MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Acting Chief/Officer in Command Martin McParland, Jr. of the Rockaway Township Police Department confirmed two Human Trafficking related arrests, on Friday, June 26.
Debbie Kooken, 42, Boonton, was charged with two counts of Human Trafficking, in violation of N.J.S 2C:13-8(a)3, crimes of the first degree and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:24-4(a)1, crimes of the third degree. The defendant was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
Aldopus Mims, 38, Morris Plains, was also arrested and charged with two counts of Human Trafficking, in violation of N.J.S 2C:13-8(a)3, crimes of the first degree; one count of Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:14-2(c)4, a crime of the second degree, and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:24-4(a)1, crimes of the third degree. The defendant was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
The alleged victims in this matter are two females, aged 15 and 17, who reported that they were led to engage in prostitution by the two defendants between the dates of June 12 and June 16. The 17 year-old victim alleged that Ms. Kooken would make arrangements for the victims to meet with several male clients at area hotels. Mr. Mims would then allegedly collect the money received after the sexual acts were completed. In addition, the 15 year-old victim disclosed that Mr. Mims engaged in sexual acts with her.
Bail was set for Ms. Kooken by the Honorable James M. DeMarzo at $300,000 cash only, with conditions of no contact with any child under the age of 18. Bail also was set for Mr. Mims by Judge DeMarzo at $400,000 cash only, with conditions of no contact with any child under the age of 18 and a waiver of extradition. Judge DeMarzo also issued a Nicole’s Law Restraining Order against each defendant.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Rockaway Borough Police Department, specifically, Officer Scott Haigh, the Rockaway Township Police Department, specifically, Detective Thomas Takacs; the Town of Boonton Police Department, the Hackettstown Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigation Section, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Detective Marshall Wang of the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200 or Det. Thomas Takacs of the Rockaway Township Police Department at (973) 625-4000.
Editors Note: A criminal 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.
Parsippany High School Project Graduation Class of 2014
PARSIPPANY — The Class of 2015 would like to thank the following merchants and families for supporting Project Graduation.
The primary aims of Project Graduation activities are to increase awareness of the dangers of drinking, drugging and driving and to reduce the number of youth involved in alcohol and other drug-related highway crashes. Across the country, Project Graduation and the chemical-free celebrations it inspired are the new tradition for graduating seniors.
Parsippany Focus will be publishing photos from both events, Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School.
A’Viance
Ward Painting Contractor
Acorn Home Improvements
Advanced Auto Parts
Advocare LLC
Ad-Wear Screenprinting
Ah’Pizz
AJ O’Connor Associates, Inc.
AJACO Towing
Alan Jay Rich, LLC
Alfred Dunner
Anthony & Sons Bakery
Anthony Francos
Any Excuse for a Party
Applebees
Aristocrat Limousine & Bus Co.
Around the Clock Sweeping
Arthur’s of Morris Plains
Ashia
Atelier Country Salon and Spa
B&G Foods
Baldwin Bakery and Bagels
Baldwin News & Food Store
Baldwin Pizzeria & Restaurant
Bedding Shoppe
Blink Fitness
Buffalo Wild Wings
Bumples, LLC
Caggiano Orthodontics LLC
Catherine Artke Cleaning Services
Central Middle School PTA
Century 21
Cerbo Lumber & Hardware
Christine Karpack Agent
Colonial Concrete Co.
Custom Decorators Workroom, LLC.
Cutting Edge Landscaping, LLC.
D & B Chinese Restaurant
Dick & Sara Wilde
DJ Drewsie
Dr. De La Rosa
Dunkin Donuts – Lake Hiawatha
Eccola Italian Bistro
Empire Diner
Firestone
First Managed Care Option
Foodtown
Fuddruckers
Gourmet Café
Hart Personnel, Inc.
Hills of Troy Neighbourhood Assoc.
Hoover’s Tavern
Houlihan’s
IBEW Local Union 102
IHOP
Imhoff Company
J.P. New Construction
James Jewelers, Inc.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet
Joy Nails
KStrength Sports Training
Kabab Paradise
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany
Knollwood School PTA
Kohr’s Frozen Yogurt
LA Fitness
Lakeland Hills Family YMCA
Life Size Entertainment
Longhorn Steakhouse
M.A. Jewelers
M&E Soap Company
Mara’s Café and Bakery
Mario’s Express Service
Mary Lou Hale’s School of Dance
Massage Envy Spa
Matthew Dobish
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Morris Hills Veterinary Clinic
Mount Holleran Towne Tavern
Mountain Lakes Auto Spa
Mountain Lakes Bagels Deli & Café
Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Poccia, Jr and daughter
Nail Passion
Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning
NJ Advanced Pain Management
Northvail School PTA
Outback Steakhouse of Parsippany
Papa Johns Pizza
Par-Troy Little League East
Par-Troy West Little League
Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education
Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge No 2078
Parsippany Focus
Parsippany Foot and Ankle LLC
Parsippany High School PTA
Parsippany Municipal Alliance Committee
Parsippany Public Employees Local 1
Parsippany’s Best
Parties Are Us Rentals
Partridge Run Apartments
Paul Miller Audi
Pep Boys
Photo Zone
PNY Technologies, Inc.
Priola Funeral Service
Przyhocki Services Inc.
PTF Sports
Public Works Management LLC
Pure Restaurant and Lounge
K. Hughes
Red Stone Tavern
Restaurant Depot
Retro Fitness
Robert Iracane, CPA
Ro-Lo Systems Inc
Route 46 Park Plaza Association
S Cerbo & Sons, Inc.
Sancon Services Inc.
Sogo
Sound Waves
St. Peter the Apostle Church
Staples
Sunrise ShopRite – STARS Program
Sunrise ShopRite of Parsippany, LLC
Super Scoops
Sushi-Kuu Restaurant, Lake Hiawatha
Teresa Canderozzi
TGI Fridays
The American BBQ Company
The Arena’s at Woodbridge
The Burdick Family
The DaCosta Family
The Durburow Family
The McGinley Family
The Michael Konner Corp.
The Neglia Family
Thermo Express Printing
Thomas and Theresa Pallis
Thom-Mist, Inc.
Tocad/Sunpack
Troy-Hills School PTA
Venice Food Corporation
VFW Post 10184
Vinhas Jewelers
Vitale’s Trattoria
Wan Fu Yuan, Inc.
Wendy’s of Parsippany
William & Kathryn Masters, Jr.
Wine Amphorae Wines & Liquors LLC
Woman’s Club of Parsippany
Special Thanks to: STA-Student Transportation of America
PARSIPPANY — Springfield College recently held its commencement weekend where 621 master’s degrees, nine certificates of advanced graduate study, 16 doctor of philosophy degrees, and 27 doctoral of physical therapy degrees were awarded at the graduate commencement ceremony. At the undergraduate commencement, 973 bachelor’s degrees were awarded for a two-day total of 1646 degrees.
Brigid Crystal has earned a doctor of physical therapy degree in Physical Therapy. Brigid is a 2009 Graduate of Parsippany Hills High School.
Founded in 1885, Springfield College is known worldwide for the guiding principles of its humanics philosophy–educating students in spirit, mind and body for leadership in service to others. With its foundation of academic excellence and rich athletic heritage, Springfield College prepares students with real-world leadership skills for careers that transform lives and communities. The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of health sciences, human and social services, sport management and movement studies, education, business, and the arts and sciences. It also offers doctoral programs in physical education, physical therapy, and counseling psychology. The college is ranked in the 2015 edition of “Best Colleges” in the top tier of “Best Regional Universities – North Region” by U.S.News and World Report, and is designated as a premier Leadership Development Center by the YMCA of the USA. More than 5,000 traditional, nontraditional and international students study at its main campus in Springfield, Mass., and at its School of Human Services campuses across the country.
A judge in Atlantic County has just held that public agencies cannot sue records requestors for declarations that the records sought are not subject to the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). The court affirmed that only the requestor can sue under OPRA and awarded attorney’s fees to the defendant-requestor!
The action arose following an OPRA request for surveillance video footage from the Township of Hamilton. Instead of granting or denying the request, the Township filed a lawsuit seeking relief from its obligation to respond.
Morris County Freeholders with Mayor Barberio in happier times.
The Morris County Board of Freeholders will take over management of the Morris County Jail on September 1, 2015, removing Sheriff Edward Rochford as manager of jail operations.
Citing state law that allows freeholder boards to “exercise the custody, rule, keeping and charge of county jails,’’ the freeholder board voted Wednesday night to direct the county administrator to take all steps needed to assume direct control of the county lockup, which is located in Morris Township. The vote was 6-0. Freeholder John Cesaro abstained.
The freeholder board, in making its decision, cited ongoing fiscal differences with the sheriff, including excessive raises negotiated with corrections unions and huge overtime increases at the jail despite a marked reduction in the number of inmates. They also cited the sheriff’s unwillingness to cooperate with the County Office of Labor Relations, which has historically negotiated all labor contracts for the county, and with a general lack of communications on many issues.
Under Sheriff Rochfords watch The correctional facility received accreditation through the American Correctional Association (ACA), one of only two jails in the state and one of only 145 county jails nationwide to do so.
The freeholders on Wednesday also voted to reject four labor agreements that have been negotiated this year by Sheriff Rochford, including two with corrections unions.
“The county has determined that it is in the best interests of Morris County to have the Morris County Freeholder Board assume complete and sole oversight of the corrections facility,’’ according to the resolution passed by the county governing board on Wednesday night. “ The County Administrator and County Counsel are hereby directed to take all necessary actions to implement this transfer…’’ according to the freeholder resolution.
Late this afternoon, Rochfords office issued the following statement:
We are still digesting all that transpired in the middle of the night as this comes as a complete shock to us. Never once was there expressed concern or a phone call made with regards to the management of the jail. There is no justification for taking over the jail as it has just received national accreditation for the 11th year in a row ranking it in the top 1% of all jails in the entire country. Chris Christie’s own State Comptroller studied all state jails and reported our jail as the 5th lowest out of the 21 counties for overtime spending. The jail is currently undergoing its annual inspection from the state and is expecting to receive a 100% as in past years.
“This is an abuse of power by the Freeholders. They are playing with the taxpayers’ safety for their own political purposes. They are legally allowed to take over the jail but it makes no fiscal sense to do so and the taxpayers should look to Warren and Ocean Counties where the jail was taken over by their respective Freeholder Boards and then returned to the Sheriff because it was an expense and a liability they did not actually want to bear.” Rochford explains. The Freeholders spent hundreds of thousands of dollars with study after study trying to justify dismantling the Bureau of Law Enforcement and creating a county police but despite their best attempts, the public outcry shut that down. Now they are after the jail without any due diligence but rather, just because they can.
The idea of setting up a meeting with the Freeholders to discuss the signed contracts only was originated two months ago in a meeting with County Administrator, John Bonanni. The Freeholders conveniently chose a day that the Sheriff had to be out of town at a professional commitment. Our very own Morris County chief, Chief Wagner from Denville was being sworn in as the 100th President of the Chiefs Association. This is a huge deal for the county and every law enforcement leader was in attendance to show support. The Sheriff requested on three separate occasions to have the meeting rescheduled citing the importance of this event, to no avail. No professional courtesy was given to reschedule. He agreed to call into the meeting via phone so he could participate but he was not able to connect to which the county officials claimed was due to “technical difficulties” on their end; leaving Rochford unable to participate in the meeting at all.
There was no public announcement of this Resolution on the agenda which is simply downright unethical. In fact, Freeholder Cesaro claimed at the meeting that he also didn’t know anything about this and suggested publically at the meeting that the vote be held off until the Sheriff could have an opportunity to speak, however the board charged forward. Perhaps it is actions like this that caused Cesaro to separate himself from the losing incumbents Scapicchio and Krikus because he holds himself to a higher code of ethics.
The Bureau of Corrections has seen a spike in overtime due to the continued mass departures resulting from the egregiously uncompetitive salaries. Since 2012, we have lost 39% of our new officers within their first two years. This equates to close to $800,000 in training costs of replacement officers and close to the same amount for overtime to fill the void of the departing officers during the lapse of time required to get a new officer approved, through the academy and up and running. The Sheriff has addressed this with the Board of Chosen Freeholders and County officials but they have disrespectfully ignored him and his 50 years of law enforcement experience.
The Sheriff, with reaffirmed authority to do so after the May 2014 Bergen Case decision of Sheriff Saudino vs. rouge Executive Administrator Donovan, had to take things in his own hands and negotiate a reasonable contract, giving back the steps back that were taken away in their last contract; steps that are standard in this profession across the country. “The Freeholders tout a $60 million surplus, much of which they accumulated off the backs of our employees in the years they took away their steps and gave them a zero percent increase. That has hurt the agency and ultimately the county tremendously as the financial drain from this constant loss of officers has grown out of control. As an agency we have spent roughly $1.2 million in each of the last two years in training replacements. That doesn’t even include the money we spent on the overtime that occurred due to the void. These new contracts collectively total about $600,000 in additional salary and wages which is less than half of what we are spending each year in replacements. The Sheriff has brought this to the attention of the Freeholders many times, too many to innumerate, but it seems to fall on deaf ears. In fact, the Freeholders spent over four years litigating and repeatedly appealing the last Corrections union contract spending an exorbitant amount of taxpayer’ money only to be hammered by the Appellate court on the 5th appeal. The Freeholders have used the taxpayer funds as their bottomless pit to beat down their opponents in the court room.
In this last election of the Freeholders, each candidate was asked in a public debate if they would spend 50 cents to save a dollar, to which every single one of them unequivocally agreed that they would. This is essentially what we have here. Increase our salary and wages by $600,000 and we will save the county far more than $1.2 million a year.
In short, the Sheriff has negotiated in good faith with his unions for the best interest of the agency and the county at large. He has always remained fiscally responsible and conscientious. He has acted within his legal rights and dutiful responsibilities. The contracts are within the salary ranges set forth by the governing body themselves for county law enforcement. The salaries three years from now will still be lower than those the Prosecutor’s Office enjoy today so there should not be any issue. The Freeholder Board is interfering with the Sheriff’s ability to run the agency in his fiscally conservative ways and as a result have created this overtime issue that they are now touting as mismanagement.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Troy-Hills Fire District 6 and Parsippany Fire District 5 were dispatched to Zimmer Trabecular Metal Tech, 10 Pomeroy Road at approximately 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, June 25 on a reported fire in a commercial building. Upon their arrival, they were met by the plant supervisor and security guard who confirmed that employees were evacuated prior to Parsippany Police arrival.
Upon arrival fire crews found a small fire in a piece of the machinery inside the building, which was caused by a malfunctioning motor.
Lake Hiawatha Fire Department District 4 and Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department District 1 were dispatched for their Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) and Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company District 3 for additional manpower.
Crews were able to extinguish the fire quickly, but were faced with a hazmat condition. Parsippany Volunteer District 5 Hazmat Team was dispatched to the scene.
The Morris County Office of Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, Morris County Hazardous Materials Team and New Jersey department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) were also on scene along with Whippany Fire Department, and Morris County Hazmat.
After the fire was extinguished, the NJ DEP conducted a chemical reading and did not locate any high levels of chlorine in the building, deeming the premises safe for reentry. No injuries resulted during the incident and the 15 exposed firefighters were decontaminated prior to leaving the scene.
Parsippany Police Department, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit were also at the scene.
Pine Brook Volunteer Fire Department and East Hanover Fire Department provided station coverage during this time at District 5 Old Bloomfield Avenue firehouse.
Parsippany Focus observed early this morning Department of Enviromental Protection (DEP) officials and Hazmat Response Team Marines Services, a private contractor, were working on the clean up from the loading dock in front of the building.
Editors Note: Story was updated with additional information on June 25 at 4:20 p.m.
PARSIPPANY — Success Communications Group (SCG), a full-service communications firm focused on public relations and advertising – recently welcomed Fort Lee resident Erin Ford to its public relations department. Success Communications Group is located at 26 Eastmans Road.
A former intern with SCG, Ford’s responsibilities include creating online content and distributing releases for clients in a wide range of industries, including retail, education, healthcare, and real estate.
“SCG is pleased to welcome Erin back as a full-time member of our team,” says Michael Cherenson, APR, executive vice president of the Parsippany-based firm. “As the communications field evolves, recent graduates like Erin enter the work force with strong backgrounds in social media platforms and online content. Our clients will benefit from this foundation of knowledge.”
Ford graduated from Penn State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies, with a minor in International Studies.
“I believe there’s a lot of room to grow and introduce new, creative approaches to fit our clients’ needs,” Ford says. “I’m grateful to be given this opportunity to kick off my career.”
About Success Communications Group
Success Communications Group (formerly The Cherenson Group) was founded 50 years ago, and is a respected leader among agencies that provide advertising, public relations, and recruitment/classified advertising services. The firm is based in Parsippany, with satellite offices throughout the country.
PARSIPPANY — Come celebrate Pet Valu’s new location with a Grand Opening Celebration at the Parsippany store on Saturday, June 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. PetValu is located at Morris Hills Shopping Center.
Enjoy complimentary refreshments, face painting, raffle prizes and fun with the Pet Valu mascot.
A variety of animal rescues and organizations will be onsite throughout the day facilitating pet adoptions and showcasing pet services:
8:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Ruff Rehab Inc.
8:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Mind of Dog, LLC
10:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Classy Lassies Mobile Pet Spa
12:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. FernDog LLC
3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Miss Pat’s Cats.
Pet Valu Pet Store is a specialty retailer of premium pet food, treats, toys and accessories. They offer over 7,000 products, including holistic, national and premium brands of pet foods and treats as well as a wide selection of essential and innovative pet supplies for all budgets, purchased from over 200 suppliers in 11 countries. Visit Pet Valu online at www.petvalu.com.
A server at a New Jersey Houlihan’s is suing the restaurant’s owners over what she alleges is an illegal tip-pooling policy. Erica Sargent, of Woodbury Heights, filed a lawsuit on June 13 in federal court against ACE Restaurant Group, which owns and operates about 15 Houlihan’s locations in the Garden State. The suit claims that Houlihan’s…
TRENTON — Casinos in north Jersey? The odds are against it. A Fairleigh Dickinson University PublicMind poll of 913 New Jersey residents released Tuesday found 56 percent oppose allowing casinos outside of Atlantic City, while just 37 percent support it. “The public is questioning the logic behind allowing the spread of casino gambling,” said Krista Jenkins,…
TRENTON — More than two and a half years after Hurricane Sandy pushed his approval rating to an all time high of 77 percent, Gov. Christie’s polls are now reaching record lows seemingly every month. To better understand his precipitous slide, NJ Advance Media asked a quartet of top Garden State pollsters to describe the governor’s…
PARSIPPANY — On Thursday, June 25 and possibly Friday, June 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the Northbound lane of Littleton Road, East of the Parsippany Boulevard intersection will be closed due to construction. The following access is affected:
1) Traffic traveling East from 202 will NOT be able to continue through the Parsippany Boulevard intersection.
2) Traffic traveling South on Parsippany Boulevard will NOT be able to make a left turn onto Littleton Road.
3) Traffic traveling North on Parsippany Road will NOT be able to make a right turn onto Littleton Road.
Please use Route 46 East to the Littleton Spur which is located between the gas stations prior to Smith Road. This will direct you to the intersection at the District 6 Firehouse near the Route 287 North on-ramp. Thank you for your patience.
Customers who bought the 24-ounce size of Wish-Bone ranch dressing distributed by a Parsippany firm are in for a surprise: In some cases, what’s inside is blue cheese dressing. For some folks, that will be nothing more than a disappointment. For people with an allergy to eggs, however, it could be highly dangerous. For that reason,…
SONJ athletes Derrell Phinney (left) and Paul Butera (center) with special friend of SONJ, Pete Samahas (center), and SONJ coach, Bob Benjamin (far right), at the 25th Annual Delta Dental of New Jersey Golf Classic
PARSIPPANY — Delta Dental of New Jersey has raised nearly $58,000 at its 25th Annual Golf Classic benefiting Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ). The event was held at Cherry Valley Country Club in Skillman.
SONJ golf coach Bob Benjamin; SONJ athlete Derrell Phinney; SONJ athlete Paul Butera; SONJ Director of Corporate Sponsorships Beth Conover; DDNJ President/CEO Dennis Wilson; SONJ special friend Pete Samahas
To date, the Delta Dental Golf Classic has raised more than $1 million for SONJ. In addition to celebrating the ongoing partnership between the two organizations, this year’s milestone event also honored the memory of Diane Belle, who managed the Golf Classic for 24 years.
This is a major event and high point each year for Delta Dental of New Jersey. Golfers, sponsors, and volunteers all take part in making the Golf Classic a success, allowing thousands of Special Olympics Athletes to participate in individual and team sports. Funds were raised by sponsors, Delta Dental’s management team, golfers, and raffles.
“Delta Dental of New Jersey is a longtime supporter of Special Olympics New Jersey, and a Premier Sponsor. The Golf Classic is not only an event that greatly benefits our athletes, but one that members of our organization really enjoy,” said Diane M. Paraskevas, Senior Director of Corporate Development, SONJ.
DDNJ President/CEO Dennis Wilson says a few words to honor the memory of former colleague, Diane Belle, who managed the Golf Classic for 24 years
Dennis Wilson, President and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey added, “This year we celebrated the thriving 25-year partnership Delta Dental of New Jersey has with Special Olympics New Jersey, and we honored the memory of our friend and colleague, Diane Belle. I think Diane would be very proud of what we accomplished at this year’s event – raising $58,000, which will support and allow thousands of athletes to participate in sports training and competitions year round.”
Delta Dental of New Jersey’s affiliation with Special Olympics began in 1990. Since that time, the company has gone from being a Bronze Sponsor to a Premier Sponsor.
Special Olympics New Jersey is a nonprofit organization that provides sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. To learn more about SONJ and how to get involved, or to make a donation, contact Heather Andersen at (609) 896-8000 or HBA@sonj.org.
About Special Olympics New Jersey
Special Olympics New Jersey provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 24 Olympic-type sports for more than 24,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, completely free of charge, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Visit www.sonj.org for more information.
About Delta Dental
Delta Dental of New Jersey is New Jersey’s leading dental benefits company, providing or administering coverage to more than 1.5 million people through contracts with groups in New Jersey and Connecticut. In Connecticut, Delta Dental Insurance Company writes dental coverage on an insured basis and Delta Dental of New Jersey administers self-funded dental benefit programs. For more information, visit www.deltadentalnj.com.
David Islinger, Jackson Lewis, P.C.; DDNJ Senior Account Executive, Sales & Marketing, Allan Berkin; DDNJ President/CEO Dennis Wilson; Stew McClure, SONJ Board Member and Lakeland Bank
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education and its senior administration announced a number of administrative additions and changes designed to advance the district’s many programs and opportunities for the students it serves.
Mr. Gary Borges, currently serving as Principal at Central Middle School, has accepted the appointment to serve as Coordinating Principal for Athletics/Physical Education and Health Supervisor K-12/East. In addition to Mr. Borges’ many years of experience in service as a building principal, he will bring to this new assignment a strong background in sports and athletics including his earning of an M.A. in Sports Administration; experience and certifications as an athletic trainer with Major League Baseball Organizations; and state certifications as Principal, Athletic Trainer and Physical Education/Health Teacher.
Mr. Mark Gray, currently serving as Principal at Eastlake Elementary School, has accepted the assignment to serve as Principal at Central Middle School. Mr. Gray will enjoy a homecoming at CMS of sorts, having previously served CMS both as Assistant Principal, Language Arts teacher for 11 years and Lead Teacher of Language Arts for eight years.
Ms. Marisa Rosa will be joining the district as its new Principal at the Knollwood Elementary School. Ms. Rosa most recently served as Principal of the Charles Olbon Elementary School in Woodland Park, NJ. She joins the Knollwood School as our district bids a fond farewell and best wishes to Mrs. Susan Raymond who is retiring after many years of dedicated service as Principal at Knollwood.
Mr. Evan Totka and Mr. Michael Nicosia have both accepted assignments to serve as Middle School Dean of Student Affairs. Mr. Totka, to be assigned to serve that role at Central Middle School, has more recently served as Physical Education and Health teacher at Brooklawn Middle School. Mr. Nicosia will serve in the same role at Brooklawn Middle School, having most recently been assigned as a Mathematics teacher at Parsippany High School.
Ms. Michele Neal, who has served the district for almost fifteen years as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant generally assigned to teams supporting secondary students, has accepted the assignment to serve as Supervisor of Special Education/Secondary Programs Grades 6-12. Ms. Neal will partner with Ms. Bernadette Flaherty, currently assigned as the sole Supervisor of Special Education K-12, and who will be reassigned in that role to provide service exclusively to students in grades preK-5. Ms. Neal’s addition will allow our district to provide greater time and attention to our 1,100 plus special needs students currently enrolled.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education honored Parsippany Hills High School Academic Decathlon students.The Advisors are Elizabeth Mejia and Jaclyn Bevacqua. PHHS took Third Place Team Regional Competition State Competition.
The students honored at a Parsippany-Troy Hills Board Meeting held on Tuesday, June 23 were:
Board Member Alison Cogan, Kristin Chin and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Kristin Chen received recongition forRegional Competition: First Place-Music, Second Place-Mathematics, Science, And Super Quiz; Third Place Overall Decathlete For Scholastic; Honorable Mention-Language /Literature, Highest Scoring Scholastic Parsippany Hills High School Decathlete, Most Valuable Team Member; State Competition: First Place-Music; Honorable Mention- Language /Literature And Speech; Highest Scoring Scholastic Parsippany Hills High School Decathlete.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Peter Chin and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Peter Chiu received recongition for Regional Competition: Honorable Mention-Social Science.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Ananya Iyengar and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Ananya Iyengar received recongition for Regional Competition: Second Place-Interview; Honorable Mention-Essay, Language/Literature And Speech. State Competition: Second Place-Speech; Highest Scoring Honors Parsippany Hills High School Decathlete; Most Valuable Player- Highest Overall Scorer.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Tara Kakkaramadam and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Tara Kakkaramadam received recongition for State Competition: Second Place-Science.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Saketh Nibhanupudi and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Saketh Nibhanupudi received recongition for Regional Competition: Second Place-Science.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Rahul Shah and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Rahul Shah received recongition for Regional Competition: Second Place-Science; Third Place Social. Science
Board Member Alison Cogan, Vanessa Ting and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Vanessa Ting received recongition for Regional Competition: First Place-Social Science; Second Place-Art.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Annie Wang and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Annie Wang received recongition for Regional Competition: Second Place-Mathematics, Third Place-Interview; Honorable Mention-Science And Speech; State Competition: Third Place-Mathematics.
Also receiving recognition was Michael Tran for Regional Competition: Second Place-Speech; Honorable Mention-Economics; Highest Scoring Honors Decathlete For Parsippany Hills High School and Alezander Wu received recongition for Regional Competition: Second Place-Interview And Honorable Mention-Essay; and Karoline Xiong received recongition for Regional Competition: Second Place-Mathematics; and Joseph Yao received recongition for Regional Competition: Honorable Mention-Interview, Highest Scoring Varsity Decathlete For Parsippany Hills High School; State Competition: Highest Scoring Varsity Decathlete For Parsippany Hills High School. (not pictured).
DECA Emerging Leader Honor Awards
John Pico, Advisor
The purpose of the DECA Emerging Leader Honor Award is to provide recognition of graduating DECA members studying marketing, finance, hospitality and management for being an academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, experienced leader through participation in DECA. Receiving DECA awards were:
Board Member Alison Cogan, Ashley Bostek and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Ashley Bostek received recongition for State Finalist; Regional Honorable Mention For Entrepreneurship.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Eva Cavanaugh and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Eva Cavanaugh received recongition for Regional Honorable Mention For Principles Of Finance.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Mattew Eng and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Matthew Eng received recongition for Regional Honorable Mention For Financial Services.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Victoria Eng and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Victoria Eng received recongition for Regional Honorable Mention For Principles Of Finance.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Daphne Gao and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Daphne Gao received recongition for National Role Play Regional First Place; State Second Place Regional First Place For Principles Of Hospitality.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Rohan Gupta and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Rohan Gupta received recongition for Regional Second Place For Sports Marketing.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Nilam Kalawadi and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Nilam Kalawadia received recongition for State Second Place And Regional First Place For Principles of Business.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Mark Lalo and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Mark Lalo received recongition for Regional Honorable Mention For Automotive Services.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Anthony Kfoury and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Anthony Kfoury received recongition for State First Place; Regional Honorable Mention For Business Law and Ethics.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Danielle Lee and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Danielle Lee received recongition for State Finalist; Regional Honorable Mention For Hospitality Sales.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Austin Li and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Austin Li received recongition for Regional Honorable Mention For Marketing Management.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Harshkumar Patel and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Harshkumar Patel received recongition for State Finalist For Financial Services.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Riya Patel and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Riya Patel received recongition for Regional Honorable Mention For Hospitality Sales.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Alexa Porter and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Alexa Porter received recongition for State First Place; Regional Honorable Mention For Business Law and Ethics.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Matthew Thomas and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Matthew Thomas received recongition for State Finalist; Regional Honorable Mention For Financial Decisions.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Vanessa Ting and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Vanessa Ting received recongition for State First Place For Virtual Hospitality; Regional Honorable Mention For Human Resource Management.
Yasmine Ashour received recongition for Regional Honorable Mention For Principles of Accounting; and Katherine Demottie received recongition for State Finalist; Regional Honorable Mention For Hospitality Professional Sales; and Carlyn Griscti received recongition for State Finalist; Regional Second Place For Apparel and Accessories; and Nina Indyke received recongition for Regional Honorable Mention For Human Resource Management; and Rachel Karger received recongition for Regional Honorable Mention For Principles of Business; and Alice Liang received recongition for Regional Honorable Mention For Professional Sales Event; and Raj Patel received recongition for Regional Honorable Mention For Business Financial Services; and Chintal Shah received recongition for Regional Honorable Mention For Quick Serve Restaurant Management; and Neha Shah received recongition for State Second Place For Human Resource Management; and Ammer Soliman received recongition for Regional Honorable Mention For Business Financial Services.
Math Team
Advisors – Eric Berkowitz And Catherine Driscoll
Second Place Morris County New Jersey Mathematics League
Kristin Chen, Rohan Gupta, Jonathan Leung, Timothy Lin, Justin Lu, Eshan Saran and Ammer Soliman.
Eileen Wang received recongition for Third Place Individual Winner; Association Of Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey.
Board Member Alison Cogan, Kristen Chen and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Board Member Alison Cogan, Rohan Gupta and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Board Member Alison Cogan, Eileen Wang and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Board Member Alison Cogan, Eshan Saran and Board Vice President Frank Neglia
PARSIPPANY — Safilo Group, the fully integrated Italian eyewear creator and worldwide distributor of quality and trust, has announced today the intent to relocate its North American headquarters which is currently co-located with a Distribution Center at 801 Jefferson Road.
This follows the decision to simplify and streamline operationally its US Logistics and Distribution network, which will be run entirely out of its existing Distribution Center in Denver (Colorado). Following a carefully planned operational transition, the Parsippany Distribution Center will close by mid next year.
A relocation study for the Group’s future North America headquarters has been launched involving an employee taskforce to identify the most attractive HQ location closer to New York City and better connect with Safilo’s Fifth Avenue showroom. The study will conclude by this fall, and the move is anticipated within 2016.
“Safilo’s business in North America is strong and growing. We start here with the worldwide simplification of our Logistics and Distribution network as per our 2020 Strategic Plan,” comments Luisa Delgado, CEO of Safilo Group. “North America’s leading eyewear retailers, trend setting design and innovation, and our Solstice Sunglasses shopper lab, offer important inspiration for our Group worldwide. We are also opening here our fourth global Design Studio, co-located within our NYC Showroom. A new North American headquarters offers further unique opportunity to re-invent ourselves and attract additional talent to build North America’s future business growth.”
The DC consolidation into Denver leverages Denver’s already important track record in delivering customer service across the region. All Distribution Center employees in Parsippany are being offered the choice to relocate to Denver or alternatively to receive transition and outplacement support.
Safilo has been present in the US since 1986, and has been located in Parsippany since November 1997.
As Tuesday afternoon potentially destructive storms bear down on New Jersey, here’s a few tips for what to do before and during severe weather events. RELATED: Concern mounting this afternoon as N.J. quickly becoming fertile ground for severe weather If you hear thunder, the National Weather service advises people to get inside. Wait until 30 minutes…
Today’s severe thunderstorms haven’t hit the state yet, however meteorologists say storms are on their way. The National Weather Service has extended its severe thunderstorm watch until 11 p.m. for the entire Garden State. Latest regional radar associated with severe thunderstorm watch 346. Really starting to light up. pic.twitter.com/YJh9ZLz4pw — Gary Szatkowski (@GarySzatkowski) June 23, 2015…
TRENTON — Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush will host two fundraisers in New Jersey next month. Two sources familiar with Bush’s plans said they will both take place on July 23. A 5:30 pm reception is scheduled to be held in Middletown, followed by a 7:30 pm reception in Short Hills, said the sources, who requested…
