Parsippany Residents Honored During Morris County Memorial Day Observance

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Residents Honored During Morris County Memorial Day Observance

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners recognizes resident Veterans by presenting them with the Distinguished Military Service Medal. These medals are unique to Morris County, although copied in many ways, and were first issued in 1999 to honor WWII veterans on the 55th Anniversary of the 1944 D-Day invasion and the liberation of France from Nazi occupation. Morris County expanded the medals to include Vietnam and Korea, as well as general service in our military during other conflicts. In 2022, Morris County unveiled medals for Iraq and Afghanistan. These honors are presented to veterans who served honorably and helped make our nation and Morris County a better place to live.

Several Parsippany residents were honored. They included:

Gary R. Martin

Gary Martin

Mr. Martin is a U.S. Navy veteran who served from 1974 to 1978. He is a Vietnam-era and post-Vietnam-era veteran who receives the National Defense Service Ribbon and is a naval pistol sharpshooter.

Mr. Martin is also a graduate of the Morris and Essex Police Academy and served his community as a police officer. He is also a 32-degree Master Mason and past Masonic Shrine clown.

Edward W. D’Angelo, (posthumous)

A veteran whose military service spanned 43 years. Unfortunately, Mr. D’Angelo passed away in 2009.

Mr. D’Angelo was a career Naval Officer who enlisted with the U.S. Navy before his 17th birthday and served on active duty during the Korean War. He rose to Chief Petty Officer as a Seabee and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer-4.

His many awards were two National Defense Service Medals, three Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medals, and three Armed Forces Reserve Medals.

He continued to serve in the Naval Reserve while working as an electrician until 1990. He also served as a Morris County Deputy Sheriff and a Parsippany Police Department Special Officer.

This veteran also proudly raised five children, four of whom graduated from Penn State University. 

Edward J. D’Angelo

Son of Edward W. D’Angelo and brother to Michael F. D’Angelo, he is also a decorated career naval officer. Mr. D’Angelo served in the Navy from 1986 until 2016 and is a veteran of Panama, Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Somalia, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Haiti, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He attended Penn State and participated in Naval ROTC as a Midshipman from 1982 to 1986. He was commissioned as an Ensign and qualified as a Naval Aviator.

Mr. D’Angelo has flown over 4,000 hours, mostly in helicopters, and has completed ten overseas deployments, eight on aircraft carriers. He is credited with 15 life-saving rescues, including a dangerous ocean rescue during Hurricane Floyd.

His impressive resume also is on our website. But let me note Mr. D’Angelo was promoted to Captain, and his awards include 3 Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, and 5 Navy Commendations.

Mr. D’Angelo is happily married, living in Florida, and is a proud father of twins.

Michael D’Angelo

A Morris Catholic graduate, Lt. Commander D’Angelo served in the U.S. Navy for 40 years from 1982 to 2022, and earned roughly 50 special military honors and awards for that service.

Michael D’Angelo

He began his career as a Naval Air Crewman on various aircraft carriers supporting escorts for re-flagged Kuwaiti tankers, Iranian retaliatory strikes, and operations in Libya.

Although heft active duty in 1986, he joined the Naval Reserve, was recalled on 9/11, and was commissioned a Naval Cryptologic Officer in 2003. 

His deployments included Afghanistan, and his many assignments included the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, commanding the Navy Operational Support Center in Pennsylvania, working in the Pentagon, serving on the Chief of Naval Operations staff, serving the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and the Navy Personnel Command in Tennessee.

Michael’s son, David, is a Chief Petty Officer and Navy Seabee Diver.

Joel Lebowitz

Joel Lebowitz

A veteran of the U.S. Army and New Jersey National Guard who served from 1970 to 1999 during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

He receives the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He was awarded the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, New Jersey Ribbon of Merit, New Jersey Governor Award, National Guard Unit Strength, and NJ Meritorious Service Medal.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Bloomfield College and was CEO of Wayne Camera Center. He is a member of the American Legion, Jewish War Veterans, and a Master Mason.

Joel and his wife Sharon have been married for 55 years. They have one son and two grandsons.

 

 

 

 

NJSP Colonel Callahan, Morris Law Enforcement Speak at Recovery Court

Frank L. Cahill
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NJSP Colonel Callahan, Morris Law Enforcement Speak at Recovery Court

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey State Police Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, and Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon joined other county and state officials in honoring 11 graduating Morris County Recovery Court program participants.

The Recovery Court graduation ceremony was held at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy on May 23, 2023. Graduations are typically held twice a year.

The ceremony was presided over by Superior Court Judge Robert Hanna and Col. Callahan was a special guest speaker. Other addresses included Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz, Judge Michael E. Hubner, Prosecutor Carroll, Sheriff Gannon, Alumni Association President Charles Johnson, and Deputy Public Defender Susan McCoy.

Operating within the Superior Court, the Recovery Court program was established to offer non-violent drug offenders treatment instead of incarceration. Individuals undergo a rigorous program in five phases intensive probation supervision, frequent drug testing, and virtual court appearances. This level of supervision permits the program to support the recovery process but also allows supervisors to react quickly to impose appropriate therapeutic sanctions or to reinstate criminal proceedings when participants do not comply. Suppose the individuals complete the program and reach graduation. In that case, they pay their fines and restitution. They can apply to have certain convictions expunged, offering them an opportunity to re-enter society as a citizen without the stigma of such a conviction.

Previously named Drug Court, the program began in Camden and Essex counties in 1996 and expanded statewide in April 2002 when Morris and Sussex’s counties joined.

The Recovery Court program in Morris County has 95 participants.

Construction Begins on “The District at 15fifteen”

Frank L. Cahill
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Construction Begins on “The District at 15fifteen”

PARSIPPANY — The ground-breaking ceremony for the District at 15fifteen mixed-use development along Route 10 marks an important milestone in the project. It signifies the official start of construction and indicates that the development is moving forward.

The construction of 498 multi-family homes and retail spaces at Parsippany’s District at 1515 is a significant development for the area. This new project will positively impact the local economy and provide additional housing options for residents.

The project replaces two defunct office buildings, the former Intel Corporate Center. The buildings encompass 288,742 vacant square feet just west of Route 287. The buildings were purchased by Stanbery in 2015.

The District at 15fifteen will feature approximately 60,000 square feet of high-end and local retailers, full and quick-service restaurants, boutique fitness and specialty services, and a 498-unit luxury apartment community.

“District at 15fifteen” is a joint venture of Stanbery Development Group, Claremont Development, and PCCP, LLC has broken ground on The District at 15fifteen, a master-planned, mixed-use development in the heart of Morris County. New York Life Insurance Company is providing the construction loan for the project.

The ground-breaking ceremony for the District at 15fifteen mixed-use development along Route 10 marks an important milestone in the project.
Dignitaries joining the groundbreaking included Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio; Council President Loretta Gragnani; Council Vice President Michael dePierro; Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus; Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers, Parsippany Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill; Parsippany Economic Development Vice Chairman Dr. Bhagirath Maheta;  Parsippany Economic Development Secretary Raj Dichpally; President & CEO Morris County Chamber of Commerce Meghan Hunscher; President Morris County Economic Development Alliance Craig Schlosser;  Director of Business Resources Morris County EDC – Executive Director Ed Ramirez; Board Member Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Nicolas Limanov;  Former Parsippany Business Administrator Ellen Sandman; and Parsippany Economic Development members Adam Kandil, Scott Donnelly, Drew Blind, Michael Pulsinelli, Nick Rafanello, and Jigar Shah. Also in attendance was Parsippany High School Intern Tejas Kommuri—photo by Peter Dant Photography.

Located at 1515 Route 10, The District at 15fifteen will feature approximately 60,000 square feet of high-end and local retailers, full and quick-service restaurants, boutique fitness and specialty services, and a 498-unit luxury apartment community. The three-building, streetscape-style complex will serve as a one-of-a-kind destination that encourages community gatherings with year-round programmings such as farmer’s markets, music in the park, food trucks, and family movie nights. 

 

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James R. Barberio-Photo by Peter Dant Photography.

“By bringing new job, commercial, and housing opportunities to Parsippany, this exciting project takes a stagnant property and creates unique and vibrant possibilities that are part of the fabric making Parsippany one of the best places to live, work, and play in New Jersey,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James R. Barberio.

Mark Pottschmidt. Co-Founder/Partner, Development Stanbery Development Group-Photo by Peter Dant Photography
Morris County Commissioner John Krickus presented a plaque from the Morris County Commissioners at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction project at Parsippany’s District at 1515. Pictured is Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Loretta Graganani, Krickus, Mark Pottschmidt, Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Meyer, Mayor James Barberio, and Council Vice President Michael dePierro. Photo by Peter Dant Photography

The District at 15fifteen will feature 498 thoughtfully designed luxury rental homes, including 42 affordable and 49 age-restricted units for residents 55 and over. Spread across two buildings and comprising a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom units, phase one will be a four-story, wood-framed building with two exterior courtyards, and phase two will be a five-story, wood-framed building wrapping an 853-space parking deck with one exterior courtyard. An additional 209 surface parking spaces will also be available with the option of valet parking. Both areas will serve the entire development, offering residents, retail customers, and visitors easy access.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, and President & CEO Morris County Chamber of Commerce Meghan Hunscher-Photo by Peter Dant Photography

The District at 15fifteen will feature high-end interior finishes and amenitized common spaces tailored to the work-from-home lifestyle. Residents will enjoy access to a full suite of resort-style, modern amenities, including a fitness center, yoga studio, pool, lounge area, conference center, co-working/work-from-home options, and dog spa. The 49 age-restricted units will also have access to their private lobby and amenities, including a fitness center, co-working area, party room, and roof deck. 

“Over the last several years, we have seen Parsippany, and specifically the stretch of Route 10 between Interstate 287 and Route 202, experience an immense transformation with an influx of national retail, restaurant, and hotel options aimed at serving both residents and the large daytime worker population in Morris County,” said Marc Hays, Partner, Acquisitions, and Leasing at Stanbery Development Group. “We, alongside our partners at Claremont Development and PCCP, saw an opportunity to cater to that growing need and anchor this bustling section of the Route 10 corridor with not only a high-quality, mixed-use environment but a new, vibrant town center that cannot be found anywhere else in the region.”

The “pedestrian first” town center design of The District at 15fifteen will provide access for vehicles as well as pedestrian crosswalks that create a livable and walkable design for locals, visitors, and the tens of thousands of workers whose headquarters and offices can be found in the area, including Wyndham Worldwide, Avis/Budget Group, Tiffany & Co. and Zoetis, among others. 

“As young working professionals continue to seek accommodations in nearby urban centers, suburban-based companies have been challenged with attracting and retaining a talented workforce,” said Maximilian Dorne, Partner at Claremont Development. “The District at 15fifteen will provide the amenities and modern living options millennials crave and serve as a significant tool for attracting and retaining a qualified pool of employees and employers in Parsippany and the surrounding area. The ability to seamlessly walk to the community’s commercial core for a cup of coffee, morning yoga class, business lunch, or dinner and drinks with friends caters to this group and the active lifestyles of 55 and older residents. The District at 15fifteen has something for everyone.” 

The District at 15fifteen has been approved by the New Jersey Department of Transportation to complete roadway improvements that will enhance vehicular circulation to both Route 10 East and West, as well as provide a tie-in to the Dryden Way jug handle. The road improvement will directly connect to the Dryden Way ramps at Route 10 and to the office park immediately across Route 10, formerly known as the Mack-Cali office park, without hitting a traffic light. The direct connection will provide a regional benefit by removing vehicle trips through the intersection of Route 10 and Route 202 while opening an alternative point of access for several other commercial properties.

Former Parsippany Business Administrator Ellen Sandman with Mark Pottschmidt. Co-Founder/Partner, Development Stanbery Development Group

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio; Council President Loretta Gragnani; Council Vice President Michael dePierro; Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus; Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers, Parsippany Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill; Parsippany Economic Development Vice Chairman Dr. Bhagirath Maheta;  Parsippany Economic Development Secretary Raj Dichpally; President & CEO Morris County Chamber of Commerce Meghan Hunscher; President Morris County Economic Development Alliance Craig Schlosser;  Director of Business Resources Morris County EDC – Executive Director Ed Ramirez; Board Member Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Nicolas Limanov;  Former Parsippany Business Administrator Ellen Sandman; and Parsippany Economic Development members Adam Kandil, Scott Donnelly, Drew Blind, Michael Pulsinelli, Nick Rafanello, and Jigar Shah. Also in attendance was Parsippany High School Intern Tejas Kommuri.

The first move-ins are slated for Fall 2024, with the retail and restaurant portions slated for completion in Fall 2025.

To learn more about The District at 15fifteen, click here.

Parsippany’s To Hold Memorial Day Parade

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany’s To Hold Memorial Day Parade

PARSIPPANY — The Memorial Day Parade in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills on Monday, May 29 is definitely something to look forward to. With the event starting at 12:00 noon, attendees will have the opportunity to pay tribute to and remember the brave individuals who have served in the military.

The parade will take place on North Beverwyck Road in Lake Hiawatha. It’s a great way for the community to unite and show support for those who have sacrificed for their country.

Man Sentenced to Possession of CSAM and Criminal Sexual Contact

Frank L. Cahill
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Man Sentenced to Possession of CSAM and Criminal Sexual Contact

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert M. McNally, and Morris Township Chief Robert Shearer confirmed the sentencing of Michael Rave, 54, formerly of Morris Township, now residing in Pennsville Township.

On January 31, Rave pled guilty to one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of CSAM), a third-degree crime, and one count of Criminal Sexual Contact, a fourth-degree crime.

The investigation began with a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), referencing video files depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. The investigation revealed that the defendant also possessed numerous videos of himself engaged in an online chat website called “Omegle,” wherein he exposed himself to several 14-year-old victims. The victims in these instances have been identified by law enforcement.

Rave was sentenced on May 19 by the Honorable Noah Franzblau J.S.C. to a two-year period of probation, continued sex offender therapy, and community notification under Megan’s Law.

Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank the Morris Township Police Department, Department of Homeland Security, Morris County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT), New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their efforts in the investigation, arrest, and conviction of this defendant.

Commissioner Tayfun Selen Receives Strong and Enthusiastic Endorsement from Commissioner Colleagues

Frank L. Cahill
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Commissioner Tayfun Selen Receives Strong and Enthusiastic Endorsement from Commissioner Colleagues

MORRIS COUNTY — Five Morris County Commissioners publicly announced their strong and enthusiastic endorsement for their colleague Commissioner Tayfun Selen in his re-election campaign to be elected to the Morris County Board of Commissioners.

Commissioner Director John Krickus, Commissioner Christine Myers, Commissioner Doug Cabana, Commissioner Stephen Shaw, and Commissioner Deborah Smith unanimously boasted about Selen’s accomplishments and leadership.

“With the help of Tayfun’s leadership, Morris County has not only had four years of zero tax increases, but we also have the second lowest county property taxes in the state.” Commissioner Director John Krickus.

“There is only one conservative choice in this race and a proven Republican winner – Tayfun Selen. Selen is part of the Republican team delivering budget after budget without tax hikes. It is cited by experts as one of the best-run counties in America at managing tax dollars through our AAA bond rating. We need to keep Tayfun working for Morris County. His aptitude for finance, private sector success, and professional background as a CPA and MBA make him an invaluable resource for the County. I am proud to serve with him!” stated Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers.

Morris County has a lot to be proud of, which is the direct result of having an all-Republican Commissioner Board. For example, Morris County has the following:

  • #1 County College
  • #1 Vocation School
  • #1 Park System
  • #1 Safest County
  • Best Roads, Bridges, and Infrastructure
  • Highest Income with the lowest unemployment rate
  • Leadership in delivering services such as the Sheriff’s Hope One

“From stopping tax hikes to increasing law enforcement funding to record levels and using the power of the office to stand up against woke mobs, I’m proud of the record I’ve built. I’m humbled by my colleagues’ support and the entire Republican Party’s endorsement, and look forward to being a true conservative champion on the Board of Commissioners.” Selen gratefully stated.

Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Junior Squad Hosted Pancake Fundraiser

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Junior Squad Hosted Pancake Fundraiser

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Junior Squad hosted a pancake breakfast fundraiser at Applebee’s, 1057 Rouete 46, on Saturday, May 20. The breakfast consists of Coffee, Tea, Milk or Juice, Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, and Sausage.

The Pancake Fundraiser was hosted by the Junior Squad of the Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance.

The junior squad is for individuals that aren’t 18 years of age yet. PVAS maintains a Junior Squad for anyone interested in riding that is at least 16 years of age. They will ride with a crew of at least two Senior member EMTs on a regular shift once a week: (Monday through Friday, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. or  Saturday or Sunday: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. They will assist Senior EMT members on calls and squad-related business. After a firm commitment, Junior members may also be eligible to become certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).

For volunteering opportunities, click here.

Senator Joe Pennacchio and Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella
Abbey Thurkauf is taking care of a table.
 

Letter to the Editor: Do Not Send Councilman Carifi Back to Town Hall

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor,

My name is Sam Labkovsky, and I have been a resident of Parsippany since the year 2000.

I am writing to raise a red flag surrounding the wrong direction the GOP in Parsippany is headed and what I believe we can do about it. I was born in and fled Soviet Russia to escape extreme policies and wrong-headed governmental decisions. I would like to draw the attention of voters to a concerning issue that should be considered before casting their ballots in the upcoming election on June 6th. 

What got me paying attention to politics again was the PLA disaster when I saw the Mayor and a now bobble-headed Councilman, Carifi, sell out the Town to special interest groups despite the bad reaction against it from us that live here! Maybe Councilman Carifi wanted to do this because he got something from PLA we don’t know about. Maybe he wanted good press, as the Unions sent to the town thanking the Council and Mayor for passing the PLA shortly after. Maybe he knows something he’s not sharing. Still, it feels very similar to when I grew up watching Soviet bureaucrats do things they knew were wrong simply because they personally or politically profited from such decisions.

Another negative was in a 4/18/23 article from the Parsippany Focus about the Mayor being unwilling to have a public discussion about his budget. To me, it seemed like Mayor Barberio and the others on Council tried not to share information and plans with residents. We should have people on our Council that want transparency and don’t have anything to hide as it can lead to problems for our Town.

Over the past two years, Parsippany has experienced a staggering 15 – 20% increase in taxes under the leadership of Councilman Carifi and a compliant Council.

I voted for the Republicans against Soriano, but Councilman Musella is the only one living up to his campaign promises. Republicans in town should be more like him, who are supposed to support lower taxes, good policies, and reduced government spending. Still, under pressure from the Mayor–Councilman Carifi did the opposite.

On June 6th, I believe it is time we send a message that the GOP is headed in the wrong direction and do not send back to Town Hall people like Councilman Carifi that support big tax increases and PLAs.

Thank You,

Sam Labkovsky
Long-time American Republican & Parsippany Resident

Letter to the Editor: Elect Desai and Martin

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

Danny Desai and Gary Martin must be elected to the Town Council, not Paul Carifi. Paul Carifi and Mayor Barberio are not Republicans because they continue to increase spending and tax increases. Danny Desai and Gary Martin want to cut spending and cut taxes and want a town government that is responsive to its citizens/residents. It is time to message that we want REAL Republicans in our town government, not Phil Murphy/Joe Biden Democrats dressed up as Republicans.

Enough with the Barberio/Carifi Bloated Budget and the Barberio/Carifi support for the Joe Biden Project Labor Agreement.

Sincerely,

Ray Gallup
41-year resident residing in Lake Hiawatha
Vietnam-era Veteran

Hailey Budney Was Named to Dean’s List at Cumberlands

Frank L. Cahill
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Hailey Budney Was Named to Dean’s List at Cumberlands

PARSIPPANY — We are delighted to announce that Hailey Budney has been named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2023 semester by the Office of Academic Affairs at the University of the Cumberlands. This recognition is a testament to Hailey’s exceptional academic performance.

Hailey was a graduate of Parsippany High School, Class of 2019.

To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours (a full course load), maintain a minimum term GPA of 3.50, and have a good academic standing.

The University of the Cumberlands, located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, is known for being one of the largest and most affordable private universities in the state. It is an esteemed institution offering various quality undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and online degree programs. For more information click here.

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