MCPO Holds Bias & Bullying Presentations for Students and Guests

Frank L. Cahill
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MCPO Holds Bias & Bullying Presentations for Students and Guests

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri and Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre recently visited the middle schoolers at Memorial Junior High School in the Hanover Township district on March 2 and at the Jefferson Township Middle and High Schools on March 7. Together, they led a presentation on bias incidents, cyber harassment, and making smart choices about social media.

The presenters stressed exercising good judgment regarding how you interact with others or what you post on social media, adding this applies to videos or images utilizing song lyrics or meme-ified language. How you conduct yourself online could potentially impact your future.

Social media and technology today document everything. SAP DeNegri explained that taking or sharing explicit photos can lead to legal ramifications and may be viewed/shared by people other than you intended to receive it. She cautioned students often regret taking such pictures as they don’t remain private, adding the MCPO would not hesitate to prosecute those who maliciously share such material.

Sgt. LaGuerre explained the difference between bias crimes and bias incidents, cautioning students that their school administrators can choose to take disciplinary action even if an incident isn’t considered criminal. Having your name associated with a bias incident and the documentation that goes with it can unfortunately follow you into life beyond school.

SAP DeNegri said Morris County takes a zero-tolerance approach to threats of violence, even when students claim their comments were intended as a joke.

The MCPO routinely conducts presentations at public and private schools throughout Morris County to present on these important topics and to talk directly with students. Over the past year, they’ve conducted over a dozen such assemblies in Morris, Warren, and Sussex counties.

Salem County Prosecutor’s Office members attended the Memorial Junior High assembly to learn about and bring the program back to Salem County students.

During the presentations in Jefferson Township, members of the Morris County NAACP attended to learn about the MCPO’s outreach program.

Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, “I hope our colleagues from the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office and community partners at the Morris County NAACP found the presentations informative and useful. In an age of oversaturated digital communication, the MCPO uses face-to-face visits to make a genuine connection with our students. We want our young people to make smart choices about interacting online and in person.”

Boonton Police Captain Allegedly Steals Computer Towers, Internal Affairs Records

Frank L. Cahill
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Boonton Police Captain Allegedly Steals Computer Towers, Internal Affairs Records

BOONTON — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin confirmed charges against a Boonton police captain who allegedly stole his internal affairs records and computer hardware containing police data from the Boonton Police Department.

Stephen Jones

Stephen Jones, 42, of Toms River, has been charged with computer theft, tampering with public records, and other offenses in connection with the April 2022 incident. The charges result from an Office of Public Integrity and Accountability’s (OPIA) Corruption Bureau investigation.

The investigation revealed Jones removed at least five computer towers from the Boonton Police Department, three of which contained police information, including files on internal affairs (IA) matters. He allegedly stole his personnel and IA files, stashing the computer towers in his Toms River home and the files at his in-laws’ home in Edison.

Then the officer-in-charge of the Boonton Police, Jones, was allegedly captured on surveillance video late at night on April 13, 2022, removing containers and computer towers from the police department. According to the investigation, Jones removed the computer hardware and files without authorization and violated Boonton Police policies.

Jones is charged with one count of each of the following offenses:

  • second-degree computer theft
  • third-degree theft by unlawful taking
  • third-degree tampering with public records
  • fourth-degree falsifying or tampering with records

Second-degree crimes carry a five- to 10-year prison term with a $150,000 fine upon conviction. Third-degree crimes can carry a prison sentence of three to five years and a $15,000 fine. Fourth-degree offenses could lead to up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Deputy Attorney General Eric Cohen is prosecuting the case for the OPIA Corruption Bureau under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Jeffrey Manis, Bureau Chief Peter Lee, OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione, and OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – March 7, 2023

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – March 7, 2023

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting will be held on March 7, 2023.

Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. Council meetings are held at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.

Click here to download the agenda.

Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request auxiliary aid.

Click here to download the 2023 agenda schedule.

Mayor and Council

Mayor James R Barberio
Council President Loretta Gragnani
Council Vice-President Michael J. dePierro
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella

Dylan Mazzarella Will Participate in National Selection International Tour

Frank L. Cahill
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Dylan Mazzarella Will Participate in National Selection International Tour

PARSIPPANY — Dylan Mazzarella has been chosen for the id2 National Selection Team based on his performance in the Program cycle targeting players born in 2009. US Club Soccer invites him on the 2023 id2 National Selection International Tour to England, which will be held March 30 – April 11, 2023. Dylan is a student at Central Middle School and will be attending Delbarton School in the fall.

National Selection International Tour provides a multi-faceted experience on- and off-the-field, including competing against top youth academy teams, watching professional games, and playing at top-quality venues, as well as the unique educational and cultural experiences of traveling internationally.

Rosters announced for 2023 id2 National Selection teams competing in London, Manchester:

The 2023 id2 National Selection International Tour officially begins March 30 with a two-day domestic camp in New Jersey before traveling to London and Manchester for an immersive experience of training, competition, and culture.

The tour, which concludes on April 11, represents the final progression of the current id2 age group cycle targeting players born in 2009.

Eighteen boys and 18 girls were selected from id2 National Training Camps held in Florida and California over the past two months. This is the first time US Club Soccer is taking the id2 National Selection girl’s team overseas; previous years, the girls participated in a domestic camp alongside the ECNL.

For the id2 National Selection boys team, the tradition of foreign competition continues, and this year’s roster joins an elite community of alumni, including Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Tim Weah.

Annual Statewide Pothole Repair Campaign Begins

Frank L. Cahill
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Annual Statewide Pothole Repair Campaign Begins

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti today announced that the annual statewide campaign to repair potholes across New Jersey will begin on Monday, March 6.

While New Jersey saw below-average snowfall this winter, temperatures continually fluctuated between above and below freezing. Potholes are created by water seeping into cracks in the asphalt and then expanding when it freezes, so this weather pattern still takes a toll on state highways.

“The New Jersey Department of four is began the annual pothole campaign on Monday, March 6, and will continue for the next couple of months until we have repaired the most significant potholes from this winter,” Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “NJDOT crews work year-round to repair potholes and keep our highways in good condition, but at this time of year, it becomes a primary focus.”

To deal with potholes most aggressively and efficiently, the Department will allow crews throughout the state to close travel lanes during daytime hours.  Where possible, crews will limit their daytime work hours to 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will try to avoid working in travel lanes carrying traffic during peak times.

NJDOT will use Variable Message Signs to alert motorists of the campaign and lane closures that could result in temporary travel delays to the extent possible. Detailed current repair locations will be posted continually on www.511nj.org.

As the weather warms up and asphalt plants reopen, our crews will perform permanent patch operations on particularly problematic sections of the roadway. This is more extensive work that includes milling and paving a small road area and generally will be done overnight.

In the past five fiscal years (FY18 – FY22), NJDOT has repaired an average of approximately 190,000 potholes per year. So far, in FY23 (July 1, 2022 – February 28, 2023), NJDOT has repaired about 80,000 potholes, with the busiest pothole repair season just starting.

It is important to slow down in work zones so NJDOT crews can safely make repairs. New Jersey’s Move Over law requires motorists to move over if it is safe when approaching an emergency or service vehicle stopped on the side of the road.   If you cannot safely MOVE OVER, PLEASE SLOW DOWN.

In addition to our crews monitoring and reporting potholes that need repair on state highways, we encourage motorists to report potholes as well.  Motorists may call 1-800-POTHOLE or go online to report potholes on state roads using a new mapping feature to help identify the exact location of the pothole. To report potholes on county roads, contact the appropriate jurisdiction.

The Department responds as quickly as possible, especially to reports of potholes that create safety concerns based on size and location. For NJDOT news, follow us on Twitter @NewJerseyDOT and our Facebook page.

STEM Pathways Distinction Students Present their Impact Projects

Frank L. Cahill
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STEM Pathways Distinction Students Present their Impact Projects

PARSIPPANY — Three Senior Parsippany-Troy Hills School District (PTHSD) STEM Pathways students officially presented their Community Impact Projects to earn their Distinction endorsement on March 1.

STEM Pathways is a co-curricular program at both PTHSD high schools that allows students to explore various areas of STEM.  Completing this four-year program earns students a special endorsement on their high school transcript and invaluable experiences.  Students earning the Distinction level of the endorsement are passionate students who push themselves above the program’s minimum requirements.  For this endorsement, students must partake in more rigorous classes, obtain a higher GPA, and choose between participating in an internship or completing an impact project.

Three Pathways students pictured above from left to right are Romila Deodhar (PHS), Antara Rajgopal (PHHS), and Ananya Shrivastana (PHHS). With the guidance of our STEM Pathways advisors, Fatema Sheikh (PHHS), Megan Barry (PHS), Ellesa Jala (PHHS), and Briane DiGeronimo (PHS), these three students implemented the engineering and design process to research and design a potential solution to an identified problem within our local and/or global community.

Romila Deodhar’s project addresses water shortage due to wastage and water pollution.  She created a household water filtration system prototype that could enable water reuse. By reusing household water, Romila’s prototype could reduce a household’s annual water consumption by 30%. Romila’s plans in STEM include attending a university where she will major in Biophysics and minor in Music.  Romila is looking forward to the continued pursuit of her passion for protecting our environment.

Antara Rajgopal designed a website using computer programming, machine learning, and AI technology to help identify pneumonia in patient chest x-rays. Antara’s plans in STEM include attending Virginia Tech, majoring in Engineering with additional studies in Computer Science.  Antara also plans to develop her website further to help identify additional illnesses, such as tuberculosis.

Ananya Shrivastana created a chatbot using computer programming.  Her chatbot was designed to help people by providing an avenue to chat about their mental health with technology. Through AI, the chatbot can provide the user with mental health resources. Ananya’s plans in STEM include attending a university where she will major in Computer Science and continue to develop this project and her passion for mental health and wellness.

From research to prototyping to taking courses to learn more about their particular STEM areas of interest, our Parsippany students have worked hard and put in extensive time and energy over multiple years to accomplish their goals. Ultimately, our students could make working prototypes of each of their designs and truly embrace all components of STEM. The Parsippany-Troy Hills School District is proud of the accomplishments of our student’s impact projects and knows they have a bright future ahead. Congratulations on an outstanding accomplishment!

MPAC Music Students of the Month Outstanding Jazz Musicians

Frank L. Cahill
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MPAC Music Students of the Month Outstanding Jazz Musicians

MORRIS COUNTY — Students from Parsippany, Budd Lake, and Morristown schools were honored as Mayo Performing Arts Center’s March 2023 Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Jazz Musicians — before the Friday, March 3 performance by Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.

Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the Theatre’s Education Department based on their commitment to excellence in the performing arts. The students were honored on stage before the concert and had an opportunity to meet Wynton Marsalis.  The Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor.

The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation support the 2022-2023 Music Student of the Month program. 

About the March Music Students of the Month 

Luca Anello-Fiorina: Grade 8, Pearl R. Miller School; Parsippany; Nominated by Brian Scanlon

Luca is a hardworking, dedicated young musician. He works very independently and sets very high standards for himself. With that, Luca is also a constant seeker of advice and constructive criticism. Luca has stood out in our Middle School since he arrived in 6th grade. Luca adds his talents to our school’s honor groups, including our Jazz-Rock Ensemble. As a drum-set player, Luca has taken on some very tricky tasks in a very methodical manner. It is a pleasure to see how motivated he is to accomplish his goals with the maturity of a seasoned musician at such a young age.

Roshan Matrubai: Grade 8, Brooklawn Middle School; Parsippany; Nominated by Joseph Stella

Roshan is an 8th-grade clarinetist/bass clarinetist who has grown tremendously in the concert band during the past two years, making him one of our top players.  In addition to being a great musician, he is kind, respectful, and a joy to teach.  He can often be found around the band room practicing during his free time at lunch.  This year, he has also taken on the challenge of learning to play the tenor saxophone for our school’s jazz band.  He has quickly excelled at the tenor sax, becoming the lead tenor in the jazz band with a lengthy solo.

Neil Patel: Grade 11, Parsippany High School; Parsippany; Nominated by Gregory Dalakian

Neil has been our lead Alto Sax player in the PHS Jazz Ensemble for the past two years. He has done amazing work improving his jazz sound and improvisation skills. He is always willing to volunteer and play solos on any jazz chart and inspires others to work hard and improve their jazz playing. In addition to being a dedicated jazz musician, Neil is an aspiring music producer and composer.

Alex Marichal; Grade 9, Mount Olive High School; Budd Lake; Nominated by Darrell Hendricks

Alex is a hard-working freshman that LOVES listening and playing jazz music.  He is a student who chooses to transcribe jazz solos and practice trombones and has grown much over the last year.

Jayden Oakley: Grade 8, Frelinghuysen Middle School; Morristown; Nominated by Ariel Ocasio

Jayden has shown a true passion for jazz and improvisation in just one year. Although he is an outstanding music student, generally speaking, he has really taken to jazz and has become one of the more inspiring soloists in our program. He elevates the performance of all his peers and continues to impress me, my parents, and students alike.

Andrew Pavkovitch: Grade 7, Mount Olive Middle School; Budd Lake; Nominated by Ken Adessa

Andrew loves jazz.  He loves great jazz artists.  He listens, truly listens, and works hard at emulation.  He works hard at style and improv, and his rhythm is fantastic.  He sits lead alto in our middle school jazz band in Mount Olive, and when we went to Rowan University for a jazz festival, all the clinicians wanted to know, “who’s that kid on alto?!”

Anthony Samms: Grade 12, Morristown High School;  Morristown; Nominated by Timothy Beadle

Anthony has been a rock-solid member of the Morristown Spectrum Jazz Ensemble since he was a freshman.  Not only is he an outstanding piano player, he also plays the trumpet.  Anthony is a strong music reader but has an uncanny ability to listen to music and incorporate it into his performance.  Whether mimicking a phrase played by Count Basie or learning Chick Corea’s Spain solo by ear, he has always used his musical talent to add to the professionalism and performance of the jazz ensemble at Morristown High School.

End of an Era: Inn Crowd Comes Crashing Down

Frank L. Cahill
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End of an Era: Inn Crowd Comes Crashing Down

PARSIPPANY — Those motorists driving on Route 46 this morning saw the cranes tearing down the old Inn Crowd. TriCore Construction crew was out bright and early on Monday, March 6, with heavy machinery to make room for the new Taco Bell, which will be constructed on the site.

The building was constructed in 1967 and eventually became the “The Inn Crowd.”

TriCore Construction Group, with over 42 years of experience in the United States and abroad, TriCore’s founder Dimitrios “Jimmy” Margetis, has successfully executed every project’s schedule to complete on time and within budget. With such projects as Lenny Kravitz’s award-winning 75 Kenmare or CitizenM’s Bowery Modular Hotel and the ENR Global Best Projects winner in 2019, Mr. Margetis’s performance has been unparallel while maintaining a successful client relationship.

TriCore is a family-operated firm whose mission is to complete each project on schedule and within budget while keeping their client relations for future endeavors.

The Inn Crowd will be replaced with a Taco Bell Restaurant
The Inn Crowd, 285 Route 46, Parsippany-Troy Hills
The crane began to take down the old Inn Crowd
The Inn Crowd comes crashing down
The Inn Crowd comes crashing down
The Inn Crowd comes crashing down
The Inn Crowd comes crashing down
The Inn Crowd comes crashing down
Debris remaining
Debris remaining

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board unanimously approved Application No 22.504 to replace the former The Inn Crowd with a Taco Bell on Monday, July 18, 2022.

The property is located at 285 Route 46 East. It is also known as Block 767, Lot 3.01.

Taco Bell was approved to construct 2,500 square feet building with 50 indoor seats, ten outdoor seats, 36 parking spots, and a drive-thru. Entrances will be from Route 46 East as well as Edwards Road.

Walter E. Williamson

The building was constructed in 1967 and eventually became the “The Inn Crowd.”

Walter Williamson purchased The Inn Crowd in 1972, which he ran throughout his life. He passed away on April 22, 2020, at age 92.

According to officials from Taco Bell, construction is expected to begin in late fall.

Another Taco Bell is at 1560 Route 46 West, approximately three miles west.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Fundraiser Is a Blast

Patrick Minutillo
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Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Fundraiser Is a Blast

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Greater Parsippany held its first “Annual Lunch Fundraiser” focused on benefiting the organization’s mission at the Gourmet Café on Sunday, March 5.  As anticipated, the tickets sold quickly, filling the venue with members and supporters.

Kiwanis, an international service club whose motto is “Serving the Children of the World,” empowers service-minded, committed community members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of children, fight hunger, and address and serve an array of community needs.

Kiwanis Division 9 Lt. Governor Frank Cahill

The fundraiser was the brainchild of Charter President, and Chairman of the Fundraiser, Nicolas Limanov, who, along with Kiwanis Division 9 Lt. Governor Frank Cahill, organized and coordinated the highly successful luncheon, which is sure to become an annual event.

The event certainly did not disappoint, as the room was filled with fun conversations, laughter, outstanding food, and live music. Gourmet Café Chef Matt created a top-notch menu for the event, consisting of a mouth-watering selection of Meatballs and Caesar Salad for the first course, followed by Penne Vodka topped with Ricotta, then a selection of entrees, including Lobster Ravioli, Linguine White Clams, Eggplant Parmigiana, and Chicken Marsala.  Followed by Tartufo and Coffee.

Live music by critically acclaimed vocalist and recording artist Gian Faraone, kept the mood festive and lively, with Italian favorites and oldies throughout the event. Dancing and singing along with many songs were all part of the afternoon’s fun.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Secretary Karen Gajewski dancing to the tunes

Local dignitaries included Council President Loretta Gragnani, Council Vice President Michael J. dePierro, and Councilman Justin Musella. All had a great time.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Nicolas Limanov

Morris County Republican Committee Host Convention to Choose Party Line

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Republican Committee Host Convention to Choose Party Line

MORRIS COUNTY — Three Republican incumbents in the 26th Legislative District, State Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Montville), Assemblyman Brian Bergen (R-Denville), and Assemblyman Jay Webber (R-Morris Plains), has won the Morris Republican organizational line, beating a challenge at today’s county convention from two current and former elected officials. The Morris County Republican Committee members held its convention to choose the party line for the upcoming Primary Election on June 6.

The Convention was held at County College of Morris on Saturday, March 4.

Morris County Republican Chairwoman Laura Ali

“I’m honored to have the support of the Morris County Republican Committee. Everyone who competed for the line should be complimented for their efforts. It is never easy to put yourself out there. I hope that now we can work together to join as a unified team dedicated to the joint cause of improving our communities and state, with our collective attention on the November election,” said Assemblyman Brian Bergen.

Morris County Commissioner candidate Anthony Somma said, “To all who voted for me: THANK YOU. Today’s convention results prove that many in our party recognize what our Republican primary voters already know to be true: that we need a genuine conservative voice to lead our party to victory come November.”

Morris County Commissioner 1 Seat Available
Tayfun Selen 341
Paul DeGroot 113
Anthony Somma 95
Senator Joe Pennacchio

Senator Joe Pennachio said, “I thank the Republican colleagues, and my overwhelming victory was an acknowledgment and validation of the hard work and effort I have put into his legislative work.”

LD Senator 1 Seat Available
Joe Pennacchio 174
Thomas Mastrangelo 52
“Over the next few months, I look forward to reaching out to the people of Parsippany, Montville Township, and the surrounding towns as I continue to campaign, work hard, and be the strong voice for the people.  Pennachio may be the choice of very few political party insiders, but I am a political outsider who the people have consistently elected, and proud to continue my fight for the people. See you in the June Primary,” said Tom Mastrangelo, candidate for Senator.
Former Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce

“It’s on,” DeCroce said after the convention. “We are going to a primary race in June. The 26th district desperately needs effective conservative representation in Trenton. That’s what I offer to voters. Conservative women don’t whine – we work.”

Mastrangelo and DeCroce said they’ll continue their campaigns without the Republican party’s support. They’ve done it once before, with different results: Mastrangelo lost party support for his 2022 county commissioner re-election campaign but won off-the-line, while DeCroce’s off-the-line Assembly re-election campaign in 2021 was unsuccessful.

LD 26 Assembly 2 Seats Available
Brian Bergen 200
Jay Webber 165
BettyLou DeCroce 46

Mail-In Ballots can be requested from the Morris County Clerk’s Office as an alternative to voting on the voting machines.

        • If you have previously requested a ballot for all future elections, you will continue to be mailed your ballot. Please get in touch with the Morris County Clerk with any questions regarding your status.
        • Mail-In Ballots can be returned via the USPS or deposited in a secure mail-in ballot drop box.
        • If you no longer wish to receive a Mail-In Ballot, submit this form to opt out. Please get in touch with the Morris County Clerk for more information.

        Primary Election Registration Deadline is May 16, 2023.

        Are you looking to update your voter registration information? If you have changed your name, moved, or want to change political party affiliation, complete a new Voter Registration form and submit it to the Board of Elections. Click here for additional information.

    The Morris County Republican Club consists of Chairwoman Laura Ali, Vice Chairman Peter King, Treasurer Kathy Dailey, Legal Counsel Joseph Bell, Sergeant at Arms Conrad Pepperman, Recording Secretary Sarah Neibart and
    Corresponding Secretary Robbie Simpson.

    The Convention Committee Members:

    Chair of Credentials and Program Committee: Mayor Christine Glassner
    Chair of Rules Committee: Commissioner Christine Myers
    Rules Committee: Joe Bell, Bob Ferguson, Jim Loveys, Amy Wiehl, Britni Morley, Joe Bock, Kyle Russell, Sean Mabey
    Credentials and Program Committee: John Coyle, Christine Fano, Ryan Martinez, Stephanie Kaulfers, Leticia Mendola, Andrew Agliata.

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