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Aug 17, 2015

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Roxbury Township Police Chief James Simonetti, and Denville Township Police Chief Christopher Wagner announce that Abner O. Irias-Paz, age 24 of Victory Gardens, New Jersey has been charged with multiple counts of armed robbery.

During the months of May and June multiple armed robberies of area gas stations occurred within Roxbury Township and the Township of Denville. Through a collaborative investigation, Irias-Paz was developed as a suspect.

Irias-Pas was taken into custody early this morning as he was observed leaving his residence. This was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Roxbury Township Police Department, the Denville Township Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Unit.

Abner O. Irias-Paz was charged with three (3) counts of Robbery, a first degree offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(2); three (3) counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a second degree offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b; three (3) counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, a second degree offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a; three (3) counts of Theft, a third degree offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3; and three (3) counts of Terroristic Threats, a third degree offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3b.

The Honorable James M. DeMarzo, J.S.C., set a blanket bail of $300,000.00 with no 10% option. A bail source hearing requirement, waiver of extradition, and surrender of passport were further conditions of the bail. Irias-Paz was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility.

The investigation is active and ongoing. No other information is being released at this time.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Roxbury Township Police Department, Denville Township Police Department, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Unit, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Randolph Township Police Department who participated in the efforts that contributed to this arrest.

Noncredit Continuing Education Courses at CCM for Fall 2015

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Aug 17, 2015

RANDOLPH — County College of Morris (CCM) has an impressive lineup of new and existing noncredit programs to assist individuals with enhancing their professional skills for career success. Classes begin in early September with registration now taking place.

All the details on this fall’s programs can be found in the Fall Continuing Education brochure by clicking here.

Information sessions also will be held on Thursday, September 3, at 6:30 p.m. There will be individual sessions for 11 different programs; and Admissions counselors will be on hand to assist those interested in pursuing a for-credit degree. See the Fall Continuing Education brochure for the location of each session and additional details.

New for this fall, CCM has teamed up with the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) to upgrade its Medical Billing and Coding program. Now graduates will qualify to sit for the AAPC Certified Professional Coders exam – the industry accepted initial certification for employment.

Adding to CCM’s entry-level healthcare programs, the college will be offering the New Jersey Board of Nursing approved Certified Homemaker/Home Health Aide course. In just four weeks, students can begin working in the healthcare field.

Additionally, CCM is expanding training programs in one of the fastest growing health fields, addictions counseling, with the Chemical Dependency Associate, Peer Recovery Support Certificate. This course is designed for people already working in the field who lack certification. Best of all, the training hours can all be used toward the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor program.

Another new program is the Toastmasters Basic Business Communications course to help participants gain the confidence to give high-quality, engaging presentations, along with developing basic meeting management, critical thinking and listening skills. Also being offered is the Non-Profit Fundraising Essentials Certificate to help individuals working with nonprofit organizations to create an effective annual fundraising plan and program.

In addition, CCM once again is offering the alternate route to teaching program, known as New Pathways to Teaching in New Jersey (NPTNJ). This fall, the college is offering the Stage II course for the first time in several years after adding back Stage I training last year. Stage I will be offered again in the spring. And the Introduction to Teaching: 24-Hours Component course will be offered in September, January and June. NPTNJ is best for people interested in K-5, 6-12 subject matter and special education licenses. For more information on this program, click here.

Returning programs include an array of healthcare professional certifications, basic and advanced PC skills courses, New Jersey construction official courses, a full complement of business skills certificates and much more. CCM is a rich resource for Morris County residents. Be sure to take a look at the Fall Continuing Education brochure by clicking here to learn about all that is being offered.

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Time Machine brings memories to Veterans Park

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Aug 15, 2015

PARSIPPANY — Township of Parsippany-Troy is extremely grateful to Provident Bank for sponsoring the concert by “Time Machine” on Thursday, August 13. This amazing band had the audience dancing on the lawn and rocking to an array of selections both old and new.

The sale of Time Machine tee shirts was successful with all proceeds going toward sending a little cancer victim to Disney World.

Adding to the success of the evening was the always delicious barbecue sponsored by Parsippany ShopRite with proceeds being donated to the Parsippany PAL.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps, Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill and Recreation Superintendent Joseph Plescia

OEM Volunteer Karen DeChristopher, Dawn Keimel and OEM Volunteer Edy Toussaint

Allison and Sara Larger, Sabinet and Olivia Haeupl and Kathy Larger enjoying the sounds of the Time Machine

Nancy and Davey Willans enjoying the music

Mayor James Barberio addressing the audience

OEM members Pradip Trevedi, Nicolas Limanov, Karen DeChristopher and Claus Finke volunteering during the concert at Vetrans Park

Provident Bank, 401 Smith Road, was the main sponsor of the concert

Provident Employees Ylka Padilla, Kati Orahood, Naima Reig, Mercedes Covert–Muzio and Christine Matthews were giving out popcorn to the crowd

Parsippany Woman’s Club President Marilyn Marion and Betsy Lowry, President Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance

Madison Thiel, Jennifer Thiel, Dylan Deuer, Omar Santos and Ryan Chmura

Toni Bosskay, Shop Rite’s Catering Coordinator, Tony Bonavitacola, Execuritve Director PAL, Allison Ferguson, Store Manager, and Brian Hyland

Parsippany Recreation Superintendent Joseph Plescia and Tony Bonavitacola, Executive Director PAL

5th Annual Car and Truck Show was held at Lanidex Plaza

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Aug 15, 2015

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit (PR&R) and Lake Parsippany Fire Department held their 5th annual car and truck show at Lanidex Plaza off Parsippany Road. This event was held Saturday, August 15.

The show featured unique cars, trucks, motorcycles and vehicles.

Proceeds will go to Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit and Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3 to help continue their service to the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

LEMONADE STAND: The lemonade stand was staffed by the Wives and Daughters of Rescue and Recovery. From left to right are Ceyla Beg, Ruby Beg, Kelli Neidel, Chrisanne Sandford, Vicki Sandford, Bea Niclaus, Jessica Niclaus and Judy Larick

Former Councilman Jonathan Nelson and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps and Parsippany Focus Photographer Nicolas Limanov

Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Robert, Jr., were listening to Andrew Ludwig demonstrating the dive and swift water rescue equipment at the Car and Truck Show

Chrisanne Sanford, 11 and Gio Collins were listening to Andrew Ludwig demonstrating the dive and swift water rescue equipment at the Car and Truck Show

Jake Bae, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Chief John Tranculov, with the Carifi twins Jonathan and Tyler

Jake Bae, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Michael dePierro, Council candidate Loretta Gragnani and Rescue and Recovery Chief John Tranculov

Pradip Trevedi, Al Goldberg and Claus Finke

Fifth Annual Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival was a huge success

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Aug 15, 2015

MORRISTOWN — The Fifth Annual Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival was held on Saturday, August 15 from 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m.

The line up included Swingadelic, Bria Skonberg, Bucky Pizzarelli Guitar Summit with Frank Yignola, Vinnie Raniolo and Ed Laub, Roomful of Blues and Charlie Musselwhite Band.

The Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival has become one of the most popular events in the region for so many reasons. Of course, Morristown has a wonderful town center with a beautiful Green, but is also offers plenty to do when the music stops. But the music is the main attraction and the talent has been top-notch.

The crowd enjoying the Jazz and Blues Festival

Morristown Township Attorney Vijayant Pawar, his wife, Jennifer, Mary Dougherty and Former Parsippany Councilman Jonathan Nelson — Morristown Township Attorney Vijayant Pawar, his wife, Jennifer, Morristown’s First Lady Mary Dougherty and Former Parsippany Councilman Jonathan Nelson

Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill with Mary Dougherty — Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill with Morristown’s First Lady Mary Dougherty

Seven month old Collie was enjoying the festival. Collie was a rescue dog aopted from The Last Resort Rescue — Seven month old Collie was enjoying the festival. Collie was a rescue dog adopted from The Last Resort Rescue

The crowd was huge at the Jazz & Blues Festival on the Morristown Green

Bria Skonberg at the Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival.

Peter Gordon from Discoover Maps of Morristown was handling out Morristown maps to all of the concert goers — Peter Gordon from Discover Maps of Morristown was handling out Morristown maps to all of the concert goers

Morristown Mayor Timothy P. Dougherty with former Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Jonathan Nelson

Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill with Morristown Mayor Timothy P. Dougherty

Swingadelic is a ten-piece “little big band” that performs regularly up and down the East Coast. Popular at summer jazz festivals, the group was in residence at Maxwell’s in Hoboken for six years and has recorded six CDs. The band currently is in residence at Swing 46, located in the New York City Theatre District.

With guest guitarists Frank Vignola, Vinnie Raniola and Ed Laub, Guitar Summit has become a tradition for the festival and for good reason. Legendary jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli surrounds himself with extraordinarily talented players and do they swing! At almost ninety, Bucky is playing better than ever and who knows who will show up to jam with him.

Trumpeter/vocalist/composer Bria Skonberg is a star on the rise in the jazz world. Since moving from British Columbia to New York City in 2010, she has attracted attention from DownBeat Magazine, theWall Street Journal and the Jazz Journalists’ Association who nominated her “Up and Coming Jazz Artist of the Year” in 2013. Her current ensemble will be coming to Morristown from their appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival.

For more than 45 years, Roomful of Blues has celebrated jump blues and R&B with their horn-powered ensemble. Led by acclaimed blues guitarist Chris Vachon, the group has received five Grammy nominations, seven Blues Music Awards and was twice selected by the DownBeat Critics Pollas the Best Blues Band. Their infectious swing will have everyone partying.

Harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite is one of the most revered blues musicians in the world. This Blues Hall of Famer has collaborated with an extraordinary list of music legends over his 50 year career, including Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Big Joe Williams and B. B. King to name a few. He has won countless awards, appeared on scores of albums and was the inspiration for Dan Akroyd’s character in the Blues Brothers!

Major sponsors of Morristown Jazz and Blues included Jeff Rawding AIA, Toll Brothers, Hot House, NJ Arts.net, Star Ledger, Riker Danzig Alaimo Group, Atlantic Health System, DeFrancescoBateman, Greenbaum Rowe Smith Davis, LLP, Hampshire, The Herrick Company, Iron Bar, Lindabury, Marchetto Higgins Stieve, McEnerney, Brady and Company, MPAC, Morristown Municipal Airport, Jersey Jazz Society, Porzio, Bijou Properties, Inglesino Webster Wyciskala Taylor, LLC, Jersey Central Power and Light, Normandy, PSE&G, Sherman Wells, Connect One Bank, Grasshopper off the Green and Investors Bank.

Additional sponsors included Headquarters Plaza, Lakeside Consulting, Morristown Inn Best Western, Morristown Parking Authority, Silverman, Sona Thirteen, Weiner Lesniak, David Brady, Esq., Cipollini Carting and Villa Enterprises.

Support baby Emma as she conquers cancer

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Nicolas Limanov

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Aug 14, 2015

PARSIPPANY — Emma Marie Wyman is a happy, beautiful nine-month-old baby girl undergoing at least one year’s worth of treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for a rare type of sarcoma.

Her parents, AJ & Lindsey (Kmit) Wyman, who are lifelong residents of Parsippany, learned of Emma’s tumor in late May and have taken her to Philadelphia to be treated by internationally-recognized pediatric oncologists.

As they await more in-depth results regarding the type of sarcoma Emma has and begin chemotherapy, AJ has begun to take time off from his job as a corrections officer, while Lindsey is on her unpaid summer break from teaching sixth grade social studies at Brooklawn Middle School. During this life-altering time, AJ and Lindsey will incur costs from medical to travel expenses, while keeping up with their regular monthly bills for their cars, home, etc. Please know that even the smallest donation will go a long way to aid baby Emma and her loving parents during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for your love, support, and above all, your prayers.

To donate to Emma, click here.

Wide World of Summer Camp Counselors volunteer their time for this fundraiser

Tricky tray baskets raised money for the fundraiser, donated by local area businesses

The counselors, leaders, teachers from the Wide World of Summer Camp, gathered together and arranged a fundraiser for Emma. They hosted a movie night and tricky tray at Parsippany High School on Thursday, July 30.

Wide World of Summer (WWS) provides a fun-filled summer for your child and a worry free summer.

WWS is an eight-week camp/enrichment program for in or out-of-district students that is filled with fantastic activities, programs, and field trips. Students swim on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and spend Wednesday’s on an exciting field trip. Afternoons are spent participating in enrichment classes in science, art, computers, physical education and more.

Mt. Tabor Celebrates 146th Annual Childrens Day Weekend

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Aug 14, 2015

PARSIPPANY — Mt. Tabor celebrated the 146th Annual Children’s Day Weekend, starting on Thursday, August 6 through Sunday, August 9.

The King is Noah Munn; Queen is Hannah Ververs; First Attendants are Rachei Bozza and Harrison Weaver; and Second Attendant are Brianne Partington and Jamaai Parker.

The 2015 Mt. Tabor Children’s Day is all about paying tribute to the children of Tabor.

The 146-year-old celebration, which kicked off Thursday and the parade, concert and fire works took place Saturday throughout the historic Parsippany neighborhood.

Presiding over the special day is the led by King is Noah Munn and Queen is Hannah Ververs. The monarchs and their court will be crowned at the yearly coronation ball held for Mt. Tabor residents and guests Friday evening.

The centerpiece event of the day is the annual Midway Parade.

Another parade kicked off at approximately 7:00 p.m. This event featured the prize winners and Parsippany’s Volunteer Fire Districts, Ambulance Squads, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery.

The evening ended with a concert featuring “Herman’s Hermits” at the country club and then fireworks.

The concert and fireworks are funded by Margaret and Francis X. Wentworth.

Other weekend events, since their inception 145 years ago, have been funded by the residents who volunteer their time, effort and money through fund raising events including a bake sale, pancake breakfast, car wash, hoagie sale and house to house collections.

The Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Department provided a barbecue dinner to all of the local emergency responders who participated in the parade.

Herman’s Hermits performed after the parade.

Steve Cisco from Mt. Tabor Fire Department

Jeff Swenson, Ambassador of Good Will of Morristown Fire Department hands Steve Cisco a certificate honoring the Mt. Tabor Fire Department for 105 years of community service

First Attendants Harrison Weaver and Rachael Bozza

Second Attendants Jamaal Parker and Brianne Partington

The United Methodist Church at Mt. Tabor

Breanne Calabrese and Aaron Bauer, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad

Dan Morgan, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery

Captain Louis Yuliano, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery

Rockaway Neck Volunteer First Aid Squad volunteers Julia Ruggier and Gina Pasquale

Andres Felipe Giraldo, Parsippany Fire District 5

Nicolas Limanov, Al Goldberg and Edy Toussaint

Lake Hiawatha Fire Department receiving a citation from Jeff Swenson, Ambassador of Good Will of Morristown Fire Department

Narcotics Task Force Makes Multiple Arrests and Cocaine Seizures

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Aug 14, 2015

CHESTER — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announced the arrest of several cocaine traffickers following a two month drug investigation in western Morris County.

Members of the Chester Borough Police Department received information regarding cocaine distribution within their jurisdiction. Thereafter, an investigation commenced and intelligence was developed by members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit, Chester Borough Police and officers assigned to the Morris County Narcotics Task Force.

Multiple individuals were identified as the persons alleged to be distributing cocaine from their residence.

On August 14, a court-authorized search warrant was executed at a residence in the Long Valley section of Washington Township. As a result, about 262 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street retail value in excess of $16,000, various packaging and distribution materials, and some $15,000 in U.S. currency were seized.

The Narcotics Task Force subsequently arrested Arnoldo Castro Balcarcel, 42, Long Valley; Gerson Manuel Castro Balcarcel, 19, Long Valley; and Rolando Cabrera Hernandez, 24, Long Valley.

The trio has been charged with first-degree possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, namely cocaine, in a quantity greater than 5 ounces, plus third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

They were lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in Morris Township default of $250,000 bail.

A fourth suspect, Oscar Castro Balcarcel, of Long Valley, was charged with third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, cocaine. He was issued a summons and released.

Judge Ira Cohen authorized the warrant complaints and bails for the defendants.

“The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit continues to combat dangerous drugs being distributed throughout Morris County,” said Prosecutor Knapp.

“The success of these investigations and the efforts against narcotics related offenses is not possible without our municipal, county and state partners, who not only contribute to intelligence gathering efforts but also supply officers to the Morris County Narcotics Task Force.”

The prosecutor said the following agencies played a prominent role in the investigation: Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit, Chester Borough Police Department, Washington Township Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.

The investigation was led by Captain Michael Rice and Lieutenant V. Harrison Dillard of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division and Chester Borough Police Chief David Jara.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan of the Special Operations Division and supervised by Chief Assistant Prosecutor Bradford Seabury.

Woman Sentenced for Forging $136,800 Worth of Checks

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Aug 14, 2015

MOUNTAIN LAKES — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Matilda A. Mola, 66, of Mountain Lakes, has been sentenced today in connection with the forgery of $136,800.00 worth of checks.

On May 19, 2015, Mola pled guilty to ten counts of forgery, which are third degree crimes.

Superior Court Judge William J. McGovern, III, today sentenced Mola to a five years of probation, after which she must serve 364 days in the Morris County Corrections Facility.

Mola also was ordered to pay the remaining amount of restitution totaling $114,460.00. Prior to her sentencing, Mola paid $22,340 in restitution.

This prosecution stemmed from Mola’s action of forging her sister’s name on ten courtesy checks totaling $136,800.00 from a Bank of America line of credit account. The account belonged to her sister and brother, Mary and Joseph Mola.

Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Francine S. Ehrenberg represented the state during the prosecution.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Financial Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, for their efforts on this case.

Hot, dry weekend expected in Parsippany

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Aug 14, 2015

It’s a cool start to Friday across New Jersey, but it will get much warmer. Although some parts of northwestern New Jersey are reporting temperatures in the low 50s as of 7 a.m, it won’t stay that way. Forecasters are calling for another sunny, warm afternoon which will lead into an even hotter weekend. PLUS: Early…

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Parsippany Town Council Agenda Meeting 08/11/2015

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Aug 14, 2015

There’s a rat problem in Lake Hiawatha

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Aug 14, 2015

PARSIPPANY — For the past several months many Lake Hiawatha residents have lamented to Parsippany Focus that a growing rodent problem is occurring in and around the business district along North Beverwyck Road in Lake Hiawatha. The mayor’s office has been alerted to the infestation problem and any resident observing rats (or rat droppings) should immediately contact the mayor’s action center.

An ordinance that is currently being considered by the Town Council will limit the amount of household and business trash that may be deposited in township trash cans along North Beverwyck Road. Penalties for violating the ordinance include fines of up to $2500 for first offenders and up to $10,000 in fines for every subsequent offense. To read the entire ordinance, click here.

For years, receptacles have overflowed with trash, to the point where they fill up almost as soon as trash is collected by the township.

See related Letter to the Editor, by clicking here.

Parsippany’s Roman meets Governor Christie

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Aug 14, 2015

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany resident Joseph Roman meets with Governor Christie at Seaside Park.

Roman, of the Glacier Hills section of Parsippany, was chosen as a Distinguished Alumnus for the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), in 2013.

He is an adjunct professor at NJIT, where he teachers business and management.

Joe is involved in Technology Sales and Marketing, and a local business leader and Trustee at Morris Catholic High School.

Roman attended Saint Christopher School, and graduated from Morris Catholic High School in Denville. Roman earned bachelor’s degree in management at Alvernia University in Reading, PA, and his master’s degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Roman and his wife, Danielle, have three children: Joseph Jr., Christopher and Nicholas.

He is a member of the Parsippany Knights of Columbus and is involved in local politics as a county committeeman. He is also involved in the Parsippany Youth Sports Program as a soccer and Little League baseball coach and as a team sponsor.

Prior to starting the Accelerant Sales Group 13 years ago Roman had worked as a senior manager for Dialogic and later was sales director of Intel Corporation where he was recognized as the leading corporate sales manager and received numerous sales and marketing honors and recognitions.

PHS Students meet for “Summer Book Club”

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Aug 14, 2015

PARSIPPANY — A group of fifteen Parsippany High School students, four teachers and two administrators met for a summer book club.

The students and staff involved all read the young adult novel We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. After having some snacks and drinks, the group discussed and analyzed the novel, sharing their insight and questions.

The best part of the day was when the group took out their phones and did some live tweeting with the author. The author answered their questions for forty-five minutes using the hashtag #phsreads.

Some of the topics included her inspiration for the book; a potential film based on the book; her use of fairy tales as a plot device; and the themes of family, friendship, grief and race. It was a great day for all involved.

Construction on Wegman’s is moving along in Mack-Cali Campus

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Aug 14, 2015

HANOVER — Morris County’s newest Wegmans Food Market should be open by the first half of 2017, according Jeanne Colleluori, a Wegmans spokeswoman.

Construction is underway on a long-awaited Wegmans Food Market in Hanover. According to Ms. Colleluori, the company is working on designing plans for the interior. She stated all the products and services offered at other Wegmans locations in the Garden State, should be offered in the new store.

Most stores have pizzerias and buffets with sit-down areas to enjoy food.

Colleluori has previously said shoppers can look forward to “consistent low prices and incredible service” at the store, which will have “a focus on restaurant quality foods” and “organic options in every department.”

There are seven other New Jersey locations: Bridgewater, Cherry Hill, Manalapan, Mount Laurel, Ocean, Princeton, and Woodbridge Township.

Trees were cleared from the 38.5 acre site — for the Wegmans Food Store and other retail stores, including possibly a bank — located close to the intersection of Ridgedale Avenue and Sylvan Way, in the Mack-Cali Business Campus off of Route 10 in Parsippany.

The site work is visible to Route 287 south, past the Entin Road exit and before the Route 10 exit.

In 2013, Hanover Planning Board approved a 140,000 square-foot Wegmans supermarket along with three restaurant buildings, a bank building and parking for 1,178 cars at Sylvan Way and Ridgedale Avenue located on the northern side of Route 10 across from Ridgedale on what is now vacant wooded land.

The entrance exit would entail a jug handle on Route 10 at an extension of Ridgedale Avenue across Route 10.

Wegmans would be one of the largest supermarkets in Morris County and, at 120,000 square feet, larger even than the gargantuan 80,000-square foot ShopRite of Morristown on East Hanover Avenue that opened November 2013.

The site will use water and sewer from Parsippany-Troy Hills for the property, under an agreement that dates back some 25 years, and was renewed by the Township Council in 2013.

The heavy equipment is clearing the site

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a privately held U.S. regional supermarket chain headquartered in Gates, New York, near Rochester. Wegmans has 85 stores in the mid-Atlantic and New England regions, in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Virginia. Founded in 1916 in Rochester, Wegmans has appeared on Fortune’s annual “100 Best Companies to Work For” list since the list first appeared in 1998, and has ranked among the top 10 for eight consecutive years. Food Network recognized it with its award for Best Grocery Store in 2007, and Consumer Reports ranked it the top large U.S. grocery chain in 2012 and in 2014. It was also profiled as part of “Here Are The Jobs” segment on Politics Nation on July 6, 2012.

Danny Wegman is CEO. His daughter, Colleen Wegman, is president; his other daughter, Nicole Wegman, is vice-president of restaurant operations. His father, Robert, who died in 2006, was chairman. Robert was the son of co-founder Walter. During his life, Robert Wegman distinguished himself as a pioneer in the retail food business, as well as a generous donor to educational institutions and other charities.

The owner of the property is Hanover 3201, stands for the tax lot number of the site, is a subsidiary of Mack-Cali Realty LP.

The site is approximately 4.5 miles from the failed Whole Foods site on Waterview Boulevard.

New Jersey Highlands Coalition says Parsippany has a six-million-gallons-per-day deficit

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Aug 14, 2015

Water use in New Jersey has increased, which environmentalists say could cause problems during the next drought. The total amount of water used by families, businesses, and two nuclear power plants rose by 110 million gallons per day between 2000 and 2010, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey. That amounts to an increase of…

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Video Game Convention to be held in September

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Aug 14, 2015

PARSIPPANY — A Video Game Con, a video game convention dedicated to both retro and modern gaming, will take place Saturday, September 19, at the Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road.

The convention will start at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 11:45 p.m.

The event in celebration of all things video gaming and will offer many game-related activities including free to play arcade and gaming consoles, indie developer showcases, gaming tournaments, musical performances, special guests and cosplay.

It will also bring together some of the best video game vendors in the tri-state area for buying, selling, and trading games as well as vendors selling customized apparel and unique artwork.

The convention is organized by ButtonSmasher, LLC, a company founded by Paul Solomine, a local video game enthusiast and collector.

Special guests scheduled to attend AVGC include:
• Billy Mitchell: video game arcade record holder and legend
• Richie Knucklez: arcade owner, classic arcade restorer, and Arcade Culture Webshow host
• Brain Nelson aka DJ Wheels: Asteroids arcade world record holder
• Lua Suicide: alternative model, cosplayer, and SuicideGirl
• Elena Blueskies: NYC-based cosplayer
• Toni X Temptress: local cosplayer
• Clown Queen: local cosplayer
• Jules Starn: local cosplayer
• Shock: video game tournament guru, Mortal Kombat legend, and owner of KombatNetwork

The convention will feature a musical performance showcase, including the following acts:
• Chipocrite: Mixing the sounds of a Nintendo GameBoy and contemporary influences, the legendary chiptune artist, Chipocrite (Paul Weinstein), has composed music for live performances such as Vans Warp Tour, MAGFest, AnimeNext and various video games such as Beard Wars and EarthNight.
• Kris Keyser: Using retro technology, another chiptune veteran, Kris Keyser, composes low-bit songs and soundtracks. Kris has performed at notable shows such as Blip Festival, PAX East and MAGFest. His music has been featured in the 8bitpeoples label, and several indie games such as Armillo: The Parallel Universe Mystery and Chip Beat Blaster.
• Montclair Gamer Symphony Orchestra: Formed by a local ensemble of gamers with musical talents, the Montclair Gamer Symphony Orchestra performs live orchestral music from fan favorite games such as The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, Halo and Pokemon.
• The Schwam: This multi-genre group consists of members Brandon Bachrach, Jason Basner, Jon Rosario, Mike Marguccio and Bryan George. They cover a variety of music from the funky tunes of the 70’s to the trumpet pumping sounds of ska from the 90’s, including their own unique video game covers.
• 10th Dimension & Parallax: This dynamic EDM proudcer/DJ duo consist of Nima Moayer and Armin Papp, two musicians who are looking to bring their creative twist by changing up conventional beats and blending the genres of house, electro, breakbeat, dubstep, trap, hip-hop, and drum n bass in a single set.

What’s there to do at AVGC?

Cosplay Contests
Meet Special Guests
Musical Performances by chiptune DJs and rock bands
Panels about video game history, culture & more.
Pro & Casual Video Game Tournaments
Auctions/Raffles/Giveaways
Indie Video Game Developers
Video Game themed Burlesque show
Food to satisfy your caloric intake needs
Console Freeplay
and so much more.

The convention will also feature a special video game burlesque performance by Lily Stiches and the Ink & Paint Burlesque troupe.

Ticket prices range from $15.00 to $50.00 and can be purchased in advance. For tickets click here. For more information on the event, or other events, click here.

Doctor Charged with Taking Bribes in Test-Referral Scheme with Parsippany Lab

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Aug 13, 2015

PARSIPPANY – A doctor with practices in Nassau County, New York, was charged with accepting bribes in exchange for test referrals as part of a long-running and elaborate scheme operated by Biodiagnostic Laboratory Services LLC (BLS), 181 New Road, its president and numerous associates, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Bret Ostrager, 50, of Woodbury, New York, was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with one count of conspiring to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Federal Travel Act, three substantive violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, and four substantive violations of the Federal Travel Act. Ostrager is scheduled to be arraigned before Judge Stanley Chesler on August 19, 2015.

Ostrager is the first defendant to be indicted in connection with the BLS bribery scheme. To date, 38 people – 26 of them doctors – have pleaded guilty in connection with the bribery scheme, which its organizers have admitted involved millions of dollars in bribes and resulted in more than $100 million in payments to BLS from Medicare and various private insurance companies. It is believed to be the largest number of medical professionals ever prosecuted in a bribery case. The investigation has to date recovered more than $11.5 million through forfeiture.

According to the indictment:

Between February 2011 and April 2013, Ostrager received monthly cash bribes of approximately $3,300.00 from BLS employees and associates. He periodically solicited and received from the BLS employees and associates tickets and meals that cost thousands of dollars. These additional bribes in response to specific requests from Ostrager included tickets to a New York Mets baseball game, a New York Knicks basketball game, a Katy Perry concert, a Justin Bieber concert, and the Broadway show “Newsies.” In exchange, Ostrager referred patient blood samples to BLS. Ostrager’s referrals generated approximately $909,000.00 in lab business for BLS.

If convicted, Ostrager faces a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison on each of the counts on which he is charged. Each count also carries a maximum $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Richard M. Frankel; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert; IRS–Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen; and inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Maria L. Kelokates, with the ongoing investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph N. Minish and Danielle Alfonzo Walsman, Senior Litigation Counsel Andrew Leven, and Jacob T. Elberg, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Health Care and Government Fraud Unit in Newark, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Ward, Acting Chief of the office’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Unit.

U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman reorganized the health care fraud practice at the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office shortly after taking office, including creating a stand-alone Health Care and Government Fraud Unit to handle both criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions of health care fraud offenses. Since 2010, the office has recovered more than $635 million in health care fraud and government fraud settlements, judgments, fines, restitution and forfeiture under the False Claims Act, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and other statutes.

More sunny, warm days ahead for Parsippany

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Aug 13, 2015