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.
Letter to the editor: Something is stinky with the PAC and John Sette
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
Update: Car Fire Death on Lake Shore Drive was a suicide
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
Stolen Vehicle recovered on Wood Hollow Road
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.
Underage drinker charged with DWI
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.
Motorist charged with DWI at 9:47 a.m.
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.
200 Club of Morris County Awards Scholarships
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:
- Farah Randelia, Parsipanny. Public safety affiliation: EMS
- Anastasia M. Bohon, Boonton. Public safety affiliation: fire service
- Elizabeth M. Boyle, Riverdale. Public safety affiliation: fire service
- Eva R. Cavanaugh, Morris Plains. Public safety affiliation: fire service
- Kevin Cortright, Whippany. Public safety affiliation: fire service
- Abigail J. Davidson, Morris Plains. Public safety affiliation: fire service
- Dana N. Demnitz, Morris Plains. Public safety affiliation: police
- Jenna M. DeVincenzo, Caldwell. Public safety affiliation: police
- Kaileigh E. Estler, Morris Plains. Public safety affiliation: fire service
- Nicholas P. Karr, Morris Plains. Public safety affiliation: fire service & EMS
- Patrick A. Kennedy, Hackettstown. Public safety affiliation: police
- Casey Krickus, Long Valley. Public safety affiliation: EMS
- Alexi S. Martin, Oak Ridge. Public safety affiliation: EMS
- John K. McNamara III, Morristown. Public safety affiliation: police
- Kelsey M. Muir, Woodland Park. Public safety affiliation: State Police
- Nicole Pascale, Randolph. Public safety affiliation: police
- Olivia P. Polise, Chatham. Public safety affiliation: EMS
- Hope E. Schwartz, Stanhope. Public safety affiliation: police
- Sarah Serafino, Oak Ridge. Public safety affiliation: EMS
- Andrew Robert Vex, Rockaway. Public safety affiliation: fire service
“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.
Mary Chapin Carpenter to perform at Mayo Center
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.
Kings Food Markets Announces The Return Of Its Just Picked Promise Program
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.
Letter to the editor: Uber a safe, economic transportation choice
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
Update: Body found inside burning car
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
Three car accident on Parsippany Road; one driver treated for pain
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.
PHHS Key Club visits Kiwanis Club
PARSIPPANY — Members of the Parsippany Hills High School Key Club visited the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany for breakfast on Thursday, May 14. The members gave a review of their yearly activities they participated in.
Some of the events the PHHS Key Club organized was the Bake Sale. The Key Clubbers brought in their baked goods for sale. They organized a Senior Citizen Dinner: This is one of the biggest service projects of the year. They served senior citizens an Italian dinner and then they presented a show. They offered Lake Intervale School Babysitting. They raised money and visited the Children’s Specialized Hospital. As per its usual Valentine’s Day celebration, Key Club packed candy bags for each Parsippany Hills High School administrator, teacher, adviser, aid, and employee. With several Key Club volunteers, over 10 bags of chocolates and candy, and 180 mini packages of candy delivered, Key Club plans on continuing its small acts of service for the many years to come.
Kiwanis Advisors Ron Orthwein and Davey Willans, along with Kiwanis President Mimi Letts is pictured with the students from the Parsippany Hills Key Club. The PHHS Key Club Advisor is Bonnie Sturm.
Executive Board: President: Stephanie Datri; Vice President: Lindsey Magbitang; Treasurer: Rebecca Ho; Corres. Secretary: Ryan Stensgaard; Recording Secretary: Patricia Kou; Editor: Vanessa Ting; Editor: Arpan Bhavsar; Historian: Catherine Mow; Historian: Kim Aldana; Webmaster: Eva Cavanaugh; Committees: Neena Andican; and Committees: Sneha Patwardhan.
Key Club International, the oldest and largest service leadership organization for teens, teaches leadership through service to others. Key Club’s 267,000 members build themselves as they build their schools and communities. Key Club’s 5,000 clubs thrive in 30 nations in North America, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Service and fundraising
By performing more than 12 million service hours each year, Key Club members make a difference in their communities and the world, organizing a variety of service projects, such as cleaning up parks, collecting clothing and organizing food drives. They also learn leadership skills by running meetings, planning projects and holding elected leadership positions at the club, district and international levels.
Key Club encourages volunteering and fundraising for partners March of Dimes, UNICEF and the Children’s Miracle Network. Key Club members are currently raising funds for The Eliminate Project, a joint effort of the Kiwanis family and UNICEF to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus from the face of the Earth.
Three Parsippany residents earn degrees at Lehigh University
PARSIPPANY — More than 1,900 Lehigh University students were awarded bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees during the 147th Spring 2015 Commencement ceremonies at Goodman Stadium in Bethlehem, PA.
Connor Luther of Mt Tabor, received a B S in Environmental Engineer
Meghan Barwick of Parsippany, received a Bachelor of Arts
Shijue Wang of Parsippany, received a Master of Science
For 150 years, Lehigh University (lehigh.edu) has combined outstanding academic and learning opportunities with leadership in fostering innovative research.
The institution is among the nation’s most selective, highly ranked private research universities. Lehigh’s four colleges – College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Economics, College of Education and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science – provide opportunities to 7,000 students to discover and grow in a learning community that promotes interdisciplinary programs with real-world experience.
Suspicious package found at Ferring Pharmaceuticals
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Police Department was called to Ferring Pharmaceuticals, 100 Interpace Parkway, earlier this afternoon on a suspicious package found.
The Morris County Hazmat team remains on the scene, as well as Rainbow Lakes Fire District 2, Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 5 Hazmat team, and Parisppany Emergency Medical Services.
As details come available, Parsippany Focus will update this story.
Breaking news: Car fire on Lake Shore Drive
PARSIPPANY — Police are at 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 are on the scene along with the Parsippany Police Department. When additional information is released, Parsippany Focus will update this article.
Parsippany Police stated Lake Shore Drive in Lake Parsippany is closed between Englishtown Road and Califon Road. There is also no access to Freneau Road from Parsippany Road. There is no estimated time for the closures at this time. Please plan accordingly.
At approximately 9:00 p.m. Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps announced the road has been reopened.
Groundbreaking Ceremony for new turf fields at PHHS
PARSIPPANY — On Thursday, May 14, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Schools kicked off a ground breaking event at Parsippny Hills High School and now the Turf Fields are becoming a reality.
The Parsippany Hills High School Choir sang the National Athem, and the PHHS Alma Mater was performed by the PHHS Band and Choir. Welcoming message was presented by Parsippany-Troy Hills Board President Fran Orthwein.
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education held a meeting on Thursday, February 19 and a presentation was made by the architect and engineer explaining the proposed turfing of the high school fields, the rebuilding of the Parsippany High School track and the construction of lights towers at Parsippany High School and the refurbishment of the light towers already at Parsippany High School.
Northvail Fifth Graders hold fundraiser at Applebee’s
PARSIPPANY — The fifth grade class at Northvail School held a fundraiser at Applebee’s to raise funds for their graduation in June. The students will be attending Central Middle School in September.
Lake Intervale Fifth Grade Holds Super Car Wash
PARSIPPANY — The Fifth Grade class of Lake Intervale School held a car wash on Saturday, May 16 to raise funds to help with their graduation this June. The students will be moving up to Brooklawn Middle School in September.
Intervale Elementary School is a kindergarten through fifth grade school where staff and parents work together to provide a nurturing environment for our students. The school’s diverse population provides the students with wonderful opportunities to learn about many different cultures, traditions and life styles.
Intervale School is located at 60 Pitt Road.