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
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.
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.
Redhawks Football falls to Hackettstown in home opener
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Red Hawks have a multi-million dollar brand new AstroTurf field, beautiful red uniforms, a second year Head Coach in Jason Hurta and a coaching staff with a great attitude. The only thing else that was needed was a football team that could get the job done. The result was more of the same from the Red Hawks.
The game stated optimistically as Hackettstown fumbled on their third play from scrimmage on their own 19 yard line but the Red Hawks were unable to advance the ball and their field goal attempt was blocked. That was about it for Red Hawk highlights as Hackettstown scored by running the ball for touchdowns on all but their last possession of the first half. The halftime score was 35-0. The only other highlight was a second fumble by Hackettstown that the Red Hawks recovered but were unable to take advantage of. The only positive plays on offense were two fourth down runs by Punter Robert Hockey. One was on a fourth and 15 that fell 1 yard short and a second that gained their only first down of the half. The drive fizzled after that.
There was no scoring by either team in the third quarter and both teams traded touchdowns in the fourth.
Final score: Hackettstown 42, Parsippany 7.
The Red Hawks next game is Friday, September 25 at Newton at 7:00 p.m.
Police seeking information on Fatally Injured Man Found in Roadway
JEFFERSON — Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief William Craig of the Jefferson Township Police Department are seeking information from the public concerning an incident in Jefferson Township.
On Saturday, September 19, at approximately 4:00 a.m., a passerby reported observing a person lying in the roadway on Route 15 North, near Edison Road in Jefferson Township. Members of the police department responded and found an injured male who appeared to have been struck by an unknown vehicle.
The victim was transported to St. Clare’s Dover Campus. The victim was later pronounced at the hospital.
A joint investigation between the Jefferson Township Police Department and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has developed information that the critically injured victim is Michael Adams, 24, Jefferson.
The Jefferson Township Police Department and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying anyone that may have knowledge of this incident and/or the circumstances leading to this male’s injuries.
Any person with information regarding this incident is urged contact the Jefferson Township Police Department at (973) 697-1300, the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200, or the Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers at (973) 267-2255. All calls will be kept confidential.
Today is National Thank a Police Officer Day
PARSIPPANY — Today is National Thank a Police Officer Day, and we offer a big Saturday Salute to all the law enforcement officers who keep us safe in Parsippany; in Morris County and in the State of New Jersey.
“A simple smile and a ‘thank you’ are all it takes to let police officers know their dangerous and demanding jobs are appreciated,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. “We are humbly grateful for the thoughts, prayers, and encouragement you continue to give us as we protect and serve you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We care about our communities, and it warms our hearts to see that care returned.”
“I think they deserve more than one day of recognition for all that. I think one of the first things my mother taught me when I was small was that if I got lost or was in trouble to find a police officer. We are taught that we can trust officers of the law. And we should. We shouldn’t tolerate anyone making a target out of them. They deserve our thanks for ensuring our safety at the jeopardy of their own,” said Parsippany resident Nicolas Limanov.
The recent targeted attacks on law enforcement officers have focused attention on how dangerous the profession can be. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, law enforcement careers are consistently ranked among the ten most dangerous occupations in America, and they carry the second-highest injury rate of any line of work. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund reports that during the last decade an average of 58,930 assaults were made on law enforcement officers each year resulting in an average of 15,404 injuries. An average of 149 officers are killed in the line of duty each year across the country.
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, there have been 89 line of duty deaths for officers in 2015, with 26 of those coming since July.
So the next time you see a police officer, make sure you say “Thanks for keeping Parsippany safe.”
This is just one thing we can do to support our law enforcement officers. We all should take the time to do something today to express our appreciation for all they do.
The Parsippany Police Department is a Civil Service organization consisting of over 100 sworn police officers. The department is divided into four divisions: Patrol, Investigative, Support Services and Professional Standards. The Patrol, Investigative, and Support Services Divisions are each led by a Captain and supported by the following chain of command: Lieutenants, Sergeants, Patrol Officers and civilian personnel. The Professional Standards Division is comprised of a Captain and a Lieutenant.
The state of the art police headquarters building became home to Parsippany Police in November 2004. At nearly 33,000 square feet, the building offers more space, privacy and ease of movement than the former building which served as headquarters for 22 years.
Among its features are two private interview rooms for distraction-free interviewing of witnesses and suspects. There is also a private room solely dedicated for members of the Domestic Violence Crisis Response Team, a volunteer organization, where they can speak with victims of domestic violence in a warm, comfortable setting. This is the first of its kind in Morris County.
Evidence and storage lockers are in varying sizes and some of them are refrigerated for perishable evidence items. They directly access the office of the Property & Evidence Sergeant to ensure chain of custody.
The state of the art cell block is NJ Department of Corrections approved and is video and audio monitored. A fourth cell is generally utilized for female offenders and is separated from the cell block. In addition, there is a larger holding cell and a DWI processing room. A completely separate juvenile holding area frees officers from leading around youthful offenders who are monitored via one-way observation glass that connects with the Communications area.
The police “Sally Port” is a garage that is controlled from the Communications area and allows for prisoners to enter and exit the police vehicle in a secured area. Parsippany’s Sally Port accommodates two police cars and has two bay doors allowing for “drive through” capability.
The communications center of the Police Department is staffed 24 hours a day by civilian dispatchers and on-duty patrol officers. Their primary responsibilities encompass answering all incoming emergency calls with a 9-1-1 enhanced system as well as all other calls that come into police headquarters for police, fire and ambulance. The communications area has the capability to talk via radio to all emergency personnel, township departments and other police agencies statewide.
3 charged in alleged drug and counterfeiting scheme
PARSIPPANY — Three men have been charged in an alleged scheme after authorities said they brought a loaded handgun and counterfeit money to a $17,000 marijuana and cocaine transaction that turned out to be a sting in a Parsippany parking lot, according to an account in the Daily Record. Daniel Godfrey, 23, of East Orange, Shayne…
County College of Morris Hosts a Regional College Fair This Weekend
More than 210 colleges and universities are expected to participate in the Morris County Regional College Fair to be hosted this Sunday, September 20, by the County College of Morris at its Randolph campus.
Students and parents interested in exploring higher education options can do so close to home at the College Fair, which will be held from noon to 3:00 p.m.
Representatives from colleges and universities from across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, New England, Virginia, Florida, West Virginia and other states will participate.
College and university representatives will be on site to share information about programs of study, support services, campus life, housing and tuition costs. For a list of participants, click here.
The fair is open to the public at no charge. The event takes place in the Student Community Center and the Health and Physical Education building on CCM’s Randolph Campus, 214 Center Grove Road. Visitors can park in Lots 5 – 9.
Be sure to stop by the CCM Admissions table, located in both buildings. In addition to providing degree program information, CCM will waive its $30 application fee on Sunday.
The regional fair is sponsored by the New Jersey Association of College Admission Counseling and Morris County high schools. For more information, call the CCM Admissions office at (973) 328-5100.
Staples hosts another “Small Business Showcase”
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany had a display table at “Staples Small Business Showcase” on Wednesday, September 9.
The Kiwanis Club provided membership information as well as flyers for their upcoming events to the customers of Staples.
Gina DiDomenico from the Morris County School of Technology had a table displaying brochures about the school and was there to speak about the various share, full time, adult programs the district offers and the application process.
Staples is located in the Arlington Shopping Center, 760 Route 46. Their store hours are Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can reach them by calling (973) 541-0300.
“Staples Small Business Showcase” is a monthly feature for Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) members. Member business and area non-profit groups can contact Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400 if they are interested in participating in this program.
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 our 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.
Three Girl Scouts start “Silver Star Acting Camp”
PARSIPPANY — Three Girl Scouts from Troop 701, Brittani, Jackie and Sarah started the Silver Star Acting Camp last year as their Silver Award Project. It was such a success, the girls ran the camp on their own this year. Silver Star Acting Camp is a week-long camp held at the Parsippany–Troy Hills Lodge #2078 for children with disabilities.
The children work on social skills while enjoying fun, interactive games and learning keyacting skills like facial expressions and stage presence. These skills also help them in their everyday life. Douglas Moroz, Exaulted Ruler of the Lodge, would like to thank Larry Eckel, PER; Peter Christofzik, Canio Margotta for volunteering their time so the camp could be held at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge #2078.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge #2078 is located at 230 Parsippany Road.
PHHS Vikings Football Team “Third Annual Gold Out” Game
PARSIPPANY — September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month, and the Parsippany Hills Vikings are once again doing their part to help support this important cause. On Friday, September 18, the Parsippany Hills varsity football team is joining forces with TEAMSean to host their Third Annual GOLD OUT Game to help bring awareness to this devastating disease.
Every day in the United States, an average of 46 children are diagnosed with cancer, and every day 7 children die from this disease. More needs to be done to find better treatments and a cure.
The varsity football team, coaches, cheerleaders, and marching band will all be wearing GOLD – the color of support for pediatric cancer – at Friday night’s game. Everyone in the stands is invited to join in and show their support as well by coming out and wearing gold to the game! TEAMSean will be on hand selling gold t-shirts, ribbons, bracelets, etc., so if you don’t have anything gold at home, you can get something at the game. Proceeds from all gold sales at the game will go directly to support pediatric cancer research.
Sean Ries, an eight-year old brain tumor warrior from Mt. Tabor who is the inspiration behind TEAMSean, will again join the Vikings on the field Friday night as their honorary Captain.
At this year’s game, the Viking Nation will also be honoring 10-month old Emma Wyman, daughter of lifetime Parsippany residents AJ and Lindsey Wyman, who is currently at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia receiving treatment for her recently diagnosed cancer.
This is a game you don’t want to miss. Come out and show your support for our State Champion Vikings, and do your part to help raise awareness for all of the children who so bravely battle this heartbreaking disease.
For more information and to donate, please click here.
Board of Adjustment members celebrate Harriet Jacobs birthday
PARSIPPANY — At a recent Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting, the members celebrated Secretary Harriet Jacobs birthday.
Jacobs first stated as the Secretary of the Board of Adjustment in 1984. After a short leave from the Board, she returned in 1991 and has been serving the residents and businesses of Parsippany.
Happy Birthday Ms. Jacobs!
PHS Field Hockey Car Wash fundraiser
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Girls Field Hockey team were washing cars on Saturday, September 12 to raise money for their team. The money raised will be used to purchase additional equipment, the end of season banquet and food for travel games.
The Parsippany Redhawks field hockey team has an away non-conference game at Boonton on Friday, September 18 at 4:00 p.m.
Boonton High School is located at 306 Lathrop Avenue.
Letter to the editor: Upset patron with Troy Hills Shopping Center
Dear Editor:
To all people who live in Parsippany and surrounding areas. I would like to make people aware of this situation I encountered. Since I did not get any positive response from the management company I am informing the patrons not to shop in this strip mall.
On Tuesday, July 14 I had an appointment at Morristown Medical Cancer Center for a Chemo follow-up.
I was unable to drive the distance alone to the hospital so a friend helped me out. Since we were having lunch at Applebee’s anyway, I met her at the Applebee’s Restaurant on Route 46 at 8:30 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. appointment in Morristown. We were back to Applebee’s eating lunch by 11:15 a.m. Which the manager can verify.
After lunch we were walking to Michael’s and the Dollar Store only to find out my car is gone. I called the Parsippany Police only to find out the car was towed by Basking Ridge Towing Company to Martin Luther King Blvd in Morristown. In order to get the car back I had to pay $160.00 in cash or check. (Which I didn’t have either) My friend paid it for me.
I could understand if the car was parked all day in the lot and didn’t patronize any of the stores, BUT that was not the case. There were many cars in the same area as mine as well.
I contacted the property management office in Maryland and explained the situation and they were to get back to me (after speaking with a woman who was on vacation) I made several attempts to speak with them and to no avail have an answer or a COURTESY call back to me.
Now it’s September and they did contact me and will not do anything about this.
I was so upset I contacted the Parsippany’s Mayor’s office and they directed me to write a letter to this newspaper. I am a good standing Morris County citizen who has been shopping at this Troy Hills Shopping Center for over 25 years. This incident which I feel I did nothing wrong has physically and mentally set me back.
I want people to know not to patronize this shopping center. I will never again shop there.
Marie Delillo
Lake Hiawatha PTA is sponsoring a 3K Rainbow Run/Walk
PARSIPPANY — The Lake Hiawatha PTA is sponsoring its first annual 3K Rainbow Run/Walk on Friday, September 25 at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Registration begins at 5:00 p.m. and participants begin their journey at 6:00 p.m.
We are looking for additional community sponsors – names and logos will be prominently displayed on a banner during the event, which will be well attended by families throughout the community ($75.00 small logo, $100.00 medium logo and $150.00 for a large logo and table at event).
Please contact Bernadette Kopec at (973) 417-1741 or by emailing, or Tara Voto at (973) 223-8870) or by emailing. Deadline to participate is September 18.
Morris County Man Charged with Online Enticement of a Minor
NEWARK – A Somerset County man who works as a high school teacher was charged today with soliciting a minor victim online to produce images of sexually explicit conduct in exchange for money, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
David N. Adams, 29, of Branchburg, was charged by complaint with one count of online enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. He appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven C. Mannion in Newark federal court. He was detained without bail; a bail hearing is scheduled for September 16, 2015.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From June 2014 through September 2014, Adams was a resident of Morris County and taught at Eisenhower Middle School in Roxbury, Morris County. During this time, he allegedly communicated with a 13-year-old victim who lived outside of New Jersey. Adams met the victim through an online gaming community and they communicated through text and video chats.
Adams allegedly offered to send payment to a child, identified in the complaint as “Minor Victim 1,” in exchange for sexually explicit images of the child, as well as live video chat sessions during which the victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct while defendant Adams watched and directed the victim’s actions. The victim did, in fact, send sexually explicit images to Adams and engage in sexually explicit conduct in live video chat sessions.
Adams is currently a teacher at Bridgewater-Raritan High School in Somerset County.
The charge of online enticement carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Kelly in Newark; the Branchburg Police Department; and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Svetlana M. Eisenberg and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica D. Liu of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit in Newark.