were affected by Hurricane Irma, Marie and Harvey.
In addition the Scouts collected the items for the kits: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, razors, deodorant, cotton swabs, body wash and other items needed to help those in need.
Scouts filling collection bags
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Brett Friedensohn filling the bags with the items to be distributed
Scouts filling up collection bags
Collection bags filled by the Scouts
Jack Summa and Ryan Porcelli, Scouts from Troop 172, filling the collection bags
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany donated money to Family Promise and also donated cleaning supplies for the clients of Family Promise at its breakfast meeting on Thursday, September 28. Karen DeChristopher, Co-director of Young Children Priority One, spearheaded the collection of cleaning supplies and then prepared baskets to distribute to those who need them.
Accepting the donation for Family Promise was Dominique Tornabe, Director of Development & Community Relations. Dominique also gave the Kiwanians an update on the events and progress of Family Promise efforts.
Family Promise of Morris County is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit organization dedicated to ending the crisis of homelessness faced by Morris County families by partnering with other public and private agencies, religious congregations and community volunteers to provide shelter, case management and mentoring services leading to self-sufficiency.
Family Promise of Morris County partners with more than 75 congregations of different faiths and 1600 of their congregants to provide shelter, overnight staffing, breakfast, lunch and dinner to our families. The dedication and commitment of all these partners makes Family Promise of Morris County the most cost-effective shelter program in the community. This cost efficiency allows us to direct the majority of funding to the needs of our families and the operating model provides an opportunity for community participation that is not available in a traditional shelter setting. Our volunteers and their families open their congregations, schedules, wallets and their hearts to the families we serve.
For more information on Family Promise, click here.
Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Our members, Kiwanians, are service-minded men and women who are united in their commitment and compassion for others.
Any community need can become a Kiwanis service project, especially the needs of children. Kiwanis service projects range from efforts that help local communities to Kiwanis International’s Worldwide Service Project for the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders.
Kiwanis members dedicate more than 6 million volunteer hours and invest more than $100 million in service projects that strengthen communities and serve children every year.
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets at the Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46 on Thursdays at 7:15 a.m. If you are interested in Kiwanis, join us for a complimentary breakfast.
MORRIS COUNTY — Nisivoccia is among the ten honorees of New Jersey Monthly’s fourth annual Great Oak Awards, a program created to honor the state’s most generous companies.
Kate S. Tomlinson, Publisher and Editor in Chief of New Jersey Monthly, and Michael J. Smith, President of Berkeley College and Presenting Sponsor announced the winners at a dinner on September 13, at the Park Chateau in East Brunswick.
Here is the complete list of Great Oak Award honorees:
• Nisivoccia LLP
• Bayer
• Columbia Bank of Fair Lawn
• Ernst & Young
• BD
• OpDecision LLC
• Riker Danzig
• The S3 Agency
• The Silverstrom Group
• WithumSmith+Brown LLC
The awards were presented in conjunction with Presenting Sponsor, Berkeley College and Marketing Partners Allstate NJ Insurance Company, First Bank. H2Ocean Restaurant & Raw Bar, New Jersey Natural Gas, NJ Sharing Network, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, and Uber.
New Jersey Monthly asked for nominations of NJ companies that are generous to the community, in terms of financial support, in-kind giving, volunteerism and sharing expertise. Next, the nominated companies were asked to submit data and commentary on their charitable contributions and volunteerism. An independent committee of judges comprised of William H. Byrnes, Vice President, Grants, F.M. Kirby Foundation; Hans Dekker, President, Community Foundation of New Jersey; Dennis Miller, Managing Director for The Nonprofit Search Group; and Abby O’Neill, Principal, Abby O’Neill Consulting, LLC selected the ten winners.
“The companies that are finalists and winners range from small companies to some of the state’s largest,” says Tomlinson. “They are in diverse industries. And they support a myriad of charities and causes. Yet they all have one thing in common—a passion for helping to make life better here in the Garden State.”
Nisivoccia LLP, founded in 1970, services clients in New Jersey and the surrounding metropolitan area. We are an independent member of an international affiliation of privately owned and operated public accounting firms known as BKR International. As a result, we have member firms who we can work with to support your organization across the United States and internationally as the need arises. Our personnel currently consist of 19 partners and approximately 80 professional and administrative support persons.
Our partners are committed to a personal, hands-on approach as they strive to ensure clients attain their business goals. To learn more click here.
Nisivoccia is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
PARSIPPANY — Kona Ice of Central Morris County recently renewed their annual membership in Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce. Visiting the Kona Ice truck was Dr. Patrick Selimo, who presented Rupesh with his membership plaque. Kona Ice Truck has donated over $18,000 to local community fundraisers.
Kona Ice is a true community ally renowned for facilitating endless fundraising options, Kona Ice has given more than $35 million dollars back to neighborhood schools, organizations and teams since its inception in 2007. The brand’s iconic truck offers customers a one-of-a-kind experience, featuring the opportunity to create their own Kona Ice on the self-serve Flavorwave™, while enjoying the soothing sights and sounds from the tropics. They would like to partner with your organization for your fundraising activities – a school, sports team, church, or any other community fundraiser. They also do private events.
For more information about booking Kona Ice for a fundraiser or event, visit www.kona-ice.com. Kona Ice of Central Morris County is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
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 — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrol Officers Edward Elston and James Seeger responded to a residence on Longport Road at 12:12 p.m. on September 3 to serve an active warrant issued by Rockaway Municipal Court for Michael Curtin Jr, 29, Parsippany.
Once the officers arrived at his residence, they knocked on the door and advised the occupant that answered through the door, who they were looking for.
A brief verbal exchange took place inside the residence between another occupant and Mr. Curtin Jr, who failed to come to the door after being requested to do so.
After a short period of time, Officers entered the residence to apprehend Mr. Curtin Jr.
In the process of locating him they observed baggies of marijuana, various pieces of drug paraphernalia, and a gravity knife in plain sight.
Patrol Officer G. Tosh, who was posted outside the residence, observed Mr. Curtin Jr. laying down on the roof attempting to hide from officers and ordered him off the roof and onto the ground.
Once he was on the ground he was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters. While there, he was processed and charged with one count of 4th Degree of Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (Gravity Knife); Hindering Apprehension, a Disorderly Persons Offense; Possession of Less than 50 grams of Marijuana, a Disorderly Persons Offense; and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Disorderly Persons Offense.
He was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his court initial 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.
PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office has adopted a dog from the Parsippany Animal Shelter to be trained as a single purpose explosive detection dog. K9 Boomer, an eight month old German Shepherd / Labrador Mix was selected after passing the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Section’s rigorous preliminary testing standards.
Sheriff James M. Gannon said, “From shelter to a hard working K-9 team, we welcome Boomer to our law enforcement family.”
Opportunity struck when Sheriff’s Detective Corporal Mike McMahon was attempting to adopt a bearded dragon for his son. Parsippany Animal Control Officer Kaitlin Kopshaw spoke to Detective Corporal McMahon about the dog, then known as Becker, expressing he could be a good candidate for police work. The dog had been to a few homes, but returned after a short time due to having a tremendous amount of energy. Detective Corporal McMahon met the dog and conducted preliminary tests of the dog’s abilities.
On September 18, the shelter dog was evaluated by Detective Sergeant Aaron Tomasini and Detective Corporal McMahon where he qualified to receive training as an explosive detection dog. Boomer was re-named and will become the Morris County Sheriff’s Office 29th Single Purpose Specialty Dog in the history of the K-9 Section.
Sheriff James M. Gannon said, “The K-9 Section will train Boomer to perform his expected duties while continuing to provide a high level of service to the residents of Morris County at no expense to the taxpayers.”
Parsippany Mayor James Barberio said, “The Parsippany Animal Shelter is happy to work in accordance with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. I am very thankful to the K-9 Section for adopting Becker from our animal shelter, now known as Boomer, and giving him an important job within their task force. We know Boomer will far exceed our expectations and we are anxiously awaiting all that he will accomplish!”
“An opportunity like this doesn’t present itself very often. Having the ability to create a happy ending of a bad situation is truly inspiring. It just proves that every dog has a purpose,” said Detective Sergeant Aaron Tomasini of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Section.
PARSIPPANY — At 7:45 p.m. on Friday, September 1, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Special Officer Class II Special Officer Marcus Dalakian was exiting from the Route 80 West local lanes onto the Littleton Road/Smith Road exit when he observed a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu stopped in the roadway approximately 50 feet behind a vehicle that was stopped at the traffic light.
Special Officer Dalakian further observed a male slumped over the center console area of the vehicle and approached the vehicle on foot to check on the driver, identified as Timothy Crew, 43, Rockaway.
The Officer began banging on the passenger side window multiple times, which finally woke Mr. Crew. While speaking to him, Special Officer Dalakian detected the odor of burnt marijuana and observed a rolled cigarette containing suspected marijuana. Other officers arrived on scene to assist in the investigation.
After a brief investigation by Patrol Officer Jamie Mendez, Mr. Crew was placed under arrest for Possession of a Controlled and Dangerous Substance (Marijuana) and Driving While Intoxicated and transported to Police Headquarters for processing. While there, he was charged with Possession of Less than 50 grams of Marijuana, a Disorderly Persons Offense; Driving While Intoxicated; Reckless Driving and Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle.
He was released on his own recognizance pending his 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.
On Saturday morning, September 23, Mayor James Barberio addressed a small group of Sedgefield residents at the long awaited groundbreaking of Grafton Park. The mayor was accompanied by Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Councilmen Paul Carifi and Michael DePierro and Township Forester Jim Walsh.
Mayor Barberio spoke about how the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy rendered Grafton Park unsafe and the township unable to provide the expertise and equipment to remove the fallen or leaning trees.
Samples of the park equipment to be installedSamples of the park equipment to be installed
The Mayor and council authorized a budget of $800,000.00 to transform the 4.3 acre passive wooded park into a neighbor park similar to other neighborhood parks in Parsippany. The township provided an architectural rendering of the proposed neighborhood park with two designated children play areas. There were also two photographs of the similar play equipment used at other neighborhoods parks in Parsippany. Mayor Barberio then called on Sedgefield past presidents Bob Roberti, George Kimmey and Maria Caivano to take a shovel and break ground for the new park.
Sedgefield Civic Association, past president, Bob Roberti then addressed the group by first thanking the Mayor, Council and Town Forester for all their efforts to make this park a reality. Bob also thanked members of the SCA Beautification Committee present for their many hours of volunteer labor for the past 10 years in Grafton Park. Bob also acknowledge that it was now impossible for the Beautification Committee to maintain the park any longer without the townships leadership. He mentioned it has been 64 years since the land was originally deeded to the township for recreational development.
Now is the time for the township to develop and maintain Grafton Park as a neighborhood park.
In addition to the local Sedgefield residents Democratic Mayoral Candidate Michael Soriano, and Democratic Council Candidates Emily Peterson and Janice McCarthy were present and after the ceremony took a tour of Grafton Park with Bob Roberti.
Grafton Park Groundbreaking
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Grafton Park
Diagram of Grafton Park
Council Vice President showing a resident the new park diagrams
Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., and Council Vice President Robert Peluso
Past Sedgefield Civic Association President Robert Roberti
Past Sedgefield Civic Association President George Kimmey
Past Sedgefield Civic Association President Maria Caivano