TRENTON — Before the George Washington Bridge lane closure controversy rocked Gov. Chris Christie’s administration and delivered a blow to his presidential ambitions, politicking and campaigning converged on an arm of state government that was supposed to work above the fray. Bridget Anne Kelly, a former top Christie aide, was charged with federal crimes Friday for…
72 Graduate from Morris County Law Enforcement Development Course
MORRIS COUNTY — 72 students graduated from Morris County Law Enforcement Development Course on Monday, April 27.
The Law Enforcement Development Course is a 10-week course for college students interested in developing a career in law enforcement.
The course is a cooperative venture of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the county’s Department of Law and Public Safety and the New Jersey Community Affairs Officers Association in partnership with colleges, universities and law enforcement groups throughout New Jersey.
Participants were introduced to the work of law enforcement to broaden their perspectives and understanding of the criminal justice system and to better understand what it takes to enter the field of law enforcement.
“The image of a law enforcement officer, for many, is formed by what they see on television or in the movies,” Kathy DeFillippo said. “The students who take this career development course will soon learn their perception of what it’s like to be a law enforcement officer is not reality.”
“This course was truly amazing, very informative and fun, and I got to meet some real professional law enforcement officers and build relationships with them and with the other students in the class as well, said Nicolas Limanov, one of the graduates. “I learned some neat tricks on how to stand out at an interview and what a perfect resume should look like. And best of all it was all for free because of the so many volunteers from various agencies who took the time out of their busy schedules to come and teach us. Special Thanks to William Schievella for all your hard work in putting together and running this program and the Morris County Freeholders as well for having this in the budget,” he said.
The Law Enforcement Career Development Course is a highly competitive program that was created in 2010, and it is the first of its kind in New Jersey. The course is recommended for college students interested in criminal justice, social sciences, and justice studies, as well as those students who are undecided but have an interest in pursuing careers in the field of legal justice.
Students got a closer look at law enforcement by being exposed to practical scenarios and hands-on instruction.
“The hands-on instruction given to the students is the critical component of this course,” said Freeholder Doug Cabana, the freeholder board’s liaison to Law and Public Safety. “It provides the students with exposure to the real world of law enforcement to help them determine if this career field is right for them.”
The Law Enforcement Career Development Course covered topics ranging from domestic violence, mock crime scenes and defensive tactics to dressing for success, health and wellness and preparing for the written and psychological exams.
The Morris County Public Safety Training Academy is located at 500 West Hanover Ave. in Parsippany.
Recreation Department announce summer sports programs
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Recreation Department announced new summer sports programs for the children of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
For more information including dates, times and pricing. visit the Parsippany Recreation website by clicking here
The following programs are available:
Girls Lacrosse Camp Ages 5-8
Girls Lacrosse Camp Ages 9-14
Boys Lacrosse Camp Ages 5-8
Boys Lacrosse Camp Ages 9-14
Parent and Me: Soccer Ages 2-3
Soccer Squirts 1 Ages 3-5
Soccer Squirts 2 Ages 3-5
Pre-Academy Soccer Ages 5-7
Boys Basketball Camp Ages 5-8
Boys Basketball Camp Ages 9-14
Girls Field Hockey Camp Ages 5-8
Girls Field Hockey Camp Ages 9-14
Multi Sports and Soccer Combo Ages 5-8
Multi Sports Camp Ages 5-8
Soccer Camp Ages 5-8
Multi Sports and Soccer Combo Ages 8-11
Multi Sports Camp Ages 8-11
Soccer Camp Ages 8-11
Total Sports Squirts Ages 3-5
Parent and Me – Sports Ages 2-3
First Baptist Community Church holds annual garage sale
PARSIPPANY — First Baptist Community Church held its annual garage sale on Saturday, May 2.
There was a large assortment of clothing, housewares, pictures, books, electronics, nic nacks and more.
First Baptist Community Church is located at 800 Vail Road.
For more information, click here.
The church was organized on April 14, 1963 with the name of First Baptist Community Church of Parsippany, NJ.
The vision of thechurch shall be to live as an inclusive community of faith, embracing people from all cultural backgrounds and demonstrating that …Christ is our peace who has made us one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility…Ephesians 2:14.
Lake Parsippany Fifth Graders held a car wash
PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany Fifth Graders held a car wash on Saturday, May 2 at the Parsippany Elks No. 2078 located at 230 Parsippany Road. The students were raising money for their upcoming graduation from Lake Parsippany School. In September the students will be attending Brooklawn Middle School
Spencer Savings holds Grand Opening with lots of fun
PARSIPPANY — Spencer Savings Bank, 1699 Littleton Road, held a grand opening celebration on Saturday, April 24 with lots of fun and promotional offers, iPad raffles, giveaways for everyone in the family.
The main attraction was “Foobie” the friendly talking robot. Hurricane Hank and Jinxx entertained the children by making balloon figures. Terry Carr, WDHA, Radio Personality was at the event meeting people, had games and prizes and was on the air inviting everyone to the event.
In the morning they served breakfast items, including bagels, fruit salad, coffee and more… then around lunch time they turned the menu into sliders or burgers or vegetable burgers, chicken, salad, and other assorted hot items.
Spencer Savings Bank had “goodie” bags filled with gifts for everyone attending.
The new branch is located at 1699 Littleton Road, in the Mack Cali Business Campus.
Their lobby is open Monday thru Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Drive through is open Monday thru Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Spencer Savings Bank is a full service, mutually owned and operated, community bank headquartered in Elmwood Park. For more than 100 years, Spencer has been maintaining its distinct image of trust, security and commitment to our customers.
Their strong reputation stands out among our competition. By providing a unique and personal approach to banking, we are able to service our customers with an exceptional level of care that can rarely be found at larger banks. They understand the importance of getting to know you as a customer. They focus on providing value, convenience, and personal attention to each and every individual. By taking the time to understand your needs, we become partners in the success of your business and personal financial goals.
Spencer has grown over the years to now operate twenty branch offices throughout North Jersey. Their management team of seasoned bankers leads more than 265 dedicated employees in delivering premier banking services. With their roots as a community bank, they proudly support local business and workforce initiatives in the market areas that we serve, in addition to numerous civic groups, charitable organizations and youth programs.
Morris Freeholder fight spills over to Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — During an April 1st meeting with Morris County Republican Chairman John Sette, Freeholders John Krickus, Dave Scapicchio, and Denville Councilwoman Deborah Smith, longtime Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio’s GOP political consultant Alan Zakin shared with the group that he was working with an organization spearheaded by Fairview Insurance Executive Ryan Graham that was going to spend money in the Parsippany Republican Primary to aid incumbent Councilman Mike dePierro and his team to help defeat incumbent Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. and his running mates, said Freeholders Krickus and Scapicchio today, along with Councilwoman Smith. (To see related article, click here)
Graham and a relative who works at Fairview Insurance, have contributed $5,100 to Freeholder John Cesaro in the past, and recently promoted a fundraiser for Cesaro and his Freeholder running mates. Graham has also given $3,000 to Cesaro’s running mate, Angelo Tedesco. Given those close connections, Krickus and Scapicchio suggested that they might be the next targets of the Democrat PAC, NJ’s Future First during their upcoming Republican Primary for Freeholder against Cesaro and Tedesco.
“We are deeply concerned about deep-pocketed Democrats from Washington, DC and Essex County meddling in Morris County Republican Primary elections,” said Freeholders Krickus. “It started in Parsippany, but the County Freeholder race may very well be next. We’re speaking out because allowing this to go unchallenged would set a terrible precedent.”
Krickus, Scapicchio and Smith urged Chairman Sette to echo his own sentiments expressed at their meeting and in a recent email where the Chairman said he was “shocked and against” the Super PAC’s attempt to influence an intraparty contest in Morris County.
“During the meeting Chairman Sette was as shocked as we were that Alan Zakin was working for an outside group taking sides in a local Republican primary,” stated Freeholder John Krickus.
“Every Republican in the county should be concerned that Democrats are interfering in our elections. Moreover, every taxpayer in the county should be alarmed that out-of-county special interest groups who refuse to disclose their donors are trying to buy local elections,” said Smith.
“Frankly, the whole things stinks to high heaven,” added Freeholder Scapicchio.
Krickus and Scapicchio said multiple news reports about the emergence of a mysterious Democrat Super PAC based in Washington, DC and directed by an Essex County Democratic Committeeman just two weeks after Zakin’s comments was troubling. But it wasn’t until after the pair saw the first Super PAC mailer and a PolitickerNJ.com article linking the outside group to people with taxpayer-funded contracts in Parsippany, that they were convinced there was a connection.
Ryan Graham, who has been the subject of pay-to-play allegations in other New Jersey municipalities, is the insurance broker in Parsippany-Troy Hills. Council President Carifi has sought to oust Graham and his firm from that spot for what Carifi alleged was political favoritism and excessive costs to taxpayers. According to Federal Election Commission reports, Graham is a big-time donor to national Democrats, which would put him in contact with the high-powered Democrat fundraiser serving as Treasurer of the controversial Super PAC operating in Parsippany according to Internal Revenue Service records made public last week.
Parsippany’s Pay-to-Play Ordinance
Parsippany’s pay-to-play ordinance, 2010:02 was one of the first ordinances Mayor Barberio and then Parsippany Councilman, John Cesaro, had directed Township Attorney John Inglesino to re-write. The original ordinance, created a year earlier, prohibited professionals who contracted with the township from donating to Morris County Political parties. The amended ordinance, removed that prohibition. “At the time I did the analysis back in 2010, I concluded that the Morris County Republican Committee is not a “continuing political committee,” Inglesino told Parsippany Focus. “That conclusion is consistent with the 2009 ordinance because the 2009 ordinance limited contributions to ‘contributing political committees’ AND the Morris County Committees. The 2009 ordinance made clear that Morris County Committees stood alone and was not a term to be included within the definition of “contributing political committee”. The express purpose for removing the Morris County Committees from the ordinance was so that Township vendors who made contributions to the Morris County Republican and/or Democratic County Committees would not be in violation of Parsippany’s pay to play ordinance. Therefore, the Parsippany pay to play ordinance does not apply to Parsippany vendors who make contributions to the Morris County Republican and/Democratic Committees.”
To read Parsippany’s pay-to-play ordinance, Click here.
Editors Correction: In a previous version, the first paragraph included the word “and” after Mayor James Barberio’s name, which appeared that he was at the meeting. Mr. Barberio was not at the meeting, just longtime Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio’s GOP political consultant Alan Zakin.
Parsippany Focus is also adding another quote from Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Attorney. Before the story was published, there were rumors circulating that Parsippany’s Pay-to-Play ordinance was allegedly violated, and Parsippany Focus requested information from Mr. Inglesino, and in his response he stated “Please be advised that I, as Township Attorney for the Township of Parsippany – Troy Hills (the “Township”), review all allegations of violations of the Township’s pay to play law, and that I have reviewed the alleged violations referenced in your email to the Township’s Business Administrator, Ellen Sandman, on even date herewith. If I were to find a violation of Parsippany’s pay to play law by a Township professional, then that professional’s contract with the Township would be terminated in accordance with the subject ordinance. With respect to the allegations involving Mr. Trimboli and Mr. Graham, please be advised that the original ordinance was subsequently amended several years ago to remove prohibitions regarding contributions to County Committees (both Republican and Democrat) and Political Action Committees. Thus, any contributions made to the Morris County Republican Committee are NOT covered by the subject ordinance.”
We did not publish this in our story, because after investigation we determined, as did Mr. Inglesino, that there was no violation in the Parsippany ordinance, and felt this quote (information) did not apply to this story, but Mr. Inglesino requested that we publish this quote, as promised.
Parsippany teen Shreya Durbha crowned Miss India International
PARSIPPANY — Shreya Durbha was crowned Miss Teen India International at the Jewel of India Pageants held in Delaware, USA.. She was crowned by model and actress, Jinal Pandya.
Shreya, who is fluent in both Telugu and English will go on to represent India in Jacksonville, Florida this July for the Miss Teen International Pageant attended by teens of different nationalities.
Sixteen year old Shreya attends the Morris County School of Technology persuing Finance and International Business. She is a model,singer , dancer, and straight-A student.
She is part of NJ State choir and has performed in the renowned Carnegie Hall.
In her free time she volunteers at St. Claire’s Hospital, VT Seva, CareOne Senior Home, and Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, and is on her way to chosing a platform to advocate in her reign.
Parsippany Redhawks Softball Team beat Vikings 6-3
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Hills Vikings Softball team put up a good fight but the Parsippany High Redhawks soared in the 7th inning for the 6-3 win bringing their season record so far to 11-4.
Veronica Shaw had two runs for the Redhawks and Caitlin Brennan, Megan Leitner, Kaila Migliazza and Victoria Rossi each contributed one.
Victoria Rossi and Caitlin Brennan pitched for the Redhawks.
The Redhawks advanced to the Morris County Quarter Finals for the first time in 10 years after they beat Mendham earlier this week.
The Redhawks will play Hopatcong today Friday, May 1 at 4:00 p.m. at Parsippany High School and The Vikings will play Mount Olive on Monday at 4:00 p.m. at Parsippany Hills High School.
Parsippany High School is located at 309 Baldwin Road and Parsippany Hills High School is located at 20 Rita Drive.
Tonight. Friday May 1 at 7:00 p.m. the Parsippany High School Baseball Team will take on Parsippany Hills at Smith Field, in the Mayors Trophy Game.
St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital fundraiser at Applebee’s
PARSIPPANY — Applebee’s Family Restaurant, 1057 Route 46, held a “Flapjack” fundraiser on Sunday, April 26 to raise funds for St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. The mission of St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital is to find cures for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases through research and treatment. And no family ever pays St. Jude for anything.”
For more information on St. Jude’s click here.
Do No Harm Symposium in Morris County Address Opiate Abuse
MORRISTOWN – Physicians in Morristown and neighboring counties had the opportunity to learn more about the prescription drug and heroin abuse epidemic in New Jersey, and the effect of the epidemic on our correction facilities.
The Do No Harm Symposium featured expert speakers from law enforcement, the medical community, and treatment and prevention fields. The symposium is hosted by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, Morris County Sherriff, Morris County Prevention is Key, and the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Jersey Division. Former Governor James McGreevey, executive director of the Jersey City Employment and Training Program, Dr. Sindy M. Paul, the medical director of the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners, and Phil Streicher Tactical Diversion Squad, Drug Enforcement Administration – New Jersey Division presented to the audience.
Angelo M. Valente, executive director of PDFNJ, explained, “with prescription drug abuse at catastrophic levels in our state, the Do No Harm symposium allowed leaders and stakeholders from the medical community and law enforcement to come together to discuss solutions for prescription drug abuse in our state.”
“The opioid abuse problem is a plague currently threatening our communities locally and nationally. The Do No Harm symposium stressed that this is not a problem that can be solved by any one entity. There needs to be cooperation among law enforcement, prevention organizations, physicians and pharmacists to help tackle this issue,” said Carl J. Kotowski, Special Agent in Charge of the New Jersey Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Morris County Sheriff Edward Rochford concluded, “It is important to me that all inmates are treated with the utmost respect and are given an environment that encourages success. One measure of success in the facility is determined by the rate of recidivism. If we can assist in an inmate’s ability to give their life a positive direction, it is better for the whole community.”
The Do No Harm Symposium was at the Morristown Correctional Facility, 43 John Street, Morris Township.
Parsippany High School Track and Field team receive certificates from the Township
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio presented the Parsippany High School Track and Field team with certificates congratulating the team for winning the 2014 NJAC Small School Championship.
Stamp Out Hunger: Saturday, May 9
Saturday, May 9, will mark the 23rd anniversary of the National Association of Letter Carriers “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive.
This annual collection, the largest one-day food collection event in the nation, has made a difference each year to those across the country who are struggling to make ends meet.
Last year, generous individuals donated more than 72 million pounds of food, which marked the 11th consecutive year that at least 70 million pounds were collected.
Summer donations are traditionally low because potential food drive donors go on vacation and are busy with their children who are home from school.
While donations to food banks are heaviest during the holiday seasons from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, there is a need throughout the year and the Stamp Out Hunger drive helps to fill the shelves for the summer months. With most school lunch programs suspended during summer months, millions of children must find alternate sources of nutrition.
According to the New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition, the food insecurity level in New Jersey was 12.7 percent overall and 19.0 percent for children. That’s some 394,240 children living in food insecure households.
For more information, visit Facebook.com/StampOutHunger.
For 35 years, Feeding America has responded to the hunger crisis in America by providing food to people in need through a nationwide network of food banks.
The concept of food banking was developed by John van Hengel in Phoenix, AZ in the late 1960s. Van Hengel, a retired businessman, had been volunteering at a soup kitchen trying to find food to serve the hungry. One day, he met a desperate mother who regularly rummaged through grocery store garbage bins to find food for her children. She suggested that there should be a place where, instead of being thrown out, discarded food could be stored for people to pick up—similar to the way “banks” store money for future use. With that, an industry was born.
Open Space Funding Applications Now Available
The Morris County Department of Planning and Public Works, Division of Planning and Preservation, has announced that grant applications for 2015 funding of open space projects under the Morris County Preservation Trust are now available online by clicking here.
Any of the 39 municipalities in the county and qualified charitable conservancies are eligible to apply for grant funding, said Barbara Murray, open space program coordinator.
Over 13,000 acres of open space have been preserved with the assistance of grant funding from the program, Murray said. The program was created in 1993.
The deadline for submitting applications and appraisals is Friday, June 19.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Morris County Division of Planning and Preservation at (973) 829-8120.