PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Clerk Yancy Wazirmas celebrated her birthday on Tuesday, May 19.
Parsippany Focus Photographer Nicolas Limanov presented Yancy with a bouquet of flowers and then sang “Happy Birthday” to her with the audience joining in.
Happy Birthday, Yancy!
The American Red Cross North Jersey Region is encouraging families to make water safety a priority this summer.
“As we all gear up for trips to the pool, beach, rivers and lakes this summer, we’re asking that families here in New Jersey make water safety a priority,” said Mathieu Nelessen, regional CEO, American Red Cross North Jersey Region. “Families need to make sure that both adults and children have the knowledge and skills they need to be safe in and around the water.”
A national survey conducted for the Red Cross shows that most children and teens cannot perform basic swimming safety skills. These critical water safety skills, also known as “water competency,” are the ability to, in this order: step or jump into the water over your head; return to the surface and float or tread water for one minute; turn around in a full circle and find an exit; swim 25 yards to the exit; and exit from the water. If in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder.
The survey found that nearly all parents (94 percent) expect that their children will engage in some sort of water activity this summer. However, nearly two-thirds (61 percent) of these parents report that their child cannot demonstrate all five basic skills that could save their lives in the water. Of these, 65 percent are parents of children (ages 4-12) and 51 percent are parents of teens (ages 13-17).
Tips to Keep You and Your Family Safe Around the Water:
“Summer is the perfect time to enroll children in Red Cross swim lessons, the first step in practicing water safety,” Nelessen said. “The Red Cross created the first national water safety program in the U.S. – and today it’s still the gold standard, training more than two million people annually.”
Red Cross swimming lessons help people develop skills and water safety behaviors that help people be more comfortable and safe when they are in, on and around the water. The Red Cross encourages all household members to enroll in age-appropriate water orientation and Learn-to-Swim programs. To find classes for your family, contact your local aquatic facility and ask for American Red Cross swimming and water safety programs, or click here.
On June 2, join the American Red Cross for our inaugural Giving Day, a 24-hour fundraising campaign to support those in need in communities across the country. Nearly every second of every day, the Red Cross delivers help and hope. And we couldn’t be there without the generous support of the American public. Together, let’s go “all in” and make one day count. Schedule your donation today for Giving Day at redcross.org/givingday. You can also help build awareness by using the hashtag #allin1day on Twitter and Facebook.
The national public opinion survey was conducted for the Red Cross April 17-20, 2014 using ORC International’s Online CARAVAN omnibus survey. The study was conducted among a national sample of 1,024 American adults, including 201 parents of children aged 4-17. The total sample is balanced to be representative of the US adult population in terms of age, sex, geographic region, race and education. The margin of error for the total sample of 1,024 adults is ±3.1percent; the margin of error for the sample of 201 parents is ±6.9 percent.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org.
About the American Red Cross North Jersey Region
The American Red Cross North Jersey Region provides programs and services throughout the counties of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren, with a combined population of 5.7 million. The region trains and mobilizes more than 3,330 volunteers who support the delivery of services in the community. Last year, the Red Cross North Jersey Region responded to 494 local home fires, helping 1,130 displaced families; collected 25,420 units of blood through blood drives and Red Cross Blood Donation Centers; provided 1,877 military family case services with emergency messages, helping families find assistance and/or get counseling and referrals; and trained 60,441 individuals with life-saving skills in preparedness, CPR, AED use, first aid and aquatics. Follow the North Jersey Region on Twitter @RedCrossNorthNJ.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s plumbing inspector, David Bishop, has been selected 2015 Plumbing Inspector of the Year by the N.J. Plumbing Inspector’s Association. Bishop has been acknowledged for his out-standing contributions in the areas of code enforcement and plumbing inspection.
He was honored at an awards luncheon during the Building Safety Conference of New Jersey on May 7 in Atlantic City.
Bishop became a master plumber in 1986 and was self-employed from 1993 to 2006. He obtained his plumbing inspector’s license in 1996 and began his career in Parsippany in 1999 as a part-time employee with the township. He became full time in 2001.
Bishop is very gracious in expressing his gratitude to the administration in Parsippany for supporting his involvement with the N.J. Plumbing Inspectors Association for more than 15 years and permitting him to attend meetings and seminars. He was an active member who served as Sgt. of Arms for two years and financial secretary for six years. With concern about continuing education, Bishop started their first scholarship program.
He also served as the past president of Triboro Master Plumbers, the local association of State League of Master Plumbers and has been an instructor at Passaic County Technical Institute for the past seven years.
“I am so proud of Dave Bishop and all that he has achieved,” stated Mayor James Barberio. “The township is so fortunate to have an inspector who not only is a master plumber, but is trained, certified and experienced in every aspect of the plumbing industry. Dave is a very astute inspector who is proficient in detecting code violations. I sincerely trust Dave’s judgment and know that when he makes an important decision, he is doing so to ensure code compliance.”
MORRISTOWN — The 70 South Gallery is inviting the public to join an informal conversation with their featured artists in on Thursday, June 4, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. as part of its “Informal Lens” series.
This free event exposes participants to Jay Seldin and Callie Wohlgemuth and their respective approaches to photography. Seldin and Wohlgemuth are currently featured in the gallery’s “Cuba, Asia, and The Mad Hatter” show.
Seldin, a self-proclaimed teacher, photographer and world traveler, is a documentary social photographer who works mostly in black and white and has been celebrated with various awards and honors over the course of his 25-year career. Most recently, Seldin was invited to exhibit some of his work at the Drumthwacket Foundation, which is located inside the governor’s mansion in Princeton. He is also the artist-in-residence at the Newark Art Museum and Montclair Art Museum, as well as a faculty member at the International Center for Photography in New York City.
Wohlgemuth, conversely, is a student at Morris Knolls High School and has spent the last few years teaching herself the ins and outs of photography. She first garnered an interest in the art form when she was in eighth grade and has since gone on to volunteer her time and talents with local animal shelters, using her photography skills to help the animals find good homes.
“I think art should portray and capture emotions and moments that words are unable to express,” Wohlgemuth says. “I want people to be able to connect with my art no matter who they are or what they are feeling. I want to make a connection with someone without ever saying a word to him or her.”
The Informal Lens is a regular series of candid yet casual conversations moderated by 70 South Gallery’s Artist Relations Manager Ira L. Black. Each installment shines a spotlight on two newly featured artists and helps the gallery bring awareness to its current and upcoming shows, ultimately striving to bring together a community of likeminded photographers and photo enthusiasts.
Those interested in attending should RSVP by emailing Ira L. Black by Tuesday, June 2.
The 70 South Gallery is located at 70 South Street, Morristown.
For more information, click here or call (973) 539-2112.
PARSIPPANY — A water main break has shut down the intersection of Minnehaha Boulevard and Nokomis Avenue in the Lake Hiawatha section of the township.
The water service has been turned back on for those residences affected by the water main break.
The intersection, which is a block east of North Beverwyck Road, will remain closed to vehicular traffic while repairs are being completed, police said. As of 9:00 a.m., the intersection was expected to reopen between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., according Parsippany Police Officer Remo D’Alessandro
PARSIPPANY — Democratic Candidates Janice McCarthy, Greg Elbin and Nick Kumburis are holding a “Meet the Candidates” at the Parsippany Library, 449 Halsey Road tonight, Wednesday, May 20 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Dear Editor:
I am a Parsippany Republican who has supported and worked on Republican campaigns for the past eight years. I was also a member of the Morris County Republican Committee until 2013.
Two years ago when I was running for another term on the MCRC, Morris County GOP Chairman John Sette sent out letters to my district advising that I openly supported a Democrat for Mayor and therefore they should not vote for me for Morris County Republican Committee. (Click here to view letter). I considered this a targeted campaign, since Mr. Sette failed to mention that I supported all other Republicans who ran and I never switched parties as the candidate he was supporting did.
Based on Mr. Sette’s actions in 2013, I was baffled by his comment to Parsippany Focus (4/24/15, click here to read article) regarding the Democratic linked Super PAC (NJFF) supporting the Republican Michael dePierro ticket for town council. His response was inadequate to say the least and certainly inconsistent with his previous stance. “In respect of long standing policies of Morris County Republican Chairman I will not become involved in a local Primary election. For many years certain Parsippany Republicans have supported Democrats in general elections”.
I’m sure we all remember the days of “ABA” (Anybody but Agostini) and the infamous “Republicans for Luther”. What I find perplexing is that Mr. Sette knew these groups were crossing party lines and did nothing about it. The support Mr. dePierro’s ticket is receiving from the Super PAC (NJFF) is much worse than my support of one Democratic candidate. As Chairman of the Morris County Republican Committee, Mr. Sette should have denounced the Super PAC support and contacted the dePierro ticket. I call Mr. Sette’s failure to act hypocrisy.
What I would like to emphasize here is that I have been a Republican all my life but I am also a taxpayer. If I do not have confidence in a Republican candidate I will not blindly vote along party lines and nobody should. We should all be informed on what each candidate stands for, what experience they have, their background and their values. I can’t see the Republican residents of Parsippany voting for the dePierro ticket which is being financially supported by a Super PAC (NJFF) with democratic ties. So far the Super PAC (NJFF) has sent out mailers and are recruiting and is paying field workers to go door to door for the dePierro ticket. The comment from Super PAC’S (NJFF) spokeman Timothy White (Parsippany Focus 5/12/15, click here to read article) “NJFF has identified Parsippany Councilman Carifi as being a particulary divisive individual who is more concerned with political ambitions and personal vendetta’s than providing good government to the township” This comment is laughable. Have they met Council President Carifi ? Have they approached Council President Carifi ? Have they spoken with Council President Carifi? In my opinion this Super PAC (NJFF) is being fed bad information and have no real clue about what is happening in our town. This is politics at its worst. I wonder who’s behind this and why these strange bedfellows have come together? I suspect the answer is financial and not in the best interest of the taxpayers.
One thing that surprises me is that there is a Democratic ticket running for council and the Super PAC (NJFF) which has Democratic ties is ignoring the Democratic ticket and supporting the Republican ticket of dePierro. Something is stinky.
I do ask Parsippany residents to consider the fact that a Super PAC with Democratic ties has invaded our town and I question what’s coming next. A municipal election in my opinion does not need any outside interference. I have confidence in Parsippany residents to distinguish fact from fiction.
Pat Petaccia
PARSIPPANY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department Chief Paul Philipps announce the findings regarding the circumstances of a car fire which occurred in the area of Lake Shore Drive in the Lake Parsippany section of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
On Monday, May 18, at approximately 11:58 a.m., the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was contacted by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department concerning a single motor vehicle (minivan) fire with one occupant. The vehicle was located on the side of the road in a residential neighborhood on Lake Shore Drive.
The joint investigation further revealed that the vehicle was occupied by one adult male, found in the driver’s seat. The victim suffered significant burns and died as a result of the fire related injuries. The manner of death was determined to be suicide.
The identity of the individual is being withheld.
It does not appear at this time that there is any risk to the general public. No further information will be released regarding this occurrence.
All photos (c) Parsippany Focus, 2015 by Nicolas Limanov
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officer P. McCarthy was conducting property checks on Wood Hollow Road when he observed a parked and unoccupied white 2005 Nissan Sentry with its driver’s side window open on Sunday morning, May 17 at 8:53 a.m.
Due to the intense rain and the window being open, Officer McCarthy conducted a registration check on the vehicle in an attempt to identify its owner.
The check resulted in the vehicle being stolen on April 26 from North Beverwyck Road.
The owner was notified and the vehicle was towed from the scene. The matter is currently under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Parsippany Police Department at (973) 263-4300.
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officers E. Ebanks and J. Seeger were investigating a suspicious vehicle call on Chesterfield Road at 5:55 p.m. on Monday, May 18, when they located the driver inside the vehicle. After a brief investigation, the driver, Mr. Justin Tharaud, 20, Pasippany, was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
Mr. Tharaud was transported to Parsippany Police Headquarters for processing, where he was issued summonses for Underage Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving.
He was released from headquarters pending a court appearance.
PARSIPPANY — While patroling Route 46, on Monday, May 18 at 9:47 a.m., Traffic Officer P. Levi observed a 1998 white 4 door Mercury failing to maintain the lane of travel.
Officer Levi conducted a motor vehicle stop upon the driver, Mr. Victor Barbetta, 46, Caldwell, at 745 Route 46. After a brief investigation, and with assistance from assisting Patrol Officers R. Appel and G. Bloete, Mr. Barbetta was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Mr. Barbetta was transported to the Parsippany Police Headquarters for processing. He was issued summonses for Failure to Wear Seatbelt, Careless Driving and Driving While Intoxicated. Mr. Barbetta was released from headquarters pending a court appearance.
The 200 Club of Morris County, an organization of area businesspeople working to support first responders, awarded scholarships to 20 graduating high school seniors. The recipients are all children of police officers, firefighters or emergency medical technicians.
“The 200 Club works hard to support those who keep us safe,” said Lou Nisivoccia, president of the club. “We’re well known for our Valor Awards, given to public safety people who risk their lives, and for the support we give to widows and orphans of those who die in the line of duty. But giving this scholarship is one of the joyful things we do.”
The $5,000 scholarships were won by 20 seniors who demonstrated extraordinary dedication to their studies. To be eligible, students must demonstrate excellence in academic performance, community service and extracurricular activities. Financial need also is taken into consideration.
Winners this year are:
“The parents of these children put their lives on the line to protect us,” said Nisivoccia. “These scholarships are a way to thank them and to assure that we’ll have well-educated, excellent leaders needed to assure a safe and secure society in the future.”
Winners received their awards Monday, May 11 at the Zeris Inn, Mountain Lakes.
The annual scholarship is open to children with a parent actively serving with or retired from a Morris County police department, fire department, ambulance squad, the New Jersey State Police or as a paramedic with a Morris County-based hospital. Students whose parents are actively serving with a federal or state law enforcement agency also are eligible, as are students who, themselves, volunteer as firefighters or EMTs.
Children may be planning to attend college or post-high school vocational school.
The 200 Club began sponsoring the scholarships in 1982. Since then, hundreds of students have received the awards.
Founded in 1971, the club has distributed more than $4 million in benefits to police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services workers and their families.
Benefits take the form of survivor benefits to the families who have lost a spouse who was a first-responder and scholarships that have been awarded to children of emergency workers in Morris County. The organization also recognizes the valor of local heroes with an annual award program. Information about membership in the 200 Club and its programs is available by calling (732) 279-4258 or by clicking on http://200clubofmorriscounty.com.
MORRISTOWN —Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and 2012 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Mary Chapin Carpenter will perform an intimate, acoustic performances at Mayo Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $29-59.
The tour marks Carpenter’s return to singing both timeless hits and deep cuts from her expansive and beloved 13-album catalog after performing with orchestras in early 2014. Carpenter will be joined on stage by longtime friends Jon Carroll (piano) and John Doyle (guitars, bouzouki).
Carpenter has spent the past year performing alongside world-renowned orchestras since the release of her debut orchestral album, Songs From the Movie (Zoë /Rounder), which was conducted and arranged by six-time Grammy Award winner Vince Mendoza. Carpenter’s world debut orchestral concert took place on January 24 at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall alongside the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. In March, she performed two milestone concerts at New York’s Lincoln Center with the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Mr. Mendoza, and was joined by special guests Joan Baez, Shawn Colvin, Jerry Douglas, Tift Merritt and Aoife O’Donovan.
Over the course of her career, Carpenter has sold over 13 million records. With hits like “Passionate Kisses” and “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” she has won five Grammy Awards (with 15 nominations), two CMA awards and two Academy of Country Music awards for her vocals. Her songs speak to the most personal of life’s details and the most universal.
Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2014-2015 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been designated a Major Presenting Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
PARSIPPANY — Kings Food Markets is excited to bring back its exclusive 24 Hour Just Picked Promise this summer, beginning on Friday, May 22. The program is designed to bring Kings’ customers locally grown, farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs within 24 hours of being picked – giving shoppers the benefits of a local farm stand in the convenience of their neighborhood food markets.
“Each summer, we look forward to bringing the Just Picked Promise Program to our customers,” said Judy Spires, president and CEO of Kings Food Markets. “This exclusive program allows us to deliver the freshest produce available from our shoppers’ local community. As soon as customers see the Just Picked Promise seal, they know they are purchasing high quality products just like what they find at their local produce stand.”
Kings works with a network of more than 25 regional farmers – in towns such as Vineland, Mullica Township, Swedesboro, Landisville, Buena, Hammonton, Newfield, Medford, New Lisbon and Millmay – to deliver all of its Just Picked produce fresh to Kings stores within 24 hours of being hand-picked. Local farmers supplying the program select only the freshest, seasonal products in the morning, and through an expedited distribution process, they are delivered to Kings’ stores and prepared for sale the next day. The program is unique to Kings and was developed in partnership with Massachusetts-based Red Tomato, a non-profit organization committed to better connecting farmers and consumers.
“Freshness equals time,” said Paul Kneeland, vice president of Produce, Meat, Seafood and Floral for Kings Food Markets. “That’s why we are so proud to bring back our 24 hour Just Picked Promise. Our growers are committed to bringing the freshest, highest quality local produce to our stores every delivery.”
Kings customers looking to support local farmers and buy the freshest produce available can look for the 24 Hour Just Picked Promise seal in Kings’ stores. The items available at each store will vary daily; although, customers can expect to find such summer staples as arugula, basil, cilantro, lettuce, squash, mint, blueberries, cucumbers, kale and tomatoes with the Just Picked Promise.
The program will run in Kings stores Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
About Kings Food Markets
An upscale market chain serving customers throughout New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, Kings provides a unique shopping experience paired with the highest quality foods. From locally sourced, organically grown produce, to hand-selected cheeses from over 20 countries, Kings seeks to bring exceptional gourmet items to shoppers in all of the company’s locations. The in-store experience is enhanced by Kings’ associates, all of whom are passionate about food and eager to help customers create the perfect meal.
Kings is based at 700 Lanidex Plaza and has 25 stores serving the region.
The closest stores to Parsippany are located in Morristown, Boonton, Florham Park and Livingston.
Red Tomato: Fresh Produce. Fresh Thinking.
A non-profit organization founded in 1996, Plainville, MA-based Red Tomato works with a network of Northeast fruit and vegetable farms to bring farm-fresh, local produce to consumers throughout the region. Their mission is to connect farmers and consumers through marketing, trade, and education, and through a passionate belief that a family-farm, locally-based, ecological, fair trade food system is the way to a better tomato. Visit them on the web at www.redtomato.org.
Dear Editor:
As an Uber X driving partner, I have several comments and concerns regarding ride-sharing services and to the current state of legislation regarding ride-sharing services in New Jersey, i.e., S2742 and A3765.
It is a well-known fact that many New Jersey residents struggle to obtain employment or to earn an adequate living and that public transportation and taxi service is limited or non-existent in many parts of the state. Furthermore, there are persons who choose not to or cannot obtain a driver’s license and those who cannot afford the costs associated with owning, maintaining, and insuring an automobile.
Uber X makes it possible for many of its driving partners to earn an adequate income or to help make ends meet. According to a recent article there are approximately 7,500 Uber drivers in New Jersey. Uber X provides quick pick-up times and an economical solution for those seeking dependable transportation. Persons whom I have transported have been overwhelmingly positive about Uber and have commented that taxi service, if available, can require long wait time for pick-up, high costs, fare gouging, and vehicles that are generally not as clean as Uber X partner vehicles.
With regard to the aforementioned legislation, my overall concern is that its impact will be to make it cost prohibitive for ride-sharing services to operate in New Jersey thus creating a hardship for many of its citizens as previously mentioned. Another real concern is that the number of persons driving while intoxicated will increase because alternative transportation will be limited or non-existent, thereby increasing threats to public safety and its associated costs. I will leave the speculation regarding this legislation being driven (pun intended) by insurance companies and other special interest groups to others.
It is my hope that rather than passing reactionary laws regarding ride-sharing services, all concerned parties can engage in an objective, intelligent, and informed dialogue that results in any future legislation being a win-win solution for all.
Michael Chenkin, Bridgewater
PARSIPPANY — There’s a mystery after a body was found inside a burning car on Lake Shore Drive, around noon on Monday, May 18.
It’s still not clear what happened and the body has not been identified.
The Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy to determine exactly how the person died.
Police responded to the scene of a minivan fire on Lake Shore Drive in the Lake Parsippany section of the township. Morris County Prosecutors Office and Morris County Sheriff Department investigated the scene along with the Parsippany Police Department.
All photos (c) Parsippany Focus, 2015 by Nicolas Limanov
PARSIPPANY — Mr. Dennis Hartley, 37, was traveling South on Parsippany Road and stopped at the intersection of Alexander Avenue to make a left turn. Mr. Chandraka Mehta, 75, was traveling behind Mr. Hartley and stopped, when Mr. Richard Cattafi, 67, struck Mr. Mehta’s vehicle, and then Mr. Mehta’s vehicle struck Mr. Hartley.
Mr. Cattafi was driving a 2006 Subaru; Mr. Mehta was driving at 2012 Toyota and Mr. Hartley was driving a 2003 Ford Pick-Up.
Mr. Mehta’s vehicle was towed from the scene by Corigliano Towing.
No summons were issued at the time of this story.
Mr. Mehta was complaining of pain and was treated by Parsippany Emergency Medical Services at the scene.
Parsippany Focus is a digital news organization that provides news coverage of Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. The organization was founded in 1989 by Frank Cahill, who currently owns and operates the organization. Parsippany Focus covers local news, events, and community issues, and their content is primarily distributed through their website and social media channels. The organization has been serving as a trusted source of news and information for the Parsippany-Troy Hills community for over 30 years.
Contact us: news@parsippanyfocus.com
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