PARSIPPANY — A full house was evident on Thursday, September 14 at Mayor James Barberio’s Cocktail Fundraiser, held at Barka Mediterranean Seafood & Steak Restaurant in Mountain Lakes.
A prominent gathering of local dignitaries and friends graced the venue, indulging in a delightful evening of culinary treats, beverages, and camaraderie. The support for Mayor James R. Barberio was felt.
Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, Morris County Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo, Parsippany Council Candidate Matt McGraft, Morris County Clerk. Ann Grossi, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Paul Carifi, jr., Parsippany County Candidate Adam Kandil, and Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen.
Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., was present, along with his election squad for the forthcoming November 7 council race, consisting of Adam Kandil and Matt McGrath.
Kudos to the Barberio and Carifi Unite for the Parsippany team ✅ for orchestrating such a successful event. Best wishes!
Barberio is serving the second year of his third term and is up for re-election in 2025.
Jack Lipps, Parsippany’s Best Pizza owner Gianluca Fernicola, and Jeffrey Long, owner of Physiopros Performance RehabMayor James Barberio and Santosh PeddiParsippany-Troy Hills showcased its leadership and prospective representatives in one formidable assembly. Township Council Candidate Matt McGrath, Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., and Township Council Candidate Adam Kandil all stood side by side, highlighting the unity and collaborative spirit that defines the township’s political landscape. Such gatherings reiterate the commitment of these individuals to the growth and welfare of the community they serve.In a significant meeting of leadership, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Michael dePierro and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon came together. Their collaboration underscores the synergy between the township council and county law enforcement, highlighting the dedication and commitment both officials have toward ensuring the safety and progress of the community they represent.In a display of cooperative governance, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio met with Police Chief Richard Patina. This union between the town’s chief executive and its top law enforcement officer emphasizes their shared vision and commitment to the safety, security, and overall well-being of the Parsippany-Troy Hills community.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Hills Viking Cross Country Team, along with their parents and supporters, would like to extend a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to the Parsippany community. After an initial setback with rain last weekend, Saturday September 16, provided an ideal sunny backdrop for our car wash fundraiser.
The team is immensely grateful to several local establishments and individuals who played pivotal roles in making our fundraiser a roaring success.
The Parsippany Police Department showed their support and drove away with gleaming vehicles after stopping by the Parsippany Hills Viking Cross Country Team’s car wash.
Firstly, a special mention to Sobhy Abdelhady from IHOP for generously hosting the car wash. His flexibility in rescheduling the wash due to weather and ensuring smooth operations today was invaluable. Edgar Ortega, IHOP’s General Manager, was instrumental in prepping for a hectic day. Their generosity did not stop there. Each car washed received a $5.00 gift certificate for IHOP, a wonderful gesture to encourage the community to support a local business.
Several local entities and individuals showed up in support, notably Parsippany’s Rockaway Neck Volunteer First Aid Squad, Saint Clare’s Health, and the Parsippany Police Department, who got their vehicles sparkling. They were also honored by a visit from Mayor James Barberio, an alumnus of Parsippany Viking. His support, both as an alum and as our Mayor, warmed our hearts.
Gianluca Fernicola, alongside his dedicated team at Parsippany’s Best Pizza, didn’t just serve slices – they served generosity and warmth. Stepping up to feed the bustling Parsippany Hills Viking Cross Country Team, they generously footed the bill, exemplifying the essence of community support. A heartfelt salute to them for their tasty offerings and their immense generosity.
After a morning of rigorous washing, our team was famished. Gianluca Fernicola and the team at Parsippany’s Best Pizza stepped in, feeding the energetic group. The cherry on top? They graciously covered our meal, showcasing their community spirit. A big thank you to them for their delicious food and big hearts.
To conclude, the team cherish and thank the Parsippany community for making the day successful. They urge everyone to continue patronizing Parsippany IHOP and Parsippany’s Best Pizza, exemplary businesses that truly care about their community. We are proud and thankful to call Parsippany home.
During their car wash fundraiser, the Parsippany Hills Viking Cross Country Team took a moment to strike a pose, capturing the spirit of teamwork and community service in one frame. A memorable snapshot of dedication, hard work, and community support.
PARSIPPANY — The Glacier Hills Pool Association recently celebrated its 60th Annual Clambake on September 2, at the Glacier Hills Parklands. Remarkably, this association stands as one of the few of its kind still active today, thriving largely due to the dedication of membership volunteers and its commitment to fostering community ties.
This year was particularly special, as the Association took the opportunity to honor one of its pioneers, Keith Ferris. Globally recognized as a distinguished aviation artist, Keith played an instrumental role in the inception of the Glacier Hills Pool Association over six decades ago. Alongside his neighbors, Keith embarked on an ambitious journey, selling bonds to secure the ten acres that now house the pool and its amenities.
The dedication of the early members was immense, with as many as ninety volunteers consistently turning up to contribute to the construction of the parklands and the Olympic-sized pool. Gail Brazicki, a former president of the association, took to the podium to pay tribute to Keith Ferris and to reminisce about the devoted members who made the pool’s existence possible.
MORRIS COUNTY — During the public comment period of the New Jersey State Board of Education’s monthly meeting Wednesday afternoon, Assemblyman Christian Barranco espoused the importance of parental rights as the board attempts to backpedal recent changes to the equity code.“The raising and educating of our children does not take a village, it takes parents. It always has taken parents, and it always will,” Barranco (R-Morris) said.
The public testimony portion of the meeting at 2:00 p.m. was not broadcast like the 10:00 a.m. session, but lawmakers and the public spoke on the educational topic of their choice on record. Barranco spoke on the board’s amendments to Chapter 7, rules that school districts must follow to ensure equal access to educational activities and services.
“Many of us who take objection to the changes that this board creates within public education know the cause of all this. This is quite simply the long, arrogant arm of a certain faction of academia that has for generations insisted on trying to convince all of us that human society in its present form is all wrong and that we need to conform to a society that they’ve designed for us,” Barranco said.
In August, the board narrowly adopted changes to its equity code that eliminated gender-specific language and mandated schools solely recognize a student’s gender identity when separating sex education classes. In light of the backlash the board has received since, Andrew Mulvihill, the board’s vice president, noted Wednesday they have contacted the Attorney General’s Office to discuss possibly reexamining the changes it made to the code.
“Thankfully, for us, there is another arm of academia that does have the courage to oppose the actions of this board, Barranco said of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons’ stance against gender-affirming care for minors, because of the lack of informed consent, and the unknown and irreversible consequences.”
“I’ll challenge this board and the administration to produce a paragraph in support of gender fluidity, in support of the elimination of the words male and female, in support of the expansion of sex education to include pornography in our schools and in support of keeping secrets from parents,” Barranco said. “Take that paragraph and put it on the ballot in November in the form of a referendum and let the voters of New Jersey tell you how they feel about what you’re doing.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally confirmed the hiring of Christopher M. Cannon as Detective, Alyssa J. DiSturco as Assistant Prosecutor, and Erin Wisloff as Legal Assistant for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
A swearing-in ceremony was held on September 11, 2023. Assistant Prosecutor DiSturco will be assigned to the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit within the Tactical Division. Assistant Prosecutor DiSturco previously served in the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office as an Assistant Prosecutor from 2016 through 2018, where she was assigned to the Special Operations Division, Special Enforcement Unit, and General Investigations Unit.
She was later hired by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office as an Assistant Prosecutor for the Special Victims Unit and ultimately promoted to the supervisory Senior Assistant Prosecutor position. Prior to joining the MCPO, AP DiSturco was an Associate with a private law firm in Kearny, a Law Clerk for the Honorable Joseph V. Isabella, J.S.C., a Judicial Intern for the Honorable Susan J. Steele, P.J.Cr., and a Legal Intern for the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. Assistant Prosecutor DiSturco earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers College and a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law. Detective Cannon will be assigned to the General Investigations Unit within the Courts & Administration Division.
Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Det. Christopher Cannon, and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally
Detective Cannon previously served as a Police Officer with the Warren Township Police Department since 2016. Prior to joining Warren Township, he served as a Deputy Sheriff for the Essex County Sheriff’s Office from 2014 through 2015. Detective Cannon also worked as a Security Officer for a private security company in Cedar Knolls.
Detective Cannon served in the United States Air Force Reserve as a Senior Airman and a Specialist with the United States Army Reserve. He has earned the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, AF Basic Training Ribbon, Army Basic Training Ribbon, and an Armed Forces Reserves Medal with 1 “M” device for mobilization support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He also earned professional certifications and commendations.
He earned credit hours at the Community College of the Air Force, Joint Services Training, and the Essex County College Police Academy. Legal Assistant Wisloff will be assigned to the Appellate Unit within the Courts & Administration Division. Wisloff initially served as a Supervising Assistant Prosecutor with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office from 2007 through 2018 upon her retirement, supervising the Appellate Unit and Trial Team. Prior to being a Supervising Assistant Prosecutor, she was assigned to the Grand Jury Unit, Fraud Unit, and Trial Team from 1997-2007.
Prior to joining the MCPO, Wisloff was an Assistant Prosecutor for the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Donald G. Collester, J.S.C. She earned her juris doctorate from Widener University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina. Prosecutor Carroll said, “I welcome back AP DiSturco and Legal Assistant Wisloff, as their expertise will be an asset to our legal team. I also welcome Detective Cannon. We are pleased to have such a decorated officer joining our investigative staff.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Join the County College of Morris (CCM) Foundation and champion students’ aspirations for a prosperous future. This year’s CCM Foundation Golf Classic is scheduled for Monday, October 16, at Florham Park’s Brooklake Country Club.
Enjoy a BBQ lunch, golfing all day, a cocktail reception with an open bar, and a sumptuous buffet dinner. Golfing is priced at $375 per person.
If you’re only attending the reception, dinner, and program, it’s $150. Don’t miss out on raffle prizes available for purchase, and every golfer will be gifted a special token of appreciation. The event’s proceeds will bolster the college’s scholarship initiatives, particularly emphasizing support for student-athletes and athletic programs.
Activities kick off with an 11:00 a.m. registration, followed by lunch, and golfing commences at 12:30 p.m. Evening celebrations, inclusive of the cocktail reception and award ceremony, start at 5:00 p.m.
Corporate teams, sponsors, and individual players are eagerly invited. To learn more or register, dial (973) 328-5060 or click here.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Police Chief Richard Pantina confirmed the arrest of John R. Connelly, 36, of Boonton Township, in connection with an assault on a motorist and a Parsippany Police Department Crossing Guard.
On Thursday, September 14 at 3:10 p.m. the Parsippany Police Department’s Communication Center received multiple 911 phone calls reporting a motor vehicle crash involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle at the intersection of Route 202 and Brooklawn Drive.
When officers arrived on scene, they were advised that the 58-year-old motorcycle driver was stopped on Route 202 so the on-duty Parsippany Police Department Crossing Guard could safely cross the children.
The defendant, John Connelly, allegedly stopped his pickup truck behind the motorcycle driver and got out of his vehicle.
At this time, it was reported that he began to physically assault the motorcycle driver. According to reports, the 76-year-old Crossing Guard attempted to intervene and was allegedly shoved to the ground by the defendant.
The defendant then continued to assault the motorcycle driver until other motorists intervened. The defendant allegedly then fled the scene in his truck.
As a result of the investigation, the Morris Plains Police Department was able to locate and stop the accused a short time later. He was placed under arrest and charged on a summons complaint with Aggravated Assault, a crime of the third degree, and Simple Assault, a disorderly persons offense. He was released on his own recognizance.
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department at (973) 263-4300.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — An unexpected incident at the Walmart premises in Hanover Township led to an arrest on August 23. Hanover Township Police Officer Brandon Law was summoned to the rear of the Walmart store due to reports of a fire in the woods.
On reaching the location, Officer Law noticed Mr. Larry Southerland, 39, of Parsippany, in the process of extinguishing a flaming shopping cart.
After the fire was successfully put out, Officer Law proceeded to investigate the situation. This resulted in the discovery of drug paraphernalia in Mr. Southerland’s possession. Further checks also revealed an active warrant against him.
Consequently, Mr. Southerland was arrested and charged with possession of CDS (Controlled Dangerous Substance) paraphernalia. He has since been released and awaits his forthcoming court appearance.
The Hanover Township Police Department encourages the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the community remains the department’s top priority.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — In commemoration of its 60th anniversary, the First Baptist Community Church of Parsippany has given back to the community in a notable way. Accepting the challenge, the congregation amassed 60 bags of non-perishable food items, ultimately surpassing their goal by four bags. These were promptly delivered to the town’s Food Pantry.
The initiative took place recently, a time when Pastor Stacie Turk noted that the pantry’s shelves were nearing depletion. “Our objective was to address this need and embody the very essence of our community-driven spirit, especially during such a landmark year for our church,” stated Pastor Turk.
The church’s commitment to the Food Pantry isn’t limited to this single gesture. As a part of Panera’s Dough Nation Program, they have consistently been delivering bread to the pantry every week, thereby ensuring a steady flow of essential food items for those in need.
Reaching and surpassing the goal set for the 60th-anniversary challenge stands as a testament to the congregation’s unwavering commitment to serving their community. “We’re a tight-knit, multi-ethnic group with a shared love for Jesus and compassion for others. The dedication and generosity shown by our church family in this endeavor is a reflection of the values we’ve upheld for six decades,” remarked Pastor Stacie.
Located at 800 Vail Road in Parsippany, the First Baptist Community Church welcomes everyone to partake in its services. Under the spiritual guidance of Rev. Dr. Stacie Turk, worship services are held in their Sanctuary every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. As an American Baptist Church, all are invited to join, celebrate, and participate in the church’s enduring legacy of faith and community service.
PARSIPPANY — Cassandra Cogan, an accomplished graduate from Parsippany High School (Class of 2019) and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Class of 2023), has achieved another significant academic milestone. She has been awarded the distinguished Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, granting her a position in the globally renowned “European Master in Global Studies” (EMGS) program.
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, funded by the European Union, presents a golden opportunity for gifted students from across the world. With a fiercely competitive selection process, only between 3-5% of all international applicants are granted scholarships. This fully-funded scholarship covers both tuition and living expenses. Notably, only three students from the United States are offered admission to the EMGS program annually, and Cassandra has secured her position as one of the recipients for 2023.
EMGS demands its scholars to undertake courses at two eminent European universities, dedicating an academic year to each. The program boasts an impressive consortium of member institutions such as Leipzig University, London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Vienna, University of Wrocław, Roskilde University, and Ghent University. These institutions offer a diverse spectrum of research specializations centered around international relations and global challenges. In addition to European universities, scholars can also choose to immerse in a semester of study at affiliated non-European institutions. This includes esteemed universities such as Dalhousie University, Macquarie University, Addis Ababa University, and the University of Yaoundé I.
Cassandra is poised to commence her academic journey at the University of Wrocław in Poland this September. After a year of rigorous study, she will then move to Roskilde University in Denmark, where she is anticipated to complete her Master’s in June 2025.
This accomplishment showcases Cassandra’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence and her passion for global studies. We congratulate her on this outstanding achievement and wish her the best in her future endeavors.
