PARSIPPANY — Color Vibe 5K Run colors Parsippany. Color Vibe is a color blast 5K that is all about having fun and getting covered from top to toe with splashes of color pandemonium. All color is 100% safe, edible, biodegradable, and beautiful. It is D&C approved and non-toxic.
The Color Vibe 5K was held on Saturday, June 27 at Central Park of Morris County, continues on Sunday, June 28. Click here for the runners guide.
Thousands of people participated in the Color Vibe 5K. Waves of approximately 500 runners left the starting line area. Then waves left every 4-6 minutes until all runners were released.
The participants got color blasted with Blue, Yellow, Pink, Purple, and Green as they ran, (or walk) through the Color Vibe zones, and they had the feeling like they were floating in a cloud of double rainbow happiness.
There were multiple color stations throughout the course. This is where they were blasted with a variety of colors. Many of our runners choose to wear glasses or protective eyewear to protect their eyes and a bandana to keep the color out of their mouths. Color Vibe was selling snazzy Color Vibe bandanas. The color used is made in the USA and is 100% safe and biodegradeable. There was plenty of color throughout the course and at the finish line party.
The Color Vibe is proud to help our community, not only by bringing a ton of colorful happiness to Parsippany, but also helping out a local charity. Color Vibe is supporting the New Jersey AIDS Services. The mission of New Jersey AIDS Services is to respond compassionately and responsibly to the HIV/AIDS crisis by providing supportive services, housing opportunities, prevention strategies and education to enhance the community we serve. The vision of NJAS is to create a community of acceptance where the social issues of HIV/AIDS can be abundantly met.
One of the color stations
One of the color stations
Kona Ice Truck was there greeting participants. Michelle Neidgenberg and Jennifer Pante were waiting on line for delicious Kona Ice
The finish line is full of colors
The dance party was very colorful
Paulo Mange, Karla Chinchillo, Katie Monge, Annie Monge, Avril Bermudez and Seidy Banantes were participating in Color Vibe
The lines at Kona Ice
Madona Negron, Ilona Reader and Valeru Pholon at the finish line
Joann McEniry, Chief Operating Officer of NJ Aids Services were one of the many sponsors of the event
Color Vibe
Councilman Louis Valori participated in the Color Vibe 5K
Color Run
FDU School of Pharmacy was supplying water at the event. Dr. Pamela Giordano, Parsippany Resident Kallope Damalas (Class of 2018), Sara Angione (Class of 2017) and Adam Carlson
PARSIPPANY — Ali Quraishi earned a Doctor of Pharmacy from Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy during the University’s spring commencements.
Ali is a graduate of Parsippany High School and currently is employed as a Pharmacy Graduate Intern at Walgreens.
Mercer conferred bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees to more than 1,800 students representing all 12 schools and colleges at five ceremonies during May in Macon, Atlanta and Savannah.
About Mercer University
Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a dynamic and comprehensive center of undergraduate, graduate and professional education. The University enrolls more than 8,500 students in 12 schools and colleges — liberal arts, law, pharmacy, medicine, business, engineering, education, theology, music, nursing, health professions, and Penfield College of Mercer University — on campuses in Macon, Atlanta and Savannah — and three regional academic centers in the Atlanta metro area. The Mercer Health Sciences Center includes the University’s medical, nursing, health professions and pharmacy schools. Mercer is affiliated with four teaching hospitals — Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah; Medical Center, Navicent Health, in Macon; and The Medical Center and St. Francis Hospital in Columbus. The University also has educational partnerships with Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex in Warner Robins and Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta. It operates an academic press and a performing arts center in Macon and an engineering research center in Warner Robins. Mercer is the only private university in Georgia to field an NCAA Division I athletic program. www.mercer.edu
More rain is on the way to New Jersey that will most likely make this weekend a washout. This morning, there may be spots of drizzle but the clouds are expected to break up by this afternoon making for a pleasant day with sunny skies and highs around 80 degrees. RELATED: Drought fears washed away in…
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Defendant Luis E. Torres, 39, of Jersey City, has been sentenced to twenty (20) years in prison in connection with the charges stemming from a drunk driving motor vehicle crash that occurred on August 24, 2013 in Jefferson Township, which left three occupants of his vehicle dead.
The sentencing in this matter was heard before the Honorable James DeMarzo, J.S.C. Under the sentence imposed by the Court, the defendant must serve 85 percent of the twenty year sentence before becoming eligible for parole, pursuant to the No Early Release Act. The Court also imposed a 10 year loss of driving privileges to commence after the defendant has served his prison sentence.
On March 23, the Defendant pled guilty to one count of Aggravated Manslaughter, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4a(1), a crime of the first degree, two counts of Vehicular Homicide, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5a, crimes of the second degree, four counts of Assault by Auto, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1c(1), crimes of the fourth degree, one count of Assault by Auto, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1c(2), a crime of the third degree and Driving While Intoxicated.
This prosecution stemmed from the arrest of Torres for his role in the August 24, 2013 incident where he was operating a 2002 Ford Explorer when it flipped over. He was travelling with his family on Route 15 South in Jefferson Township, New Jersey at the time of the accident. There were nine occupants inside the vehicle including the defendant. Three of the occupants were children under the age of 18. Several passengers were ejected from the vehicle resulting in the deaths of three passengers. The defendant and five remaining passengers suffered injuries. The decedents are Lucila Colon, 62; Julissa Colon, 36; and Tevia Booth, 11.
Assistant Prosecutor Brian DiGiacomo represented the State during the prosecution of this matter.
The Prosecutor would like to thank the Jefferson Township Police Department, the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Investigation Unit, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Criminal Investigations Section.
MORRIS COUNTY — NJDOT’s contractor, Tilcon of New York is scheduled to close two southbound lanes to restripe the roadway to the final configuration on the I-287 southbound bridge over Eden Lane, beginning at 9:00 p.m. tonight, Friday, June 26, until Saturday, June 27 at 8:00 a.m.
At 2:00 a.m., the lane closure will shift from the two left lanes to the two right lanes, to complete the final lane configuration.
The new traffic pattern will shift all five lanes back to the left into its final configuration on the southbound side. Final paving on the northbound side began this week and is scheduled to start on the southbound side next week.
The $27.4 million project – which began initial construction activity in September 2012 – improved the pavement condition on a seven-mile segment of I-287 in both directions from just south of the South Street underpass in Morristown (Milepost 35.4) to the Littleton Road overpass in Parsippany (Milepost 42.2).
The project also included replacement of the bridge decks over Eden Lane in Hanover (Milepost 38.8) and upgraded guide rails, drainage clearing and various other incidental improvements to the highway.
Portable variable message signs are being utilized to provide advance notification to the motoring public of all traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.
PARSIPPANY — The Class of 2015 Parsippany High School graduated 230 seniors at the County College of Morris, on Thursday, June 25.
The Parsippany High School Class of 2015 are Eric Kofi Abanfo, Ahmed Hussein Abdelkader, Erick Abinader, Marline Lucie Agenor, Sohaib Ahmed, Christopher N. Aldana-Garcia, David Joseph Aloisia, Amanda Victoria Anguo, Amira M. Ashi, Jennifer Atherton, Stephanie Atherton, Andrea Nicole Atienza, Taylor Nicole Auletta, Kwame Francis Badasu, Jessica Kaur Bajwa, Alexander John Bamert, Gulseren Nazli Bayrak, Caitlyn Elizabeth Bednarz, Parth Bhagat, Brittany Ann Birth, Omar Bokhari, James William Brennan, John Camillo Bucciarelli, Tulsi S. Bulsara, Maire O’Hagan Burder, Michelle Rachel Burdick, Volodymyr Busko and Kayleigh Elizabeth Byrne.
Also Lauren Emily Calabrese, Daniel Scott Campbell, Thomas James Campbell, Alexandra B. Cancino, Brian Richard Carter, Alexis Marie Cavaluzzo, Hayden Saverio Cerrato, Amanda Jade Chan, Anna Elizabeth Chandra, Jennifer Mi Chang, Jessica Rose Chapman, Adil Chaudhri, Sarah Chen, Parth Hitesh Chokshi, Varun Chopra, Phyllis Catherine Chou, Jenna Chung, Travis Cicalese, Giancarlo Michael Colasuonno, Joshua Ashe Crawford, Jonathan Vincent Croat, Caroline Anne Curiel, Brianna Sage D’Alessio, Gabriella Rose Davino, Emily Kerstin Davis, Omari Najee Dawud, Katherine Mary DeMarco, Komal Desai, Kelly Ann Devlin, Matthew Alexander DiJesus, Jonathan James DiPippa, Gina Donabauer, Lauren Eileen Durborow, Aysegul Rabia Dursun, Emily Rose Fales, Dominic Carmello Fedele, Aarin Mathew Feliz, Sarah Elizabeth Ferguson, DeAndre’ I.Fils-Aime, Joshua Joaquim Fortes, Malik D. Francis and Nicolas Benjamin Freeman.
Also Nicolas Galvis, Heenal Gandhi, Samir Gandhi, Joseph Gatto, Emmanuel L. Gaya, Maria Isabella Glodzik, Skylar Marie Gohn, James Michael Graczyk, Nikolajs Raymond Grinvalds, Natalie Patrice Hall, Kentaro Uzuka Hansen, Kasey Alexis Hart, Najma Hassan, Peter Edward Hebberd, Jacob Ryan Helmlinger, Erin Elizabeth Hoffman, Christian Xavier Hulse-Carr, Jordan Steven Imp, Mohammad Ashraful Jaman, Marla Moushimi Jamna, Ashley Nicole Jankovic, Danielle Jannarone, Jaydin Owen Jennings, Nikhil Joseph Jiju, Brandon Noah Jones, So Young Jung, Julianna Elizabeth Kadian, Nikhil M. Kanoor, Navjot Kaur, Aleena Ahsan Kazmi, Shreya Singh Khajuria, Joseph Philip Kloss, Nikola Kociski, Zachary James Kovacs, Lukas Kvietkauskas, Viren Babu Lad, Katie Elizabeth-Lau, Linh Thi Thuy Le, Joon Lee, Taylor Rene Lewis, William Edward Leys, John Patrick Lips, Katherine Elise Lips, John Carlos Loaiza, Jennifer Claude Louis, Joshua John Lustig, Kinza Abdul Malik, Saumya Malkani, Niharika Mamillapalli, Tameem Wahid Maqsudi, Austin Michael Marchak, Andrew Scott Massefski, Brett Anthony McLean, Michael David Michalik, Kaila Rose Migliazza, Melissa Seline Mohammed, Masood Ahmed Mohayya, Amber Jade Moore and Jessica Kathleen Murray.
In addition Shyam Mehul Naik, Shreevidya Nallan, Samantha Robin Natoli, Phoebe Amber Nelson, Saarah Emine Okuyan, Kristina Marie Ollo, Jane H. Ooi, Ryan Thomas Orr, Melissa Marie Palacios, Vijaya Pandey, Alexyss Linn Panfile, Drashti Parekh, Rishi I. Parmar, Jaltej Dikesh Patel, Jayati Patel, Keshal Nilesh Patel, Kishan J. Patel, Sahil Jayesh Patel, Shalin R. Patel, Shivan Ratilal Patel, Shyam Ashvin Patel, Tej Mahesh Patel, Vijal D. Patel, David Michael Patracuolla, Zachary Anthony Pechman, Lilian Peng, Ganesh Stephen Persaud, Kaitlynn Pinero, Martin Louis A. Poblete, Nicole Anna Polak, Kefaya Amin Rabah, Mamoon Amin Rabah, Othman Amin Rabah, Gabriela Zofia Rachmaciej, Sasha Indira Ramnarine, Kevin Pravin Reshamwala, Brandon Michael Risola, D’Angelo Rivera, Brian Daniel Rodrigues, Kayla Rae Rodriguez, Matthew Eduardo Rodriguez, Jonathan Andrw Rose, Victoria Leigh Rossi, Maya Eden Rudolph and Matthew Joseph Ruggiero.
Also graduating are Valery Salinas, Rick Austin Santana, Rania Raied Sawalhi, Jenna Anne Scalzo, Brittany Ann Scannelli, Kaitlyn Harley Scarmazzo, Nicole Theresa Scarmazzo, Gloria A. Seales, Seema Nayan Shah, Ashley Marie Shandra, Veronica Marie Shaw, Henry Shen, Evan Jacob Shoshan, Maricarl V. Sibal, Asra Nasir Siddiqi, Andrew Robert Smith, Jennifer Grace Smith, Nicolette Marie Villopoto, William Cameron Snell, Ivana Srbljanovic, Elizabeth Adele Stumpf, Anthony Philip Surach, Christopher H. Tang, Kyle Ting, Emily Tom, Emily L. Tsai, Elizabeth Tu, Ronald Johnny Tudorache, Malcolm Udoh, John C. Unyuruten,Taner Adem Uygun, Timur Yusuf Uygun, Heather Lynn VanSyckel, Misbal Ann Varghese, Joanne Judith Veloz, Nicholas Adam Verillo, Marvin Duane Vivanco, Zahra Wallizadeh, Emily Weng, Joshua Wong, Samuel Wu, Christopher Yang, Pen-Hua Yang, Abraham Yaqoobi, Sarha Yaqoobi, Senem Yavuz, Antonio Remegio Ybanez, Winston Yeh, Jinchin Catherine Yuan, Cristopher Zapata, YuZhen Zhang and Joseph William Zolla.
The Diplomas
Zachery Kovacs receiving his Diploma by Board Member Joe Cistaro
Board Member Andy Choffo congratulating Kaila Migliazza when she graduated Parsippany High School
Phoebe Nelson walking to receive her diploma
Lizzy Lueng receiving her diploma from Board Member Michael Pietrowicz
Andrew Massefski and Aarin Feliz taking a selfie
Lizzy Lueng and Phoebe Nelson
Lustig Family with Graduate Josh Lustig
Brennan Family with Graduate James Brennan
Massefski Family and Friends
The Cavaluzzo Family
The Burdick Family
Skylar Gohn and PHS Principal Denis Mulroony
Maria Gloduk and Andrew Massefski
Phoebe Nelson and Kaila Migliazza
TJ Campbell and Zach Pechman
Lizzy Lueng and other graduates arrived by bus
Parents Karen Snell and Roz Waldorf
PHS Administrator Norman Francis with teachers Dana Maccione, Nicole Collelo, Briane DeGironimo and Carolina Cabezas
Othman Amin and Mamoon Rabah
Nick Verillo, Chris Zapata and Senem Yavuz
Zach Pechman
Skylar Gohn and Jennifer Smith
John Bucciarelli, James Brennan, Kwame Badasu, TJ Campbell, Andrew Massefski, Aarin Feliz and Dan Campbell
Graduates Maya Rudolph, Brittany Scannelli, Rania Sawahli, Gabby Rachmaciej, Katie Lips and Victoria Rossi
Maya Rudolph, Valery Salinas and Gabby Rachmaciej
Hayden Cerrato and Malik Francis
Senem Yavuz and Nicolette Villopoto
Aarin Feliz and Andrew Massefski
Ivana Srbljanovic, Rania Sawallo and Lizzie Stumpf
Hemanshu Uppalapti, Sujay Busarajan, Sebastian Abreu
Graduates Veronica Shaw, Amanda Angulo, Ashley Shandra and Carla Sibal
Principal Denis Mulroony entering the stage
Students entering the gym
Students entering the gym
Students entering the gym
Student Council Class President Aarin Feliz
Salutatorian Emily Weng
Superintendent of Schools Scott Rixford
Principal Denis Mulroony
Enzo Gaya and Phoebe Nelson sang a song during the graduation
Aarin Feliz passing the gavel to Brittany Avent
Principal Denis Mulroony honoring Retiring Teacher James Groome
Malik Francis had fans
Christopher Aldana on his way to get his diploma
James Brennan recieving his diploma from Board President Fran Orthwein
Brian Carter receiving his diploma from Board President Fran Orthwein
Principal Denis Mulroony honoring Administrator Lynn Burek
Hayden Cerrato being congragulated by Board Vice President Frank Neglia
Joe Cistaro handing Lauren Durborow her diploma
Danielle Jannarone receiving her diploma
Melissa Hebberd accepting the diploma on behalf of Peter Hebberd
Austin Marchak receiving his diploma
Board Members Allison Coagan and Andy Choffo
Mishal Varghese, Emily Tom, Nicolette Villopoto, Billy Snell, Joanne Veloz and Zahra Wallizadeh
Senior Class President Andrew Massefski, addressed the graduating class. Andrew said “I love Par High. It’s become my home, and it always will be. Like many of my fellow graduates, I grew up in Parsippany, and I can’t thank everyone enough for all they have done for us. I wouldn’t be the same person I am today if I didn’t live in this town. At Par High, we believe that we can be successful. We already have been with the Academic Decathlon Team qualifying for the National Championship, the wrestling team ending ranked 19th in the state, and girls’ softball team winning the state sectionals. Undoubtedly, the Class of 2015 has made a name for itself, but this is just the beginning. We will continue to push ourselves, to be the best we can be, with the lessons that Parsippany has taught us.”
Andrew continued “One of these lessons is to always be prompt and on time. After all, it was important to get a good spot in the senior lot. Another lesson we learned is to always come prepared with a plan. How else could we sneak out a text in class? We also learned to share and divide responsibilities amongst one another to get that worksheet done as fast as possible so we could hand it to the substitutes. We also learned that the best things in life take time, just like the paninis in lunch–because Wow! Those are some good sandwiches.”
Student Council President Andrew Massefski
“And despite our focus on these lessons, our teachers managed to teach us a few more, too. These lessons aren’t always just English or Algebra, though. They deal with real life. I learned perseverance when I didn’t get the grade I wanted on a test, but I came back for extra help and got an even better grade on the next one. I learned self-control when someone said something I didn’t like in a debate, but I brushed it off and forgot about it. I learned respect when I knew my teacher was more knowledgeable than I, so instead of complaining that I didn’t understand, I listened and learned” said Massefski.
Andrew continued “The thing is, though, that our experiences at Par High couldn’t be possible without great leadership, and that starts at the top. The principals here are truly one of a kind who don’t just do what’s best for business but what is best for the kids. Not everywhere do you find people at the top who know your name and truly care about how you’re doing. This is something special that we have at PHS. Our students are successful and will be in the future because of the great example Dr. Mulroony, Mrs. Burek, Mr. Rizk, Dr. Francis, and Dr. Perez have shown. They’re not alone on this pursuit, though.”
“We have a great teaching staff who work tirelessly to make sure that we learn the lessons they provide for us. Every teacher cares, and their jobs aren’t just jobs to them. Instead it’s something more, something they truly care about and take pride in because they know the cause is worthy–the cause of educating the students of Parsippany, knowing that these kids will one day be adults in the same positions they are in right now. I am grateful to every single teacher and staff member at PHS,” said Andrew.
He ended his speech with “The true difference about Par High is the people. We may not be graduating on our own ground today, but we have brought the spirit of Par High with us. As we move on to be successful in achieving our next set of goals, know that we will bring what we learned at Par High with us, just as we have brought Par High here with us at CCM today. I wish everyone the best of luck, and God bless you all.”
PARSIPPANY — Panera Bread, Troy Hills Shopping Center, is almost ready to open for business. The scheduled date was Friday, June 19 but according to their corporate office, they experienced unforseen delays.
The Parsippany Panera Bread will offer outdoor seating as well as a drive thru.
It was one year ago on June 18, 2014 that Panera Bread received preliminary site plan from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Parsippany Focus learned from a reliable source, Panera Bread will be open to the public on Tuesday, June 30. On Monday, June 29, by invitation friends and family are invited to a pre-grand opening.
The Panera Bread legacy began in 1981 as Au Bon Pain Co., Inc. Founded by Louis Kane and Ron Shaich, the company prospered along the east coast of the United States and internationally throughout the 1980s and 1990s and became the dominant operator within the bakery-cafe category.
In 1993, Au Bon Pain Co., Inc. purchased Saint Louis Bread Company®, a chain of 20 bakery-cafes located in the St. Louis area.
The company then managed a comprehensive re-staging of Saint Louis Bread Co. Between 1993 and 1997 average unit volumes increased by 75%. Ultimately the concept’s name was changed to Panera Bread.
By 1997, it was clear that Panera Bread had the potential to become one of the leading brands in the nation. In order for Panera Bread to reach its potential, it would require all of the company’s financial and management resources.
In May 1999, all of Au Bon Pain Co., Inc.’s business units were sold, with the exception of Panera Bread, and the company was renamed Panera Bread. Since those transactions were completed, the company’s stock has grown thirteen-fold and over $1 billion in shareholder value has been created. Panera Bread was recognized as one of Business Week’s “100 Hot Growth Companies.” As reported by The Wall Street Journal’s Shareholder Scorecard in 2006, Panera Bread was named as the top performer in the restaurant category for one-, five- and ten-year returns to shareholders.
In 2007, Panera Bread purchased a majority stake in Paradise Bakery & Café®, a Phoenix-based concept with over 70 locations in 10 states (predominantly in the west and southwest). The Company purchased the balance of Paradise in June 2009.
In May 2010, Ron Shaich transitioned to the role of Executive Chairman of the Board and Bill Moreton, who had previously served as the company’s Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer, was named Chief Executive Officer and President and to the Board of Directors. In March 2012, to signify their partnership and shared commitment to Panera, the company announced that Ron Shaich and Bill Moreton would share the title of CEO. Shaich served as Chairman of the Board and co-CEO and Moreton as President and co-CEO until July 2013. In August 2013, Moreton was named Executive Vice Chairman to help oversee Panera’s business operations; he serves as a member of the Board of Directors. Shaich continues to serve as Chairman of the Board and CEO.
As of April 30, 2014, there are 1,800 bakery-cafes in 45 states and in Ontario Canada operating under the Panera Bread®, Saint Louis Bread Co.® and Paradise Bakery & Café® names, delivering fresh, authentic artisan bread served in a warm environment by engaging associates.
Currently, the closest location to Parsippany is at 3056 Route 10 West, The Shoppes at Union Hill, Denville and 804 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell.
There is also another Panera Bread under construction on Route 10 in East Hanover.
PARSIPPANY — American Legion Parsippanong Post 249 held an Installation Dinner for the 2015-2016 officers.
The new officers included Bruce Michels, Commander; Bob Barton, Jr. Vice Commander; Gary Erdman, Jr. Vice Commander; Mike Poplawski, Finance Officer and Judge Advocate; Andrew Cullen, Service Officer and Historian; Joseph Minsavage, Adjutant; Charles Doherty, Sergeant At Arms; James Allen, Chaplain and John Deluccia, House and Bar Chairman.
Also honored was James Allen with a five-year pin.
Joseph Minsavage was honored with a 50-year Plaque. Joseph married to Elizabeth (Jackie) for 56 years, father of four children and 11 grandchildren. He has been a Lake Hiawata resident for 39 years and then moving to Parsippany for another 17 years.
Andrew Smith, a graduate of Parsippany High School Class of 2015 was honored with the 2014 American Legion Baseball “Ernest Zardetto Memorial Scholarship Winner” Parsippanong Post 249, signed by John D. Baker, Department Adjunct and Michael G. Wilson, Department Commander.
Smith, a catcher for the Parsippany Tomahawks, 19U team, has been playing on the team for the past four years. The team is sponsored by the American Legion
Andrew graduated Parsippany High School on Thursday, June 25 and will be attending Montclair State University in the fall.
Michael McCorry, American Legion Morris County Commander.
The officers during installation
Joseph Minsavage, Post Adjutant, receiving his plaque marking 50 years as a member of Post 249 from outgoing Post 249 Commander Robert Briant.
Robert Briant and Fred Finn presenting the NJ American Legion Legion Baseball Scholarship plaque., to PHS Graduate Andrew Smith
Andrew Smith holding his plaque as his proud father, Ken Smith looks on.
Michael McCorry, Robert Briant, Bruce Michels (incoming Post 249 Commander) and Joseph Minsavage.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Office of Emergency Management Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (R.A.C.E.S.) volunteers will be participating in the National Emergency Communications Field Day Exercise this weekend, Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28.
All across North America Ham Radio operators take to the outdoors to set up emergency communication radio stations and operate them continuously for a 24 hour period, with the goal of successfully communicating with as many other stations participating in the event as possible. Last year, Parsippany placed fith nationally and second in the New Jersey.
Parsippany RACES will set up their emergency communications station at the Veterans Field Gazebo on Route 46, and operate their station from 2:00 p.m. Saturday to 2:00 p.m. Sunday. Tens of thousands of Ham Radio operators throughout the country participate in this annual event, in order to hone their skills in the event of an emergency situation.
Visitors are welcome!
This is a competition, the team gets extra credit for visitors. So stop by and support our volunteers. It’s always good to meet them before you need them.
For questions and inquiries, contact Eric Hubner at (973) 390-0192 Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Acting Chief/Officer in Command Martin McParland, Jr. of the Rockaway Township Police Department confirmed two Human Trafficking related arrests, on Friday, June 26.
Debbie Kooken, 42, Boonton, was charged with two counts of Human Trafficking, in violation of N.J.S 2C:13-8(a)3, crimes of the first degree and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:24-4(a)1, crimes of the third degree. The defendant was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
Aldopus Mims, 38, Morris Plains, was also arrested and charged with two counts of Human Trafficking, in violation of N.J.S 2C:13-8(a)3, crimes of the first degree; one count of Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:14-2(c)4, a crime of the second degree, and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:24-4(a)1, crimes of the third degree. The defendant was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
The alleged victims in this matter are two females, aged 15 and 17, who reported that they were led to engage in prostitution by the two defendants between the dates of June 12 and June 16. The 17 year-old victim alleged that Ms. Kooken would make arrangements for the victims to meet with several male clients at area hotels. Mr. Mims would then allegedly collect the money received after the sexual acts were completed. In addition, the 15 year-old victim disclosed that Mr. Mims engaged in sexual acts with her.
Bail was set for Ms. Kooken by the Honorable James M. DeMarzo at $300,000 cash only, with conditions of no contact with any child under the age of 18. Bail also was set for Mr. Mims by Judge DeMarzo at $400,000 cash only, with conditions of no contact with any child under the age of 18 and a waiver of extradition. Judge DeMarzo also issued a Nicole’s Law Restraining Order against each defendant.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Rockaway Borough Police Department, specifically, Officer Scott Haigh, the Rockaway Township Police Department, specifically, Detective Thomas Takacs; the Town of Boonton Police Department, the Hackettstown Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigation Section, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Detective Marshall Wang of the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200 or Det. Thomas Takacs of the Rockaway Township Police Department at (973) 625-4000.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — NJDOT’s contractor, Tilcon of New York is scheduled to close two southbound lanes to restripe the roadway to the final configuration on the I-287 southbound bridge over Eden Lane, beginning at 9:00 p.m. tonight, Friday, June 26, until Saturday, June 27 at 8:00 a.m. 
