Prosecutor Joins Other Officials in Support of Bi-Partisan Federal Legislation To Combat Vehicle Theft

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll joined other government officials from federal, state, county, and municipal levels at the municipal hall of Madison Borough, during a news conference to support federal legislation that would assist law enforcement in combatting vehicle theft on Monday, October 17.

Area police chiefs and county sheriffs from the region were also in attendance as a show of support.

The bipartisan legislation, introduced to the United States Congress by Representatives Mikie Sherrill from New Jersey and Don Bacon from Nebraska would provide $150 million in grants over a five-year period to state and local law enforcement, to address and mitigate the number of vehicle thefts, and provide resources for stolen vehicle trafficking throughout the United States. The legislation provides that 70% of the funding will go to the county and local law enforcement with 30% to states being heavily impacted by vehicle thefts and especially the related escalated violence. If passed in Congress, the bill would provide $30 million each year for hiring, equipment, technology, and other resources to target the crime of vehicle theft.

Various Law Enforcement Officials in Attendance

In addition to the federal bill, the recently introduced bi-partisan legislation from Senators Codey and Bucco also received the unanimous support of law enforcement as it addresses the issues of repeat offenders as well as those criminals who recruit juveniles into criminal theft organizations in order to insulate themselves from serious criminal charges. A separate state bill from the Senators also addresses the frightening issue of home invasions and substantially increases the potential criminal penalties for such serious criminal conduct.

During the news conference and following the initial presentation speech delivered by Rep. Sherrill, multiple officials spoke including NJ State Senators Anthony Bucco and Richard Codey, NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura, and Passaic County Undersheriff Kevin Dickson all spoke in support of the initiative.

Prosecutor Carroll stated that law enforcement sincerely appreciates the legislative efforts to help stem the increasing crime and reiterates the need for community and citizen assistance in stopping these criminal theft organizations. The Prosecutor stated:

“Year to date, 89% of the vehicle thefts in Morris County involve keys/key fobs being left in a vehicle; 61% of these thefts were from residential properties and another 23% from commercial locations. Morris County Law enforcement again reiterates that it is vitally important that our citizens help in stopping these thefts by securing their keys and fobs, and not making themselves and their families easy targets for these opportunistic, and now too often armed criminals.”

Missing 16-Year-Old Girl from Boonton Found Safe

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Town of Boonton Police Department Officer in Charge Christian Trowbridge announce that missing 16-year-old Keyoni Jackson from Boonton was found safe.

Keyoni Jackson was located unharmed in Morris Township by the Morris Township Police Department and returned home.

Prosecutor Carroll thanked the public for helping get the word out about this missing teenager.

Kiwanis Key Club to Host “Halloween at the High”

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Key Club is hosting its free, annual “Halloween at the High” this year on Friday, October 28 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the children of Parsippany!

Please join us at Parsippany High School for this exciting and spooky event! There will be trick-or-treating, haunted alleys, crafts, and games. This is a perfect way to become Halloween-ready! Donations for Unicef’s Start Strong: Zambia program will be accepted.

Parsippany High School is located at 309 Baldwin Road.

Woman’s Club Donates 146 Holiday Stockings

PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, October 11, 2022, Woman’s Club of Parsippany- Troy Hills members Ronnie Fagan, Terry Gerber, and Ronnie’s sister, Eileen, delivered 146 Holiday Stockings to NJSFWC headquarters, in New Brunswick. The stockings were collected from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Woman’s Club members, family, co-workers, and friends.

While at headquarters, the ladies helped put boxes together for shipping the stockings.

Making Strides of Parsippany Attracts Over 1,786 Participants

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio issued a “Proclamation” at Sunday’s “Making Strides Parsippany” event held in the Century Office Campus. The Mayor presented the Proclamation to event organizers Melissa Gargantiel and Kelly Stanckiewitz.

Mayor James Barberio with event organizers Melissa Gargantiel and Kelly Stanckiewitz

At the time this article was published the Making Strides Parsippany raised $317,911. You can still make a donation by clicking here.

More than 290,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year; There are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors living in the US today and more than $71 million invested in breast cancer research (as of August 2021).

Music provided by DJ Bonz will keep the party going on our stage, sponsored by The Snooki Shop. Performances by dance teams and fun warm-ups will get you excited before the walk starts and throughout the morning!

Think Pink

Since 1993, the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) campaign has united communities, companies, and individuals with a collective goal to end breast cancer as we know it. Over the past two decades, the 3- to 5-mile noncompetitive walks have collectively grown into the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement providing a supportive community for courageous breast cancer survivors and metastatic breast cancer thrivers, including caregivers, and families alike.

Welcome Survivors

This year, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer celebrates its 30th anniversary and is taking place in more than 150 communities nationwide, including Parsippany.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events raise awareness and money to save lives from breast cancer. The money you raise and the donations made are helping the American Cancer Society fund innovative breast cancer research, 24/7 information and support, prevention and early detection initiatives, and so much more.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Councilman Frank Neglia, Sandra Neglia, and Elizabeth Scangarella
The participants met at Elizabeth Scangarella house to participate in “Making Strides of Parsippany”
Elizabeth Scangarella Team “Believers” at the starting line at Making Strides of Parsippany

The top companies were Toyota Motor North America $13,950; Atlantic Health Systems $8,637; BASF Corporation $5,057; Siemens Healthineers $4,575; Connell Foley LLP $3,767; Bausch + Lomb $1,973; Wyndham Hotels and Resorts $1,882; Dollar Tree/Family Dollar $1,776; Select Medical $1,673; and Delta Dental of New Jersey $1,579

Making Strides in Memory of Rosemarie Mancuso raised over $7,000

A personal message from Theresa MANCUSO regarding her Breast Cancer Experience:

Breast Cancer has been in my life since I was 7 years old and my grandmother, Teresa, was diagnosed. I watched her suffer through surgeries and treatments before Metastatic Breast Cancer took her from us in 1988. I was 16 years old. Just three years later, my mother, Rosemarie, was diagnosed at just 46 years old. Again, I saw one of my role models fight this disease with strength and humor. My mother was a successful business owner, a single mom, and a friend to many. She was the life of the party and everyone was always happy to see her. She was Volunteer of the Year for the local American Cancer Society. She visited many patients at their most vulnerable, right after diagnosis, through the Reach for Recovery program. She had a notebook full of patients that she would follow up with to make sure they were okay and share her experiences.

I remember my mom taking me for my first mammogram when I was 22 years old. Her cancer had returned but she never wanted anyone to worry about her. She actually signed us up for our first cancer walk in South Orange in 1995, though she was already feeling the effects of advanced cancer. After fighting for five years, Metastatic Breast Cancer took her at the age of 51. I had just turned 24 and couldn’t imagine life without her. Somedays I still can’t.

Though I walk in memory of my mom, I also selfishly walk for myself. In 2003, I was diagnosed with Stage I Breast Cancer at age 30. I was aggressive with surgeries and treatments but my cancer returned four years later at age 34. I was shellshocked that I was facing the same fate as the two most important women in my life. I’m now 15 years with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer. I’ve done treatments, more surgeries, and a clinical trial. I remain on drugs that have cumulative side effects that don’t make my life super easy. But I am beyond blessed that I am still here and able to celebrate another walk with my wonderful friends and family! I’ve lost dozens of friends to this horrible disease. These are young women with children and should have had long lives ahead of them….we all should.

The funds I’m raising will sustain critical research and provide services for people trying to cope with their own breast cancer experiences. Believe me, every dollar really does count, so I’m asking you to please donate today. Together, we can make a big difference in the fight against breast cancer.

To raise funds directly for Theresa’s fundraiser, click here.

Team “Fighting Pretty” was lead by team leader Gina DeRosa and raised over $1,400

Top teams were Rising to the Challenge $21,005; The Fighting Champions $18,768; Hanna’s Bananas Powered by Toyota $13,950; The Pink Striders $12,740; Making Strides in Memory of Rosemarie Mancuso $7,026; Warriors 3.0 $6,548; Team Kamdar $6,429; Las Panas $5,324; BASF Florham Park $5,057; and BASF Flanders Green4Pink $4,575.

Top participants were Sylvia Samaniego $12,455; Fran Saliter $10,862; Lois Dornfeld $10,655; Susan Donaldson $7,348; Nancy Medford $5,888; Teresa Mancuso $4,575; Mary Rehus $3,559; Dayana Peck $3,338 and Sharon Spina $2,673.

A refreshment Tent for water and refreshments was sponsored by Uncle Giuseppe’s Italian Market

Apart from skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer type in women. In fact, in 2019, 271,270 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed. 62,930 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed in women (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer: The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass, but other symptoms are also possible. It’s important to have any breast change checked by a healthcare provider.

For more information about the American Cancer Society and all of its programs, click here.

The Survivor & Thriver Tent, sponsored by Bausch & Lomb, is a special area for Survivors and Thrivers. Survivors and Thrivers will enjoy some snacks, and coffee, receive their sashes and participate in activities—all while creating great memories in the tent.
Seton Hall University
Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance members Sophia Lowery and Melinda Ernst
Randolph Rams Cheerleaders
Kiwanis Club Lt. Governor Frank Cahill with Kiwanis Club of Caldwell/West Essex President Jessica Almeida
Team Jessica Almedia
Kiwanis Club of Caldwell/West Essex President Jessica Almedia and member Anthony
Mayor James Barberio with Barbara and Haywood Bailey
Making Strides of Parsippany Attracts Over 1,786 Participants
Dark Invader and friends

Envision a future where our children no longer live with the threat of breast cancer and where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive this disease. By supporting the Making Strides movement, you help ensure the American Cancer Society can continue fighting for that same vision. Together, we can help fund the future of breast cancer research and programs for our loved ones today – and for the next generation.

For more information on the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” click here. Cancer information, answers, and hope.  Available every minute of every day by calling 800-227-2345.

MCRC Holds Luncheon for Paul DeGroot

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Republican Club and Chatham Mayor Ashley Felice held a luncheon to honor Paul DeGroot at Bruno’s Italian Bistro, Parsippany.

Paul DeGroot comes from a blue-collar family with respect for conservative values such as hard work, discipline, and helping others. Born and raised in Passaic County to a firefighter dad and a homemaker mom, he went to public schools in Clifton, commuted to Montclair State College, and went on to graduate from the University of Maryland with a degree in political science. While there, he joined the College Republicans and did a six-month internship on Capitol Hill for a local congressman.

Paul attended the Widener University School of Law in Delaware; He was awarded his Juris Doctorate in 1993. In 1996, DeGroot went to work for the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office in a career that spanned 25 years. DeGroot ultimately was promoted to Chief Prosecutor for the Homicide, Narcotics, and Government Corruption units. He was involved in 100 trials and closed thousands of cases.

Paul along with his wife Sharon, are the parents of two young children and are homeowners who live in Montville.

A group of attendees gather for a picture with Paul DeGroot

Parent’s Rights in Education: Paul supports all parents’ right to be part of curriculum decisions in their children’s schools. He opposes indoctrinating our students with leftist ideology. Paul will work with parents to make sure our public school curriculum teaches students marketable skills, not socialist propaganda.

American Liberty and Freedom: Paul opposes government lockdowns of businesses and schools – and the abuse of federal and state power on Americans. He opposes executive edicts during the Covid-19 pandemic that infringe on personal liberty.

The U.S. Constitution: Paul is an ardent supporter of following the U.S. Constitution and interpreting it as written by our Founding Fathers. He opposes judges who legislate from the bench. As a prosecutor for 25 years; Paul lived with the Constitution every day.

Energy Independence: Paul Supports energy independence for America. Under President Biden, oil prices have skyrocketed from $41.9 a barrel in 2020 to more than $100 today. The increase is felt by every family and business in America

The American Economy – Besides energy independence, Paul supports measures to cut inflation and a national tax policy that creates strong industries and good-paying jobs for Americans. To compete with China, America needs less regulation on businesses.

Border Security: Illegal immigrants are flooding into our country from our Southern Border. They are coming from all corners of the globe and most are unvetted. The progressives like Mikie Sherril are encouraging this mass invasion of our country and supporting President Biden’s policy of secretly dispersing illegal aliens to all corners of the United States. Paul will fight for U.S. Border Security.

NY Times – October 22, 2021- A record 1.7 million migrants from around the world were encountered trying to enter the United States illegally in 2021… capping a year of chaos at the southern border, which has emerged as one of the most formidable challenges for the Biden administration. It was the highest number of illegal crossings recorded since at least 1960.

Senior Citizens: Paul supports expanding basic Medicare benefits for our senior citizens to include eyeglasses and dental. These benefits can be paid for by cutting government waste and curtailing financing to illegal immigrants.

Veterans: Paul cares about our U.S. Military veterans and believes they deserve the best opportunities and care we can provide for them. Thanking them for their service is not enough. Paul supports the rights of veterans to receive legal assistance, medical services, business & housing ownership, employment outreach, discharge upgrades, and family outreach services.

For more information about Paul DeGroot, click here.

Paul DeGroot with Rockaway Police Chief Conrad Pepperman

Vehicle Fire on Route 10

PARSIPPANY — The Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to Route 10 West near Manor Lane for a reported vehicle fire on Wednesday, October 19 at 12:43 p.m.

Upon arrival, a landscaping truck was on fire, with an extension to the trailer and nearby brush.

Morris Plains Fire Department and the Morris Plains Fire Association was requested for an additional engine. The fire was knocked down and no injuries were reported.

Thanks to Par-Troy EMS and the Parsippany Police Department for their assistance and traffic control.

Thanks to a nearby resident for providing these great drone shots of the incident.

Photo was taken from Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page.

Letter to the Editor: Choffo – Running To The Past?

parsippany focusDear Editor:

At the recent Board of Education candidate’s forum, one candidate, Andrew Choffo, stood out from the others by expressing what I consider out-of-date and extreme views. He expressed outdated opinions that our children can be protected and prepared for life by restricting knowledge in the library and in the classroom. Rejecting or banning books is useless when the forbidden “fruits” hang from every nearby Apple. Perhaps he imagines his position on student diversity can be achieved by simply co-occupying classroom space. With 46% of the district’s students Asian, 14.4% Hispanic, and 3.2% Black/African American, diversity is all around us and should be embraced and reflected in the library as well as the classroom.

Also, his “Moms For Liberty” endorsement is from a group that feels that the State has taken away or soon will take away parental rights. First of all, no one has taken away your rights. And let’s be clear— “Parental Rights” is their catchphrase for the will of a few who seek to impose their minority values by restricting exposure to ideas and open discussions on age-appropriate sex education, racism, individual student rights, etc. Parents and teachers are partners in helping our children to understand the world they face. We cannot turn our rights and moral responsibility over to an overreaching Board or someone else’s “Mom”.

Next consider Mr. Choffo’s remarkable statistic in his review of non-curriculum, free choice library books which he found “…99% progressive…” and all containing what he called “…anti-white, anti-police, anti-American…” subject matter. For a brief moment, we glimpsed a different side of Andrew Choffo. I find these prejudices to be ugly and frightening.

Please watch the forum on YouTube. Consider the lock-step agenda of the entire Choffo ticket (Choffo, Raia, Ferise). I urge you to vote for open-minded Candidates 4, 5, and 6 (Alison Cogan, Kendra Von Achen, and Michelle Shappell).

Paul Giovanelli

Kiwanis Club Held Successful 26th Wine Tasting Fundraiser

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany held its 26th Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser on Thursday, October 20 at Hanover Manor.

This year the event, attended by approximately 200 guests, was co-sponsor with Order Sons of Italy In America – Lodge 2561. All proceeds from the event will benefit charitable organizations from both the Kiwanis and the Sons of Order Sons of Italy In America – Lodge 2561.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Nicolas Limanov, Kiwanis Lt. Governor Division 9 Frank Cahill, Joe Jannarone, Jr., Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Councilman Justin Musella, Joseph E. Bock, Jr.
Town of Boonton Council Member Ward 3. Front Row, Aysha Avalos, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Vice President Ilmi Bojkovic and Beverly Pirone.

Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet arranged a top-of-the-line selection of wines, spirits, and beers from 38 distributors, and our members were more than happy to pour a generous sample of the products.

Hanover Manor did a fantastic job providing an ample and tasteful hot and cold buffet, cutting stations walk, around appetizers, and a dessert/coffee station to accompany the excellent drinks.

Hanover Manor did a fantastic job providing an ample and tasteful hot and cold buffet
Hanover Manor did a fantastic job providing an ample and tasteful hot and cold buffet.

Congratulations on a very successful event arranged by Kiwanis Greater Parsippany Committee Chairman Michael Mulhaul with President Nicolas Limanov, and Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 President Robert Adamo, and of course, to those members from both organizations without whom these worthwhile events would not be possible.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio and Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling

The local programs funded by the Kiwanis Club include sponsored youth programs in the Parsippany-Troy Hills school district, such as Key Clubs in both high schools, Builders Clubs in the middle schools, and K-Kids Clubs in all of the elementary schools; Parsippany Day Care Center; Parsippany Library; the Stickley Farms family fun day and numerous other 501(c)3 organizations that serve children and families.

Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Executive Director Lorri Caffrey, Volunteer Lorraine Nealis, Development Manager Alison Haight, Volunteer, and Foster Program Alison Haight, and Volunteer and Foster Programs Rose Cigna

In addition to this financial support of children’s leadership development and service initiatives, the club meets the basic needs of the less fortunate families in our community by providing food and food cards, toiletry items, and blankets through a partnership with the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Community Center. The Club also supports state and national organizations that serve the needs of children and their families.

For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, contact Nicolas Limanov at (917) 499-7299 or click here; For more information on Order Sons of Italy In America – Lodge 2561, click here.

Parsippany is Halloweentown!

PARSIPPANY — Do you have that one house in your neighborhood that goes all out decorating for Halloween? The first house we recommend that you take a ride by at night is located at 24 Sedgefield Drive. The theme this year is Camp Crystal Lake. The owners change the theme every year. A moment does not pass where a car isn’t pulling up gawking in delight at the spectacular arrangement.

A house you must see is located at 24 Sedgefield Drive.
A house you must see is located at 24 Sedgefield Drive.
A house you must see is located at 24 Sedgefield Drive.
A house you must see is located at 24 Sedgefield Drive.

If you would like to submit your house please click here.