Dr. Sargent Honored with the Exemplary Advocate of School Libraries Award.
PARSIPPANY — Dr. Barbara Sargent, Superintendent of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Schools, received the New Jersey Association of School Librarians Exemplary Advocate of School Libraries Award.
Dr. Sargent consistently advocates for school library programs, recognizes the need for certified school library personnel, and supports the central role of the school librarian in helping to develop effective school library programs that help promote student achievement.
Mr. Justnes was driving a 2019 Green Chevy Sonic and was towed from the scene by Eagle Towing
PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, December 11 at 12:33, a four-car chain reaction accident occurred on Route 46 at Sandra Drive due to a driver daydreaming.
Mr. Jorge Q. Ezeta-Chang, 63, was traveling slowly in the right lane of Route 46 west (just east of Sandra Drive). Mr. William Olderman, 55, was directly behind Mr. Ezeta-Chang.
Mr. Otoniel Oronzormoreno, 50, was traveling directly behind Mr. Olderman.
Mr. Erick Justnes, 24, was following Mr. Oronzormoreno’s vehicle.
Mr. Justnes then crashed into Mr. Oronzormoreno’s vehicle. Mr. Oronzormoreno’s vehicle propelled forward and crashed into Mr. Olderman’s vehicle. Then Mr. Olderman’s vehicle propelled forward and crashed into Mr. Jorge Q. Ezeta-Chang’s vehicle.
Mr. Erick Justnes stated to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Denis DeMuro, “He observed Mr. Oronzormoreno’s vehicle stopping in front of him, but he was daydreaming and was unable to stop before the crash.
Mr. Oronzormoreno was driving a 2019 Silver Toyota 4 Runner and was towed from the scene by Eagle Towing.
Officer DeMuro determined that Mr. Erick Justnes caused the crash by following Mr. Oronzormoreno too closely.
Mr. Erick Justnes was issued a summons for (39:4-97) Careless Driving.
There were no injuries reported.
Mr. Justnes was driving a 2019 Green Chevy Sonic and was towed from the scene by Eagle Towing. Mr. Oronzormoreno was driving a 2019 Silver Toyota 4 Runner and was towed from the scene by Eagle Towing.
Mr. Olderman and Mr. Ezeta-Chang were able to resume their Sunday travels.
Mr. Justnes was driving a 2019 Green Chevy Sonic and was towed from the scene by Eagle Towing
Parsippany residents Preston Lawrence Donnelly, 8 and Kelly Allison Donnelly, 3, with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at Toys for Tots fundraiser at Parsippany Applebees
PARSIPPANY — Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar® 1057 Route 46, Troy Hills Shopping Center, held its annual Breakfast with Santa fundraiser on Saturday, December 10.
The fundraiser supports the efforts of the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots program, which distributes new toys to underprivileged children to provide a tangible sign of hope to as many economically disadvantaged children as possible at Christmas.
Guests enjoyed breakfast compliments of Applebee’s, along with goodies, raffle tickets for door prizes, and the opportunity to take a photo with Santa Claus.
Tickets to Breakfast with Santa were purchased in advance and were quickly sold out.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio giving Santa his wish list for Christmas
Mayor James Barberio stated, “I have participated in the Toys for Tots program for many years. I believe this program is a great way to ensure that the less fortunate children feel included this Christmas season. The giving season is all about coming together to bring joy and happiness in a troublesome time.”
Sgt. Jorge L. Cuji with Scott Donnelly, General Manager of Envy Sports Club.
“It’s an honor to host our annual Breakfast with Santa fundraiser in partnership with Toys for Tots,” said Tim Doherty, President and Chief Executive Officer of Doherty Enterprises. “We are thrilled to be able to support this amazing organization and all they do for the development of area children and our local communities, especially when we can make the holidays a little brighter. We look forward to spending the day with our employees and guests to celebrate the holidays and the season of giving.”
The fundraiser supports the efforts of the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots program, which distributes new toys to underprivileged children to provide a tangible sign of hope to as many economically disadvantaged children as possible at Christmas.Sgt. Jorge L. Cuji, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella, Councilman Frank Neglia, Mrs. Claus, Mayor James Barberio, Santa and Applebee’s General Manager Rachael GaidaApplebee’s General Manager, Rachael Gaida, proudly displays all the gifts donated to raffle off in the 50/50. All of the funds raised were donated to Toys for Tots.Local merchants donated the gifts donated to the raffle in the 50/50. All of the funds raised were donated to Toys for Tots.Parsippany resident Preston Lawrence Donnelly, 8, chatting with Santa and Mrs. Claus. He gave his long list to Santa in hopes that he would get the toys he was asking for.Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Frank Neglia, Mayor James Barberio, Sgt. Jorge L. Cuji, and Councilman Justin Musella at Applebee’s Toys for Tot fundraiser.
Eileen & Anthony Citro (Eileen Citro via Facebook)
PARSIPPANY — Anthony Citro, 43, formerly of 37 Chestnut Hill Drive East, Denville, has been sentenced to 17 years in New Jersey State Prison.
On November 16, 2022, Anthony Citro entered a guilty plea to first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter before the Hon. Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr. On December 15, Judge Taylor imposed a sentence of 17 years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA), which makes the defendant ineligible for parole until he has served 85% of the sentence imposed.
The charges arise from an incident that occurred on May 17, 2021. At approximately 7:24 a.m., law enforcement received a 9-1-1 call regarding a fire at 37 Chestnut Hill Drive East, Denville. Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement officers located Anthony Citro outside the residence, with apparent blood on his clothing. Smoke was observed coming from the residence.
The Denville Volunteer Fire Department members responded to the scene and extinguished the fire, which was later determined to be incendiary. While suppressing the fire, the body of a deceased female was located inside the residence. The female was identified as Eileen Citro, 68, the defendant’s mother. The cause of death was ruled homicide by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office. The manner of death was determined to be sharp force injuries.
An investigation determined that a bookcase, a wall, and “numerous personal items” were set on fire in a first-floor bedroom using butane.
Neighbors told police that Citro appeared to be under the influence of drugs at the fire and had a history of drug dependency. He also has a history of mental illness
Eileen was a graduate of Parsippany High School, Class of 1971.
Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank and acknowledge the various agencies that participated in the investigation, including the members of the Denville Volunteer Fire Department, the New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, the Denville Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson/Environmental Crimes, Major Crimes and High-Tech Crimes units.
My name is Sam Labkovsky, and I am a more than 22-year Parsippany resident, and I have been keeping up to date on the debate and discourse about the Mayor and Council’s mandated PLA that will likely raise our taxes. I, too, signed and encourage every single resident to sign Councilman Musella’s petition to repeal the PLA (www.repealthepla.com).
The process by which the PLA was passed was highly charged, orchestrated, and packed with an out-of-town special interest group. None of this will be forgotten. Taxpayers will remember what you did to us when you start running for re-election. This June, in particular, is when those who voted for this will answer to us, the voters.
I feel that every year, our taxes grow and grow. Nearly two years ago, this town increased our water bill by nearly 40%. The town management promised to do something with water quality, but there is no proof. For me, the water is still not drinkable, and we continue to buy water bottles for cooking and drinking. Retiring and living in Parsippany on a fixed income is already difficult. Why would you make every project 30% more expensive with the PLA?
I think the current Parsippany elected officials want to squash the opinion of residents when you don’t act in the public’s best interest. But you can only get away with it for so long because residents will not buy your empty promises of lowering taxes when you run for re-election. We will remember how you did us wrong by shoving this PLA mandate down our throats — especially when we get our future tax bills with all the increases and no quality of life to show for it.
A school bus carrying ten children home from school was hit by a vehicle
PARSIPPANY — A school bus carrying ten children was hit by a driver who later was charged with Driving Under the Influence. At Parsippany Police Station, Ms. Cristin Isaacson, 40, Mendham, was given a breathalyzer test, and her Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was registered at .15%. New Jersey State Law states if a blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or above, the driver is under the influence of intoxicating liquor. This accident occurred on Tuesday, December 6, at 3:35 p.m.
Ms. Cristin Isaacson was operating a 2022 BWM 740 and traveling north of Madzabrook Road toward Troy Road.
The driver, Ms. Cristin Isaacson, 40, Mendham, was operating a 2022 BWM 740 and traveling north of Mazabrook Road toward Troy Road. The BMW crashed into the guard rail on the left side of the roadway. The roadway is above Route 80.
The bus traveled south on Baldwin Road and stopped in traffic to make a left turn onto Troy Road (East). As Ms. Isaacson approached the intersection, she abruptly veered across the yellow line to the left. Now on the wrong side of the roadway, she made contact with the right side of the school bus. She then crashed into the guard rail on the left side of the roadway. The school bus bounced off the guard rail and came to final rest after contacting the front of a vehicle driven by Ms. Danielle Lucas, 40, Morristown. Ms. Lucas, driving a 2012 Chevy Equinox, was also traveling South on Baldwin Road and stopped in traffic behind the school bus.
Ms. Lucas stated she was waiting for the school bus to turn, and suddenly, Ms. Isaacson appeared out of nowhere on the right side of the bus. Ms. Isaacson hit the school bus first, then the guard rail, and then crashed into the front of her car.
Ms. Isaacson hit the school bus first, then the guard rail, and then crashed into the 2012 Chevy Equinox, which was also traveling South on Baldwin Road and stopped in traffic behind the school bus.
Ms. Isaacson was taken into custody for suspected driving while intoxicated. She was administered a breathalyzer test at Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, resulting in a BAC of .015%.
Ms. Isaacson was issued a summons for 39:4-50 (Driving while intoxicated), 39:4-96 (Reckless Driving), and 39:4-88 (Traffic on Marked Lanes).
Eagle Towing removed the 2022 BMW 740 driven by Ms. Isaacson from the scene. The respective drivers drove the remaining vehicle, including the bus, from the scene.
According to the New Jersey Police Crash Investigation Report, no injuries were reported. The bus is owned by STA Bus Company, Pine Brook.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Damon Farms investigated the accident.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Ms. Bushong with club officers: President Amogh Samaga, Recording Secretary Mahi Patel, Bulletin Editor Princy Gade, Bulletin Editor Harani Talluri
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Hills High School Key Club Senior Citizen Dinner Theater returned on November 16 and was attended by more than 80 members of the community.
The attendees were treated to a three-course Italian dinner followed by the PHHS Players’ production of “Our Town.”
This event was an annual tradition before the Spring Musical, and the club was thrilled to finally bring back one of their favorite community service projects before the Fall Play.
PHHS Key Club advisor Kristine Bushong and Play Director Patrick LongHelping to serve drinks: Jaslin Li and Isabella VelasquezSay Cheese! Darshinie Jairam and Jasjit Kaur
Serving food: Kirubhaharan Uthanumallian, Aaron Matthew, Vedant Ray
Flynn Michael Brown was murdered while attending Jackson State University
MORRIS COUNTY — Nearly 600 donors have contributed $30,000 to support the family of 22-year-old Flynn Michael Brown, a former Mount Olive High School football player who was tragically murdered on Friday, December 2, while attending Jackson State University.
A friend organized the GoFundMe and wrote, “Flynn was a star, a leader. He would make sure everyone was good, even if he wasn’t good. He brought joy to life and always had open arms for anyone. He blessed everyone he came in contact with. His life did not deserve to be cut short by a heinous act of violence.” Flynn was his parent’s only son.
Flynn is described in the fundraiser as a “star” and “leader” who “brought joy to life and always had open arms for anyone.”
“He would make sure everyone was good even if he wasn’t good,” the campaign says.
“He blessed everyone he came in contact with. His life did not deserve to be cut short by a heinous act of violence.”
The campaign funds will be used to transport Flynn’s body from Jackson for the memorial, as well as for funeral arrangements and attorney expenses.
Flynn is survived by his loving parents, Michele and Michael, his girlfriend, and countless family members and close friends.
Mayor James Barberio cuts the ribbon during the grand opening celebration. Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill presented a plaque and welcomed the new business to Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Shear Perfection Salon, 83 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Attending the ceremony were Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Justin Musella, Councilman Frank Neglia, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, and Secretary Raj Dichpally. Also joining was Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso and Board members Ildiko Peluso and Nicolas Limanov.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill presented Kim Patterson, Shear Perfection Salon, with a plaque and welcomed the new business to Parsippany.
Shear Perfection Salon is owned by Kim Patterson and her husband, Brian.
Kim was a manager at Pro Haircutters Salon, Troy Hills Shopping Center, for over 23 years. Pro Haircutters closed that location on September 24.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill presented Kim Patterson, Shear Perfection Salon, with a plaque and welcomed the new business to Parsippany.
Patterson, having experience in operating a salon all these years, decided to open Shear Perfection Salon. She hired almost all the staff from Pro Haircutters.
The new boutique-style salon, SHEAR PERFECTION SALON, is now open at 83 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha.
Shear Perfection Salon is here for all your hair care needs and is proud to welcome all previous Pro Haircutter and new clients.
Pictured below is the wonderful staff… John, Barber; Omar, Barber; Jessica, Stylist; Vicky, Stylist; Michelle, Stylist; Sheree, Stylist; Melanie, Stylist; Michele Lynn, Stylist; Lisa, Stylist; and of course the friendly receptionists Kim, Cheryl, Gina, and Lucy.
The friendly staff of Shear Perfection Salon.
Visit Shear Perfection Salon today! Call for an appointment at (973) 335-2121. They also welcome walk-ins.
A recent vehicle located in the area of Manito/Pawnee in Lake Hiawatha had the catalytic converters stolen from the vehicle
PARSIPPANY — Catalytic converter theft has been rising, not only in Parsippany but across the nation. According to Brian Conover, Parsippany Police Department, “We have had over 70 catalytic converters stolen from vehicles since the beginning of this year. In Parsippany, it’s not just one type of vehicle, but I can say it has been every make, model, and year.” Parsippany Focus could not receive any additional information due to current investigations involving these incidents.
The resident’s vehicle in the above picture stated it happened at 2:47 a.m., and it took less than three minutes for the thieves to steal the catalytic converter. She stated she resides in the area of Rockaway Meadow School.
While this has been happening for years, a recent uptick in catalytic converter theft may be motivated by economic turbulence from the pandemic. Additionally, the reduced foot traffic during this time may make it easier for thieves who feel less likely to be caught. It takes just a few minutes for a thief to “saw” the catalytic converter out of your car and leave you with thousands of dollars in damage.
For those novices, “A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction.”
A three-way catalytic converter on a gasoline-powered 1996 Dodge Ram
According to Carfax, Cars Most Likely to Have Their Catalytic Converters Stolen Nationwide:
1985-2021 Ford F-Series
1989-2020 Honda Accord
2007-17 Jeep Patriot
1990-2022 Ford Econoline
1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox
1997-2020 Honda CR-V
1987-2019 Toyota Camry
2011-17 Chrysler 200
2001-21 Toyota Prius
According to Carfax, Cars Most Likely to Have Their Catalytic Converters Stolen in the Northeast:
1985-2021 Ford F-Series
1987-2019 Toyota Camry
1989-2020 Honda Accord
2007-17 Jeep Patriot
1997-2020 Honda CR-V
1998-2020 Subaru Forester
2007-20 Subaru Outback
1990-2022 Ford Econoline
1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
1993-2020 Nissan Altima
The High Cost of Catalytic Converter Theft
Discovering your catalytic converter has been taken can be a rude awakening – the exhaust system on your car, truck, or SUV will make a loud noise from where the device was removed.
Catalytic converter theft can be a costly loss for car owners who don’t have insurance coverage for it, according to Christopher McDonold, executive director for the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council.
“If you don’t have full coverage, or you can’t get coverage, you’re going to pay out of pocket to replace (the converter),” McDonold said. And that can run from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, according to the NICB.
In Parsippany, Mr. Johannes J. Vanwageningen, Jr., 37, Bloomingdale, was arrested on July 18 for “Theft by Unlawfully” taking certain moveable property, three catalytic converters from three parked vehicles, at the dealership of Jan Auto Sales LLC, 355 Route 46 East. He removed all three with a saw. He was charged with Theft of Movable Property NJSA 2C-20-3a and 2C:5-2. Conspiracy. a. Definition of conspiracy. A person is guilty of conspiracy with another person or persons to commit a crime if to promote or facilitate its commission.
in addition, his accomplish was also arrested and charged.
Lake Parsippany resident Lillian Morley said, “22 incidents from January through October 26 in a five-block radius from Summit Road in Lake Parsippany. Six plus catalytic converters were stolen on my street, one vehicle the catalytic converter was taken twice, and another vehicle was stolen out of the driveway. Then down the block was the man peeking in windows wearing a Gillie suit.” (see related article by clicking here).
Commissioner DeFillippo (center) with her husband, Bob (left) and Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo (right).
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner Kathryn DeFillippo was celebrated for her decades in public service during a holiday gathering at the Morris County Administration & Records Building, where her colleagues presented her with the traditional rocking chair for Commissioners retiring from public office.
Commissioner DeFillippo tries out the rocking chair with Director Selen and Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus.
Commissioner DeFillippo, who has served three terms on the Morris County Board of County Commissioners since 2014, when it was known as the Board of Chosen Freeholders, announced last year that she would be leaving public service at the end of this year. She has served twice as Director of the Board during her tenure.
“It was a tough decision a year ago when I announced I wasn’t going to run, but it was the fair thing to do — to let people know that I had decided it was time for me to retire … I have enjoyed working and being a part of Morris County. Thank you,” said Commissioner DeFillippo, who attended the event with her husband, Roxbury Councilman, and Past Mayor Robert DeFillippo.
“I look forward now at … the younger generation and sharing with them how important it is to give back to your community, whether it’s in an elected position or just coming to a meeting or doing something as simple as, you know, landscaping around the library, helping out. Do something with your community,” Commissioner DeFillippo added.
Commissioner DeFillippo served as Mayor of Roxbury Township in 2009 and served on the Township Council from 2006 through December 2013. She also served as deputy mayor in 2011, 2012, and 2013 and was a member of the town’s Zoning Board and a past president of the Roxbury Area Chamber of Commerce.
Commissioner DeFillippo thanked everyone who joined the gathering.
“Kathy’s departure from the board at the end of this month is bitter-sweet for all of us. We share her happiness in spending more time with her family and being free to do many things she and Bob would like to do. However, this board will be hard-pressed to replace what Kathy has brought to the board during her three terms since 2014 – I am talking about her intense compassion for the less fortunate in our community,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen.
Commissioner DeFillippo, retired, served as the chief liaison to the Morris County Department of Human Services and area nonprofits after a private career as a Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor that involved helping society’s most vulnerable citizens. She retired in 2016 from the board of the NJ Metro Chapter of the National MS Society after serving as a trustee for ten years, and she was the director of a sheltered workshop for physically and mentally handicapped adults in New York.
She also worked in the insurance industry in the Washington, D.C., area, providing medical management and vocational rehabilitation services to injured workers.
“I would be remiss if I did not squeeze in the fact that Kathy was chair of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) for two years, from 2020 through 2021. She had been on the board since 2014 and was presented with a Leadership Award by the Newark Regional Business Partnership earlier this year for her service,” Director Selen said as DeFillippo was presented with the county’s traditional wooden rocking chair.
“As Kathy always said, the important work of the NJTPA is too often ignored. It oversees regional transportation planning, and it annually authorizes more than $1 billion in federal transportation funding for 13 counties in northern and central New Jersey. Kathy, we are very proud that you represented us, especially in a leadership role at the NJTPA,” Selen added.
Commissioner DeFillippo remains active with the MS Society as an advocate in government relations and has been the driving force behind bringing the Walk MS to Roxbury in 2006, helping to raise tens of thousands of dollars to find a cure and to raise awareness for people afflicted with MS.
Commissioner DeFillippo with her rocking chair and Director Selen.
Presenting the check to Michelle Picone was leading Knight Scott Burns of Parsippany Elks and Trustee and Eric Bisch of Parsippany Elks. Mayor James Barberio joined in the event held at Parsippany Elks Lodge 2078
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge 2078 donated a check for $2000.00 to the Parsippany Food Pantry. This donation was made possible by the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant.
Presenting the check to Michelle Picone was leading Knight Scott Burns of Parsippany Elks and Trustee Eric Bisch of Parsippany Elks.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge 2078 is located at 230 Parsippany Road.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio stated, “Our community never fails to amaze me. Being the Mayor of Parsippany brings me great joy, but nothing is better than seeing Parsippany help Parsippany. Thank you to Parsippany Elks Lodge #2078 for taking the time and commitment to ensure that everyone has a great holiday season. In Parsippany, no one gets left behind.”
Elks National Foundation released $3.7 million for the Spotlight Grants. These $2,000 grants are available to every Lodge to highlight pressing issues facing American communities, including COVID-19 relief, which continues to be a significant need.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany member Susan Slaughter with Santa at Parsippany Child Day Care Center
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, December 10, Santa Claus and members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany visited the children at Parsippany Child Day Care Center.
Children and families came out to have breakfast with Santa! Santa asked the children what they wanted for Christmas and whether or not they thought they were on the naughty or nice list!
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Frank Neglia, Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Justin Musella, and Council President Michael dePierro visit Santa at Parsippany Child Day Care Center.
Mayor James Barberio stated, “The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany organized this event is what makes this season so great. Seeing how happy children were to meet and eat with Santa brought me back to when I was a child meeting Santa! The excitement and joy in the air were profound!”
The kitchen staffJoe Jannarone flips the pancakes.
The chefs from Kiwanis Club volunteers prepared the breakfast, which consisted of scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, pancakes, bagels, yogurt, donuts, and muffins.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany members volunteered and prepared the breakfast and supplied gifts for each child.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany members Carol Tiesi, Doreen Brennan, Santa, Debbie Young and Rhonda Kron were all Santa’s helpers at the Parsippany Child Day Care Center on Saturday, December 10Santa and Andrea Tyburczy
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany member Karen DeChristopher sits on Santa’s lap.NJ District Kiwanis Club Lt. Governor Division 9, Frank Cahill, visits Santa at the Parsippany Child Day Care Center on Saturday, December 10Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany member Doreen Brennan sits on Santa’s lap.
The Learning Experience Owner Al Patel, Mrs. Claus, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Councilman Justin Musella, Council President Michael dePierro, Santa Claus, Mayor James Barberio and Councilman Frank Neglia at The Learning Experience on Saturday, December 10
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, December 10, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus visited the children at The Learning Experience, 1159 Parsippany Boulevard.
Bubbles the Elephant even made a special appearance. There was excitement in the air as families and friends came together for some hot chocolate, cookies, arts & crafts, and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Bubbles the Elephant with Councilman Justin Musella
Mayor James Barberio stated, “I would like to thank the Learning Experience for putting together a joyous and exciting event for the families and children of Parsippany. This holiday season is about happiness and coming together to celebrate Christmas!”
Pinkal Patel, Ketan Patel, Bubbles, Santa and Gaby RossiThere was excitement in the air as families and friends came together for some hot chocolate, cookies, arts & crafts, and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Parsippany Regional Ice hockey is comprised of players from Parsippany Hills High School and Parsippany High School. Together they are ONE.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Regional ice hockey co-op team is scheduled to open its season Thursday, December 7, against Newark East Side.
Parsippany Regional combines players from Parsippany and Parsippany Hills High Schools. Last season, the program won one varsity game.
Anthony Egidio, the program’s seventh-season head coach, calls this year’s team “young but talented.”
Returning players include senior defenseman Kyle Kirk; senior forward Larry Liu; junior forward Nicholas Hornung; sophomore forward Max Ingersoll; sophomore defenseman Joseph Gasparro; and sophomore defenseman William Shoemaker.
Newark East Side is the only team that Parsippany Regional defeated last winter. As a freshman in 2021-22, Ingersoll scored two goals and had three assists, making him the leading returning player on offense for the team this season. Hornung contributed three assists and a power-play goal.
Following Thursday’s opener, Parsippany Regional will play High Point at Skylands Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and Roxbury on December 14 at Mennen Arena.
Newcomers: Fr. G Andrew Nicholas; Fr. F Robert Hemenway; Fr. D Matthew Hemenway.
I encourage every resident of Parsippany to quickly sign Councilman Musella’s petition to repeal the unpopular PLA by clicking here.
Why should you do that?
I have lived in Parsippany since 1982, and in all my time, I have never been more disappointed in an administration than this one. The joint decision of the Mayor and Council to impose a Project Labor Agreement on struggling Parsippany residents makes zero financial sense to me.
What was even more upsetting at the most recent town hall meeting was that after THREE consecutive meetings of unanimous resident criticism, it appears that the Council and Mayor have no willingness to consider how we, as voters feel and are concerned about never-ending tax increases the PLA will cause.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and additional administrative members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office recognized Morris County Administrator John Bonanni for his years of service to the office.
A ceremony was held on December 8, 2022, in which Administrator Bonanni was presented with a recognition plaque for his retirement – “with sincere appreciation for your 33 years of dedicated and excellent service and unwavering support for the MCPO.”
Prosecutor Carroll said, “On behalf of the MCPO, we all wish John a great and well-deserved retirement. John has been a great friend and supporter of our office and law enforcement at every level in Morris County. He played a key role in setting a high standard for inter-agency cooperation that is a model for county law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey. His dedication to protect and serve our citizens will be missed.”
I just watched the video of the Township Council Meeting held on December 6 and found some of Mayor Barberio’s comments alarming. Why? Because Mr. Barberio said that he, as Mayor, and at least four of his Council colleagues should not have their decisions or votes questioned or challenged by the very people who elected him and them.
Based on his comments, Mayor Barberio’s apparent take on how democracy in America works is that once he is elected as Mayor, he and Council members (who agree with him) are to be viewed by their constituents as infallible. Furthermore, those constituents should not exercise their First Amendments rights, particularly when voicing a dissenting opinion about the sweetheart PLA quid pro quo deal the Mayor made to benefit his campaign coffers.
Mr. Mayor, perhaps you should spend some time at the Lake Hiawatha Library to learn about our American democracy and how it works. And while you are there, why not take a walk around the library to learn how much it needs to be repaired and refurbished?
PARSIPPANY — Four people have been charged for their roles in a kickback conspiracy involving COVID-19 testing that defrauded federal health insurance programs, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Abid Syed, 45, of East Hanover; Tariq Din, 55, of Saddle River; David Weathers, 59, of the Bronx; and Muhammed Aurangzeb, 45, of Robbinsville, are each charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute for their roles in a scheme to defraud Medicare and the Health Resources and Services Administration COVID-19 Uninsured Program. Weathers and Aurangzeb had their initial appearances via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte. Aurangzeb was released on $100,000 unsecured bond and Weathers consented to detention. Syed and Din were charged by a criminal complaint on April 11, 2022.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From April 2021 to April 2022, Syed and Din operated and controlled Metpath Laboratories, a clinical laboratory located at 322 Route 46, Parsippany-Troy Hills, that conducted testing to detect the presence of COVID-19 in samples obtained from patients. Through Metpath, Syed and Din paid kickbacks to “marketers” – including Weathers and Aurangzeb – for referrals of COVID-19 test samples to Metpath. Weathers and Aurangzeb were each paid $5 to $30 per referral.
The conspirators tried to make the payments appear to be for legitimate business expenses. For example, Syed altered the amount of the kickback payment to make it appear as if the marketer was a “consultant” for Metpath with legitimate business expenses. In another instance, Weathers’ company – MedtechCares Inc. – issued invoices to Metpath to make it appear as though the kickback payments from Metpath were legitimate business expenses, when in fact the payments were entirely for the referrals.
Metpath received more than $3.5 million in insurance reimbursements from federal health insurance programs for COVID-19 test samples referred by Weathers and Aurangzeb.
The charge of conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison. The maximum fine for each count is $250,000, or twice the gross profit or loss caused by the offense, whichever is greatest.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney DeNae M. Thomas of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY —Parsippany’s first-grade Daisy Troop 98537 hung ornaments on the Town Hall Christmas Tree as part of the “Making the World a Better Place” service project.
The focus of Girl Scout activities is to discover themselves and their values, connect with others in local, state, national, and global communities and take action to make the world a better place.
Mayor James Barberio stated, “Seeing that our children want to try and make our community a better place brings me great joy. The Girl Scouts are a fantastic organization that develops leadership skills while also instilling values and engagement into the community. Thank you, Daisy Troop 98537 for hanging ornaments on our tree, keep up the great work!”