MORRIS COUNTY — Sheriff James M. Gannon is pleased to announce the promotions of three members, Detective Lieutenant Tracy Medwin, Detective Sergeant Greg Lukaszyk, and Sergeant Travis Somerville.
Detective Lieutenant Tracy Medwin was hired by the Sheriff’s Office in December of 2000. She has previously been assigned to the Protective Services Division, the Research and Planning Section of the Administration Division, and the Process Section of the Legal Services Division. She will assume command of the Community Outreach and Planning Section of the Office.
Detective Sergeant Greg Lukaszyk joined the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in January 2008 and attended the 71st Basic Police Academy Class. He spent the first 12 years of his career in the Protective Services Division, with additional assignments to the Marine Patrol Unit and as an agency firearms instructor. During these years, He also served in the NJ Army National Guard until retiring, at the rank of Sergeant First Class, with 22 years of service in 2018. In September 2020, he was selected to become a Detective in the Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab, with special emphasis on Ballistics and Firearms Examination. Detective Sergeant Lukaszyk has since attended the New Jersey State Police Forensic Investigations Course, along with numerous firearms training and armorer courses. With his current promotion, Detective Sergeant Lukaszyk will supervise the new Ballistics and Firearms Section within Crime Scene Investigation Services.
Sergeant Somerville earned an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and went on to study at the College of St Elizabeth where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2012. He was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in July 2013. He successfully completed his police academy training in December 2013. After his academy graduation, Sergeant Somerville was assigned to the Protective Services Division, working in Criminal Courts and Holding until April 2016 when he was reassigned to the Community Outreach and Planning Section. While assigned there, his responsibilities included the Explorer Program, Project Lifesaver, Crime Stopper, and the agency’s CALEA Accreditation function. He is also a member of the Marine Patrol Unit and agency Search and Rescue Operations. With his current promotion, Sergeant Somerville will now supervise the Community Outreach and Planning Section.
Chief Sheriff’s Officer Kelley Zienowicz stated, “I am so proud of these three stand-out members. They bring experience and knowledge to their well-deserved new ranks and will continue to be a benefit to the agency in their new roles.” The Morris County Sheriff’s Office recognized these individuals and their accomplishments in a promotional ceremony held in the historic courtroom at the Morris County Superior Courthouse this Monday, November 7, 2022. Sheriff Gannon said, “It is my honor to promote Detective Lieutenant Tracy Medwin, Detective Sergeant Greg Lukaszyk, and Sergeant Travis Somerville today. I’ve witnessed each of these great leaders professionally serve the citizens of Morris County every day. I am very confident in their collective knowledge, skills, and abilities to further advance the goals and objectives of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.” These promotions will enhance the professionalism of the Community Planning and Outreach Section and the Criminal Investigation Services Division of the Sheriff’s Office.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment – November 2, 2022. Please note there is no video due to technical difficulties, you can just hear the meeting.
The announcement is made that adequate notice of this meeting has been given and that it is being conducted in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq. of the New Jersey “Open Public Meetings Act”
MORRIS PLAINS — The New Jersey State Police and the Morris Plains Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance with identifying a suspect wanted for allegedly scamming and robbing a victim in Morris Plains.
On Friday, October 21, at approximately 5:15 p.m., the suspect called the victim pretending to be a New York prosecutor and advised that a family member had been in a car accident with a pregnant woman.
The suspect stated that the family member needed cash for bail money and instructed the victim to meet him at the Morris Plains Municipal Building with the cash.
The suspect later changed the meeting location to the Dunkin Donuts located on Speedwell Avenue.
When they met, the suspect took the cash and brandished a firearm that he was wearing on the inside of his jacket before fleeing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers at (973) 267-2255 or click here to visit the website.
PARSIPPANY — About two dozen Parsippany residents attended the council meeting on Tuesday, November 1 to ask the Mayor and Council to repeal the PLA (Project Labor Agreement) which was voted on by a majority of the Council on October 18. (Click here to read a related article).
During the meeting, multiple speakers saying they represented the town’s Indian-American community stated they were intimidated by the large presence of union members at the previous two meetings and were hesitant to speak out then. Some residents also expressed they couldn’t get into the meeting held on October 11. (Click here to read a residents letter to the editor)
A vehicle owned by the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters was parked at Parsippany Hills High School with a rotating display of messages on October 18 where the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council meeting was being held. The message seen here was directed at Councilman Justin Musella
Parsippany resident Debbie Nemorovich said “I have been a lifelong Republican and a volunteer for various causes. During the mayor’s previous election, I asked all of my friends in town to vote for him against the previous mayor. I am horrified to see that a Republican mayor openly supported liberal policies like project labor agreements; that will now drive up my taxes to pay for the favors of special interest groups. I was offended that at the previous council meeting, the mayor referred to those who wrote online about this ordinance as “Keyboard warriors”. Well, I can say that I attempted to come to the previous meeting to speak my mind, but felt a little scared, very scared of the union protestors that were there. No good reason I walk with a cane, so I’m not gonna get involved in any of that. Mayor Barberio, if you wanna keep the faith of Republicans like me, which we shook hands a couple of weeks ago, I’m hoping you and the council consider overturning this ordinance at this time.”
Click here to view the video of the November 1, 2022, Council meeting.
“My name is Raymond Gallop. I live in Lake Hiawatha. I’m here about the PLA, the Project Labor Agreement. The only person that was against it was Justin Musella. And I commend him for that. In 1985, I worked at a communications company in Piscataway and they had a labor union there. I was a white-collar worker there in Accounts Receivable. It lasted six months. It was the Teamsters Union. I’m against unions basically. And I’m also a lifelong Republican. And I’ve been living here in town since 1982. I hope you repeal this terrible agreement because Democrats only benefit from it. It’s costly. Being in bed with labor unions is not a good thing. Only Democrats do that. Joe Biden and the Democrats are in this.”
On October 18, Union workers met at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 102, 50 Parsippany Road, and drove in caravans to Parsippany Hills High School. Pictured is a truck with the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters logo. A large video sign on the side of the truck displayed the image “PLA ALL THE Way.”
“I’m here to voice my opposition to the project labor agreement ordinance. I fail to see how this ordinance will save Parsippany taxpayers’ a dime. The ordinance will not provide a fair and competitive bidding process. If a project is put out the bid with an estimated value of $5 million, how can it become a competitive bid if the contractors that have an agreement with the union know that this is a starting point? Who will be responsible for the taxpayers’ dollars when the union assigns the low bidder? You say this ordinance will prevent lowballing. How will it prevent gouging? It is said that by employing union labor, the workers will be more skilled. I know this is not true. I am a local contractor. I do bid public work and have my men attending the same classes as the union workers. It is this town’s responsibility to ensure the contractors are registered with the state’s apprenticeship program. My men go through the same four years of schooling and on-the-job training. They’re equally capable. They receive the same pay scale as unionized workers. In fact, they see more money in their checks because there are no deductions for dues or other obligations. You say the ordinance will prevent delays from labor conflicts. By approving this haven’t you just let the wolves overrun the hen house? If labor conflicts are an issue, why not introduce an ordinance to allow the union workers space to voice their disagreement? And the non-union workers to continue working. The town has an obligation to taxpayers to be good stewards of their money,” said Ken Dua.
“PLAs have been around for a while. They’re nothing new. They came into play in the “Big dig” in Boston in 2001, which was a debacle. Cost overruns for days. In fact, George W. Bush prohibited all project labor agreements from all federal projects. Bids should go to the lowest responsible bidder union or non-union. I was really shocked when I found out that a Republican administration in this town introduced and passed this legislation. Republicans generally run on fiscal responsibility and the responsibility of the taxpayers. This is a complete violation of that. Back around 2001, the courts threw out some PLA agreements for two high school building projects in Lynn and one in Boston’s High Park. When the new bids came in, they were $500,000 and $664,000 lower respectively for these projects. It’s a big saving. There have been cost overruns with these agreements. There was an arena in Cleveland, which was originally estimated at $118 million and came in 25% overestimate. The Ohio legislature subsequently voted to prohibit union-only deals on state projects. It really limits who is going to bid on these projects. Nationwide 87.4% of the construction industry does not belong to a union; in New Jersey, it’s not quite that high, but still, 73.10% of the construction industry in New Jersey is non-union. That means you’re eliminating approximately three-quarters of the potential contractors, and you’re leaving it to about a quarter of the potential contractors to bid on these projects. The ordinance doesn’t prohibit a non-union contractor to bid on the contract, but then he has to hire the union labor. Does he really want to put his reputation on the line with people he doesn’t know? Have to use union employees that he’s never met before or dealt with before? You have an opportunity to repeal this ordinance and restore fiscal responsibility and give everybody an equal opportunity to bid on these contracts,” said Parsippany resident Ken Kaplan.
Another resident, Elaine Gavalas, said “I was at the last meeting about the PLA agreement at the high school, and it was quite an experience. The hundreds of union people were very intimidating and made you feel like you couldn’t disagree with them. In my area of Lake Parsippany, I know of a group of people from the Indian community who attended the first meeting. They were so fearful that they felt like they were going to be beaten up. Unfortunately, most of them will not be attending any more town hall meetings. This is not right. They really felt very fearful. All they wanted to do was express their opinions. Doing my own research, I believe the cons outweigh the pros. Increased costs will raise our taxes. PLAs are anti-competitive and inherently unfair to non-union contractors and non-union employees. No one can guarantee 100% that their work is going to be perfect. I think this ordinance should be repealed. And I support Justin’s vote of no.”
Parsippany resident Hank Heller. File Photo
“Most of you know me and I know most of you I’d like to address myself, to the mayor who spoke strongly for PLAs as well as for the rest of you who supported it as strongly as you did. And I owe it to myself and to each of you to share some information. Three voting seasons ago, I voted for most of you and I was very happy with that. And then two voting seasons ago, I didn’t vote for most of you. I voted for the other guys. And that was something that troubled me a great deal because I have, I have been a conservative person, for most of my life. And then in the last voting season, I voted for you, most of you again. Okay? And I’m saying this to you because I think it’s really important that you understand what’s, what’s really happening. Okay? When I didn’t vote for you, I was, I didn’t vote for you because I was dissatisfied with the way you were spending our money, our taxpayer money. Okay? But I ultimately became more dissatisfied with the folks who replaced some of you. Okay? And now we’re back again. I have confidence in you people. I really like most of you people, and I am telling you that I think that the vote, the vote to make PLAs Law in Parsippany is a terrible mistake. The reason that I feel this is because when the county and the state suggested they brought forth that PLAs would be a good thing to consider. That was one thing, but it did not have to be, it did not have to be adhered to; It could be considered. When you folks decided under a great deal of pressure from the union representatives that this would become the law of Parsippany. I think you made a terrible mistake. And I that you disappointed yourself and will pay for that. And I don’t want you to pay for that. Additionally, the fact of the matter is that it’s also disrespectful to the intelligence of the voters that support you. And, and that’s all I have to say. Honor, I’d like you to rethink that entire issue,” said Parsippany resident Hank Heller.
“As I sit back there and I watch carefully how attentively you listen to the speakers up here. I thank you very much for that because I know that at least are dear. We may disagree on issues, but I appreciate the respectfulness and attentiveness to which you give all the speakers. I think that’s very important. I was at the town council meeting on October 18. I was in the minority in speaking against the ordinance requiring PLAs for projects over $5 million. Listening to the majority on October 18 one might believe that hiring union workers precludes cost overruns, ensures time and completion of projects, and guarantees quality workmanship. My experience proves different. As a former union member, I was in Local 333 and M.E.B.A.-2 and am a current employee in the public sector. My experience is course overruns and delays are so common in the public sector, they’re expected. Furthermore, if a newly completed project fails, it’s really the architect that should be held accountable, not the workers. And believe me, I support the rights of all workers to earn a fair and living wage more over their entitled to fair labor practices and safe working conditions. And frankly, I admire their skills. However, PLAs are not right for Parsippany. I appeal to the town council, and to the mayor to protect the fiduciary interests of the town and its residents. Keep this town fiscally solvent and repeal ordinance 2022:24,” said Parsippany resident Richard Corbett.
“My name is, Jeff Golderer. At the last council meeting, the mayor referred to my wife and me as keyboard warriors for writing a letter to the editor rather than speaking in person. Well, we stand by what we expressed in writing, and we are not afraid of speaking up for our principles and our beliefs. I am also representing my wife to say exactly what we wrote to the council, Republican committee members, and in the letter to the editor. We do not agree with the PLA ordinance that was passed by the majority of this council. We thought that by having an all-Republican council and mayor, we would have an administration that would support Republican values and principles. And this has not happened in this particular case. Republicans generally advocate for traditional values, a low degree of government interference, and large support of the private sector. And the party’s fiscal conservatism includes support for lower taxes, free-market capitalism, and deregulation. As important as it is to vote for Republicans, as we are asked to do, we must make sure that they are the right Republicans. What is the point of voting someone into a position just because they’re Republicans if they’re going to present legislation and ordinances? Similar to the Democrat representatives. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden directed federal government agencies to use PLAs on projects on federal projects. So what does that tell you about where the policy stands on the political spectrum? Parsippany is important to each one of us, and we must make sure that stays out of the swamps that Democrats like to swim in. Let’s be clear, our mayor and council are people we have known for a very long time. Residents have known them for a lifetime. So we must help them stay on the right side of the party and the issues. We are not against unions, we are against the government restricting the rights of free-loving Americans that believe in a free market. Please don’t continue to go in this direction by restricting these freedoms as mentioned, um, by a previous speaker, um, over 75% of construction workers are non-union. So this truly is a carve-out for this special union interest. We are not judging your personal integrity and values that are between you and your own conscience, but we are speaking out for our values and integrity as part of any taxpayers and members of the Republican party for the representatives that we voted for. This keyboard warrior will always stand up to try to keep Parsippany to be the best place to live, for its suburban lifestyle and conservative leadership that has helped our community prosper. What was the purpose of the PLA ordinance? What problem is it meant to solve? By what metric will we measure any success or impact? And now that the PLA ordinance has passed, how long will it be before the council is pressured to lower the dollar minimum, Please keep the political controversies to a minimum and concentrate on fixing what the previous administrator has broken. Continue to bring more businesses to our town that our families can enjoy and keep our conservative values protected. Thank you for your time and attention.”
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio
Mayor James Barberio responded “I do want to answer one question. Mr. Golderer came up and with the keyboard warrior’s statement they made, I’ll make it again. And the reason why I’m making it again is that what I meant by keyboard warriors, it was certain individuals whose comments were so generic that it was the same comment going forward, Forward and forward and forward. And it all came from ABC, which is the Associated Builder and Construction. They made some comments with regard to us doing a PLA. What the ABC does not tell you. There’s a supply chain issue and there’s a labor shortage, They want to hire, be able to hire, individuals with no experience. They want to hire undocumented with no experience whatsoever. I read that in a magazine. It was a February 2022 study by ABC itself. This ordinance puts residents to work.”
“The previous speaker said ‘I don’t know why he made this change. We had a level playing field. The small business owner had a chance to compete with everybody else. I heard at the last meeting about fair wages, fair pay, and all those things. I have never been paid a fair rate in all my life. I get paid what I got paid, what I earned, what I strived for, what I got. No law was set in place to pay me a wage. I earned it. The open bidding process allows us as taxpayers to pay a fair rate to anybody who’s bidding. In New York City a few years ago, they made an ordinance change by law where all bellmen and bellhops in hotel and, apartment buildings had to be unionized. It pushed all the non-union buildings into a very strange situation. Either they do this or they get fined. I don’t want us to be put into a position where we have to do something without any flexibility. The key in business as well as in government is flexibility. You gotta be able to move and maneuver properly. At the last meeting, one neighbor said to me, Tom, in the last year my cost has gone up $1,000 a month living in Parsippany. Gas inflation and all those things. Will this new ordinance cost me more money? Or will we be doing fewer projects? That means Parsippany now goes down. We’re in a big circle. I would like your consideration and think about your taxpayers, what the impact will be long term, and also your flexibility,” said Parsippany resident Thomas Williams.
Lake Parsippany resident Danny (Dharmesh) Desai said “I’m here with due respect to all of you guys. I’m not opposing the union. I do respect unions. But it goes case by case. This town shouls not require PLA for sure. The community is very upset. The Indian community is upset. I’m representing many of them today. Many of them were scared to come to the last meeting. That doesn’t mean they agree with your decision. They worked for you guys. They’re not going to work in the future because of the action you guys have taken. I am also a town county committee member. You all know me as a Republican. I am a business owner. I used union workers and non-union union workers for my construction jobs. They definitely are higher in price. There is no doubt about it. I personally experience this myself. So is no way there is a comparison. Competition has been limited, which is not a good idea. Guess what? How are we gonna pay for the cost increase? It’s a domino effect when you increase the cost of any project is going to come to the residents of price like me and the rest of the folks sitting here. Now, let’s think about it. How can we eliminate 75% of people living in Parsippany who are contractors, eliminate them from paying the taxes in this town and not give them the opportunity to do this project or bidding? That’s absolutely disgusting. Why are we in this direction? We need to rethink this. Only this gentleman has opposed this and I shall applaud you. Justin thank you. Well done. I had expressed my personal opinion to each of you personally. I did before even this started. I had given the explanation. I disagree with this and that other thing is bringing hundreds of people, union folks from out of our area. Not a good idea. Why are we bringing those here to speak? Give the fair opportunity to bring local people to speak here. They’re all scared because of hundreds of union members. That was absolutely wrong. I was here twice. I couldn’t speak because of them. That’s absolutely wrong. I do respect you guys. We all trust it. We all work for you. We all put you into office. Please don’t disrespect the residents of Parsippany.”
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella listens to the speakers at the Council Meeting of October 11. File Photo
Musella thanked the residents for speaking out.
“I understand the last two meetings, to have done what you did tonight would have been extraordinarily difficult,” he said. “You can take that from somebody who was there. And I do hope my colleagues will take into serious consideration the effort to repeal this ordinance. I do not feel it will benefit the taxpayers and I don’t want to wait for the impacts it will have on your future before it’s too late.”
“The procurement process is important to understand. You can hear about the PLAs coming over cost funds. We put a bid out at a certain price. If that bid comes over, we deny it. The township will deny the bid even on projects 5 million. if they don’t come under what we need them to be we can deny it. We can deny it again. And then the third time you can negotiate with a union or non-union. When you hear about competitive bidding with regards that it’s not fair, I can cite the United States Supreme Court which said that it is fair that all non-union or unions can bid. It was a case heard at the Supreme Court and that’s why PLA still exists because it is competitive,” Mayor Barberio continued.
“I know many union members that are Republican. I know many union members that are Democrats. I know many non-union members that are Democrats. I know many nonunion members that are Republican. When you can’t get your issue out, what do you do? You used a political stance. It’s a Democrat thing. It’s a Republican thing. I don’t look at it that way. I don’t look at it as Republican or Democrat. I’m the Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills. If a Democrat comes to me and has a good idea. I’m not going to shut them out. No, I’m not. that’s where this has gotten at. That it’s, it’s like you heard Mr. Golderer, who’s a par been a Republican committee member, which I will address our par republican committee meetings, um, with regards to, you know, Republicans don’t do this, Republicans don’t do that.”
“I’m for good government. I’m sure you heard that the unions contributed to my campaign. Yeah, nonunions contributed too. I guarantee them good government. That’s all. I don’t guarantee them anything else. So what you need to figure out, why do those union members come out and droves that day. I don’t know why. I asked them why. And they have a reason and asked for them to express why they came out against one individual.
That’s a question you need to ask them. Not me, not the rest of the council. They came out for a reason. I didn’t like it. I truly didn’t like how many and I didn’t like, I get the applauding, I got broad shoulders. I had the Waterview project where I was being quoted names. That’s politics. I don’t feel intimidated by anybody. I know some people are intimidated and I apologize for that. I can’t control what happens in a meeting. But to be totally honest with you, it’s not just for per residents that can come here. Any member of the public throughout the whole entire county can come to our meetings, enforce their concerns any way they want, and we have to hear them just as well. I don’t like the fact that they try to make it a Republican and Democrat thing. That becomes very frustrating. Cause it shouldn’t be that way. It could be about good government,” continued Barberio.
The audience listens to Mayor James Barberio explain his position on the PLA
Click here to download a copy of the Ordinance 2022:24.
Parsippany’s PLA ordinance was approved with a 4-to-1 vote, with Musella being the lone Councilman voting against approving the ordinance.
Click here to view a video of union workers marching into the council meeting at Parsippany Hills High School.
PARSIPPANY — Popular Halloween costumes may change every year, but over the past few decades, trick-or-treating has stayed essentially the same: Grab a pillowcase and some friends, then go door-to-door threatening your neighbors to give you something good to eat or face the wrath of your stinky feet. Or so the saying goes.
Ezra Dean Avalos enjoying “Trick or Treating”
Over the past few years a trend has bubbled up in cities nationwide, particularly in Parsippany where you may not know your neighbors very well—or the houses are so far apart that by the time the kids have hit house No. 4, everyone’s ready to call it a night. It’s called Trunk-or-Treating, and the premise is simple: A bunch of residents, non-profit groups, and local businesses band together deck out their trunks with Halloween decorations like they’re starring in an episode of Pimp My Ride: Spooktacular Edition, and let their kids meander from car to car, collecting candy at each stop. This year, Trunk or Treat was held on Monday, October 31 at Veterans Park. Every child has to bring a bag of candy to enter the park, and members of Parsippany Park and Recreation distributed the candy to the vehicles.
If at first, this seems a little lackluster, just wait until you see all of the decorated cars. Some people really got into creating themed designs, such as the Adams Family, complete with the theme song playing, and the members pinching their fingers to every part of the song, that blow away most of the houses in a typical neighborhood. Simple beautiful vehicles, like The Nest Family, Pediatric, and Prenatal Chiropractic, just decorate their vehicle with pumpkins and other Halloween decorations. Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrolman Ryan Tayor decorated his vehicle as a “Police Vehicle” with police line tape, not to cross. The variations were endless.
The children in the hundreds strolled Veterans Park and collected bags of candy.
Ann Marie Ferrara, Mayor James Barberio, and Haleema Ahmed handing our treats to all the Trick or TreatersThe Nest Family, Pediatric and Prenatal ChiropracticParsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Ryan TaylorParsippany-Troy Hills CERT distributing information as well as candyParsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District SixParsippany Volunteer AmbulanceRockaway Neck Volunteer AmbulanceCouncil Vice President Loretta Gragnani, Councilman Frank Neglia, Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Council President Michael dePierro, and Councilman Justin MusellaCouncil Vice President Loretta Gragnani, Courtney Musella and Councilman Justin MusellaParsippany residents distributing candyYvonne Ferise, Jack Raia and Andy ChoffoDonna Martone and Andrea Martone, Realty Executives handing out goodiesAlison Cogan and Michelle ShappellMichelle ShappellWoman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy HillsFrozen’s Olaf
At the most recent Parsippany Town Council meeting (October 18) a majority of the council caved to organized labor to pass Ordinance 2022:24 requiring the use of PLAs for any project over 5 million dollars. I was in the minority and part of a Goliath fight attempting to sway the majority of council members toward a position that protects the financial interests of Parsippany residents. Unlike David, we did not prevail; at least for now.
I believe my experience as a former union member (Local 333 and M.E.B.A.-2) and current employee in the public sector provides a unique and balanced perspective that is sensitive to both sides. I support the rights of all workers to earn a fair wage. Moreover, they are entitled to fair labor practices and safe working conditions. Their skills and technical abilities are admirable.
However, after listening to the majority at Tuesday night’s meeting, one might believe that hiring union workers precludes cost overruns, ensures the timely completion of projects, and guarantees quality workmanship. My experience proves different. In fact, cost overruns, and delays are so common in the public sector they are expected. Furthermore, if a newly completed project fails, the architect is likely the one accountable, not the workers.
Tuesday, October 18 was a sad night for Parsippany residents who were let down by the Mayor and the majority of the Town Council, elected to protect the fiduciary interests of the Town and its residents. My hope is that the fight to keep Parsippany fiscally solvent is not over. I encourage Parsippany residents to rally around Justin Muscella, the only council member with the courage to stand up against “Goliath,” and repeal Ordinance 2022:24 that requires the use of PLAs for contractual work above 5 million dollars.
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, October 29, 2022, colors, lights, and food fused with joy and tradition, as Diwali – The Festival of Lights – was celebrated at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Diwali is the most widely celebrated festival by Indians and Hindus around the world. October is being celebrated as Hindu Heritage Month, and community leaders as well as policymakers, including US President Joe Biden, are participating in lighting lamps and offering best wishes for the festivities.
Visitors were greeted with a festive and traditional welcome at the temple entrance by a colorful Rangoli, an ornate floor design made from colored powder, displaying various traditional Hindu symbols.
“It’s great to be starting the year off with family, friends, and community members,” said Dr. Raunaq Bhatt.
In preparation for the festivities, many devotees, young and old, gave their time to help create decorations, prepare for children’s Diwali, and set the stage for the most significant ritual of Diwali, ‘Annakut’. Annakut, which literally means ‘a mountain of food’, is traditionally offered to God to celebrate the beginning of the Hindu New Year.
Paul and Sharon DeGroot
“The preparation begins very early in the morning for us,” explained Seema Trambadia, a volunteer of BAPS. “The vegetarian food is traditionally arranged in tiers or steps in front of the sacred images of God. Today over 850 food items have been offered to God.”
“Diwali is my favorite festival because of the excitement that fills the air when the festival nears. Having recently migrated to the US, I did not know what to expect,” said Kishan Patel, “However, after coming to the mandir, I felt like I was back in India. I experienced my culture while getting a taste of fine Indian cuisine. Every person I met had an expression of warmth and happiness on their face. I truly felt at home.”
At mandirs across North America, the glow of the lights, bright colors, and festive ambiance at the mandirs welcomed visitors as they took in the colors of the rangoli. Visitors joyfully offered prayers for the year ahead, and also had the opportunity to partake in prasadam (sanctified food).
Diwali traditions are founded in deep spiritual meaning and encourage communities to reflect at each step of the celebrations. The ancient tradition of lighting diyas, or traditional lamps, symbolizes the transition from darkness to light. While the lamps lit on Diwali erase the physical darkness, the festival’s rich traditions, and rituals help individuals remove the darkness from within, in the forms of anger, envy, greed, arrogance, and resentment. The celebrations and traditions observed during the Diwali period present an opportunity to reflect and introspect on one’s personal, professional, and spiritual growth, and to start anew.
The multiple days of Diwali are steeped in traditions and rituals that symbolize new beginnings and a renewed commitment to family. The bright colors of Rangoli, the lamps, and the elaborate offering of vegetarian food (Annakut) to God, all mark a renewal of the good within and the goodwill towards all around us.
This year His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj celebrated Diwali and Annakut in Gondal, in the state of Gujarat in India. He blessed the devotees with a happy and peaceful new year. He also stressed that since this year is also the centennial celebration of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, may all be blessed to live according to his virtuous life.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a spiritual, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selfless service. Its worldwide network of 3,800 centers supports these character-building activities. Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is free of addictions as well as morally, ethically, and spiritually pure. For more details, please visit www.baps.org.
About Mahant Swami Maharaj
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He has ordained a swami by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961 and named Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As he has appointed the head (Mahant) of the Mandir in Mumbai, he became known as Mahant Swami. His devout, humble, and service-focused life earned him the innermost blessings of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Mahant Swami Maharaj travels throughout the world inspiring people through his insightful spiritual discourses and disciplined conduct. His virtuous lifestyle and profound devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals toward which devotees strive. Mahant Swami Maharaj became the guru and President of BAPS upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s passing in 2016.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Under his leadership, BAPS grew into an international spiritual and humanitarian organization with over 3,300 centers worldwide. He dedicated his life to the well-being of others, traveling throughout the world to foster love, peace, harmony, righteousness, faith in God, and service to humanity. With genuine care and compassion, he reached out to all members of society irrespective of class, color, or age. Recognized and respected as one of India’s greatest spiritual teachers, he lived by and promoted the principle: “In the joy of others, lies our own.”
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting was held on Tuesday, November 1.
Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. Council meetings are held at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.
Mayor James R Barberio
Council President Michael J. dePierro
Council Vice-President Loretta Gragnani
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
Littleton Elementary School serves 422 students in grades Prekindergarten-5.
Littleton Elementary School placed in the top 10% of all schools in New Jersey for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 20%) for the 2018-19 school year.
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 75-79% (which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 44%) for the 2018-19 school year. The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75-79% (which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 57%) for the 2018-19 school year.
The student: teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 59% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Littleton Elementary School is located at 250 Brooklawn Drive.
PARSIPPANY — Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting on October 19, 2022, was held in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany.
The announcement is made that adequate notice of this meeting has been given and that it is being conducted in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq. of the New Jersey “Open Public Meetings Act”
PARSIPPANY — Mayor James Barberio presented Barbara Krajkowski with a Proclamation at the Township Council meeting on Tuesday, November 1.
Jane Krajkowski, best known for her starring role as Jenna Maroney in the NBC satirical comedy series 30 Rock, hugs her mom, Barbara, after Mayor James Barberio presented her with a proclamation at Parsippany Town Hall on Tuesday, November 1
Barbara Krajkowski was one of the three original founding members of the Women’s Theater Company, a non-profit organization operating under a “Special Appearance Contract” with the Actors Equity Association, in 1993.
Under Barbara’s tutelage as Executive Director and Producing Artistic Director, the company evolved from a theater group that performed only original works by women to include a broader mission to produce original and established works by women, productions of interest to women, and productions by local playwrights.
Barbara earned a BA from Fairleigh Dickinson University and an MA from William Paterson University where she served for many years as an adjunct professor.
Members of Parsippany-Troy Hills Women’s Club congratulate Barbara Krajkowski
Barbara’s honors include “2008 Outstanding Arts Advocate” from the Arts Council of the Morris Area, the “2009 Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment” award from Garden State Woman Magazine, and “2010 Female Legend of Morris County” from the Morris County Chamber of Commerce; and Barbara used her 30+ years of skill and experience in theater to guide this unique group to its accolades through many venues through the years, such as The Playwright Theater in Madison, The Bickford Theater in Morristown and, since 2005, it’s current home at The Parsippany Playhouse in the Senior Center.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker announce the hiring of Jenna Powers and Gregory Federici as Detectives for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Both were officially sworn in at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office on October 31.
Chief Kimker; Lincoln and Nicole Federici; Det. Federici; Prosecutor Carroll; First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood
Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Detective Powers was as a Detective for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office since 2020, serving in the Special Victims Unit and Adult Trial Section. Before serving in that position, she was an Assistant Prosecutor for that same office from 2016 until 2020, was an attorney for a private law practice from 2015 to 2016, and was an Assistant Prosecutor for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office from 2012 to 2015 serving in the Domestic Violence Unit and Specialized Services/Megan’s Law Unit. Detective Powers possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Washington College in Maryland, and a Juris Doctorate Degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Michigan. She has been assigned to the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, within the Tactical Division of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Detective Federici was a police officer in Cranford, Union County, New Jersey since 2013, where he served in patrol operations and in the Community Policing Unit. Before serving as a police officer, Detective Federici was a Communications Officer with the Cranford Police Department from 2011 until 2013, a Personal Trainer in 2010, and a Substitute Teacher and Football Coach at Cranford High School from 2008 to 2010. Also, from 2008 to 2013, he served as a volunteer Auxiliary Police Officer for the Cranford Police Department. Det. Federici possesses an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Union County College. He has been assigned to the General Investigations Unit, within the Courts & Administration Division of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “The addition of Detective Powers and Detective Federici to our office brings a valuable cross-section of talent and experience. We welcome both and anticipate that they will contribute positively to the effectiveness of our operation.”
PARSIPPANY — Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting on November 2, 2022 will start at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany.
The announcement is made that adequate notice of this meeting has been given and that it is being conducted in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq. of the New Jersey “Open Public Meetings Act”
PARSIPPANY —The Morris County 4-H “ResistoJets” Rocketry Club is one of only 18 middle-and-high school groups nationwide to qualify for this year’s NASA Student Launch Initiative and the only team from New Jersey. More than 50 college-age teams will also participate.
During the NASA Student Launch Initiative, or SLI, student teams design, build and launch a rocket and payload according to NASA’s specifications as part of a rocketry competition. The goal of this year’s challenge is to simulate photographing the surface of a planet. The team will design and build an 8-foot-tall rocket that will lift its payload to over 5,000 feet.
During the pandemic, club president and team Captain Sean McConoughey of Califon pursued rocketry as a hobby with his father, Luke. When he learned about the NASA challenge, he approached 4-H to sponsor the team, which includes Brian Sun of Belle Mead, Holt Englander of Morristown, Mya McConoughey of Califon, and Sahisnu Santhosh of Lake Hiawatha. New team members are welcome.
“When I first heard about the NASA Student Launch program I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn and grow after running out of ideas for my own projects,” said McConoughey. “However, we quickly found out we had to qualify first, in our case through TARC. In hindsight, I think that was a great thing that helped prepare us a lot for the Student Launch. What’s driven me over the last year, since starting the competitions, has been everything I’ve learned and the experiences I have to look forward to.”
To qualify for the 2023 NASA SLI, the ResistoJets Rocketry Club’s five members had to compete and succeed in the prerequisite American Rocketry Challenge (TARC) last year, designing a rocket to transport two eggs to a certain altitude before landing them safely on the ground — intact. Their design was successful on a competitive launch day in Virginia, which enabled the 4-H group to progress.
Now that they are officially accepted into the SLI program, the team interacts with NASA along the lines of a contractor by writing and submitting precise proposals for their rocket, specifying the design, ultimate altitude, and performance. Accurate estimation of the rocket’s performance is an important piece of the proposal, said 4-H Program Assistant Britt Wagner.
The competition will take place in April at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. This phase of the challenge is built around the current Artemis NASA mission.
Team Photo
The team is currently in the preliminary design review phase and working to give a 30-min presentation on design and performance to the NASA team in early November. The next steps are to build a smaller-scale model of the design, then launch, test, and fine-tune it. The challenge also includes requirements for media presence for each team as well as a STEM education plan to reach more than 250 students in the area.
“This competition has the potential to transform students into well-qualified professionals for the modern-day workplace,” said Fred Kepner, activity lead for Student Launch at Marshall. “Many former students now work with NASA or our industry partners across the nation, some supporting the next chapter of space exploration, the Artemis program.”
“I am very proud of what the team has accomplished so far, and I look forward to everything that lies ahead,” McConoughey said.
PARSIPPANY — Halloween reared its creepy head Friday night at the annual Halloween at the Hills event. This safe and controlled holiday effort is intended to be a safe trick-or-treat event for local elementary school kids.
Jalen Mui and Andy AdubatoParsippany Hills Key Club Advisor Kristine Bushong with former Key Club Advisor Bonnie Sturm and Lauren Sturm
The Student Council, Interact Club, Kiwanis Key Club, Project Graduation, Asian American Club, Peer Buddies, Indian Cultural Club, Erase, DECA, FBLA, Drama Club, French Club, Asian American Club, Anime were among some of the clubs participating in “Halloween at the Hills”.
The children dressed in costumes had fun playing games to win candy. By the end of the evening, all the children’s bags were full to the top with a variety of candies.
The Interact Club conducted a food drive to be donated to Interfaith Food Pantry.
Members of Interact Club: Vidhi Shah, Nick Spada, Nola Anderson, Bridget Skenien, and Brielle Wallace were giving out candy to the childrenViking NationThe Interact Club conducted a food drive to be donated to Interfaith Food Pantry.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, November 2022. Click here to read the magazine.
PARSIPPANY — Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill and her Republican challenger, former Assistant Passaic County Prosecutor Paul DeGroot, faced at the New Jersey Globe 11th District Congressional Debate on Sunday, October 23, hosted by David Wildstein.
PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, October 30, 2022, at approximately 12:18 p.m., Parsippany Police responded to the Hilton Hotel, One Hilton Court, on a report of a stabbing during the “Chiller Theatre” event.
David C. Knestrick, 47, of Norwalk, Connecticut was arrested in connection with a stabbing.
A private security officer who was working during the event was stabbed with a knife while intervening in an altercation between Knestrick and other patrons at the event.
The victim of the stabbing was transported to Morristown Medical Center for treatment, and as a result of the investigation, Knestrick was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault, a crime of the second degree; Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, a crime of the third degree; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a crime of the fourth degree.
The Defendant was charged on a warrant complaint and remains in custody pending a court appearance.
“The incident today is a criminal matter under investigation by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department and Morris County Sheriff’s Department. We appreciate the concern of those asking about the status of our friend and colleague affected, but please understand he has a family and it is not for us to discuss anything regarding his health,” organizers said in a statement on social media.
Chiller Theatre was a three-day event held at the Hilton. Friday, October 28 through Sunday, October 30. The autograph-signing convention draws thousands around Halloween and again in the spring to the Hilton.
Police have not yet given details about what sparked the altercation or how many people were involved.
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department at (973) 263-4300 or the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund by launching an interactive, online story map of all historic sites found in the county, specifically offering background information, photos, video, and geographic data on all sites that benefited from county historic preservation grants.
“We hope this story map can make the public more aware of the many historic treasures that are in our midst, and also acknowledge the strong support the Commissioners have shown toward historic preservation that contributes to the high quality of life here in Morris County,” said Ray Chang, Historic Preservation Program Coordinator for the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation.
The story map was created by the Office of Planning and Preservation to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the grant program.
The Historic Preservation Trust Fund was established by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners after voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum on November 5, 2002, to allow a portion of the Morris County Open Space & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund to be used for historic preservation
Morris County has now awarded 512 grants amounting to $45,945,925 to assist in the preservation, protection, and restoration of 122 historic properties since 2003 when grants were first issued for protecting historic sites through Morris County’s Preservation Trust Fund. The sites are located in 34 towns around Morris County.
The King Store Museum, an 1825 general store and post office at Drakesville Historic Park in the Ledgewood section of Roxbury Township. The site has received 17 grants for planning and restoration since the Historic Preservation Trust Program began
“This has been an exceptionally successful and well-received program, with nearly $46 million being committed to assist in the preservation, protection, and restoration of 122 historic properties since the first grant was issued in 2003,” said Commissioner Stephen Shaw, the board liaison to the county Office of Planning and Preservation.
“Almost everywhere you go in Morris County, you can point to a place, a building, or a monument that represents a specific era in American history, from the days Native Americans lived here and Europeans began to settle in, to the American Revolution, the industrial revolution and beyond. Morris County has a wealth of sites and structures embodying the American story, and our trust fund has helped to preserve that,” he added.
The Little Red Schoolhouse in Florham Park has received 10 grants from the fund since it began
The story map is based in part on digital mapping data provided by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Geographic Information System, as well as data on historical properties compiled by the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office. A legend is provided identifying various levels of historical determinations afforded different sites.
However, the story map dives deepest into Morris County historic sites, specifically the 122 sites afforded grants through the Historic Preservation Trust Fund over the past 20 years. Using the GIS mapping, visitors may navigate to all 122 Morris County sites easily and view photos, background information, and, where available, videos and audio presentations that provide a fuller understanding of the site’s significance.
The Historic Preservation Trust Fund considers grants for the acquisition, stabilization, rehabilitation, restoration, or preservation of historic resources by municipalities, qualified non-profits, and the county. Many sites have received multiple grants over the years for various stages of preservation, from planning to actual construction.
Applications are reviewed by the volunteer members of the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board, and the board ultimately recommends each year to the County Commissioners what projects should be provided grants and the amount of each grant.
The new story map introduces visitors to the 11-member review board. Click here to view the story map.
Historic resources must be listed or certified as eligible for listing on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places, in order to be eligible for the program.
The Seward House, and 1865 farm house in Mount Olive, was among the sites approved in 2022 for grant dollars and is currently undergoing renovations
Dear Editor:
Visitors were greeted with a festive and traditional welcome at the temple entrance by a colorful Rangoli, an ornate floor design made from colored powder, displaying various traditional Hindu symbols.
To qualify for the 2023 NASA SLI, the ResistoJets Rocketry Club’s five members had to compete and succeed in the prerequisite American Rocketry Challenge (TARC) last year, designing a rocket to transport two eggs to a certain altitude before landing them safely on the ground — intact. Their design was successful on a competitive launch day in Virginia, which enabled the 4-H group to progress.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, November 2022. 
