My name is Mario Fornini, and I have lived in Lake Parsippany for over 70 years. I went through the Parsippany education system. I am a member of the Parsippany Republican Club and a former County Committee for my district in town.
I believe that most of us have met at some time or another.
I was just a kid when John Walsh was elected the first Mayor of Parsippany and then the years of Mayor Luther (may they both R.I.P., both Democrats and good people.) Then finally, we got a Republican, and that’s why I need to talk about Parsippany, your town—my town, and ours. Several years ago, our current Mayor lost to a Democrat “for surrounding himself with the wrong people.”
If it weren’t for just “one” lone councilman, Justin Musella, to stand up amongst the others during our budget, that would have been passed without “we the people” having a right to object to certain changes. Read the Daily Record Budget Article.
The Mayor and Council (Carifi) endorsed “Mastrangelo and Bettylou.” It’s like giving the keys to Parsippany to “Bonnie and Clyde.” If you knew my dad, he would have said: “OH BOY, are we in trouble.” We need to help the Mayor and keep him in the right direction. He can, and I believe he will be a great Mayor with the right Council people around him whose concerns are “only Parsippany.”
That is why we need to support Martin and Desai for Council (column #3) and Pennacchio-Webber-Bergen for Senate & Assembly & Grossi for Clerk & Selen for Commissioner (column #2.)
PARSIPPANY — Whether it’s helping kids with much-needed school supplies, providing gift cards for local families in need, providing donations to the Morris County Battered Women’s Shelter, local churches, food pantries, the Parsippany Day Care Center, or just helping whenever to help is needed, Morris County Sons of Italy – Lodge 2561 is always willing to give a hand. Almost every penny raised through the organizations’ charitable fundraising events is funneled back into such community needs.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, and Councilman Frank Neglia
Whether it’s helping kids with much-needed school supplies, providing gift cards for local families in need, providing donations to the Morris County Battered Women’s Shelter, local churches, food pantries, the Parsippany Day Care Center, or just helping whenever to help is needed, Morris County Sons of Italy – Lodge 2561 is always willing to give a hand. Almost every penny raised through the organizations’ charitable fundraising events is funneled back into such community needs.
The organization’s latest fundraising event was held on Sunday, June 4, at the Gourmet Café in Parsippany. The Sons of Italy and Chef Matthew Pierone, owner of the popular Italian restaurant and an active member, coordinated the sell-out event. Chef Matt (as he is affectionately known) is always willing to lend a hand in helping local causes.
The eatery was packed; almost 50 attendees enjoyed many of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.
The eatery was packed, as almost 50 attendees enjoyed many of the restaurant’s most popular dishes while sharing great camaraderie with fellow members, supporters, friends, and local dignitaries. In attendance were Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Council Members Frank Neglia, and Paul Carifi Jr., all current members. Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, and family, were also on hand to join in the festivities.
Following the feast, Lodge President Robert Adamo and the Executive Board presented Chef Matt with a Custom Boxed Magnum of Wine in recognition of his generosity and hospitality that evening and the ongoing charity events he regularly holds at his restaurant.
The fundraiser proved a memorable success and may become an annual event. Let’s hope so!
The eatery was packed; almost 50 attendees enjoyed many of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.President Robert Adamo and the Executive Board presented Chef Matt with a Custom Boxed Magnum of Wine in recognition of his generosity and hospitality
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s financial stability again has been given the highest confidence ranking by Moody’s Investor Services and Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings, both of which issued their AAA ratings of the county finances for the 48th consecutive year.
“The AAA issuer rating reflects the county’s strong and diverse economy, very high wealth and resident income, healthy reserve levels, and exceptionally strong, proactive financial management,” Moody’s concluded in an analysis released May 23.
S&P’s May 30 summary also projected a positive outlook.
“The county’s tax base continues to experience steady growth due to various ongoing private and public development projects, including the expansion of its commercial and retail sector and new housing developments. The county has consistently maintained positive finances during the past three fiscal years because of management’s conservative budgeting. For fiscal 2022, expenses came in on target while revenue, such as interest income and miscellaneous revenue, exceeded the budget,” S&P concluded.
The AAA ratings benefit everyone in Morris County.
The annual rating assignment 2023 involved a review of approximately $21.5 million in General Obligation Bonds being issued by the county, consisting of $17.1 million in general improvement, $427,000 in parks, and $4 million in bonds for the County College of Morris.
“The importance of maintaining our AAA rating cannot be underestimated. It is like a personal credit rating, and all Morris County taxpayers reap the rewards. When the county needs to borrow funding for important infrastructure projects for our community, taxpayers are spared hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest fees. It means a tax break for everyone, from small business owners and working families maintaining their homes to large corporate employers and major property owners,” said Deborah Smith, chair of the budget committee for the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.
S&P: Morris County’s ranking is higher than the federal government.
“Morris County is eligible for a rating higher than the sovereign because we think the county can maintain strong credit characteristics relative to the nation in a stress scenario. … The county has predominantly locally derived revenue with independent taxing authority and treasury management from the federal government,” S&P concluded.
Moody’s Findings on Morris County’s Credit Strength
Strong and stable finances
Large, diverse, and wealthy economy with a stable employer presence
Historically stable budgetary performance has resulted in continued reserve improvement “due to conservative budgeting, supported by a strong revenue base.”
“Very strong management with strong financial-management practices and policies.” Highlights include:
“long-term formal financial and capital-improvement planning”
“formal investment and debt-management policies”
“reserve policy that limits unreserved fund balance to no less than 12% of expenditures.”
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Township reminds residents and businesses about the implementation of permanent lawn watering restrictions in accordance with the Township Water Conservation Ordinance. The following limits apply:
Residential Lawn Watering: Properties with even-numbered street addresses can water on even-numbered days between 5:00 a.m. on 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Properties with odd-numbered street addresses can water on odd-numbered days during the same time slots. No watering is permitted on Fridays or the 31st day of the month.
Non-Residential Lawn Watering: Watering is only permitted on Mondays and Thursdays, from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. No watering is allowed on the 31st day of the month.
These restrictions are in effect from June 1 to September 30. The Township encourages everyone to adhere to these regulations to conserve water resources.
MORRIS COUNTY — Kenneth Calvey Jr., a 21-year-old resident of Victory Gardens Borough in Morris County, has been sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison with a 42-month period of parole ineligibility. The Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr. handed down the sentence following Calvey Jr.’s guilty plea to second-degree possession of a firearm while committing a controlled, dangerous substance offense.
The sentencing stems from an investigation conducted by the Morris County Narcotics Task Force, which led to the authorization of a search warrant for Calvey Jr.’s residence. The search yielded significant evidence, including $6,908 in cash, nearly one pound of raw marijuana, multiple THC vapes, drug distribution paraphernalia, a double-barrel long gun, a handgun with a loaded magazine, and additional ammunition.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll expressed his gratitude to the agencies involved in the Narcotics Task Force, including the Dover Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Randolph Police Department, and Roxbury Police Department. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit also contributed to the investigation.
The sentencing highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related offenses and the illegal possession of firearms, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
MORRIS COUNTY — Forty years ago on this day, three of Morris County’s top law enforcement officers graduated together from the Morris County Firefighters & Police Training Academy, embarking on impeccable leadership careers in local law enforcement for which they were thanked and congratulated by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.
Sheriff Gannon, 1983 and current.
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of their graduation are Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Morris County Undersheriff Mark Spitzer, and Director of Emergency Management Jeffrey Paul. They were classmates and graduates of the 20th Basic Police Academy Class at the academy in 1983.
Undersheriff Spitzer, 1983 and current.
“All three of these law enforcement leaders – Jeff Paul, Mark Spitzer, and Sheriff Gannon — have had very successful careers, and we are fortunate that they dedicated those careers to serving our community here in Morris County. Their graduating class at the academy provided Morris County with four decades of impeccable leadership, and we are grateful for their service,” said Commissioner Douglas Cabana, the board’s law enforcement liaison and the longest-serving member.
“By the way, I’ve known Jim Gannon since we were in the first grade together at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Boonton,” the Commissioner added.
After graduation, Gannon was hired as a Police Officer in Boonton Township and, by 1984, in the Town of Boonton. In 1986, Sheriff Gannon joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, becoming Deputy Chief. He launched a new career in corporate security in 2007 before becoming elected Morris County Sheriff in 2017.
Undersheriff Spitzer spent 33 years with the Mt. Olive Township Police Department, becoming Chief of the department before joining Sheriff Gannon as his Undersheriff in 2017.
Director Paul, 1983 and current.
Director Paul was hired as a Police Officer in Morristown in 1983 and later joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 1996, where he became Captain of Tactical Operations. He later launched a new career with the Morris County Department of Law & Public Safety.
“Forty years ago, I embarked on a mission to serve and protect the community, and that mission started the moment I set foot in public safety training. Law enforcement in Morris County has come a long way since then, but the mission of our officers has always remained the same: to serve and protect. I’m honored to share the privilege and distinction of serving with such dedicated partners as Undersheriff Spitzer and Director Paul, and all our county officers, all these years later as we continue to remain vigilant in ensuring the safety and protection of our communities always utmost priority,” said Sheriff Gannon.
“When I started in the academy in 1983, I couldn’t have predicted I would be here working alongside my classmates, Sheriff Gannon and Director Paul, some forty years later, but it also shows you how meaningful the connections you make in life can be, and how much our training prepared us for careers in law enforcement. After spending 33 years with Mt. Olive PD, having the opportunity to continue to uphold my civic duty as Undersheriff with Morris County is a privilege,” said Undersheriff Spitzer.
“There is no greater service to a community, big or small, than the mission of public safety. This was my calling; I answered the call, and I remain honored and humbled to have done so alongside Sheriff Gannon and Undersheriff Spitzer for the past 40 years,” stated Director Paul.
PARSIPPANY — In partnership with the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Zoomus Marketing, Parsippany Economic Development is excited to introduce the “Community Welcome Packets.” These specially curated folders are designed to extend a warm and inviting welcome to new residents and new employees joining the vibrant community of Parsippany.
Inside these thoughtfully prepared packets, recipients will discover a treasure trove of valuable resources and exclusive offers from local businesses. We aim to ensure that newcomers feel embraced and empowered to explore the community while supporting the local economy.
Each packet contains a wealth of information about Parsippany, including details about upcoming events, the latest local news, and a comprehensive membership directory from the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce. We’ve also partnered with various merchants who have generously provided exciting offers and discounts, ranging from gift cards to complimentary services, making it even more enticing to discover the unique offerings of our local businesses.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President and Economic Development Liasion Loretta Gragnani, Bowman Vice President Eric Keller, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill proudly display the “Community Welcome Packages” which will be distributed to all the employees and the new Century Drive location.
We firmly believe these “Community Welcome Packets” will help new residents and employees settle into Parsippany easily and excitedly. We aim to create a sense of belonging and encourage a thriving community spirit by fostering connections and promoting local engagement.
Parsippany High School intern, Tejas Kommuri, was busy preparing folders for Bowman Engineering, which recently relocated to 6 Campus Drive from Cedar Knolls. The folders contain a variety of exciting offers, including a $15 Gift Card from IHOP, a Free Chicken-fil-A Chicken Sandwich or Chick-fil-A Nuggets, a delicious coffee from Clean Water Cafe, and a free take-home whitening kit from Zen Dental Care. Additionally, the folders include details about local events, news updates, shopping opportunities, and a membership directory from the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
For more information or to request a “Community Welcome Packet,” don’t hesitate to contact Frank Cahill at (973) 559-6000.
Join us in embracing the spirit of #SHOPLOCAL and #SHOPPARSIPPANY as we celebrate our community and support the businesses that make it truly exceptional.
PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, May 30, at 6:46 a.m., a traffic incident occurred involving Mr. Andrew Sanchez, a 27-year-old resident of Plainfield. While traveling on South Beverwyck Road, Mr. Sanchez turned right onto Route 46 East. Unfortunately, his vehicle collided with the rear of a Lakeland Transit Bus, unloading passengers at a bus stop. The incident damaged Mr. Sanchez’s vehicle, a 2021 White Honda Accord.
The bus driver, Mr. Robert Lane, was transported to St. Clare’s Hospital for back pain by Parsippany Emergency Medical Services.
Mr. Lane’s vehicle caused damage to the rear driver’s side of the bus.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Officer Gerrit Tosh charged Mr. Sanchez with Driving Under the influence. When a breathalyzer was administered, Mr. Sanchez had a blood alcohol level of .021.
Officer Tosh also issued Mr. Sanchez a summons for reckless driving.
Mr. Sanchez’s vehicle was towed from the scene and placed in Police Impound.
I am writing to endorse Adam Kandil as a candidate and TEAM KANDIL for Township Council. As a resident of Parsippany myself, I believe Adam is an exceptional candidate who embodies the qualities we need on our council. As a lifelong Parsippany resident, Adam has demonstrated his strong commitment to our community through his extensive work as an engineer, coach, family man, and great neighbor. Adam was born and raised in Parsippany, attended Troy-Hills Elementary School, and Graduated from Parsippany High School in 2002. He graduated from Rutgers School of Engineering in 2006 and now owns his own Engineering Firm. Adam is not a Politician. He is a great person and resident who wants to do the right thing!
As an engineer, Adam has the technical expertise and experience to understand complex issues and find practical solutions. He has a proven track record of bringing ideas and projects to fruition, and his problem-solving skills will be an asset to the council.
In addition to his engineering background, Adam is also a respected coach, mentor, and community leader. His selfless dedication to serving others and building community connections is evident in his work with local youth sports teams and community events. He always tries to help others and make an impact. As a coach, he always gets the most out of his players and mentors them as he cares about them.
As a family man, devoted husband, and father of four kids, Adam is deeply invested in the well-being of our community and its future. He understands the importance of maintaining a safe and welcoming community for families like his own, and he is committed to working tirelessly to ensure that Parsippany remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
In short, Adam Kandil is the kind of leader Parsippany needs on our council. His engineering background, coaching experience, community leadership, and commitment to family values make him an outstanding candidate. I urge my fellow residents to vote for Adam Kandil for Township Council.
I urge Everyone to Vote for Team Kandil and vote for Paul Carifi Jr., Adam Kandil, and Matt McGrath this Tuesday, June 6, 2023.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers and Commissioner Stephen H. Shaw joined Morris Habitat for Humanity, Randolph Township officials, and other dignitaries and supporters for a dedication ceremony to welcome thirteen families into their new homes this week at the Crossings at Bennett Avenue.
Deputy Director Myers speaks to a crowd of families and attendees at the ceremony.
“It’s not just a home these families are opening the door to, but it’s the opportunity of our schools, businesses, clubs… Congratulations to all the families who now have the opportunity to live, work, and become a part of Morris County. Welcome home,” stated Deputy Director Myers.
Blair Schleicher Wilson, chief executive officer of Morris Habitat for Humanity, presided over the event held Thursday at the Randolph site, where speakers included U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Senator Anthony M. Bucco, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Randolph Mayor Lou Nisivoccia and Tom Hayes, Director of Customer and Community Relations for New Jersey Natural Gas Company (NJNG). Randolph Township Managers Gregory Poff and Stephen Mountain were also in attendance. They were recognized for contributing to the project and Randolph Councilmembers Mark H. Forstenhausler, Christine Carey, and Joe Hathaway.
Commissioner Shaw evokes a laugh from Blair Schleicher Wilson, chief executive officer of Morris Habitat for Humanity.
Commissioner Shaw praised Morris Habitat for Humanity and Randolph Township for the undertaking, reflecting on the progress and challenges overcome in turning a former E.A. Porter industrial site on the border of Victory Gardens into a picturesque neighborhood of 25 townhomes that will enhance the surrounding residential community.
“The date was October 18, 2021, and it was the groundbreaking for this historic project, the largest in Habitat’s 38-year history. It involved a redevelopment that would have been challenging even for a contractor like myself, and this was accomplished by volunteers—what an amazing accomplishment! Randolph’s leadership also deserves credit for the vision and foresight they had to donate this property to (Morris) Habitat,” said Shaw.
The ribbon is cut to the satisfaction of 13 happy families. From left to right, Commissioner Shaw, Tom Hayes, and Joe Hathaway are in the back. Senator Bucco is on the far right.
He continued, “So here we are, 4,000 volunteers and 18,000 hours later, a huge achievement for (Morris) Habitat and the families moving into these affordable, energy-efficient homes. I want to thank all the volunteers, donors, sponsors, and staff. You are all the heart and soul of this organization, and you have shown what can be done when we all work together towards a common goal.”
The dedication ceremony of the 13 units and a community center marked the completion of phase 1 of the project on Bennett Avenue, which will provide affordable housing for low-to-moderate-income families. The 25 units planned consist of seven 3-bedroom homes, fourteen 2-bedroom homes, and four 1-bedroom homes built across four buildings. First-floor condominiums are ADA-accessible, and all buildings are ENERGY STAR certified for energy efficiency, EPA WaterSense certified for water efficiency, and EPA Indoor AirPlus certified for health protection. Residents will have access to a picnic area, play area, and a bike path to stores and restaurants on South Salem Street.
The 2.5-acre property was acquired by Randolph Township in 2008 through tax foreclosure and was donated to Morris Habitat. The township was responsible for environmental remediation, demolition of existing structures, site design, approvals, and permitting. The Randolph Township Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Community Funding Grant and HUD Funding SHOP Grant, and additional funding from business sponsors, including Bayer, Lakeland Bank, GAF, and NJNG, are funding the project. Local businesses, organizations, and individuals have donated construction materials and professional services.
Morris Habitat for Humanity hosts a fundraising effort for the project that allows donors to buy bricks – every 4-by-8 inches and costs $125 – to create the pathways between the residential buildings into the new community. At their Senior Service Day in June 2021, the Mountain Lakes High School Class of 2021 raised over $10,000, and the Randolph High School Brick-by-Brick Campaign raised $7,500 in 2022. Anyone wishing to contribute to the Buy a Brick fundraising campaign can purchase their personalized brick on the Morris Habitat for Humanity website.
To date, 3,991 volunteers have donated 18,126 hours to help build the homes.
Dear Editor:
Dear Editor:
