Wyndham Hotels to buy La Quinta Hotels

Frank L. Cahill
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Wyndham Hotels to buy La Quinta Hotels

PARSIPPANY — Wyndham Worldwide Corporation and La Quinta Holdings Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Wyndham Worldwide will acquire La Quinta’s hotel franchise and hotel management businesses for $1.95 billion in cash.  The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018. Currently LaQuinta corporate headquarters are located in Irving, Texas.

Wyndham Worldwide headquarters is located at 22 Sylvan Way. Local area La Quinta Inn & Suites are located in Fairfield, Clifton and Secaucus.

Under the terms of the agreement, stockholders of La Quinta will receive $8.40 per share in cash (approximately $1.0 billion in aggregate), and Wyndham Worldwide will repay approximately $715 million of La Quinta debt net of cash and set aside a reserve of $240 million for estimated taxes expected to be incurred in connection with the taxable spin-off of La Quinta’s owned real estate assets into CorePoint Lodging Inc.  Immediately prior to the sale of La Quinta to Wyndham Worldwide, La Quinta will spin off its owned real estate assets into a publicly-traded real estate investment trust, CorePoint Lodging.

Wyndham’s Hotel Group is the world’s largest and most diverse hotel business based on number of properties.  With the acquisition of La Quinta’s asset-light, fee-for-service business consisting of nearly 900 managed and franchised hotels, Wyndham Hotel Group will span 21 brands and over 9,000 hotels across more than 75 countries.

The addition of La Quinta, one of the largest midscale brands in the industry, will build upon Wyndham Hotel Group’s strong midscale presence, expand its reach further into the fast-growing upper-midscale segment, and position Wyndham Hotel Group to be the preferred partner and accommodations provider of developers and guests.  The La Quinta Returns® loyalty program, with its 13 million enrolled members, will be combined with the award-winning Wyndham Rewards® program, with its 53 million enrolled members.

Stephen P. Holmes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wyndham Worldwide, said, “This transaction builds on Wyndham Worldwide’s proven track record of acquiring companies that are a strong strategic and cultural fit, add highly-regarded brands to our portfolio and offer clear opportunities to drive shareholder value through growth, shared best practices and sharp execution.”

“La Quinta will immediately become one of our flagship brands,” said Geoff Ballotti, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wyndham Hotel Group. “It is an exceptionally strong brand that is led by service-minded associates who deliver some of the highest customer engagement levels in our industry.  We expect that La Quinta guests and franchisees will benefit from our intense focus on product quality and our best-in-class technology, digital, loyalty and distribution platforms.  This acquisition also significantly expands our hotel management business and provides us with substantial new opportunities to drive increased growth in our business.”

Keith Cline, President and Chief Executive Officer of La Quinta, added, “As we anticipated, the separation of our businesses is enabling greater strategic clarity and allowing our company to take advantage of growth opportunities that naturally flow from each business model.  To that end, we are excited to announce the addition of the La Quinta franchise and management businesses to Wyndham Hotel Group’s portfolio.  We believe that, under the management of Wyndham’s seasoned team of executives, the La Quinta portfolio will grow and thrive, yielding long-term benefits to the stakeholders of both companies.”

The transaction, which has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies, is expected to close upon the completion of the planned spin-off of La Quinta’s owned real estate assets into the separate entity.  Closing is subject to approval by La Quinta stockholders, regulatory and government approval and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Additional information about the transaction will be available on the companies’ investor relations websites, investor.wyndhamworldwide.com and ir.lq.com.

La Quinta also announced that Keith A. Cline has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of CorePoint Lodging effective upon completion of the planned spin-off.

Wyndham Worldwide’s planned spin-off of Wyndham Hotel Group remains on track for an expected distribution in the second quarter of 2018.

Pennacchio Highlights Growing Concerns About Marijuana Legalization

Frank L. Cahill
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Pennacchio Highlights Growing Concerns About Marijuana Legalization

NEW JERSEY — Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) urged Governor Phil Murphy to slow his rush to legalize marijuana in New Jersey citing growing concerns about the impact of such a drastic move on young people and already struggling communities.

Senator Joseph Pennacchio

Senator Joe Pennacchio urged Governor Phil Murphy to slow his rush to legalize marijuana in New Jersey citing growing concerns about potential negative impacts.

“A few months ago it seemed inevitable that legalized marijuana would be approved in New Jersey,” said Pennacchio. “Today, however, a growing number of legislators and policymakers, including at least one member of Governor Murphy’s transition team, are expressing opposition to marijuana legalization. It’s no longer clear that legalization has the support needed to clear the Legislature.”

Pennacchio said that as possible votes on legalization appeared more likely with the new administration taking office, many have started to seriously consider the real potential impacts for the first time.

“It’s clear that once people look in earnest at the negative consequences of marijuana legalization in places like Colorado, it becomes impossible to not imagine those harmful impacts in our own communities in New Jersey,” Pennacchio said. “It’s not all high times as supporters of legalization would have you think.”

Pennacchio pointed in particular to the strong opposition expressed by Bishop Jethro C. James, Jr., a member of the governor’s transition committee for “Law and Justice.”

“As a member of the gubernatorial transition team, it must have been difficult for Bishop James to take such a strong stance against marijuana legalization,” added Pennacchio. “I applaud the Bishop for so clearly articulating the dangers of marijuana to young people and communities that already face difficult challenges. I can only hope that Governor Murphy will heed his advice and slow his rush to legalization.”

Among the concerns expressed by Bishop James was a substantial increase in marijuana arrests of African-American (+58%) and Hispanic (+29%) children, and a decrease in arrests of White (-8%) children, reported by the Colorado Department of Public Safety following legalization.

Overall, the report shows that arrests of African-Americans for marijuana-related offenses in Colorado were nearly triple those of Whites in 2014.

Use of marijuana by children aged 12 to 17 in Colorado was found to be 74% higher

Governor Phil Murphy

than the national average in the two years after legalization.

“For those who claim a ‘social justice’ benefit will accrue to minority communities as a result of legalization, the data from Colorado seems to indicate otherwise,” added Pennacchio. “If Governor Murphy and other legislators rush continue to rush forward based on anecdotes rather than facts, they’ll likely be surprised by the unexpected harm that results.”

Two Parsippany residents on Dean’s List at Roger Williams University

Frank L. Cahill
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Two Parsippany residents on Dean’s List at Roger Williams University

PARSIPPANY — Two Parsippany residents have been named to the Spring 2017 Dean’s List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. Full-time students who complete twelve or more credits per semester and earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher are placed on the Dean’s List that semester.

Lauren Calabrese

Lauren Calabrese, is a graduate of Parsippany High School, Class of 2015, currently majoring in Creative Writing.

Nick Gaudio

Nicholas Gaudio, a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, Class of 2014, currently majoring in Engineering.

About RWU: With campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, R.I., Roger Williams University is a forward-thinking private university committed to strengthening society through engaged teaching and learning.

At RWU, small classes, direct access to faculty and guaranteed opportunity for real-world projects ensure that its nearly 4,000 undergraduates – along with hundreds of law students, graduate students and adult learners – graduate with the ability to think critically along with the practical skills that today’s employers demand. Roger Williams is leading the way in American higher education, confronting the most pressing issues facing students and families – increasing costs, rising debt and job readiness.

First Energy Donates to Morris Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Frank L. Cahill
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First Energy Donates to Morris Habitat for Humanity ReStore

First Energy is pleased to partner with Morris Habitat for Humanity to provide a grant to support Operator Safety Training for the ReStore staff and volunteers. A check for $2,500 from First Energy Foundation was presented to Morris Habitat and the ReStore on January 16.  Pictured are Mel Oppenheimer, ReStore Advisory Committee; Blair Schleicher Bravo, CEO Morris Habitat; Michael Obremski, Area Manager, First Energy; Liz DeCoursey, COO Morris Habitat; Ben Roberts, ReStore Director.

For more information on Morris Habitat and its activities, click here or call (973) 891-1934.

Charity Basketball Game for Hannah Cerullo

Frank L. Cahill
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Charity Basketball Game for Hannah Cerullo

PARSIPPANY — The Brooklawn Middle School Teachers and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a Charity Basketball Game on Wednesday, January 24 at the Parsippany Hills High School Gymnasium, 20 Rita Drive, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Come out and cheer for the Morris County Sheriff’s Officers vs. the Brooklawn Middle School / Parsippany Hills High School Teachers.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to help the family Hannah Cerullo, who is battling cancer.

Hannah, a sixth grade student at Brooklawn Middle School, is the 11 year old daughter of Michael Cerullo of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office is battling cancer.

Winter Weather Advisory Now In Effect

Frank L. Cahill
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Winter Weather Advisory Now In Effect

PARSIPPANY — A winter weather advisory is now in effect from 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 16 to 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, January 17.

  • WHAT…Snow expected. Plan on slippery road conditions, including during the morning commute on Wednesday. Snow accumulations of two to five inches are expected with locally higher amounts to six inches possible at higher elevations near Interstate 80.

  • WHERE…Morris, Hunterdon and Somerset counties.

  • WHEN…Through Wednesday morning. Light snow will overspread the area this evening. The snow will become moderate or briefly heavy beginning either late this evening or just after midnight and continue into the Wednesday morning rush. Snowfall rates up to one inch per hour are possible during peak intensity. The snow will taper off from west to east during the late morning.

  • ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Be prepared for reduced visibilities at times, especially late tonight and Wednesday morning. Significant travel delays are possible for the Wednesday morning commute with roads being snow covered. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

John Stahr named to Dean’s List at Grove City College

Frank L. Cahill
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John Stahr named to Dean’s List at Grove City College

PARSIPPANY — John Stahr, a senior major at Grove City College, has been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2017 semester. John is a 2014 graduate of Homeschool and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Stahr Sr. (Sandra).

Students eligible for the Dean’s List have a GPA of 3.40 to 3.59; for the Dean’s List with Distinction a GPA of 3.60 to 3.84 and for the Dean’s List with High Distinction a GPA of 3.85 to 4.0.

Grove City College (www.gcc.edu) is a highly ranked, nationally recognized private liberal arts and sciences college that equips students to pursue their unique callings through an academically excellent and Christ-centered learning and living experience distinguished by a commitment to affordability and promotion of the Christian worldview, the foundations of a free society and the love of neighbor. Established in 1876, the College is a pioneer in independent private education and accepts no federal funds. It offers students degrees in 60 majors on a picturesque 180-acre campus north of Pittsburgh, Pa. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Grove City College is routinely ranked as one of the country’s top colleges by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and others based on academic quality and superior outcomes.

Ice Rescue Drill held on Lake Parsippany

Frank L. Cahill
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Ice Rescue Drill held on Lake Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, January 14 members of the Parsippany Water Rescue Team held a drill at Lake Parsippany.

The purpose of the drill was to hone in on the skills that are needed to perform an effective rescue in the event of an ice rescue.  Approximately 20 Ice Rescue Technicians took to the ice to complete three hands on stations.

The first station labeled “self-rescue” ensures that the rescuer is able to rescue themselves in the event they are put into a situation where they need to remove themselves. Part of the equipment used for self-rescue is built into the ice rescue suit so familiarity with the proper Personal Protective Equipment was integrated into this station.  Members had to enter the water and then pull themselves out.  While this sounds easy, the ice does not provide anywhere to grip thus making the ice picks that are built into the suit vital to the rescuer.

Robert Campbell, Jr., Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5, after coming from the water. Notice the ice on his clothes from the freezing waters

The second station labeled “life ring rescue” provides one way of rescuing an individual from the water if they fall in through the ice.  This station required the rescuer to get into the water with the victim and aid the victim in donning the life ring around them which the rescuer would secure followed by the onshore personnel would pull both out utilizing the rope tethered to the life ring.

The third station labeled “sled rescue” was another way of rescuing an individual.  This station had a rescuer utilizing a Marsar sled which was brought to the victim. The rescuer would angle the sled into the water towards the victim and have the victim feed their arms through a loop.  When ready, members onshore would start pulling, pulling the victim on to the sled, then the sled out of the water with the victim and rescuer on the sled.

The Parsippany Water Rescue Team was formed after Hurricanes Irene and Sandy.  A need for additional personnel to be trained in Ice and Swift Water was identified thus leading to the formation.

The team consists of members of Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 2, Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3, Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire District 4, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5 and Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6 and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery.

Members of Parsippany CERT and R.A.C.E.S

Parsippany CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and R.A.C.E.S (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) was invited to come out and observe the procedures. RACES provided a drone and video taped the event.

Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad and Par Troy Emergency Medical Services provide medical monitoring and transport if needed for team members and any victims of an incident.

The team conducts training multiple times a year in different environments to ensure an ever readiness in the event of an emergency in or near the water.

Fire in laundry room at Hampton Inn

Frank L. Cahill
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Fire in laundry room at Hampton Inn

PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire District 2 along with the Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire District 1 were dispatched to the Hampton Inn & Suites, 3737 Route 46 for an activated fire alarm at 11:33 a.m. on Monday, January 15.

While responding the dispatcher got a call stating there was a fire on top of the water heater in the laundry room.

Units arrived to find a heavy smoke condition and a fire in the laundry room.

Mutual aid was requested and prior to getting water on the fire the sprinkler activated extinguishing the bulk of the fire.

The building was evacuated and the evacuation of the above floors was ensured by members of the Parsippany Police Department.

The building was checked to ensure the fire did not spread. Members on scene ventilated the entire building as smoke had spread throughout the common areas on all floors. There were no injuries and the hotel resumed operations.

In addition to Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire District 2, Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire District 1, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5, Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 4 Rapid Intervention Team, Boonton Township Fire Dept Rapid Intervention Team, Parsippany Police Department, Par-Troy Emergency Medical Services and Parsippany Fire Prevention were dispatched to the scene.

Murphy’s MLK Day of Service at Homeless Solutions

Frank L. Cahill
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Murphy’s MLK Day of Service at Homeless Solutions

MORRIS COUNTY — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will mark a statewide day of service in honor of Dr. King’s legacy.

​The Governor-elect, Lieutenant Governor-elect, and the entire Murphy-Oliver Administration participated in designated service activities throughout all 21 counties to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In Morris County, Homeless Solutions, 540 West Hanover Avenue, was the chosen location where volunteers met throughout the day and volunteered their time performing various chores from assembling move-in packages, baking cookies, cleaning and organizing the game room, organizing the clothing closet, working with children on arts and crafts, organizing the kitchen pantry, cleaning the baseboard and preparing and serving lunch to the shelter guests.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano participated in the activities, as well as Charlene Murphy and Jan Murphy-Brown, sisters of Governor Philip Murphy.

Mayor Soriano said “There is an Martin Luther King Jr., quote that I remember from my fourth grade teacher Mrs. Arasmo, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others? Martin Luther King Jr., was a profoundly Christian man and lived closely by the teachings of Christ, and he felt that it was his mission to improve the lives of others. That has always inspired me.”

The Homeless Solutions philosophy is “A Hand Up, Not A Handout,” and since 1983 they have been offering shelter, services, and supportive housing to the homeless and working poor in Morris County.

Please donate blood for Hannah Cerullo

Frank L. Cahill
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Please donate blood for Hannah Cerullo

PARSIPPANY — The Italian American Police Society of N.J. and the family of Hannah Cerullo is asking for help for Hannah, the 11 year old daughter of Michael Cerullo of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office who is battling cancer.

Hannah “the princess warrior” is fighting very hard and is in need of blood transfusions to aid her in this fight.

Hannah is a sixth grade student at Brooklawn Middle School who is fighting a battle against cancer.

People can donate blood at Morristown Medical Center. Hannah is Blood type A+ however universal blood types such as O- would help as well. Set up an appointment by calling (973) 971-7444. (Editor’s note: Morristown Medical Center is having issues with this number. Please try this alternate number: 973-971-5621.)

When calling, tell them that you will be making a direct donation to Hannah Cerullo. When you arrive for your appointment remind them that you are making a direct donation for Hannah Cerullo. They will have you sign your name on a form for the direct donation in addition to the usual forms for blood donations.

People can also donate platelets if they choose to do so. Please help this young hero in her fight.

Uturn Ramp flooded at Waterview

Frank L. Cahill
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Uturn Ramp flooded at Waterview

PARSIPPANY — On Friday, January 12, due to the heavy rains, the U-turn off of Route 46 on Waterview Drive was closed due to flooding caused by the heavy rain with dirt and debris in the roadway.

The property is the future Waterview Marketplace, which was cleared of hundred of trees and a wall was being built on the property, which will eventually house and Whole Foods Market and a number of other retail stores.

NJ DOT had to bring in equipment to clear the roadway of the dirt and debris left after the water drained away.

The roadway was reopened in the evening.

Happy Birthday Clarence Ricker

Frank L. Cahill
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Happy Birthday Clarence Ricker

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany resident Clarence Ricker is celebrating his 83rd birthday today. Clarence who has been a member of Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 3 for over 55 years and has been a Parsippany-Troy Hills Township employee for over 23 years.

Celebrating with Clarence is Jerry Hurta, Ron Bianchi, Mayor Michael Soriano, John Gangone, and John Pirnie (standing) and Chris Smith and Joe Jannarone, Jr. (sitting).

Happy Birthday Clarence!

Christie spends $740K on quick review of psychiatric hospitals after safety complaints

Frank L. Cahill
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Christie spends $740K on quick review of psychiatric hospitals after safety complaints

The Christie administration has dealt a massive shake-up to the state’s four public psychiatric hospitals, by replacing nearly every board member who served as a check on management and awarding a $740,500 contract to a consultant to evaluate each facility. With less than a week left of his term, Gov. Chris Christie on Wednesday announced an…

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One-year-old female Terrier mix looking for a furever home

Frank L. Cahill
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One-year-old female Terrier mix looking for a furever home

PARSIPPANY — Hi, my name is Mimi! I am a one-year-old female Terrier mix fully grown at 25 pounds. I am very sweet and affectionate! I love giving out kisses and cuddling with my foster family. I get along with everyone I meet – dogs included! I am so submissive I wouldn’t hurt a fly.

I am working on correcting my puppy manners but I am highly trainable! My foster family always brags about what a smart girl I am. I am crate trained and working on perfecting my house training. I was rescued after living my entire life tied up to my old family’s porch. I never got to run around in a yard or sleep in a warm bed until I went into foster care. Will you be my forever home?

If you are interested in adopting Mimi, please fill out an application by clicking here.

Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Like Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.

W.A.R.’s goal is to find the perfect family dynamic and place our dogs in a loving, safe and permanent home. All of our dogs available for adoption are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on shots and microchipped.

Our adoption process starts with filling an application, home visit, meet and greet and then finalizing with an adoption contract and fee.

Adoption fees range from about $200.00 to $500.00. These fees help defray costs of veterinary and foster care and are tax deductible.

Job Guidance/Assistance to County Residents Laid Off by Sam’s Club

Frank L. Cahill
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Job Guidance/Assistance to County Residents Laid Off by Sam’s Club

MORRIS COUNTY — Assistance is available to Morris County residents who lost their jobs this week due to the abrupt closing of the Sam’s Club through county social services and re-employment agencies, according to the Morris County Board of Freeholders.

Hundreds of state residents lost their jobs when Sam’s Clubs closed stores in Mount Olive, Linden and West Windsor, as part of a nationwide move by the company that affected thousands of employees nationwide.

“This is a very difficult time for some of our residents who had no expectation of being put out of work so suddenly, and who are obviously reeling from the store closings,’’ said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “Our county agencies are available to help those employees to find new jobs, receive needed re-training, and get the personal assistance they may need as they seek new employment.’’

For assistance during this difficult time, visit:

  • Morris-Sussex-Warren Employment and Training Services: (Click here) or call 800-870-3478 or (973) 285-6880 for an appointment;
  • Additional job seeker services are available through the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development at the Morris County One-Stop Career Center located at 13 Emery Avenue, Randolph, NJ or click here.
  • Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance, for Medicaid or the SNAP (food stamps) program: https://hs.morriscountynj.gov/financial/ or call (973) 326-7882
  • N.J. Dept. of Labor, to file an unemployment claim click here.
  • Mental Health Services are available for persons dealing with severe stress due to their job loss through the county’s Disaster Response Counseling program. Call (973) 285-6852 or (973) 285-6863.

Other Resources

Lake Parsippany School K-Kids participate in “Valentines for Veterans”

Frank L. Cahill
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Lake Parsippany School K-Kids participate in “Valentines for Veterans”

PARSIPPANY — The thirty eight Kiwanis K-Kids at Lake Parsippany Elementary School participated in “Valentines for Vets.”

The children gathered and packaged candy and wrote poems on handcrafted Valentines Cards that will be sent to soldiers in Syria and Africa.

The nine and ten year old students prepared a total of 56 bags of treats with heartfelt letters for soldiers.

Steven Baird will be shipping the packages to the Vets just in time for Valentines Day.

The program is to thank the Veteran for his or her service, sacrifice and commitment to our country and citizens.

Valentines for Vets began in 1989 when the late newspaper columnist, Ann Landers, encouraged her readers to create special valentines for Veterans in care facilities throughout Canada and the United States. Every year, Ann Landers’ special “Valentines for Vets” column asked her readers to remember their nations’ Veterans by making them personal hand-crafted valentines.

The students packaged 56 bags to be sent to the soliders
The students and teachers pose with Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill and Steven Baird. Mr. Baird will be shipping out the treats to the soldiers.
The K-Kids are preparing “Valentines for Veterans”
Isaac Bielinski showing off the package of candy that will be shipped to the Veterans for Valentines
Josie Pellecchia was cutting out a Valentines Day Card to be sent to the Veterans for Valentines
Nick Ferreira showing off the package of candy that will be shipped to the Veterans for Valentines
Teacher Cavan Londergan working with the K-Kids preparing the Valentine Day Cards
Teachers Donna Martino and Cavan Londergan was working with the K-Kids on the project, “Valentines for Vets”

K-Kids is a service club for students in elementary school. It’s led by elementary students and teaches the value of helping others by taking part in community service projects.

Lake Parsippany K-Kids is sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.

Sheriff Gannon Appointed to Greystone Board of Trustees

Frank L. Cahill
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Sheriff Gannon Appointed to Greystone Board of Trustees

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon has been appointed by Governor Chris Christie to the Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital Board of Trustees, as part of a complete overhaul of the state hospital’s review board.

“I take this appointment very seriously and plan to work very hard on behalf of the patients from Morris County and across North Jersey who have ended up at Greystone due to severe mental illness,’’ said Sheriff Gannon.

“Those patients – who are our family members and friends and neighbors and co-workers — count on the staff and administration of this hospital to provide the best care possible and in a most secure setting.  I look forward to working with the other trustees to make sure they get the care they deserve.’’

Also appointed by the Governor to the Greystone Board of Trustees are:

  • Michele Brown of Mendham, who was Gov. Christie’s Appointments Counsel and headed the state Economic Development Authority;
  • Wayne Hasenbalg of Randolph, who is CEO of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and former Deputy Chief of Staff to Gov. Christie;
  • Morris Township Committeeman Bruce Sisler;
  • Attorney Louis Modugno, a partner in the McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter law firm;
  • Jim DiGiulio of Chatham, who is Chief Counsel to Governor Christie.
  • Peter Simon of Jersey City; Chief of Staff to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Greystone, which is located in Parsippany, houses more than 500 patients in a relatively new state facility that replaced an ancient hospital campus that was constructed in the 1800s and early 1900s. There have been reports of complaints in recent months by mental health advocates and some board members about a lack of patient safety in the hospital.

Governor Chris Christie in December announced a contract with New Solutions, a health-consulting firm in New Brunswick, to perform an assessment of of the situation at Greystone and all state psychiatric hospitals.

Patti Campbell retires after 22 years

Frank L. Cahill
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Patti Campbell retires after 22 years

PARSIPPANY — Patti Campbell an employee in Parsippany Tax Department retired after 22 faithful years of service to the residents of Parsippany-Troy Hills. She retired on Monday, January 8. Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano walks her out of town hall on her last day.

Patti will be missed by everyone.

Barberio arrested for Marijuana

Frank L. Cahill
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Barberio arrested for Marijuana

BOONTON TOWNSHIP — James R. Barberio, 22, Lake Hiawatha, was arrested and charged with 2C:35-10A(4) possession of less than 50 grams of Marijuana, 2C:36-2 use or possession with intent to use and 39:3:33 display of unclear or indistinct license plates on Friday, December 22 at 10:24 p.m. by Detective Christopher Chicoris of the Boonton Township Police Department. Barberio was driving a Silver 2016 Subaru WRX.

Detective Chicoris states “I exited my patrol car and approached the vehicle on the passenger side. When I walked up to the vehicle I noticed the passenger side window was down and I detected a strong odor of marijuana. I then made contact with the driver (James Barberio) and observed visible smoke inside the vehicle. The odor of marijuana was very strong at this time. I asked James to provide me with his license registration and proof of insurance. While James was gathering his documents I observed several empty cigar wrapper packaging in his vehicle (cigar wrappers are used to make marijuana cigarettes). James provided me with his documents and I requested him to step out of the vehicle.”

“I continued to detect the odor of marijuana on James clothing and searched him for any further contraband, which was negative. I informed James that I detected the odor of marijuana inside his vehicle and was awaiting a back up unit prior to searching his vehicle. James informed me that he had a small amount, specifically a half gram, of marijuana inside his vehicle along with a “grinder” (used to break up or grind marijuana to be smoked in a pipe or marijuana cigarette). James further informed me that he had smoked the marijuana inside his vehicle. Moments later, Sergeant Cacciabeve arrived on scene. I briefed Cacciabeve as to my findings and Informed him that I would be searching the vehicle,” he stated.

James R. Barberio

“I then placed James in handcuffs and informed him that he was under arrest for the possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. He was then transported back to police headquarters for processing. There was no contraband inside the rear seat of my vehicle before or after transport,” said Chicoris.

Barberio was advised of his mandatory court date at the Boonton Township Municipal Court on January 10, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.

Boonton Township Municipal Court prosecutor is Doug Cabana. Cabana is the former Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Prosecutor, appointed by former Mayor James R. Barberio, until December 31, 2017 when the new administration did not reappoint Cabana.

Former Council President Louis Valori said “We need to start putting safeguards in place. Because again we know the opioid problem that occurs in this town, in the state and in the nation. Our town is a great town, we have 7,500 students. The last thing we want in our town is a legal dispensary for recreational use for marijuana. I think that is the last thing we want in our town. I just challenge the Council and the new incoming Mayor to put that into consideration and pass an ordinance and not allow this to happen in our town.”

Councilman Michael dePierro stated, “I disagree with making marijuana legal in the state of New Jersey, it’s an entrance drug, that our kids don’t need to have access to. I am opposed to it. However, if we do pass an ordinance, in the town and the state makes it legal, I do not want the taxpayers of Parsippany to burden the legal costs in fighting the State of New Jersey.”

“Many many years ago our family was impacted by drug use, and we lost one of our relatives, so if we do have an ordinance I would vote to definitely not have marijuana in our state, our town, stated Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani.

Boonton Township Police Chief Paul C. Fortunato informed Parsippany Focus, the case was heard at Boonton Township Municipal Court on Wednesday, January 10.

Parsippany Focus reached out to Boonton Township Court Administrator & Violations Clerk, Joan Egan, for additional information on the outcome of the case, or to find out if the case was sent to a different Court that would not have a conflict. She did not return our calls as of the time this story was published. Court Office Hours are only Monday and Wednesday 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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