PARSIPPANY – Two teenage runaways in a stolen car from Pennsylvania face charges after authorities say the pair led police on a high-speed pursuit on Route 80 early Saturday morning. The chase started shortly before 3 a.m., when a state trooper spotted a white Dodge Caravan that had been reported stolen several hours earlier by authorities…
Kiwanis Club participates in “Staples Small Business Showcase”
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany had a display table at “Staples Small Business Showcase” on Saturday, May 9.
The Kiwanis Club provided membership information as well as flyers for their upcoming events to the customers of Staples.
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is hosting a Touch-A-Truck on Saturday, June 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 1719 Route 10 East, Parsippany. Kids…your chance to climb on and explore fire engines, construction vehicles, army trucks, police cars and more.
Face painting, a Flying Drone, Music, Food provided by Shop Rite (for a small fee) and so much more! Goody bags for all children attending.
Admission is $5.00 per person, or a maximum of $20.00 per family.
For more details visit www.parsippanykiwanis.org.
Staples Small Business Showcase is a program offered by the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce to it’s membership.
Any Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce member interested in participating in this program, please contact Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member, at (973) 402-6400.
Police Unity Tour … and they’re off
PARSIPPANY — The Police Unity Tour 2015 started at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9 in East Hanover and is heading to Washington D.C.,
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps received some donations from several local businesses, organizations and invididuals to support his goals. Members of the Police Unity Tour, Chapter 1 will ride approximately 300 miles in the four days.
The schedule of the Police Unity Tour:
Saturday, May 9 – Police Unity Tour Send Off: Target / Ramada Inn, Route 10 West, East Hanover
Tuesday, May 12 – Police Unity Tour Arrival Ceremony, 2:00 p.m. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, E Street between 4th & 5th Street, NW Washington D.C.
Wednesday, May 13 – 26th Annual Candlelight Vigil – National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, 8:00 p.m. E Street between 4th & 5th St, NW Washington D.C.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps is riding in memory of Officer Justin Wayne McGrory,
California Highway Patrol. Officer Justin McGrory was struck and killed by a drunk driver while conducting a field sobriety test on I-15 in Barstow at 3:38 a.m., on Sunday, June 27, 2010.
He and his partner had stopped a suspected drunk driver and were administering the tests when he was struck. His partner was not injured. The drunk driver who struck him stopped a short distance away. He was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of marijuana.
On June 24, 2012, the suspect was acquitted after his trial resulted in a hung jury.
Officer McGrory had served with the California Highway Patrol for almost three years. He is survived by his expected wife and three small children. His fourth child, a daughter, was born on July 20, 2010.
Membership to Police Unity Tour is open to all full or part time law enforcement officers, whether active or retired. Civilians 18 years of age or older, who are employed or affiliated with law enforcement agencies and related organizations or possess specific training or skills required to safely and effectively assist the organization may apply. These requirements include, but are not limited to: dispatchers, first aid personnel, doctors, nurses, lawyers, mechanics (automobile and bicycle) and members of organizations such as the Concerns of Police Survivors, Domestic Violence Response Teams.
In May 1997 the Police Unity Tour, Chapter 1, was organized, by Officer Patrick P. Montuore of the Florham Park Police Department, with the hope of bringing public awareness of Police Officers who have died in the line of duty and to honor their sacrifices. What started with 18 riders on a four day fund-raising bicycle ride from Florham Park to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Has grown into nine Chapters consisting of over 1,800 members nationwide who make the trip annually.
As the original / founding chapter of the Police Unity Tour, Chapter 1 is still based in Florham Park where Pat Montuore now serves as the Chief of Police.
Although based in New Jersey they welcome members from all other states as well as other countries. In addition to having members represent over 40 states they had members from Australia, England, Israel, Italy, India and Canada.
They are proud to be part of the many accomplishments of the Police Unity Tour in 2014 they were able to donate over 1.9 Million Dollars to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, bringing our total donations to nearly 16 Million Dollars.
Valley National Bank Hosted Free Identity Theft Prevention Event
PARSIPPANY — Valley National Bank hosted an Identity Theft Awareness Event on Saturday, May 9, at the Parsippany branch, located at 800 Route 46 West. This event was partnered with USA SHRED, which provided an on-site truck to shred personal and confidential documents, at no cost, to help customers avoid becoming victims of identity theft.
The branch also held a Fire Safety Tips event, hosted by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer District 5 Fire Department. Children were offered a free tour of the firetruck and a goody bag.
Residents from the community were encouraged to bring documents such as old bank statements, checks, income tax returns, credit card statements, etc., that were shredded on-site, for free. Staff members discussed effective measures that can be used to reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft.
For more information contact Branch Service Manager Elizabeth Haywood at (973) 263-0600 or by email by clicking here.
For information about similar events, visit Valley’s website by clicking here.
Valley National Bancorp is a regional bank holding company headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey with $19 billion in assets. Its principal subsidiary, Valley National Bank, currently operates 224 branches serving 24 counties throughout northern and central New Jersey, the New York City boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, and southeast and central Florida. Valley National Bank is one of the largest commercial banks headquartered in New Jersey and is committed to providing the most convenient service, the latest in product innovations and an experienced and knowledgeable staff with a high priority on friendly customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information about Valley National Bank and its products and services, please visit www.valleynationalbank.com or call Customer Service, 24/7 at 800-522-4100.
Cerbo Lumber brings vendors to demonstrate products and offer specials
PARSIPPANY — Cerbo Lumber recently held a “Spring Vendor Day.” The event featured over 20 vendors who offered demonstrations of new products and special show pricing.
Cerbo Lumber, located at 1855 Route 46, has been in business since 1948 and was found by Salvatore Cerbo and his sons. Currently, Cerbo Lumber is a third generation, family owned business.
Cerbo Lumber is one of the original members of the Parsippany Chamber of Commerce.
They are a full-service hardware store and building supplier servicing contractors and homeowners.
Registration Open for 42nd Year of Intramural Soccer
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Soccer Club is accepting registration for boys and girls interested in playing Intramural Soccer this coming Fall 2015 season. You can sign-up through PSC’s website by clicking here now until July 1.
PSC is very proud of the growing success of the intramural soccer program. In Fall 2014 they had almost 1200 players on over 80 soccer teams playing games weekly from September through November.
In April 2015, the spring intramural program expanded to 500 players and over 30 teams playing soccer from April through June. If your kid loves soccer, they have opportunities for them nearly year round!
PHHS Project Graduation hosts a 5K “Color-A-Thon”
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Hills Project Graduation committee sponsored a 5K “Color-A-Thon” on Sunday, May 3.
The “Color-A-Thon” featured many vendors, music, games, and a ton of colorful fun with this healthy, family-oriented fundraiser for the school. All proceeds go towards project graduation.
For over 25 years, the committee has planned an all-night, substance-free party for PHHS graduates. Statistically, graduation night has the highest number of vehicle accidents among seniors nationwide but schools with Project Graduation have statistics that are significantly less. The goal is to keep every Parsippany graduating senior safe on graduation night. Project Graduation is being planned to ensure a fun and safe evening for all 2015 graduates. Historically, it has in part been a graduation gift to them from the Parsippany community. It is only through the generosity of parents, townspeople and the Parsippany business community and many other generous businesses surrounding Parsippany that we have been able keep the cost affordable.
Two car accident on North Beverwyck Road
PARSIPPANY — Ms. Tracy Amato, 45, Parsippany was stopped in the South bound lane of North Beverwyck Road attempting to make a left turn into the Shell Gas Station, when a vehicle driven by Ms. Sohaib Ahmed, 18, Lake Hiawatha was attempting to navigate around Ms. Amato’s vehicle and struck the passenger side rear of the vehicle.
Ms. Amato was driving a 2015 Honda Odyssey and Ms. Ahmed was driving a 2008 Nissan Sentra. Ms. Admed’s vehicle was towed from the scene by Corigliano Towing.
No summons were issued at the time of this article.
Summer-like weather in the forecast for Mother’s Day weekend
UPS Store under new management
PARSIPPANY — The UPS Store in Lake Hiawatha is under new ownership. Recently, Parsippany resident PJ Thurkauf purchased the franchise.
Twenty years ago PJ Thurkauf started as a part-time employee at the Lake Hiawatha location when it was called Mail Boxes Etc.
After working in the store for a number of years here in Lake Hiawatha, the owner of the franchise location purchased the Morristown location as a second store, and I moved over to the Morristown store as the General Manager.
A year later in 1999 I purchased the store in Morristown from him, and have been the owner there. The franchise changed it’s name from Mail Boxes Etc to The UPS Store in 2003.
Thurkauf was raised in Lake Hiawatha, graduated from Parsippany High School and spent a number of years as both a volunteer firefighter with Parsippany’s District 5 Fire Dept and as an EMT with Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad.
A UPS Store franchise location offers a full array of print and business services. They offer custom packaging and shipping solutions including UPS, the United States Postal Service, freight services and soon they will be offering DHL service for more international options.
They maintain a fully digital copy and print center that can produce anything from flyers to business cards to banners and more.
The UPS Store also provides graphic design. They offer secure mail receiving services with their large selection of mailboxes. It’s great for small offices and home based professionals to have a secure place to receive mail and packages outside the home.
They have a solution for just about every business need; they’re more than just shipping, they’re United Problem Solvers.
The UPS Store is located at 144 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha.
Kiwanis Club hosted Ecumenical Breakfast
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany hosted it’s Annaul Ecumenical Breakfast on Thursday, May 7.
Rev. Donald Allen Bragg, Parsippany Presbyterian Church, Rev. Janas Caruncho, Chinese Christian Church, Rev. Jeff Edwards, United Methodist Church of Parsippany, Rev. Susan Sica, St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church and Rev. Dr. Stacie Turk, Parsippany Baptist Church participated in the breakfast meeting.
Kiwanis goals that inspired the Ecumenical Breakfast “To give primacy to the human and spiritual rather than to the material values of life, and to encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships.
For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, click here.
Inserra Supermarkets Marks 61st Anniversary Honoring Associates for a Combined 3,650 Years of Service
Inserra Supermarkets recently marked its 61st anniversary by honoring more than 600 of its ShopRite associates at an award celebration. The honorees were recognized for their milestone anniversaries, ranging from 5 to 55 years of service at the Mahwah based company’s 22 stores located throughout communities in New Jersey and New York.
Among them are Morris County residents:
- Parsippany: Julio C. Trivelli, 5 years
- Boonton: Donna L. Hemner, 25 years; Charles J. Paglino, 20 years; Saul E. Figueroa, 10 years
- Ledgewood: Slavko E. Profaca, 20 years
- Wharton: Madeline Barone, 10 years
“Our distinguished honorees tonight have a collective – and tremendously impressive – 3,650 years of service,” said Ron Onorato, president and COO of Inserra Supermarkets. “On a daily basis, these honorees bring Inserra’s mission of customer service and quality excellence to life and serve as the foundation for our company’s continued success and growth.”
Established in 1954 by Patsy Inserra as a privately-held family business, Inserra Supermarkets remains true to its roots as a family-owned grocery chain. In 1980, under the entrepreneurial guidance of the late Lawrence Inserra, Sr., the company grew to eight stores and experienced a banner year in 1981, growing to 14 stores. Today, the company owns and operates ShopRite supermarkets in Bayonne, Emerson, Fair Lawn, Hackensack, Hillsdale, Hoboken, Jersey City, Lodi, Lyndhurst, New Milford, Northvale, North Bergen, Palisades Park, Ramsey, Wayne and West Milford in New Jersey and in Rockland County, N.Y., in Garnerville, New City, Stony Point, Tallman and West Nyack, as well as a PriceRite store in Garfield.
As one of the region’s largest employers, Inserra Supermarkets provides full- and part-time positions to more than 4,000 associates. The company is also widely acknowledged as a good corporate citizen dedicated to improving the lives of local residents, and supports numerous non-profits, including Community Food Bank of New Jersey and Table to Table, the first food rescue program serving Northern New Jersey.
Aarin Feliz crowned “Mr. PHS 2015”
PARSIPPANY — Senior Aarin Feliz was crowned “Mr. PHS 2015” on Thursday, May 7, at the Parsippany High School Auditorium.
Feliz was one of the three finalists, including Zach Kovacs and Brian Rodrigues.
The judges included Dr. Denis Mulroony, Ms. Aimee Doyle, Ms. Guilture, Assistant Principal Ms. Lynn Burek and Ms. Cabezas.
PHS Science Teacher Keith Bush and Senior Vice President Maya Rudolph were the Master of Ceremonies.
The other contestants included Andrew Massefski, Mike Michalik, Malik Francis, Samir Gandhi, David Patracuolla, Joe Kloss, Nick Grinvalds,
The money raised during this event will help offset the senior prom and other senior class events.
Ground breaking for Turf Fields announced
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education announces the ground breaking for turf fields at Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School.
The Board of Education has been working toward this goal for many years. The new fields will have an immediate, positive impact on the district’s students, sports teams, and community!
The groundbreaking for Parsippany High School Redhawk Football Field, 309 Baldwin Road, will be held on Tuesday, May 12 at 5:30 p.m.
The groundbreaking for Parsippany Hills High School Viking Football Field, 20 Rita Drive, will be held on Thursday, May 14 at 5:30 p.m.
Chief Justice Names Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz Assignment Judge of Morris/Sussex Vicinage
Chief Justice Stuart Rabner has announced that Superior Court Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz will lead the Morris/Sussex Vicinage, effective May 28. He will succeed Assignment Judge Thomas L. Weisenbeck, who is retiring after 10 years on the bench, four as assignment judge.
“The Morris/Sussex Vicinage has flourished under Judge Weisenbeck’s leadership. He has excelled as a judge and a leader, and we wish him the best as he reaches his mandatory retirement date,” said Chief Justice Stuart Rabner.
“Judge Minkowitz is a gifted jurist, a strong manager, and a dedicated public servant. I am confident that his skill and wisdom will enable him to lead the vicinage with distinction.”
A graduate of the State University of New York at Albany and Brooklyn Law School, Judge Minkowitz began his career in public service in the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office in 1992. In 1996, he joined the Hackensack firm of Cole, Schotz, Meisel, Forman & Leonard as an associate. He returned to public service in the U. S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey, working as a civil health care fraud coordinator. He remained in that position until his appointment to the bench by Gov. Jon Corzine. He took the oath of judicial office on Jan. 10, 2008.
From 1999 until his appointment to the bench, Judge Minkowitz served as a captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, first in the United States Army Reserve, and then in the New Jersey Army National Guard. In that role, he conducted legal reviews of administrative actions and policies, acted as legal advisor to administrative hearing boards, and provided legal assistance to soldiers and their families.
While on the bench, Judge Minkowitz served first in the family division, then moved to the criminal division in 2011. He was named presiding judge of the criminal division in December 2012. Since December 2014, he has served as the statewide Megan’s Law coordinator. He also has been a member of the Criminal Division Visitation Team, which reviews and reports on the implementation of criminal division standards and best practices statewide. Other committee service includes the Conference of Criminal Presiding Judges, the Conference of Drug Court Judges, and a working group to explore technology solutions for judicial work. He has served on the faculty of the annual Judicial College as well as on other judicial education panels.
“I am delighted to accept the chief’s appointment, and I look forward to working with the judges and staff of the Morris/Sussex vicinage to serve the public in this new role,” said Judge Minkowitz.
Letter to the editor: I plan to split my ballot; Vote for Carifi, Beehler and Gragnani
Dear Editor:
As a Parsippany resident who was elected to and served on the Board of Education and as a Republican who has run for his Party’s nomination for the Town Council, I have had the occasion to meet with and talk to many Parsippany voters over the years. Without exception those conversations have focused on the need to elect candidates who will put Parsippany first and who will have the courage to stand up for what is right even when it means having to stand alone to make sure that all good ideas are considered and that all possible options are explored.
Recently, I have been asked by a number of friends and neighbors whom I plan to vote for in the Republican primary in June and I must admit that I have had some difficulty making that decision. After considerable thought I have concluded that blocking Mayor Barberio’s badly flawed agenda is absolutely critical to protect Parsippany’s future. For that reason I plan to split my ballot and cast my vote for Paul Carifi, John Beehler and Loretta Gragnani. I do so, not because I believe that Mr. dePierro and Mr. Ferrara are bad people but because these two gentleman have repeatedly failed to stand up to Mayor Barberio who (with their support) has consistently chosen to put his personal and political self interests ahead of what is best for Parsippany. I will vote for Mrs. Gragnani (even though she is on the dePierro/Ferrara slate) with the hope that she will have the courage to stand on her own and use her past experience serving Parsippany to make independent decisions that will keep Parsippany’s best interests in mind. My vote for Mr. Carifi takes into account that, though he and I may disagree on some issues, he has consistently demonstrated a willingness to listen to matters that concern residents and to vote in their best interests. My vote for Mr. Beeler is not a vote against Ms. Visakay but rather a bet that this political newcomer will bring a fresh and much needed new perspective to Parsippany’s Republican party.
I close by saying that I know that sharing these thoughts may be viewed by some as being a highly presumptuous act and I stand guilty as charged. Having said that I invite other Parsippany Republicans to share their thoughts before the election and more importantly to exercise their right to vote in the June 2 Primary.
Bob Crawford
Parsippany New Jersey 07054