PARSIPPANY — The annual “Halloween at the Hills’ will be held on Friday, October 28 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Parsippany Hills high School, 20 Rita Drive. Join them for their annual night full of fun and safe trick-or-treating!
The PHHS Interact Club is collecting non-perishable goods at Halloween at the Hills to help restock the shelves of the Interfaith Food Pantry. The collection of cans will take place in the cafeteria s you enter.
Enjoy the night with your family while giving back to the community.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department is taking back unwanted prescription drugs Saturday, October 29 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in front of the Harmon Face Values Store, 3189 Route 46, located in the Morris Hills Shopping Center.
They cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, ONLY PATCHES OR PILLS.
This drop off is ONLY for individual citizens. Businesses that deal with pharmaceuticals, doctors, health care providers, and pharmacies are prohibited from disposing of pharmaceuticals at the collection site under FDA guidelines.
According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.
PARSIPPANY — In honor of National First Responders Day on Friday, October 28, The Nest Family, Pediatric and Prenatal Chiropractic in Parsippany is offering a free first visit to first responders including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and military (active and veterans).
The Nest is recently under the new ownership of West Orange native Dr. Daniel Roses, D.C.
Dr. Dan Roses, D.C.
“It’s extremely important to me to ensure that the brave people who protect, serve and keep our community safe are taken care of as well,” says Dr. Roses. “With many first responders in my family, I have seen the toll that the physical and mental stresses of their jobs take on their bodies. I know that regular chiropractic care can not only help with aches and pains that come with the job, but also allow our local heroes to maintain their maximum functionality.”
The Nest Family, Pediatric, and Prenatal Chiropractic are located at 341 Smith Road in Parsippany. It has been serving families, children, and expecting moms since February 2020 and is now under the ownership of chiropractor Dr. Dan Roses, D.C. The Nest was built upon the principles to nurture, empower, support, and teach the local community through chiropractic care.
Dr. Dan Roses grew up in West Orange. After earning his Doctorate of Chiropractic Degree from Life University in Marietta, Ga., Dr. Dan has spent the last three years working as an associate chiropractor at Roses Family Chiropractic in Bayonne and Revolution Chiropractic in Marlton. Now, Dr. Dan is humbled and excited to serve and take care of the people of Parsippany and its surrounding towns in his newest chapter as the owner and chiropractor of The Nest.
Dr. Dan is proficient in multiple chiropractic techniques including Diversified, cox flexion-distraction, activator sacro-occipital technique, gonstead and is certified in the Webster Technique for chiropractic care in pregnancy. He comes from a family of chiropractors – his father, two aunts, an uncle and a cousin are all currently in practice.
When he is not helping others achieve their optimum health through chiropractic, he is an avid sports enthusiast and faithfully follows the New York Yankees, New Jersey Devils, and New York Giants.
The Nest Family, Pediatric, and Prenatal Chiropractic is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here for more information.
As Mayor and Council members duly elected by the people of Parsippany Township, we are disappointed that our colleague, who cast the lone no vote on the PLA ordinance, is taking public shots at us. The PLA ordinance only applies to public projects in excess of $5Million. There is, in our view, a significant public interest in ensuring that large scale public projects get done correctly, on schedule, and at (or below) cost. Our colleague has argued that union labor will cost 30% more. We disagree because the studies that he was referring to were years old and only compared jobs of the same square footage and not the complexity of the job (i.e. both jobs were 100,000 square feet, but one was a warehouse and the other was a high tech computer building). We believe that significant public projects, funded with public money, should be performed by skilled labor who know what they are doing – who have the training and experience to ensure these projects are done correctly.
To this end, the PLA ordinance requires that all apprentices on the project shall be Parsippany residents, and that 20 percent of the project’s total labor hours shall be performed by Parsippany apprentices.The PLA ordinance also contains several provisions aimed at increasing job and apprenticeship opportunities for minorities and women.
The PLA ordinance is the best way to ensure that large projects get done correctly. The Administration has supplied the Council with all the information it needed to make an informed decision. Unfortunately, one of our colleagues has decided to play politics by taking baseless politically motivated shots at the administration.
Mayor James Barberio Council President Michael dePierro Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani Councilman Paul Carifi Councilman Frank Neglia
MORRIS COUNTY — The three candidates running to represent the 11th Congressional District held a candidates forum on Tuesday, October 25, moderated by the League of Women Voters of New Jersey at Drew University in Madison.
The forum featured Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11, and Republican challenger Paul DeGroot. Sherrill, who lives in Montclair, is seeking her third term. DeGroot, a Montville resident, and former Passaic County Assistant Prosecutor is seeking elected office for the first time and third candidate on the ballot, Libertarian Joseph Biasco of Lincoln Park, a retired Cliffside Park police captain.
The in-person early voting period starts from October 29 to November 6.
After the redistricting based on the 2020 Census, the 11th district now covers these communities:
Morris County – Boonton, Boonton Township, Butler, Chatham, Chatham Township, Denville, Dover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Madison, Mendham Township (partial), Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Morristown, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany, Pequannock, Randolph, Riverdale, Rockaway, Rockaway Township, Victory Gardens.
Essex County – Belleville, Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn, Montclair (partial), North Caldwell, Nutley, Roseland, South Orange, West Caldwell.
Passaic County – Little Falls, Totowa, Wayne (partial), Woodland Park.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council passed ordinance No. 2022:24 on Tuesday, October 18, to mandate to use Project Labor Agreements (PLA) on all direct township construction projects valued at $5 million or more.
Union members from across New Jersey met at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 102, 50 Parsippany Road, and drove in caravans to Parsippany Hills High School, where the Township Council meeting was moved due to the large number of attendees expected.
Click here to view video of union workers marching into the council meeting at Parsippany Hills High School.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella listens to the speakers at the Council Meeting of October 11. File Photo
Parsippany’s PLA ordinance was approved with a 4-to-1 vote. Councilman Justin Musella was the lone “no” vote in advocacy for the beleaguered township taxpayers: “I have a financial responsibility to the taxpayer and from the beginning tried in vain to get a thorough understanding of why Parsippany had to be the first town in Morris County to do this, but the [Barberio] administration provided no answers or supporting evidence. On multiple occasions, I provided independent and careful studies to the administration and my colleagues about how PLAs drive up costs, harm small businesses, and are anti-competitive.”
Click here to download a copy of the Ordinance 2022:24.
Mayor James Barberio responded to Musella, admitting to disregarding Musella’s inquiries. “And you know what, I wasn’t going to waste the time. Because it was a way out, that’s all it was. It was to reduce it [the PLA].”
“I made an oath from Day 1 to fight to keep Parsippany affordable and enable to enable residents to stay here and not flee our town,” Musella said prior to the voting against the ordinance. “With that said, I see no compelling reason to depart from our competitive bidding process that brings benefits to our taxpayers as it stands today.”
Parsippany resident Richard Corbett said “On February 4, 2022, President Biden issued an executive order requiring the use of PLAs for all federal construction projects. Thanks to this town council and mayor, the same failed economic policies of the current Biden administration that continue to cause economic hardship for Americans are coming to Parsippany. Now we can all look forward to even higher taxes. Thank you. This council should be working to make the lives of Parsippany residents better, not more expensive. Thank you, Councilman Musella for supporting sound economic principles and the taxpayers of Parsippany.”
Kenneth Dukes
Kenneth Dukes stated “I support this legislation of PLA legislation, both as a union carpenter and as a residence of Parsippany. I like going to work knowing that I’m going to be in a professional clean work environment safe. I’m going to give the contractor a full day’s work in exchange for a fair wage, and at the end of the day, I’m gonna return to my family safe. 90% of the dollars that I make on these projects remains right here in the community. Obviously, I pay taxes, I support police officers, firefighters, public schools, libraries, et cetera. As regular consumers, me and my family, do everything right here in town. We go to the movies here, we go to restaurants here. We support businesses here. We take our kids out to events here.”
Morris County Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo
Morris County Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo said “I believe in project labor agreements at the county for certain projects over $5 million. There are projects in this state where non-union contractors are charging prevailing wage, but they’re not paying their employees prevailing wage. The other thing is competition. PLAs allow competition for non-union companies to bid as well. You have to look at is a safety. We had some projects right here in Morris County in Hanover, the firehouse, a generator fell on two individuals and safety wasn’t installed. Those two people got killed. And there, there was another one up at a Castle where another worker got killed because safety wasn’t implemented. These people work hard and they have to be safe. When you look at fiscal conservative approaches to government, Morris County has done it well. We’ve been one of the top rated fiscal conservative counties in this nation. We continue to strive to be one of the top fiscally managed counties in this country. We’re a Republican operated or managed county, and if you look at the Legislators, just about every Republican Senator and every Republican Assemblyman supported PLAs for the right reasons. Because projects come in on time, projects come in safely, and you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to fix all the mistakes from contractors who aren’t doing the right thing. As a county commissioner, as a taxpayer in this county, I support PLAs. I support these workers, and I will stand up here repeatedly to support you when in implementing this policy.”
Morris County Commissioner Stephen Shaw, after listening to the Council Meeting tape published on Parsippany Focus, submitted this comment:
“Regarding County Resolution 2021-909 adopted October 27, 2021 (Click here to read). The County PLA resolution was referred to during public comment at the October 12 and 18 Parsippany Council meetings. I checked with the administration to confirm that the resolution gives the administration the option to employ a PLA on a project by project basis and does not mandate its use. To date, the County has not used a PLA on any projects.”
Brendan Kelly
“I’m a Morris County resident, a United States Marine Corps veteran, and a second year apprentice in the Local 254 Carpenters. Been a Morris County resident all my life and plan on staying that way. And hopefully one day, once this job’s done, when you say yes to the PLA and get us in here, we’re gonna be looking at this job, passing by it every day. And hopefully once I have kids, I could tell them I built that and we’re all gonna be proud to show what we’ve built,” said Brendan Kelly.
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr. outlined the opinion of the council majority, citing benefits for public projects that include higher-quality results from trained workers who operate under agreements that prohibit strikes, work slow downs and other costly delays. PLAs would guarantee projects use documented workers who pay taxes, while non-union contractors may employ underpaid illegal workers to lower their bids, Carifi said.
Carifi added that public construction projects costing $5 million or more are rare, even in Parsippany. The town is the most populous in Morris County, with 56,000 residents and a $122 million capital budget this year.
Mayor Barberio scoffed at suggestions that his support was bought by the unions that contributed to his campaign, saying he shared those funds equally with his running mates, Musella and Councilman Frank Neglia.
“When you contribute to me, all you get is good government,” he said.
He also said “I’ll explain what a keyboard warrior is. It is those people that go on and they continue to put letters to the editor out; who are guided by individuals to get their point across. I do respect Mr. Heller, Mr. Corbett and Mr. Venezia who actually come up here to state their concerns on this ordinance. I have a lot of respect for individuals like that and I applaud you for that because that’s what the process is all about. I’m gonna go all the way back to the “Tap Into Parsippany” editorial with Samantha DeAlmeida, who comes and puts false information. And if you notice, all the emails we get are very generic, very similar to what the statements that council member Musella made; all the same, every single one’s the same.
Parsippany resident Bob Venezia
“I live in Parsippany. After listening to the presentations that were made during the public session of last week’s council meeting, I don’t know how any council member can justify voting in favor of Ordinance 2022:24, which mandates project labor agreements or PLAs for Parsippany projects valued at $5 million or more. About 200 union workers travel from all parts of the state in order to lobby on behalf of the ordinance. On the other side of the issue are Parsippany residents who are not affiliated with the Union Council members should take note that every non-union Parsippany resident that spoke at the meeting was unanimous in their disapproval of the ordinance. I would also like to remind the council members that your primary responsibility is to the residents of Parsippany and not to non-resident union members who are solely looking out for their own monetary interests.
In speaking against the ordinance, several Parsippany residents cited results of two studies, which compared the time and cost of PLA projects versus non PLA projects. Both studies, one of which originated from the New Jersey Department of Labor, were in agreement that the PLA contracts increase the time and cost of projects by about 30%. Union members and the council members who spoke favorably about the ordinance didn’t dispute the results of these studies, but they more or less implied that the union workmanship is worth that extra premium. While sympathizing with the union member’s desire to improve their living standards, Parsippany taxpayers made it very clear that they were unwilling to pay a 30% PLA project surcharge, which calculates to an extra 1.5 million for each 5 million project. What happened to the council members that were dedicated to cutting costs and reducing taxes during the previous administration? What changed between then and now? Make no mistake, approval of this ordinance is equivalent to passing a 1.5 million tax increase for every large construction project. It’s also a class example of pandering to special interests as well as a complete sellout of the taxpayers of Parsippany,” said Parsippany resident Bob Venezia.
Barberio’s support drew loud cheers from the over 200 people who attended the meeting. Many wore union shirts and waved signs reading “Local Jobs for Local Workers”Parsippany resident Hank Heller
Parsippany resident Hank Heller said “I’ve been a taxpayer and voter in Parsippany for over 51 years. At the last meeting, I was surprised and perhaps somewhat taken back by the large showing of members of the various unions that attended to show their support for the project labor agreement issue. Tonight, I’m still chagrin because it’s fairly clear that this strong showing of union support is meant to perhaps overpower those who might not be in agreement and thereby silence discussion of an issue that is of a great importance in this community. Some of the union attendees said that they live in Parsippany, some of the speakers told of how union membership had saved their lives and allowed them to live lives of greater dignity. I am and was, I was, and I am respectful of that. However, the purpose of local government is not to provide better paying jobs for the public at large, but to make judicious decisions in the use of public funds so that the citizens of Parsippany benefit. When we voted you into office, we expected you to enact laws that would do not damage us. In this terrible time of inflation and possible recession. We’re seeing our retirement funds decline by 20 to 30% or more. We are seeing our savings go up in smoke as an irresponsible national government causes us to spend 20 to 35% more to heat our homes, drive our cars to work, and just to put food on the tables for our families. We are being squeezed in every way imaginable. And to have our local government decide to give union leadership with new laws that precludes small local contractors from bidding for large government projects, if they are not a union shop is just wrong. The demands of PLA actually from all that I have been able to read cost a taxpayer 25 to 37% more in cost and even more in time to completion. I think that is unconscionable to vote for, for PLAs at this time. Frankly, I might have expected such gifts to come from a democratic administration, but no, it is a gift to us by our current Republican administration. And additionally, amazingly, almost unanimously, I tell you, if you care at all, you will not be able to defend yourselves from this vote. Those who will look to unseat you in the future, who look to cast aspersions on your decision making and on your effectiveness will serve you this meal over and over and over again. I was treated well when I spoke at the last meeting the union. But I also learned that not everyone was treated respectfully. In fact, I now know that a few of the people in the audience were threatening to some who dissented. I’m here to say that no matter the size of the opposition, this municipal body has a, a responsibility to make sure that all people who live in Parsippany and come to speak civilly and express themselves reasonably can be fairly heard and they should not have to worry about email threats, telephone threats and voice threats.”
Barberio’s support drew loud cheers from the over 200 people who attended the meeting. Many wore union shirts and waved signs reading “Local Jobs for Local Workers”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 an Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters logo. A large video sign on the side of the truck displayed an image of Musella and a message: “Tell Justin Musella: Support Parsippany workers.”Union workers met at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 102 and drove in caravans to Parsippany Hills High School. Pictured is a truck with an Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters logo. A large video sign on the side of the truck displayed an image “PLA ALL THE WAY.”
Parsippany’s PLA ordinance was approved with a 4-to-1 vote.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System hosted its first-ever Diwali Festival on Saturday, October 22.
They celebrated Diwali with dancing, henna, food, arts, and crafts with over three hundred of the community! Thank you to the Thillai Fine Arts Dance for their wonderful performance!
The event was sponsored by the Friends of the Parsippany Library!
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Library is located at 449 Halsey Road.
Diwali, the festival of lights, joy, prosperity, and happiness will be celebrated this year on October 24, 2022. It is a five-day-long celebration that commences with Dhanteras and ends with Bhaiya Dooj. The festival of Diwali is celebrated on the darkest night of the year in the Hindu month of Kartik.
MORRIS COUNTY — Harmonium Choral Society’s concert A Child’s Christmas will be performed on Saturday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 11 at 3:00 p.m. at The Presbyterian Church in Morristown, 57 E. Park Place, Morristown, and will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their commissioning of Matthew Harris’s setting of Dylan Thomas’s A Child’s Christmas in Wales for chorus and chamber orchestra.
The first half of the concert celebrates diverse childhood winter experiences from Haiti to Sweden, Brazil to Wales, and features many women composers including Ysaye Barnwell, Misty Depuis, Flory Jagoda, Caroline Mallonee, Tracy Wong, and Grace Williams. Artistic Director Dr. Anne Matlack says, “I am so excited to re-visit this wonderful work which is full of humor and joy. We’ll use piano, harp, flute, oboe, cello, and percussion for lots of colors! The rest of the concert includes some ‘Harmonium surprises’ such as folk dance and audience participation. Bring the whole family.”
Tickets to A Child’s Christmas may be purchased for $30.00 for adults or $25.00 for students and teachers by clicking here. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Harmonium Choral Society is dedicated to ensuring that all of our patrons are able to enjoy the arts equally. If you have accessibility needs, questions, or concerns, please contact us at least two weeks prior to the scheduled performance and we will assist you in the best manner we have available. For more information, please contact Jody Marcus at (973) 538-6969. Doors open one-half hour before the concert begins, but concertgoers are advised to leave plenty of time for parking.
COVID Guidelines for Harmonium Performances
All Harmonium singers are vaccinated and will remain masked during performances except for occasional solos. We will require proof of vaccination presented at the door for entry. Audience masking is now optional as long as that remains the policy of our host venues.
Funding has been made possible in part by Morris Arts through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Harmonium Choral Society, based in Morris County, is one of New Jersey’s leading choral arts organizations. The 100-voice choral society has been recognized for its musical excellence and innovative programming and has commissioned and premiered works by Amanda Harberg, Matthew Harris, Elliot Z. Levine, Harmonium’s composers-in-residence Mark Miller, Martin Sedek, and others.
Dr. Anne J. Matlack
Directed by Dr. Anne J. Matlack of Madison, Harmonium’s 2022-23 season consists of four subscription concerts held in December, March, May, and June, as well as numerous special events and partnerships. Harmonium, known for its eclectic programming, choral excellence, and community spirit, sponsors commissions and musicianship workshops, as well as an outreach chorus that performs in schools, nursing homes, and other venues. Harmonium sponsors an annual High School Student Choral Composition Contest, which is celebrating its 26th anniversary this season. This innovative program won the prestigious Chorus America Education and Outreach Award. Harmonium has also toured internationally, most recently to the Balkans in the summer of 2022.
I have been a Parsippany resident for many years. I am a father and a grandfather. I remain active within the town and talk to many people on several different topics. The Board of Education election this year has come up in my conversations numerous times. I, and many others who I have talked to, believe that our educational system is going in the wrong direction. We believe there is too much focus on things that won’t help the kids be successful in life.
I have educated myself regarding the 7 candidates running for the Parsippany Board of Ed. I have met and spoken with some of them. I believe that the team of Andy Choffo, Jack Raia and Yvonne Ferise are the right choices for the Parsippany Board of Ed. They have stated in different ways the wholesome values that I believe in.
In addition to making sure the Board of Education is making the right decisions for the students, I am a senior and concerned about cost. Andy Choffo, Jack Raia, and Yvonne Ferise have said that they are going to make sure that seniors are not priced out of town with unaffordable property taxes. This is important to me.
I want people like Andy, Jack, and Yvonne on the Board of Education. I know I will be voting for them on November 8.
MORRIS COUNTY — Allison Larena, President & CEO of Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown, was honored Friday night, October 14, by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners for her 20 years at the helm of the arts organization.
Allison Larena with Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus
Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus presented Larena with a framed “Resolution of Honor” inside MPAC’s Starlight Room just prior to the performance of “Croce Plays Croce” at the theater on South Street.
“I am grateful for the recognition by the Morris County Board of Commissioners in honor of my 20th anniversary at MPAC. MPAC is fortunate to be located in a county that recognizes the value of our cultural institutions and how they contribute to the quality of life for our residents. The Commissioners’ support of our education programs this past year has been a vital lifeline to helping these programs return to enrich the lives of thousands of children every year,” said Larena.
The resolution notes that Larena has been instrumental in transforming the Morristown-based theater into a world-class performing arts center and for growing its annual operating budget from $1.5 million to more than $13 million. Under her tutelage, MPAC operations grew from about 50 events annually to over 250 events, welcoming more than 240,000 patrons each year and generating over $9 million in ticket sales, while simultaneously having an estimated impact of $15 million dollars on the local economy.
“On behalf of the Morris County Commissioners, We are pleased to present you with this resolution recognizing your 20 years of leadership of Mayo Performing Arts Center. MPAC is a crown jewel for Morris County,” said Deputy Director Krickus.
“Morris County was proud to provide MPAC with $600,000 of funding for education programs as part of the recovery from COVID, and also recently approved $24,000 of historic grant funding for the plans to renovate the historic facade to the theater,” he added.
MPAC, which operates out of a 1937 theater designed by Thomas Lamb, has served more than 40,000 children through education and outreach programs, and Larena is credited with launching innovative programs during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the arts accessible.
Among the programs were the first outdoor drive-in concerts, the first limited-capacity concerts, and the first live streams in New Jersey as she kept the theatre active and relevant while creating a safe environment for people to enjoy an indoor art experience.
To learn more about MPAC and upcoming events click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll joined other government officials from federal, state, county, and municipal levels at the municipal hall of Madison Borough, during a news conference to support federal legislation that would assist law enforcement in combatting vehicle theft on Monday, October 17.
Area police chiefs and county sheriffs from the region were also in attendance as a show of support.
The bipartisan legislation, introduced to the United States Congress by Representatives Mikie Sherrill from New Jersey and Don Bacon from Nebraska would provide $150 million in grants over a five-year period to state and local law enforcement, to address and mitigate the number of vehicle thefts, and provide resources for stolen vehicle trafficking throughout the United States. The legislation provides that 70% of the funding will go to the county and local law enforcement with 30% to states being heavily impacted by vehicle thefts and especially the related escalated violence. If passed in Congress, the bill would provide $30 million each year for hiring, equipment, technology, and other resources to target the crime of vehicle theft.
Various Law Enforcement Officials in Attendance
In addition to the federal bill, the recently introduced bi-partisan legislation from Senators Codey and Bucco also received the unanimous support of law enforcement as it addresses the issues of repeat offenders as well as those criminals who recruit juveniles into criminal theft organizations in order to insulate themselves from serious criminal charges. A separate state bill from the Senators also addresses the frightening issue of home invasions and substantially increases the potential criminal penalties for such serious criminal conduct.
During the news conference and following the initial presentation speech delivered by Rep. Sherrill, multiple officials spoke including NJ State Senators Anthony Bucco and Richard Codey, NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura, and Passaic County Undersheriff Kevin Dickson all spoke in support of the initiative.
Prosecutor Carroll stated that law enforcement sincerely appreciates the legislative efforts to help stem the increasing crime and reiterates the need for community and citizen assistance in stopping these criminal theft organizations. The Prosecutor stated:
“Year to date, 89% of the vehicle thefts in Morris County involve keys/key fobs being left in a vehicle; 61% of these thefts were from residential properties and another 23% from commercial locations. Morris County Law enforcement again reiterates that it is vitally important that our citizens help in stopping these thefts by securing their keys and fobs, and not making themselves and their families easy targets for these opportunistic, and now too often armed criminals.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Town of Boonton Police Department Officer in Charge Christian Trowbridge announce that missing 16-year-old Keyoni Jackson from Boonton was found safe.
Keyoni Jackson was located unharmed in Morris Township by the Morris Township Police Department and returned home.
Prosecutor Carroll thanked the public for helping get the word out about this missing teenager.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Key Club is hosting its free, annual “Halloween at the High” this year on Friday, October 28 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the children of Parsippany!
Please join us at Parsippany High School for this exciting and spooky event! There will be trick-or-treating, haunted alleys, crafts, and games. This is a perfect way to become Halloween-ready! Donations for Unicef’s Start Strong: Zambia program will be accepted.
Parsippany High School is located at 309 Baldwin Road.
PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, October 11, 2022, Woman’s Club of Parsippany- Troy Hills members Ronnie Fagan, Terry Gerber, and Ronnie’s sister, Eileen, delivered 146 Holiday Stockings to NJSFWC headquarters, in New Brunswick. The stockings were collected from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Woman’s Club members, family, co-workers, and friends.
While at headquarters, the ladies helped put boxes together for shipping the stockings.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio issued a “Proclamation” at Sunday’s “Making Strides Parsippany” event held in the Century Office Campus. The Mayor presented the Proclamation to event organizers Melissa Gargantiel and Kelly Stanckiewitz.
Mayor James Barberio with event organizers Melissa Gargantiel and Kelly Stanckiewitz
At the time this article was published the Making Strides Parsippany raised $317,911. You can still make a donation by clicking here.
More than 290,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year; There are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors living in the US today and more than $71 million invested in breast cancer research (as of August 2021).
Music provided by DJ Bonz will keep the party going on our stage, sponsored by The Snooki Shop. Performances by dance teams and fun warm-ups will get you excited before the walk starts and throughout the morning!
Think Pink
Since 1993, the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) campaign has united communities, companies, and individuals with a collective goal to end breast cancer as we know it. Over the past two decades, the 3- to 5-mile noncompetitive walks have collectively grown into the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement providing a supportive community for courageous breast cancer survivors and metastatic breast cancer thrivers, including caregivers, and families alike.
Welcome Survivors
This year, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer celebrates its 30th anniversary and is taking place in more than 150 communities nationwide, including Parsippany.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events raise awareness and money to save lives from breast cancer. The money you raise and the donations made are helping the American Cancer Society fund innovative breast cancer research, 24/7 information and support, prevention and early detection initiatives, and so much more.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Councilman Frank Neglia, Sandra Neglia, and Elizabeth ScangarellaThe participants met at Elizabeth Scangarella house to participate in “Making Strides of Parsippany”Elizabeth Scangarella Team “Believers” at the starting line at Making Strides of Parsippany
The top companies were Toyota Motor North America $13,950; Atlantic Health Systems $8,637; BASF Corporation $5,057; Siemens Healthineers $4,575; Connell Foley LLP $3,767; Bausch + Lomb $1,973; Wyndham Hotels and Resorts $1,882; Dollar Tree/Family Dollar $1,776; Select Medical $1,673; and Delta Dental of New Jersey $1,579
Making Strides in Memory of Rosemarie Mancuso raised over $7,000
A personal message from Theresa MANCUSO regarding her Breast Cancer Experience:
Breast Cancer has been in my life since I was 7 years old and my grandmother, Teresa, was diagnosed. I watched her suffer through surgeries and treatments before Metastatic Breast Cancer took her from us in 1988. I was 16 years old. Just three years later, my mother, Rosemarie, was diagnosed at just 46 years old. Again, I saw one of my role models fight this disease with strength and humor. My mother was a successful business owner, a single mom, and a friend to many. She was the life of the party and everyone was always happy to see her. She was Volunteer of the Year for the local American Cancer Society. She visited many patients at their most vulnerable, right after diagnosis, through the Reach for Recovery program. She had a notebook full of patients that she would follow up with to make sure they were okay and share her experiences.
I remember my mom taking me for my first mammogram when I was 22 years old. Her cancer had returned but she never wanted anyone to worry about her. She actually signed us up for our first cancer walk in South Orange in 1995, though she was already feeling the effects of advanced cancer. After fighting for five years, Metastatic Breast Cancer took her at the age of 51. I had just turned 24 and couldn’t imagine life without her. Somedays I still can’t.
Though I walk in memory of my mom, I also selfishly walk for myself. In 2003, I was diagnosed with Stage I Breast Cancer at age 30. I was aggressive with surgeries and treatments but my cancer returned four years later at age 34. I was shellshocked that I was facing the same fate as the two most important women in my life. I’m now 15 years with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer. I’ve done treatments, more surgeries, and a clinical trial. I remain on drugs that have cumulative side effects that don’t make my life super easy. But I am beyond blessed that I am still here and able to celebrate another walk with my wonderful friends and family! I’ve lost dozens of friends to this horrible disease. These are young women with children and should have had long lives ahead of them….we all should.
The funds I’m raising will sustain critical research and provide services for people trying to cope with their own breast cancer experiences. Believe me, every dollar really does count, so I’m asking you to please donate today. Together, we can make a big difference in the fight against breast cancer.
To raise funds directly for Theresa’s fundraiser, click here.
Team “Fighting Pretty” was lead by team leader Gina DeRosa and raised over $1,400
Top teams were Rising to the Challenge $21,005; The Fighting Champions $18,768; Hanna’s Bananas Powered by Toyota $13,950; The Pink Striders $12,740; Making Strides in Memory of Rosemarie Mancuso $7,026; Warriors 3.0 $6,548; Team Kamdar $6,429; Las Panas $5,324; BASF Florham Park $5,057; and BASF Flanders Green4Pink $4,575.
Top participants were Sylvia Samaniego $12,455; Fran Saliter $10,862; Lois Dornfeld $10,655; Susan Donaldson $7,348; Nancy Medford $5,888; Teresa Mancuso $4,575; Mary Rehus $3,559; Dayana Peck $3,338 and Sharon Spina $2,673.
A refreshment Tent for water and refreshments was sponsored by Uncle Giuseppe’s Italian Market
Apart from skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer type in women. In fact, in 2019, 271,270 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed. 62,930 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed in women (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer: The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass, but other symptoms are also possible. It’s important to have any breast change checked by a healthcare provider.
For more information about the American Cancer Society and all of its programs, click here.
The Survivor & Thriver Tent, sponsored by Bausch & Lomb, is a special area for Survivors and Thrivers. Survivors and Thrivers will enjoy some snacks, and coffee, receive their sashes and participate in activities—all while creating great memories in the tent.Seton Hall UniversityParsippany Volunteer Ambulance members Sophia Lowery and Melinda ErnstRandolph Rams CheerleadersKiwanis Club Lt. Governor Frank Cahill with Kiwanis Club of Caldwell/West Essex President Jessica AlmeidaTeam Jessica AlmediaKiwanis Club of Caldwell/West Essex President Jessica Almedia and member AnthonyMayor James Barberio with Barbara and Haywood BaileyMaking Strides of Parsippany Attracts Over 1,786 ParticipantsDark Invader and friends
Envision a future where our children no longer live with the threat of breast cancer and where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive this disease. By supporting the Making Strides movement, you help ensure the American Cancer Society can continue fighting for that same vision. Together, we can help fund the future of breast cancer research and programs for our loved ones today – and for the next generation.
For more information on the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” click here. Cancer information, answers, and hope. Available every minute of every day by calling 800-227-2345.
PARSIPPANY — Morris County Republican Club and Chatham Mayor Ashley Felice held a luncheon to honor Paul DeGroot at Bruno’s Italian Bistro, Parsippany.
Paul DeGroot comes from a blue-collar family with respect for conservative values such as hard work, discipline, and helping others. Born and raised in Passaic County to a firefighter dad and a homemaker mom, he went to public schools in Clifton, commuted to Montclair State College, and went on to graduate from the University of Maryland with a degree in political science. While there, he joined the College Republicans and did a six-month internship on Capitol Hill for a local congressman.
Paul attended the Widener University School of Law in Delaware; He was awarded his Juris Doctorate in 1993. In 1996, DeGroot went to work for the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office in a career that spanned 25 years. DeGroot ultimately was promoted to Chief Prosecutor for the Homicide, Narcotics, and Government Corruption units. He was involved in 100 trials and closed thousands of cases.
Paul along with his wife Sharon, are the parents of two young children and are homeowners who live in Montville.
A group of attendees gather for a picture with Paul DeGroot
Parent’s Rights in Education: Paul supports all parents’ right to be part of curriculum decisions in their children’s schools. He opposes indoctrinating our students with leftist ideology. Paul will work with parents to make sure our public school curriculum teaches students marketable skills, not socialist propaganda.
American Liberty and Freedom: Paul opposes government lockdowns of businesses and schools – and the abuse of federal and state power on Americans. He opposes executive edicts during the Covid-19 pandemic that infringe on personal liberty.
The U.S. Constitution: Paul is an ardent supporter of following the U.S. Constitution and interpreting it as written by our Founding Fathers. He opposes judges who legislate from the bench. As a prosecutor for 25 years; Paul lived with the Constitution every day.
Energy Independence: Paul Supports energy independence for America. Under President Biden, oil prices have skyrocketed from $41.9 a barrel in 2020 to more than $100 today. The increase is felt by every family and business in America
The American Economy – Besides energy independence, Paul supports measures to cut inflation and a national tax policy that creates strong industries and good-paying jobs for Americans. To compete with China, America needs less regulation on businesses.
Border Security: Illegal immigrants are flooding into our country from our Southern Border. They are coming from all corners of the globe and most are unvetted. The progressives like Mikie Sherril are encouraging this mass invasion of our country and supporting President Biden’s policy of secretly dispersing illegal aliens to all corners of the United States. Paul will fight for U.S. Border Security.
NY Times – October 22, 2021- A record 1.7 million migrants from around the world were encountered trying to enter the United States illegally in 2021… capping a year of chaos at the southern border, which has emerged as one of the most formidable challenges for the Biden administration. It was the highest number of illegal crossings recorded since at least 1960.
Senior Citizens: Paul supports expanding basic Medicare benefits for our senior citizens to include eyeglasses and dental. These benefits can be paid for by cutting government waste and curtailing financing to illegal immigrants.
Veterans: Paul cares about our U.S. Military veterans and believes they deserve the best opportunities and care we can provide for them. Thanking them for their service is not enough. Paul supports the rights of veterans to receive legal assistance, medical services, business & housing ownership, employment outreach, discharge upgrades, and family outreach services.
For more information about Paul DeGroot, click here.
Paul DeGroot with Rockaway Police Chief Conrad Pepperman
PARSIPPANY — The Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to Route 10 West near Manor Lane for a reported vehicle fire on Wednesday, October 19 at 12:43 p.m.
Upon arrival, a landscaping truck was on fire, with an extension to the trailer and nearby brush.
Morris Plains Fire Department and the Morris Plains Fire Association was requested for an additional engine. The fire was knocked down and no injuries were reported.
Thanks to Par-Troy EMS and the Parsippany Police Department for their assistance and traffic control.
Thanks to a nearby resident for providing these great drone shots of the incident.
Photo was taken from Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page.
At the recent Board of Education candidate’s forum, one candidate, Andrew Choffo, stood out from the others by expressing what I consider out-of-date and extreme views. He expressed outdated opinions that our children can be protected and prepared for life by restricting knowledge in the library and in the classroom. Rejecting or banning books is useless when the forbidden “fruits” hang from every nearby Apple. Perhaps he imagines his position on student diversity can be achieved by simply co-occupying classroom space. With 46% of the district’s students Asian, 14.4% Hispanic, and 3.2% Black/African American, diversity is all around us and should be embraced and reflected in the library as well as the classroom.
Also, his “Moms For Liberty” endorsement is from a group that feels that the State has taken away or soon will take away parental rights. First of all, no one has taken away your rights. And let’s be clear— “Parental Rights” is their catchphrase for the will of a few who seek to impose their minority values by restricting exposure to ideas and open discussions on age-appropriate sex education, racism, individual student rights, etc. Parents and teachers are partners in helping our children to understand the world they face. We cannot turn our rights and moral responsibility over to an overreaching Board or someone else’s “Mom”.
Next consider Mr. Choffo’s remarkable statistic in his review of non-curriculum, free choice library books which he found “…99% progressive…” and all containing what he called “…anti-white, anti-police, anti-American…” subject matter. For a brief moment, we glimpsed a different side of Andrew Choffo. I find these prejudices to be ugly and frightening.
Please watch the forum on YouTube. Consider the lock-step agenda of the entire Choffo ticket (Choffo, Raia, Ferise). I urge you to vote for open-minded Candidates 4, 5, and 6 (Alison Cogan, Kendra Von Achen, and Michelle Shappell).
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany held its 26th Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser on Thursday, October 20 at Hanover Manor.
This year the event, attended by approximately 200 guests, was co-sponsor with Order Sons of Italy In America – Lodge 2561. All proceeds from the event will benefit charitable organizations from both the Kiwanis and the Sons of Order Sons of Italy In America – Lodge 2561.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Nicolas Limanov, Kiwanis Lt. Governor Division 9 Frank Cahill, Joe Jannarone, Jr., Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Councilman Justin Musella, Joseph E. Bock, Jr. Town of Boonton Council Member Ward 3. Front Row, Aysha Avalos, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Vice President Ilmi Bojkovic and Beverly Pirone.
Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet arranged a top-of-the-line selection of wines, spirits, and beers from 38 distributors, and our members were more than happy to pour a generous sample of the products.
Hanover Manor did a fantastic job providing an ample and tasteful hot and cold buffet, cutting stations walk, around appetizers, and a dessert/coffee station to accompany the excellent drinks.
Hanover Manor did a fantastic job providing an ample and tasteful hot and cold buffetHanover Manor did a fantastic job providing an ample and tasteful hot and cold buffet.
Congratulations on a very successful event arranged by Kiwanis Greater Parsippany Committee Chairman Michael Mulhaul with President Nicolas Limanov, and Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 President Robert Adamo, and of course, to those members from both organizations without whom these worthwhile events would not be possible.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio and Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling
The local programs funded by the Kiwanis Club include sponsored youth programs in the Parsippany-Troy Hills school district, such as Key Clubs in both high schools, Builders Clubs in the middle schools, and K-Kids Clubs in all of the elementary schools; Parsippany Day Care Center; Parsippany Library; the Stickley Farms family fun day and numerous other 501(c)3 organizations that serve children and families.
Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Executive Director Lorri Caffrey, Volunteer Lorraine Nealis, Development Manager Alison Haight, Volunteer, and Foster Program Alison Haight, and Volunteer and Foster Programs Rose Cigna
In addition to this financial support of children’s leadership development and service initiatives, the club meets the basic needs of the less fortunate families in our community by providing food and food cards, toiletry items, and blankets through a partnership with the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Community Center. The Club also supports state and national organizations that serve the needs of children and their families.
For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, contact Nicolas Limanov at (917) 499-7299 or click here; For more information on Order Sons of Italy In America – Lodge 2561, click here.
Chairman Michael Mulhaul
Adam Gragnani, Paul Carifi, Loretta Gragnani, Debbie Coppola-Whiting. Joe Jannarone, Jr.
Aysha Avalos, Kiwanis Lt. Governor Division 9 Frank Cahill, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Vice President Ilmi Bojkovic, NJ District Kiwanis Treasurer Martin Slezak and Kiwanis Club of Keyport President Lauren Hassane
Karen DeChristopher and Dan Cassidy
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella, Town of Boonton Council Member Joe Bock and Parsippany Kiwanis President Nicolas Limanov
Joe Jannarone, Jr., Heather Darling, Sean Clark and Patrick Minutillo
Volunteers displaying samples
Nicolas Limanov, Heather Darling, Gordon Meth and Michael Mulhaul
Volunteers displaying samples
Volunteers displaying samples
NJ Jersey Kiwanis Foundation Treasurer Jerry Adelsohn, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella and Past NJ District Kiwanis Governor Gordon Meth
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Nicolas Limanov, Kiwanis Lt. Governor Division 9 Frank Cahill,
Frank Cahill and Susan Slaughter
The fantastic food at Hanover Manor
The fantastic food at Hanover Manor
The fantastic food at Hanover Manor
The fantastic food at Hanover Manor
The fantastic food at Hanover Manor
The fantastic food at Hanover Manor
The room was packed with attendees
Volunteers displaying samples
Volunteers displaying samples
Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet arranged a top-of-the-line selection of wines, spirits, and beers from 38 distributors and our members were more than happy to pour a generous sample of the products
Sean Clark checking out the appetizers being passed around
Volunteers displaying samples
Beverly Prione Courtney Musella, Justin Musella and Joseph Bock
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio and Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling
PARSIPPANY — Do you have that one house in your neighborhood that goes all out decorating for Halloween? The first house we recommend that you take a ride by at night is located at 24 Sedgefield Drive. The theme this year is Camp Crystal Lake. The owners change the theme every year. A moment does not pass where a car isn’t pulling up gawking in delight at the spectacular arrangement.
A house you must see is located at 24 Sedgefield Drive.A house you must see is located at 24 Sedgefield Drive.A house you must see is located at 24 Sedgefield Drive.A house you must see is located at 24 Sedgefield Drive.
If you would like to submit your house please click here.
Dear Editor:
