Applebee’s Holds Breakfast with Santa; Toys for Tots Fundraiser

Frank L. Cahill
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Applebee’s Holds Breakfast with Santa; Toys for Tots Fundraiser

PARSIPPANY — Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar® 1057 Route 46, Troy Hills Shopping Center, held its annual Breakfast with Santa fundraiser on Saturday, December 10.

The fundraiser supports the efforts of the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots program, which distributes new toys to underprivileged children to provide a tangible sign of hope to as many economically disadvantaged children as possible at Christmas.

Guests enjoyed breakfast compliments of Applebee’s, along with goodies, raffle tickets for door prizes, and the opportunity to take a photo with Santa Claus.

Tickets to Breakfast with Santa were purchased in advance and were quickly sold out.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio giving Santa his wish list for Christmas

Mayor James Barberio stated, “I have participated in the Toys for Tots program for many years. I believe this program is a great way to ensure that the less fortunate children feel included this Christmas season. The giving season is all about coming together to bring joy and happiness in a troublesome time.”

Sgt. Jorge L. Cuji with Scott Donnelly, General Manager of Envy Sports Club.

“It’s an honor to host our annual Breakfast with Santa fundraiser in partnership with Toys for Tots,” said Tim Doherty, President and Chief Executive Officer of Doherty Enterprises. “We are thrilled to be able to support this amazing organization and all they do for the development of area children and our local communities, especially when we can make the holidays a little brighter. We look forward to spending the day with our employees and guests to celebrate the holidays and the season of giving.”

The fundraiser supports the efforts of the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots program, which distributes new toys to underprivileged children to provide a tangible sign of hope to as many economically disadvantaged children as possible at Christmas.
Sgt. Jorge L. Cuji, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella, Councilman Frank Neglia, Mrs. Claus, Mayor James Barberio, Santa and Applebee’s General Manager Rachael Gaida
Applebee’s General Manager, Rachael Gaida, proudly displays all the gifts donated to raffle off in the 50/50. All of the funds raised were donated to Toys for Tots.
Local merchants donated the gifts donated to the raffle in the 50/50. All of the funds raised were donated to Toys for Tots.
Parsippany resident Preston Lawrence Donnelly, 8, chatting with Santa and Mrs. Claus. He gave his long list to Santa in hopes that he would get the toys he was asking for.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Frank Neglia, Mayor James Barberio, Sgt. Jorge L. Cuji, and Councilman Justin Musella at Applebee’s Toys for Tot fundraiser.

Man Sentenced to State Prison for Denville Homicide

Frank L. Cahill
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Man Sentenced to State Prison for Denville Homicide

PARSIPPANY — Anthony Citro, 43, formerly of 37 Chestnut Hill Drive East, Denville, has been sentenced to 17 years in New Jersey State Prison.

On November 16, 2022, Anthony Citro entered a guilty plea to first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter before the Hon. Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr. On December 15, Judge Taylor imposed a sentence of 17 years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA), which makes the defendant ineligible for parole until he has served 85% of the sentence imposed.

The charges arise from an incident that occurred on May 17, 2021. At approximately 7:24 a.m., law enforcement received a 9-1-1 call regarding a fire at 37 Chestnut Hill Drive East, Denville. Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement officers located Anthony Citro outside the residence, with apparent blood on his clothing. Smoke was observed coming from the residence.

The Denville Volunteer Fire Department members responded to the scene and extinguished the fire, which was later determined to be incendiary. While suppressing the fire, the body of a deceased female was located inside the residence. The female was identified as Eileen Citro, 68, the defendant’s mother. The cause of death was ruled homicide by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office. The manner of death was determined to be sharp force injuries.

An investigation determined that a bookcase, a wall, and “numerous personal items” were set on fire in a first-floor bedroom using butane.

Neighbors told police that Citro appeared to be under the influence of drugs at the fire and had a history of drug dependency. He also has a history of mental illness

Eileen was a graduate of Parsippany High School, Class of 1971.

Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank and acknowledge the various agencies that participated in the investigation, including the members of the Denville Volunteer Fire Department, the New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, the Denville Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson/Environmental Crimes, Major Crimes and High-Tech Crimes units.

Letter to the Editor: Repeal the PLA

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

My name is Sam Labkovsky, and  I am a more than 22-year Parsippany resident, and I have been keeping up to date on the debate and discourse about the Mayor and Council’s mandated PLA that will likely raise our taxes. I, too, signed and encourage every single resident to sign Councilman Musella’s petition to repeal the PLA (www.repealthepla.com).

The process by which the PLA was passed was highly charged, orchestrated, and packed with an out-of-town special interest group. None of this will be forgotten. Taxpayers will remember what you did to us when you start running for re-election. This June, in particular, is when those who voted for this will answer to us, the voters.

I feel that every year, our taxes grow and grow. Nearly two years ago, this town increased our water bill by nearly 40%. The town management promised to do something with water quality, but there is no proof. For me, the water is still not drinkable, and we continue to buy water bottles for cooking and drinking. Retiring and living in Parsippany on a fixed income is already difficult. Why would you make every project 30% more expensive with the PLA?

I think the current Parsippany elected officials want to squash the opinion of residents when you don’t act in the public’s best interest. But you can only get away with it for so long because residents will not buy your empty promises of lowering taxes when you run for re-election. We will remember how you did us wrong by shoving this PLA mandate down our throats — especially when we get our future tax bills with all the increases and no quality of life to show for it.

Sam Labkovsky

Driver Charged with DWI Collided with School Bus Carrying School Children

Frank L. Cahill
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Driver Charged with DWI Collided with School Bus Carrying School Children

PARSIPPANY — A school bus carrying ten children was hit by a driver who later was charged with Driving Under the Influence. At Parsippany Police Station, Ms. Cristin Isaacson, 40, Mendham, was given a breathalyzer test, and her Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was registered at .15%. New Jersey State Law states if a blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or above, the driver is under the influence of intoxicating liquor. This accident occurred on Tuesday, December 6, at 3:35 p.m.

Ms. Cristin Isaacson was operating a 2022 BWM 740 and traveling north of Madzabrook Road toward Troy Road.

The driver, Ms. Cristin Isaacson, 40, Mendham, was operating a 2022 BWM 740 and traveling north of Mazabrook Road toward Troy Road. The BMW crashed into the guard rail on the left side of the roadway. The roadway is above Route 80.

The bus traveled south on Baldwin Road and stopped in traffic to make a left turn onto Troy Road (East). As Ms. Isaacson approached the intersection, she abruptly veered across the yellow line to the left. Now on the wrong side of the roadway, she made contact with the right side of the school bus. She then crashed into the guard rail on the left side of the roadway. The school bus bounced off the guard rail and came to final rest after contacting the front of a vehicle driven by Ms. Danielle Lucas, 40, Morristown. Ms. Lucas, driving a 2012 Chevy Equinox, was also traveling South on Baldwin Road and stopped in traffic behind the school bus.

Ms. Lucas stated she was waiting for the school bus to turn, and suddenly, Ms. Isaacson appeared out of nowhere on the right side of the bus. Ms. Isaacson hit the school bus first, then the guard rail, and then crashed into the front of her car.

Ms. Isaacson hit the school bus first, then the guard rail, and then crashed into the 2012 Chevy Equinox, which was also traveling South on Baldwin Road and stopped in traffic behind the school bus.

Ms. Isaacson was taken into custody for suspected driving while intoxicated. She was administered a breathalyzer test at Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, resulting in a BAC of .015%.

Ms. Isaacson was issued a summons for 39:4-50 (Driving while intoxicated), 39:4-96 (Reckless Driving), and 39:4-88 (Traffic on Marked Lanes).

Eagle Towing removed the 2022 BMW 740 driven by Ms. Isaacson from the scene. The respective drivers drove the remaining vehicle, including the bus, from the scene.

According to the New Jersey Police Crash Investigation Report, no injuries were reported. The bus is owned by STA Bus Company, Pine Brook.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Damon Farms investigated the accident.

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.

 

Kiwanis Key Club Treated Over 80 Members to Dinner Theater

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Key Club Treated Over 80 Members to Dinner Theater

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Hills High School Key Club Senior Citizen Dinner Theater returned on November 16 and was attended by more than 80 members of the community.

The attendees were treated to a three-course Italian dinner followed by the PHHS Players’ production of “Our Town.”

This event was an annual tradition before the Spring Musical, and the club was thrilled to finally bring back one of their favorite community service projects before the Fall Play.

PHHS Key Club advisor Kristine Bushong and Play Director Patrick Long
Helping to serve drinks: Jaslin Li and Isabella Velasquez
Say Cheese! Darshinie Jairam and Jasjit Kaur

https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2022/12/FE4E107A-6CAD-4097-A717-16AF313D33EA.png?resize=696%2C522&ssl=1

Serving food: Kirubhaharan Uthanumallian, Aaron Matthew, Vedant Ray

Donate to Flynn Brown, Murdered While Attending Jackson State University

Frank L. Cahill
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Donate to Flynn Brown, Murdered While Attending Jackson State University

MORRIS COUNTY — Nearly 600 donors have contributed $30,000 to support the family of 22-year-old Flynn Michael Brown, a former Mount Olive High School football player who was tragically murdered on Friday, December 2, while attending Jackson State University.

A friend organized the GoFundMe and wrote, “Flynn was a star, a leader. He would make sure everyone was good, even if he wasn’t good. He brought joy to life and always had open arms for anyone. He blessed everyone he came in contact with. His life did not deserve to be cut short by a heinous act of violence.” Flynn was his parent’s only son.

Flynn is described in the fundraiser as a “star” and “leader” who “brought joy to life and always had open arms for anyone.”

“He would make sure everyone was good even if he wasn’t good,” the campaign says.

“He blessed everyone he came in contact with. His life did not deserve to be cut short by a heinous act of violence.”

The campaign funds will be used to transport Flynn’s body from Jackson for the memorial, as well as for funeral arrangements and attorney expenses.

Flynn is survived by his loving parents, Michele and Michael, his girlfriend, and countless family members and close friends.

To view the GoFundMe, click here.

Shear Perfection Salon Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting

Frank L. Cahill
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Shear Perfection Salon Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting

PARSIPPANY — Shear Perfection Salon, 83 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Attending the ceremony were Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Justin Musella, Councilman Frank Neglia, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, and Secretary Raj Dichpally. Also joining was Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso and Board members Ildiko Peluso and Nicolas Limanov.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill presented Kim Patterson, Shear Perfection Salon, with a plaque and welcomed the new business to Parsippany.

Shear Perfection Salon is owned by Kim Patterson and her husband, Brian.

Kim was a manager at Pro Haircutters Salon, Troy Hills Shopping Center, for over 23 years. Pro Haircutters closed that location on September 24.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill presented Kim Patterson, Shear Perfection Salon, with a plaque and welcomed the new business to Parsippany.

Patterson, having experience in operating a salon all these years, decided to open Shear Perfection Salon. She hired almost all the staff from Pro Haircutters.

The new boutique-style salon, SHEAR PERFECTION SALON, is now open at 83 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha.

Shear Perfection Salon is here for all your hair care needs and is proud to welcome all previous Pro Haircutter and new clients.

Pictured below is the wonderful staff… John, Barber; Omar, Barber; Jessica, Stylist; Vicky, Stylist; Michelle, Stylist; Sheree, Stylist; Melanie, Stylist; Michele Lynn, Stylist; Lisa, Stylist; and of course the friendly receptionists Kim, Cheryl, Gina, and Lucy.

The friendly staff of Shear Perfection Salon.

Visit Shear Perfection Salon today! Call for an appointment at (973) 335-2121. They also welcome walk-ins.

Stolen Catalytic Converters on the Rise, Even in Parsippany

Frank L. Cahill
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Stolen Catalytic Converters on the Rise, Even in Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — Catalytic converter theft has been rising, not only in Parsippany but across the nation. According to Brian Conover, Parsippany Police Department, “We have had over 70 catalytic converters stolen from vehicles since the beginning of this year. In Parsippany, it’s not just one type of vehicle, but I can say it has been every make, model, and year.” Parsippany Focus could not receive any additional information due to current investigations involving these incidents.

The resident’s vehicle in the above picture stated it happened at 2:47 a.m., and it took less than three minutes for the thieves to steal the catalytic converter. She stated she resides in the area of Rockaway Meadow School.

While this has been happening for years, a recent uptick in catalytic converter theft may be motivated by economic turbulence from the pandemic. Additionally, the reduced foot traffic during this time may make it easier for thieves who feel less likely to be caught. It takes just a few minutes for a thief to “saw” the catalytic converter out of your car and leave you with thousands of dollars in damage.

For those novices, “A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction.”

A three-way catalytic converter on a gasoline-powered 1996 Dodge Ram

According to Carfax, Cars Most Likely to Have Their Catalytic Converters Stolen Nationwide:

  1. 1985-2021 Ford F-Series
  2. 1989-2020 Honda Accord
  3. 2007-17 Jeep Patriot
  4. 1990-2022 Ford Econoline
  5. 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
  6. 2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox
  7. 1997-2020 Honda CR-V
  8. 1987-2019 Toyota Camry
  9. 2011-17 Chrysler 200
  10. 2001-21 Toyota Prius

According to Carfax,  Cars Most Likely to Have Their Catalytic Converters Stolen in the Northeast:

    1. 1985-2021 Ford F-Series
    2. 1987-2019 Toyota Camry
    3. 1989-2020 Honda Accord
    4. 2007-17 Jeep Patriot
    5. 1997-2020 Honda CR-V
    6. 1998-2020 Subaru Forester
    7. 2007-20 Subaru Outback
    8. 1990-2022 Ford Econoline
    9. 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
    10. 1993-2020 Nissan Altima

The High Cost of Catalytic Converter Theft

Discovering your catalytic converter has been taken can be a rude awakening – the exhaust system on your car, truck, or SUV will make a loud noise from where the device was removed.

Catalytic converter theft can be a costly loss for car owners who don’t have insurance coverage for it, according to Christopher McDonold, executive director for the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council.

“If you don’t have full coverage, or you can’t get coverage, you’re going to pay out of pocket to replace (the converter),” McDonold said. And that can run from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, according to the NICB.

In Parsippany, Mr. Johannes J. Vanwageningen, Jr., 37, Bloomingdale, was arrested on July 18 for “Theft by Unlawfully” taking certain moveable property, three catalytic converters from three parked vehicles, at the dealership of Jan Auto Sales LLC, 355 Route 46 East. He removed all three with a saw. He was charged with Theft of Movable Property NJSA 2C-20-3a and 2C:5-2. Conspiracy. a. Definition of conspiracy. A person is guilty of conspiracy with another person or persons to commit a crime if to promote or facilitate its commission.

in addition, his accomplish was also arrested and charged.

Lake Parsippany resident Lillian Morley said, “22 incidents from January through October 26 in a five-block radius from Summit Road in Lake Parsippany. Six plus catalytic converters were stolen on my street, one vehicle the catalytic converter was taken twice, and another vehicle was stolen out of the driveway. Then down the block was the man peeking in windows wearing a Gillie suit.” (see related article by clicking here).

 

Morris County Commissioner DeFillippo Retires

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Commissioner DeFillippo Retires

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner Kathryn DeFillippo was celebrated for her decades in public service during a holiday gathering at the Morris County Administration & Records Building, where her colleagues presented her with the traditional rocking chair for Commissioners retiring from public office.

Commissioner DeFillippo tries out the rocking chair with Director Selen and Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus.

Commissioner DeFillippo, who has served three terms on the Morris County Board of County Commissioners since 2014, when it was known as the Board of Chosen Freeholders, announced last year that she would be leaving public service at the end of this year. She has served twice as Director of the Board during her tenure.

“It was a tough decision a year ago when I announced I wasn’t going to run, but it was the fair thing to do — to let people know that I had decided it was time for me to retire … I have enjoyed working and being a part of Morris County. Thank you,” said Commissioner DeFillippo, who attended the event with her husband, Roxbury Councilman, and Past Mayor Robert DeFillippo.

“I look forward now at … the younger generation and sharing with them how important it is to give back to your community, whether it’s in an elected position or just coming to a meeting or doing something as simple as, you know, landscaping around the library, helping out. Do something with your community,” Commissioner DeFillippo added.

Commissioner DeFillippo served as Mayor of Roxbury Township in 2009 and served on the Township Council from 2006 through December 2013.  She also served as deputy mayor in 2011, 2012, and 2013 and was a member of the town’s Zoning Board and a past president of the Roxbury Area Chamber of Commerce.

Commissioner DeFillippo thanked everyone who joined the gathering.

“Kathy’s departure from the board at the end of this month is bitter-sweet for all of us.  We share her happiness in spending more time with her family and being free to do many things she and Bob would like to do. However, this board will be hard-pressed to replace what Kathy has brought to the board during her three terms since 2014 – I am talking about her intense compassion for the less fortunate in our community,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen.

Commissioner DeFillippo, retired, served as the chief liaison to the Morris County Department of Human Services and area nonprofits after a private career as a Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor that involved helping society’s most vulnerable citizens. She retired in 2016 from the board of the NJ Metro Chapter of the National MS Society after serving as a trustee for ten years, and she was the director of a sheltered workshop for physically and mentally handicapped adults in New York.

She also worked in the insurance industry in the Washington, D.C., area, providing medical management and vocational rehabilitation services to injured workers.

“I would be remiss if I did not squeeze in the fact that Kathy was chair of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) for two years, from 2020 through 2021. She had been on the board since 2014 and was presented with a Leadership Award by the Newark Regional Business Partnership earlier this year for her service,” Director Selen said as DeFillippo was presented with the county’s traditional wooden rocking chair.

“As Kathy always said, the important work of the NJTPA is too often ignored. It oversees regional transportation planning, and it annually authorizes more than $1 billion in federal transportation funding for 13 counties in northern and central New Jersey. Kathy, we are very proud that you represented us, especially in a leadership role at the NJTPA,” Selen added.

Commissioner DeFillippo remains active with the MS Society as an advocate in government relations and has been the driving force behind bringing the Walk MS to Roxbury in 2006, helping to raise tens of thousands of dollars to find a cure and to raise awareness for people afflicted with MS.

Commissioner DeFillippo with her rocking chair and Director Selen.

Parsippany Elks Donates to Parsippany Food Pantry

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Elks Donates to Parsippany Food Pantry

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge 2078 donated a check for $2000.00 to the Parsippany Food Pantry. This donation was made possible by the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant.

Presenting the check to Michelle Picone was leading Knight Scott Burns of Parsippany Elks and Trustee Eric Bisch of Parsippany Elks.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge 2078 is located at 230 Parsippany Road.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio stated, “Our community never fails to amaze me. Being the Mayor of Parsippany brings me great joy, but nothing is better than seeing Parsippany help Parsippany. Thank you to Parsippany Elks Lodge #2078 for taking the time and commitment to ensure that everyone has a great holiday season. In Parsippany, no one gets left behind.”

Elks National Foundation released $3.7 million for the Spotlight Grants. These $2,000 grants are available to every Lodge to highlight pressing issues facing American communities, including COVID-19 relief, which continues to be a significant need.

 

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