PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Democratic Committee held a meeting “Focusing on the Role of Women in Elective Office,” on Sunday, May 21. The event was held at Livingston Benedict House, 25 Old Parsippany Road.

Women in Politics

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Speakers included Clinton Mayor Janice Kovach, Former Parsippany Mayor Mimi Letts, Mountain Lakes Councilwoman Ellen Emr and 26th Legislative District Candidate Laura Fortgang.

Mayor Janice Kovach
Mayor Kovach has served as mayor in Clinton since 2012, positively impacting her community.  Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for women, volunteering a good deal of her time to mentor and train women to run for office. Prior to being Mayor Janice was elected to the Clinton town council in 2004 until 2006. She is a committed public servant. Janice ran for the New Jersey Assembly in 2005 and House of Representatives in the Seventh District in 2014, served as Secretary of the NJ State Democratic Committee, on New Jersey Highlands Water & Protection Planning Council and Director of the New Jersey Division on Women. 

Also, Janice was a guest speaker for Tedx talk titled Honor Dairies, “What is Honor.”  It’s on YouTube and if you haven’t seen it I suggest you do. It addresses the plight of women throughout the world. The images in the presentation are powerful. We are so glad that Janice agreed to speak at our event today.

Mimi Letts
Served as Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills for eleven years beginning in 1994 to 2005. Quite an accomplishment in a republican town. During her tenure, Mimi committed funds to purchase open space, build a new police headquarters and courthouse, built parks including Veterans Park. More importantly Mimi built bipartisan support within the administration to grow and improve the community. When she retired in 2005 she left the Parsippany in much better place.

Prior to being Mayor Mimi ran for council, served on the Planning Board, Board of Adjustments, New Jersey Highlands Water & Protection Planning Council and a trustee for Parsippany Senior Citizens Housing Corp and was instrumental in building support for the Brookside Senior Citizens Housing.

Mimi continues to give her time and support in mentoring candidates sharing her knowledge and expertise.

Ellen Emr
Served as councilwomen in Mountain Lakes from 2008 to 2011. Again, another accomplished woman that won a seat in a strongly held Republican town.  Ellen is active on many of the borough committees. She was in the forefront against major development that would have impacted open space on a wooded tract of land adjacent to 40 acres of Mt. Lakes’ borough Park. She successfully argued against changing the zoning code to permit the development. Something we’re familiar with in Parsippany.  Ellen was also active in opposing the Waterview Development Project and helped significantly limit the impact of the project.

In the recent 2015 election, Ellen provide guidance and support and was instrumental in working to elect Democrats, women, to Mountain Lakes’ town council. 

Ellen too is an advocate and mentor for candidates running for office.

Laura Fortgang
Laura Berman Fortgang is a mother, small business owner and active in her community, Laura has an impressive career as an acclaimed speaker, bestselling author, life coach and career strategist.  She has written seven books her most recent “Now What”.  You may know Laura from her appearances on Oprah, CNN, MSNBC or read her blog on Huffington Post. Laura is a candidate for District 26, general assembly.

PARSIPPANY — As reported in Parsippany Focus on April 7, Democratic activist and candidate for governor Bill Brennan filed a citizen’s complaint against Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio and Business Administrator Ellen Sandman in Parsippany Municipal Court on Friday, April 7, a move that could result in fourth degree criminal charges against the duo. (Click here to read full story: Criminal Complaints filed against Barberio).

According to the complaint, both defendants were to appear in Morris County Superior Court on Wednesday, April 19 at 11:30 a.m.

Before a complaint is sent to Morris County Superior Court, a probable cause hearing must be heard by a judge.  Parsippany Municipal Court determined that they were in conflict and sent the case for probable cause to Morristown Municipal Court.

Bill Brennan stated “My criminal charge in Parsippany has resulted in odd behavior by the municipal court system. Before sending the case to Morristown Municipal Court for a probable cause determination, the Parsippany Municipal Court set a first appearance for the defendants in Superior Court for April 19. This caused media inquiries to the Superior Court regarding status. In response the Superior Court was perplexed because no paperwork had been received from either Parsippany or Morristown.”

Mr. Brennan then asked Parsippany Municipal Court what happened and was told that on April 7 the case was sent to Morristown Municipal Court for a Probable Cause determination.

Morristown Municipal Court is hopelessly conflicted because:

• Morristown Planning Board Attorney is John Inglesino;
• Morristown Township Attorney, Vij Pawar, represents Barberio (in Carifi vs. Barberio);
• Morristown Prosecutor, Robert J. Rudy, III, is partnered with Barberio’s attorney,Vij Pawar (in Carifi vs. Barberio). Mr. Rudy currently serves as the Municipal Prosecutor for the Town of Morristown.

Parsippany Focus called Mr. Pawar on Wednesday, April 19, asking for comment as to why the Probable Cause hearing was scheduled for Morristown Municipal Court on Thursday, April 20, when it is clearly a conflict of interest. Mr. Pawar did not return our call.

Parsippany Focus called the Morristown Court Clerk on Thursday, April 20, and was advised the case has been sent back to Parsippany Municipal Clerk for further determination.

Despite these conflicts, the Morristown Municipal Court held onto the charge from April 10 until April 20 when they “discovered” these conflicts.

Morristown Municipal Court returned the complaint to Parsippany Municipal Court. Parsippany Municipal Court then sent the case to Lincoln Park Municipal Court Judge Andrew M. Wubbenhorst. After holding the case for almost a month Judge Wubbenhorst determined he was in conflict of interest.

Now, Parsippany Focus, has learned a probable cause hearing will be held by Pequannock Township Municipal Court Judge, John A. Paparazzo, on Monday, May 22 at 2:30 p.m. in the Court Chambers located at 530 Newark-Pompton Turnpike (Second Floor),
Pompton Plains.

Mr. Brennan stated “This delay appears to be a calculated maneuver to buy time for the Mayor and Council. Both Morristown judges violated the Judicial Code of Conduct by delaying a case on behalf of the defendants under the misguided notion that somehow modifying a salary ordinance after the hiring and payment of employees would mean a crime did not occur. Under Inglesino’s reasoning two employees could be hired as Keyboarding Clerk 1 on New Year’s eve and each receive $48,000 in salary for that day – they could then work on January 2 and each receive another $48,000 in salary for that day and then be laid off. This nonsense is what passes for legal advice in Parsippany – so far the system is failing us again when it comes to Christie’s cronies.”

“On ‘Planet Inglesino’ two keyboarding clerks can legally collect a total of $192,000 by working two days each and the salary range would not be violated. This is absurd.
We are about to see what kind of corrupt judge goes along with such an obvious fallacy,” stated Mr. Brennan in a press release.

In the meantime, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council scheduled an “special” meeting, on April 11, to pass an ordinance to change the White Color Salary Ordinance (Click here to read story: Cover Up Of A Crime? Salary Ordinance Revised; 3-2 Vote on First Reading). Council President Louis Valori, Councilman Michael dePierro and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani approved the Ordinance on First Reading. Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr. voted no.

The Ordinance was approved 3-2 on final reading at Regular Council meeting held on Tuesday, April 25.

The Ordinance, #2017:05, shall be retroactive to January 1, 2017 for all employees active on the date of introduction of this ordinance. The salary in this ordinance for Keyboarding Clerk 1 will have a minimum starting salary of $17,000 annually to $55,000 annually. (Note: A copy of the Ordinance was not available to the public during the special meeting, Parsippany Focus obtained a copy through Open Public Records Act (OPRA). Click here to see the complete White Collar Salary ranges.

“I find it kind-of comical that we had to have this special meeting, at the last second, right after this gentlemen who you claim files this bogus claim,” Councilman Paul Carifi told Parsippany Focus. “Again, the mayor hired these people at a higher rate than what the salary ordinance allows. That is a fact. This is a knee-jerk reaction, as usual, by the mayor.”

“I’m voting with my conscience, no,” Council Vice President Robert Peluso said.

Bill Brennan told the Daily Record, “I am beginning a legal campaign against these lawless abusers. Inglesino is my ultimate target. I investigated the perpetrators and started with Inglesino’s cronies, and am working my way up.”

PARSIPPANY — Co-owner, Parsippany IHOP, Mo Abdelhadi presented Karen DeChristopher, Co-Director and Committee Chair of Kiwanis Club’s Young Children Priority One (YCPO) service projects with a check from the donations received during “Child Abuse Prevention Month.”

IHOP collected donations during the month of April for Kiwanis Club and promoted the campaign as they have for the past three years.

“April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children and strengthening families,” said Karen DeChristopher, Co-Director and Committee Chair of Kiwanis Club’s Young Children Priority One (YCPO) service projects. “Everyone’s participation is critical.  Focusing on ways to connect with families is the best thing our community can do to strengthen families and prevent all forms of child abuse”, she continued.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. During April and throughout the year, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Parsippany-Troy Hills a better place for children and families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help prevent child abuse and neglect by making meaningful connections with children, youth and families in our communities. Research shows that protective factors are present in healthy families. Promoting these factors is among the most effective ways to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. They are:

• Nurturing and attachment
• Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development
• Parental resilience
• Social connections
• Concrete supports for parents
• Social and emotional competence of children

PARSIPPANY — Michael D’Alessandro, Lake Hiawatha Fire Department (LHFD) was collecting money, during its annual “Boot Drive” for the department along North Beverwcyk Road on Saturday, May 20.

Mike was out raising money for the department just three weeks after he had a triple bypass heart surgery. D’Alessandro has been a volunteer for over 27 years and has served in the following roles: Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Financial Secretary, Vice President, President, House & Grounds Chairman, Collection Committee Chairman, Assistant Engineer, Engineer and Head Engineer.

The mission of the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department is to protect the lives and property of the people of Lake Hiawatha and the surrounding communities against fire and other hazards. This will be accomplished by fire fighters who are well trained and drilled in the strategies and tactics of modern day firefighting. These firefighters will act at all times in a professional manner using properly maintained equipment.

The section of Parsippany Troy-Hills where Lake Hiawatha is located was settled as a summer community along the Rockaway River in 1932. At the time only three streets in town were available for travel: North Beverwyck Road, Dacotah Avenue and Nokomis Avenue and development only reached the lake in 1935. The lake was the center of summer activities for the area, consisting of a white sandy beach with a pavilion, children’s playground and a barbecuing area.

On January 3, 1935, the area suffered its first tragedy. A home on Wenonah Avenue was completely destroyed by fire and in February six men met to discuss the need for a fire department. In the basement of Ferdinand Kaiser’s home, Al Hoffman, George Eiscamp, Art Everly, Theodore Spatz, Richard Thompson and Mr. Kaiser formed the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department. The first organized meeting was held on February 25, 1935 at the Lake Hiawatha Club House where Mr. Spatz was elected the first Chief and Mr. Kaizer was elected the first President for association functions.

In the beginning the department didn’t have any fire trucks or a fire house. All the men had their three packs that were referred to as “Indian tanks”. These tanks were filled with water with a small hose and a nozzle at the end which sat on their back. If the fire was too large, the LHFD would have to call for the Rockaway Neck Fire Department (now Parsippany District #5) or the Parsippany Troy-Hills Fire Association (currently Parsippany District #6) to assist.

Throughout 1935, the members worked hard to acquire money to obtain a fire engine and a fire house. There were several fundraisers held, the first of which was a professional boxing match that cost 50¢ for general admission and 75¢ for ringside, although the largest money maker was a Minstrel show where four hundred and fourteen people came to watch the firefighters sing, dance and tell jokes all for a worthy cause. In August of 1935 the LHFD raised enough funds and purchased their first fire engine which was a 1913 American LaFrance. Since there was no firehouse, the fire engine was housed behind Thomas Broadways home (today where the Lake Hiawatha Post Office is located).

Now that the LHFD had a fire engine, they wanted a permanent location to store it. Land was acquired in September 1935 by way of donation from Benjamin Kline. Mr. Kline donated two lots on Lake Shore Drive where a 30 x 36 foot building was planned to be built with cement blocks and a stucco finish. The total cost of construction for the two bay building was $1,000.00. No contractors were hired but instead the members of the LHFD donated their free time and put in many hours to have a place to house the vehicle that would eventually save many lives and property in their area.

Also in September 1935, many of the wives of the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department members wanted to do their part for the community. They started the LHFD Ladies Auxiliary and elected Florence Herdon as their first President. Their main function was to be a support branch of the department and would provide the firefighters with coffee in the winter and cold beverages in the summer. Over the years the Ladies Auxiliary hosted many events to raise funds for the FD and give back to the community, such as dances, lunch with the Easter Bunny, Candle Light bowling and various raffles. The LHFD Ladies Aux. joined the New Jersey Fire Auxiliary in 1977 and were represented by three delegates and two alternates and served a vital role in supporting the firefighting activities. In 1985 the LHFD ladies auxiliary was down to only five members and over time the interest dwindled and auxiliary was disbanded. Although there is no longer a Ladies Auxiliary, they are not forgotten and many of their awards and photos are displayed in the firehouse meeting room.

The Highlight of the October 27, 1935 dedication was the laying of the cornerstone by Mr. Kline. Placed inside the cornerstone was a scroll bearing the charter members signatures. A siren was purchased for the rooftop from the Upper Greenwood Lake Fire Department for $20.00 to notify the volunteers of a fire. Jesse Hendershaw worked as a paid caretaker for the firehouse, maintaining a constant 40°F year round temperature and turning the outside red light on at night and turning it off at sunrise.

The fire department’s rules and regulations are spelled out in its Constitution and By-Laws which were approved by the charter members in 1935. Under the original constitution, the LHFD would have a Chief, Assistant Chief, and three foremen although the word foreman was later changed at the next meeting to Lieutenant. In the following years, a Captain was added to the ranks but in 1947 the office of Captain was replaced by a fourth Lieutenant. In the 2000’s the fourth Lieutenant position was again changed back to Captain. Since 1935 the Association has consisted of a board of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary and a Financial Secretary. Over the years, the Constitution and ByLaws have undergone many revisions.

In January 1936 in conjunction with the other fire departments in Parsippany Troy-Hills Township, the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department became known as Parsippany Fire District #4. Every fire company in town was assigned a number, but never changed from its original name. In becoming a fire district, Fire Commissioners are elected by the residents of Lake Hiawatha to approve purchasing of fire apparatus and equipment. The first elected Commissioners were Dr. Herman Minzesheimer, Al Edelman, Vincent Lubrano, George Eiscamp and George Glaser.

In 1939 the LHFD made plans to build an addition onto the firehouse for a meeting room and a kitchen that became known as the “club room”. A pool table, bar, shuffle board and piano were added to the room so the members could socialize at the firehouse and a heating system was also added to keep the firehouse 70°F year round.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the members of the LHFD rallied in support of America by joining the Military Service Organization of Parsippany Troy-Hills. The department conducted air raid drills, purchased black-out shades and collected $80.00 in a 1942 scrap drive. Those members who were of age enlisted in the U.S. military and were granted military leave as to not affect their standing in the department. During the holidays the department sent cards and gifts to their brother firefighters overseas and proudly displayed a service flag year round inside the firehouse.

In 1960 the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department held a celebration in honor of its 25th Anniversary. The highlight of the weeklong celebration was a parade held on May 28th and gave out trophies to several other departments that participated in the parade.

In 1969 the LHFD broke ground for a new firehouse. This fire station was built at the corner of Lake Shore Drive and North Beverwyck Road, the current location it is today. Much of the construction was done by the members and an extensive building fund campaign was needed. The fire department started the fund drive with a large parade in 1968.

In 1972 Vincent Lubrano was named Fireman of the Year by the Schaefer Brewing Company and James Gill was the Schlitz Fireman of the Year in 1978.

During 1974, the LHFD took delivery of their first “Command Unit” which also was the first that acted as a fire department utility/transport vehicle. It was designed by Firefighter Paul Koert to fit the district’s needs in terms of scene lighting, firefighter transport, and equipment storage.

In 1980 Vice President George Bush visited Parsippany and the LHFD was part of the detail that provided protection for the Vice President. The fire department received no monetary reward for their service and was proud to do their part to provide safety to the Vice President of the United States of America.

In 1995 the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department realized that a small ladder truck would aid the community and bought a 65’ aerial truck. It was the first of its kind for the area and has been a great asset in fighting fires in Lake Hiawatha.

During the year of 2006 it was determined the LHFD needed to expand once again. The fire department hired a contractor to add a fourth bay, an elevator, and a commissioner meeting room with a basement. Along with these other rooms, an outdoor patio was also constructed for members’ use during the summer months.

In 2008 the LHFD dedicated the block of Lake Shore Drive from Washington Avenue to North Beverwyck Road as “Vincent Lubrano Drive” in honor of the dedication that Mr. Lubrano has had for the LHFD. Mr. Lubrano is still a member of the fire dept. and is the Chairman of the Constitution Committee.

On August 14, 2010 the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department hosted its 75th Anniversary. Unlike the past celebrations, there wasn’t a parade but instead hosted a large barbecue completely funded by the LHFD to give back to the community for their support over the last three-quarters of a century.

PARSIPPANY — Henry N. Luther III, well-respected attorney and statesman, died peacefully on Saturday, May 13.

He will always be remembered as a man of integrity. He was born in Teaneck to a railroad engineer, Henry N. Luther, Jr. and a housewife, Mary (nee Phelan).

He was raised in Jersey City. In his youth, he developed a love of swimming that he kept all of his life. He was recognized as a Lincoln High School and Jersey City YMCA champion. He held many jobs as a lifeguard, including a stint at the famed salt-water pool at Palisades Amusement Park.

Henry enlisted in the United States Marines Corps in 1952 and was sent for recruit training at Parris Island, S.C. and received recognition as the Outstanding Member of his platoon. He served during in the Korean conflict and received a Good Conduct Medal on January 16, 1955 for his honest and faithful service in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1955. He said he benefited more from his time in the Marine Corps than at any other experience in his life. Henry’s service taught him the value of standing on his own two feet but also stressed the importance of having individuals around you on whom you can depend. Before being deployed overseas, he met his wife, Irene (nee Johnson), through a Marine buddy. After a short courtship, the couple married on November 29, 1952.

After his honorable discharge, he worked nights as a Signal Operator on the Pennsylvania Railroad and during the day attended Rutgers University and, later, Rutgers Law School. He graduated in 1961 and was admitted to the New Jersey Bar. He began his law career with the Law Office of Steven Neville, Denville.

He moved his young family to Parsippany-Troy Hills in 1962. Henry was asked if he would be interested in running for council on the Democratic ticket. After discussing it with his wife, Irene, he decided to “throw his hat in the ring.”

He was elected to the Township Council and then selected to be the Council President. Upon the untimely death of Mayor John E.J. Walsh, Henry was appointed to fill the unexpired term of the late mayor. He was then elected in a general election in 1967 and re-elected in 1969. Although he was a popular mayor he did not run for re-election in 1973, because he believed that elective office should not be a lifetime appointment. At the time, he announced his decision to not seek re-election, Daily Record reporter Mike Stoddard wrote: there is little doubt Luther would have been re-elected if he chose to run, but it takes guts to admit that public service is a trust and a duty.

After completing his second term as Mayor, he resumed the practice of law, but only briefly. In 1975, he went to Trenton for the first of several jobs in the administration of Governor Brendan T. Byrne. Henry first served as Director of the Lottery Commission, then was asked to serve as the Governor’s Executive Secretary. In 1977, he left State government to serve as Campaign Manager for Governor Brendan T. Byrne’s re-election campaign. After leading the Byrne campaign to victory, he returned to the practice of law with a well-established Morristown law firm, that was renamed Dillon Bitar and Luther. When Mimi Letts became Mayor of Parsippany in 1994, she appointed Dillon, Bitar & Luther as the Township Attorney.

On December 9, 1977, Henry was sworn in as the New Jersey Commissioner for The Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor, a bi-state agency. In nominating Henry, Governor Byrne said he was recognizing Henry’s skill as an administrator, mediator and negotiator, which would assure that the public interest would be well represented. At the time, Henry down-played his talents and told a reporter that he was reluctant to take the position because he gets seasick. He told the Governor he would only take the appointment if he was assured he would not have to board any ships. He served on The Waterfront Commission until 1983.

His greatest role in life began in 1982 when he became “Poppy.” He zealously accepted the role as a lifetime appointment. While he was very accomplished at his prior positions, he was unrivaled as Poppy. Many people, who witnessed or were regaled with his adventures with his grandchildren joked, “In my next life I want to come back as one of Henry’s grandchildren.” Henry loved to play cards with his grandchildren. It would start as a match game when they were young, with two or three cards, and eventually they all would play 10-card Gin Rummy. He also had a love for the New York Times crossword puzzle, which the grandchildren also came to love. He always stressed the importance of reading to his children and grandchildren. Whether it was a newspaper or a book (or two) he always had something to read wherever he went.

Henry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Irene, and his son, Matthew. He is survived by his daughter, Patty; his son, Michael and his wife, Pegeen; his grandchildren: Cerissa Cafasso, Lauren Luther, H. Nicholas Luther IV, Connor Luther, and Matthew Luther; and, many cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters: Jean Sunyak, Marilyn Reilly, and Joan Goceljak. In addition to his family, Henry is survived by his companion, Marge Sullivan of Hopatcong.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Saturday, May 20 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road.

A Memorial Service to honor his life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library Foundation.