Cecil (right) the lion’s brother Jerciho (left) Another tragedy in Zimbabwe when Jericho was shot by poachers. Jericho was looking after Cecil’s cubs, and his death makes the family even more vulnerable. The animal was protecting his lion cubs after he was shot dead by Minnesota dentist, Walter Palmer earlier this month, sparking outrage around the…
What you need to know about police body cams and your rights
State officials announced on Tuesday a multi-million dollar effort to expand the use of police body cameras by state police and law enforcement agencies across New Jersey. The state Attorney General’s Office also released a 24-page directive for the use of the devices, known as “body worn cameras,” or BWCs. Here’s what you need to know…
Parsippany High School Cheerleaders featured in music video
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School cheerleaders are featured in a music video for recording artist Kris Alberts. The incredibly fun video is produced and directed by actor/director Julie Asriyan (a PHS Class of 2001 graduate herself).
Kris Alberts was herself once a little girl growing up in Parsippany. Though she did not attend PHS, having graduated from the famous Laguardia High School for the Performing arts, she did graduate Northvail Elementary School.
CHEERLEADER Remix- OMI feat. KRIS ALBERTS (Vito Fun vs Felix Jaehn ) is a girl’s response to the pop hit of the summer featuring an original verse in response to OMI’s lyrics.
CBRE Group arranges $5 Million Financing for Parsippany Building
PARSIPPANY — CBRE Group, New Jersey’s largest commercial real estate brokerage firm, announced today that its Capital Markets Debt & Structured Finance team has arranged $5 million short-term bridge financing secured by One Gatehall Drive, a 113,220-square-foot office property in Parsippany.
The CBRE team of James Gunning, Donna Falzarano and Evan Kleppe arranged the financing with a local commercial bank on behalf of the borrower, GLB Gatehall, LLC. The entity is a partnership of Glenborough, a privately held full service real estate firm, and a large institutional real estate investor.
The short-term floating rate financing, which was secured with a competitive interest rate, was put in place to refinance the existing mortgage on the property. The CBRE team’s marketing efforts were received favorably by a number of prominent New Jersey banks, allowing the borrower to select the most flexible and competitive deal of those offered.
GLB Gatehall, LLC acquired One Gatehall Drive in 2006 and has maintained above-average occupancy levels at the office property over the past five years. The Class A, four-story building sits on 9.7 acres in the heart of Morris County, offering immediate access to Interstates 80 and 287. The property was developed as part of a larger corporate campus, which is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies and features a full-service cafeteria, a childcare center and onsite hotels and restaurants.
About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (in terms of 2014 revenue). The Company has more than 52,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate owners, investors and occupiers through more than 370 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CBRE offers strategic advice and execution for property sales and leasing; corporate services; property, facilities and project management; mortgage banking; appraisal and valuation; development services; investment management; and research and consulting. For more information, click here.
Morris County Clerk Announces Launch of “Operation Giveback’’
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Clerk’s Office is reaching out to local businesses in Parsippany and in all 39 Morris County towns to help establish a countywide retail and service discount booklet that would provide dollar savings to all military veterans who live in Morris County.
County Clerk Ann Grossi announced the start of the program at a press conference today in her Morristown office, calling on business in all neighborhoods throughout Morris County to participate in this program as a way of saying thank you to our veterans.
“We thought it would be good to give back to the men and women who have undoubtedly given so much to us and our beloved nation,’’ said Grossi.
“Simply put, we are working to create a discount booklet that would provide a percentage off on products offered or services rendered as a way to say thank you to those who have served so selflessly to allow us to enjoy the freedoms we have today,’’ added Grossi.
There will be a “boots on the ground’’ effort by employees of the County’s Clerk’s Office over the next two months to create a maximum numbers of discounts, as they pitch the program to businesses in communities and neighborhoods in all 39 Morris County towns, from Parsippany and Riverdale, to Long Hill and Jefferson Township, and out west to Washington Township.
“These veterans deserve our appreciation for their service to our country. This is just a small way that we can help pay them back for protecting our freedoms,’’ said Sam Sapporite, an Army veteran and second vice president of the Rockaway Borough Historical Committee, and who works closely with local VFW’s and American Legions in Morris County. “We are going to work hard on Operation Give Back and, as they say in the service, we will make it happen,’’ he added.
To get the discounts, veterans would be required to show a unique Morris County veterans identification card that can easily be obtained from the County Clerk’s Office.
To get a veterans’ card, click here or contact Liz Sutula at (973) 285-6142 or lsutula@co.morris.nj.us.
Current plans call for Operation Giveback to kick off in the fall, with booklets to be distributed to veterans’ groups and individuals prior to this year’s Veterans Day ceremonies through Morris County.
Businesses that participate will have their name highlighted in the booklet and on the County Clerk’s website.
To easily enroll a business in Operation Give Back, click here.
Parsippany Family Dental Launches New Patient Welcome Package
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Family Dental has launched a special new patient welcome package, which enables new patients to benefit from a comprehensive dental examination, x-rays, cleaning, polishing, screening, and gum evaluation at a special reduced price of $80. With the regular cost of these procedures standing at $230.00, new patients can benefit from savings of $150.00 with the package. They are located at 758 Route 46, in the Arlington Plaza Shopping Center.
As part of the initial exam the dental professionals will check for gum disease. While this is usually mild, if gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to a large number of issues including infection and loss of teeth. When a patient has poor periodontal health, it may also lead to diabetes, respiratory issues, strokes and heart complications. When a person has a healthy mouth, it is a great indication that they are in great overall health, as well.
Dentists will also screen patients for oral cancer, during their visit, which is now the sixth most common type of cancer in the U.S. Additionally, with a fifty percent mortality rate, catching this disease early on can literally be the difference in life or death.
An official from the clinic said: “Our special offer for new patients means that those joining our clinic can now benefit from a really thorough dental checkup to ensure that their oral health is in order. These checks are a vital part of maintaining dental health and avoiding what could become serious problems. Our welcome package makes it easier and cheaper for new patients to maintain good dental health.”
He added “Great dental hygiene and health is more than just a beautiful while smile and fresh breath. Proper oral care and hygiene, including the regular flossing, brushing and regular dental exams are important for factors including proper speech, self-esteem and chewing. When individuals do not seek routine and regular dental care their teeth may become decayed, causing nerve exposure, which may result in extreme pain. With regular dental visits this can completely eliminate any tooth decay and prevent a good amount of the pain that is associated with gum disease and cavities.”
The professionals at Parsippany Family Dental are dedicated to making each patient’s visit to the dentist stress and anxiety free. The staff understands that many people have a fear going to the dentist, and they have worked hard to make appointments as pleasurable and pain free as possible. From the offerings of a comfortable chair to options for sedation, patients are able to relax and receive the dental care that they need.
For more information regarding the routine services offered by Parsippany Family Dental, call the office today at (973) 658-4408 visit their website by clicking here.
Hot, dry weekend ahead in Parsippany
The weather New Jerseyans have experienced all week won’t change much as the weekend arrives and July concludes. Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be sunny and around 90, according to the National Weather Service. The evenings will be mostly clear and mild with temperatures falling into the low 70s. The only minor issue that could affect…
The sand you’re lying on could be 100 times more contaminated than the ocean
With the first closures this season of ocean beaches in New Jersey for high levels of pollution, a new study suggests that a bigger problem for those beaches might not be their water, but their sand. The study, appearing in this month’s edition of the journal Environmental Science and Technology, sought to figure out why wastewater…
The FBI Built a Database That Can Catch Rapists — Almost Nobody Uses It
This story was co-published with The Atlantic. QUANTICO, Va. — More than 30 years ago, the Federal Bureau of Investigation launched a revolutionary computer system in a bomb shelter two floors beneath the cafeteria of its national academy. Dubbed the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program, or ViCAP, it was a database designed to help catch the nation’s…
Author of Craftsman Farms History Returns for Two Book Signings
Ever wonder where Farny State Park in Rockaway got its name? Or see sign son Route 10 in Parsippany and wonder, why are there signs about Gustav Stickley? Answers to these and many other questions about our community can be found in Heather E. Stivison’s recently published book, “Craftsman Farms.”
The book is part of Arcadia Publishing’s iconic Images of America series, which chronicles the history of small towns and downtowns across the country. Captured in unique pictorial format, this small slice of hometown history details the story of Parsippany’s Craftsman Farms and the often forgotten aspects of American life that surround it.
Craftsman Farms was the country estate of the father of the American Arts and Crafts movement, Gustav Stickley. Though Stickley is credited with creating hundreds of home designs, this property contains the only home he designed and built for his own use. His rustic log house was built upon a rolling hillside surrounded by lawns, stone walls, and working farmland. In September 1917, the property was purchased by Sylvia and George Farny, who loved it dearly and passed it on to their descendants. Portions of the 650 acres were sold, but the core remained intact until the 1980s, when it was threatened by condominium development. Community activists launched a “Save the Farms” campaign, which led to the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills purchasing Craftsman Farms through eminent domain. Today, it is a busy historic house museum operated by the nonprofit Craftsman Farms Foundation. Craftsman Farms showcases the significant design legacy Gustav Stickley created as well as the architectural and landscape history of this New Jersey National Historic Landmark.
Heather E. Stivison, the former executive director of the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, selected many previously unpublished photographs from the museum’s archives and from personal scrapbooks of descendants of Craftsman Farms’ residents. With more than two hundred vintage images, Craftsman Farms celebrates our region, bringing to life the people, places, and events that define our community.
Stivison, who resides in coastal Massachusetts, will be returning to Morris County for two exclusive book signings. Stivison will be answering questions and signing books Saturday, August 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Morris Plains Pharmacy, 712 Speedwell Ave # 2, Morris Plains, NJ 07950, and Sunday, August 2 at Ray and Judy’s Book Stop 40 W Main St, Rockaway, NJ 07866.
Jimmy Hoffa is buried under Pulaski Skyway, mobster told reporter before death
Jimmy Hoffa might be buried in North Jersey after all. A new report suggests the body of the former head of the Teamsters was dumped in a 55-gallon drum under the Pulaski Skyway, NYDailyNews.com said. Mobster Phillip “Brother” Muscato made that revelation to investigative reporter Dan Moldea before Muscato died last year, the report said. Muscato…
Case against Parsippany ex-Boy Scout leader accused of abusing 3 Scouts gets back on track
MORRISTOWN — The case against a former Parsippany Boy Scout leader, who is accused of sexually abusing three Scouts when they were teenagers in the 1990s, is moving forward again with his representation by a new defense attorney. Stephen Corcoran, 47, of Morris Plains, is now represented by attorney Blair Zwillman of the Parsippany firm Weiner…
Two Residents on Roger Williams University Dean’s List
PARSIPPANY — Select students have been named to the Spring 2015 Dean’s List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. Full-time students who complete 12 or more credits per semester and earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher are placed on the Dean’s List that semester.
Nicole Campisano, a graduate of Parsippany High School, currently majoring in Foreign Languages
Nicholas Gaudio, a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, currently majoring in Engineering
About RWU: Roger Williams University, with its main campus located on the coast of Bristol, R.I., is a forward-thinking private university with 45 undergraduate majors spanning the liberal arts and the professions, where students become community-minded citizens through project-based, experiential learning. With small classes, direct access to faculty and boundless opportunity for real-world projects, RWU students develop the ability to think critically while simultaneously building the practical skills that today’s employers demand. In the two years since launching its signature Affordable Excellence initiative, the University has established itself as a leader in American higher education by confronting the most pressing issues facing students and families – increasing costs that limit access to college, rising debt and the job readiness of graduates. In addition to its 4,000 undergraduates, RWU is home to more than a dozen graduate programs, a thriving School of Continuing Studies based in Providence as well as Rhode Island’s only law school.
Overnight road closures in Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department is advising motorists about overnight exit and ramp closures to accommodate construction on State Highway Route287 and Route 80.
The closures are scheduled to take place from 9:00 a.m. Thursday to 5:00 a.m. Friday:
• Route 80 Eastbound on ramp from Smith Road
• Route 80 Eastbound Exit on South Beverwyck Road (Exit 45)
• Route 80 Eastbound Express to Route 80 Eastbound crossover to local lanes (mile marker 44.0)
• Route 287 off ramp (Exit 41A) to Route 80 East, Route 46 and Smith Road
Man Arrested for Possession of Weapons Charges in Morristown
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp and Morristown Police Chief Peter Demnitz announce the arrest of Andrew Pfitzenmayer, 26, Peapack, on charges related to the possession of weapons.
On Wednesday, July 29, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the Morristown Police Department responded to the Headquarter’s Plaza Building, located at 19 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, regarding a male acting suspiciously.
The male was later identified as Andrew Pfitzenmayer and was in possession of weapons. Piftzenmayer was placed under arrest on scene and transported to the Morristown Police Department.
Further investigation led him to be charged by way of complaint with Unlawful Possession of Weapons (crimes of the Second Degree) related to the possession of the two (2) Glock 9MM handguns, as well as Possession of Prohibited Weapons (crimes of the Fourth Degree) related to the possession of hollow-point ammunition.
The Honorable Gary Troxell, J.M.C. authorized the complaints as well as bail in the amount of $100,000 cash, bond or property. Pfitzenmayer was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
Numerous law enforcement agencies responded to investigate, including the Major Crimes and Intelligence Units of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Morristown Bureau of Police, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section.
The charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200 or the Morristown Bureau of Police at (973) 538-2200.
Garden State Orthopedics opens office on Sylvan Way
PARSIPPANY — Avison Young, the world’s fastest-growing commercial real estate services firm, announced today that Garden State Orthopedic Associates, P.A. has signed a long-term lease for nearly 5,200 square feet at Two Sylvan Way, 53,365-square-foot, three-story office building.
Avison Young Senior Vice-President Patrick Eichner and Vice-President Peter Hedley of the firm’s New Jersey office represented the property owner, Dowell Associates, in the transaction.
Currently, 2 Sylvan Way is undergoing major capital improvements, including the expansion and reconfiguration of parking, landscaping and lighting. The building’s façade and entryways, lobby, common area corridors and bathrooms will also be redesigned. Garden State Orthopedics was particularly attracted to Two Sylvan Way’s ample parking and on-site property management.
“With significant capital improvements underway, the property owner is aiming to appeal to more healthcare tenants in addition to general office users,” comments Eichner. “Dowell Associates recognizes what is needed to appeal to healthcare users, and is committed to making the necessary improvements.”
Fitted for medical office and general office uses, Two Sylvan Way is strategically located at the intersection of Sylvan Way and Route 202, with signage along Route 202.
This is the seventh location for Garden State Orthopedic Associates, P.A., which specializes in sports medicine, total joint replacement, rehabilitation, general orthopedics, foot and ankle, hand, wrist, knee and shoulder surgery. The tenant also has offices in Fair Lawn, Mahwah, Hoboken, Midland Park, and Clifton.
Avison Young is the world’s fastest-growing commercial real estate services firm. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Avison Young is a collaborative, global firm owned and operated by its principals. Founded in 1978, the company comprises more than 1,700 real estate professionals in 66 offices, providing value-added, client-centric investment sales, leasing, advisory, management, financing and mortgage placement services to owners and occupiers of office, retail, industrial and multi-family properties.
Beware: New Traffic Signal on Littleton Road
PARSIPPANY — A new traffic signal was “turned on” yesterday on Littleton Road at the intersection of Route 80 west exit to Smith Road.
The new traffic signal will expedite the flow of traffic for those vehicles turning left onto Littleton Road from Route 80 and those vehicles traveling west on Littleton Road wishing to turn onto the Route 287 North, especially during rush hours.
Police Department warns residents about phone scams
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany–Troy Hills Police Department issued a statement regarding “Phone Scams.”
The Police Department will not contact any citizen and advise them they have a warrant for their arrest which must be paid over the phone to avoid arrest.
Recently they were advised that someone contacted a resident of another town and told them that they were a Police Officer from Parsippany Police Department which currently had a warrant for their arrest.
They further stated to prevent an arrest and to clear the charges they need to send a certain amount of money immediately.
In these scams they advise the person to call them back once they purchase a money card, money gram, visit a Western Union, or some other type of currency transfer service. In some instances the caller forces the individuals to stay on the line while they complete the transactions.
The calls were spoofed (Caller ID information altered) to appear as they had come from the Parsippany Police Department to make it appear legitimate.
If you get a phone call of this nature please record the phone number that appears on your caller ID and contact the Police.
The Federal Communications Commission has also stepped in with information and tips for consumers and a breakdown of the rules. Tips include:
- Don’t give out personal information in response to an incoming call. Identity thieves are clever – they often pose as representatives of banks, credit card companies, creditors, or government agencies to get people to reveal their account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother’s maiden names, passwords, and other identifying information.
- If you get an inquiry from a company or government agency seeking personal information, don’t provide it. Instead, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement, in the phone book, or on the company’s or government agency’s website to find out if the entity that supposedly called you actually needs the requested information from you.
To download a guide on spoofing, click here.
For more information about caller ID spoofing please visit the FCC website by clicking here.
Former Accountant Admits Forging $125K Company Check
FLORHAM PARK — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that LePolian McConnell, 34, East Orange, and a former employee of Kushner Company in Florham Park, pled guilty yesterday to one count of second degree Theft by Deception in violation of N.J.S. 2C:20-4(a); one count of second degree Attempted Theft by Deception in violation of N.J.S. 2C:5-1a(1) and N.J.S. 2C:20-4(a), and one count of second degree Conspiracy in violation of N.J.S. 2C:5-2 and N.J.S. 2C:20-4(a).
In pleading guilty, the defendant admitted to fraudulently issuing a Kushner Company check in the amount of $125,000. McConnell also admitted that he conspired with another individual to cash the check at Jersey City Check Cashing in Jersey City.
Under the terms of the plea agreement the State will recommend that the defendant be ordered to pay restitution and to be sentenced to three years in New Jersey State Prison.
Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Francine S. Ehrenberg represented the State in this matter.
The Honorable William J. McGovern, III, J.S.C., presided over the plea. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on October 9, 2015.
Prosecutor Knapp thanks Police Chief Patrick P. Montuore and the Florham Park Police Department, and the Financial Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office who assisted in the investigation and the resolution of this matter.