PARSIPPANY — While patrolling the area of South Beverwyck Road and Route 46 at 6:55 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, Patrol Officer Ryan Taylor observed a 2010 Chevrolet Colorado drive through a parking lot to avoid a traffic signal.
Patrol Officer Ryan Taylor conducted a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle in the parking lot of 855 Route 46 and made contact with Kevin Bishop, 49, Amsterdam, New York.
After a brief investigation, Mr. Bishop was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated and Possession of 50 grams or less of Marijuana. He was then transported from the scene for processing.
While being processed, Bishop was charged with Possession of 50 grams or less of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving While Intoxicated, CDS in a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Avoidance of a Traffic Control Signal.
He was released on his own recognizance into the custody of a sober adult 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 — Lisa Tubbs recently opened her own business, The Cleaning Authority of Parsippany, after a career working in corporate communications for Solix, Inc. The daughter and granddaughter of entrepreneurs and small business owners, Tubbs was interested in creating something she could call her own while providing the people of Parsippany a residential cleaning service they could use.
To reach Lisa, call (973) 435-4374.
The Cleaning Authority founded in 1989 has been franchising for almost 20 years and has more than 200 locations in the United States and Canada. Completing more than 1.7 million cleans last year, the company is responsible for the proprietary “Detail-Clean Rotation System” designed to guarantee a thorough clean. The Cleaning Authority is an environmentally responsible residential cleaning franchise committed to using eco-friendly cleaning products. For more information, please click here or follow on Twitter @LiveLifeWeClean.
PARSIPPANY — Sussex County Prosecutor Francis A. Koch announced the sentencing of Paul Murch, who appeared before the Honorable William J. McGovern, III, J.S.C. at the Sussex County Courthouse in Newton on February 8, 2017.
Murch, 21, Parsippany, was sentenced to three years Probation on condition that he serve 364 days in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility and six month loss of his driver’s license. He must also pay $1,081.00 in fines and fees.
He pled guilty on December 14, 2016, to third degree Eluding and various motor vehicle offenses.
In November of 2015 Andover Police attempted to pull him over for speeding. He ignored police and continued riding his motorcycle into Newton. He eventually stopped the bike and tried to flee on foot when he was apprehended by police.
Murch was represented by Daniel Marchese, Esq. and the State was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Brent M. Rafuse.
PARSIPPANY — While monitoring the traffic on Route 46 at 7:53 p.m. on February 19, Patrol Officer Jeffrey Williams observed a 2008 Hyundai Elantra make an illegal U-turn on North Beverwyck Road near the intersection of Route 46.
Patrol Officer Williams conducted a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle and made contact with the occupants.
After a brief investigation, the passenger/owner of the vehicle ZaMani Davis, 24, Paterson, was placed under arrest for Possession of 50 grams or less of Marijuana. She was transported back to the Parsippany Police Department Headquarters for processing.
While being processed, she was issued a summons for Possession of 50 grams or less of Marijuana and Failure to Inspect a Motor Vehicle.
Ms. Davis was released on her own recognizance pending a 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 — Mr. Hongjian Li, 61, Livingston, traveling North on Parsippany Road, waiting in the intersection to turn left onto Freneau Road. A vehicle owned by Frandy Mazariegos-Bulux, Parsippany, was traveling south on Parsippany Road. Mr. Li was driving a 2017 Honda CRV.
Mr. Li stated a 2003 Red Ford F15 entered his side of the roadway and crashed into his vehicle head on. Then the vehicle left the scene of the crash and there were no witnesses present.
Upon arrival of Officer Ribaudo, the 2017 Honda CRV was positioned in the southbound lane of travel of Parsippany Road. Due to the position of the vehicle being so far into the southbound lanes of Parsippany Road, the investigating officer believes Mr. Li to be at fault for not yielding the right of way before attempting to turn left onto Freneau Road.
The driver of the 2003 Ford F15 was charged with leaving the scene of the accident.
PARSIPPANY — Announcing the first session in a nine-month long series of free Community Diabetes Education Program events at the Parsippany ShopRite beginning on March 29. These classes will be held on the last Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m., and a “teachable” dinner will be served at each session. The community of people affected by Diabetes is welcome, but registration is mandatory.
ShopRite is located at 808 Route 46.
Sponsored by the Diabetes Foundation, Inc. (DFI) and in partnership with the Morristown Medical Center’s Community Health Department and ShopRite of Parsippany, these monthly seminars focus on Nutrition, Medications, Blood Sugar Control, Physical Activity, and other topics essential to Diabetes care. All sessions are led by caring professionals who will assess the progress of participants by use of various free health screenings. Participants will have plenty of opportunity to share their stories and to ask questions, as well as meet 1-on-1 with Dietitian and Mentors to address individual concerns.
Morristown Medical Center’s Community Health Department generously provides giveaways for use by participants, as well as free blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1C blood sugar screenings.
ShopRite of Parsippany graciously hosts these monthly events, donating meeting space and preparing “teachable dinners” for all program participants. Sunrise Supermarkets, owned by the Gladstein Family, also owns ShopRite of West Caldwell and their dietitians, Barbara Galvin and Evelyn Minolfo, speak to the group as part of the services they provide to help improve the health of the community.
Since 1990, the Diabetes Foundation, Inc. (DFI) has been dedicated to improving the care and quality of life for children and adults with Diabetes in New Jersey. DFI improves patient care and quality of life by focusing on four main areas of support: medication and medical supplies assistance, patient support services, diabetes public education, and Camp Nejeda scholarships. To learn more, please visit www.diabetesfoundationinc.org
Registration is mandatory for the Community Diabetes Education Program and classes fill up quickly. Register TODAY by calling the DFI at (201) 444-0037.
MORRIS COUNTY — Conservative Republican Hank Lyon, a Morris County Freeholder and businessman, is running for the State Assembly against Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce in New Jersey’s 26th Legislative District, which includes Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, Fairfield Township, North Caldwell Borough, Verona Township, West Caldwell Township, Butler Borough, Jefferson Township, Kinnelon Borough, Lincoln Park Borough, Montville Township, Morris Plains Borough, Rockaway Township, and West Milford Township. “I’m running for the State Assembly because I believe the people of the 26th District deserve leaders who will fight for lower taxes, less debt, and more freedom.
I intend to give Republican primary voters a conservative alternative to BettyLou DeCroce in 2017,” Lyon said. Lyon made clear that he is only running for the seat currently occupied by DeCroce, a long-time political insider who recently voted for the 23-cent per gallon gas tax increase. “I commend Assemblyman Jay Webber for his conservative leadership in Trenton. I hope to have the chance to work with him to advance our shared principles. I am not running against Jay Webber, I’m challenging Assemblywoman DeCroce and look forward to comparing my conservative credentials with her liberal record,” Lyon stated. Since graduating cum laude from the College of Holy Cross with degrees in Physics and Economics, Lyon has been a managing partner in his family’s business, which consists of real estate and restaurants, including a franchise in Rockaway Township. “Every day, I have to make decisions and consider my obligation to my customers, my employees, and my family – I balance budgets, make payroll, hire people, and deliver a service at a price people can afford,” Lyon said.
Lyon has also served on the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders since 2012. During that time, he successfully fought to freeze property taxes for the first time in a generation, reduce debt every year while still investing in infrastructure, and end health insurance benefits for part-time Freeholders. “I’m proud of the fact that as a Freeholder, I have been a leader in the fight to keep taxes down while reducing debt and providing necessary services to the people of Morris County,” Lyon stated. Lyon’s campaign platform calls for:
Lower taxes – Reverse the 23-cent per gallon gas tax increase and instead cut spending and streamline government to fund infrastructure improvements, enact school funding reform to lower property taxes, and fight for across-the-board tax relief for all taxpayers and businesses.
Less Debt – Reform New Jersey’s broken pension and health benefits systems in a way that protects current and future retirees while ending double-dipping for politicians, eliminate corporate welfare, and oppose future taxpayer-funded bailouts.
More Freedom – Reduce burdensome regulations on job creators, fight for school choice, and defend individual liberty – including the Second Amendment and the right to life.
1633 Littleton Road is located on the corner of Campus Drive and has been vacant since 2014 when Skanska moved to Interpace Parkway. The building is a total of 57,722 square feet on two floors.
Council President Lou Valori
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council approved a Person-to-Person Transfer of a Plenary Retail Consumption liquor license for Mack-Cali Realty Corporation. The vote was 3-2, with Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., and Council Vice President Robert Peluso voting against the transfer.
The application indicates it will be used for a restaurant, and will be issued in the name of Hanover Hospitality Corp, and will remain a pocket license until such time a physical location is secured to transfer the license. A license which becomes inactive and is no longer sited at a business premises becomes a “pocket” license. At the time a pocket license is reactivated, the licensee must file an application for a place-to-place transfer of the license so that it may be sited at the new active business address. A spokesman for Mack-Cali stated “Nothing we can report. No leases signed.”
Council President Dr. Louis Valori stated “The applicant satisfied all township requirements relative to the acquisition of this license. There was no legitimate or plausible reason to reject this application.”
Council Vice President Robert Peluso
“The request to transfer a plenary retail consumption license to the premises raises a concern for me without knowing the plans for the premises. The location where they request to move the license is approved as an office complex, a use that has one of the lowest impacts on surrounding properties. Without knowing the purpose of the transfer, I am concerned that this is a precursor to conversion to a use with greater impact on our community. I would like to see the full plan for the use of this license, and the property, before being asked to approve this application. The community has a right to know what is being proposed at the premises. I will not be a rubber stamp on an application without full disclosure to our community,” stated Robert Peluso Council Vice President.
The license was purchased from the owners of the former Chand Palace, 189 Littleton Road. Chand Palace closed in September 2016.
Other than this license, there are no other licenses available within the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. According to a recent OPRA request, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has 44 establishments with liquor licenses.
The license must be used within the borders of Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. The new Wegmans Supermarket being constructed in the Mack-Cali campus is located in Hanover Township, so this license could not be used on those premises. In addition to Wegmans, they will be constructing three restaurants and a drive-through bank on Ridgedale Avenue and Sylvan Way.
Recently, it has been rumored that Mack-Cali will repurpose office buildings off of Route 202 and Route 10. The plan, according to some, is to turn one of the Campus Drive buildings into 97 apartment units and store-fronts at the main level. There was also talk about bringing a upscale restaurant within the complex.
Parsippany officials won’t say if any empty Mack-Cali office buildings are being considered for housing complex. 1633 Littleton Road, built in 1978, formerly occupied by Skanska has been vacant since 2014 and 2 Campus Drive, which is directly behind 1633 is also vacant. Both properties, have a for-lease sign posted, but a review of the Mack-Cali website, shows no information for these two buildings. Loopnet.com indicates both properties are off the market. 1633 Littleton Road is directly across from the entrance to Sedgefield Civic Association (Sherwood Road). Mack-Cali didn’t comment on whether these two buildings are being considered for repurposing.
Mack-Cali, the state’s largest office landlord, is pushing ahead with plans to re-energize its 2.2 million square feet of space in Parsippany-Troy Hills.
Doing so means investing in new amenities such as cafeterias, fitness rooms and conference centers across roughly a dozen buildings, but also enhancing the area with new uses such as a hotel, a supermarket and new apartments, according to an article published in Real Estate New Jersey.
Two Campus Drive is located directly behind 1633 Littleton Road and is totally vacant. The building was previously occupied by Securitas Security Services USA. The building contains 128,045 square feet of office space.
In recent years, Mack-Cali has bolstered its portfolio in Parsippany through both addition and subtraction. In January 2016 they acquired 3 Sylvan Way (click here for article), a 150,000-square-foot property, while selling four others on Century Drive and 600 Parsippany Road. (Click here for article).
In neighboring Morris Plains, Mack-Cali held a ceremonial ground breaking, in August 2016, for its newest luxury residential community, Signature Place at Morris Plains. The new multi-family community will feature 197 luxury apartment homes and is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017. This site was previously a vacant Mack-Cali office building that is being repurposed into a multi-family residential community. (Click here for article).
Parsippany has 140 properties with 16,241,867 square feet of office space averaging rentals of $25.70 per square foot.
PARSIPPANY — At approximately 4:19 a.m. on Wednesday,February 22 a fire was reported at 300 Parsippany Road, Colonial Heights Apartments.
Parsippany Police Officer Brian Conover, stated “that all apartments were successfully evacuated with the exception of one apartment. The 64 year old male occupant was rescued by Fire personnel and then transported to Saint Clares Hospital in Denville where he succumbed to his injuries.”
Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 6, Lake Parsippany Fire District 3, Lake Hiawatha Fire Department, Mt. Tabor District 1 RIC team were dispatched to the scene. Police closed off the road leading into the complex, but morning rush-hour traffic on Parsippany Road was not affected.
Parsippany Fire Investigator Det. M. Czajka, Morris County Arson Investigator, Morris County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigative Section, and the Morris County Prosecutors Office all responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.
The Red Cross was notified and are in the process of assisting displaced residence. Authorities started in the kitchen area of the apartment.
Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson/Environmental Crimes and Major Crimes Units, American Red Cross, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad, and Saint Clares Hospital BLS and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery are also on the scene.
The investigation has been completed. The cause is undetermined at this time; however, the origin is believed to be on the kitchen floor in the area of electrical appliances. There is no indication of criminal activity.
Five tenants received emergency assistance including temporary lodging, food and clothing from the Red Cross Disaster Action Team after the fire.
Police and emergency workers at the scene of the fire on Parsippany Road.Morris County Sheriff Crime Investigation Scene vehicle at the scene of the fireColonial Heights Apartments
At the Tuesday, February 7 Parsippany-Troy Hills Council meeting township attorney John Inglesino chose to “grandstand” using the ten questions, submitted by me on January 3, to disseminate what could only be called disinformation. He has done this before whenever the subject of Parsippany’s participation and possible benefits under regional conformance to the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act comes up.
John Inglesino has continually spoken in a negative and false sense against the Highlands Act accusing it of being responsible for Parsippany’s situation concerning what he calls unfair public housing share Parsippany must be subjected to because of it. For the purpose of keeping this short, two falsities will here be answered.
1. Concerning the Memorandum of Understanding between the Highlands and the Council of Affordable Housing; was stated with certainty as being no longer in affect. He states that the MOU is no longer in standing. The MOU is important because it upholds higher environmental landuse polices, avoiding sensitive landscapes for public housing; again waterview stands as the best example. (He sites a case concerning Chester, NJ, which only pertains to Chester’s special circumstance as proof the MOU has been negated).
Not True. The agreement MOU between the Housing Council and Highlands Conforming Communities has not yet been rescinded (which the HC can, as has not, done). Even though COAH does not exist as a functioning state agency, we are expecting the Courts to defer to it in addressing conformed municipalities in the Planning Area because its provisions are a valid record of agreement between 2 authorized agencies existing at the time and acting in response to and under the authority of an executive order. A town can reduce or better plan its housing obligation by defending sensitive landscapes within its own boundaries, and COAH (HC) does have environmental policies.
2. Town Attorney speculates of the Constitutionality of the Highlands Act. Stating that in the past it may very well have not mustered legitimacy in the Courts, and then stated the Highlands legislation had never been challenged at the level of the US Supreme Court.
Not True. The Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act signed on August 10, 2004 with overwhelming bipartisan support. Further more the Highlands Act, which has withstood at least three challenges in appellate court and the US Supreme Court, when petitioned, refused to hear a further appeal.
Suggest Mr. Inglesino brush up on his knowledge of this subject. It is a fact Governor Christie has made the demise of both the Highlands and Pinelands legislation a hobby of his. Rather than advance and encourage his states water supply health and sustainability through good land use he has sold out to the private interest; perverting the NJDEP in its mission and mandate to protect our welfare, health and safety in protecting our water supply.
Parsippany appears to being managed by the same mentality, rather than defending our town’s master plan and sense of home and place, we cater to what is called economic improvements with complete disregard to our environment and natural resources.
What Town attorney Inglesino calls loss of local control and determents under regional conformance is pure here-say and conjecture. Only if a legitimate sound reason exists to reject or diminish in size a development proposal will the Conformance enlighten and make transparent to all parties the reasons. Parsippany is entirely in the planning zone, but has environmentally sensitive landscapes, which even under the regional “conformance process” could have been better protected by using the “check-list option” both Waterview and Forge Pond for example. These options were not implemented while Parsippany was in a “conformance process” from July 2010-June 2014. Instead developers determine our master plan, which is somehow not seen as a detriment?
The one thing that also stands out is the complete silence and lack of response by our Council Members. Only Councilman Peluso asked Mr. Inglesino for a written copy of the response to the ten questions, he was refused. Remaining in the “conformance process” would definitely have helped Parsippany now that we need it most with the present affordable housing situation. Parsippany also has refused to seek a declaratory judgment. Which also warrants an explanation. Do we have a covenant with corporate developers as opposed to the people of Parsippany it is evident from Forge Pond to Waterview; up next affordable housing; what ever developers desire, while we pay our taxes and pay the salaries of officials who do not have our best interest in mind.
When there is a Master Plan, the subordinates exercise their initiatives within its framework, and there is thus greater cohesion in seeking to achieve the superior commanders object. The commanders being the resident citizens of Parsippany and their elected officials. Knowing they are part of an even greater effort to help commonly shared human environmental goals and maintain their sense of home.
The Mayor boasts of his Town being a “regional employment center” supporting so-called targeted economic economic improvements, all with no thought of their impacts on the people who live here and the long term sustainability of our water resources. Should not a self-proclaimed “regional center” have a regional plan? These decisions and outcomes are made without us and despite us.
PARSIPPANY — Megan Tolosi and Kristen Taylor stands in front of the mound of clothing collected today during a Parsippany Hills High School Competition Cheer fundraiser. The clothing will be sold and the money will be used to pay for activities. They were collecting unwanted clothes, stuffed animals, sheets, blankets, etc.
PARSIPPANY — Shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 19 a motorcycle accident occurred on Route 80 East at the Route 280 East exit. New Jersey State Police and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department was on the scene. Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance transported the driver of the motorcycle to Morristown Memorial Hospital. Additional details are not available at this time.
PARSIPPANY — Par-Troy Little League West has been existence in Parsippany since 1952 and was the first Little League association in Parsippany. They have provided baseball and softball for the children of Parsippany for many years.
Registration is still open for the 2017 season and time is running out.
Eligibility requirements for your child to participate in Par-Troy West Little League Baseball and Softball, your child must be:
A resident of Parsippany-Troy Hills
(proof may be required), andAt least four years old, but not more than 16 years of age by April 30, 2017 for Baseball players born on or before August 31, 2005;
August 31, 2017 for Tee ball/Baseball players born on or after September 1, 2005; or
December 31, 2016 for Softball players (Farm League and above).
Online Registration – Spring registration runs early September through mid February. All registrations must be submitted online. Click here for online registration.
In addition to payment of registration and candy fundraiser fees, the following items are required to complete registration:
Work bond ($100 per family, dated May 1, 2017, separate check from fees)
Medical form* for each player
(available in the FORMS section of the PTWLL website
2017 Registration Fees Registration fees are $85 per child, including a non-refundable administration fee. Family Discounts are available only if all children are registered and paid for at the same time. Each child must also participate in the candy fundraiser. ($30.00 to buyout or $60.00 to sell a box of candy, paid at registration.) All fees are due at registration and can be paid online (Visa or MasterCard) or via check (payable to PTWLL). Checks and documents can be mailed to: PTWLL, Attn: Registrations, PO Box 206, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.
Par-Troy West Little League Player Agent Sandy Neglia
Questions – Please contact PTWLL Player Agent Sandra Neglia via email at Sandra4A@aol.com or (973) 326-1694.
Need Help Registering? Please contact PTWLL Secretary Amanda Jusino via email at volunteer4ptwll@gmail.com
Visit the PTWLL Website for additional information, by clicking here.
Spring registrations for Minors and Majors received or completed after February 23, 2017 cannot be guaranteed a spot on a team if teams exceed 12 players after the draft at the end of February.
Spring registrations for Tee Ball and Farm received or completed after February 28, 2017 cannot be guaranteed placement with requested friends or coaches, depending on team sizes as of that date.
Michael Ilic at 182, Naseem Sawalhi at 145, Sean Gentile at 126 and PJ Gohn at 132
DISTRICT 6 AT FAIR LAWN Team Champion: Parsippany won District 6 with 187 points, crowning four champions, to pull away from second-place Mount Olive (174) and third-place Fair Lawn (173.5). Parsippany sent six wrestlers to the finals and came away with four wins from Sean Gentile at 126, PJ Gohn at 132, Naseem Sawalhi at 145…
Parsippany Council candidates Chris Martino and Casey Parikh stand by mayoral candidate, council vice president Robert Peluso
PARSIPPANY — Although Mayor James Barberio hasn’t officially announced his candidacy for third term as Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor, Council Vice President Robert Peluso formally announced he will challenge him in the June primary. Joining Peluso was his two candidates for Parsippany Council,Township of Hanover Police Officer Chris Martino and Former Parsippany Planning Board Chairman Casey Parikh. The event which drew a large standing room only crowd at Embassy Suites on Friday, February 17 was attended by many local Politicians, family members and supporters of the team.
Chris Martino, Casey Parikh and Robert Peluso was introduced by Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.,
Introducing Peluso was Councilman Paul Carifi Jr., with whom Peluso has provided opposition to the Barberio administration. Both councilmen have criticized Barberio for what they term a “lack of transparency” and excessive spending, particularly on excessive township legal fees by current Township Attorney John Inglesino.
Carifi said, “”He does his due diligence, does his homework, he’s very meticulous and very thorough. And he’s very transparent, always looking out for the residents, and always available to them.”
“The change Parsippany needs is real and is urgent. We can not rely on the old guard or a political establishment to make that change. If they haven’t created the change by now, it is because they are unwilling to do so or don’t know how. Being a genial figure and disengaged no longer gets the day-to-day job done. Township government is not functioning in the way it should. We need to run it like a business and create accountability for the actions that it takes. I want to put crisis in the rear view mirror. My vision for Parsippany is that all of Parsippany will be working together and helping to move our community in the right direction. Everyone has a seat on the bus and can be a part of this journey,” said Peluso.
He continued, “It’s time we elect a mayor who is committed to making ground breaking progress, not just making ground breaking ceremonies. I will declare in detail what we will do better and it will be seen across all parts of Parsippany. We will have conversations about controlling taxes, transparent, open and accessible government, job creation, a cleaner environment, the safety of our schools and all residents, true economic development both in Lake Hiawatha and in our neighborhoods. Leaders need to listen to our voters, they need to hear specifics, not slogans.”
Peluso was raised in Parsippany-Troy Hills, married, worked, purchased his home, and started his family with his wife, Ildiko and son Robert right here in our community. He is a graduate of Parsippany High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Montclair State University and holds a Masters of Business Administration Degree in Finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He currently is a Parishioner of Saint Peter The Apostle Church and believes in giving back to our community.
As an active community leader, he takes pride in the contributions he makes to enhance the quality of life for those who work, live, and play in our Township. He is passionate about community service and Mr. Peluso focuses on initiatives including the areas of health, education, economic development, arts and culture, and family services.
Mayor Barberio is expected to announce his candidacy for re-election on Monday, February 20, although Parsippany Focus has not been officially informed. Council President Louis Valori and Robert Peluso’s seat is up this election year. Former Councilman Brian Stanton, Dr. Louis Valori and former Councilman Vincent Ferrara have filed registrations with the state as Republican council candidates for nominations in the June primary or have expressed their intent.
Stanton told Parsippany Focus he intends to run and will announce his candidacy on March 1.
Democrat Michael Soriano announced his candidacy for the mayor’s office last week. (Click here to read related article).
Casey Parikh surrounded by family members
Parikh said, “I used to say I come from a big family, five brothers and two sisters, nieces and nephews about 69 of us. But today I can say that my family is not 69. There are a lot more people here who are part of my family.” There were many supporters from the Indian community were in attendance.
“He’s been on the town planning board for over 20 years and was president,” Carifi said of Parikh. “He did great things volunteering in that position, giving a lot of time and effort towards the town of Parsippany and the residents of Parsippany.” When it was rumored that Parikh was considering a Council position, Mayor James Barberio failed to re-appoint Parikh to the Planning Board after serving over 24 years, citing that Parikh wasn’t a Parsippany resident, although he resides in Powdermill Heights, a residential complex built and owned by Parsippany’s prominent builder, Edward Mosberg.
“It’s definitely time for change,” Carifi said. “Our current mayor is not transparent at all. He consistently lies to residents in this town and we definitely need a change.”
“I’m tired of this, and it will get done,” Peluso said. “One way or another, come with me and we will do great things together.”
Casey Parikh is a retired executive and a dedicated public servant who has spent 24 years working to preserve the fabric of our community. Parikh’s commitment to Parsippany will ensure responsible growth while maintaining the standards we expect. He holds a BS Electrical Engineering – Bombay, India; MS Computer Science – Melbourne, FL and MBA – Melbourne, FL.
Parikh has been a Parsippany resident for 29 years and moved to USA in 1978. He is married to Dr. Rita Parikh for 36 years, and they have a daughter Dr. Coral Parikh, Graduate of PHHS. Dr. Coral Parikh lives with her husband Krishna in NYC. They also have a son, Emil Parikh, also a graduate of PHHS and he resides in New York City. Casey worked at Kennedy Space Center, FL as a Space Shuttle launch team member at NASA. He has over 30 years of experience in the Security industry with Management and Budgeting experience. Worked at ADT/Tyco security as a Director. Managed up to 350 technical people in USA and Canada. He retired in 2013 after working for 36 years in the professional field to dedicate my time to volunteer for community services.
Chris Martino is a decorated law enforcement professional. When he says he has your back, he means it. His experience in policing allows him to bring a unique insight to our council regarding public safety and the security of our residents and children.
Martino was born in Brooklyn, New York where his parents lived at the time and shortly moved to West Paterson. His family moved to Bloomingdale in 1986 when he was just 14 years old. He attended Butler High School and graduated from the County College of Morris.
Shortly after graduating college Martino was accepted into the Morris County Alternate Route Police Academy Program in August, 1993. Once he graduated the Morris County Police Academy he was hired by the Hanover Township Police Department on March 1, 1994. He has been with the Hanover Township Police Department for the past 23 years. During his 23 years he has worked in all aspects of law enforcement, which requires a great deal of dedication. He has been involved with numerous investigations that require a high level of discipline and attention to detail.
Chris has resided in Parsippany for the past 14 years originally moving into the Troy Hills section of Parsippany in 2003 with his wife Shreya. He currently resides in the Powder Mill Estates section of Parsippany, since 2014. This is where his wife Shreya, seven year old twins Ella and Deven, along with their family pet, Marley call home.
The primary will be held on Tuesday, June 6. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
You are eligible to vote if you are a citizen of the United States, are a Morris County resident 30 days before the election. You can register is you are at least 17 years of age, but cannot vote until the age of 18. You can not be incarcerated, on parole or on probation due to a felony conviction.
If you don’t know if you are a registered voter, you can click here to find out.
If you are not a registered voter, you can fill out the application form (click here), and mail a completed form to Morris County Board of Elections, Post Office Box 9000, Morristown, New Jersey 07960. You must register 21 days prior to the election which you wish to vote. Your registration will remain valid, as long as you do not move out of Morris County.
Once you are registered you will receive a ballot in the mail. If you need to find out where you go to vote, click here.
Parsippany Focus has reached out to all candidates that have filed their registrations, asking when and where they are announcing. Parsippany Focus will give equal coverage to all candidate running for office. Candidates can contact us by sending an email by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — K.S. Contracting Corporation, based in Parsippany, and owned by Paresh Shah, is accused of cheating dozens of immigrant works out of $1.7 million in unpaid wages and benefits under the New York State Labor Law. Their office address is listed as 29 Phillip Drive.
According to New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, 36 workers lost $1.7 million in wages and benefits. Most of the employees affected earned $90.00 a day. Shah claimed rates for workers started at $50.00 an hour. Shah would issue paychecks to half of his workers, requiring them to cash the checks and return the cash back to him. Shah would then redistribute the cash to all of the employees, underpaying employees while creating the appearance of fair wages.
The video above shows how it worked.
Stringer fined K.S. Contracting Corporation $3.2 million and has barred the contractor from all city or state work for five years.
Over four years, K.S. Contracting Corporation was awarded $21 million in contracts by various departments of the New York City government. A 2010 employee complaint to the Comptroller’s office started the investigation, which uncovered the scheme to underpay immigrant workers.
New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer said. “Contractors might think they can take advantage of immigrants, but today we’re sending a strong message: my office will fight for every worker in New York City. This is about basic fairness and accountability.”
PARSIPPANY — Whole Foods is shrinking its store count for the first time since the recession, as reported in Business Insider.
According to the report, the grocery chain plans to close nine stores in the current quarter, which ends in April, while opening only six new stores. None of the stores closing are in New Jersey.
The closings represent a tiny fraction of Whole Foods’ 440 stores in the United States, but they signal a new era of potentially stagnant growth for the troubled chain amid growing competition in the organic- and natural-food market.
Whole Foods is proposing a new store at future Waterview Marketplace, Route 46 and Waterview Boulevard. The proposed store will occupy 49,000 square feet. The total shopping center will consist of 157,410 square feet and provide 679 parking spots. (Click here to see diagram of proposed shopping center). Meanwhile there is a vacant 65,106 square foot former PathMark Store less than two miles east of the proposed location.
Parsippany Focus contacted their corporate office in Austin, Texas, but did not receive a return call.
Whole Foods Market will be opening its newest location in Newark situated in the recently renovated and historic Hahne & Company building at 633 Broad Street on Wednesday, March 1 at 9:00 a.m. Whole Foods Market Newark will boast 29,000 square feet of space providing the Newark community access to the highest quality produce, meat, seafood, baked goods, body care, grocery offerings and healthy eating resources in the area. The store marks Whole Foods Market’s third location in Essex County and 17th overall in New Jersey. Other New Jersey Whole Foods stores include Morristown, Madison, West Orange, Union and Montclair.
The company’s same-store sales have declined in each of the past six quarters.
The chain saw a 2.4% decline in that metric during its most recent quarter, the company stated.
Whole Foods is now scrapping its plans to eventually expand to expand to 1,200 stores across the United States.
Company executives said they are going to wait and see how recently opened stores perform before making any long-term commitments on future growth.
Members of Parsippany Ambulance Squad and David White
PARSIPPANY — A $2,000 donation was presented by ADP to each the following Parsippany organizations at a recent Township Council meeting.
· Parsippany-Troy Hills Free Public Library
· Parsippany Police Athletic League
· Police Benevolent Association Local 131
· Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Association District 6
· Parsippany Ambulance Squad
A total of $10,000 was donated by ADP to local organizations.
Chuck Meunier, Vinny Petito and Dave White
The presentation was given by David White, Division Vice President, Tools and Technology for ADP’s Global Business Solution.
The headquarters for its Major Accounts Division – which supports companies with 50-999 employees – is located right across from Parsippany Town Hall at One Waterview Boulevard. ADP’s other key location at 99 Jefferson Road houses over 1,000 associates and is considered one of ADP’s largest service and implementation centers on the East Coast.
David has been attending and giving back to the community for the fourth consecutive year. David shared one of ADP’s core values of giving back to the communities where we work and live. ADP is the largest Human Capital Management provider in the world and is proud to have two major sites located in Parsippany.
White indicated that ADP’s CEO and President Carlos Rodriquez has always been a big advocate of giving back to communities, and has made it part of the ADP culture. One way that he demonstrates this is by giving each full time ADP associate eight hours of paid volunteer time per year, to be used in the form of volunteer work or community service to make the world a better place to live and work.
PHS Principal addressing the audience at the PHS Fall of Fame Induction Ceremony
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School inducted the new members of 2017 Hall of Fame Class on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 in the Media Center. The ceremony was attended by community members, alumni, parents and students that celebrated this year’s induction ceremony. This year’s class consists of five impressive inductees.
Fei-Fei Li – ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT – Presented by David Sabella
Academic Achievement Award was presented to Fei-Fei Li, a 1995 graduate of PHS
When Fei-Fei Li moved to New Jersey from China when she was 16 years old, she couldn’t speak a word of English. However, despite this disadvantage, and through an incredible amount of diligence, she graduated sixth in her class gained acceptance to Princeton University where she received a BA in Physics. She then earned her MS and her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology. Fei-Fei has had a successful career teaching at the college level: Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in both the Psychology and Electrical and Computer Engineering Departments; Assistant Professor at Princeton
University in the Psychology and Computer Science Departments; and Assistant Professor and, currently as an Associate Professor at Stanford University in the Computer Science Department. Fei-Fei’s accomplishments are astounding. She is currently the Director of Stanford’s Artificial Intelligence Lab (SAIL), and she is one of the Directors for the SAIL OutReach Summer Program, designed to reach out to rising 10th grade girls and expose them to the world of Artificial Intelligence (Al). Fei-Fei also leads the partnership between Stanford and Toyota, along with MIT, where the focus of the partnership is on A1 – assisted driving. She is also the Director for the Stanford Vision Lab, which explores issues in computer and human vision.
David Sabella presented the Academic Achievement Award to Fei-Fei Li
In March of 2015, Fei-Fei gave a TED talk describing the way we teach computers to understand pictures as humans do; this video has been viewed over 1.7 million times. She was recently named one of our country’s 2016 Great Immigrants by the Carnegie Corporation, and she was interviewed by CNN about her life story. Fei-Fei has given dozens of keynote speeches, talks and seminars around the world. She has been the Chair, Co-Chair, or organizer of more than two dozen committees and workshops. She has co-authored more than a hundred papers, journals and book chapters in addition to numerous.
LEROY COLLINS, JR. (’78) – MILITARY SERVICE Presented by Ron Foreso (former teacher)
Former Teacher Ron Foreso presented the honor to Leroy Collins, Jr., Class of 1978
Roy graduated from PHS with academic honors as a member of the National Honor Society, earned 7 Varsity Letters and held leadership positions in several after school activities, including INTERACT, Institute for Political and Legal Education (IPLE), and Student Council, and contributed to the Daily Record’s publication of “None Outsings Parsippany”, a history of Parsippany-Troy Hills. Upon graduation, he reported to the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, where he earned a BS degree in Ocean Engineering and was commissioned an Ensign. During his ten-year Coast Guard career, he received several personal and unit awards; at the age of 24, was one of the youngest sea service officers to assume command afloat; and was selected to serve as a military Aide to Presidents Reagan and Bush. He subsequently transitioned to private industry where he has assumed executive leadership positions in the defense/aerospace industry, pioneered the delivery of internet services via satellite, and earned an MBA. He currently serves as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Senior Advisor contributing to the agency’s space-based environmental monitoring mission (i.e. weather) by managing satellite acquisition programs, international partnerships, and science-based climatic research. Roy is an international cycling enthusiast who has competed in numerous endurance cycling events, such as the Race Across America (RAAM), where he and his team hold the world record for the Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD (3010 miles) race in under 5.5 days, has served as the US Naval Academy’s cycling team Head Coach for the past 9 years, earning 6 ACC Division 1 Conference Champion and National Championship Titles, and mentors his Nationally ranked son (or is mentored by him). He, his wife Kim, and son, Ryan, currently reside in Annapolis, MD.
JOE BERNABE -TEACHER Presenter: Greg Dalakian (former student, colleague)
Joe Bernabe served as the PHS Band Director for thirty-one years
Joe Bernabe served as the PHS Band Director for thirty-one years (1977-2008), instilling a love of music in thousands of students and inspiring dozens to pursue careers as professional musicians or music teachers.
As Band Director, he prepared and conducted over 150 concerts with his students. At various times of his career, he also worked with the Pit Band, Marching Band and North Jersey Area Band in addition to serving as coach of the Golf Team for many years. In his retirement, he has managed to keep in touch with PHS, attending every concert and Hall of Fame ceremony and continuing to mentor and assist the music department in any way that he can including the school’s 60th Anniversary. Mr. Bernabe was beloved by his students and colleagues for his talents, passion and his neverending sense of humor.
Jean Sabella
BOB SABELLA – Teacher. Presented by Jean Sabella (wife, colleague)
Bob Sabella was a Mathematics teacher in the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District for 31 years; he taught at Parsippany High School for 23 of those years serving as Lead Teacher of the Math Department for all of them. An accomplished teacher and lead.er in the District, Bob held numerous positions and won numerous awards over the years, including the Distinguished Faculty Award in 2001, Vice President of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association, Co-Director of the Iron Hills Conference Math League; chairing the Parsippany High School Middle States Steering Committee in 1989-1990. Bob was also a published writer, with numerous articles in the New Jersey Mathematics Teacher, Who Shaped Science Fiction and co-edited Nanking 1937: Memory and Healing. But where Bob really stood out was in his love and advocacy for his students. Despite the fact that his standards and expectations for his students were extremely high (his students’ AP scores can attest to that), he was beloved by the students he taught and/or mentored. A long-time advisor to the Indian Cultural Club and the Asian American Club (in addition to the Math Team, of course), he celebrated the diversity that is the student body of PHS.
Members of Parsippany High School 1977 Football Team
1977 FOOTBALL TEAM – ATHLETICS. The 1977 Football Team is widely regarded as the best football team in PHS history. Coming off a 2-7 season the previous season, expectations were not high for this group. Fortunately, they worked hard and banded together to finish their regular season with an Iron Hills Conference title and a perfect 9-0 record. They won their first state playoff game to advance to the Group 3, Section 2 State Finals at home versus state powerhouse Phillipsburg. In front of the largest crowd in PHS history, they lost a tough game but left their mark on the school and community. They were ranked the 2nd best team in Morris County and were heralded as one of the area’s top defenses. They succeeded under the direction of Head Coach/PHS Hall of Famer Bob Martin, and his Assistant Coaches: PHS alumni/teacher Mike Yesunas, and former PHS Athletic Director Joe Grippaldi. The roster consisted of the following players and coaches: Bob Mainardi, Steve Pucilowski, Steve Kaufman, Robert Fulton, Bill Freeman, B. Picinich, Bill Stivaly, Timothy Pucilowski, Michael Caruso, Steve Russo, John Spagnola, K. Connell, Richard dePierro, B. Dalrymple, H. Horowitz, Terry Pine, J. Molinare, T. Gonzales, R. Scrivani, R. Aber, S. Furini, N. Stone, T. Blazier, B. Knott, J. DiGiacinto, T. Pescherine, Jim Miele, R. Krush, V. Mini, S. Simonetti, G. Lepre, S. Miczak, M. Hopkins, M. Brady, K. O’Connell, Al Paradise, E. Weinstein, F. Paradise, C. Pizzi, B. Matthias M. Plath, K. Miele, E. McGarry, M. Pignatelli, T. Behrle, Charles Lategano, Tony Santangelo, Peter DelGazio, D. Tubby, F. Bolcar, Pat Fahy, John Burke, J. Schkolnick, M. Thompson, B. Snedberg, Darrel Knops, Coach Grippaldi, Coach Yesunas, Coach Radice, and Coach Martin.
Mr. Lazz’s Woods & Mrs Collado’s Foods prepared a cupcake display for the 60th Anniversary
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Office of Emergency Management has launched a new Emergency Medical Services program designed to supplement the first-responder needs of the county’s 39 municipalities when assistance is required.
Development of this county funded initiative resulted from discussions with officials of several municipalities who asked for Morris County support for the daytime EMS response challenge throughout the county.The goal of this initiative is to provide a mutual aid ambulance during weekday hours for use in Morris County municipalities when other ambulance service is unavailable.
“We understand the stress put on towns that rely on volunteers, especially during weekdays when volunteers are mostly at work, to handle ambulance and first responder needs,’’ said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “We have heard their concerns and we hope to supplement their volunteer services and fill gaps in service through this county effort.’’
The new county service was launched on February 6, offering service on weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and using experienced emergency medical technicians hired by the county.
At the direction of the Freeholders, the new Morris County program has been developed on a foundation of providing professional and exemplary care, and getting an ambulance to a patient in the shortest amount of time, and with the least financial impact on those in need of emergency medical attention.
Since this is a Morris County funded program, the county will only accept insurance reimbursement payments from users, but will not require any other payment.
Services of the county’s new EMS team will come into play when:
A local volunteer EMS squad is unable to staff a call;
Local EMS resources are already committed to a call, and are unable to staff an additional ambulance;
An emergency call goes into a mutual aid mode;
A contracted/paid billing first responder service is already on a call and/or is outside the coverage area, and our Morris County ambulance is closer to the patient;
The local volunteer EMS squad schedules county coverage ahead of time.
“Importantly, we also will make sure that our county service will not conflict with EMS coverage provided by the many dedicated Morris County volunteers, who take time out of their busy lives to volunteer with their local and regional EMS agencies,’’ added Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo, who is the county governing board’s liaison on public safety issues.
The county recognizes that some Morris County towns do not utilize contracted EMS services and do not have volunteers to staff an ambulance during the 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. period on Monday through Friday.
Those towns may call upon the new Morris County OEM/EMS if the county ambulance is in a call area and available on that particular day should the need arise.
When the program was in its developmental stage, county officials met leaders of local EMS agencies countywide to discuss this potential program. County officials stressed their full support of the longstanding local EMS model, with local agencies staffing their own ambulances and servicing patients in their respective communities.
The Cleaning Authority founded in 1989 has been franchising for almost 20 years and has more than 200 locations in the United States and Canada. Completing more than 1.7 million cleans last year, the company is responsible for the proprietary “Detail-Clean Rotation System” designed to guarantee a thorough clean. The Cleaning Authority is an environmentally responsible residential cleaning franchise committed to using eco-friendly cleaning products. For more information, please 
PARSIPPANY — Announcing the first session in a nine-month long series of free Community Diabetes Education Program events at the Parsippany ShopRite beginning on March 29. These classes will be held on the last Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m., and a “teachable” dinner will be served at each session. The community of people affected by Diabetes is welcome, but registration is mandatory.
Mack-Cali, the state’s largest office landlord, is pushing ahead with plans to re-energize its 2.2 million square feet of space in Parsippany-Troy Hills.
“It’s definitely time for change,” Carifi said. “Our current mayor is not transparent at all. He consistently lies to residents in this town and we definitely need a change.”
top defenses. They succeeded under the direction of Head Coach/PHS Hall of Famer Bob Martin, and his Assistant Coaches: PHS alumni/teacher Mike Yesunas, and former PHS Athletic Director Joe Grippaldi. The roster consisted of the following players and coaches: Bob Mainardi, Steve Pucilowski, Steve Kaufman, Robert Fulton, Bill Freeman, B. Picinich, Bill Stivaly, Timothy Pucilowski, Michael Caruso, Steve Russo, John Spagnola, K. Connell, Richard dePierro, B. Dalrymple, H. Horowitz, Terry Pine, J. Molinare, T. Gonzales, R. Scrivani, R. Aber, S. Furini, N. Stone, T. Blazier, B. Knott, J. DiGiacinto, T. Pescherine, Jim Miele, R. Krush, V. Mini, S. Simonetti, G. Lepre, S. Miczak, M. Hopkins, M. Brady, K. O’Connell, Al Paradise, E. Weinstein, F. Paradise, C. Pizzi, B. Matthias M. Plath, K. Miele, E. McGarry, M. Pignatelli, T. Behrle, 
