PARSIPPANY — New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials announced daytime and evening lane closures on approximately two and a half miles of Route 46 for the start of a resurfacing project in Parsippany.
Starting Monday, March 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and again tonight from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and continuing during off-peak hours and weeknights until late summer of 2016, NJDOT’s contractor, Schifano Construction Corp. is scheduled to temporarily close lanes and shoulders along Route 46 eastbound and westbound from Fox Hill Road in Mountain Lakes to Columbus Way. Initial project work will consist of sign installation and utility work. Milling and paving work is expected to start within a few weeks.
The $3 million state-funded resurfacing project will maintain at least one travel lane in each direction at all times to minimize the impact to motorists. Lane closures will be during off-peak hours. There will be temporary ramp closures with signed detours during overnight hours.
The Project is expected to be completed by late summer of 2016.
Variable message signs and detour signs are being utilized throughout the project limits to provide advance notification to motorists of all traffic pattern changes associated with the resurfacing project. Throughout the project, NJDOT will provide information before upcoming road or ramp closures.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info.
MORRIS COUNTY — Republican candidate Jim Gannon, who retired in 2008 as a Member of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) from his 25-years of service as a Boonton and Boonton Township Police Officer, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, with an annual pension of $78,160, will file paperwork with the State of New Jersey to freeze that pension and collect only his salary as Morris County Sheriff if successful in the June primary and then elected to a full-term in November.
Under N.J.S.A. 43:3C-3, Gannon’s decision to freeze his pension will also require him to give up a $60,000 payout to his beneficiary (his daughter) in the event of his death, something Gannon called “being penalized for doing the right thing.” He urged lawmakers in Trenton to introduce legislation to fix it and said doing so could incentivize others to freeze their pensions while serving in elected office.
After his career in the public sector, Gannon continued his law enforcement and security career as a member of the FBI’s elite Joint Terrorism Task Force and then as Global Head of Security Risk at Novartis. Gannon said that with Census Data showing the per capita income of a Morris County resident at $48,814 and Morris County household at $98,633, it didn’t feel appropriate to him to accept both a state pension and Sheriff’s salary that would potentially put his income at over $200,000 a year. Gannon will defer to the Freeholder Board to set his salary within the range allowable by law.
“Make no mistake, I believe law enforcement officers and firefighters earn their pensions – these men and women leave their families at home and put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe,” said Gannon, who reached out to the New Jersey Division of Pension and Benefits and confirmed that his pension can be temporarily frozen while he serves as Sheriff, and then restarted, without retroactive payments, after he leaves office. “But, for me personally, getting two checks funded by taxpayers to do just one job didn’t seem right. I want voters and taxpayers to know that running for Sheriff isn’t about the money for me – it’s about keeping our county safe and secure.”
The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is seeking a part-time Office Assistant to support our organization. Primary responsibilities include general office management, assistance with Human Resources and ordering supplies. They will assist the President and Vice President of Programs with completion of tasks including preparation for Board of Trustees meetings and subcommittee meetings. The office assistant will attend and support Development programs and events, including The Land Conservancy’s premier fund raising events.
The candidate must be a self-motivated, team player with the ability to meet deadlines, remain flexible, and adjust to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strong organizational skills, keen attention to detail, excellent time management skills and exceptional oral and written communication skills are required. In addition, the candidate should be proficient in Microsoft Office and possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel as needed to perform duties.
This part-time position is available immediately. The hours are flexible at 12-15 hours per week, with an hourly Salary ($15.00 per hour) with limited benefits.
Please email resume to hr@tlc-nj.organd in the subject field of the email must read Office Assistant.
Morris County Prosecutor Fred Knapp during a press conference. Photo by Nicolas Limanov
FLORHAM PARK — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief Robert Treiber of the Florham Park Police Department announce the arrest of Mark J. Iantosca, 52, Florham Park. Defendant was charged with two (2) counts of Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S 2C:14-2c (3)(a), crimes of the second degree.
On February 26, 2016, an investigation commenced when the victim reported to law enforcement that the defendant engaged in acts of reciprocal oral sex with him/her at the defendant’s home. At the time of the acts the victim was a child between the ages of 16 and 18 years old.
The Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, J.S.C. set bail for Iantosca at $100,000 cash, bond or property only, with conditions of no contact with any child under the age of 18. Judge Taylor also issued a Nicole’s Law Restraining Order against the defendant. The defendant was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility in default of bail.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Florham Park Police Department, specifically, Detective Lieutenant Joseph Orlando and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office encourages anyone with additional information about these allegations to contact Detective Michael Bost of the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200 or Detective Lieutenant Joseph Orlando of the Florham Park Police Department at (973) 377-2200.
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.
The Empty Table -- The chair is empty. Many of those who fought the battle with cancer are no longer with us, but rather than mourning their loss, we choose to celebrate their life. These people are unable to be with their loved ones and families now, so let us join together to recognize and honor them, and to bear witness to their struggle and their memory. The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of a single patient, sometimes alone in the fight against his or her disease...
PARSIPPANY — American Cancer Society – Relay for Life of Central Morris County is hosting a “Dine to Donate” fundraiser on Monday, March 21 at Kafe Mozart, 2900 Route 10 West, Powder Mill Plaza West, Parsippany.
Ten percent of all purchases from dine-in, take-out, delivery orders and gift cards will be donated to team “Angels for Hope.”
The fundraiser is one many planned at Kafe Mozart for non-profit groups. “Being involved with fundraising for many non-profit organizations over the years, I am happy to make it easy for groups to raise the needed funds for their organization, said co-owner Frank Cahill.”
Kafe Mozart opened in February serving savory crepes, panini’s, home made soups, entrees, sandwiches, breakfast and sweet crepes and has an extensive espresso bar serving cappuccino’s, latte’s, coffees and more.
The Dine and Donate fundraiser takes place all day Monday, March 21 at 2900 Route 10, Parsippany.
Diners must use event fliers to donate to the fundraiser. The fliers are available for download at kafemozart.com.
Relay for Life, Central Morris County will be held on Saturday, June 4 starting at 2:00 p.m. and continues through Sunday, June 5 at 6:00 a.m. at County College of Morris, 214 Center Grove Road.
PARSIPPANY — Want a way to spend a Friday night? Warm delicious crepes, cappuccino’s, lattes. We found students from Parsippany Hills High School enjoying themselves at Kafe Mozart, 2900 Route 10, Powder Mill Plaza West.
Recently opened Kafe Mozart serves homemade soups, entrees, sweet crepes, savory crepes, panini’s and burgers. They also have a children’s menu.
Crepe maker, Nicolas Limanov, made a special crepe for the students, and decorated it “PHHS #1.”
The students visiting Kafe Mozart were Sebastian Amaya-Ramirez, Bo Ahamad Malik, Michael Cerri, Justin Lu, Haren Ramani, Sahil Vekaria, Vaibhan Vyas, Matthew Thomas, Pareen Desai and Marco Garcia.
In addition they offer non profit groups to hold a “Dine to Donate” event, where they donate 10% of the days proceeds to the group. For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY — Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday by reading to children at the Parsippany Child Day Care Center. From left: Club members Stephanie LiCausi, Mary Ann Coyne, Janet Reilly, Cathy Haney, Child Day Care Center Director Peggy Rauscher, club members, Joan Garbarino, Penny Radosin, Lorraine Steinberger and Teri Wohld.
PARSIPPANY — Mr. Elliot Maraminsky, 77, Whippany, was attempting to make a left turn at the jug handle from Route 46 East to Route 46 West, in front of Holiday Inn, when he failed to complete the turn properly striking the westbound traffic signal, on Wednesday, March 2 at 7:52 p.m.
The traffic light landed on a 2005 Nissan driven by Mr. John Gialanella, Flanders.
There were no injuries reported, and the vehicle was driven from the scene. Mr. Maraminsky was not issued any summons at the time of this article.
RANDOLPH — Freddie wants everyone to know he is looking for his furever home. He is a playful puppy about twelve weeks old. Freddie was rescue from a high kill shelter in North Carolina and he is now living in a foster home in New Jersey.
His foster family says…….” Freddie is going great. He is one happy puppy! Freddie enjoys playing with toys, playing tug of way with my dog and running in the yard. He has the cutiest, funniest run and you can see him running in the video.
Freddie is definately a little love bug. He does this adorable thing where he presses his nose up to your face. It’s so darn cute! And, Freddie has the funniest sleeping patterns, he starts off sleeping in his stomach or side then rolls into his back and ends up with his feet in the air. It’s so adorable!!
Freddie is a smart puppy who loves tto please. He already knows the commands sit, no and lay down. Freddie sleeps through the night without having accidents and he is doing a good job with house training. and is doing good witrh house training. Freddie is so cute and sweet. We know he is going to make someone very happy!’
If you have a furever home for this pet, please e-mail FHDR@att.net and request an adoption application. You can see more photos of Freddie at www.fhdr.petfinder.com.
A recent Speed Networking event at Parsippany Sheraton Hotel.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) will host a Speed Networking event on Tuesday, March 8, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Barefoot Rehabilitation Clinic / Crossfit, 5 Eastmans Road, Parsippany.
Join the chamber for food, fun and networking. Bring plenty of business cards.
The event is free for chamber members and is an opportunity to make the most of one’s membership. Non-members can also attend for $15.00.
PACC’s Speed Networking is an intensive session of two-minute mini-meetings. Looking for a web designer? Perhaps a new banker? On the lookout for a mentor? Searching for a potential business partner? The possibilities and outcomes are endless.
Appetizers and beverages will be served compliments of Rehabilitation Clinic / Crossfit.
The Empty Table -- The chair is empty. Many of those who fought the battle with cancer are no longer with us, but rather than mourning their loss, we choose to celebrate their life. These people are unable to be with their loved ones and families now, so let us join together to recognize and honor them, and to bear witness to their struggle and their memory. The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of a single patient, sometimes alone in the fight against his or her disease...
RANDOLPH — Relay for Life of Central Morris County recently held its kick-off celebration at the Denville Municipal Building. The attendees had the opportunity to learn about the opportunities to join the 2016 Relay of Life event. They learned how to celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers, and how to remember those lost and how to “Make a Difference.” Relay for Life is looking for people to get involved. Cancer touches us all in one way or the other.
This year, the event will be held on Saturday, June 4 starting at 2:00 p.m. and continues through Sunday, June 5 at 6:00 a.m. at County College of Morris, 214 Center Grove Road.
Western Pest Services is sponsoring the event.
The Empty Table — The chair is empty. Many of those who fought the battle with cancer are no longer with us, but rather than mourning their loss, we choose to celebrate their life. These people are unable to be with their loved ones and families now, so let us join together to recognize and honor them, and to bear witness to their struggle and their memory. The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of a single patient, sometimes alone in the fight against his or her disease…
Bonnie Rosenthal, the Event Lead
Zack Forman, Youth Captain, “What It Means to be a Team Captain”
Parsippany resident Al Goldberg with Karen DeChristopher
Michelle Dunn, Honorary Member
Don Fast
Tara Pettoni
Margie Forman, Survivor Recruitment
Karen DeChristopher, Luminaria Co-Chair
Susan Rosenthal, Luminaria Co-Chair
Louis Valori, Robert Peluso, Karen DeChristopher, Bonnie Rosenthal, Paul Carifi, Jr.,
Randolph Mayor Roman Hirniak, Bonnie Rosenthal, Karen DeChristopher and Louis Valori
Howie and Marge Forman
Bonnie Rosenthal, Karen DeChristopher and Police Chief Paul Philipps
As the nation’s largest fundraising event, Relay For Life of Central Morris County rallies families, friends, businesses, schools, hospitals, service and faith-based organizations in communities throughout Morris County and beyond and is asking you to participate in the event by: starting or joining a team, making a donation, sponsoring the event, purchasing a track sign or just coming out to show your support to those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and by providing an opportunity for everyone to fight back against the disease. We are also looking for survivors and caregivers, as we would love for you to join us so that we can celebrate and honor you during our special Survivor activities and dinner, as well as during the Luminaria Ceremony.
In attendance was Randolph Mayor Roman Hirniak, Parsippany Council President Louis Valori, Parsippany Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Council member Paul Carifi, Jr.,, Parsippany Police Chief Paul Philipps and Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. With the support of thousands of volunteers like you, the American Cancer Society is helping save more than 500 lives a day. Please join us and take action against a disease that has taken too much!
For more information about getting involved, making a donation, sponsoring the event and/or purchasing a track sign, contact Bonnie at bonnie@rainbowpeace.net or call (201) 317-0810. Visit their website by clicking here or like their Facebook page for event details.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police is on the scene of Exxon, On The Run, 2959 Route 10, across the street from Kafe Mozart, on a report of a vehicle crashing through the front window. No injuries were reported.
Damage to the window at Exxon On The Run
Damage to the window at Exxon On The Run
Damage to the window at Exxon On The Run
Parsippany Building Department and Parsippany Board of Health was called to the scene to determine the extent of the damages.
Parsippany Focus will update this story as details become available.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Police Dispatchers received a 911 call reporting that a male student had collapsed and was unresponsive at Central Middle School, at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 3.
Dispatchers were further advised that CPR was in progress by staff at the School. Par-Troy Emergency Medical Services, Saint Clares Paramedics, along with multiple Parsippany Police Patrol Units responded to the scene.
Emergency Personnel immediately began treating the victim upon their arrival. Par-Troy Emergency Medical Services and Saint Clares Paramedics transported the student, with police escort, to Morristown Medical Center.
The student is currently in critical condition.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the student was participating in gym class when he asked to be excused to the bathroom.
A short time later other students utilized the same bathroom and alerted the gym teacher that something may be the matter with the person in the bathroom stall.
Staff immediately responded to the victim and began rendering aid.
PARSIPPANY — A student at Central Middle School had a medical emergency, on Thursday, March 3 at approximately 10:57 a.m.
He was attended to by staff and medical personnel and has been transported to a local hospital.
The parents of Central students have been notified of the situation and during the medical emergency Central went into a soft lockdown so that medical emergency personnel had free access to the building.
The school district is providing counselling services to staff and students who witnessed the medical emergency.
Central Middle School is running its normal schedule and we will provide updates as soon as they are available.
Data suggests snow accumulations of 12-16” are likely with isolated higher amounts of 20-24” possible depending on where the storm sets up
It’ll be crisp and dry Thursday, but a shot of snow is expected for New Jersey beginning late Thursday or early Friday morning. Two to three inches of snow will fall along most of the Interstate 95 corridor and in Monmouth and northern Ocean counties, according to the National Weather Service. One to two inches are…
Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Council President Louis Valori, Deputy Police Chief Richard Pantina, Sergeant Peter Rizzolo and Mayor James Barberio
PARSIPPANY — Deputy Police Chief Richard Pantina held the promotion to the rank of Sergeant for Officer Peter Rizzolo. The promotion was held in the Council Chambers at Town Hall on Wednesday, March 2. Sergeant Rizzolo, 46, started his career with the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department in 1992.
Mayor James Barberio, Robert Rizzolo and Former Mayor Frank Priore
He is a graduate of the 41st Basic Police Officers class at the Morris County Public Safety Academy and has an Associate Degree from the County College of Morris. He currently serves on the Tactical Rifle Team and also holds certifications as a Crash Investigator, Firearms Instructor and DARE Instructor.
Sergeant Rizzolo also received two Unit Commendation Awards and one Command Citation Award during his time at the Parsippany Police Department. He will remain assigned to the Patrol Division. He is a married father of three and his father Robert Rizzolo is a retired Detective from the Parsippany Police Department.
The family celebrated the promotion at Kafe Mozart.
Mayor James Barberio administering the oath to Sergeant Peter Rizzolo, as Nicholas Rizzolo holds the bible.
The class of Mr. Valleau with Council Vice President Robert Peluso
PARSIPPANY — Intervale School, along with many other schools in United States, celebrated Read Across America by celebrating Dr. Seuss birthday on Tuesday, March 1. Dr. Seuss was born Theodor Seuss Geisel on March 2, 1904.
NEA’s Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss.
Geisel published 46 children’s books, often characterized by imaginative characters, rhyme, and frequent use of anapestic meter. His most-celebrated books include the bestselling Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat, The Lorax, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, Fox in Socks, The King’s Stilts, Hop on Pop, Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose, Horton Hatches the Egg, Horton Hears a Who!, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas!. His works have spawned numerous adaptations, including 49 television specials, four feature films, a Broadway musical and four television series. He won the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1958 for Horton Hatches the Egg and again in 1961 for And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. Geisel also worked as an illustrator for advertising campaigns, most notably for Flit and Standard Oil, and as a political cartoonist for PM, a New York City newspaper. During World War II, he worked in an animation department of the United States Army, where he wrote Design for Death, a film that later won the 1947 Academy Award for Documentary Feature.
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss
Council Vice President Robert Peluso reading to the fifth grade students in Mr. Valleau’s class
The class of Mr. Valleau with Council Vice President Robert Peluso
The third grade students listening to Mayor James Barberio
Mayor James Barberio reading to the students of Mrs. Worthington and Mrs. Krail classes
Patrolman Brian Conover with the first grade students of Mrs. Petersen
The Cat In The Hat, one of the popular Dr. Seuss books
Dr. Seitz reading to the fourth grade students of Mrs. Brown
Board member Andy Choffo reading to the second grade students
He was a perfectionist in his work and would sometimes spend up to a year on a book. It was not uncommon for him to throw out 95% of his material until he settled on a theme for his book. For a writer he was unusual in that he preferred to be paid only after he finished his work rather than in advance.
Geisel’s birthday, March 2, has been adopted as the annual date for National Read Across America Day, an initiative on reading created by the National Education Association.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit held a training session on their new equipment made by Res-Q Jacks, on February 21.
These jacks are designed to stabilize a vehicle no matter the position of a vehicle after a motor vehicle accident. The jacks are designed to assist in other areas of technical rescue including partial building collapse and trench rescue.
The jacks were purchased through Mid-Atlantic Safety and as apart of the purchase a day of free training was included. “The jacks look overwhelming with all of the parts included in each set but after using them Sunday they are relatively quick and easy to use. They are an amazing tool and hold a car in any position without an inch of movement.”
The most important aspect of a motor vehicle accident is to secure the car for the safety of the passengers and the rescue technician. If a car has movement when the passenger is being removed it can cause further injuries. The same goes for the rescuer, a car can move and fall on top of them if it is not properly stabilized. It also make working with the Jaws of Life easier when working against a solid surface rather than a wobbly, not stabilized car. The training lasted about eight hours and over twenty-five members were on hand to receive certificates of completion for the new equipment.
Since 1960, a special unit in Parsippany’s network of emergency responders has been hard at work developing skills and tactics for dealing with unique problems. The members of this unit have all signed up to do something that is vastly different from the more commonly known branches of emergency response in the fire departments and ambulance squads. Like the firefighters and EMTs, members of this unit assist residents of Parsippany and surrounding towns during some of the most frightening and desperate times, when lives are on the line. However, the Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Unit is on call to handle the types of emergencies that require a special level of skill, precision, and specialized training.
An overturned vehicle was used as part of the drill
Rescue and Recovery using the Res-Q Jacks
Rescue and Recovery Lieutenant Andy Zaharopoulos and Chief Louis Yuliano examining the Res-Q Jacks
The Rescue & Recovery Unit is most often associated with major motor vehicle accidents, but their abilities go far beyond the highways.
For more information on Rescue and Recovery click here.
PARSIPPANY — Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany Economic Development Advisory Committee, Robert Parker, Chief Executive Office New Bridge and Tom Williams, member Parsippany Economic Development Advisory Committee celebrated the ribbon cutting of New Bridge’s Parsippany location. The Economic Development Advisory Committee presented New Bridge with a plaque welcoming the company to Parsippany.
NewBridge’s 15,320 square-foot center is located at 1259 Route 46, Troy Office Center. The facility has 20 counseling rooms and spacious group therapy rooms.
The Purpose of the Economic Development Advisory Committee is to serve in an advisory capacity and shall, upon request of the Township Council, provide information, advice and recommendations relating to the promotion of Economic Development in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. Each member is chosen with a special view to qualifications and fitness for service on the Committee. All members are volunteers.
Furever Home Dog Rescue (FHDR) has been rescuing puppies and dogs from a high kill shelter in North Carolina for over seven years. They have safely found furever homes for over 800 pups. They are not a shelter, they foster the pups in private homes until suitable, loving homes are found.
Last week FHDR rescued Summer and Winter, two sweet 9-10 week old lab mix puppies. Despite every precaution the shelter and FHDR followed, these puppies somehow contracted Parvo. Parvo is a serious and potentially deadly disease with only a 50% chance of survival. In all the years FHDR has been rescuing pups they never had a pup contract parvo.
FHDR placed Summer & Winter in a critical care hospital in Lebanon and the medical costs of treating them are significant and mounting every day. FHDR receives no outside financial help as they are a small, private rescue group. Some felt that they should have just let these babies go, but they just couldn’t do that. They’ve been failed once by humans so they had to give them every chance possible. Currently, Summer is showing improvement and her chance of survival is good. Winter, sadly, is still fighting for her life. The vets are still hopefully that she will come through. She is such a little fighter. The costs are astronomical and FHDR just don’t have the funding to cover their care. The next few days are critical.
In the past seven years FHDR has never asked anyone to help with the added expenses. They are in desperate need of funds to continue Summer and Winter’s treatment.
Please if you can contribute any amount towards helping Summer and Winter it would be so gratefully appreciated. Please do what you can and share Summer and Winter’s story with your family and friends that may want to help. The group understands if you are not in a finanical situation to help, but they appreciate you reading this story and, of course, please send good thoughts and prayers to Summer and Winter.