The answer to one question about a road project is bound to prompt a query about work on a neighboring highway. That’s the case with a question about a ramp between I-80 and 287. Hit the turn signal, we’re taking the exit to the mailbag. Several readers asked how many lanes the ramps would be between…
Large pet adoption event to be held
EAST HANOVER — Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter will be working in cooperation with PetSmart Charities for Petsmart’s Community Adoption Event during the weekend of July 24 through July 26.
On Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26, they will be joining forces with St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center of Madison and the Associated Humane Societies of New Jersey from Newark to have a large adoption event in the PetSmart parking lot and hope to place at least 100 dogs and cats into loving homes over the course of three days. It’s a lofty goal but we know with your support we can achieve it!
Half off all adoption fees – normal conditions apply. Free Gifts for all adopters.
If you’re thinking about adding a pet to your family, come on by! Even if you’re not looking for a new pet you can still help – simply share this event with your friends to spread the word.
PetSmart is located at 190 Route 10 West.
On behalf of Stella and Humphrey, and the rest of their friends who are eagerly awaiting their forever homes, thank you!
Integrity House to Benefit from 2nd Annual Mille Miglia Car Show Rally
MONTCLAIR — Fresco Da Franco will host the second annual Mille Miglia Auto Club car show rally, benefiting the Bate Adolescent Program at Integrity House, on Sunday, July 12. The car rally was originally scheduled for June 28, but was postponed due to weather conditions. Following the success of their client-created “Boys of Bate” film, the nationally recognized non-profit substance abuse rehabilitation center will be receiving a portion of the rally’s proceeds.
Taking place at Fresco, located at 15 Church Street, the event will commence with registration at 10:30 a.m., followed by a four mile police-escorted rally showcasing Italian exotic cars. Robert Budsock, President and CEO of Integrity House, will speak at the Meet and Greet Brunch along with members from the cast of the Sopranos at noon. Client testimonials from individuals who are currently enrolled in Integrity House’s program will follow, and the event will wrap up with a special celebrity performance.
“The car rally will help us bring much-needed awareness to the disease of addiction and the effects it has on individuals of all ages, while helping us to raise funds that allow us to provide the services and programming needed to aid individuals that are on the path to recovery,” said Budsock. “We are excited to participate in the event and thankful for the ongoing support from local community leaders and businesses, such as Fresco restaurant and the Mille Miglia Auto Club, who support our mission of helping our clients get back on track toward a successful path of sustained recovery.”
Integrity House’s Bate Adolescent Program is a residential program that serves adolescent males between the ages of 13 and 18 who have substance abuse and co-occurring mental health and behavioral issues. By attending and participating in the car rally, you are helping Integrity House to expand and enrich the services it offers for its adolescent clients.
For more information on Integrity House or if you are interested in making a donation and supporting the worthy cause, please contact Cynthia Taylor at Cynthia_Taylor@integrityhouse.org or (973) 848-3760, or click here to learn about the full continuum of care it provides. To learn about sponsorship opportunities, rally information, or if you are interested in placing a journal ad, please contact Franco Porporino at franco@frescomontclair.com.
About Integrity House:
Integrity House, a nationally recognized non-profit substance abuse rehabilitation organization with locations in Newark and Secaucus, New Jersey, is the largest treatment facility funded and licensed by the State of New Jersey. Providing addiction treatment and support services for almost 2,400 adult and adolescent addicts each year, Integrity House offers a full continuum of care and implements a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to treatment for clients with substance use disorders from all of New Jersey’s 21 counties, helping individuals and families to make sustainable life-style changes. Since its establishment in 1968, Integrity House has evolved to offer a multitude of state-licensed, CARF accredited programs, including Adult Residential, Adolescent Residential, Halfway House, Partial Care, Intensive Outpatient, Corrections, Aftercare, Supportive Housing and specialized programs for men and women. Integrity House also offers prevention, intervention, and educational services. For more information, visit www.integrityhouse.org or call (973) 623-7246. Connect with Integrity House on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/1qiKUBS or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/IntegrityNJ.
Motor Vehicle Crash on Webro Road; Driver arrested for DWI
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officer R. Howell and J. Hughes responded to 200 Webro Road for a report of a motor vehicle crashon Sunday, July 5 at 4:04 a.m. Upon their arrival, they observed that a red 2009 Acura, with two flat tires, had struck a red 2012 Toyota which was parked and unoccupied.
The owner of the parked vehicle contacted Parisppany-Troy Hills Police when he exited his place of employment and discovered the damage.
The officers located a male individual, unresponsive in the back seat of the Audi.
While attempting to awaken the male, Officer Howell observed a half empty bottle of alcoholic beverage in the vehicle’s passenger compartment.
After the male was awakened and determined to be uninjured, a brief investigation resulted in determining that he was the driver of the Audi, later identified as Mr. Serhiy Senchyshyn, 30, Clifton.
Mr. Senchyshyn was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. He was transported to Police Headquarters and issued summonses for Driving While Intoxicated and Careless Driving.
He was later released to a family member, pending his charges and court appearance.
Editors Note: A complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Brian Recchia earned a degree from the University of New Haven
PARSIPPANY — Brian Recchia graduated from the University of New Haven with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Recchia was a graduate of Parsippany High School, class of 2011.
Recchia started working at Omland Engineering Associates on June 1.
The University of New Haven is a private, top-tier comprehensive institution recognized as a national leader in experiential education. Founded in 1920 the University enrolls approximately 1,800 graduate students and more than 4,600 undergraduates.
Jessica Berns among 2015 spring graduates of JMU
PARSIPPANY — James Madison University is pleased to announce the following student who graduated during the May 8, 2015 commencement exercises.
Jessica Berns graduated with a Master’s Degree, Special Education K-12 and Adaptive Curriculum.
James Madison University offers each student a future of significance — not an education of mere prestige, but an extraordinary education of exceptional scholarship, inventive thinking, unparalleled attention to the world community, a university-wide enthusiasm for teaching, and a commitment to student success.
Underage drinker ran off road; Charged with DWI
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officer R. McGinnis was on patrol when he observed a male individual attempting to push a black 1998 Toyota Corolla onto the roadway, on Sunday, July 5 at 1:46 a.m.
The officer approached the individual, later identified as Mr. Brayan Velasquez-Molano – 19, Morris Plains, and after a brief investigation determined that he was the driver of the vehicle which was driven off the roadway at Littleton Road and Halsey Road.
Mr. Velasquaez-Molano was placed under arrest by Officer McGinnis for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. He was transported to Police Headquarters and issued summonses for Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving.
He was released to a family member pending his charges and court appearance.
Editors Note: A complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Still defending Bill Cosby? | Editorial
In the end, it wasn’t the rape accusations of more than 25 women that finally cinched the case against Bill Cosby. It was voices of two men. The first was stand-up comic Hannibal Buress, who told a Cosby rape joke that reminded everyone of this decades-old scandal, bringing it back under public scrutiny. The second was…
New insect species found in New Jersey, and it may already be threatened
Researchers have found a new species of insect living in the New Jersey, according to a recent report. The new species of leafhoppers, which measure about 3 millimeters in length, were found in the grass in Pine Barrens along the New Jersey Turnpike and its habitat may already be threatened. RELATED: See the ‘testicle-eating’ fish with…
Milin Shah: A Star In Licensing
PARSIPPANY — As the nation revels in Shark Week, in Parsippany, there’s even more cause for celebration: Milin Shah, a graduate of Seton Hall University, Class of 2015, was named a 2015 Rising Star by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA).
A global trade organization, LIMA hosts conferences and provides training for professionals within the licensing industry worldwide, while educating and raising awareness of the benefits of licensing within the business community.
“I’m completely humbled to receive this industry recognition,” Shah said. “If you asked me five years ago whether or not I would bet my career on a movie called Sharknado, I’m not exactly sure how I would have replied.”
Shah cut his teeth on intellectual property law as brand manager for Earthbound LLC, a licensing company whose primary client is the SyFy Channel.
Two years ago, when Sharknado took the country by storm, Shah was in the eye of it. His position as brand manager called for him to be conscious of trademarking, licensing and copyright issues. “Every merchandising partner is required to execute a licensing agreement with Syfy,” he said, “and part of my role was negotiating all business points in these contracts.”
Shah graduated with a concentration in Intellectual Property. Currently he is studying for the bar exam and in August, he will join international licensing company Isaac Morris Limited as Vice President of Licensing & Marketing.
“The last four years, balancing an exciting career with evening classes at Seton Hall Law, have been the greatest years of my life thus far,” he concluded. “I cannot wait to begin my next chapter with Isaac Morris. I’m living proof that the cliché holds true: Choose a career you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Milin was featured in Seton Hall “In The Spotlight.”
Credit Seton Hall University School of Law
Morristown hospital tax case is ‘credit positive’ for N.J. municipalities: Moody’s
The recent tax court ruling that Morristown Medical Center should pay property taxes on nearly all of its 40-acre property is beginning to reverberate across the industry. Moody’s Credit Outlook on Monday declared the decision by Tax Court Judge Vito Bianco to be “credit positive” for Morristown, saying that, if unchanged, it would provide an additional…
N.J. farmers could see bumper crop of blueberries
As New Jersey farmers head into the peak harvesting time for blueberries this month, some are expecting an exceptionally fruitful yield, according to The Inquirer. Last year, state farmers brought in about $79.5 million from blueberry sales, making New Jersey one of the top in the U.S. for its blueberry production. Some farmers and industry leaders…
Freeholders Authorize New Assessment of Operations at Morris View Healthcare Center
PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Freeholders have authorized a new assessment of operations at the county owned Morris View Healthcare Center, to look for potential costs savings for taxpayers while also seeking to continued quality care for patients.
The county administration will issue a Request for Proposals in July for a health care consultant to undertake the latest review of the healthcare center, which is located in Morris Township. The consultant will be chosen later this summer, with a review expected to take about two months.
Morris County Administrator John Bonanni and Morris County Human Services Director Jennifer Carpinteri have briefed the Morris View Advisory Council and patients’ family members on the planned review. An explanatory letter also has been sent to all family members
Expected reductions in future Medicaid reimbursements and a possible 2016 loss of state “peer grouping’’ funding (established by the state to help county nursing homes offset costs that private facilities don’t face, such as pensions for their public workers), combined with federal and state government policies that have led to a move away from placing patients in more costly long-term nursing care, have made it essential for the county to take a thorough look at Morris View.
As a result, the freeholders have decided to undertake an operations and options analysis at the 283-bed facility, to ensure that the current high quality of care is maintained and/or improved for residents while providing the county with options aimed at meeting current and future budget requirements.
“We need to be fully educated to allow us to make the best, most informed decisions when it comes to the future of Morris View, which has long been a valuable asset to our community,’’ said Freeholder Hank Lyon, who is the county governing board’s liaison to Morris View. “We aren’t going into this review with any preconceived notions but, in order to have a meaningful review, we have to put every possibility on the table.’’
“We certainly are not going to do anything that should alarm patients and their families, nor the very dedicated staff at Morris View,’’ said Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo. “But there is a definite need for a thorough information update, especially as we face some important changes in Medicaid funding that could affect future revenues at Morris View.
Since 2005, Morris County has commissioned independent consultants and experts to perform various analyses of the facility and make recommendations, the last one being done in 2010. They have resulted in improved and more efficient and cost-effective operations at Morris View.
Resultant changes have included outsourcing of housekeeping, laundry, dietary and other services, an increase in census and Medicare A revenues, implementation of management efficiencies, a reduction of overtime, and less reliance on nurses from outside agencies to staff the facility.
The freeholders voted 6-1 to hire a consultant, with Freeholder John Cesaro dissenting.
As part of the review, the consultant will be asked to examine how other New Jersey counties have handled their nursing homes and take a detailed look at data from previous studies done for Morris County. All steps of the review process, starting at the RFP process, will include participation by the Morris View Advisory Committee, including family members, stressed county officials.
“We are taking a collaborative approach,’’ said Carpinteri. “This will be a true partnership with family members involved in the process. And it’s important to stress that whatever steps are taken will ensure that we maintain or improve our current high quality of care for our patients.’’
Morris View Healthcare Center provides a diverse level of care for those in need of short-term medical, therapeutic and continuous care within the skilled nursing setting
The 2015 budget for Morris View is about $21 million, with $5.8 million paid by taxpayers, who subsidize the facility. The facility has 283 licensed beds and is currently operating near capacity.
Driver of overturned vehicle charged with DWI
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officers E. Giordano, M. Kardos, D. Ross, Patrol Sergeant M. LaManna and Officers from the Denville Police Department responded to the area of Tabor Road and Hope Road for a report of a motor vehicle crash, on Friday, July 3 at 2:26 a.m.
Upon their arrival they observed an unoccupied overturned red 1998 Chrysler minivan in the middle of the roadway.
The officers conducted an area check for occupants, resulting in locating an intoxicated male individual, with visible signs of injury, hiding on a porch of a residence approximately 500 feet from the crash site. The individual provided his name to the officers, which later revealed to be false. He also falsely alleged that another occupant was in the vehicle that fled on foot after the crash resulting in an area search by the officers on scene and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. The search resulted negative for any other individuals. The male was transported to the St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville for his facial injuries.
While the investigation continued, the officers learned that the male’s true identity was discovered to be Mr. Michael Barbato, 48, Staten Island, New York.
The investigation revealed that Mr. Barbato was the driver of the vehicle and there were no other occupants. Mr. Barbato was issued summonses for Failure to Maintain Lane, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Driving with a Suspended License, Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving. He was also charged criminally for Hindering Apprehension/False Identification. The vehicle was towed from the scene and its owner notified. Mr. Barbato was released at the hospital to an acquaintance, pending his charges and court appearance.
DWI arrest on Route 46
PARSIPPANY — Patrolman E. Elston was stopped at a red traffic signal in his marked Patrol vehicle at the intersection of Parsippany Boulevard and Route 46. He observed a black 2007 Ford Explorer travel through the intersection against the red light and proceed onto Route 46 East, on Tuesday, June 30 at 10:47 p.m.
Officer Elston conducted a motor vehicle stop of the vehicle. After a brief investigation, the driver, Mr. Vincent Vivenzio, 46, Somers, CT was arrested for suspicion of Driving While Intoxicated and transported to Police Headquarters where he was issued summonses for Improper Turn at Arrow, Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving.
He was released to an acquaintance, pending his court appearance.
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Woman enters Wawa naked: video
Video captured shows a naked woman walked into a Delran Wawa early Monday morning.
According to the News 10 Philadelphia, the woman was seen entering the convenience store on Route 130 at 6 a.m., when the news crew was in the township covering town resident Carli Lloyd’s Women’s World Cup win.
Starbucks prices set to rise Tuesday
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Just a Third of Police Departments Provide Body Cameras
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National Night Out at Mennen Sports Arena
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s thirteenth annual National Night Out, hosted by the Morris County Park Police and the Morris County Park Commission, returns to Mennen Sports Arena in Morris Township on Tuesday, August 4, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with more FREE attractions. Fire, police, and rescue units are on hand to demonstrate a wide range of skills and equipment that bring awareness to the community with special emphasis on family and the multitude of services available to enrich their lives. Dozens of municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies participate, and are available for questions.
There will be FREE food, drinks, entertainment, ice-skating, giveaways, and attractions offering attendees one of the nation’s best ‘Nights Out.’ Each year since 2007, the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) named the Morris County’s National Night Out event a National Award Winner. “The Morris County National Night Out for the past seven years has received national recognition because it offers a comprehensive array of participating agencies to educate the public on available community services,” says Lt. Gabriel DiPietro of the Morris County Park Police. “In addition to the exhibits, there is FREE ice-skating, hands-on activities, giveaways, an opportunity to explore fire trucks, police vehicles, and more. Our most popular activity is the children’s ID program.”
This year, National Night Out overflows with amusements. Investigate the essential equipment of police, fire, and emergency vehicles, such as motorcycles, ambulances, all-terrain vehicles, fire engines, and squad cars. Visit the horses of the Morris County Park Police’s award-winning Mounted Equestrian Unit. Groove to the tunes of DJ and live performances. The Morris County Park Police are once again offering the most popular FREE Child ID cards, an initiative launched in 2000 that registers more than 1,000 children annually.
Chief Dave Doyle and the Morris County Park Police ensure public safety throughout Morris County, and provide assistance to other area agencies. The department currently patrols park facilities with cars, motorcycles, bicycles, all-terrain vehicles, and horses. For more information, please visit morrisparks.net, or contact Lieutenant Gabe DiPietro at gdepietro@morrisparks.net.
The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 18,730 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!