PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Recreation Department has announced it’s summer line-up of concerts to be held at Veterans Memorial Park, Route 46 and Vail Road. All concerts start at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise indicated. Please note: Pets are NOT permitted in the park during the concerts.
Upcoming Concerts:
Rachel Allyn Band
Thursday, July 16, 7:30 p.m. – “Rachel Allyn Band” – A new wave country, this band hosts an incredible female lead singer, a beautiful & talented female fiddle player, a pounding rhythm section, and an amazing lead guitarist. Performing the top modern country hits from Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift to Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum. Click here for more information.
Wednesday, July 29, 7:30 p.m. – “Hotel California” – For two decades, this act has faithfully and accurately reproduced the Grammy Award winning sounds of The Eagles. Each concert presents an exciting showcase of their hits such as “Take It Easy”, Heartache Tonight” and of course “Hotel California” Click here for more information.
The Time Machine
Thursday, August 13, 7:30 p.m. – “Time Machine” – One of the most well known and most sought after bands in the tri-state area, Time Machine is comprised of top musicians and performers giving you unmatched showmanship and professionalism. With so many all-star performers, their show will be like listening to a human jukebox. Constantly changing styles and vocalist during the course of the concert will keep your audience entertained and awe struck all night long!!! Click here for more information.
Special Summertime Barbecue presented by Shop Rite of Parsippany / Sunrise Kitchens starts at 5:00 p.m.! Proceeds will be donated to the Parsippany PAL
Thursday, August 20, 7:30 p.m. – “Street Hassle” – A “Powerful Horn Band” with skilled area musicians that enjoy performing interpretations of Classic Rock, Blues, Motown and Pop. Energetic and an entertainingly enjoyable band. They also choose the right song for the moment, and don’t not fall into repetitious medleys of just number one hits. Click here for more information.
Special July 4th Concert and Fireworks at Parsippany Hills High School featuring “The Trip.” Concert is planned to start at approx 7:00 p.m. – Fireworks at dark!
I have an accurate encounter to report regarding dePierro. Before I do so, I have to ask if he provided 30 years plus of service on the council or if 30 plus years on the council has served him. Its one hell of a part-time pay check. Most government peeps retire after 25.
Moving to my point: He personally told me this story at my fire department wet down in (I believe it was 1998). He said Rosemary Agostini called officials on him. There was some type of allegation regarding his finances in his campaign. (I’m not exactly sure what.) He fixed the error. No charges were brought. But……. The allegation existed. And he resented her forever.
Now, fast forward to Mayoral races Mimi vs. Rosemary, multiple times. Republican Michael dePierro threw all his support and efforts to support a democrat Mimi Letts because he refused to support Rosemary. In his words, as I remember them, “She tried to get me locked up”. Granted, Mimi actually wasn’t bad, but….. when a senior Republican who alternated chairmanship with the great Jimmy Vigilante, how can he justify being a Republican when in fact he is more for himself than the township.
This is the problem with representative politics. On one hand you expect them to vote the way their constituency expects. But it seems on all levels, they vote in a way that supports their own needs, wants, likes and interests.
So, this 30 year plus guy, lets say goodbye. Time to enjoy your grand kids.
His counterpart Ferrara is no better. When hosting a Pasta Dinner fundraiser for a youth sports club in Parsippany at my firehouse, it is custom to put out orange cones to prevent party attendees from blocking the parking lot from firemen in the event of a fire. They come in fast and unexpected, and require the space to pull in quickly, and mount the fire trucks.
Well, I was taking a garbage bag out to the dumpster when a car pulled in between the cones and tried to park, and the driver got out. I asked him to park next door like everyone else. He responded by arguing with me, and pointing out other cars. I agreed with him, and stated I will go inside and instruct these people to move. But….. That doesn’t mean you can park there.
If a fire alarm goes off right now, these guys need a place to come screeching in. Please park next door. He stared me down, argued with me, asked me to say who I was, and hesitated for almost 5 minutes. So…. my question is, once he heard it was for firemen only for emergencies, WHAT ELSE DID HE HAVE TO SAY?? Having said that, Now you know Ferrara too. Same ticket.
I hate to follow Pat, but the election calendar is unfolding.
Carifi is change and good change. Vote his ticket. Carifi, Visakay and Beehler. Lets Stop the fighting. We are constantly making statewide newspapers. Millions spent on disputes. Legal battles. Enough!!
Keith Campbell
Please note:
The Board of Fire Commissioners, Officers and Members of District 5 Fire Department have always considered Councilman dePierro a friend of the Fire Department, in a letter to the Editor dated May 29, 2015 Mr. Keith Campbell stated his opinion which he is entitled to, it does not reflect the opinion of the Fire Department Membership of this District. Mr. Campbell is not currently on the roster of District 5’s membership.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Pulling out a trump card it was sitting on for years, Google has found another way to construct the canopied, utopian campus that caught the world’s attention earlier this year. The search engine giant on Friday filed plans at Mountain View City Hall for a translucent domed building that would rise several…
PARSIPPANY — At a recent Township Council meeting Mayor James Barberio presented a special proclamation to retiring Fire Chaplain Richard Horn for his 38 years of service to Parsippany-Troy Hills. Then Donald Bragg was named as Horn’s replacement and given his badge during the ceremony.
Donald Bragg was named as Horn’s replacement and Douglas Rheinhart, Fire Chief of Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 2 looks on
Members of Parsippany’s emergency services
Rev. Richard Horn and Douglas Rheinhart, Fire Chief of Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 2
Rev. Richard Horn and Mayor James Barberio
Rev. Richard Horn, retiring Fire Chaplain
The proclamation presented to Rev. Richard Horn from Mayor James Barberio read:
Whereas, many individuals contribute to the well-being and welfare of others by giving tirelessly of their time and energy without desire for recognition or remuneration for personal gain; and
Whereas, Reverend Richard W. Horn has announced his retirement after serving 38 years as Chaplain for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Joint Chiefs Council; and
Whereas, Reverend Horn has been a powerful influence in our community and has earned and also justly deserves public recognition for his 21 years of service as the Chaplain for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department; and
Whereas, Reverend Horn has embodied the highest quality service standards that any organization could hope for and his dedication to his follow man, the Parsippany-Troy Hills community and to all those in need is exemplified by his words, deeds and character; and
Whereas, Reverend Horn has counseled and comforted our police, fire and community members with spiritual insight, support and a very calming demeanor.
Now Therefore I, James R. Barberio, Mayor of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, do hereby extend appreciation to Reverend Richard W. Horn for his many years of faithful service and further proclaim that his outstanding service and dedication shall not be forgotten.
HANOVER — New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced traffic pattern shifts are scheduled to be implemented this weekend on I-287 northbound and southbound as construction advances on the roadway rehabilitation project in Morris County.
Beginning at 9:00 p.m. Friday, May 29 until 8:00 a.m. Saturday, May 30, NJDOT’s Contractor, Tilcon of New York, Inc., is scheduled to close two northbound lanes to reposition construction barrier and restripe lanes on the I-287 northbound bridge over Eden Lane in Hanover Township. A third lane may be closed later tonight to set up the new traffic pattern. At least two lanes will be maintained.
The new traffic pattern will remove the single left lane “cattle chute” within construction barriers in the northbound direction and add a fifth lane. The new traffic pattern will shift all five lanes to right of the work zone.
On Saturday, May 30, at 9:00 p.m. through Sunday, May 31 at 8:00 a.m., Tilcon will close up to two lanes on I-287 southbound to shift all four travel lanes to the far right. At least two lanes will remain open. Crews will be setting up a work zone on the left to finish the permanent concrete barrier that divides the northbound and southbound lanes. In the event of inclement weather this weekend, the work will be rescheduled.
The $27.4 million project – which began initial construction activity in September 2012 – is designed to improve the pavement condition on a seven-mile segment of I-287 in both directions from just south of the South Street underpass in Morristown (Milepost 35.4) to the Littleton Road overpass in Parsippany (Milepost 42.2). The replacement of the bridge decks over Eden Lane in Hanover (Milepost 38.8) is included in the project as are guide rail upgrades, drainage clearing and various other incidental improvements to the highway.
NJDOT has designed the project to advance in stages to minimize impacts to motorists. All I-287 mainline travel lanes will remain open in each direction during peak-period hours throughout construction, while single and double-lane closures will be allowed during overnight and off-peak hours. The project is expected to be completed by the fall of 2015.
Portable variable message signs are being utilized to provide advance notification to the motoring public of all traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.
PARSIPPANY — Children entering kindergarten to ninth 9th grade can learn one of the fastest growing sports in the USA, Rugby. Rugby will be featured in the next Olympic Games. Rugby is a great sport to learn teamwork and to get and stay fit. The rugby program runs for six short weeks in early summer.
Please consider joining by registering by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Kaitlyn Partington of Mount Tabor, joined more than 600 Lebanon Valley College students named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester. Dean’s list students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.4 out of 4.0.
Partington, a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, is pursuing a bachelor of science in business administration.
Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pa., welcomes 1,573 full-time undergraduates studying more than 30 challenging and sophisticated majors, as well as customized self-designed majors.
Founded in 1866, LVC has graduate programs in athletic training, physical therapy, business, music education, and science education. Learn more at www.lvc.edu.
Annville is 15 minutes east of Hershey and 35 minutes east of Harrisburg; Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore are within two hours.
Councilman Dr. Louis Valori, Janet and Township Clerk Yancy Wazirmas
PARSIPPANY — Janet Zorsky, retired on Wednesday, May 27, from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Clerk’s Office. Janet has been with the Township for a little over eight years. She worked in the Mayor’s office for a short time, then joined the Clerk’s Office as a Clerk Typist.
“It’s been a pleasure working with Janet. I wish her enjoyment of many happy and healthy years of retirement,” said Township Clerk Yancy Wazirmas.
Janet was always a very helpful, pleasant person who will be dearly missed. I wish her the very best with her retirement, said Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.
Council Vice President Robert Peluso said “It was a great opportunity to work with Janet who is a professional that truly cares about our community. Although we are loosing a great colleague, I wish her the best in her retirement.”
Councilman Dr. Louis Valori stated “Janet was an asset in the clerks office and will be truly missed. I wish her the very best in her retirement with her family.”
“Janet has always been pleasant, professional, and cooperative whenever I reached out to her. She shall be missed. I wish for her good health and happiness in her retirement,” said Michael J. dePierro
Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill said, “Janet was always very helpful, and pleasant to work with. Every visit to the Clerk’s Office, I felt welcomed and Janet was always there to greet me and made sure that all my needs were taken care of. I will truly miss Janet. I wish her the best on her retirement and will surely miss her.”
Janet has moved to Delaware and will enjoy her retirement with her husband.
Janet’s Retirement Cake
Cara Fox and Janet
Councilman Dr. Louis Valori, Janet and Township Clerk Yancy Wazirmas
PEMBERTON — Navigating New Jersey interests and a likely presidential campaign, Gov. Chris Christie on Thursday proposed dropping national Common Core education standards he once supported but have since become a lighting rod issue for Republican voters. The governor, speaking at Burlington County College in Pemberton, declared Common Core is “simply not working.” Christie wants to…
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Focus has learned from confirmed sources that a Parsippany Police Officer committed suicide this evening near Entin Drive and Sylvan Way.
Out of respect of the family and the Parsippany Police Department additional details will not be published until a press release is issued from the Parsippany Police Department.
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, May 28, 2011, in the middle of Memorial Day Weekend, Chafic “Steve” Ezzeddine was found murdered inside of his place of business, the Kenvil Diner, located on Route 46 in the Kenvil section of Roxbury Township, New Jersey.
In the past four years since the murder of Steve Ezzeddine, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Roxbury Township Police Department have continued to actively investigate this crime and search for the identity of the person(s) involved.
In additional to the crime itself, it is also important to recall the story that exists behind the innocent life that was taken that day in 2011.
Steve was a simple, hard-working family man, and a family patriarch, who left a rich and fulfilling life in Lebanon over 40 years ago, to come to the United States to be with the woman he loved – his wife, Amal. One of six children, Steve completed university in Lebanon and was enjoying the beginnings of a promising career with Middle East Airlines when he met Amal in 1970. Due to religious differences, Amal and Steve’s relationship was forbidden by society and frowned upon by their family and friends. As they secretly continued their relationship, Steve made a courageous decision to move to the United States in hopes of someday being able to marry the woman he loved. Before leaving, he told Amal that someday he would send for her to come join him in the United States.
Steve departed Lebanon in 1971, leaving behind his family, friends, and successful job to start a life in America. He located to New Jersey, where he worked at a diner and enrolled in a Master’s program to continue to build on his education. After more than a year of long days, hard work, and weekly letters to Amal, Steve finally sent for her to join him in the United States. Although the decision was not supported by family, Amal left Lebanon in 1972.
In the beginning, the two struggled, living in a motel room as Steve continued long days of work and school. Amal, not having many friends or family in New Jersey, and not knowing the English language, spent much of her time isolated in the motel room. Despite this hardship, the two married in October 1972. There began a union marked by the struggle to not only earn a living, but to also assimilate into a new society, start a family, make new friends, and ultimately become productive members of the community they came to call home. They dealt with the scrutiny of the family they left behind in Lebanon, knowing that their decision to leave their country to be together was brave, but not accepted. At the time, they knew in their hearts and minds that this was the only way they could be together.
Steve and Amal started a family, eventually having three (3) sons. In 1983, after many years of hard work, the couple purchased the business that became the Kenvil Diner. For years, Steve worked tirelessly at the diner to provide for his family, consistently working 16 hour days, 7 days a week, up until the day of his murder. Amal was there throughout it all, working countless hours in the diner alongside the love of her life. Together they raised three (3) hard working, successful young men, who struggle daily with the loss of their father. It is through his memory and inspiration that they strive to live as honorable a life as he did.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Roxbury Township Police Department continue to pursue leads in this investigation and have worked with numerous other law enforcement agencies during the course of this investigation, to include the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office, New Jersey State Police, New York City Police Department, New York City Medical Examiner’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Secret Service.
The Ezzeddine family has raised the reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of anyone responsible for the murder of their patriarch. Coupled with the Morris County CrimeStoppers reward money, the total reward is now $25,000. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is not involved in any aspect of the reward being offered.
A website has been developed by the Ezzeddine family (www.kenvildiner.com) as a tribute to their loved one.
Law enforcement asks that anyone with information in regards to this investigation please contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200 or www.morrisprosecutor.org, the Roxbury Police Department at (973) 448-2090, or Crimestoppers at 973-COP-CALL, www.morriscrimestoppers.org.
Persons reporting information may remain anonymous.
PARSIPPANY — In the coming weekends, the Women’s Theater Company at the Parsippany Playhouse presents “Always Patsy Cline.” Starring Patricia Durante as Cline and Barbara Babbitt as Cline’s most avid fan Louise, the play unveils the true story of the celebrity and fan who become deep friends. Their story progresses through the narration of Louise and the music of Patsy.
Durante is the absolute embodiment of Cline, a shy and talented rising country star. An extraordinary performer, Durante brings the songs to life with pitch-perfect perfection and much heart. With each song, you can feel the joy and the heartache of Cline’s life.
As fan Louise, Babbitt engages the audience as she relates her journey with Patsy Cline. Long before meeting Cline, Louise falls in love with the music. Cline’s voice on the Arthur Godfrey show draws Louise out of her kitchen and to the television. It was love at first hearing. When Louise learns that Cline will be appearing in Houston, Louise makes sure she has a place in the honky-tonk. This leads to a chance meeting that further leads to a lasting friendship.
Babbitt’s enthusiasm is infectious, and the audience becomes as excited as she is to know Cline. As Louise, Babbitt brings a down-home humanity to her character which brings a delicate balance to an over-the-top fan and true friend.
In her directorial debut, Grayce Coviello has staged a vibrant production. Even in the midst of poignant moments, Coviello has a touch of humor and lightness. For those who know the story of Patsy Cline, it might have been easier to play to emotion. Coviello takes a subtler, more satisfying approach that brings a wonderful texture to the characters.
Throughout “Always Patsy Cline,” a talented trio of musicians acts as the singer’s stage band while brilliantly punctuating the narrative. Under the tutelage of Regan Ryzuk, the band plays in character to complete the setting’s nostalgic look of 1950s and 1960s Texas.
“Always Patsy Cline” is a lively, touching and uplifting production. A must see!
The show runs May 29, 30, 31 and June 5, 6 and 7.
The Women’s Theater Company is located at the Parsippany Playhouse, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. For GPS driving directions, please enter the town of Boonton, 07005.
To purchase tickets online click here or call (973) 316-3033.
MORRISTOWN — A onetime Parsippany resident who taught at a high school in Paterson was sentenced Wednesday to six years in state prison after admitting he performed sex acts with a 16-year-old female student in 2010. Scott Van Hoven, now 48, who taught music at John F. Kennedy High School in Paterson when the incidents occurred…
John Sette (middle) sitting next to Parsippany's Township Attorney, John Inglesino, at a press conference for Governor Christie
PARSIPPANY — Jose Arango, Chair of the New Jersey Republican Chairman’s Association, and Hudson County Republican Chairman, announced their solidarity with fellow Republican Chairman John Sette of Morris County, and condemned the recent activity of Democrat-funded shadow organizations in the upcoming Freeholder Republican Primary.
As reported in NJ.com, the article titled “As outside money pours into Morris primary, GOP leaders pick side,” (click here to read article) stated “the number of Democrat interests and shadow political groups that are skirting campaign finance laws to evade having to disclose who is funding waves of advertising …”
“I am appalled that our great community of Parsippany was not included since we were the first to expose the Democratic interests invading our Republican Primary. For months Parsippany’s Republican Council campaign has been disrupted by the number of Democrat Interests that are skirting campaign finance laws to evade having to disclose who is funding waves of advertising support on behalf of Mike dePierro, Vinny Ferrara, and Loretta Gragnani. Serious questions are raised about their commitment to our Republican principles. Combine that with mailers, phone calls, and paid out-of-town walkers funded with dark money-where we have no idea who is funding them. It’s skirting the spirit of our play-to-pay ethics laws and transparent government” said Robert Peluso, Republican Municipal Committee person.
Dr. Louis Valori, fellow Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee Member, further added “Our County Republican Chairman John Sette has turned a blind eye to this matter for months and did not take action until yesterday in Morris County, but failed to take the same action in Parsippany. Mr. Sette must be consistent with his message and immediately denounce the Democratic efforts working in Parsippany for dePierro and his running mates by endorsing the candidates who were FIRST targeted by these Democratic influences, Parsippany Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. and council candidates Aida Visakay and John Beehler.”
The Republican Primary election is next Tuesday, June 2.
FLORHAM PARK — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Florham Park Borough Chief of Police Patrick P. Montuore announce that LePolian McConnell, 34, former employee of Kushner Company in Florham Park, has been charged with Second Degree Theft by Deception; Second Degree Attempted Theft by Deception; Second Degree Computer Theft; Second Degree Conspiracy and Third Degree forgery.
Pursuant to an investigation conducted by Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Leah Atterbury along with Florham Park Police Department Sergeant Christopher M. D’Ambola and Detective Sergeant Joseph Orlando, defendant, a staff accountant for Kushner Company, allegedly issued a Kushner Company check in the amount of $125,000 made payable to a construction vendor that he knew was unauthorized to receive payments. The check was allegedly forged with signatures appearing to be that of the Chief Financial Officer and the Controller of Kushner Company. The check was subsequently cashed at Jersey City Check Cashing in Jersey City.
The State is represented by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Francine Ehrenberg.
Prosecutor Knapp thanks the Florham Park Police Department, Kushner Company and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit, whose efforts contributed to this result.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
TRENTON — The state Supreme Court on Wednesday limited the number of damages that plaintiffs can receive in defamation cases in New Jersey. The state’s highest court ruled 5-0 that the managers of a Parsippany hedge fund who accused a consulting firm of defamation cannot recover both actual and presumed damages. Troy Buckner and John Ryan,…
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officers responded to wooded area located near South Beverwyck Road and Troy Meadow Road for a report of shots fired, on Wednesday, May 20 at 8:18 p.m.
Upon their arrival, a complainant advised the officers that he was on a nature walk and observed two young men shooting a revolver-style handgun in the woods.
The officers conducted area check and located a vehicle in a clearing within the woods. They encountered two young males who were later identified as Mr. Thomas McMaster, 18, Parsippany and Mr. Ramzi Musbeh, 18, Parsippany.
After an investigation into the shots fired call, the officers retrieved a paintball gun which the men were allegedly firing.
In addition, several items of drug paraphernalia were confiscated, to include glass bong water-pipes, as well as suspected marijuana.
The men were placed under arrest and transported to Police Headquarters where Mr. Musbeh was issued a summons for Discharging/Use of a Firearm. Mr. McMaster was issued summonses for Discharging/Use of a Firearm, Possession of Marijuana, 50 grams or less and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Both men were released from Headquarters pending court dates.
Editors Note: A complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer Damon Farms responded to the off-ramp to Waterview Boulevard on Route 46 for a reported single-car motor vehicle crash at 10:44 p.m. on Friday, May 22.
Upon his arrival, Officer Farms observed a 2014 black VW Jetta resting in the tree-line, off the roadway.
Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Farms located the driver in the vehicle.
After a brief investigation, Officer Farms placed the driver, Mr. John Simpson, 66, Highland Lakes under arrest for suspicion of DWI.
Mr. Simpson was transported to Police Headquarters for processing where he also received medical attention by Car 65 Ambulance personnel for a minor injury. He was issued summonses for DWI, Open Container in Vehicle and Reckless Driving. Mr. Simpson was released to an acquaintance, pending a court appearance.
Editors Note: A complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officer E. Elston was traveling North on North Beverwyck Road when a 1998 Silver Honda Accord nearly struck his marked Patrol vehicle as the Honda travelled south on North Beverwyck Road partially across the double yellow lines around a curve, on Saturday, May 23 at 2:10 a.m.,
Officer Elston conducted a motor vehicle stop upon the Honda and after a brief investigation, placed the female driver, Ms. Sarah Aubel, 21, Parsippany, under arrest for suspicion of DWI.
Ms. Aubel was transported to Police Headquarters and processed.
She was issued summonses for Failure to Maintain Lane, Reckless Driving and Driving While Intoxicated. Ms. Aubel was released to a family member, pending her court appearance.
Editors Note: A complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRISTOWN — A onetime Parsippany resident who formerly taught music at a high school in Paterson is scheduled to be sentenced this morning in a sex case from 2010. Scott Van Hoven, now 48, pleaded guilty last month to performing sex acts with a 16-year-old female student in 2010. Van Hoven, who has recently been living…
Dear Editor:
