PARSIPPANY — Thirteen members of the Parsippany Hills High School Competition Cheer team will be leaving on Thursday, February 8 for Orlando, Florida to participate in a competition being held at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
The Competition cheer team worked hard to achieve the ultimate goal of being the FIRST team in PHHS history to compete at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships.
The lucky thirteen are: Seniors: Tia Cherbaka, Jenna Gabriele, Victoria Guarino, Kristine Guevara, Sherilyn Ostlin, Olivia Santore, Kirsten Taylor and Megan Tolosi. Juniors: Ashley Davis, Alyssa Ferrante, Ayira Tuprah, Sophomores: Emily Chan and Jade Schroeder.
Lead by Coach Nicole Berkman and Assistant Coach Amanda Corigliano the team will be competing in two divisions; D2 Small Varsity and Small Game Day. The competition takes place over two days as teams need to qualify to advance to each round.
Proud Coaches: Nicole Berkman and Amanda Corigliano
Being the first time PHHS Viking Cheerleaders is competing at this level, they are looking forward performing the routines they are proud of and they want to compete at Finals on Sunday Night.
Little Viking Cheerleaders
PHHS Cheerleading Team
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Gifts for the cheerleaders
Cheerleaders showing their routines during the Nationals Send Off event held on Friday, February 2
Cheerleaders showing their routines during the Nationals Send Off event held on Friday, February 2
Cheerleaders showing their routines during the Nationals Send Off event held on Friday, February 2
Cheerleaders showing their routines during the Nationals Send Off event held on Friday, February 2
Cheerleaders showing their routines during the Nationals Send Off event held on Friday, February 2
Cheerleaders showing their routines during the Nationals Send Off event held on Friday, February 2
PARSIPPANY — Montville resident Marc Demetriou held a book launch on Wednesday, January 31, at The Knoll Country Club West. He presented his new book “Lessons From My Grandfather; Wisdom for Success in Business and Life” which offers an inspirational and actionable roadmap for building both business and personal success, based on key principles articulated by Marc’s grandfather, Charlie.
It is never the wrong time to make your dreams come true no matter how old or how young; how rich or how poor; or where you come from. Marc Demetriou, one of America’s top mortgage experts, learned early on in life how to take control of life rather than let life control him, thanks to the lessons of wisdom passed on by his grandfather, Haralambos “Charlie” Pistis, the archetypical self-made immigrant who left Cyprus as a teenager and lived the American Dream with personal success and financial fortune.
Just a little over ten years after Charlie’s death in November 2006, Demetriou has penned a moving book, Lessons From My Grandfather; Wisdom for Success in Business and Life, to share Charlie’s 15 ageless principles for success that Demetriou feels carefully guided his grandfather’s journey to fulfilment.
“I have to share the gifts and lessons of my grandfather. I wrote the book to inspire people. I believe if they read the book and understand it, they will be able to use it to truly succeed. His story is compelling and timeless,” Demetriou says.
“Lessons From My Grandfather; Wisdom for Success in Business and Life”
The final product is a blueprint for personal and financial success, providing tools of both clarity and vision to help you recognize your unique talents and reach goals in life and business, according to Demetriou. And Charlie’s story is indeed a compelling one. He left his native Cyprus at age 16-with nothing but a bag full of dreams, courage, wit and the desire to succeed-first going to Greece and then to London. He arrived in New York City passing through Ellis Island, just weeks after the Black Tuesday Wall Street Crash.
Though this marked the beginning of the Great Depression for his new country, this also marked the beginning of Charlie’s journey toward fulfillment in his personal and professional life. As if the ailing economy was not tough enough, Charlie faced other struggles too. He didn’t have a high school education. He had no family here.
But Charlie was intent on making it and took any job he could find. He shined shoes to start, moving on to become a bus boy and eventually a waiter. Then he got a job at the Zeta Psi Club which marked a turning point for him. He eventually worked his way up to managing the club and enjoyed the opportunity to network and build working relationships with many business people. The Zeta Psi job led to another great opportunity as one of the managers of the West Side Tennis Club in Flushing, Queens.
Despite hardship and challenges of life, Charlie managed to beat all odds and ultimately retired at the age of 60 as a millionaire. He enjoyed an amazing 37 more years with friends and family until he passed at the age of 97.
Many friends, family, supporters, clients joined Demetriou at The Knoll Country Club West to celebrate his success with the book.
“I have known Marc for many years. He is the consummate professional and one of the best networkers I have ever met. I am glad he was able to write this book to share how his Grandfather made a such a great impact on his life both personal and professional,” said Harvey Topitz.
Marc autographing a copy of “Lessons From My Grandfather; Wisdom for Success in Business and Life” for Harvey Topix
“We can all learn from our fathers and grandfathers…if we listen. Marc has spent the time to listen, absorb and share the wisdom of his grandfather, a truly self-made man, in a way like no other. Marc’s book captures not only the optimistic, entrepreneurial spirit of Charlie and his generation, but more importantly serves as a guide to the young and old how to succeed in business and life with honor and principles,” said Brian Spector, Esq.
Frantz Pierre-Louis and Marc Demetriou
Also joining the celebration was Frantz Pierre-Louis. Frantz. Frantz Pierre-Louis played college basketball at Wagner College in Staten Island, New York and also spent time in the NBA with the Boston Celtics.
Caryl Cozin and Kathleen Alexander
Caryl Cozin said “The passion with which Marc approaches business and life was never so evident as this evening. What a wonderful tribute to a grandfather that cultivated his enthusiasm & resulting success.”
Marc Demetriou
Marc Demetriouis a top-rated speaker at accounting and attorney seminars as well as at other financial services firms and mortgage conferences throughout the greater New York City area and beyond.
As an authority on real estate and finance, Marc has been featured in articles in The Huffington Post, The New York Times, Reuters, The National Herald, Suburban Trends, Meadowlands USA Magazine, Top Agent Magazine, and The National Mortgage Professional Magazine.
Marc, a branch manager with Residential Home Funding Corp., is consistently ranked among the top one percent of loan originators in the country by Scotsman’s Guide, Mortgage Executive Magazine and The National Mortgage Professional Magazine.
For more information on “Lessons From My Grandfather; Wisdom for Success in Business and Life,” click here.
Soothing music during the book launchFrantz Pierre-Louis and Josie Payoute
PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, February 6 at 7:30 p.m., Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano and Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Council Vice President Janice McCarthy, and Council Members Emily Peterson, Michael dePierro and Loretta Gragnani will unview a plaque in memory of Mayor Henry N. Luther, III.
The plaque will be placed on a wall of honor outside council chambers in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
Luther, a well-respected attorney and statesman, died peacefully on Saturday, May 13, 2017.
He will always be remembered as a man of integrity. He was born in Teaneck to a railroad engineer, Henry N. Luther, Jr. and a housewife, Mary (nee Phelan).
He was raised in Jersey City. In his youth, he developed a love of swimming that he kept all of his life. He was recognized as a Lincoln High School and Jersey City YMCA champion. He held many jobs as a lifeguard, including a stint at the famed salt-water pool at Palisades Amusement Park.
Henry Luther III
Henry enlisted in the United States Marines Corps in 1952 and was sent for recruit training at Parris Island, S.C. and received recognition as the Outstanding Member of his platoon. He served during in the Korean conflict and received a Good Conduct Medal on January 16, 1955 for his honest and faithful service in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1955. He said he benefited more from his time in the Marine Corps than at any other experience in his life. Henry’s service taught him the value of standing on his own two feet but also stressed the importance of having individuals around you on whom you can depend. Before being deployed overseas, he met his wife, Irene (nee Johnson), through a Marine buddy. After a short courtship, the couple married on November 29, 1952.
After his honorable discharge, he worked nights as a Signal Operator on the Pennsylvania Railroad and during the day attended Rutgers University and, later, Rutgers Law School. He graduated in 1961 and was admitted to the New Jersey Bar. He began his law career with the Law Office of Steven Neville, Denville.
He moved his young family to Parsippany-Troy Hills in 1962. Henry was asked if he would be interested in running for council on the Democratic ticket. After discussing it with his wife, Irene, he decided to “throw his hat in the ring.”
He was elected to the Township Council and then selected to be the Council President. Upon the untimely death of Mayor John E.J. Walsh, Henry was appointed to fill the unexpired term of the late mayor. He was then elected in a general election in 1967 and re-elected in 1969. Although he was a popular mayor he did not run for re-election in 1973, because he believed that elective office should not be a lifetime appointment. At the time, he announced his decision to not seek re-election, Daily Record reporter Mike Stoddard wrote: there is little doubt Luther would have been re-elected if he chose to run, but it takes guts to admit that public service is a trust and a duty.
After completing his second term as Mayor, he resumed the practice of law, but only briefly. In 1975, he went to Trenton for the first of several jobs in the administration of Governor Brendan T. Byrne. Henry first served as Director of the Lottery Commission, then was asked to serve as the Governor’s Executive Secretary. In 1977, he left State government to serve as Campaign Manager for Governor Brendan T. Byrne’s re-election campaign. After leading the Byrne campaign to victory, he returned to the practice of law with a well-established Morristown law firm, that was renamed Dillon Bitar and Luther. When Mimi Letts became Mayor of Parsippany in 1994, she appointed Dillon, Bitar & Luther as the Township Attorney.
On December 9, 1977, Henry was sworn in as the New Jersey Commissioner for The Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor, a bi-state agency. In nominating Henry, Governor Byrne said he was recognizing Henry’s skill as an administrator, mediator and negotiator, which would assure that the public interest would be well represented. At the time, Henry down-played his talents and told a reporter that he was reluctant to take the position because he gets seasick. He told the Governor he would only take the appointment if he was assured he would not have to board any ships. He served on The Waterfront Commission until 1983.
His greatest role in life began in 1982 when he became “Poppy.” He zealously accepted the role as a lifetime appointment. While he was very accomplished at his prior positions, he was unrivaled as Poppy. Many people, who witnessed or were regaled with his adventures with his grandchildren joked, “In my next life I want to come back as one of Henry’s grandchildren.” Henry loved to play cards with his grandchildren. It would start as a match game when they were young, with two or three cards, and eventually they all would play 10-card Gin Rummy. He also had a love for the New York Times crossword puzzle, which the grandchildren also came to love. He always stressed the importance of reading to his children and grandchildren. Whether it was a newspaper or a book (or two) he always had something to read wherever he went.
Henry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Irene, and his son, Matthew. He is survived by his daughter, Patty; his son, Michael and his wife, Pegeen; his grandchildren: Cerissa Cafasso, Lauren Luther, H. Nicholas Luther IV, Connor Luther, and Matthew Luther; and, many cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters: Jean Sunyak, Marilyn Reilly, and Joan Goceljak.
PARSIPPANY — Raquelle Rocco was been named to the Marist College Dean’s List for the Fall 2017 semester. Rocco is a 2017 graduate of Parsippany High School
Raquelle is a member of the Class of 2021 and is majoring in History.
Marist College, recognized for excellence by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Barron’s Best Buys in College Education, and Entrepreneur, is a highly selective comprehensive liberal arts institution noted for its leadership in the use of technology in and out of the classroom.
Founded in 1929, Marist overlooks the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie, New York, midway between New York City and Albany, the state capital. Marist is ecumenical in character and reflects the ideals of the founder of the Marist Brothers, St. Marcellin Champagnat: commitment to excellence in education, a pursuit of higher human values, and dedication to the principle of service.
Marist is dedicated to helping students develop the intellect and character required for enlightened, ethical, and productive lives in the global community of the 21st century. Marist educates 4,700 traditional-age undergraduate students and over 1,300 adult and graduate students in 47 undergraduate majors and 14 graduate programs, including fully online MBA, MPA, MS, and MA degrees.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer Gregory Lowe conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2005 Hyundai Elantra after conducting a random plate inquiry which revealed that the registered owner had an active warrant from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Officers made contact with the driver, Paul Dennis, 58, Old Bridge, and placed him under arrest. This arrest occurred on Saturday, January 27 7:13 a.m. on New Road and Old Bloomfield Avenue.
He was also found to be in possession of two marijuana cigarettes. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was charged with Possession of less than 50 Grams of Marijuana and Obstructed View (Traffic Offense).
He was released on his own recognizance on the Parsippany charge and turned over the custody of the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office.
PARSIPPANY The Parsippany Police Department’s Communication Center received a 911 call reporting that a blue Subaru Outback was swerving all over the roadway, on Monday, January 22 at 7:46 p.m.
Responding officers located the vehicle in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn, 707 Route 46, and made contact with the driver, Shaffi Varghese, 52, Parsippany.
While speaking to Mr. Varghese, officers observed an empty vodka bottle on the passenger front seat and noted the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. After a brief investigation he was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. He was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated; Consumption of an Alcoholic Beverage in a Motor Vehicle; Possession of an Open Container in a Passenger Vehicle; Revocation for Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test; Failure to Consent to taking of Samples of Breath; and Reckless Driving.
He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.
Editors Note: A charge is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Officers responded to 1480 Route 46, Troy Hills Garden Apartment, on a complaint of criminal mischief.
The victim advised the responding officer that between 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 20 and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 21 an unknown suspect(s) scratched the entire length of the bed of his pickup truck.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department’s Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to a burglary of a motor vehicle in the parking lot of 14 Walsh Drive.
The victim advised the responding officers that she was last in her 2005 Ford Explorer at 2:00 p.m. and may not have locked it when she exited. She stated that cash and jewelry were stolen from her vehicle. This incident was reported on Monday, January 22 at 5:06 p.m.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department’s Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
PARSIPPANY — While on patrol, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers Zachary Koch and Gregory Bloete observed a 2011 Volkswagen GTI fail to signal two different times while changing lanes on January 24 at 10:24 a.m.
A motor vehicle stop was conducted on Route 280 and Officers made contact with the driver, Rebeca Prince, 43, Tobyhanna, PA and her passenger.
After a brief investigation, Mrs. Prince was placed under arrest for being in Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (empty glassine folds commonly used to package CDS). She was transported back to police headquarters and processed. While there she was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
She was released on her own recognizance.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Students from Parsippany, Randolph, Morristown, Kinnelon, Mendham, Boonton, New Vernon, and Roxbury were honored as Mayo Performing Arts Center’s Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Pianists — prior to the Thursday, February 1 performance of Piano Battle.
The students were recognized for their achievements on stage prior to the concert and had the opportunity to meet the performers.
Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the Theatre’s Education Department based on their commitment to and excellence in the performing arts. The Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor. Students will be invited to perform at a year-end recital in June.
The 2017-2018 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.
Music Students of the Month are:
Jonah Decaria Grade 7, Brooklawn Middle School; Parsippany; Nominated by Joseph Stella Jonah has been selected by audition to be the pianist in our school’s jazz band for the past two years. He is a great musician all around and also plays percussion in our 7th grade concert band.
Steven Alt Grade 8, Randolph Middle School; Randolph; Nominated by Kristen Siebenhuhner Steven Alt began playing the piano in first grade and plays a variety of music genres. He successfully auditioned annually on piano for the award-winning Randolph Middle School’s Select Jazz Ensemble for the past three years and composed a solo in 2017 for the song “Al blues” by Miles Davis. He also accompanied the Randolph Middle School Orchestra on “Silent Night” at the 2016 Holiday Concert. Steven is a member of the St. Matthews Choir as a piano and viola accompanist. He regularly performs at The Piano Workshop’s recitals where he has been studying piano with Dorian Morales since 2010. Steven also has attended summer music camps at The Piano Workshop, focusing on Garage Band and original piano compositions. He has been a member of the Brookside Community Orchestra for the past three summers and attended the Randolph Schools Strings Summer Program.
David Giambra Grade 12, Jefferson Township High School; Oak Ridge; Nominated by James Wynne David began playing as a freshman in music technology class and took to the piano so well that he is now planning to major in music education in college. He is just about to audition on piano for his college music department acceptance. He is a dedicated musician and deserving of outstanding pianist.
Jasmine “Jazzy” Meyer Grade 9, Mendham High School; Mendham; Nominated by Patricia Danner Jazzy is a freshman at Mendham High School and in a few short months has already had a major impact on our program in a positive way. She participates in the band and chorus, and is a very skilled piano player. In addition to singing in the choir and playing the flute in the band, Jazzy plays piano in our top Jazz Ensemble. Jazzy is primarily a classical pianist, but has been attending workshops during lunch to learn more about the jazz style. She is a student who truly loves to learn and enjoys a challenge. Jazzy will also be accompanying the choir in our upcoming performance in February. Jazzy is a talented young student with a positive attitude, and I am excited to see what she will accomplish over the next four years!
Stefan Nita Grade 7, Pearl R. Miller Middle School; Kinnelon; Nominated by Lisa Wichman Stefan began studying piano and classical music at age five with Andrew Schwarz. He life dream is to compose music for movies and video-games, write comic books and teach music. Stefan has shared his musical talent at recitals and talent shows. He has been a featured pianist at our PRM Middle School Choir concerts. A gifted musician, Stefan has perfect pitch, reads music well and can play by ear. Stefan’s favorite composers include: Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart and Schumann. When I asked Stefan recently what he was currently working on, he shared this with me: “I’m working on Chopin’s “Petit Chein.” Chopin was one of the greatest pianists of all time. His music impacts me greatly. I can feel all the emotion when I play; I can feel what he felt. It’s so amazing and I am honored to play his music.”
Adam Rack Grade 12, Hanover Park High School, East Hanover; Nominated by Helen Britez Adam is the pianist for Jazz Ensemble and participates in almost every facet of our Music Department including: Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Men’s Choir, Atlantic City Crew (highly select a cappella group), Pit Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, and AP Music Theory, in addition to performances outside of school. He is a consummate musician, thoughtful and caring soul, and diligent musician. He plans to pursue Music Composition next year.
Charles Sagerer Grade 6, John Hill School, Boonton; Nominated by Yvonne Manca Charles has been taking piano lessons for a few years. He is an outstanding piano player and plays with precise rhythm and has amazing technical skills. He has excelled in piano and has no problem reading difficult rhythms. He enjoys music and has an extensive musical background for a student at such a young age.
Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2017-2018 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been designated a Major Presenting Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.
MORRIS COUNTY On Thursday, February 1, Detective Corporal Dave Kenny and Corporal Brian Ahern of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Budd Lake woman in a hotel room charging her with credit card theft and theft under $200.00 at the Morris County Courthouse Complex. She was additionally charged with possession of a hypodermic needle upon arrest.
On Monday, January 29, Ashley Taylor, 27, Budd Lake, was at the Morris County Courthouse for a court date on a previous charge. Taylor allegedly took a wallet out of an attorney’s hand bag while sitting outside of a courtroom and proceeded to exit the courthouse. Using video surveillance, the officers were able to track the suspect to her vehicle and ultimately, her location.
Sheriff James Gannon
Sheriff James M. Gannon said, “The Morris County Sheriff’s Office continues to uphold the safety and the security in the Morris County Courthouse. We have a very sophisticated video surveillance system to assist our officers in protecting employees and members of the public in the complex. I am proud of the officers’ work resulting in a successful outcome to the investigation.”
Taylor was charged on a complaint warrant and lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility. Detective Sergeant Nicole Leo and Detective Tim Palazzolo from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Section and the Mount Olive Police Department also assisted in the investigation.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Jeffery David Stolfi, 66, a longtime custodian at Brooklawn Middle School, passed away on Tuesday.
Stolfi was born in Glen Ridge, and was a longtime Parsippany resident. He worked at the middle school for over 30 years, and was a member of St. Christopher R.C. Church.
“Mr. Stolfi was a custodian at Brooklawn Middle School for over 30 years and a valued member of the Brooklawn staff. He was proud to serve the Brooklawn Knights community,” said Joan Benos, the chief of staff for Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Board of Education. “The information of his passing was shared with the Brooklawn Middle School students and as always, we have counselors available if any student needs to speak to them.”
Survivors include his brother, John and his wife, Terry; his sisters: Judith Cannon, Jane Nuckles, Jill Best and Janet Sbarro and her husband, Anthony; his niece and nephews: Angela, Jason, Joey, Peter and Jimmy; and his two great nieces and one great nephew. He is predeceased by his parents.
Visiting hours are on Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road. In Lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to Polycystic Kidney Disease. 1001 East 101st Terrace, Suite 220, Kansas City, MO 64131.
A funeral service will be held Friday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m. Cremation: Private.
PARSIPPANY — Cub Scout Pack 177 held its annual Pinewood Derby on Saturday, January 27 and Caleb Heindrich was named Champion of the Pack. Five preliminary heats were held according to scout rank, and the winner of each heat competed in the finals.
The Trophy. Caleb’s name and car will be added and it will be displayed at his school.
The heat winners were Sahil Indoria (Tigers), Anish Desai (Wolves 1), Caleb Heindrich (Wolves 2), Joey De Cicco (Bears) and Stavros Tserpes (Webelos). The five car final resulted in a tie between Caleb and Anish, who continued on to a tiebreaker round. Anish’s car performed excellently, but in the end it was Caleb by a hair.
The Top Two. Calebs car is on the left, Anish’s car is on the right.
Caleb’s name will be added to the Pack 177 Pinewood Derby trophy, and the trophy with his winning car added will be displayed at his school this year. Heat winners and runners up will receive trophies and medals at the annual Blue and Gold dinner in the spring.
To prepare for the Pinewood Derby, each scout builds his own car according to the theme for the year. This year’s theme was Emojis. The scouts’ designs were creative and colorful as well as fast. The cars are powered by gravity alone, so weight and aerodynamics are important. Scouts learn a lot participating in the derby – and they also have a lot of fun. The leaders put in a lot of work to help the scouts have a great event.
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Sergeant Peter Rizzolo retired from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department after 25 years of service.
Sgt. Rizzolo, a married father of three, was born and raised in Parsippany. He earned his Associates Degree at the County College of Morris in 1991, and was hired by the Parsippany Police Department on December 29, 1992.
Patrol Sergeant Peter Rizzolo
He is a graduate of the 41st Police Academy Class held at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy.
Sgt. Rizzolo spent his entire career in the Patrol Division, where he responded to thousands of various calls. Over the course of his career he received specialized training as a 911/Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Dare Officer, Alcotest Operator, Fatal Crash Investigator, Firearms Range Instructor, and was a former member of the Department’s Rifle Team.
Over the course of his career he has received three Unit Commendations and two Command Citations. One of the Command Citations that he received was earned in April 2004 after he conducted a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle later found to be stolen from Michigan. After further investigation the driver was arrested and charged with two counts of Burglary, one count of Receiving Stolen Property, and two counts of Theft of Movable Property. The driver was also charged with Driving While Intoxicated.
“It’s been an honor serving in the township I grew up in and I am proud of how the Police Department continues to operate in a professional manner, ”Sgt. Rizzolo.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department is looking to fill vacant substitute crossing guard positions. Typically crossing guards work four to five hours per day.
If you are interested in becoming a crossing guard pick up an application at the Parsippany Police Department dispatch desk or at Town Hall.
If you have any questions regarding the position please contact the crossing guard coordinator Patrolman David Cavaliere at (973) 263-4318 or dcavaliere@parpolice.com.
MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation lead by Senators Joe Pennacchio and Anthony Bucco will end the practice of “Pass the Trash,” stopping teachers who have abused children from continuing to teach, was approved by the State Senate unanimously.
“It is time to put the welfare of our students before union self-interest. The reckless behavior of underhandedly passing child abusers from school-to-school must end, ” said Pennacchio. “The Legislature and my Democratic colleges must see that continuing patterns of covering for a predator like Morris County teacher Jason Fennes, who confessed to sexually assaulting six young girls, snaked through school systems while teaching for five years after his first documented complaint must end. The structure for reporting and hiring teachers must be reformed!”
The legislation, S-414, targets the continuing problem of “passing the trash” in New Jersey school systems by mandating school districts, charter schools, and contract service providers to review all employment history of potential employees.
Schools fail to report abuse fearing the damage allegations may cause to their school’s reputation and the impact of a costly litigation that may accompany efforts to remove a teacher.
Senator Anthony Bucco
A recent NJ Advance Media investigation exposed Shawn Cier’s career of sexual misconduct while jumping from school to school. The report explained school systems were advised to give little information during reference checks, allowing Mr. Cier’s career to continue.
“It is reported that one in four young girls fall victim to abuse,” said Bucco. “Continuing to allow sexual predators to teach our students while schools fail to properly report an allegations is applauding. Schools must request all information when hiring new staff, not just dates employed, salaries, and position held. Providing a safe environment for children comes first and foremost.”
Pennacchio criticized the inaction of “Pass the Trash” legislation in the Assembly along with the introduction of A-2531, a bill which strips the important protections for students and aids to the continued problem of child abusers being passed from school-to-school.
“It is appalling that actions are being taken to strip protections for our young students who are at risk of child abuse,” said Pennacchio. “I call on the Democrats in the Assembly to put aside the self-interests of others and place the interest of our children first.”
PARSIPPANY — Two years have passed since Starbucks announced they were opening at 1429 Route 46, corner of Baldwin Road, in what was a Burger King for many years.
Parsippany Focus was told by a manager that the opening date is Monday, February 5.
The opening usually depends on the final inspections by Parsippany Officials, and issuing a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). The manager we spoke to indicated that the CO was not in place as of now, and they were waiting for the final approvals.
Last year, when the Starbucks on Route 10 planned an opening, it was delayed hours because of the final Certificate of Occupancy. They were scheduled to open at 5:30 a.m. on August 10, 2017, but was delayed until later that day until the final Certificate of Occupancy was issued.
But you can rest assured the opening is only days away and you will be able to order your Iced Carmel Macchiato or Caffè Americano closer to home.
PARSIPPANY — Upon receipt by Business Administrator Ellen Sandman of a memo written by Police Chief Paul Philipps, the administration of Mayor Michael Soriano began to review the proposal of a police substation that was hastily approved by the prior administration and council in 2017.
The proposal for a substation was executed without a proper weighting of the advantages and drawbacks of opening such a substation at the proposed Powder Mill Plaza location.
The premature installation of a sign before opening by the prior administration, which implied the presence of an open and staffed police substation at the proposed location, also had the potential to open up the Township to liability in the case of a related emergency. For that reason, the sign has been covered while the administration reviewed the totality of the facts surrounding the proposal.
The public safety of Parsippany’s residents is the paramount role of our local government. The facts surrounding the proposal of a police substation in the Powder Mill section of the Township indicate that this proposal is not in the best interests of the safety of our residents. For more details on why this is the case, please see the attached memorandum from Chief Philipps to Business Administrator Sandman.
The Township will instead be using the Powder Mill Plaza location, in which the Township entered into a long-term lease under the previous administration, to house the Township’s Housing and Fire Prevention Departments. For years, these departments have been squeezed into tight quarters at the Parsippany Community Center. In moving to the Powder Mill Plaza location, the Community Center will have more parking spaces for our residents and more working space for our staff.
This new arrangement is a win-win for the residents of Parsippany and the Parsippany Police Department. Residents will save tax dollars by avoiding the staffing and related upkeep costs of a new 24-hour Township facility.
The Police Department will not be stretched thinner to staff a 24-hour facility in an area with low crime rates and very little foot traffic.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon confirm the death of a Morris County Correctional Facility inmate on Tuesday, January 30, at the Morristown Medical Center.
The inmate who has been identified as Alhakeem Pray, had been an inmate at the Correctional Facility since August 15, 2017. On the morning of Tuesday, January 30, Pray was found to be experiencing a medical issue. Medical aid was rendered and Pray was transported to the Morristown Medical Center for further treatment. He later succumbed to his medical issues while at the hospital.
The investigation into this incident is being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section, and the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office.
This investigation is ongoing, however the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office has determined the Manner of Death to be Natural. The Cause of Death is Pulmonary Thromboembolism due to deep leg vein thrombosis.
PARSIPPANY — Thirteen members of the Parsippany Hills High School Competition Cheer team will be leaving on Thursday, February 8 for Orlando, Florida to participate in a competition being held at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
PARSIPPANY — Montville resident Marc Demetriou held a 
PARSIPPANY — Officers responded to 1480 Route 46, Troy Hills Garden Apartment, on a complaint of criminal mischief.
