Key Club Lt. Governor Visits Parsippany Kiwanis

Frank L. Cahill
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Key Club Lt. Governor Visits Parsippany Kiwanis

PARSIPPANY — Montville High School Senior Shashank Karra visited the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.

Karra is a dedicated individual who serves as the Key Club Division 17 Lieutenant Governor. In this influential position within the Key Club organization, he takes on the responsibility of overseeing the Key Clubs at Parsippany High School, Parsippany Hills High School, Morristown High School, Mountain Lakes High School, and Montville High School.

Shashank Karra’s commitment to both academics and community service is evident as he continues to excel as a rising senior at Montville. Additionally, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany has been sponsoring Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School, further strengthening the connection between the Key Club and these institutions.

Key Club itself is a student-led organization that operates within high schools. Its primary focus is to make a positive impact on the world through various service projects. By actively engaging in service, Key Club members not only contribute to their communities but also develop their leadership skills and cultivate a compassionate heart for serving others.

For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany contact President Nicolas Limanov at (917) 499-7299 or visit parsippanykiwanis.org.

They meet weekly at the Parsippany IHOP, 792 Route 46 on Thursdays.  The first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. all others meet at 7:15 a.m.

Governor Murphy Approves Package of Bills to Boost Housing Affordability

Frank L. Cahill
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Governor Murphy Approves Package of Bills to Boost Housing Affordability

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy, in a landmark decision recently signed a three-bill package aimed at promoting housing affordability in New Jersey. This package aligns with the Murphy Administration’s sustained commitment to invest in housing initiatives and make New Jersey a more affordable place to live, work, and start a family.

Governor Murphy commented, “As we strive to make New Jersey more affordable for all, we must ensure we remove barriers that prevent people from becoming homeowners… I am proud to sign legislation that will not only expand opportunities for first-time homebuyers and those seeking affordable housing, but will further advance our state as the best place in the nation to raise a family.”

The three bills sanctioned today encompass:

1. A-5596/S-3991, which establishes the Urban Preservation Program within the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA). This program, backed by an $80 million investment from federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds allocated in the FY2024 budget, supports investments in rehabilitation and reconstruction projects aimed at preserving affordable housing in urban areas.

2. A-5595/S-4026, which expands specific State programmatic interventions related to residential foreclosures. Backed by a $15 million investment from ARP funds in the FY2024 budget, this bill endows the NJHMFA with an extended set of tools to intervene in foreclosures, keeping New Jerseyans in their homes and rehabilitating and reselling vacant properties.

3. A-5415/S-3780, which codifies and expands NJHMFA’s successful down payment assistance program, reflecting the Governor’s Wealth Disparity Task Force’s efforts to provide tangible benefits specifically for first-generation homebuyers. This bill also introduces the Resilient Home Construction Pilot Program in the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to fund developers to rehabilitate existing homes and construct new affordable houses for sale.

The signed bill package fortifies the Murphy Administration’s dedication to housing affordability, evident in its investment of over $1.3 billion in the Affordable Rescue Plan (ARP) State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF) dollars for housing in the past three years.

Earlier in the day, Governor Murphy endorsed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, incorporating over $300 million for affordable housing initiatives, including those promoted by the newly signed housing bills. The funding will back the programs outlined in the affordable housing bill package.

“The three housing bills signedprovide breakthrough opportunities for citizens to establish roots and enrich communities in the great state of New Jersey,” stated Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who also serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs.

She emphasized the impact of affordable housing on community enrichment, family stability, and economic vitality, recognizing its importance in the nation’s most densely populated state.

Kiwanis Club Honors Empire Diner and Mourns Closure: A Thirty-Year Partnership Comes to an End

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Club Honors Empire Diner and Mourns Closure: A Thirty-Year Partnership Comes to an End

PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, a long-standing community organization, recently presented Frank Shizas, owner of Empire Diner, with a heartfelt plaque as a token of appreciation. For over three decades, Empire Diner has been the cherished meeting place for the Kiwanis Club, making the diner’s closure a poignant moment for the entire membership.

The Empire Diner closed on July 1, 2023.

Mayor Barberio Swears in Five New Officers to Strengthen Parsippany Police Department

Frank L. Cahill
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Mayor Barberio Swears in Five New Officers to Strengthen Parsippany Police Department

PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, June 28, Mayor James Barberio had the honor of swearing in five new officers to the Parsippany Police Department. Patrolman Michael Bettelli, Patrolman Alex Cavaluzzo, Patrolman Angelo Macera, Patrolman Sean Golden, and Patrolman. Justin Gosden will attend the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy before joining the ranks of Parsippany’s finest protecting the Parsippany-Troy Hills community.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, July 2023. Click here to read the magazine.

Fireworks Celebration Begins with a Rock Show

Frank L. Cahill
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Fireworks Celebration Begins with a Rock Show

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s Fourth of July celebration will be held on Tuesday, July 4 at Parsippany Hills High School.

The area will open at 5:00 p.m. and a Rock Show will begin at 7:30 p.m.  Fireworks will commence at dark.

There are no pets permitted.  The rain date is Wednesday, July 5.

Plan alternate travel routes if you are not attending the event. There will be traffic delays in the area of Route 53, Park Road., Brooklawn Drive and Route 202 during this time. Everyone in attendance will proceed through a Police checkpoint prior to entry. Intoxicated persons will be DENIED entry. All BAGS & CONTAINERS are subject to inspection.
*THE FOLLOWING IS PROHIBITED:
– GLASS CONTAINERS
– ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
– PETS
– PERSONAL FIREWORKS (Even the Legal ones)
– DRONES (or other types of Aircraft)
*PARKING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (Proper Placards Must Be Possessed) – Limited Parking at the Tennis Courts. Access can be gained via Glencove Road. Golf carts will be present to assist with transporting people needing assistance on the hill.
*O.E.M. PERSONNEL AVAILABLE FOR ASSISTANCE:
Volunteer members of the Parsippany Office of Emergency Management wearing Hi-Visibility Lime/Green Shirts at the event available for directions & guidance.

Letter to the Editor: Thank You Musella

Frank L. Cahill
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

As if the smoke in the air was not enough to deal with, now Parsippany residents must deal with the stench of another one of Mayor Jamie Barberio’s self-serving political power plays. 

Never one to play by or even care about the rules, the blundering and blubbering Barberio apparently coerced County Clerk Ann Grossi and Dee dePierro into doing his bidding by selecting pro-Barberio, but illegal appointments, to fill vacant seats on the Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee. Apparently, Barberio hoped, that by doing so, he could secure enough committee votes to become the Chairperson of the Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee.

Fortunately, Councilman Justin Musella once again had the guts to stand up to Barberio and challenge the Mayor’s illegal power grab. By doing so, Musella successfully secured a ruling from Judge Minkowitz that invalidated Barberio Grossi, and dePierro’s illegal efforts       

Bob Crawford

Musella Victorious: Judge Rules to Remove Illegal Appointments

Frank L. Cahill
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Musella Victorious: Judge Rules to Remove Illegal Appointments

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Superior Court Judge Stuart Minkowitz ruled to remove the illegal appointments made by Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee Chairwoman Delores (Dee) dePierro from the official roster maintained by the Morris County Clerk.

During the primary election of June 6, 63 of the 78 seats were successfully filled by the voters of Parsippany. These candidates will serve from 2023-2025. 

On June 15, prior to the votes being certified by the Morrris County Elections, and without the necessary meeting, quorum, or vote by the county committee members, (as per the organization’s bylaws) current Chairwoman dePierro submitted to the office of Morris County Elections thirteen appointments to fill vacant seats on the Parsippany Municipal Committee. The Morris County Clerk’s Office then entered those names into the official roster of County Committee members. 

The judge ordered the twelve illegal names to be removed from the official roster, maintained by the Morris County Clerk.

The Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee will be holding a re-organization on Thursday, July 6.

After the re-organization meeting, the committee then elects to fill the vacant fourteen seats.

According to the complaint, the following were the illegally appointed members:

1. BettyLou DeCroce
2. Amanda McGrath
3. Jennifer Nazziola
4. Antonio Piccininni
5. Tina Piccininni
6. Annmarie Ferrara
7. David Kaplan
8. Loretta Gragnani
9. Kenneth Lambert
10. Joanne Krevis
11. Amanda Terpstra
12. Frank Neglia

Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee Chair Dee (Delores) dePierro and Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi were named in a lawsuit that they arranged for illegal appointments to vacant local County Committee seats ahead of the 2023 municipal reorganization meeting to obstruct the newly elected County Committee from conducting its operational tasks.

The Plaintiffs in the suit were Justin Musella, a member of the Parsippany Municipal Committee, and the Morris County Republican Committee.

 

Morris County Democrats Re-elect Leadership Team

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Democrats Re-elect Leadership Team

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Democrats unanimously re-elected their leadership team during the biennial reorganization meeting held at County College of Morris in Randolph on Saturday, June 24.

Re-elected were Chair Amalia Duarte of Mendham Township, Vice Chair Mike DeLamater of Morristown, Treasurer Michael Thompson of Mendham Township, Secretary Dary Draeger of Chester, and Sergeant at Arma Cara Parmigiani of Morris Plains.

Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr swore in the team.

County Committee representatives from nearly every town in the county participated in the meeting, held every two years.

In her remarks, Duarte thanked the municipal chairs, county committee members, and elected officials for their work to continue winning seats and expanding the party in Morris County.

She also reviewed last year’s progress, including building a greater social media presence; funding every campaign last year; offering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training; reducing overhead; recruiting candidates; and organizing successful rallies, fundraisers, and candidate training events.

The updated bylaws were approved during the meeting, incorporating the organization’s Constitution. Notably, the bylaws now permit modifications during special meetings instead of waiting for the biennial reorganization, offering increased flexibility to enhance the bylaws when necessary.

After Closing Due to Aggressive Black Bears, Tourne Park Has Reopened

Frank L. Cahill
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After Closing Due to Aggressive Black Bears, Tourne Park Has Reopened

MORRIS COUNTY — Tourne County Park and trails reopened on Thursday, June 28.

“We ask that dog owners respect their fellow park patrons and the wildlife that call the park home and follow park commission rules and regulations by keeping dogs on a leash,” said park officials.

The park closed after a report of a black bear displaying aggressive behavior towards park patrons, announced park officials. A bear came within a few feet of patrons in two cases. There was also an incident between a park patron and a bear protecting its three cubs, said authorities.

For more information on what to do when encountering a bear, visit the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife website by clicking here.

Tourne County Park is at McCaffrey Lane and Old Boonton Road in Denville.

Search Continues for Missing Morristown Teacher Lara Emanuele

Frank L. Cahill
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Search Continues for Missing Morristown Teacher Lara Emanuele

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Roxbury Police Chief Dean Adone offers an update on the search for Lara Emanuele, 46.

Emanuele is 5 feet and 6 inches tall, has red hair, and weighs about 125 pounds.

She worked at the Alexander Hamilton Elementary School in Morristown.

Her car was found in a hotel parking lot near a wildlife preserve about five miles from her home on June 8

Emanuele was reported missing on June 7 after not returning home from work. The ongoing, coordinated search effort includes officers, K-9s, and technical assistance from Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Missing Persons Unit, Roxbury Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit, New Jersey State Police K9 Unit, New Jersey Search and Rescue (comprised of law enforcement and trained civilians), Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office K9, Bergen County Sheriff’s Office K9, Pennsylvania Search and Rescue, and the Conservation Police. Operations are weather-permitting.

The search includes officers, multiple K-9s, trained civilians, and technical assistance, such as drones.

Operations have been centered on the Berkshire Valley State Wildlife Management Area and surrounding areas, as Emanuele’s vehicle was found on June 8 in the nearby parking lot of a hotel on Howard Boulevard. The search includes officers, multiple K-9s, trained civilians, and technical assistance, such as drones.

The search is in addition to a comprehensive investigation by the MCPO Missing Persons Unit, Roxbury Police Department, and assisting agencies.

The search is in addition to a comprehensive investigation by the MCPO Missing Persons Unit, Roxbury Police Department, and assisting agencies. The investigation so far has included a review of video surveillance from multiple sources, a review of digital communications, canvassing in several locations, interviews, and other standard procedures. Emanuele’s cell phone was found in her abandoned vehicle. Authorities observed Emanuele exit her vehicle in the parking lot alone and depart of her own free will.

Emanuele’s disappearance is not considered suspicious, but there is concern for her well-being. As Emanuele has not been located, the investigation remains open.

Emanuele’s disappearance is not considered suspicious, but there is concern for her well-being. As Emanuele has not been located, the investigation remains open.

This remains a Missing Persons investigation. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is the lead law enforcement agency and will notify the public if the status of the investigation changes.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office ordinarily does not share details regarding ongoing investigations. While the investigation has not yet concluded, these details are being shared in the interest of transparency as there has been much inquiry related to this case.

Prosecutor Carroll said, “This is a difficult time for Ms. Emanuele’s family and the Roxbury and Alexander Hamilton School communities. Law enforcement has been working diligently to locate Ms. Emanuele, carried out by many law enforcement professionals and trained civilians, so far over a grueling 21 days, in challenging conditions. The officers and volunteers who work tirelessly to find Ms. Emanuele deserve our gratitude.

We know Ms. Emanuele is a special person, evident by the outpouring of support and offers to help this case has generated. Regrettably, her disappearance has also spawned rumors and speculation on social media, spread by people falsely claiming to represent law enforcement.

Out of respect and consideration for Emanuele’s family, there will be no further comment on the details of this investigation.”
Out of respect and consideration for Emanuele’s family, there will be no further comment on the details of this investigation.”

Anyone with information regarding Emanuele’s whereabouts or this investigation is encouraged to make contact with the Roxbury Police Department at (973) 448-2100 or the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Missing Persons Unit On-Call Detective through the Morris County Communications Center at (973) 285-2900.
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