Real Estate | Parsippany Focus

Mount Olive Man Sentenced For Aggravated Arson

Frank L. Cahill

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Dec 11, 2015

Mount Olive Man Sentenced For Aggravated Arson

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces the sentencing of Douglas J. Scherr, 34, of the Budd Lake section of the Township of Mount Olive, on December 11, 2015, before the Honorable Catherine Enright, J.S.C.

Judge Enright sentenced Scherr to serve five years in New Jersey State Prison on one count of Aggravated Arson. Scherr will be required to serve 85% of the sentence before he is eligible for parole, pursuant to the No Early Release Act (“NERA”).

On August 18, 2015, Scherr entered a guilty plea to the crime of Aggravated Arson (a crime of the second degree) before Judge Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr.

On May 2, 2014, at approximately 3:13 a.m., emergency personnel were dispatched to Scherr’s Budd Lake Apartment, 8A of 33 Eagle Rock Village, Budd Lake, in the Township of Mount Olive on a call of a smoke condition with an audible fire alarm.

Upon arrival, first responders encountered heavy smoke and extinguished a fire located in the kitchen area of the apartment. The source of the fire was determined to be a glass candle that was underneath a chair with clothing draped over it.

Throughout the apartment, officials located multiple propane tanks that were venting a flammable substance into the apartment. Officials were able to evacuate the adjacent apartments and no one was injured. Scherr was not present at the apartment at the time emergency personnel responded but he was arrested in New York State later the same day.

During his guilty plea, Scherr admitted he placed open propane canisters in the living room and kitchen of his apartment, and started a fire in the kitchen with an intent to ignite the propane, thus placing others in the apartment complex in danger of death or bodily injury.

The State was represented at sentencing by Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Arson-Environmental Crimes, Major Crimes and High-Tech Crimes Units of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mount Olive Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office-Criminal Investigation Section, as well as the New York State Police and Chenango County (NY) Sheriff’s Department, whose collective efforts contributed to Scherr’s arrest and conviction.

First Night Morris Celebration to Feature Some 200 artists on New Year’s Eve

Frank L. Cahill

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Dec 11, 2015

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George Esparza: Phydeaux’s Flying Flea Circus and Wahoo Medicine Show

MORRIS COUNTY — It’s almost time to say goodbye to 2015, a reminder that comes with the notice that tickets to the 24th annual First Night Morris celebration are now on sale, with the New Year’s Eve just four weeks away.

This New Year’s Eve, First Night Morris will feature more than 200 artists and 80 performances in 24 venues, all within walking distance of the Morristown Green. This celebration of arts and culture in an alcohol-free environment includes two fireworks displays – at 9:15 and 12:00 Midnight.

There is also free shuttle service all evening.

The December 31, 2015 event will feature dance, theater, music, world cultures, visual arts and children’s events. More than half of the program will feature new artists (or artists returning after several years), many of whom have performed at top venues, performed on national radio/TV, in major films, and/or collaborated with superstars of performing arts.

For the cost of a ticket is $17.50 to $25.00 — you can experience everything from classical chamber music to the Australian aboriginal didgeridoo.

Some examples: On the jazz/rock front, audience favorite The British Invitation Tribute (which opened for Ringo Starr) performs note-perfect classic 60’s rock, while the Zydeco Revelators share Cajun rhythms. James Langton offers a Salute to Sinatra, or for classic bluegrass, fiddlin’ and banjo pickin’, catch the Feinberg Brothers.

First Night also offers cultural experiences from around the world such as Music from China’s Youth Orchestra the sounds of the Norwegian Hardanger Fiddle, and the elemental drone of the Didge Project’s Australian aboriginal didgeridoo, compelling rhythms and high energy movement of Féraba’s West African Dance, Drumming and Tap, Latin salsa, merengue and tangos of Daniel Herrera’s DREAMS dancers or the beautiful costumes and elegant choreography of the Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoo.

For a complete listing of events, venues and ticket information please click here.

VTSeva Parsippany donates 1,500 lbs. of food to Interfaith Food Pantry

Nicolas Limanov

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Dec 11, 2015

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VTSeva Parsippany donates 1,500 lbs. of food to Interfaith Food Pantry

Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Lou Valori, Joanne Rinaldi-Brashier Interfaith Community Relations & Development Associate, Anjani Katikaneni, Ramsatish Katta and Prakash Yalamanchili

PARSIPPANY — VTSeva Parsippany held its second annual food drive from November 17 to December 9. This year the group raised a total of 1,500 pounds of quality food items, topping last years total of 1,250 pounds. Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Louis Valori helped the group unload the donated food from the vehicles.

The team delivered the food to Interfaith Food Pantry on December 9 and Joanne Rinaldi-Brashier, Director of Community Relations and Development conducted a tour of the facility.

Middle school and high school children from Mazdabrook Preserve went throughout the community distributing flyers and collecting donations for the annual food drive. The impact in raising awareness in the community, helped some people responding very positively.

Mazdabrook Commons community also did active campaigning for the food drive and some people became involved in VTSeva this year.

With team work and the efforts of sincere, dedicated volunteers they were able raise almost twice the amount of food as the group did last year.

In this holiday season which is the season of giving, we hope that with our team effort we made a small difference in the lives of few homeless families of Morris County.

VTSeva Parsippany encourages students in middle school, high schoolers or any individual interested in participating in community services to contact them at vtsevaparsippany@gmail.com or call (862) 571-9518.

VTseva does several community service activities under the guidance of the founder HH Sri Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami. VTSeva has different branches nationwide who do holiday food drives, toy drives, environment protection programs and walkathons throughout the year. You can Find the group on Facebook by clicking here or visit www.vtsworld.org to learn more about the organization.

VTSeva Parsippany sincerely thanks the participants and the donors for their support.

Bravo Recalls Select Pet Foods Due to Possible Salmonella Risk

Beyond Parsippany

Frank L. Cahill

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Dec 11, 2015

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Bravo Recalls Select Pet Foods Due to Possible Salmonella Risk

Bravo Pet Foods of Manchester, Conn., is recalling select lots of Bravo Chicken Blend diet for dogs and cats due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

Routine testing by the Colorado State Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Salmonella contamination in a single package of Bravo Chicken Blend Diet for Dogs and Cats (2 lb. chub only) made on 11/13/14 with a best used by date of 11/13/16.

The recall includes the following product and production lot:

Product Name: Bravo Blend Chicken Diet for Dogs & Cat
Item Number: 21-102
Size: 2 lb. (32 oz.) chub
Best Used By Date: 11-13-16
UPC: 829546211028

According to an alert on the Bravo website, 201 cases of this product were sold to distributors, retail stores, Internet retailers and directly to consumers in the US.

In addition, the company is voluntarily recalling products that were produced in the same manufacturing facility on the same day as the product that tested positive. These additional lots are being recalled out of an abundance of caution and have not tested positive for Salmonella contamination.

Product Name: Bravo Blend Chicken Diet for Dogs & Cats
Item Number: 21-105
Size: 5 lb. (90 oz.) chub
Best Used By Date: 11-13-16
UPC: 829546211059

Product Name: Bravo Blend Turkey Diet for Dogs & Cats
Item Number: 31-508
Size: 5 lb. bag of 8 oz. patties
Best Used By Date: 11-13-16
UPC: 829546315085

Product Name: Bravo Balance Turkey Diet for Dogs
Item Number: 31-401
Size: 3 lb. bag of 4 oz. patties
Best Used By Date: 11-13-16
UPC: 829546314019

These products were sold to distributors, retail stores, Internet retailers and directly to consumers in the U.S. All products tested negative by a third party independent laboratory prior to release for distribution to consumers.

The company has received no reports to date of illness in either people or animals associated with these products.

Salmonella can cause serious illness or fatal infection in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

The recalled product should not be fed to pets. Pet owners who have the affected product at home should dispose of it in a safe manner. To submit a claim, pet owners should fill out Bravo’s claim form by clicking here and return to the store where they bought the product.

More information can be found by clicking here, or call toll free 866-922-9222 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EST).

Enroll Now for Spring 2016 at CCM

Frank L. Cahill

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Dec 11, 2015

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RANDOLPH — Enrollment is now taking place for the Spring 2016 Semester at County College of Morris (CCM). By applying and registering early, students are more likely to get the classes that best fit their schedules.

Offering a high-quality education at an affordable price, full-time students can save up to $50,000 or more by beginning their education at CCM. Along with that savings, students benefit from small class sizes and a faculty specifically focused on teaching.

In addition to offering a wide range of academic programs, CCM has a wide selection of transfer agreements to simplify the process of transferring credits to a bachelor’s program. A listing of those agreements can be found by clicking here.

After being accepted to CCM, students have the option of registering for courses online, mailing or faxing their registration, or attending an in-person registration session. In-person registration sessions will be held January 14 – 16.

The Spring Semester begins January 19. To apply online, click here or visit the Admissions office in the Student Community Center on CCM’s Randolph campus, 214 Center Grove Road.

Church of the Redeemer to host Gun Violence exhibit

Beyond Parsippany

Frank L. Cahill

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Dec 11, 2015

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Church of the Redeemer to host Gun Violence exhibit

MORRISTOWN — The Church of the Redeemer in Morristown will host an exhibit of “Memorials to the Lost,” a display of t-shirts bearing the names of those in New Jersey who have died as a result of gun violence.

For four years Redeemer has participated in the Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath in an attempt to draw awareness to the staggering number of gun deaths in the United States. The annual event now coincides with the tragic December 14, 2012 shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

“We had been preparing for ‘Memorials to the Lost’ since September,” said the Rev. Cynthia Black, rector of Redeemer. “But it wasn’t until the Paris massacre that folks in the congregation began signing up to get involved. We couldn’t even get a banner made for our front lawn explaining the exhibit before it had to be corrected. We are having to hand write in the words ‘San Bernardino,’” she said.

“Memorial to the Lost” is a project of Heeding God’s Call, a faith-based movement to prevent gun violence (heedinggodscall.org). In addition to the t-shirt exhibit bearing the names of 46 victims of gun violence in New Jersey in 2014, on display on the church lawn December 12-14, the congregation will read a Litany to End Gun Violence at worship services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 13^th. On December 14^th, the anniversary of the Newtown shootings, the church will be open for silent prayer, reflection, candle lighting, and, if one chooses, to write a letter to one’s legislators.

The Church of the Redeemer, located at 36 South Street, Morristown, is a Christian liberation community in the Episcopal tradition, serving the people of Morristown and beyond for more than 160 years. Sunday services are at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (inclusive worship). As part of its practice of radical hospitality, the church provides space to the Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown, the Eric Johnson House (part of NJ AIDS Services), a number of 12 step groups, and Empty Bowl Zendo. To learn more, click here.

Parsippany Town Council Agenda Meeting 12/08/2015

Frank L. Cahill

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Dec 10, 2015

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Parsippany Town Council Agenda Meeting 12/08/2015

Parsippany resident charged with driving while intoxicated

Frank L. Cahill

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Dec 10, 2015

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Parsippany resident charged with driving while intoxicated

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Headquarters was advised by a witness of an erratic driver that crashed his vehicle into a curb in the area of Ludlow Road and Halsey Road, at 9:21 p.m. on Thursday, December 3.

The witness further stated the vehicle was parked at 166 Halsey Road.

Patrol Officer E. Elston, C. Silva, and J. Hughes responded to the scene.

Upon their arrival they found a 2002 Honda Accord with damage consistent with crashing into a curb.

Inside the vehicle they found Thomas Cullen IV, 49, Parsippany, asleep in the driver’s seat.

Upon waking Mr. Cullen they conducted a brief investigation and placed him under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated. Mr. Cullen was transported back to Parsippany Police Headquarters and charged with Use or being Under the Influence of CDS, Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While Intoxicated in a School Zone, Reckless Driving, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.

Editors Note: Criminal complaints are merely accusations. Despite these accusations, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Kiwanis Club donates $10,000 to Camp Nejeda

Frank L. Cahill

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Dec 10, 2015

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Kiwanis Club donates $10,000 to Camp Nejeda

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany presented a check to “Camp Nejeda Foundation” in the amount of $10,000 on Thursday, December 10, at its weekly breakfast meeting.

The money was donated to Camp Nejeda utilizing funds raised at a recent fundraising event, “The 19th Annual Grand Tasting” held in October at Hanover Manor.

“Type I diabetes can be a very difficult disease to deal with, especially if you’re just a child trying to do the things that kids do. Camp Najeda has recognized that its summer camp programs help children learn how to cope so they, too, can become everything that is possible. That fits right in with the goal of Kiwanis to change the world one child and one community at a time. It is a joy to be able to support them with this donation,” commented Kiwanis President Connie L. Keller.

“It just don’t get any better than this working with a great Camp Nejeda and supporting children and teens with type 1 diabetes,” said Committee Chairman Michael A. Mulhaul.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation.

Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Our members, Kiwanians, are service-minded men and women who are united in their commitment and compassion for others.

Any community need can become a Kiwanis service project, especially the needs of children. Kiwanis service projects range from efforts that help local communities to Kiwanis International’s Worldwide Service Project for the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders.

Camp Nejeda has been in continuous operation since 1958 and at their present location, 910 Saddleback Road, Stillwater since 1960. We are funded by the Camp Nejeda Foundation, Inc, a 501(c)(3) non profit organization.

At Camp Nejeda youth with diabetes are given the opportunity to live, if only for one or two weeks, in a world where having diabetes is the norm and where there is no need to explain blood sugar testing, finger pricks, insulin injections, ketones, ‘lows’ (insulin reactions), boluses or ‘carb’ counting because everyone here already understands.

This past summer, more than 450 campers enrolled. There were two one-week sessions and three-two week sessions for campers 7 to 16. There were also three Family Camps accommodating 20 families each; these sessions allow families to meet others who share their unique challenges. Camp Nejeda also holds events throughout the school year.

Camp fees are $1,000 per week, but the actual cost to operate one week is $1,800 per child. Charitable giving subsidizes the difference.

At Camp Nejeda children with diabetes are free to be just children. This normalizing of their condition combines with both formal and informal educational moments to promote good diabetes management and healthy, active living.

As the only facility of our kind in New Jersey and its neighboring states, Camp Nejeda hosts children, teens and families from across the region. While most are from New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, they have regular campers from Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and elsewhere. Diabetes does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, geography, or class and neither does the Camp Nejeda Foundation. We welcome our campers from all walks of life and all backgrounds.

For more information on Camp Nejeda, visit campnejeda.org.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets at the Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46, each Thursday at 7:15 a.m. for breakfast.

For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, click here.

Some of the past and present programs and projects of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany are:

Sponsor the Parsippany Hills High School, Parsippany High School and Whippany Park High School Key Clubs.
Sponsor the Brooklawn Middle School and Central Middle School Builders Clubs.
Sponsor nine K-Kids Clubs in the Grammar Schools in Parsippany.
Cook for Homeless Solutions once a month.
Co-sponsor a Division Aktion Club.
Donate to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Parsippany.
Donate to Project Graduation.
Donate to Family Promise of Morris County to help homeless families.
Donate to Prevent Child Abuse NJ and help raise awareness for their two campaigns:
Pinwheel Campaign in April – Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
Purple Hat Campaign in October – Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) & Abuse
Donate to Jersey Battered Women’s Service of Morris County (JBWS).
Donate to the Parsippany Library Programs.
Donate to the Parsippany Food Bank.
Donate to Programs through grants to our Foundation, such as Craftsman Farms.
Donate to the Parsippany Day Care Center.
Donate to Autism, Eliminate and Children’s Specialized Hospital.
Donate to Camp Nejeda.
Sponsor the Parsippany Street Fair.
Sponsor Scholarships for Kiwanis Youth Leadership Training, Key leader Training, Hugh O’Brien Camp and Scholarships for further education.
Support Little League in Parsippany.
Support our local churches through an Ecumenical Breakfast for friendship, fellowship and exchange of ideas.

Morris County Development Course Graduation

Nicolas Limanov

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Dec 10, 2015

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Morris County Development Course Graduation

MORRIS COUNTY — Approximately 60 students graduated from Morris County Law Enforcement Development Course on Monday, December 7.

The Law Enforcement Development Course is a 10-week course for college students interested in developing a career in law enforcement.

The course is a cooperative venture of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the county’s Department of Law and Public Safety and the New Jersey Community Affairs Officers Association in partnership with colleges, universities and law enforcement groups throughout New Jersey.

Participants were introduced to the work of law enforcement to broaden their perspectives and understanding of the criminal justice system and to better understand what it takes to enter the field of law enforcement.

“The image of a law enforcement officer, for many, is formed by what they see on television or in the movies,” Kathy DeFillippo said. “The students who take this career development course will soon learn their perception of what it’s like to be a law enforcement officer is not reality.”

Several members of the NJAALEOA attended the graduation of the 2015 Fall session of the 2015 Law Enforcement Career Development Course.

The program which is the only one of its kind anywhere in the state of New Jersey was held at the Morris County Public Safety Academy.

Approximately 60 college attending students attended and successfully completed the 10 week program. NJAALEOA members Federal Air Marshal supervisory agent George Parker, NJAALEOA President Joseph Luistro, Federal Air Marshal supervisory agent (retired) Tom Masters and NJAALEOA 2nd Vice President Neel Patel were among other law enforcement professionals giving mock oral interviews to the graduates before the actual ceremony began. Just before the handing out of the certificates to the graduating students unbeknownst to all in attendance except Joe Neel, Sheriff Edward Rochford and Suzanne Ceravolo, the Director for the Center for Internships and Career Development at Drew University, the NJAALEOA presented the Director of the program Morris County Undersheriff William Schievella a plaque.

The plaque recognizes Undersheriff Schievella’s work he does for the program he developed, the tremendous work he does for the law enforcement community and the huge positive work he does for the public. The name William Schievella has been mentioned within many NJAALEOA e-mails, for he is an avid supporter of the NJAALEOA and we are proud to call him a friend and brother officer.

Sheriff Rochford said “Thank you for all those including the educational partners of the program that make this program one of a kind and the success that it is,
and lastly thanks to one unique individual, Undersheriff William Schievella.”

The Law Enforcement Career Development Course is a highly competitive program that was created in 2010, and it is the first of its kind in New Jersey. The course is recommended for college students interested in criminal justice, social sciences, and justice studies, as well as those students who are undecided but have an interest in pursuing careers in the field of legal justice.

Students got a closer look at law enforcement by being exposed to practical scenarios and hands-on instruction.

“The hands-on instruction given to the students is the critical component of this course,” said Freeholder Doug Cabana, the freeholder board’s liaison to Law and Public Safety. “It provides the students with exposure to the real world of law enforcement to help them determine if this career field is right for them.”

The Law Enforcement Career Development Course covered topics ranging from domestic violence, mock crime scenes and defensive tactics to dressing for success, health and wellness and preparing for the written and psychological exams.

The Morris County Public Safety Training Academy is located at 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany.