Morris County Vocational School District Recognizes Saint Clare’s Health as Business Partner of the Year

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD) is honored to announce this year’s Business Partnership Award to Saint Clare’s Health.

Over the last year, the relationship with Saint Clare’s Health has evolved to include numerous opportunities for full-time students, share- time students, and Continuing Adult Education.

“Strong business partnerships are vital to the school’s Career and Technical Education programs,” said Shari Castelli, MCVSD’s Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. “Saint Clare’s Health is a business partner with exceptional commitment and service to the district. In the last year, numerous departments within the hospital have been instrumental in the growth of our students and programs. We look forward to a continued working relationship.”

Saint Clare’s Health joined the MCVSD Advisory Council for Health Care Sciences, hosted clinical rotations for Exercise Science students in their cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, as well as PT/OT departments, hosted Health Care Sciences juniors for a clinical rotation to include eight different departments, provided an internship for a student in Computer and Information Science and is currently hosting a Health Care Sciences intern.

“Saint Clare’s Health is so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Morris County Vocational School District,” said Jan Bednar, Chief Nursing Officer,  MS, BSN, RN, NEA-BC. “This partnership provides students access to the real world to apply what they have learned in the classroom, thus beginning their career journey in a meaningful and impactful way.  It is the first step for many of them to forge new professional relationships and become part of the community. We at Saint Clare’s Health live by our core values of serving and caring for our community members, and this partnership is one such commitment.”

Morris County Vocational School District offers a wide range of career and technical education programs that inspire and prepare students to succeed in today’s world and pursue tomorrow’s opportunities.  Programs range from auto service and construction trades to healthcare sciences, performing arts, and cybersecurity. The high school offers full-time academies and share-time programs on its Denville campus. In addition, through collaboration with local school districts and the County College of Morris, it offers full-time academies and share-time programs established at off-site satellite locations. To learn more about full-time academies and share-time high school programs, click here or call (973) 627-4600 ext. 277.

Letter to the Editor: Parsippany’s Missed Opportunity for Economic Growth

Dear Editor:

I’m a tax-paying, lifelong resident of Parsippany, and I understand the concerns surrounding the cannabis industry.

But have you fully considered the facts and data that support permitting cannabis retailers?

2% of all sales go directly to the town as tax revenue which amounts to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. This could potentially save Parsippany residents from the consistent tax increases we’re currently experiencing for years to come!

Dispensaries also encourage local job growth by hiring retail staff and contractors for ancillary services to build out the storefront.

There are already a number of towns neighboring Parsippany that are permitting dispensaries to operate, including Boonton, Dover, Morristown, Rockaway Borough, Rockaway Township, and Victory Gardens.

Safety is also a big concern, but it is often misguided. Studies find that there is no correlation between cannabis consumption and increased violent crime or homicide–in fact, it has the opposite effect; a 19% drop in crime rates.

Towns with dispensaries will also benefit from the increased safety and security measures that must meet state and municipality laws. Dispensaries must have controlled site access with multiple ID checkpoints, 24 hours, 7 days a week video surveillance, and professional security guards.

And regardless of your stance, it is important to look at trends locally and federally objectively.

In October, President Biden requested the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to review its status as a Schedule I drug. He even took it a step further and pardoned all prior federal offenses of cannabis possession.

In New Jersey, 70% voted in favor of cannabis when it was placed on the general election ballot to legalize it on November 3, 2020.

A Rutgers study published in February 2022 indicates home sales prices increase by 1.6%, or $6,366, when a dispensary is located nearby.

Parsippany also has a number of vacant commercial properties that are near major highways, away from schools, residences, and places of worship, which would make for great locations for dispensaries.

The cannabis industry is a lucrative emerging market that will undoubtedly bring economic growth to the towns that allow retailers to operate within them. In New Jersey, it is estimated that sales revenues will reach over $2 billion by 2026.

So why hasn’t a resolution been passed to permit cannabis retailers to safely and responsibly operate in Parsippany?

P.S. I encourage you to support state-licensed cannabis retailers who want to operate in Parsippany by signing this petition.

Cassara Grasso

Madison Man Sentenced for Distribution Child Pornography

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Madison Police Chief John Miscia announce the sentencing of Nicholas Spagnoletti, 54, of Madison.

Spagnoletti was charged with one count of Endangering the Welfare of Children for the Distribution of Child Pornography, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)(i), a crime of the Second Degree, and one count Endangering the Welfare of Children for the Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(iii), a crime of the Third Degree.

It is alleged that between April 15, 2021, and August 12, 2021, the defendant utilized his personal cell phone to upload, possess, and distribute images of child pornography. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was first alerted to the upload by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

On March 15, 2022, the defendant entered a guilty plea to one count of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child for Possession of Child Pornography before Judge Ralph E. Amirata.

Spagnoletti was subsequently sentenced by Judge Amirata to three years in the New Jersey State Prison on December 2, 2022. The defendant is also subject to Megan’s Law registration and Parole Supervision for Life upon release.

Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank Assistant Prosecutor Justin Tellone, Assistant Prosecutor Michael McDonald, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the Madison Borough Police Department, whose efforts contributed to the investigation of the matter.

Friday Nights at Mennen Arena is returning for the New Year

MORRIS COUNTY — NJ Coalition for Education and Positive Choices and the Office of the Morris County Sheriff officially announce starting Friday, January 6 and running ten consecutive Friday nights through March 10, 2023, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

This major initiative by The NJ Coalition for Education and Positive Choices, in conjunction with Mennen Arena, will provide families, especially children, with an opportunity to have fun with their friends in a safe, chaperoned, healthy, drug-free environment.

Those partaking in the program sponsored by the Coalition will be afforded a reduction in the price of admission and skate rental.  The total cost of this event will be $7.00 per person (normally $12.00) and will include admission, skate rental and a full night of ice skating to the music of The Great DJ Earl.  Mennen Arena also has a snack bar which will be open all night for those who care to indulge. Snacks are not included in the price of admission.

Each Friday night will have a different theme with the hope of not only entertaining our children but creating interest in new activities, hobbies, and possible future career opportunities to which they might not have otherwise been exposed.

Examples of future highlights:

  • Law Enforcement Night
    Many township police departments and law enforcement agencies will be on hand to display equipment, explain its purpose, and, most importantly, allow our youngsters to meet and greet true heroes.
  • Fire Fighter Night
  • Martial Arts and Fitness Night
  • Dance Night
  • Photo IDs supplied by Morris County Sheriff’s Department for any child that would like one and at no cost.

Further themes and activities will be announced shortly.

The NJ Coalition for Education and Positive Choices is a new action and result-oriented team comprised of several law enforcement agencies, educators, elected officials, scouts, organized sports, musicians, businesses, and parents working together to unite our communities in the war against drug and alcohol addiction.

200 Club of Morris Accepting Applications for Scholarship Awards

MORRIS COUNTY — The 200 Club of Morris County is accepting applications for their 2023 scholarship program beginning December 1.

Scholarship eligibility is limited to high school seniors who volunteer as a first aid squad/EMS department member or who volunteer as a firefighter in a fire department in Morris County, or whose parent/guardian is actively serving in or retired from the following agencies in, or serving, Morris County:

  • Morris County Police Departments
  • Morris County Fire Departments
  • Morris County First Aid Squads
  • An Office of Emergency Management in Morris County
  • New Jersey State Police
  • Federal Law Enforcement

New Jersey State Police and Federal Law Enforcement eligibility is restricted to those who live or have their primary assignment in Morris County or have retired from the New Jersey State Police or a Federal Law Enforcement agency and live or had their primary assignment in Morris County.

Children of personnel working in clerical or other non-related public safety duties are not eligible. Likewise, children of members and members of The 200 Club of Morris County are not eligible.

Application Process

Scholarships will be awarded once for the 2023-2024 academic year. Award criteria include academic performance, community service, extracurricular activities, and financial needs. The scholarship committee reviews and approves applications impartially without knowledge of a student’s identity. Announcements of the scholarship recipients will be made by mid-April 2023.

More details are available by clicking here.

The deadline for applications is 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company Elects New Officers

PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company (Parsippany District 2) elected new business officers and truck officers at the meeting on December 2, 2022.

These members of the fire company have accepted these important leadership positions, and we thank them for their service to our community.

Business Officers
President: Frank DeRienzo
Vice President: Jeffrey Pikor
Secretary: Jim Murphy
Treasurer: Mark Rabson

Truck Officers
Chief: Russell Greuter
Deputy Chief: Jeffrey Pikor
Captains: Josh Lefferts and Joseph Reeber, Sr.
Lieutenants: Nolan Keena, Keith Lefferts, and Corey Martin

Parsippany Indian Association Celebrates 27th Grand Holiday Program

PARSIPPANY — After two years of hiatus, the India Culture Foundation, aka Parsippany Indian Association, organized their 27th Grand Holiday celebration program.

The program, held at Parsippany Hills High School auditorium, began with dinner catered by the Chand Palace of Martinsville, followed by Bollywood songs by the Mumbai orchestra group ‘Swar Sarita.’

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio and Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Vice Chairman Dr. Bhagirath Maheta, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro, Councilman Frank Neglia, Mr. Jigar Shah, along with other dignitaries and over 500, were in attendance. The audience danced to their heart’s desire, and the singers were masterful in their art.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Vice Chairman Dr. Bhagirath Maheta, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro, Councilman Frank Neglia, Mr. Jigar Shah, and Mayor James Barberio.

They sang nostalgic old songs for the senior citizens and new songs for the young generation. The Master of Ceremony made the audience laugh with his jokes and witty lines.

During the event Association Secretary Mr. Raj Amin honored a lifelong trustee of the association and a retired Indian navy officer Mr. Hari Kunderan with a plaque describing his leadership and hard work.

During the event Association Secretary Mr. Raj Amin honored a lifelong trustee of the association and a retired Indian navy officer Mr. Hari Kunderan with a plaque describing his leadership and hard work.

Santa Arrived in Parsippany on Saturday via Fire Truck

PARSIPPANY — The rain didn’t stop Santa from arriving in Parsippany on Saturday, December 3.  Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6 drove Santa to Parsippany Municipal Building around 5:00 p.m. during the pouring down rain as the anxious children awaited his arrival. After his arrival, Mayor James Barberio and Santa lit up the Christmas trees that decorate Town Hall.

Mayor James Barberio and Santa lit up the Christmas trees that decorate Town Hall.
Parsippany Hills and Parsippany High School choir sang holiday carols during the festivities.

Parsippany Hills and Parsippany High School choir sang holiday carols during the festivities.

All of the children then went into the building and had an opportunity to meet and greet Santa and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Santa’s helpers gave out candy canes, a gift, hot chocolate, and delicious cookies.

Santa arrived in Parsippany on Saturday.

Mayor Barberio said, “Lighting the Christmas tree and inviting Santa has been a tradition in Parsippany for many years. Seeing our community come together to kick off this holiday season is one of my favorite things about being a Mayor. I hope everyone has a happy, safe, and healthy holiday season!”

Elliott, 5; Ainsley, 10; and Julian, 7 Cook with Santa Claus
The Chhetry Family: Piyush, Pallavi, and Yashika
Thomas Tafro, 10
Captain Tom Carney and Santa
Santa’s Helpers: Thomas Colantoni and Justin Zitelli
Santa’s Helpers: Georgia Kochulis, Julia Budich, and Jenna Beck
Santa’s Helpers: Amon Sharafi, Colin Zitelli, Justin Stanton, and the famous Hot-Chocolate Maker Jude Capriglione
Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Frank Neglia, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Council President Michael dePierro and Councilman Justin Musella visit Santa on Saturday, December 3 at Parsippany Town Hall
Dee DePierro and Michael DePierro
Justin and Courtney Musella
Sandy and Frank Neglia

Morris County Republican Committee Collecting for Toys for Tots

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Republican Committee will host a Breakfast with Santa to collect toys for Toys for Tots from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 17, at the party headquarters at 51 Gibraltar Drive, Morris Plains, Suite 1D.

Attendees are asked to bring a new and unwrapped toy for a needy child. Anyone who wants to sponsor as an individual or a business should email laura@morrisgop.org.

Party representatives will buy a toy for every donation, which can be made by clicking here.

Krickus Selected to Serve as Morris County Commissioner Director

MORRIS COUNTY — John Krickus and Christine Myers will be a terrific team providing, fiscally conservative leadership for Morris County government in 2023 and will continue to hold the line on taxes, invest in infrastructure and education, making the best-run county in New Jersey even better,” said Morris County Republican Chairwoman Ali, who added, “we are so grateful for the wonderful leadership County Commissioner Director Selen provided this year.”

Laura Ali said that the 2023 leadership team was unanimously supported at the annual caucus. Morris County Republican leadership has been integral in making Morris the best place to live in New Jersey, with the number one county college and vocational school district as well as the safest communities in the state. Last June, major financial rating agencies Moody’s and S&P awarded their highest-possible “AAA” rating for a record 47th year to Morris County, continuing a legacy as one of the best financially-run counties in America.

Krickus is in his third three-year term on the board. He is a member of the Budget Committee producing no county tax increase for multiple years. He also is the liaison to the Morris County Improvement Authority, the County College of Morris and Morris County School of Technology, and the Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development.

Commissioner Krickus is a Marine Corps veteran, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-retired), and worked in data analytics for Dun and Bradstreet and Experian.

Previously, he served on the Washington Township Committee for 12 years, including three years as Mayor. Born and raised in Madison, he now lives in Long Valley with his wife Carolyn where they raised their two daughters.

Christine Myers

Christine Myers served a term as Freeholder and was appointed to the Office of Advocacy – Small Business Administration where she reduced regulations on small businesses resulting in billions of dollars in savings. In her previous term, Christine leads the development of a county strategic plan and a debt reserve policy. Commissioner-elect Myers was the top vote winner in the Fall election for her second term on the board.

Christine served in executive roles at AT&T and Lucent/Avaya and Siemens and is the co-founder of a growing manufacturing business. She also served in leadership positions at numerous non-profits, including Cornerstone Family Programs, Americas Gleaned Seafood, and the Order of Malta

She and her husband Stan raised their two sons in Mendham, and have recently moved to New Vernon.