Patsy Cline has come to Parsippany

Letters to the Editor
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Patsy Cline has come to Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — In the coming weekends, the Women’s Theater Company at the Parsippany Playhouse presents “Always Patsy Cline.” Starring Patricia Durante as Cline and Barbara Babbitt as Cline’s most avid fan Louise, the play unveils the true story of the celebrity and fan who become deep friends. Their story progresses through the narration of Louise and the music of Patsy.

Durante is the absolute embodiment of Cline, a shy and talented rising country star. An extraordinary performer, Durante brings the songs to life with pitch-perfect perfection and much heart. With each song, you can feel the joy and the heartache of Cline’s life.

As fan Louise, Babbitt engages the audience as she relates her journey with Patsy Cline. Long before meeting Cline, Louise falls in love with the music. Cline’s voice on the Arthur Godfrey show draws Louise out of her kitchen and to the television. It was love at first hearing. When Louise learns that Cline will be appearing in Houston, Louise makes sure she has a place in the honky-tonk. This leads to a chance meeting that further leads to a lasting friendship.

Babbitt’s enthusiasm is infectious, and the audience becomes as excited as she is to know Cline. As Louise, Babbitt brings a down-home humanity to her character which brings a delicate balance to an over-the-top fan and true friend.

In her directorial debut, Grayce Coviello has staged a vibrant production. Even in the midst of poignant moments, Coviello has a touch of humor and lightness. For those who know the story of Patsy Cline, it might have been easier to play to emotion. Coviello takes a subtler, more satisfying approach that brings a wonderful texture to the characters.

Throughout “Always Patsy Cline,” a talented trio of musicians acts as the singer’s stage band while brilliantly punctuating the narrative. Under the tutelage of Regan Ryzuk, the band plays in character to complete the setting’s nostalgic look of 1950s and 1960s Texas.

“Always Patsy Cline” is a lively, touching and uplifting production. A must see!

The show runs May 29, 30, 31 and June 5, 6 and 7.

The Women’s Theater Company is located at the Parsippany Playhouse, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. For GPS driving directions, please enter the town of Boonton, 07005.

To purchase tickets online click here or call (973) 316-3033.

 

Former Parsippany resident gets 6 years for having sex with 16-year-old student

Frank L. Cahill
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Former Parsippany resident gets 6 years for having sex with 16-year-old student

MORRISTOWN — A onetime Parsippany resident who taught at a high school in Paterson was sentenced Wednesday to six years in state prison after admitting he performed sex acts with a 16-year-old female student in 2010. Scott Van Hoven, now 48, who taught music at John F. Kennedy High School in Paterson when the incidents occurred…

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Republican Chairman Sette has turned a blind eye to political groups that are skirting campaign finance laws

Frank L. Cahill
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Republican Chairman Sette has turned a blind eye to political groups that are skirting campaign finance laws

PARSIPPANY — Jose Arango, Chair of the New Jersey Republican Chairman’s Association, and Hudson County Republican Chairman, announced their solidarity with fellow Republican Chairman John Sette of Morris County, and condemned the recent activity of Democrat-funded shadow organizations in the upcoming Freeholder Republican Primary.

As reported in NJ.com, the article titled “As outside money pours into Morris primary, GOP leaders pick side,” (click here to read article) stated “the number of Democrat interests and shadow political groups that are skirting campaign finance laws to evade having to disclose who is funding waves of advertising …”

“I am appalled that our great community of Parsippany was not included since we were the first to expose the Democratic interests invading our Republican Primary. For months Parsippany’s Republican Council campaign has been disrupted by the number of Democrat Interests that are skirting campaign finance laws to evade having to disclose who is funding waves of advertising support on behalf of Mike dePierro, Vinny Ferrara, and Loretta Gragnani. Serious questions are raised about their commitment to our Republican principles. Combine that with mailers, phone calls, and paid out-of-town walkers funded with dark money-where we have no idea who is funding them. It’s skirting the spirit of our play-to-pay ethics laws and transparent government” said Robert Peluso, Republican Municipal Committee person.

Dr. Louis Valori, fellow Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee Member, further added “Our County Republican Chairman John Sette has turned a blind eye to this matter for months and did not take action until yesterday in Morris County, but failed to take the same action in Parsippany. Mr. Sette must be consistent with his message and immediately denounce the Democratic efforts working in Parsippany for dePierro and his running mates by endorsing the candidates who were FIRST targeted by these Democratic influences, Parsippany Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. and council candidates Aida Visakay and John Beehler.”

The Republican Primary election is next Tuesday, June 2.

Former Kushner Company Employee Charged With $125,000 Check Scam

Frank L. Cahill
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Former Kushner Company Employee Charged With $125,000 Check Scam

FLORHAM PARK — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Florham Park Borough Chief of Police Patrick P. Montuore announce that LePolian McConnell, 34, former employee of Kushner Company in Florham Park, has been charged with Second Degree Theft by Deception; Second Degree Attempted Theft by Deception; Second Degree Computer Theft; Second Degree Conspiracy and Third Degree forgery.

Pursuant to an investigation conducted by Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Leah Atterbury along with Florham Park Police Department Sergeant Christopher M. D’Ambola and Detective Sergeant Joseph Orlando, defendant, a staff accountant for Kushner Company, allegedly issued a Kushner Company check in the amount of $125,000 made payable to a construction vendor that he knew was unauthorized to receive payments. The check was allegedly forged with signatures appearing to be that of the Chief Financial Officer and the Controller of Kushner Company. The check was subsequently cashed at Jersey City Check Cashing in Jersey City.

The State is represented by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Francine Ehrenberg.

Prosecutor Knapp thanks the Florham Park Police Department, Kushner Company and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit, whose efforts contributed to this result.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Parsippany hedge fund who accused a consulting firm of defamation cannot recover both actual and presumed damages

Letters to the Editor
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TRENTON — The state Supreme Court on Wednesday limited the number of damages that plaintiffs can receive in defamation cases in New Jersey. The state’s highest court ruled 5-0 that the managers of a Parsippany hedge fund who accused a consulting firm of defamation cannot recover both actual and presumed damages. Troy Buckner and John Ryan,…

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Two Parsippany residents arrested for CDS after reports of shots fired

Letters to the Editor
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Two Parsippany residents arrested for CDS after reports of shots fired

PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officers responded to wooded area located near South Beverwyck Road and Troy Meadow Road for a report of shots fired, on Wednesday, May 20 at 8:18 p.m.

Upon their arrival, a complainant advised the officers that he was on a nature walk and observed two young men shooting a revolver-style handgun in the woods.

The officers conducted area check and located a vehicle in a clearing within the woods. They encountered two young males who were later identified as Mr. Thomas McMaster, 18, Parsippany and Mr. Ramzi Musbeh, 18, Parsippany.

After an investigation into the shots fired call, the officers retrieved a paintball gun which the men were allegedly firing.

In addition, several items of drug paraphernalia were confiscated, to include glass bong water-pipes, as well as suspected marijuana.

The men were placed under arrest and transported to Police Headquarters where Mr. Musbeh was issued a summons for Discharging/Use of a Firearm. Mr. McMaster was issued summonses for Discharging/Use of a Firearm, Possession of Marijuana, 50 grams or less and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Both men were released from Headquarters pending court dates.

Editors Note: A complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Motor Vehicle crash on Route 46; driver arrested for DWI

Frank L. Cahill
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Motor Vehicle crash on Route 46; driver arrested for DWI

PARSIPPANY —  Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer Damon Farms responded to the off-ramp to Waterview Boulevard on Route 46 for a reported single-car motor vehicle crash at 10:44 p.m. on Friday, May 22.

Upon his arrival, Officer Farms observed a 2014 black VW Jetta resting in the tree-line, off the roadway.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Farms located the driver in the vehicle.

After a brief investigation, Officer Farms placed the driver, Mr. John Simpson, 66, Highland Lakes under arrest for suspicion of DWI.

Mr. Simpson was transported to Police Headquarters for processing where he also received medical attention by Car 65 Ambulance personnel for a minor injury. He was issued summonses for DWI, Open Container in Vehicle and Reckless Driving. Mr. Simpson was released to an acquaintance, pending a court appearance.

Editors Note: A complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Parsippany driver nearly struck police car charged with DWI

Letters to the Editor
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Parsippany driver nearly struck police car charged with DWI

PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officer E. Elston was traveling North on North Beverwyck Road when a 1998 Silver Honda Accord nearly struck his marked Patrol vehicle as the Honda travelled south on North Beverwyck Road partially across the double yellow lines around a curve, on Saturday, May 23 at 2:10 a.m.,

Officer Elston conducted a motor vehicle stop upon the Honda and after a brief investigation, placed the female driver, Ms. Sarah Aubel, 21, Parsippany, under arrest for suspicion of DWI.

Ms. Aubel was transported to Police Headquarters and processed.

She was issued summonses for Failure to Maintain Lane, Reckless Driving and Driving While Intoxicated. Ms. Aubel was released to a family member, pending her court appearance.

Editors Note: A complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Parsippany resident, ex-teacher to be sentenced today for having sex with student

Frank L. Cahill
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MORRISTOWN — A onetime Parsippany resident who formerly taught music at a high school in Paterson is scheduled to be sentenced this morning in a sex case from 2010. Scott Van Hoven, now 48, pleaded guilty last month to performing sex acts with a 16-year-old female student in 2010. Van Hoven, who has recently been living…

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Letter to the editor: June 2 Vote Republican 12, 13 and 14 for Township Council.

Letters to the Editor
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lettersDear Editor:

Tuesday, June 2 is the primary and I urge all Parsippany Republicans to get out and vote. This is an extremely important primary. Parsippany has two Republican teams vying for 3 seats on the township council. The choices are clear, Team dePierro is being financially supported by a Super PAC (NJFF) with Democratic ties and labor union support. The Carifi team “Parsippany Residents First” is being funded by hard-working taxpayers.

Republican Councilman Michael dePierro has been on the Parsippany council for 30 plus years. I thank him for his service but I am a firm believer in term limits. And after three decades clearly new blood is needed on the Parsippany council.

Recently Councilman dePierro:

  1. Flip flopped on a vote to authorize a forensic audit of township attorney John Inglesino’s invoices showing his firm’s payments to Aurora Security, the company that originally billed the taxpayers of Parsippany over $600,000. dePierro rescinded his yes vote without any real explanation. He left those residents who supported the audit questioning his motives.
  2. Ignored the fact that township attorney John Inglesino hired Aurora Security without the knowledge or consent of the entire council whose job it is to authorize such expenses.
  3. Supports the use of $2 million dollars of open space money for new irrigation and a driving range at the Knoll Country Club, of which he is a member. The Knoll is supposed to be a self- sustaining utility. One concern is whether the $2 million will be recouped by the township, but the bigger issue is the use of open space money to fund a project for a “self sustaining” entity.
  4. Does not have a problem with the township attorney Mr. Inglesino going over his budgeted amount of $420,000 for 2014 by another $402,000. Mr. Inglesino’s 1099 tax form from the township for year 2014 was $822,000.

Another member of Team dePierro, Vincent Ferrara was on the Parsippany council previously and was not re-elected his last time out. Mr. Ferrara has stated on record that “whatever the Mayor wants he will support it” and Mr. Ferrara did exactly that right or wrong. Mr. Ferrara rarely gave an individual opinion on anything. Parsippany needs council members with vision not someone who follows blindly. The dePierro team’s motto “Promoting honest, ethical and stable government” in my opinion has meant a continual rubber stamp for Mayor Inglesino, I mean Mayor Barberio (or do I). If Team dePierro is re-elected it will just be more of the same. Is this what the Parsippany residents want? I believe the residents and taxpayers of Parsippany want more accountability and transparency. It appears ethics and honesty went out the window once the dePierro team aligned themselves with the Super PAC (NJFF) with Democratic ties. This shows signs of desperation. Councilman dePierro is also a member of the Morris County Republican Committee and as such should have denounced and rejected the financial backing of this Super PAC (NJFF) with Democratic ties.

The dePierro team campaign is reminiscent of the 2013 Parsippany mayoral primary. I thought that was dirty politics at its best. Sadly, I was wrong. Could it be possible that one of the most “influential Republican’s” in New Jersey, Mr. John Inglesino has some knowledge of this Super PAC with Democratic ties (NJFF) appearance in Parsippany? Mr. Inglesino has a big stake in this primary as his position as township attorney could be affected…….What lengths would someone go to, in order to hang on to an $822,000 paycheck?

Now it’s up to Parsippany Republicans to make a choice with their vote on Tuesday June 2. While making your decision ponder the following:

  1. Do we elect the Republican team of dePierro that is being financially supported by a Super PAC with Democratic ties (NJFF)?
  2. Do we elect the dePierro team who allows a Democratic Super PAC (NJFF) to continually bombard Parsippany resident’s with vicious mailers (6 to date) filled with distorted facts either to confuse or brainwash Parsippany residents against Council President Paul Carifi. I wonder how much those mailers cost?
  3. In addition to the Super PAC with Democratic ties (NJFF), labor unions have now entered the municipal race in support of the dePierro team. This is unprecedented and one has to wonder what’s in it for the Democratic PAC and the unions to have the dePierro team elected? When the public meetings on the development of the Waterview tract were going on, the only outsiders to attend and support the project were union members. Is a vote for the dePierro team a gateway vote for projects that will strain Parsippany’s fire, police and EMT services, increase road congestion and add to an already inflated school budget? Parsippany residents should be weary of potential council members, a sitting mayor and the township attorney all aligned with a developer that cannot seem to get a major project off the ground through local support. Is the plan to buy votes? Do you want a township government that has sold its soul to outside interests? Something is very, very wrong with this picture.

I have attended about 90% of the bimonthly township council meetings over the past five years. I’ve listen to what council members have said and how they’ve voted on issues that will affect the quality of life for Parsippany residents and I have made my decision.

Paul Carifi, Aida Visakay and John Beehler are the team to support. Visakay and Beehler are the new blood the Parsippany council needs. Both are more than qualified and have the best interest of the Parsippany taxpayers at heart. This is the team that will bring back transparency, honesty and ethics to the Parsippany council. Council President Paul Carifi has shown his concerns for the health, safety and well-being of Parsippany residents many times either in words or actions during his brief time on the council. A great example of that was the defeat of the Waterview project, which was protested by over 500 residents whose quality of life was at stake.

I find Council President Paul Carifi to be intelligent, knowledgeable and most importantly committed to Parsippany and it’s resident’s. Council President Paul Carifi has proven over his time on the council that he is more than qualified and capable of representing Parsippany taxpayers.

June 2 Vote Republican 12, 13 and 14 for Township Council.

Pat Petaccia
Parsippany 

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