Breaking news: Hazmat Incident at Ferring Pharmaceuticals
PARSIPPANY — There is a report of a suspicious powder found at Ferring Pharmaceuticals, 100 Interpace Parkway.
On the scene is Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire District 5 Hazmat team, Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire District 2, Morris County Hazmat team, Parsippany Emergency Medical Services and Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance.
As details become available Parsippany Focus will update this breaking news story.
New law to impact mail-in ballots
MORRIS COUNTY — An amended state law that took effect in August imposes strict new limits on the pick up and delivery of “vote by mail’’ ballots, limiting any individual to just three ballots that can be obtained or delivered to county elections officials. That is a reduction from the previous state limit of 10 ballots that could be picked up by a surrogate for other voters.
Also, the amended law requires any person dropping off mail ballots to show valid identification, such as a New Jersey driver’s license or other form of identification recognized as official by the federal, state, or county governments. That identification must include the full address of the person and a signature.
The change in Public Law 2015, Chapter 84 – concerning bearers and messengers of ballots – could impact facilities such as nursing homes or hospitals where social workers collect the mail-in ballots and delivers them in large numbers to elections offices.
Also, it could impact local campaign efforts to collect mail-in-ballots from groups of voters in a town, especially senior citizens, and deliver them to the county elections office.
In a recent local fire election in Ocean County, one candidate’s campaign collected and delivered 150 mail-in ballots and delivered them to county Board of Elections, only to have all of them rejected because the “bearer” portion of the envelope was not completed by the person delivering the ballots.
“We are working to get the word out to the public prior to the next election so there is no confusion and no eligible Morris County voters is disenfranchised,’’ said Dale Kramer, administrator of the Morris County Board of Elections.
“This will most likely affect larger institutions, such as hospitals, and nursing homes, from which large numbers of mail-in ballots are many times carried to the county for their residents by one or two persons. That is not acceptable anymore.’’
Notices of the changed voting rules have been sent to county and local Republican and Democratic committees, municipal clerks in all 39 Morris County towns, and healthcare facilities. The new rule also has been posted on the Morris County Board of Elections website.
Children invited to participate in Hoop Shoot contest
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Elks, in conjunction with the Parsippany PAL, will host a hoop shoot contest at the Parsippany PAL building on Baldwin Road on Sunday, November 8, starting at 10:00 a.m.
The contest is open to boys and girls who will be aged 8 to 13 on April 1, 2016. A copy of the child’s birth certificate should be presented at the time of registration.
Registration will be held at 10:00 a.m. for children aged 8 to 9, with the contest to start at 10:30 a.m. Registration will be at 10:30 a.m. for those aged 10 to 11, with the contest starting at approximately 11:00 a.m.
Children aged 12 and 13 will register at 11:00 a.m. and the contest will start at approximately 11:30 p.m.
At the conclusion of the contest, the winners will receive trophies and given instructions regarding the district contest. Pizza and refreshments will be available to all the contestants and their families.
For more information call Bill Wall, youth activities chairman at the Parsippany Elks Lodge 2078 at (973) 879-9633.
Amanda Lyons is a National Merit semifinalist
![Amanda Lyons is a National Merit semifinalist.](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/10/Amanda-Lyons.jpg?resize=300%2C464&ssl=1)
PARSIPPANY — Amanda Lyons, a member of Morris Catholic High School Class of 2016, was named a National Merit semifinalist. More than 1.5 million students across the country take the PSAT, the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Less than one percent of high school seniors in each state are named semifinalists.
The Parsippany resident is one of two from the three high schools sponsored by the Diocese of Paterson.
Last spring she was named the recipient of the Sister Joseph Marie – Crusader Award for Academic Distinction, a recognition given to a junior who has achieved principal’s honors for each quarter while a student a MCHS. Lyons was the sole recipient.
Both teachers and peers recognize the joy Lyons finds in learning, and she has especially distinguished herself in writing and world languages, the school noted. “Amanda embodies the meaning of scholarship seeking understanding. We are proud of her.”
Parsippany Democrats holds fundraiser
![group](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/10/group.jpg?resize=696%2C464&ssl=1)
![11254113_10207941420639084_807517769298154703_n](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/10/11254113_10207941420639084_807517769298154703_n.jpg?resize=696%2C464&ssl=1)
PARSIPPANY — Dozens of supporters gathered at Baadshah Restaurant Thursday night, October 15, to support the Council Candidate team of Janice McCarthy, Greg Elbin and Nick Kumburis.
Hosted by Parth Parikh, the candidates each spoke on the hot-topic issues facing Parsippany, including Waterview, township legal fees, and the impact of Super Pac funding during the primary.
The night was capped off by a passionate speech by Parsippany Environmental Advisory Board Member Harshad Anjaria focusing on the importance of Parsippany’s key environmental issues.
For more information on the three candidates, click here.
![12088354_10207941422119121_6455201785573196159_n](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/10/12088354_10207941422119121_6455201785573196159_n.jpg?resize=696%2C464&ssl=1)
Parsippany Positive “Fiscally Responsible, Socially Responsible, ” working to build consensus on the Town Council to support an open and transparent town government that advocates for spending accountability and responsible development.
For more information click here.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk held in Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Making Strides Parsippany had 377 teams 3,652 participants and raised $394,394.42 at the time this story was published. The local event was held in the Mack-Cali Business Campus, 4 Century Drive.
The top three companies donating were Atlantic Health System $29,161.02; Quest Diagnostics $16,818 and Realogy $11,024.
The top three teams were Michele’s Cancer Crusaders $16,718; Team Realogy $11,024 and AFR Ladybugs $9,084.11.
Some area groups participating raised: Team Realogy $11,024, Parsippany-Troy Hills School District raised $2,756.00; Hilton and Hampton Parsippany raised $1,177.00 for today’s event.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks are the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, uniting nearly 300 communities with a shared determination to finish the fight against breast cancer. Passionate walk participants raise critical funds that enable the American Cancer Society to fund groundbreaking breast cancer research; provide free, comprehensive information and support to those touched by breast cancer; and help people take steps to reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it is most treatable.
The money raised through Making Strides walks help the American Cancer Society finish the fight against breast cancer by funding groundbreaking breast cancer research; providing free, comprehensive information and support for those touched by breast cancer; and helping people take steps to reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it is most treatable. Search for a Making Strides participant, by name or by team, to support their fundraising effort. Or simply make a general donation to help finish the fight.
For more information on Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, click here.
Planning for College? Talk to the Y’s Panel of Experts!
MOUNTAIN LAKES — This is not your usual college planning seminar!
The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA in Mountain Lakes will be hosting a free program on Monday, November 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. that will offer you a chance to get all your pertinent college questions answered.
Get valuable advice from experts in their field, including: admissions, financial aid, new student programs, and more. Program is free and all teens and parents welcome. No membership required but please pre-register online by clicking here or by calling (973) 334-2820.
Michelle Yost named to the Wesley College Athletics Hall of Fame
![Wesley College President Robert E. Clark II, Yost and](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/10/yost1.jpg?resize=540%2C762&ssl=1)
PARSIPPANY — Michelle Yost, Field Hockey/Softball was recently named to the Wesley College Athletics Hall of Fame. She is a 2004 graduate of Wesley College, and a 2001 Graduate of Parsippany Hills High School.
Her parents are Galen and Pat Yost, Parsippany.
During her high school years, she played field hockey, basketball and softball. Currently she is a physical education teacher at Parsippany High School and is the freshman field hockey coach.
Yost was a great dual-sport athlete at Wesley College, earning a combined four All-PAC selections, two for field hockey and two for softball.
She finished her field hockey career with a pair of conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. In softball, she set several offensive records. Yost remains in the top 10 in hits, doubles, slugging percentage, and RBI, and still holds the program records in career triples and single-season triples.
The Wesley College Athletics Hall of Fame was established in 1983 to recognize alumni, coaches and other members of the Wesley College Athletics community for outstanding contributions.
Wesley College is located in Dover, Delaware.
Nursing Board member, Avery Hart stands for NJ Assembly
MORRIS COUNTY — NJ Board of Nursing Public Advocate, Avery Hart of Kinnelon, has announced she is a candidate for NJ Assembly in District #26, challenging Jay Webber and Betty DeCroce. She has been endorsed by the Sierra Club and other groups.
“I care deeply physical, emotional, and economic well-being of people, and the health of the environment,” she said in a prepared statement. “And I know from my work of the NJ Board of Nursing that NJ has a looming health care crisis, due to a nursing shortage and problems in home health care. I want to take my problem solving skills to Trenton to avert that crisis.”
“If the incumbents were doing a good job for the people of New Jersey, I wouldn’t run. But their votes have not helped our state. For instance, they voted against meeting NJ’s pension obligations and that contributed to the lowering of NJ bond-ratings. And they’ve really done nothing to help solve NJ’s on-going property tax problems. Even worse, Webber is the NJ Chair of the notorious ALEC, the front group that pushes corporate written laws. And Decroce takes multiple pensions from the state – all tax payer money. According to NJ Watch Dog she is the #1 “double dipper” in the Assembly. Lastly, their talk does not match their actions. For example, they talk about transparent government, but voted against opening the books of the Port Authority and private prisons.”
A retired Clinical Psychotherapist, Hart is also an award-winning playwright and author, whose books have been translated into several languages. “My life experience has uniquely prepared me to serve as an Assemblywoman,” she said in a prepared statement. “I’ve successfully held positions in the judicial, educational, medical systems, and was also involved in the arts, which taught me the value of thinking outside the box.”
In Kinnelon, Hart created,a grassroots environmental group, called Kinnelon Conserves. She wrote a Citizen’s Petition signed by nearly1400 voters that helped defeat artificial turf in the Highlands preservation zone, saving tax-payers over $1.7 million.
“Webber and DeCroce caused a lot of discord in Kinnelon because artificial turf was not allowed there until they co-sponsored a bill to permit it. They also voted by abstention to allow the Pilgrim Pipeline to run through four district towns, including Parsippany, I would have voted NO since the pipeline offers residents 100% risk and no benefit whatsoever.
It seems clear to me that health – physical, economic, or environmental – is not on their to-do list. How else can you explain their vote to refuse US Medicaid dollars that would have insured thousands of residents at no extra cost to NJ taxpayers? Presumably they voted to help Gov. Christie’s presidential campaign in Iowa. But the result in New Jersey is more crowded emergency rooms and fewer insured patients.”
“What drives me is a vision of New Jersey as a renewed Garden State where opportunity and creativity abound, the truly vulnerable are protected, quality health care is accessible, and the natural environment is protected. My goal as an Assemblywoman will be to bring fresh air, positive energy, and sensible innovation to our state to accomplish those goals.”
For more information, click here.
Valley National Bank hosts Chamber Breakfast Networking Event
![IMG_9899](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/10/IMG_9899.jpg?resize=696%2C464&ssl=1)
PARSIPPANY — Mwaura Muroki, Vice President Commerical Loans, Valley National Bank presentedahold a small business financing seminar for businesses with sales revenue up to $1 million. The event took place at IHOP, 792 Route 46.
As part of the breakfast meeting, members had the opportunity to network and talk about their business.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents, and volunteers that provides education, information, and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area. PACC works with local and county governments and stand ready to pursue any matter that can make our community a better place in which to live, conduct business, and make a living. They promote a healthy and more prosperous economic climate.
For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here.
PACC members listening to the presentation by Valley National Bank
Valley National Bancorp is a regional bank holding company headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey with over $19 billion in assets. Its principal subsidiary, Valley National Bank, currently operates 217 branch locations serving 24 counties throughout northern and central New Jersey, the New York City boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, and southeast and central Florida. Valley National Bank is one of the largest commercial banks headquartered in New Jersey and is committed to providing the most convenient service, the latest in product innovations and an experienced and knowledgeable staff with a high priority on friendly customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information about Valley National Bank and its products and services, please visit www.valleynationalbank.com or call our 24/7 Customer Service Center at (800) 522-4100.
For more information, please contact Ildiko Peluso, Territory Sales Manager, at (201) 280-5652 oripeluso@valleynationalbank.com.
Meet the Candidates night planned
PARSIPPANY — With the general election just a few weeks away, The Puddingstone Community is hosting a “Meet the Candidates Night” on Tuesday, October 27 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
There are six candidates running for three open positions on Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council. The candidates will be discussing their qualifications and platforms as well as taking questions from the audience.
![Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Councilman Michael dePierro and Council Candidate Loretta Gragnani](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/10/repbulicancandidates.jpg?resize=324%2C235&ssl=1)
The democratic ticket is Janice McCarthy, Nick Kumburis and Greg Elbin. On the Republican ticket is Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Councilman Michael J. dePierro and new comer Loretta Gragnani.
The Puddingstone Community Club is located at 24 High Ridge Road.
For additional information and RSVP please contact: Phil Eden at (862) 251-0281 or email by clicking here or Tom Williams at (973) 540-9691 or by emailing by clicking here.
Remember to vote on Tuesday, November 3. Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If you are not sure where to vote, you can click here, or you can call Morris County Board of Elections at (973) 285-8350.
Parsippany Focus will be publishing live updates of the results on Election night, starting at 8:00 p.m.
Where to vote in Parsippany:
Ward | District | Location |
---|---|---|
00 | 01 | Public Safety Training Academy 500 West Hanover Avenue, Morris Plains Classroom 141 GPS: 40.835486, -74.519031 |
00 | 02 | Fire House – Powder Mill 60 South Powder Mill Road Squad Room GPS: 40.857957, -74.490975 |
00 | 03 | Intervale School 60 Pitt Road Gym GPS: 40.8816981, -74.4225234 |
00 | 04 | Craftsman Farm Education Building 2352 Route 10 Meeting Room GPS: 40.909169, -74.428057 |
00 | 05 | Mt. Tabor Fire House – Simpson 30 Simpson Avenue, Mt. Tabor Engine Room GPS: 40.871525, -74.421959 |
00 | 06 | Littleton School 51 Brooklawn Drive, Morris Plains Gym GPS: 40.8551618, -74.4520948 |
00 | 07 | St. Christopher’s School 1050 Littleton Road All Purpose Room GPS: 40.861854, -74.452193 |
00 | 08 | Intervale School 60 Pitt Road Gym GPS: 40.8816981, -74.4225234 |
00 | 09 | Littleton School 51 Brooklawn Drive, Morris Plains Gym GPS: 40.8551618, -74.4520948 |
00 | 10 | Lake Parsippany Fire House 255 Halsey Rd-Rear Entrance Meeting Room GPS: 40.852891, -74.445408 |
00 | 11 | Brooklawn School 250 Beachwood Road Girls Aux Gym Room GPS: 40.8586795, -74.4496543 |
00 | 12 | Lake Parsippany Fire House 255 Halsey Rd-Rear Entrance Meeting Room GPS: 40.852891, -74.445408 |
00 | 13 | Brooklawn School 250 Beachwood Road Girls Aux Gym Room GPS: 40.8586795, -74.4496543 |
00 | 14 | Parsippany Police Department 3339 Route 46 East Community Meeting Room GPS: 40.8728673, -74.4300191 |
00 | 15 | Board of Education Building 292 Parsippany Road Meeting Room GPS: 40.856007, -74.426213 |
00 | 16 | Board of Education Building 292 Parsippany Road Meeting Room GPS: 40.856007, -74.426213 |
00 | 17 | Eastlake School 40 Eba Road Gym GPS: 40.8634539, -74.4300744 |
00 | 18 | Intervale School 60 Pitt Road Gym GPS: 40.8816981, -74.4225234 |
00 | 19 | Parsippany Police Department 3339 Route 46 East Community Meeting Room GPS: 40.8728673, -74.4300191 |
00 | 20 | St. Ann’s Church 781 Smith Road Hospitality Room GPS: 40.8478867, -74.4070399 |
00 | 21 | Northvail School 10 Eileen Court Gym GPS: 40.8716925, -74.3985828 |
00 | 22 | Central Middle School 1620 Route 46 West Old Gym GPS: 40.8644141, -74.4021748 |
00 | 23 | Central Middle School 1620 Route 46 West Old Gym GPS: 40.8644141, -74.4021748 |
00 | 24 | Troy Hills School 509 S. Beverwyck Road Gym GPS: 40.851136, -74.3936021 |
00 | 25 | Rockaway Meadow School 160 Edwards Road Gym GPS: 40.86682, -74.369877 |
00 | 26 | Rockaway Neck Fire House 180 Old Bloomfield Avenue Meeting Room GPS: 40.860174, -74.353704 |
00 | 27 | Troy Hills School 509 S. Beverwyck Road Gym GPS: 40.851136, -74.3936021 |
00 | 28 | Northvail School 10 Eileen Court Gym GPS: 40.8716925, -74.3985828 |
00 | 29 | Knollwood School 445 Knoll Drive, Lake Hiawatha Gym GPS: 40.887046, -74.3958604 |
00 | 30 | Lake Hiawatha School 1 Lincoln Avenue, Lake Hiawatha Gym GPS: 40.8761403, -74.3859649 |
00 | 31 | Lake Hiawatha School 1 Lincoln Avenue, Lake Hiawatha Gym GPS: 40.8761403, -74.3859649 |
00 | 32 | Community Center 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha Meeting Room B GPS: 40.8791694, -74.3947915 |
00 | 33 | Lake Hiawatha Library 68 Nokomis Avenue, Lake Hiawatha Lower Level Meeting Room GPS: 40.881804, -74.381025 |
00 | 34 | Lake Hiawatha Library 68 Nokomis Avenue, Lake Hiawatha Lower Level Meeting Room GPS: 40.881804, -74.381025 |
00 | 35 | Rockaway Meadow School 160 Edwards Road Gym GPS: 40.86682, -74.369877 |
00 | 36 | Rockaway Meadow School 160 Edwards Road Gym GPS: 40.86682, -74.369877 |
00 | 37 | St. Christopher’s School 1050 Littleton Road All Purpose Room GPS: 40.861854, -74.452193 |
00 | 38 | Lake Hiawatha School 1 Lincoln Avenue, Lake Hiawatha Gym GPS: 40.8761403, -74.3859649 |
00 | 39 | Craftsman Farm Education Building 2352 Route 10 Meeting Room GPS: 40.909169, -74.428057 |
New Morris County Pilot Program Will Reduce Medicaid Wait Time
Morris County has initiated a new state-approved and state-financed pilot program for Medicaid that will employ an outside contractor, Xerox Corp., to process tens of thousands of Medicaid eligibility determinations annually, which should reduce case backlogs and result in more timely decisions, without adding new full-time staff to the county’s payroll.
The County Department of Human Services recently finalized a Memorandum of Understanding with the state Department of Human Services to shift the processing of Medicaid eligibility determinations from the County Welfare Office to Xerox, which is the state’s Health Benefits Coordinator.
However, long term care and emergency applications will remain with the county. Also, county employees will continue to assist clients to apply for Medicaid on-line using the NJ FamilyCare application that will be sent directly to Xerox for processing.
The transfer of Medicaid determinations will free up county Human Services employees to provide additional support in other benefit programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, General Assistance and Supplemental Nutritional Assistance.
![Freeholder Hank Lyons](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2014/11/hank_lyons.jpg?resize=200%2C200&ssl=1)
“This pilot program will have a positive impact on our community, reducing the backlogs and wait times, better serving individuals, families, seniors, people with disabilities and veterans, while also benefitting the taxpayers of Morris County,” said Freeholder Hank Lyon, who is the county governing board’s liaison on Human Services issues.
“For the past several years, the economic climate has been fraught with challenges for government, particularly for the Human Services system,’’ said Morris County Director of Human Services Jennifer Carpinteri. “With the implementation of Medicaid expansion and changes in various funding streams that support some of our most critical services, we must look at our infrastructure to find efficiencies while continuing to provide high quality services.”
“This pilot program will have a positive impact on our community, reducing the backlogs and wait times, better serving individuals, families, seniors, people with disabilities and veterans,” said Freeholder Hank Lyon, who is the county governing board’s liaison on Human Services issues.
The goals of the Morris County pilot project are to improve timely and appropriate eligibility determinations and improve customer experience:
All new and re-determination community Medicaid cases in Morris County would be shifted to Xerox. As of October 15, there were 33,253 Medicaid cases in Morris County in 2015.
New Morris County applicants would be directed to apply online by clicking here. Online applications would be routed electronically to the Health Benefits Coordinator’s state-approved system, which would assume responsibility for the case with state oversight.
Morris County will maintain eligibility determination responsibility for all new and existing long-term care, aged, blind and disabled, and medical emergency cases.
MORRIS COUNTY — Some Morris County staff will be re-assigned to provide additional workers in other units to reduce backlogs and help meet compliance and timelines issues in other benefit programs.
This pilot will allow the county to ensure federal compliance without hiring additional staff.
As a result of Medicaid expansion in 2014, county caseloads increased by more than 50 percent statewide, including in Morris County. County welfare agencies struggled to keep pace with increased volume. It resulted in significant backlogs in Morris County.
To reduce the strain, the state shifted pending cases and new online applications to Xerox. While this action helped a bit, Morris County still was unable to keep pace with the need for public assistance. The new pilot project is expected to make a major difference.
“This “out-of-the-box” business model will be the first of its kind in New Jersey, and the state and county are equally motivated to explore this pilot together,” said Valerie Harr, Director of the Department of Human Services’ Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, which administers Medicaid.
“Partnering with the state is advantageous to both the state and Morris County,” she added.
To further explore efficiencies, Morris County will partner with community providers to assist clients is applying for Medicaid online, with applications sent directly to Xerox for processing. This is an opportunity to potentially save transportation costs and overtime costs, while fostering a client-friendly approach to accessing services.
For more information, click here.
For more information on Medicaid, click here.
For the NJ FamilyCare application, click here.
Update: Stabbing at Parsippany Inn
PARSIPPANY — Patrolmen E. Giordano, E. Ebanks, and J. Mendez responded to the Parsippany Inn, 2939 Route 10, at 1:21 a.m. on Friday, October 16 for an active fight between two individuals. Upon arrival of Patrolman E. Giordano, found William Cole, 47, Morris Plains, outside the building with facial injuries and Victor Columbo, 37, Parsippany, inside the building with a stab wound to the abdominal area.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police spokesman Patrolman Brian Conover, stated on Tuesday, October 20, “Mr. Columbo was not released from the Morristown Medical Center on Friday and his bail of $35,000 was rescinded. He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.”
First Aid was immediately rendered to Mr. Columbo by Patrolman E. Giordano. Patrol Lieutenant D. McConnell, Patrol Sergeant R. Carrozzino, Detective M. Czajka, Patrolwoman M. Kardos, Patrolman C. Silva along with Patrol units from Denville Police Department and Morris Plains Police Department arrived on scene to assist.
Two ambulances from the Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance squad treated Mr. Columbo and Mr. Cole.
Detective M. Czajka conducted his preliminary investigation and both individuals were placed under arrest and transported to Morristown Medical Center for treatment of their injuries.
Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scene and assisted with processing the area. A kitchen type knife was recovered from the scene.
Once Mr. Columbo and Mr. Cole were released from Morristown Medical Center they were transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
Mr. Columbo was charged with Aggravated Assault Causing Serious Bodily injury with a bail of $35,000.
Mr. Cole was charged with Aggravated Assault causing injury with a Weapon, Possession of a weapon with a purpose to use it unlawfully against the person or property of another, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon with a bail of $50,000.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Investigative Division at (973) 263-4313.
Editors Note: A complaint or a charge 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.
Letter to the editor: Vote on Tuesday, November 3
Dear Editor:
With the Autumn upon us, we enjoy the upcoming traditions the season brings: crisp weather, hot apple cider and … the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education election!
We encourage all residents, whether or not you have children in the district, to come out and vote on Tuesday, November 3. Keep an eye out in the mail for your sample ballot.
If you need to register to vote, confirm your polling location or have other questions, please call the town clerk at (973) 263-4350 or click here. You can also call the county Clerk’s Office at (973) 285-6066 or click here.
As incumbents, we are seeking re-election. Even though we are running unopposed, please do not let this deter you from exercising this most basic, yet important, right: your right to vote. And please do not think that we take your vote for granted. It’s just the opposite actually.
We know that this has been a tough time for students, teachers, parents and the community. We, too, have been deeply moved by these challenges and we want you to know we hear you. Our children deserved better. We are on the right path, but we have lots more to do. So now, we are more dedicated than ever to serve and advocate for our beloved community.
Thank you for the opportunity to make meaningful changes and allowing us to serve the school and taxpayer communities. We hope to see you at the polls in November!
Best regards,
Frank Neglia & Judy Mayer
Valori appointed to Morris County Park Commission
![valoriandbarberio](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2014/05/valoriandbarberio.jpg?resize=630%2C438&ssl=1)
PARSIPPANY — During last Wednesday’s freeholder meeting, Freeholders John Krickus Hank Lyon, Thomas J. Mastrangelo and David Scapicchio voted in favor of Resolution No. 24 to appoint Dr. Louis Valori, Parsippany, to the Park Commission to fill the unexpired five-year term of Judith Schleicher, which ends December 31, 2017. Schleicher stepped down earlier this year because she was moving out-of-state.
Freeholders John Cesaro and Doug Cabana abstained, since they work for the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, where Dr. Louis Valori is a councilman. Cabana serves as municipal prosecutor and Cesaro serves as municipal public defender.
Freeholder Director Kathryn A. DeFillippo expressed full opposition to opening up seats on the commission to politicians. She believes Valori is a qualified candidate but she does not want to see the position politicized and wants to give citizens the volunteer opportunity.
The appointment to the Commission is a non-paid position.
The Morris County Park Commission is the largest county park system in New Jersey based on acreage with over 18,730 acres of parkland including 38 facilities: historic sites, golf courses, outdoor educational and recreational facilities, arboretum, conservation areas, 150 miles of trails, ice skating arena, and an artificial turf field complex with two inline hockey rinks.
Last year more than 3.5 million visit the parks. The parks offer award-winning programs, special events, and activities for all ages.
The Morris County Park Commission has a staff includes 156 full-time, 149 seasonal and part-time employees and hundreds of volunteers contribute more than 13,000 hours annually.
For more information on Morris County Park Commission, click here.
Christie Administration Proposes Overhaul to Water Quality Management Rule
MORRIS COUNTY — The Christie Administration today proposed a significant overhaul to the state’s Water Quality Management Planning (WQMP) rule that will provide county and local planning agencies with flexibility to maintain high standards of environmental protection while balancing opportunities for economic growth, N.J. Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin announced today.
![DEP Commissioner Bob Martin](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/10/DEP-Commissioner-Rob-Martin.jpg?resize=249%2C202&ssl=1)
“Through these rule changes, the DEP is adopting an approach to water quality protection that recognizes that sound planning can and does occur at the local level. We will foster better planning by providing county and local planners with the flexibility to consider a range of options to address issues and solve problems.”
Specifically the proposed rule will:
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Provide for comprehensive planning of water quality infrastructure to better protect the environment in the long term;
- Limit where sewers can be located, thus allowing denser development only in those areas that are not environmentally sensitive and where it is consistent with local zoning;
- Protect groundwater quality by setting goals for nitrate dilution from septic systems;
- Allow counties and other planning entities more flexibility in preparing water quality plans;
- Promote more cooperation between the DEP and counties in finding solutions to environmental issues;
- Allow for the continuation of approvals of sewer service area amendments consistent with environmental standards and local planning objectives;
- Defer to management plans for the Pinelands and Highlands concerning development decisions in those regions; and
- Enhance the DEP’s ability to resolve capacity issues at wastewater treatment plants.
While the WQMP rule takes a longer-term look at future circumstances and development, the CAP rule focuses on the near-term implementation of capital improvements or other measures to handle today’s flows.
The DEP has been meeting with stakeholders since 2012 to identify and correct numerous problems with the existing Water Quality Management Planning Rule, adopted by a previous administration in 2008.
Many counties were unable to complete a requirement that they prepare extremely detailed wastewater management plans, which include detailed projections of growth and sewer capacity, in part because this required zoning impacts that could only be decided at the municipal level. This hampered the adoption of sewer service area mapping that is essential to sound planning and environmental protection.
This rule also was extremely complex, overly broad, lacked flexibility, was duplicative of existing planning requirements, and deterred economic growth in areas where development is appropriate.
House fire on Hiawatha Boulevard; Residents relocated
PARSIPPANY — A smoke condition coming from the furnace was called in at 112 Hiawatha Boulevard at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 19. Upon arrival of firefighters they discovered a “working fire”.
Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire District 4, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department 5, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6 and Boonton’s Rapid Intervention Team arrived at the scene along with Rockaway Neck’s First Aid Squad.
Shortly thereafter it was identified to be an “attic incident” with smoke pushing from eaves on the house.
The firemen stretched a hose through the front door of the home. Parsippany-Troy Hills Rescue and Recovery was called to the scene with the air truck to fill air bottles.
The building inspector and board of health were requested to the scene since the home was deemed uninhabitable.
The residents are staying at a friend’s home located on North Beverwcyk Road. There were no injuries reported.
The home is owned by Newbridge Services, a non-profit organization.
Two cars collide in Parking Lot
PARSIPPANY — Ms. Dorothy Lisa, 57, Parsippany, was travelling south in the parking lot of Arlington Plaza, 808 Route 46 at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 15.
Ms. Lisa stated she stopped at the intersection and attempted to cross the intersection, and did not see the vehicle driven by Ms. Carol Melois, 64, Parsippany, in the intersection.
Ms. Lisa was at fault for the collision for driver inattention and failure to yield right of way.
Ms. Lisa was driving a 2000 Acura, and the vehicle was towed from the scene by Powdermill Towing. Ms. Melois was driver a 2011 Lexus Wagon, and was also towed away from the scene by Powdermill Towing.
According to police records, there were no summons issued at the time of the incident.
The accident was investigated by Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrolman Gregory Bloete.
Daiichi Sankyo to cut up to 1200 jobs, primarily in Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. announced today that it will reorganize its U.S. Commercial organization as it begins to transition from a maturing primary care product portfolio to a differentiated specialty portfolio that will include areas such as cardiovascular, pain management and oncology. Daiichi Sankyo is located at Two Hilton Court.
“As we face the loss of exclusivity in the coming year of our largest product, we also look ahead to great opportunities with our emerging portfolio in cardiology, oncology, fibromyalgia and pain relief,” said Ken Keller, President, U.S. Commercial, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. “This calls for us to restructure our organization into a smaller, highly targeted and efficient operating model, with a greater emphasis on customer-facing roles.”
As part of the reorganization, the Company will reduce expenses, including a reduction in headcount, from its U.S. Commercial operations. The Company expects to eliminate 1,000 to 1,200 positions across the U.S. Commercial function, through voluntary and involuntary displacements as well as eliminating open positions. The eliminated jobs will come from the U.S. Commercial Home Office, located in Parsippany, as well as field-based sales and other positions throughout the country. This reorganization is not focused on U.S.-based R&D functions, which have staff concentrated in Edison, or its packaging plant in Bethlehem, PA.
“Daiichi Sankyo recognizes the macro changes occurring in the U.S. healthcare system that place a greater emphasis on managing the needs of patients with more complex healthcare needs. As a specialty company, we will be positioned to meet those needs and invest in advancing technologies that will make a significant difference in patient lives,” said Keller. “While this initiative will place us on the path toward long-term success, it does require us to make some difficult decisions. We are grateful for the contributions of all of our employees and are committed to making this process as easy and streamlined as possible for them through outplacement services and other support.”