PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 2 , Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department District 1 and Boonton Volunteer Fire Department Rapid Intervention Team were on scene of a structure fire in the basement on Park Road on Friday, May 22 at approximately 2:00 a.m.
The occupants got out safe and no injuries were reported.
Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad was standing by and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery was assisting the fire departments at the scene.
PARSIPPANY — Vidyalaya hosted it’s Annual Show on Sunday, May 17 at Parsippany Hills High School.
Vidyalaya means “School” in Sandkrit and their “Vidyalaya” is an all-volunteer run organization based in Morris County. Their mission is to provide a platform and an envirnoment for their children where they not only excel at learning the languages of India, but also develop a deep understanding and appreciation of the Indian Culture and the Hindu way of life. They have enrolled over 200 children in the year 2014-2015.
PARSIPPANY — Earlier reports indicate a tractor-trailer hit telephone poles and there are wires down on Route 46, between Beverwyck Road and New Road. The road was closed while the wires in the highway were removed and repaired. The road is now open to traffic.
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PARSIPPANY — Parsippany is gearing up to commemorate those men and women who served the country in the military, Memorial Day marks the time for Americans to reflect on those men and women.
Memorial Day festivities will start at 9:00 a.m. at the Lake Hiawatha Park with a VFW Ceremony honoring Parsippany service members who died in Vietnam.
At 10:00 a.m. in Veterans Memorial Park, Route 46 and Vail Road, Reverend Bragg of Parsippany Presbyterian Church will conduct the invocation; the Boys and Girls Scouts will lead the Pledge of Allegiance; the American Creed will be recited; Mayor James Barberio will explain the history of Memorial Day; and the history of Flanders Field will be recited by Eileen White of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
An honored guest at the ceremony will be Ed Zelichowski, a World War II veteran and 100-year-old who will help perform the wreath laying ceremony.
A VFW Rifle Squad will conduct the salute, and Taps will be played.
In addition, Siobhan Fuller, mother of Parsippany’s Derek McConnell, who died after being wounded in Afghanistan, will be a guest speaker at the event.
Starting at 12:00 noon, the annual Parsippany Memorial Day parade will begin at Katherine Drive and North Beverwyck Road and end at Volunteers Park.
North Beverwyck Road will be closed at 11:45 a.m. until after the parade between Vail and Knoll roads.
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Kashif Parvaiz, 30, has been sentenced to life in prison in connection with the 2011 murder of his wife, Nazish Noorani.
On February 26, 2015, Parvaiz was convicted when a jury returned a verdict of guilty against him on counts of Murder (a crime of the first degree), Conspiracy to Commit Murder (a crime of the first degree), two counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (crimes of the second degree), two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (crimes of the second degree), Prohibited Weapons and Devices (a crime of the fourth degree), Endangering the Welfare of a Child (a crime of the second degree), and Hindering One’s Apprehension (a crime of the third degree).
This prosecution stemmed from the arrest of Kashif Parvaiz for his role in the shooting death of his wife, Nazish Noorani, on Cedar Street in the Town of Boonton on the night of August 16, 2011.
Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Troiano and Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan represented the State during the prosecution of this matter.
On today’s date, the Honorable Robert J. Gilson, J.S.C. sentenced Parvaiz to life in prison on the crime of Murder, which is subject to the provisions of the No Early Release Act. This sentence is to run consecutive to a sentence of seven (7) years with a three (3) year period of parole ineligibility on the crime of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and also consecutive to a three (3) year sentence for Hindering Apprehension. The aggregate sentence is a total of eighty-five (85) years in State Prison. All other charges were run concurrent and/merged as required by law.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to specifically thank the members of the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as the Town of Boonton Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigation Section, and the Billerica (MA) Police Department.
Prosecutor Knapp commended all law enforcement officers who participated in this successful prosecution:
“The Major Crimes Unit led by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Troiano and Captain Stephen Wilson did an outstanding job in bringing this individual to justice. The court imposed a severe sentence which was certainly justified by the horrific and cowardly acts of the unrepentant defendant.”
PARSIPPANY — Lakeland Hills Family YMCA held its “2015 Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation” on Wednesday, May 13 at the Knoll Country Club, Parsippany. Among the many individuals honored, two were honored from Parsippany, Parsippany Hills High School student Alezander Wu and the late Dr. Frank Calabria.
Parsippany Hills High School senior, Alezander Wu received the William Kogen Community Service Award. The award is presented to a high school senior boy and girl who best exemplify service and leadership to the community. The award included a $1,000 college scholarship and a YMCA membership.
Alezander Wu was the Northern Regional Communications Director for the New Jersey Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) organization during his junior year. He has been president of the Parsippany Hills Habitat for Humanity Club since my junior year. Alezander is a member of the PHHS Key Club. He volunteered as an editorial intern for Out Impact Magazine. He also volunteered with the Heritage of Pride Association of New York City. He is a tutor for both the PHHS Italian Honor Society and National Honor Society.He has helped prepare, serve, and deliver Thanksgiving meals around Grafton County in New Hampshire. Alezander canvassed with the New York Public Interest Research Group against hydrofracking in Westchester County. He also volunteered at the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter.
Additionally, here are Alezander’s prospects for the future:
He will be attending Pitzer College in Claremont, California double majoring in a self-designed literary therapy major, along with a second concentration in Environmental Sustainability.
He has written three novels and plan to have one published within the next year.
He hopes to become an indirect ally through my writing in the future in order to lower the teen suicide rate. He plans to tell stories from various backgrounds and points of views of the main characters in order to connect with a greater audience.
He is in the process of starting a nonprofit called The Hope Book. It will be a website where people can submit their own works about battling through hardships in order to provide hope and confidence for those undergoing similar circumstances. He also wants it to be an easy way to connect teens with an older mentor to help them through any issues they may have.
Dr. Frank Calabria was among the candidates being honored for “Citizens of the Year Awards.”
The award is presented to individuals in the YMCA service area who have provided outstanding volunteer service and leadership to improve the quality of life in each of their communities.
Frank Calabria, in memoriam – Frank was one of the longest-serving Board of Education members in the entire State of New Jersey. He cared deeply and was passionate about education, which was never more evident than by his helping shape the futures of Parsippany students. Frank shared his knowledge and experience with colleagues by being both a friend and a mentor. His honors included UNICO Parsippany Citizen of the Year award, and the Jaycee’s Distinguished Service award (along with his wife Angela). Although he served many school districts professionally, his heart was in Parsippany. Frank was also a vital member of St. Christopher’s Church, Parsippany. Frank passed away this past February, and the Lakeland Hills YMCA offers condolences to the Calabria family.
The Lakeland Hills YMCA serves the following communities: Parsippany, Boonton, Boonton Township, Denville, Kinnelon, Butler, Lincoln Park, Montville, Mountain Lakes, Pequannock and Riverdale.
The Lakeland Hills YMCA is a powerful association joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. They believe that lasting personal and social changes can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. Every day, they work to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
The Lakeland Hills YMCA is located at 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes. For more information, click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is collecting used smart phones, cell phones, IPads and IPods from now through mid-June.
All money earned by recycling these items will be donated to Jersey Battered Women’s Service of Morris County. Collection boxes are located in Cerbo Lumber & Hardware at 1855 Route 46 Eastbound, Atlanta Bread Company, 1711 Route 10 Eastbound (Kohl’s Shopping Center) and in Green Pond Dry Cleaners 1 Baldwin Road (Baldwin Shopping Center). For additional information call Cathy Haney at (973) 335-9769.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. For more information about the club call Cathy Cerbo at (973) 984-0758 or e-mail the club by clicking here or visit their website by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Recreation Department is now offering a new summer program for ages 3 to 5 year olds. The new afternoon Tot Time Program offers preschoolers the opportunity to enjoy crafts, singing, stories, themed activities, socializing with peers and more!
Exciting visits from magicians and animal programs will also be included in the program. The program will run from June 29 until August 21 weekdays from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Lenni Lenape Picnic Area with a cost of $165.00 for the entire eight weeks.
Registration can be done online, by clicking here or at the Parsippany Recreation Department office, One Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha.
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 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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