TD Bank pulls Penny Arcades after reports of inaccuracies in counting

CHERRY HILL TWP. — TD Bank, which has locations across the East Coast and its banking headquarters in Cherry Hill, came under fire last week after the accuracy of its coin-counting devices were called to question. Recent reports by USA Today and ABC revealed that the Penny Arcade devices — which count coins and charges a…

Widow in East Hanover fatal crash wants stiffer DWI laws

MORRISTOWN — Rosemarie Politi said Saturday that the “justice system failed us” in the acquittal of Vanessa Brown in the 2012 crash in East Hanover that killed her husband, Ralph Politi, Jr. Politi said she hopes her husband’s death will cause New Jersey law makers to take a closer look at the laws involving deaths as…

Partnership plan for Student Resource Officers announced

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills announces a comprehensive plan and partnership for safety between the Board of Education and the Township.

For the past 14 years, Student Resource Officers in both area high schools have met with much success.

Through the SRO program, officers have been valuable resources to school staff and have fostered positive relationships with students. They have been helpful in developing strategies to resolve problems and have led by example to promote a positive image of law enforcement officers.

Mayor James Barberio said, “To enhance the current SRO program, the position of Director of School Security has been created to coordinate and provide additional, experienced support in the schools. This appointment is being filled by Police Lt. Brian Dowd. This new position is another example of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department and Board of Education’s determination to support my commitment to improving the quality of life for Parsippany’s children.” Lt. Dowd will be available to the district 24 hours/a day, seven days a week. His job will be to supervise the SROs and any elementary school security personnel in addition to serving as liaison between the schools, the police department and the Youth Counselor. In addition, two patrol officers will become SROs and be will be housed in Central Middle School and Brooklawn Middle School.

These officers have been specially trained and will be integral participants in the elementary schools as well. A juvenile counselor has been added to the program to assist with family and juvenile matters. The strong message to students will be that they are in a safe environment with people who care about them and who are responsible for keeping them safe.

Council President Lou Valori
Council President Lou Valori

Council President Louis Valori stated “Parsippany-Troy Hills takes every precaution possible to protect our students and education staff members.”

“While our schools have safety plans in place — the SRO program will ensure school emergency response efforts are well coordinated among students, school officials and the police and departments. The SROs will be effective school-based partners for students, teachers and school support staff in enhancing security for everyone in our schools,” said Valori.

The wide range of responsibilities of the SRO’s will also include: investigations; assisting with bullying and harassment prevention; cyber-bullying; conflict resolution; mentoring; assisting students and families; education in the areas of drug abuse, social media; drivers ed.; programs to identify and manage students with behavioral issues before such students become involved with the criminal justice system; and the practice of safety drills.

“Our number one priority is our children. We are taking steps to maximize school safety and security by engaging in our shared services agreement with the Board of Education,” said Barberio.

Parsippany-Troy Hills is at the forefront and I take great pride in being the first such shared services agreement of this magnitude in the State. This could not have been accomplished without the cooperation of Council President, Dr. Louis Valori and Council members, Michael DePierro, Loretta Gragnani and Paul Carifi.

Mayor Barberio said “I also want to thank Dr. Leroy Seitz for his vision and support with this project along with Business Administrator, Dave Corso, the Board of Education including: President, Frank Neglia; Vice President Andy Choffo; Fran Orthwein; George Blair; Tim Berrios; Judy Mayer; Suzy Golderer, Allison Cogen and Joe Cistaro.”

Their roles were equally instrumental in getting this program up and running in the school system. By working together, we have achieved a wonderful thing for the students of Parsippany.”

Mack-Cali leased over 82,000 square feet in Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — Mack-Cali Realty has completed 82 leases totaling more than 1.1 million square feet during the first quarter of 2016, consisting of 82,093 square feet in Parsippany.

The Edison-based real estate firm said in a prepared statement that its leasing activity has increased by 45 percent, from 758,919 square feet, for the same period last year.

Of the 1.1 million square feet, 386,000 square feet, or 35 percent, were new leases and 740,000 square feet, or 65 percent, were lease renewals and other tenant transactions, Mack-Cali said.

“Our portfolio performed strongly this quarter with significant new leases and renewals. We estimate the GAAP roll up for this quarter to be in excess of 18 percent and cash roll up to be approximately 10 percent,” Mitchell E. Rudin, CEO, said in a prepared statement. “The momentum we are seeing, as exemplified by these leases, is due to real improvement in our key core markets, as well as our continuing focus on providing tenants superior amenities and ideally situated properties with convenient transit options.”

Some highlights of the quarter include:

  • Ferrero U.S.A. Inc. signed a new lease for 50,069 square feet at 7 Sylvan Way in the Mack-Cali Business Campus.
  • B&G Foods Inc. signed a lease renewal for 32,024 square feet and expanded by 14,419 square feet at 4 Gatehall Drive in the Mack Cali-Business Campus.
  • Bank of America Merrill Lynch signed a lease renewal for 334,835 square feet and also expanded by 53,372 square feet at 101 Hudson St. in Jersey City.
  • Hackensack University Health Network Inc./Meridian Health Systems Inc. signed a new lease for 61,069 square feet at Metroview, 343 Thornall St. in Edison.
  • GBT signed a new lease for 49,563 square feet at 101 Hudson St. in Jersey City.

Brian Decillis is the Vice President of Leasing handling transactions in Parsippany.

Townsquare Senior Singles meets

MORRIS COUNTY — A fun loving group of single seniors age 55 plus that are single, divorced, widowed or never married looking to meet folks with similar interests to join their next get together. Come share leisure time activities and develop new friendships with singles your age.

This is a social group of men and women from all areas. This is not a dating service of any kind.

The group frequents local restaurants. Meetings are the fourth Sunday of the each month. No dues, No fees.

The group has been around for 17 years. This is NOT a business, just bringing single seniors together.

To learn more about Townsquare Senior Singles call Marilyn, President, at (201) 400-8300 cell for details.

Dog Found on Barbara Street

dog2PARSIPPANY — This dog was found on Barbara Street (off South Beverwyck Road) around 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 7.

If you recognize it or may know the owner, please contact Parsippany-Troy Hills Animal Control (973) 263-7083.

The Parsippany Animal Shelter is located at 1069 Parsippany Boulevard.

Parsippany Animal Shelter is also looking for foster homes for kittens without mothers are needed mostly during the spring and summer months.

Some of these kittens need bottle feeding, while the older ones need socialization.
Volunteers are welcome year-round to help with cleaning the shelter and socializing the animals.

Township begins annual fire hydrant flushing program

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Water Department will begin its annual fire hydrant flushing program.

The work shall be conducted during the overnight hours when water consumption is at a minimum.

Our flushing operation is expected to conclude on or about May 6, 2016. During which time you may experience some discolored water when they are working in your neighborhood.  Do not be alarmed, this is not a health hazard.

If you do experience discolored water run your cold water tap until it runs clear before drinking or washing cloths.

If you have any specific questions about the hydrant flushing in your area you can contact the Water Department at (973) 263-7099 Monday thru Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Kafe Mozart joins in Kiwanis Club “April is Child Abuse Prevention Month”

PARSIPPANY — Kafe Mozart, 2900 Route 10 West, Powder Mill West Shopping Center, joined with Greater Parsippany Kiwanis Club “April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.”

The pinwheels represent our commitment to safe, healthy childhoods for all children in our community.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is participating in the annual Pinwheels For Prevention event. Karen DeChristopher, Young Children Priority One, has placed signs and pinwheels throughout Parsippany.  These pinwheels represent abused children of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Why Pinwheels for Prevention? For decades, market research consistently has shown that the public views child abuse and neglect as a serious problem. As a national organization whose mission is “to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation’s children,” Kiwanis’ emphasis is to transform that awareness into action. We now have that opportunity through the pinwheel, which reminds us of childlike notions and stands for the chance at the healthy, happy and full lives all children deserve.

Kiwanis views this as part of their mission statement “changing the world one child and one community at a time” When you drive throughout Parsippany and see these pinwheels, take time to reflect on all the abused children in the world.

Can you identify these people for Parsippany Police?

GMC Jimmy possibly late 1990's to early 2000's
GMC Jimmy possibly late 1990’s to early 2000’s

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance with identifying the men in these pictures. They were last seen operating a GMC Jimmy possibly late 1990’s to early 2000’s. Detectives would like to speak to them regarding the incident below-

Parsippany Police Department was contacted by the victim who stated they had arrived home and found the rear door open to their residence on Parsippany Boulevard, on January 19. Patrol Officer J. Mendez and T. Armenti responded to the scene and spoke to the victim.

Detectives would like to speak to them regarding the incident on January 19
Detectives would like to speak to them regarding the incident on January 19

A check of the interior by Patrol Officer T. Armenti and J. Mendez revealed that the master bedroom had multiple drawers open and the contents scattered around the room. Detective Sgt. T. Lesiak, Patrol Sergeant M. LaManna, Detective D. Conte, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Department CID arrived on scene to assist in the investigation. It was determined that entry was gained by breaking glass panes on the exterior door and jewelry was stolen from the residence. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Departments Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.

Detectives would like to speak to them regarding the incident happening on January 19
Detectives would like to speak to them regarding the incident happening on January 19