PARSIPPANY — A fire broke out in Room 227 of the Days Inn located at 3159 Route 46 on Friday, December 12, around 7:15 p.m. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.
Multiple fire departments, including the Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 1, Parsippany District 5 Fire Department, Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire District 6, and Boonton Fire Department, swiftly responded to the incident.
Initial reports indicated that the fire had started on the second floor, leading to the evacuation of the building, which was filled with dense smoke. Thanks to the prompt response of the firefighters, the fire was rapidly extinguished. Subsequently, a fire investigator and fire prevention personnel were requested to the scene.
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills (WCPTH) hosted its Eighth Annual Spelling Bee at the Parsippany Hills High School auditorium on Friday, January 12.
Twenty-five fifth-grade students, representing all ten Parsippany Elementary Schools, participated in this exciting Spelling Bee event. Enthusiastic parents, family members, and teachers eagerly watched as the students took to the microphone to spell each word. The judging panel consisted of Melissa Kuzma, Director of Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System, William Westhoven, a Gannett NJ Daily Record reporter, and Dr. Matthew Thompson, Parsippany Hills High School Principal. Mary Ann Coyne, a WCPTH club member and chairperson of the Eighth Annual Spelling Bee, served as the Moderator, while Marianne Burke, another club member, was the Pronouncer.
After thrilling nailbiting rounds, a winner was finally declared, Aaria Nair from Mt. Tabor Elementary School secured the First Place position, followed by Riya Patel from Northvail Elementary School in Second Place, and Vtkarsh Agajwal from Northvail Elementary School in Third Place. All three winners have been invited to participate in the New Jersey State Federated Women’s Club (NJSFWC) Highlands District Spelling Bee scheduled for Saturday, February 24, in Rockaway. The regional winners will further compete in the State Championship at the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC) Headquarters on Saturday, April 20, in New Brunswick.
Events like these are made possible through the various fundraising activities conducted by the Woman’s Club throughout the year. They encourage everyone to consider supporting the club’s efforts, enabling them to continue supporting various community organizations.
Mary Ann Coyne, a WCPTH club member and chairperson of the Eighth Annual Spelling Bee, served as the Moderator,
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a proud member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC. These organizations are the largest volunteer women’s service organizations in the country/state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. New members are always welcome, so if you’re interested, attend the next General Meeting on Monday, January 22, to see if the club is the right fit for you.
For more information, you can contact Ginny at (973) 887-0336, email the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, visit their website at www.parsippanywomansclub.org, or follow the club on FACEBOOK, Twitter, or Instagram.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, February 2024. Click here to view the magazine.
MORRIS COUNTY — Jigisha Desai, a 55-year-old woman, in Rockaway, had been grappling with the harsh reality of chronic kidney disease (CKD) for two long decades. Her encounter with this relentless condition was entirely by chance, as it was discovered while she underwent surgery for a separate health issue.
CKD brought with it a relentless barrage of symptoms and challenges that would test the limits of Jigisha’s determination. She faced a multitude of health issues, financial hardships, emotional turmoil, and physical limitations, all while shouldering the responsibility of raising her two children and dealing with the loss of her family’s business. In the face of these overwhelming obstacles, Jigisha’s unwavering spirit propelled her forward.
Jigisha Desai
Around the age of 36, chronic arthritis set in, primarily targeting her knees. The pain became excruciating, and the need for a knee replacement became evident. However, her pre-existing kidney disease complicated matters further. Doctors, fearing the impact of painkillers on her already compromised kidneys, advised against surgery. Consequently, Jigisha found herself living with unrelenting pain and enduring extreme fatigue, both of which took a toll not only on her but also on her family.
Determined to delay the relentless progression of CKD, Jigisha embarked on a journey of dietary transformation. She embraced a whole-food, plant-based diet, rigorously avoiding high-sodium, high-protein, high-potassium, and high-phosphorus foods. Her diligent research led her to this dietary shift, driven by the hope of reducing the strain on her kidneys. Indeed, this lifestyle change proved beneficial in slowing down the progression of her condition. However, after two decades of relentless struggle, Jigisha stood at a critical juncture in her life.
Her only chance for a better life now hinged on the prospect of finding a living kidney donor and undergoing a kidney transplant. Jigisha’s pursuit of this lifeline led her to St. Barnabas in Livingston, where Allison Moorman, her transplant coordinator, worked tirelessly to facilitate the process. Jigisha’s blood type was O+, but she held onto hope, knowing that St. Barnabas participated in the paired exchange program, broadening her possibilities.
With unwavering courage, Jigisha appealed to the compassion of those who could make a difference. She earnestly implored potential donors to complete the living donor referral form, specifying their intention to donate to Jigisha Desai. It was a plea for a second chance at life, an opportunity to surmount the adversities that had defined her life for far too long.
In the face of daunting challenges, Jigisha Desai remained resolute, a symbol of the human spirit’s strength and the resilience born from hope. Her journey was far from over, and she clung to the belief that, with the support of compassionate donors, she could triumph over chronic kidney disease. It was a quest to rewrite the narrative of her life with the gift of a life-saving transplant.
She is listed at St. Barnabas in Livingston and her transplant coordinator is Allison Moorman at (973) 322-5082. Her blood type is O+, but it doesn’t matter because St. Barnabas does participate in the paired exchange program. Please fill out the living donor referral form and include the donor for Jigisha Desai.
PARSIPPANY — Provenir, headquartered at 1 Upper Pond Road, Parsippany, a prominent global leader in AI-driven risk decisioning software, has announced the appointment of Lori Copeland as their new Chief People Officer.
In her new role, Copeland will take charge of formulating and implementing the human resource strategy aligned with the organization’s overall business plan and strategic direction. She will provide leadership and guidance across all HR functions and devise recruitment strategies to attract fresh talent, further expanding Provenir’s workforce, which currently spans 25 countries worldwide.
Lori Copeland, a seasoned senior human resources executive with over two decades of experience, has a proven track record of engaging key stakeholders, achieving tangible results, and driving initiatives in complex global matrix organizations.
Before joining Provenir, Copeland served as the Global Vice President of Human Resources at LGC, a global life science technology company under private equity ownership. Before this role, she held the position of Global Human Resources Leader at General Electric Digital, a startup focused on the Internet of Things (IoT) within General Electric.
Larry Smith, the founder and CEO of Provenir, expressed his confidence in Copeland’s capabilities, stating, “Lori brings an impressive background in human resources and organizational development to our leadership team. Her leadership will play a crucial role in supporting our people operations and nurturing a high-impact workforce as we continue to expand.”
Copeland herself expressed enthusiasm about joining Provenir during its global expansion and its commitment to investing in its employees to deliver innovative solutions to the financial services market. She said, “As Provenir continues to provide technology that empowers financial institutions and fintech companies worldwide, I eagerly anticipate contributing to the growth and development of the company’s most valuable asset — its people.”
MORRIS COUNTY — As a volunteer tax preparer for United Way of Northern New Jersey’s free tax preparation program earlier this year, Sharareh relished helping clients save hundreds in tax preparer fees and perhaps receive a refund. She knew firsthand what it was like to struggle financially and receive some much-needed relief.
“I’ve been in that situation before,” said Sharareh, who years earlier found herself a client of United Way’s free tax preparation program. When the timing was right, she didn’t hesitate to give back and become a volunteer.
“It just makes me happy that I’m doing something and helping someone,” said Sharareh. “It’s joyful.”
United Way has launched its recruitment campaign for volunteer tax preparers to have trained volunteers across its five-county footprint of Morris, Suburban Essex, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties.
Like Sharareh, area residents can make a difference by signing up as volunteer tax preparers for the upcoming tax season. Volunteers help ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and households in poverty throughout the northern New Jersey region avoid the high cost of preparation fees.
“Becoming a volunteer tax preparer is a tangible way to make a difference in the lives of those struggling to afford life’s basics,” said United Way of Northern New Jersey CEO Kiran Handa Gaudioso. “By helping ALICE avoid high preparation fees and receive tax credits for which they are eligible, much-needed funds are put back into their wallets and the local economy.”
Like volunteers before her, Sharareh learned that not having an accounting background or any prior experience wasn’t an issue. A free training course taught her what she needed to know, and fellow volunteers and United Way staff were always on hand to answer any questions and review her work.
During the last tax season, Sharareh was among the 200 volunteers who helped United Way of Northern New Jersey and its partners — Norwescap, Greater Providence Missionary Baptist Church, and the IRS — file an estimated 5,000 returns for free. This collaboration saved struggling families $1.5 million in tax preparation costs.
“What you accomplish at the end is worth it,” Sharareh said.
For more information about becoming a volunteer tax preparer, email Monica.Conover@UnitedWayNNJ.org, call (973) 993-1160 x529 or click here.
PARSIPPANY — The partially boarded-up Lake French Cleaners at 102 North Beverwyck Road, originally constructed in 1952 and renovated in 1992, is set to be transformed into a new pizzeria location.
On Monday, January 8, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board approved a variance for application 23:518, submitted by Petocz Lake Hiawatha, LLC., allowing for the transformation of the property into a pizzeria. The owners have confirmed that the new establishment will be named “Pizzanada,” drawing inspiration from another location they currently own in Bloomfield.
Discover a Variety of Vegan Specials, Featuring Homemade Pumpkin Ravioli, Spanish Ravioli, Vegan Meat Lasagna, and a Wide Selection of Vegan Delights, including Vegan Empanadas. Click here to preview their Bloomfield location menu.
PARSIPPANY — Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox secured a victory on behalf of Teva Pharmaceuticals in the U.S. Court District Court for the District of New Jersey in a case involving a patent-infringement suit filed by Corcept Therapeutics. On December 29, 2023, the district court held that Teva does not infringe the two patents asserted at trial, finding that Corcept had failed to show that direct infringement is likely or that Teva’s label would induce infringement.
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of generic and proprietary drug products. Teva applied for FDA approval to market a generic version of Korlym (mifepristone), a drug indicated to control hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in adult patients with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome who have type II diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance and have failed surgery or are not candidates for surgery.
Corcept Therapeutics, Inc., the holder of the Korlym NDA, filed a Hatch-Waxman lawsuit against Teva alleging infringement of two patents listed in the Orange Book for Korlym.
The suit grew to include nine patents, all of which cover methods of use of mifepristone, but all but two patents were dropped before trial. The case went to trial in September 2023.
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. is located at 400 Interpace Parkway.
MORRIS COUNTY — The state of New Jersey is set to implement changes to its craft brewery and retail license laws after a bill received unanimous support from both chambers of the state Legislature on January 8. The bill, sponsored by Democratic state Senators Vin Gopal, Paul Sarlo, and Troy Singleton, proposes several significant changes to the existing regulations affecting breweries, wineries, and distilleries in the state.
Some of the key provisions of the bill include:
Allowing breweries, wineries, and distilleries to host unlimited events and private parties on their premises and up to 25 special events off-site.
Permitting these establishments to sell food items like chips, nuts, and other packaged snacks. They can also coordinate with external vendors such as food trucks and restaurants to serve food on their premises.
Eliminating the requirement that breweries must give patrons a tour of their facilities before they can consume alcohol.
Activating some of the 1,400 inactive liquor licenses (known as pocket licenses) that have not been used by restaurants or bars for at least eight years. If a license remains dormant for two years, it will expire and may be auctioned off or extended by the municipality.
Allowing communities to issue special licenses for establishments in shopping malls, with up to two additional licenses for towns with malls larger than 750,000 square feet and up to four additional licenses for towns with malls larger than 1.5 million square feet.
Permitting towns to transfer one dormant license per year and two every five years to a neighboring municipality in need of more licenses.
Establishing a farm brewery license for operators who engage in farming and wish to brew malt alcoholic beverages (up to 2,500 barrels of 31 fluid gallons a year) and sell them on their premises.
These changes are seen as a positive step for the state’s craft brewing and distilling industry, allowing it to grow and prosper. However, it’s worth noting that this bill represents a scaled-down version of broader changes that Governor Phil Murphy had previously pushed for in an effort to modernize the state’s Prohibition-era liquor license laws.
The bill’s passage has received mixed reactions, with some stakeholders applauding the progress made while others express concerns about certain restrictions, particularly regarding the transfer of inactive licenses and the overall affordability of liquor licenses in the state. The New Jersey League of Municipalities questions the limitation on transferring inactive licenses to contiguous municipalities, as it may not address the shortage of available liquor licenses in some areas.
Downtown New Jersey and the NJ Liquor License Reform Alliance believe that while this bill is a step in the right direction, it does not fully address the affordability issue and equity concerns related to liquor licenses in the state. They plan to continue advocating for more progressive reforms in the future.
MORRIS COUNTY — Statement from Assemblyman Barranco: Why I Will Not Vote for a Pay Increase for the State Legislature:
“At a time when many individuals and families in New Jersey are struggling to make ends meet; and at a time when so many middle-class homeowners and business owners are suffering the crushing impact of the highest property taxes in the nation, it is the height of insensitivity for the state lawmakers to give themselves a 67 percent pay increase.
“Instead of thinking about themselves, the legislators should be thinking about the people paying the taxes and retirees who have not had a simple cost of living increase in 12 years.
“It is shameful that the legislators most responsible for the high cost of living in New Jersey – the legislators, who six months ago approved the biggest budget in state history – would now think of rewarding themselves rather than working to relieve the financial burden they have placed on their constituents.
“I cannot in good conscience vote for a pay increase for the legislature until we start addressing the economic and tax issues that are harming New Jersey’s working people.”
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Senior Center is home to the ”Lake Hiawatha Community Center Social Bingo Club.”
If you are an older Parsippany resident and enjoy getting together with others to play Bingo, feel free to drop by and join us! You do not have to be a Lake Hiawatha resident to participate. Bingo is held every Tuesday and Thursday, at 12:30 p.m., at the Parsippany Senior Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha.
For any questions, please call the Office on Aging at (973) 263-7351.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, February 2024. Click here to view the magazine.
PARSIPPANY — Governor Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency for the entire State of New Jersey effective 5:00 p.m. tonight due to anticipated heavy rains and winds. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch for Morris County, including Parsippany, from 1:00 p.m. today, through Wednesday afternoon. A high-wind advisory will be in effect from 5:00 p.m. through 3:00 a.m. tomorrow.
The storm is forecasted to bring heavy rain of 2 to 3 inches, with localized higher amounts of up to 4 inches possible later today and tonight, and winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. The Parsippany Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor the storm as it enters our area.
Flooding is likely in low-lying areas. The ground remains very saturated following multiple rounds of heavy rainfall over the last month. The combination of snow melt and heavy rain may significantly elevate the flooding risk.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) has been out opening up catch basins in problem areas. All Township events scheduled for this evening are canceled and residents are urged to remain off the roads so first responders and public safety officials can safely respond to emergencies.
Please report power outages and downed wires to JCP&L at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), clicking the “Report Outage” click here, or by texting “OUT” to 544487.
Residents may call The Township of Parsippany – Troy Hills Police Department at (973) 263-4300 to report non-emergency issues. For all emergencies, please call 911.
MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco that would provide course credits for high school students who become volunteer firefighters was approved today by the New Jersey Senate.
“New Jersey is suffering from a severe shortage of first responders,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “By incentivizing high school students to become volunteer firefighters in their municipalities, students can earn credits to meet certain graduation requirements. This bill provides an innovative solution to reduce New Jersey’s firefighter shortage and promotes educational opportunities for students outside of the classroom.”
The legislation, S-3901, would permit students to be eligible for credits in health, safety, and physical education for completing a course at a county fire academy, provided they meet certain criteria.“Firefighting is a skilled profession that is necessary to ensure the safety of our communities,” Bucco added. “This bill enables students to receive their education while simultaneously serving as vital public servants.”To receive credits, a student must be between 16 and 18 years old, complete an examination to become a junior firefighter, and volunteer at their local fire department for two years.
PARSIPPANY — Marotta Controls, a rapidly growing Aerospace and Defense supplier, announced that it received the Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) Elite Supplier Award today. This accolade takes into consideration a variety of factors, including delivery of reliable, quality parts, products, and services on time and at competitive prices; the alignment of supplier’s values with Lockheed Martin values; and the supplier’s track record of proactively solving problems. Marotta Controls’ Marine Business Unit is among 37 suppliers receiving this honor; honorees represent the top one percent of suppliers supporting the RMS business area.
“This most recent award acknowledges the strength of our long-standing relationship with Lockheed Martin as a whole in which trust, collaboration, and on-time/on-budget delivery have been standard practices, across divisions and programs,” said Bill Dimas, Vice President, Business Development, Marotta Controls. “Our work with the RMS division extends our commitment to Lockheed’s success, and our designation as an Elite Supplier recognizes the hard work and dedication that goes into ensuring that we deliver on our promises – every time.”
Marotta’s Elite Supplier Award accomplishment is a result of Marotta’s contributions to the Aegis Combat System, the Navy’s most modern surface combat system. It was designed as a complete system: the missile launching element, the computer programs, the radar, and the displays are fully integrated to work together. This makes the Aegis system the first fully integrated combat system built to defend against advanced air and surface threats. Marotta has supplied three vital parts for Aegis:
Marotta’s Automatic Source Transfer Valve (ASTV) system provides digital control of chilled water from the main supply lines to mission-critical enclosures (MCE)
Marotta’s Integrated Electronic Controller (IEC) was developed to modernize auxiliary control functions within shipboard Mission Critical Enclosures (MCE)
Marotta’s MFV12 Motor Operated Valve Series provides proportional control of chilled water flow to ensure stable temperature control of the electronics within each Mission Critical Enclosure (MCE)
Marotta designs, develops, manufactures, and qualifies high-performance motion and flow control solutions for surface ships, submarines, and deep submergence vessels. The company’s components and systems meet stringent naval requirements and MIL standards for shock, vibration, low acoustic signature, and resistance to seawater corrosion. Having pioneered next-generation technologies that use advanced materials and embedded electronics, Marotta has reduced these critical parts’ weight, life cycle cost, size, and corrosion sensitivity.
Marotta has invested heavily in its relationship with Lockheed Martin. Over the past 13 years, the partnership has yielded:
The development of 20+ new products
Delivery of 40,000+ units
6 franchise production programs
18 current programs (11 development programs and 7 production programs)
For more information about the Marotta Controls marine system capabilities click here.
PARSIPPANY — Ami Balli, a graduate of Morris Hills High School, excelled during the Fall 2023 semester at Hofstra, achieving a GPA of at least 3.5 to earn a spot on the Dean’s List. Ami’s major is Psychology.
Hofstra University is a dynamic community of nearly 11,000 students dedicated to civic engagement, academic excellence, and becoming leaders in their communities and their careers.
Students can choose from approximately 175 undergraduate program options and 200 graduate program options in the liberal arts and sciences, education, health professions and human services, the Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs, the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Frank G. Zarb School of Business, the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law, the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Chief Thomas Miller of the Chatham Township Police Department have confirmed the charging of Nafis H. Wiggins, 25, of Newark.
Wiggins faces a litany of charges, including two counts of Human Trafficking (a first-degree crime), two counts of Luring (a second-degree crime), five counts of Sexual Assault (a second-degree crime), two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (a third-degree crime), Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) with Intent to Distribute (a third-degree crime), and Possession of a CDS (a third-degree crime) under N.J.S.A. statutes.
The charges stem from alleged actions between August 1 and September 28, 2023, during which Wiggins is accused of providing narcotics to two victims, aged 14 and 15, in exchange for sexual favors. He reportedly recruited and lured the minors through text messages. On several occasions, it is alleged that Wiggins met with the victims in Chatham Township and Chatham Borough, later transporting them in his vehicle to more isolated locations for drug use and sexual activities.
Wiggins was apprehended on December 19, 2023, at Cougar Field in Chatham Township, where he was found in possession of a controlled substance.
Following a detention hearing in compliance with the Criminal Justice Reform Act, the defendant was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
Individuals with information on this investigation are urged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at (973) 285-6200.
Prosecutor Carroll expresses gratitude to the Chatham Township Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit for their diligent efforts in the investigation and arrest.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the individual(s) are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law
PARSIPPANY — On Friday, December 22, at 11:13 a.m., a collision occurred when Ms. Anna Greenlees, 76, attempted to make a left turn from Brooklawn Drive onto Littleton Road (Route 202). The incident involved Mr. Tyrone Stevens, who was traveling south on Littleton Road.
During the collision, Ms. Greenlees’ vehicle struck the curb and veered off the roadway to the right, coming to a rest at that location. According to Ms. Greenlees, her attention was focused on the right, and she did not notice the approaching Mohawk Carpet Distribution tractor-trailer when she initiated her left turn onto Littleton Road. On the other hand, Mr. Stevens reported that he was driving straight on Littleton Road and observed Ms. Greenlees turning in front of him. He attempted to swerve but ultimately collided with her vehicle.
The investigating Parsippany-Troy Police Officer, Sean Golden, determined that Ms. Greenlees was at fault for the accident, citing her failure to yield the right of way and driver inattention as contributing factors.
Following the collision, Ms. Greenlees was transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital with injuries of unknown severity.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene by C&L Towing.
As of the time of this report, no summonses had been issued in connection with the incident.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner Stephen H. Shaw was elected Secretary of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) Board of Trustees at the January 8 meeting.
“I thank my fellow Board members for electing me and I look forward to serving on the Executive Committee,” Commissioner Shaw said. “The NJTPA provides a vital regional perspective on transportation issues, whether supporting the key role that freight plays in our local economy or prioritizing funding for much-needed local safety improvements, like those the county is studying for East Main Street/Mendham Road in Mendham Borough and Mendham Township and South Morris Street in the Town of Dover.”
The NJTPA oversees regional transportation planning and annually authorizes more than $1 billion in federal surface transportation funding for 13 counties in northern and central New Jersey.
The Executive Committee provides guidance and leadership to the full Board on a wide range of planning, policy, and administrative issues. It meets as needed to review financial, personnel, and policy matters. Board membership is an uncompensated position.
Commissioner Shaw has been in office since 2019 and joined the NJTPA Board in 2023, following the retirement of Morris County Commissioner Kathryn DeFillippo, who had previously represented the county on the board. This is his first time serving on the Executive Committee. He has also served as a member of the Planning & Economic Development Committee.
At the meeting, the NJTPA Board also selected four other members of its Executive Committee. The elected members of the Executive Committee are Ocean County Commissioner John P. Kelly, chair; Middlesex County Commissioner Charles Kenny, first vice-chair; and Warren County Commissioner Jason Sarnoski, second vice-chair. Following the bylaws, Chairman John W. Bartlett appointed Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski to the position of third vice-chair.
The NJTPA is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for 13 northern New Jersey counties. Under federal legislation, MPOs provide a forum where local officials, public transportation providers, and state agency representatives can come together and cooperatively plan to meet the region’s current and future transportation needs. It establishes the region’s eligibility to receive federal tax dollars for transportation projects.
The NJTPA Board consists of one local elected official from each of the 13 counties in the region (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren), and the cities of Newark and Jersey City. The Board also includes a Governor’s Representative, the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the Executive Director of NJ TRANSIT, the Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and a Citizen’s Representative appointed by the Governor.
PARSIPPANY — In a recent incident on Saturday, December 30 at 5:32 p.m. at Tivoli Gardens on Parsippany Boulevard, Bipin Patel, found himself in legal trouble after colliding with a parked vehicle. The details of the incident unfolded as follows:
Ms. Elizabeth Foster, the owner of the parked vehicle, a blue 2013 GMC Sierra, reported the crash. She claimed that Mr. Patel, who was driving a 2006 Black Honda CRV, collided with her truck. Upon police arrival, Patrolman Sean Abrusci observed the Honda parked diagonally across two parking spots.
Ms. Foster mentioned smelling alcohol on Mr. Patel’s breath and noted that he had attempted to back away from the accident multiple times before parking diagonally. This led the officer to approach Mr. Patel, who was still seated in his vehicle and detect the strong scent of alcohol.
During the subsequent conversation, Mr. Patel initially stated that a flat tire caused the accident but later admitted to using his cellphone’s GPS while driving. When questioned about his destination, he mentioned making a delivery and then said he was returning from work.
The officer noticed bloodshot and watery eyes and asked Mr. Patel to turn off the vehicle and step out. Mr. Patel’s impaired ability to stand, marked by swaying and staggering, led the officer to request backup.
Sergeant Edward Conklin arrived at the scene, and Patrolman Abrusci proceeded to conduct standard field sobriety tests, which Mr. Patel failed. Frustrated, Mr. Patel eventually confessed to being intoxicated.
Following his admission, Mr. Patel was transported to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Headquarters, where he was read his Miranda rights. During questioning, he admitted to buying and consuming a bottle of Bacardi from a local liquor store in the parking lot before driving.
An ALCOTEST (breath alcohol test) revealed Mr. Patel had a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .24%, well above the legal limit of 0.08% in New Jersey.
As a result of the incident, Mr. Patel faces several charges, including Operating Under the Influence (39:4-50), Reckless Driving (39:4-96), Use of a hand-held wireless telephone (39:4-97.3), and Traffic on marked lanes (39:4-88).
A witness also reported seeing Mr. Patel swerving in the northbound lane of Parsippany Boulevard.
Mr. Patel was released to a friend who read and signed the “John’s Law.”
He is scheduled to appear at Parsippany Municipal Court to address the charges filed against him.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the individual(s) are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Daniel Garcia, a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2018, has been accepted for enrollment for the 2023 summer trimester in the Doctor of Chiropractic degree program at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Main Campus in Davenport, Iowa.
In May 2022, Daniel successfully completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose, California; and Port Orange, Florida.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, January 2024. Click here to read the magazine.
PARSIPPANY — Garden Savings Federal Credit Union announced the certification of two of its team members as financial counselors.
The newly certified counselors are Stephanie Parise, and Leandra Lopes who have completed the CUNA Credit Union Financial Counseling Program offered through the CrossState Credit Union Association.
Stephanie Parise, Branch Manager of Parsippany Branch.
With these two new certified financial counselors, Garden Savings FCU now boasts six certified financial counselors, with at least one available at each branch. This expanded team is well-equipped to offer personalized financial guidance and support to members seeking to gain control of their finances and address challenging financial issues.
Garden Savings Federal Credit Union is located at 129 Littleton Road.
Garden Savings Federal Credit Union is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, January 2024. Click here to read the magazine.
