The first day of autumn will be dry and pleasant across New Jersey. Fall arrived at 4:21 a.m. Wednesday with temperatures in the mid 50s, but it will warm to the mid to upper 70s later, according to the National Weather Service. That’s slightly above normal highs for late September, according to the state climatologist’s office.…
Jersey City mayor blocks release of calendar
JERSEY CITY — Mayor Steve Fulop is blocking release of his meetings calendar, with his spokesman arguing that Fulop has an expectation of privacy and shouldn’t have to document “every minute” of his time. The Jersey Journal in May requested a copy of Fulop’s meetings calendar — which lists all of his public appearances, meetings, even…
Woman’s Club Participates in Prevent Child Abuse NJ Campaign
PARSIPPANY — Members and friends of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills recently participated in the “Click for Babies” campaign. They clicked their knitting needles and flicked their crochet hooks to produce 75 caps for newborn babies.
“Click for Babies” is a program of Prevent Child Abuse NJ that aims to reduce or eliminate Shaken Baby Syndrome in infants who are delivered at hospitals across the state. The program educates parents of newborns about their babies’ period of purple crying and sends each baby home with a purple cap as a reminder to the parent NOT to shake the baby as a response to the crying. For more information click here. For information on the Woman’s Club involvement with Click for Babies call Cathy Haney at (973) 335-9769.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.
For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at or click here to visit their website.
10th Annual Operation Take-Back Day
![Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/02/Fredric_Knapp.jpg?resize=225%2C247&ssl=1)
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County residents are being asked to join in a nationwide initiative this Saturday, September 26, to turn in unused or expired medications, controlled substances, and over-the-counter medications for safe disposal during the tenth annual “Operation Take-Back program, which is being held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at locations around the county.
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and his Chief of Investigations John R. Speirs, plus Morris Plains Police Chief Jason Kohn, Randolph Police Chief David Stokoe and Mountain Lakes Police Chief Shawn Bennett have announced that their agencies will jointly participate in the event this weekend, with disposal sites to be set up in Morris Plains, Randolph and Mountain Lakes.
There also will be disposal locations set up in Boonton, Butler, Chatham Borough, Florham Park, Harding, Lincoln Park and Roxbury, in Morris County, and in nearby Hopatcong, Livingston and Peapack at this time.
To find out if your town is participating in Operation Take-Back, visit www.dea.gov and click on the “more information’’ button, or contact your local Police Department.
Operation Take-Back is a national initiative that provides residents with an easy way to properly dispose of unused medications or drugs to law enforcement officials without releasing personal information. After the event, the medications will be collected in an environmentally safe manner.
The Prosecutor’s Operation Take-Back sites will be located at the following three locations:
- Stop and Shop Supermarket, 245 Littleton Road, Morris Plains
- Randolph Municipal Building, 502 Millbrook Road, Randolph
- Mountain Lakes Fire Department, 400 Boulevard, Mountain Lakes
In addition to helping individuals dispose of unused prescription drugs, Operation Take-Back promotes awareness of juvenile prescription drug prevention efforts.
If you are unable to make it to a drop off location on Saturday, click here for a list of permanent drop box locations.
For more information on Saturday’s event contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6268 or (973) 285-6200 or Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Deputy Chief of Investigations Denise H. Arseneault at (973) 285-6262 or darseneault@co.morris.nj.us.
County Clerk Takes Passport Office On The Road For Public Convenience
![Ann Grossi, Morris County Clerk](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/09/Ann-Grossi-White-Background-192x300.jpg?resize=192%2C300&ssl=1)
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Clerk’s Passport Division is taking its passport operation “on the road” starting on Thursday, October 8 in Jefferson to make it more convenient for people to obtain passports, especially for those who may not be able to come to the County Clerk’s passport office in Morristown or to get to any passport office due to their working hours.
“We think this service will be of great help to many Morris County residents whose busy schedules make it difficult to make the time to obtain passports, which are more vital than ever for travel and also for identification purposes,’’ said Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi. “We hope to offer convenient passport service at various locations across Morris County in the future.
The “Passport Outreach Program’’ will benefit anyone in need of a new or renewed passport, said Grossi. The passport session in Jefferson will be held on Thursday, October 8, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Camp Jefferson, which is located at 81 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong.
Appointments are required for the Passport Outreach Program, and can be made by calling (973) 285-6161.
Grossi urges anyone interested in using the service to carefully review what they must bring to the passport center, and to call her office if they have any questions.
“We certainly want this process to go smoothly for applicants, so it’s important they understand what is required to obtain or renew a passport,’’ Grossi said.
Here is what you need:
- Citizenship evidence: A certified birth certificate (not a photocopy) listing both parents’ names, or a current passport, or a naturalization certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad.
- Photograph: One color 2 x 2 photo with white or light background (photos can be obtained on site for a $10 fee)
- Proof of Identification: A driver’s license, previously issued passport, government or military ID, or a naturalization certificate.
Payment can be made only by personal check, money order or bank check. Not by credit or debit cards. Cash will NOT be accepted.
There will be two separate payments to be made. Please bring adequate blank checks.
If you must expedite the passport process, an expedited process fee is $60.00 per application and $14.85 for overnight express mail.
Minors must appear with both parents, properly identified. The child’s birth certificate issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics or the Department of Health and stating both of the parent’s names also must be submitted.
All persons participating in the passport on the road process must arrive 15-to-20 minutes ahead of your appointment time to fill out the required application, using black ink only.
Grossi advised applicants to allow at least several weeks to receive their passports before traveling.
In addition to the “Passport Outreach Program” program, the county clerk’s passport office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday with Tuesday and Wednesday evening hours until 8:00 p.m. (but walk-ins must arrive by 7:30 p.m.).
The county clerk’s office is on the first floor of the Morris County Administration and Records Building on Court Street in Morristown.
More passport information, including costs, may be obtained by calling the Morris County Passport Office at (973) 285-6161 or by clicking here.
National passport information can be obtained by calling 1-877-487-2778 or by clicking here.
The Rockettes are coming to Parsippany Public Library
PARSIPPANY — The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an experience that’s meant to be shared, so before they start rehearsals for the 2015 production, they are coming to Parsippany to kick off the holiday season with all of you!
They will be stopping by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, 449 Halsey Road, on Tuesday, September 29 from 2:00 p.m.to 2:45 p.m., where they will meet community members and take photos!
For any questions please call the Children’s Desk at (973) 887-5150 ext 233.
Please bring the whole family and stop by to say hello! When you post your photo with the Rockettes, be sure to tag @Rockettes on Facebook and Twitter, and @theRockettes on Instagram – they’ll be looking out for your pics and sharing their favorites!
Bobby Edwards made 5 saves at St. Joseph’s Men Soccer
PARSIPPANY — The Saint Joseph’s men’s soccer squad (1-6-1) battled to a 0-0 draw in Philadelphia Soccer Six action with Drexel (1-6-1) on Tuesday evening at Vidas Field. With the draw, the Hawks now own a 0-0-1 Soccer Six record.
Sophomore goalkeeper Bobby Edwards, Parsippany, (1-3-1) made five saves in the full 110:00, including overtime stops in the 97th minute and 109th minute to earn his first clean sheet of the season and fifth career shutout.
Saint Joseph’s returns to action this Friday, September 25 vs. Howard. Start time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Sweeney Field. Sweeney Field is located at 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia.
Inglesino firm continues to bill Parsippany for Computer ‘expert’
PARSIPPANY — For some, the word Aurora may evoke the Roman goddess of dawn. For others fortunate enough to visit the far northern or southern latitudes, Auroras can be seen as beautiful forms of different colored lights in the upper atmosphere. But for the residents of Parsippany, New Jersey, Aurora Information Security and Risk, or simply Aurora, is known as the computer firm which billed the Township upwards of $700,000 for imaging the hard disk drive of one police officer’s computer.
This past February, Township attorney John Inglesino told Council members at a public meeting that although Aurora had “north of $700,000 in charges to the Township, they [Aurora] were told don’t even bother to send in the bills”. The Township’s Business Administrator, Ellen Sandman went on to credit Inglesino’s firm for negotiating Aurora’s bill down to approximately $267,000 and implied that once a 12 month payment plan was completed, in addition to a $150,000 down payment which was already made, Aurora would be paid in full.
On August 28, 2015 Parsippany paid it’s ninth installment payment of $5,833.33 to Mr. Inglesino’s firm which was earmarked for Aurora. But the charges haven’t ended there. In July 2015, Mr. Inglesino’s firm billed the Township an additional $3600 for Aurora’s services and last month his firm charged an additional $4058. These amounts are over and above the amounts agreed upon and told to Council members and the public.
At that same February meeting, Mr. Inglesino publicly stated that there was “an accord of satisfaction letter that’s been signed by Aurora in which they release the town from any additional monies over and above the 220 [$220,000] that’s been negotiated.”
“I believe that has been distributed,” countered Sandman.
Parsippany Focus recently filed an OPRA requesting the “accord of satisfaction” letter referenced by Inglesino and Sandman. When Parsippany Focus sought clarification on why it had still not received the request back by its due date September 18, Township officials responded that “this will be addressed /resolved at tomorrow’s council meeting.”
This evening’s Council meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public.
For more stories about Aurora click here, here, and here.
Cast your vote for best High School Quarterback
PARSIPPANY — The football season is in full swing, and NJ Advance Media (NJ.COM) wants to know who you, the fans, think are the best players in the state of New Jersey. We will be polling position by position, conference by conference, with a new set of polls every week before each winner is thrown into a statewide poll for his position.
As of the time this article was published, Parsippany Hills High School Sophomore Nick Verducci was in the lead with 4,365 votes, or 38.78%.
The first position they are polling is Quarterbacks. Let them know who you think is the best quarterback in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference in the poll below. If the player you think is the best isn’t in the poll, let them know in the comment section. Be sure to check out the gallery as well to see your options. If a player is in the poll but not in the gallery, feel free to send them a photo.
Voting closes on Wednesday, September 24 at 12:00 Noon.
We know you take these polls seriously. We do, too. We encourage you to come back and vote often. Please note, the poll will view rapid-fire voting from any individual IP as an attack and will put that IP in a time out. Poll results have no influence over All-State or All-Area honors from The Star-Ledger or our affiliates.
Click here to cast your vote.
Mazamen Cricket group meets at Volunteers Park
PARSIPPANY — Mazamen Cricket group poses for a photo after the game with Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Zoning Board member Sridath Reddy.
The group met on Sunday, September 20 at Volunteers Park for an afternoon game of Cricket.
Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players each on a field at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard-long pitch. The game is played by 120 million players in many countries, making it the world’s second most popular sport.
Mount Tabor Historical Society will hold a Historic House Tour
PARSIPPANY — VICTORIAN HOUSE TOUR: The Mount Tabor Historical Society will hold a self-guided Historic House Tour in the recently-designated historic district on Saturday, September 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This event provides an ideal opportunity to get an inside look at more than 15 Victorian cottages, community buildings and sites located within the Mount Tabor Historic District, newly-listed to the National Register of Historic Places. There will also be a display of heritage quilts, an art show by resident artists, and a furnished replica Camp Meeting Tent.
The Richardson History House, a small-scale Second Empire cottage will be featured on the tour. Visitors will be able to tour the house during a time of extensive renovations made possible with construction grants from the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust.
Tickets are $25.00 per person in advance, purchased online via PayPal or mailed check, and $30.00 on the day of the tour. Box lunches can be purchased online in advance or on the day of the tour.
Parking will be provided at the Mount Tabor School, located on Park Road, Morris Plains, off Route 53 (GPS: use 864 Park Rd. Morris Plains) where a shuttle bus will be available. Mount Tabor is located in Morris County along Route 53 between Denville and Morris Plains. Take the train! Mount Tabor is a stop on the NJ Transit Morris & Essex line. The self-guided tour will be held rain or shine. Proceeds support museum restoration of the Richardson History House.
For advance tickets, information about the community, photos, and directions, click here or call (973) 975-0001.
Pumpkin Painting, Hay Rides, Games Galore at Craftsman Farms Family Day
PARSIPPANY — Craftsman Farms’ 9th Annual Fall Family Day is the museum’s biggest family program of the year.
This traditional fall festival was held on Saturday, September 19. The weather was beautiful as the families arrived for a day of old-fashioned fun for the young and young-at-heart! Hayrides, Pumpkin Painting, Games & Races, Handcraft Demonstrations like Woodworking, Embroidery, Pottery, Scavenger Hunts and Craft Activities.
Craftsman Farms, the former home of noted designer Gustav Stickley, is owned by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and is operated as The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms by The Craftsman Farms Foundation, Inc. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in the State of New Jersey. Restoration of the National Historic Landmark, Craftsman Farms, is made possible, in part, by a Save America’s Treasures Grant administered by the National Parks Service, Department of the Interior, and by support from Morris County Preservation Trust, The New Jersey Historic Trust, and individual members. The Craftsman Farms Foundation received an operating grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission. The Craftsman Farms Foundation gratefully acknowledges a grant from the New Jersey Cultural Trust. Educational programs are funded, in part, by grants from the Arts & Crafts Research Fund.
Craftsman Farms is located at 2352 Route 10 West.
Parsippany Fall Festival draws thousands
PARSIPPANY — Thousands attended the 14th Annual Parsippany Fall Festival, on Sunday, September 20 along North Beverwyck Road. The event included numerous food and craft vendors, non-profit community groups, including the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, Rotary of Parsippany-Troy Hills, Woman’s Club of Parsippany, rides for the kiddies, entertainment and live music. The Parsippany High School Marching Band also performed.
The Township of Parsippany has allocated $60,000 in the annual budget to pay for overtime for DPW workers, Policemen and other employees needed to hold the event.
![IMG_1091](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/09/IMG_1091.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
![IMG_0975](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/09/IMG_0975-1024x683.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
Parsippany Hills High School Marching Band Competition 09/19/2015
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Hills High School Viking Marching Band took first place in the 7th Annual Tournament of Bands Kickoff Classic held on Saturday, September 19 in Jefferson Township.
The band directed by Michael Iapicca and Assistant Director/Visual Design Mike Ryan created the 2015 field show “Pandora’s Box.” The set consists of Prologue, A Time of Peace, The Box is Opened and A Time of War: Evil vs. Hope.
Color Guard Instructors are Alejandro Gallo and Anthony Calabrese. Visual Instructor is Josh Jenkins. Music Instructor is Michelle Christianson. Assistant Instructor is Lauren Schmitt.
The Band Booster Co-Presidents are Kathy Davis and Isabel Garcia.
Equipment Director is Jerry Calabrese. Drum Majors are Austin Li and Samantha Koon. Color Guard Captain is Jessica Pinto and Drum Captain is Justin Lu.
![The equipment being brought onto the field](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/09/IMG_0408.jpg?resize=696%2C463&ssl=1)
![Some of the parents in the stands waiting for the band to perform](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/09/IMG_0402.jpg?resize=696%2C463&ssl=1)
![A band member practicing](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/09/IMG_0472.jpg?resize=696%2C463&ssl=1)
Video highlights from Parsippany’s annual fall festival
Story with photos coming soon. In the meantime, enjoy some special moments from Sunday’s annual Fall Festival in Lake Hiawatha.
Man Fatally Shot at Randolph Shooting Range
![Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/02/Fredric_Knapp.jpg?resize=225%2C247&ssl=1)
RANDOLPH —Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Township of Randolph Police Chief David Stokoe confirm a fatal shooting that occurred last night at RTSP Shooting Range located at 961 Route 10 East, Randolph.
On Saturday, September 19, at approximately 7:30 p.m. the Randolph Police Department was notified of a shooting that occurred at RTSP. Upon their response, it was learned that a 21 year old male had fatally shot himself while inside the gun range. Although the male was transported to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
This matter continues to be investigated, but is considered to be an isolated incident and there is no danger to the community. No other persons were involved in this incident and no criminal charges are expected.
Due to the nature of this incident, no further details as to the identity of the decedent will be released.
This matter is being investigated by the Randolph Police Department, the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigation Section, and the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office.
According to its website, RTSP opened in November 2011 and is a 35,000-square-foot, which includes a 15,000 square foot training facility, 4,000 square foot Shoot House, 900 square foot Digital Simulator, and a 900 square foot Dojo, state-of-the-art indoor facility, including two shooting ranges, a store, and a training facility. Its ranges accommodate handguns, shotguns, and rifles.
Flu and Pneumonia Clinic will be held on October 9
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Health Department’s Flu and Pneumonia Clinic is for Parsippany Residents Seniors that have never been vaccinated for pneumonia will be held on Friday, October 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. The fee for the flu shot is $10.00 and the pneumonia shot is $15.00, or free with Medicare Part B. You must bring your Medicare Card with you. HMO’s are not accepted.
No appointment required. The shots will be given at Parsippany Community Center
1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha.
If you require additional information, please call the Health Department (973) 263-7160.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at PHHS Athletic Fields
PARSIPPANY — Members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education, Members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council, Mayor James Barberio and Staff from Parsippany Hills High School attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Parsippany Hills High School new athletic fields.
The turf fields were presented earlier this year after the Board of Education approved the expenditure of $2,533,000 to complete the project at both high schools. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in early May.
The Parsippany Hills Vikings played their first football game on Friday, September 19 against Hackettstown. PHHS won 31-7.
![IMG_0452](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/09/IMG_0452.jpg?resize=696%2C464&ssl=1)
![IMG_0432](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/09/IMG_0432.jpg?resize=696%2C464&ssl=1)
Parsippany High School will hold their ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, October 2 at 6:30 p.m.
PHS Interact Club raises money for breast cancer
PARSIPPANY — The members of the Rotary Interact Club were washing cars during their fundraiser at Parsippany High School on Saturday, September 19. The club is raising money for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
Making Strides of Parsippany Cancer Walk will be held on Sunday, October 18, at 10:00 a.m. at Mack-Cali Business Campus, 6 Century Drive. To donate or participate click here.