PARSIPPANY — While patrolling Route 46 at 9:49 p.m. on Thursday, July 13, Patrol Officer C. Dottino observed a 2005 Chevrolet Impala traveling east with nonfunctioning rear lights.
A motor vehicle stop was conducted and the plate was checked, at which time he found the registered owner’s license was suspended. Upon making contact with the driver, Elwiser White, 54, Passaic, Officer Dottino requested her documents.
While she was retrieving the documents, Officer Dottino observed a small bag of marijuana in the vehicle.
After a brief investigation Mrs. White was placed under arrest for Possession of Marijuana and transported to Police Headquarters.
While there, she was charged with the following: Possession of Under 50 Grams of Marijuana, a Disorderly Persons Offense; Failure to Maintenance of Lamps; Driving While Suspended and Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle
She was released on her own recognizance pending her court date.
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.
Detective Joseph Puzo walks from the Santander Bank after the robbery on Thursday
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police, Denville Police, Morris Plains Police, Morris County Prosecutors Office and Morris County Sheriff’s Office were at the scene investigating a bank robbery. Early reports indicate Santander Bank, 1980 Route 10, Parsippany was robbed at gun point at approximately 3:45 p.m. by a suspect wearing a hard hat, vest and glasses. The suspect fled on foot.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police referred questions regarding the investigation to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, but sources confirmed that a robbery took place.
Bank Robbery at Santander Bank
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department block off the entrance of Santander Bank
Detective Joseph Puzo walks from the Santander Bank after the robbery on Thursday
Patrol Officer Andy Sadowsky discussing the robbery to other Parsippany Police Officers
An officer walking inside of the bank
Morris County Sheriff Crime Scene Truck
Officer taking pictures of the front doors of the bank
Many law enforcement officials were on the scene
On Monday, December 23, 2013 at approximately 1:32 p.m., a robbery occurred at the Santander Bank located at 239 Littleton Road, Parsippany. The suspect fled from the scene and was later captured and arrested. Newark residents Avery Spotswood and Quiama Harris were charged with the robbery.
In August 2012, nearby Provident Bank. 401 Smith Road was robbed at gun point, and the robber is still at large. The robber made off with a large sum of money, although bank officials would not comment on the exact amount.
Indus American Bank, was robbed July 20, 2012, and that robber was caught. On September 5, 2012 the PNC Bank on Route 46 was robbed and the robber was caught a few hours later in Secaucus. Stephen L. Smith, 29, of Brooklyn was charged with robbery and theft
On March 6, 2017 the Lake Hiawatha branch of TD Bank, 435 North Beverwcyk Road was robbed on Monday afternoon, at approximately 3:00 p.m. Gabriel Reyes, 25, Washington Township, Morris County, was arrested later and charged with the Robbery of TD Bank.
Santander Bank (formerly Sovereign Bank) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Spanish Santander Group. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, the bank—whose principal market is in the Northeastern United States—has more than $77 billion in assets, operates 723 retail banking offices, over 2,300 ATMs (including 1,100 in CVS pharmacies throughout the Northeast and employs approximately 9,000 people.
Santander offers an array of financial services and products including retail banking, mortgages, corporate banking, cash management, credit card, capital markets, trust and wealth management, and insurance.
Sovereign Bank was rebranded as Santander Bank on October 17, 2013; the stadium, arena, and performing arts center for which it has naming rights were also rebranded.
Audrey Jennifer Lips and Louis Michael Contaldi III
Audrey Jennifer Lips and Louis Michael Contaldi III
PARSIPPANY — Mr. and Mrs. James A. Lips, Jr. of Parsippany are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Audrey Jennifer to Louis Michael Contaldi III. The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis M. Contaldi, Jr., also of Parsippany.
The couple are graduates of Parsippany High School where they met.
Louis is a graduate of Loyola University, Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Political Science. He continued his education, earning a Juris Doctor from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University.
He is employed at UBS Financial Services as a Compliance Enquiry Management Analyst. Louis is also Editor-in-Chief at Dual Shockers, Inc.
Audrey graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She is an Account Manager at Comdata.
The couple currently reside in Nashville, Tennessee.
PARSIPPANY — Early reports indicated Santander Bank, 1980 Route 10, Parsippany was robbed at gun point at approximately 3:45 p.m.by a suspect wearing a hard hat, vest and glasses. The suspect fled on foot.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department is currently investigating the robbery. Morris Plains and Denville Police Departments have been called to the scene for assistance.
There is heavy police presence at Tomac Motor Inn, 2100 Route 10.
Parsippany Focus will update as details become available.
PARSIPPANY — While patrolling at 2:39 a.m. on Sunday, July 16 the area of Route 46 near South Beverwyck Road, Patrol Officer J. Hughes observed a motorist waving at him and pointing to a vehicle stopped next to him on South Beverwyck Road at the intersection of Route 46.
Officer Hughes proceeded to the vehicles location and observed that the driver, Galdino Evaristo-Pantaleon, 24, Parsippany, appeared to be passed out behind the wheel.
After stopping his vehicle behind the 2007 Ford Explorer, it took Officer Hughes multiple attempts to wake Mr. Evaristo-Pantaleon by knocking on the window and yelling at him through the closed door.
Once he was woken up by the Officer, a brief investigation was conducted.
Mr. Evaristo-Pantaleon was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated and transported to Police Headquarters. While there, he was charged with traffic summonses for Driving While Intoxicated; Reckless Driving and Unlicensed Driver.
He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.
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 — On Tuesday, July 18 at 6:23 a.m. multiple Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to a residence on Auburn Road on a reported burglary in progress where the suspect was still on scene.
Upon arrival of Officers, the homeowner had Camilo Rodriquez, 36, Parsippany, restrained. Mr. Rodriquez was placed under arrest by Patrol Lieutenant D. Bendas and Sergeant S. Miller. During the initial investigation by Patrol Officer D. Roman was advised by the victim that he was sleeping and when he woke he found Mr. Rodriquez in his bedroom walking around.
Mr. Rodriquez was transported back to Police Headquarters. Upon further investigation by Officer Roman, Parsippany Detectives, and conferring with the Morris County Prosecutors Office, he was subsequently charged on a Complaint-Warrant with one count of Criminal Trespass in the fourth Degree.
He was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his court date.
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 — ScruffMagruff was found as a stray but he is a really great dog! He loves people and is so friendly. He does need a little work on leash walking and not jumping on people, but he just gets so excited and wants to say hi to everyone!
He is approximately three years old, 45 pounds, neutered, and up to date on vaccines.
He seems like he would be good with cats and possibly other dogs, but we would require a dog meet and greet if you already have a dog.
If you’re interested in meeting Scruff Magruff call the Parsippany Animal Control at (973) 263-7083 or visit the shelter at 1069 Parsippany Boulevard, Monday through Friday 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
PARSIPPANY — Boys entering grades kindergarten to fifth grade, come have fun with the Parsippany Cub Scout Packs on Friday, July 28 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Knoll Park, One Knoll Road.
Frozen treats, race a boat down the Raingutter track, launch bottle rockets, etc.
If attending on July 28, please RSVP by clicking here.
Cub Scouting is a family focused program that teaches boys life skills, instills values, and is fun, fun, fun!
Boys usually want to join the same pack as their classmates so boys in the same school usually join the same pack.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio announced the grand opening date of the new driving range at the Knoll Golf Club for Thursday, July 20 at 4:00 pm. The range, designed by architect, Steven Kay, can be used by golfers on both the East and West courses.
The driving range was designed with 22 state of the art stalls. The turf grass in the body of the range (to where the golf balls are hit) has been maintained to present four target greens for golfers to aim at while they practice.
The range is 280 yards in length from the tee box. The area is widened to allow for the flight of the golf balls and poles and nets have been installed to keep the golf balls from leaving the range area. There are two cart paths to allow for golf carts to drive to the range from both the West and the East courses. Golfers will also be able to park their automobiles in the parking lot of the Amphitheatre on Knoll Road. A small building was erected to accommodate the cleaning and distribution of the range golf balls.
This new golf facility will allow both beginners and experienced golfers to improve their game in a well-designed attractive golf practice range. Mayor Barberio is hopeful that the new driving range will attract more users to the facility as they practice their swing.
Kristina Berrios (right) received a scholarship from Order Sons of Italy In America – Lodge 2561, Student Council Award, PHS Parent Teachers Association among others during the Senior Awards Program at Parsippany High School Class of 2014. Also pictured with Kristina is fellow PHS students Kim Lindner and Brian Lanigan. Photo by Frank L. Cahill
PARSIPPANY — Kristina Berrios earned a spot on the Dean’s List for the Spring 2017 semester at the College of New Jersey. This is a most commendable achievement that reflects much hard work and dedication.
Ms. Berrios is also a graduate of Parsippany High School, Class of 2014.
Kristina is majoring is Secondary Education and English and minoring is Communication Disorders. She will graduate The College of New Jersey in May 2018.
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a highly selective institution that is consistently recognized as one of the top comprehensive colleges in the nation. Founded in 1855 as the New Jersey State Normal School, TCNJ maintains the fifth highest four-year graduation rate among all public colleges and universities. It is ranked by Money as one of the top 15 public colleges “most likely to pay off financially,” and U.S. News & World Report rates it the No. 1 public institution among regional universities in the northeast.
Known for its natural beauty, the college is situated on 289 tree-lined acres in suburban Ewing Township, in close proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia. A strong liberal arts core forms the foundation for a wealth of degree programs offered through the college’s seven schools: Arts and Communication; Business; Education; Engineering; Humanities and Social Sciences; Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science; and Science. Five signature experiences are the hallmark of a TCNJ education. They include a personalized, collaborative, and rigorous education; undergraduate research, mentored internships, and field experiences; community engaged learning; global engagement; and leadership development.
TCNJ’s longstanding commitment to faculty-student collaboration was recognized in 2015 by the Council on Undergraduate Research, which named the college the recipient of its inaugural “Campus-wide Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishment.” In 2006, TCNJ was awarded a Phi Beta Kappa chapter—an honor shared by less than 10 percent of colleges and universities nationally.
PARSIPPANY — With summer in full swing the latest family-friendly offering from CinépolisUSA – the world-class cinema chain is presently offering a “Summer Kids Series” program.
The summertime series features showings of children’s classic films such as “Where the Wild Things Are,” “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and more with ticket prices at a discounted rate of $5.00 per movie ticket and a Kids Combo meal pack at a special price of $5.00 each with the purchase of a “Summer Kids Series” ticket.
The special kid-friendly screenings will be offered the first showtime of the day every Tuesday and Thursday for the remainder of the summer.
The following show schedule:
Thursday, July 20: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”
Tuesday, July 25 and Thursday, July 27: “The Lego Movie”
Tuesday, August 1 and Thursday, August 3: “Dolphin Tale”
PARSIPPANY — 2017 Summer Cheer Dance Camp will be held on August 8, 9, and 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for ages 5 to 12. The cost of the camp is $160.00.
Participants will learn pom dances, chants, tumbling skills and stunts with NBA/NFL Dancer/Choreographer Miss Nikki.
PARSIPPANY — Patrick Lanigan, son of Peter and Barbara Lanigan, entering his junior year at Parsippany High School has been named as a 2017 Brine National All-American for the second year in a row and will represent Team New Jersey in the High School Division at the 2017 Brine National Lacrosse Classic being held in Richmond, Virginia Tuesday, July 18 to Friday, July 21.
The Brine National Lacrosse Classic brings the top high school lacrosse players in the nation to one venue, where regional teams compete to become the National Champion.
The event puts players in front of college lacrosse coaches in a recruiting showcase.
PARSIPPANY — 3 Daze Til Sunday Band will be performing on Thursday, July 20 at Parsippany’s Summer Concert Series held at Veterans Memorial Park, 1839 Route 46 East. The band starts at 7:30 p.m.
3 Daze Til Sunday Band is the Tri-State’s Party Powerhouse Covering Journey, Jeff Beck Deep Purple, The Stones, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Van Halen. It’s an eclectic mix for sure.
In addition Parsippany Recreation Department will be accepting donations to the Parsippany Food Pantry. All items MUST be unexpired and nonperishable items only. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Recreation Department at (973) 263-7257, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In case of rain, the concert will be held indoors at Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive.
PARSIPPANY — Dewberry, a privately held professional service firm, announced that Rob Foley, PE, based in the Parsippany office and David Hill, PE, based in the firm’s Bloomfield office, have been promoted to associate. Dewberry is located at 600 Parsippany Road.
A senior civil engineer who has been with Dewberry for more than 20 years, Hill has extensive transportation design experience, specializing in highways and complex interchanges. Additionally, his expertise covers preparation of studies, evaluations, and contract documents for highway- and roadway-related transportation projects that include geometric and drainage design, traffic engineering, right-of-way plans, utility relocation, maintenance and protection of traffic, detailing, and estimating. Hill is currently involved with various projects throughout the Northeast, including the Route 206 Bypass, I-80 Westbound Rockfall Mitigation, and improvements to Interchange 163 along the Garden State Parkway.
Hill earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Rutgers University (1996). He is a licensed engineer in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Foley has 30 years’ experience and currently serves as a senior project manager responsible for the management, design, regulatory approvals, and construction oversight of site/civil engineering projects. His expertise includes computer data center facilities and performing work for worldwide financial institutions, telecommunications carriers, entertainment and broadcast companies, and major healthcare providers. Additionally, Foley has extensive transportation agency design experience with the New York State Department of Transportation and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He is currently working on the civil engineering scope of data center developments in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Rockland County, New York.
Having earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (1987), Foley is a professional engineer in Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio. He is a member of the 7X24 Exchange and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Dewberry is a leading, market-facing firm with a proven history of providing professional services to a wide variety of public- and private-sector clients. Recognized for combining unsurpassed commitment to client service with deep subject matter expertise, Dewberry is dedicated to solving clients’ most complex challenges and transforming their communities. Established in 1956, Dewberry is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, with more than 50 locations and 2,000+ professionals nationwide. To learn more click here.
PARSIPPANY — Kaboom Softball is a year-round softball club program based in Northern NJ. They field 12u-18u competitive teams that play PONY, ASA, USSSA, regional tourneys, and leagues. The teams play at the highest level against other tough competition in the region.
Kaboom Softball offers athletes in the Northern New Jersey area the opportunity to train and learn the game of softball with accomplished softball and sports performance coaches in a positive environment that fosters player education and development.
Their focus is on developing the ‘complete athlete’ which is founded in technical skill development, player education, strength, and agility training, plus personal growth. The team works hard to develop an enthusiastic, dedicated, and engaged athlete that is determined to personally improve while learning how to be part of a cohesive, supportive team. Our passion is to see our players succeed, which drives every part of our program. Kaboom Softball has all personally experienced the benefits a young athlete enjoys when being part of a positive sports program and we strive to be that place for our players.
Coaches/trainers are professionals that have coached travel, club, high school, and college levels. They have played the game at the collegiate level and are ready to share their experience.
Fall 2017 Tryout information: 10-14U Softball Tryout #1 Date: August 5, 2017
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: The Burg – 46 Main Street, Ogdensburg
16-18U Softball Tryout #1 Date: August 5, 2017
Time: 12:00 Noon
Location: The Burg – 46 Main Street, Ogdensburg
10-14U Softball Tryout #2 Date: August 7, 2017
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: The Burg – 46 Main Street, Ogdensburg
16-18U Softball Tryout #2 Date: August 8, 2017
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: The Burg – 46 Main Street, Ogdensburg
10-18U Final Kaboom Fall Tryout Date: August 12, 2017
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: The Burg – 46 Main Street, Ogdensburg
Sons of Italy recently held their annual golf outing
PARSIPPANY — The Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 raised over $10,000 from its annual golf outing held at Knoll West Country Club on Thursday, July 6.
Proceeds from the outing will be used to purchase gift cards from area stores to donate to local charitable organizations, including Parsippany Day Care Center, Parsippany Food Pantry, the Valerie Fund, and Jersey Battered Women’s Service. The Sons of Italy also awards many scholarships to graduating students of both high schools.
Sons of Italy recently held their annual golf outing
To become a member contact President Joseph Jannarone at (973) 632-4765.
David M. Vnenchak, U.S. Marine, Netcong resident; Cindy Eckert, Clerk, Borough of Netcong; Troy Cinnamon, ProServices Specialist, Lowe’s; Spencer Reckford, NR Program Manager, Morris Habitat; Doug Fischer, Store Manager, Lowe’s; Richard Cooke, Aging-in-Place Coordinator, Morris Habitat; Ralph Blakesly, Administrator, Borough of Netcong; Robert Hathaway, Borough Councilman, Borough of Netcong; Blair Bravo, CEO, Morris Habitat; Joseph Nametko, Mayor, Borough of Netcong
RANDOLPH — Morris Habitat for Humanity and members of the Netcong community will work with Lowe’s and the Borough of Netcong to impact the quality of life in the community for older residents through Morris Habitat’s Aging-in-Place project.
The scope of the project includes improving accessibility in Arbolino Park and helping senior homeowners in the borough with necessary home repairs. Modifications to the park will enable seniors and those with disabilities to take advantage and enjoy recreational activities in the park.
The grant from Lowe’s to the Morris Habitat Aging-in-Place is one aspect of five-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity International. The partnership has been instrumental in helping more than 6,500 families nationwide improve their living conditions. Each year, Lowe’s supports Habitat’s National Women Build Week and conducts hundreds of how-to clinics at stores to teach volunteers construction skills.
Morris Habitat’s Aging-in-Place program is dedicated to helping seniors remain in their homes and neighborhoods for as long as possible. Learn more about eligibility guidelines on our Neighborhood Revitalization & Home Repair click here.
Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen unveils first blaze on the N.J. portion of the 9-11 Trail
MORRIS COUNTY — The unveiling of the first trail blazes on the new September 11th National Memorial Trail, a 1,300-mile tribute to first responders and victims of the 9/11 attacks on our nation, was held over the weekend in Morris County, which lost 63 residents in the 2001 attacks.
Officials of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance, in conjunction with the Morris County Park Commission, held a ceremony in Randolph to show off the new blazes on a section of Morris County’s Patriot’s Path, which serves as part of the route of the national trail.
Scene at 9-11 Trail blaze unveiling in Randolph
Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Morris County Freeholder Director Doug Cabana, Park Commission President Betty Cass-Schmidt, Randolph Mayor Christine Carey, and Sheriff James Gannon were among the dignitaries who participated in the event.
“Our vision for both this alliance and the memorial trail is to unite fellow Americans, trail enthusiasts, organizations, and the families of those lost in the attacks, and work together to make this a reality,” said Andy Hamilton, President of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance.
“The trail is shaped as a triangle to forever connect these locations, and serves as a symbol of resiliency and character,” said David Brickley, Founder and President Emeritus of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance.
Beginning in 2004, the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance was formed to establish a memorial trail that links both the planned and existing memorial sites dedicated to September 11th, including the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Flight 93 Memorial. The board currently consists of 12 members, each with their own unique tie to the cause.
In addition to linking the three national memorials, the continuous trail also passes through over 50 landmarks such as the Eastern Continental Divide, Delaware Water Gap, and Morristown National Historical Park, and is accessible to automobiles, hikers, and bikers.
“Morris County is proud to have the honor of unveiling the first blazes on this national trail that honors all of those who perished on September 11, 2001, and those who bravely responded to the attacks,’’ said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana.
“We thank those who have put in incredible amounts of time and effort into making this trail not only something for people to enjoy, but also to continue to recognize the people and families impacted by the event,” said Dave Helmer, Executive Director of Morris County Park Commission.
Helmer attributed the Morris County’s prominent role in this initiative to the efforts of Russ Nee, Assistant Superintendent of Trails & Special Projects for the Park Commission, who serves on the board of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance.
The September 11th Trail (Click here to see the map) runs through parts of New York City, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. It employs existing trails, such as the Liberty Water Gap Trail, Patriots’ Path, and the Highlands Trail, and includes some areas specifically carved out for September 11th Trail.
For more information on the September 11th National Memorial Trail click here.
