Shoplifter at Stop & Shop charged with possession of Heroin

MORRIS PLAINS — Parsippany resident Joseph Sellars was charged with possession of Heroin on Saturday, November 11 by Morris Plains Township Police Department.

Stop & Shop Loss Prevention Officer stated the male in custody, Mr. Joseph Sellars, proceeded to a self checkout register with three items and only paid for one of the items and placed the other two items in a Stop & Shop plastic bag. The items that Mr. Sellars shoplifted were a bag of sugar and coffee creamer.  While in the Loss Prevention Office it was obvious that Mr. Sellares was under the influence of narcotics and/or alcohol.

Mr. Sellars explained to the officers that he takes medication for his panic attacks and that he is prescribed medication to help him. The officer then received the bottle of medication from Mr. Sellars and the prescription bottle contained the prescribed medication as well as four heroin folds.

Mr. Sellars was placed under arrest and read his Miranda warnings by Lt. Michael Rolph. Patrol Officer Michael Kelly then escorted him to the patrol car and transported Mr. Sellars to Police Headquarters.

Mr. Sellars also had other pending charges in an  unrelated case.  He was issued a criminal warrant and transported to Morris County Jail.

Mr. Sellers was charged with 2C:25-10A(1) Possession, use or being under the influence, or failure to make lawful disposition and 2C:36-2 – Use or possession with intent to use, disorderly persons offense. The officers advised the store manager and the Loss Prevention Officer that they would have to sign complaints on Mr. Sellars due to the fact the proceeds do not exceed $200.00.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

 

 

Parsippany Town Hall Council Meeting from (12/19/2017)

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PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Town Hall Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 19, 2017. 

Morris Habitat for Humanity Receives Gift of $50,000 from New Jersey Natural Gas

RANDOLPH  — New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) is proud to support Morris Habitat for Humanity (MHfH) and its affordable homeownership programs including Neighborhood Revitalization which benefits residents in Dover, Succasunna and Mine Hill.  The one-time gift of $50,000 will also enable MHfH to break ground on 17 new affordable homes in 2018.  For over a decade, NJNG has worked with MHfH to help deserving families realize the dream of homeownership. Together, NJNG and MHfH have helped 13 families become first-time homeowners to date.

“We share Morris Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to strengthening our neighborhoods and communities. We are pleased to help them provide safe and affordable housing opportunities for deserving families in Morris County,”said Karen Escobedo, Manager Community Outreach at New Jersey Natural Gas.

“Words can only begin to express our gratitude and appreciation for this transformational gift from New Jersey Natural Gas”, said Blair Schleicher Bravo, CEO of Morris Habitat for Humanity.  “We are so very fortunate to have a partner like New Jersey Natural Gas supporting our programs.”

NJNG has been providing safe, reliable service since 1952 and serves more than 530,000 customers in Monmouth, Ocean and Morris counties.

Morris Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization that builds homes, communities and hope. Morris Habitat is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; advocating for fair and just housing policies; and providing training and access to resources to help families improve their living conditions.  Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all.   Morris Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion.

Since 1985 Morris Habitat has served over 400 households though home ownership opportunities, home preservation, and international home building programs.

 

Founded in 1985, Morris Habitat for Humanity advocates for and builds affordable housing to enhance lives and strengthen the community.  Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Morris Habitat builds new homes and provides home repair services to income eligible families.  Morris Habitat collaborates with other Habitat affiliates and related housing organizations to improve the affordable housing stock in the region, and over the last four years has more than doubled the number of homes built.

Morris Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles by building homes, communities and hope.  Morris Habitat is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; advocating for fair and just housing policies; and providing training and access to resources to help families improve their living conditions.  Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter should be a matter of conscience and action for all.  Morris Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion.

Since 1985 Morris Habitat has served over 400 households though home ownership opportunities, home preservation, and international home building programs.  Of these, 105 homes were home repair projects and 84 new homes were built.  In addition, proceeds from the ReStore, opened May 2007, so that it has been open more than 10 years and has funded 22 of the 84 homes built and diverted almost 5,800 tons of useable material out of landfills.   The ReStore store is located at 274 South Salem Street, Randolph and store hours are Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Reward offered for information on Morris Township shooting

MORRIS TOWNSHIP — The Morris Township Police are currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Jersey Avenue in Morris Township at 11:56 p.m., on Wednesday, December 27, 2017. Shortly before midnight, witnesses reported hearing gunfire. Patrols responded to the scene, where evidence was recovered. At this time, it is unknown if anyone was injured; there were no victims at the scene and the motive of the shooting is also unknown.

Three males may have been involved in the incident and they may possibly be Hispanic and/or African American. A Chevy Impala was observed leaving the scene.

Anyone that may have information to please contact Morris County CrimeStoppers at www.copcall.org or 973-COP-CALL. No one will ask your name, and you could receive an award up to $1,000.00.

Parsippany residents want Inglesino gone

PARSIPPANY — Many residents spoke during the public session of a special council meeting held on Wednesday, December 28.

The residents were voicing their opinion over the dissatisfaction of the resolution presented by Township Council President Louis Valori in a final attempt to save Township Attorney John Inglesino from being replaced by the new Administration at the annual reorganization meeting. Council President Louis Valori introduced Resolution No. 2017:187 at the regular Council meeting held on Tuesday, December 19. (Click here to read previous article on Resolution 2017:187)

Resolution No. 2017:187 was approved 3-0 with two members abstaining. Council President Louis Valori, Councilman Michael dePierro and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani voted to approve the resolution, while Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., abstained.

The resolution appoints Todd M. Galante, Esq. and Piro, Zinna, Cifelli, Paris and Genitempo, LLC, (PiroZinna Firm) as special legal counsel for purposes of advising the Township Council on potential conflicts involving Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr. voting on the appointment of Township Attorney. The opinion letter was presented to the Council prior to the meeting, but was no discussed in public.  If the public wanted a copy of the opinion letter, they had to request it from the Township Clerk.  Khaled Madin did announce residents could just pick up one at this office, and that no OPRA (Open Public Records Act) request was not needed.

Mayor-Elect Michael Soriano will nominate a new Township Attorney, as well as Special Township Counsel at the Township Council’s reorganization meeting on January 1, 2018 beginning at 12:00 Noon.

Democrat Mayor-Elect Michael Soriano campaign promise is to replace current Township Attorney John Inglesino.

“I feel the voters spoke. We want a new attorney. We don’t want a holdover appointment,” said Parsippany resident Julia Peterson.

The issue with appointing a new attorney, according to some council members, is the unresolved case involving former township police Capt. James Carifi, brother of Councilman Paul Carifi.

If they are successful in attempting to block Carifi, most likely the vote will be split 2-2 (Republicans dePierro and Gragnani voting against the new appointment, while new Council Democrat Candidates McCarthy and Peterson will vote for the new appointment) and Inglesino would become a hold-over.

James Lott, Esq.

Soriano’s choice for township attorney is James L. Lott, Jr., a former municipal attorney for West Caldwell and Chatham. Lott is a partner at Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti LLP. in the Firm’s Government Affairs Group. His practice encompasses all aspects of land development regulation as well as redevelopment, municipal and transportation law. Jim has significant experience in handling complex and controversial development projects and has appeared before more than 75 municipal, county and regional land use and transportation agencies.

Lott is a member of Soriano’s transition team.

Councilman Michael dePierro said Inglesino should be retained until the cases are resolved. “When the three James Carifi lawsuits are resolved, I will be happy to approve any appointment that Mr. Soriano wants to make.”

Residents holding up signs “No More Inglesino”

Brooklawn Drive resident Bob Venezia asked several questions including (1) How does the resolution benefit Parsippany residents and (2) Where is the conflict of interest in Carifi voting on the new Twp Attorney?

“Your mayor, James Barberio, promised a smooth transition, so you are usurping the power of both mayors, the present mayor and the elected Michael Soriano,” said Lake Hiawatha resident Nick Homyak.

“How about Inglesino’s conflicts with his developers buddies. After Waterview this guy is no friend of the people of Parsippany. If Barberio refused the past council’s vote to remove Inglesino then the new Mayor should have same privilege to remove any attorney, continued Homyak.

“John Inglesino is a political parasite feeding on the body politic of Parsippany,” said Glacier Hills resident Brian Tappen. “Jamie and you both lost your election because of your association with John (Referring to Council President Louis Valori). A majority of people wanted him removed, and were willing to remove the mayor and the town council to do it.”

Resident Ken Dolsky said “The Carifi cases are not the most important issues in this town. The council can’t deny the will of the people for years over this one issue.  I did not hear anyone from the public speak in favor of keeping Mr. Inglesino as the town attorney.”  

Township Attorney John Inglesino

Township Attorney John Inglesino was appointed by Mayor James Barberio. During the eight years as Township Attorney, many of the years he was a “hold over” because not all Council members, including Council President Louis Valori, voted for reappointment of Inglesino.

Inglesino did not attend the meeting, although he was at Town Hall prior to the meeting. He also did not attend the previous two meetings (December 5 and December 19).

A member of the Soriano transition team told Parsippany Focus that Inglesino had reached out to them about settling the Carifi cases.

Council Vice President Robert Peluso did not attend the meeting.  When reached by telephone he said “When I was contacted about adding a non-scheduled Council meeting, I was not in favor of it. I expressed my concern that it was during working hours and would not be accessible to the taxpayers.  Like many of our citizens, I was unable to attend this special meeting due to prior commitments at work.  Meeting details were not discussed with the entire Council prior to the meeting and no rationale was given for the special meeting, or the inopportune time that was being proposed. This is not how our great Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills should be governed. The Council President and Administration owe the people of Parsippany an explanation.”

Mayor-elect Michael Soriano will be sworn in as Mayor, by Governor-elect Phil Murphy on Monday, January 1 at 12:00 Noon. In addition, Janice McCarthy will be sworn in by Mayor Mimi Letts and Emily Peterson will be sworn in by Mikie Sherrill, a former federal prosecutor and Democratic candidate against Republican U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen.

Apartment Fire at Westgate Gardens

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a fire inside an apartment at 8:49 a.m. on Thursday, December 28.

The apartment was located at 350  Parsippany Road in the Westgate Gardens.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police officers, along with the Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 6, Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3, Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department RIC District 1, Par-Troy EMS, and Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad responded to the scene.

Surrounding buildings and apartments were temporarily evacuated. The firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and the evacuated occupants were allowed back inside their residences. The occupants of the apartment that was on fire arrived on scene and spoke to Parsippany Police Department Fire Investigator Patrolman David Cavaliere.

After a brief investigation it was determined that the cause of the fire was from a candle that was left unattended after the occupants left. The apartment that was on fire was left uninhabitable and the occupants are making their own temporary living arrangements.

No injuries were reported and the responding emergency personnel cleared the scene by 9:47 a.m.

Letter to the editor: Opposed to Retention of Mr. Inglesino

parsippany focusDear Editor:

At last night’s (December 27) special Parsippany Town Council meeting one of the town councilmen stated that John Inglesino should remain the Parsippany lawyer because he is most familiar with the Carifi cases.  Retention of Mr. Inglesino is opposed by the incoming administration and everyone who spoke on this issue at the meeting.

I disagree with the idea of retaining Mr. Inglesino for his Carifi case knowledge for the following reasons:

1.    These cases will take months and maybe years to wrap up.  The town can’t give an attorney control over all legal issues for years just because of one case, which will be a fraction of the legal work needed by the town.

2.    The Carifi cases are not the most important issues in this town.  The council can’t deny the will of the people for years over this one issue.  I did not hear anyone from the public speak in favor of keeping Mr. Inglesino as the town attorney.  

3.    Mr. Inglesino may be most familiar with these cases but attorneys hand off cases all the time – this is not that complex.

4.    If necessary, Mr. Inglesino could be brought in as a consultant on these cases.  This is a much more reasonable way to use his expertise than forcing the town to keep him for all legal matters for years.  

I believe the vote to hire a new attorney will take place after the inauguration on January 1 at town hall.  I encourage residents with opinions  on this subject to attend.

Ken Dolsky

Members of the Fire Department removing Flag from home destroyed Christmas Day

PARSIPPANY — Firemen from the various Parsippany Volunteer Fire Departments remove the flag from the home destroyed on Christmas Day. The structure at 29 Southwood Drive was deemed unsafe and a local contractor came in to demolish the home.

The Parsippany Police Department Communications Center received a 911 call at 6:42 p.m. from Hoovers Tavern reporting some type of a large fire they could see through the woods on Powder Mill Road.

Volunteer Firemen removing the American Flag from the destroyed home

At 6:44 p.m. a second 911 caller reported the rear of 29 Southwood Drive was on fire and was not aware if any occupants were inside the residence.

Mayor-elect Michael Soriano confirmed that there were no occupants inside the structure. “They are safe,” Soriano said. “They were not inside. We were very worried, and very happy when we saw them.” He said they will be staying with relatives.

Tax records list the owners of the home as Roger Anderson, 82, and Geneva Anderson, 77. They were the only people living at that address, according to Soriano.

While attempting to extinguish the fire, it was determined by on scene fire personnel that the structure was collapsing and was unsafe to enter.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Investigator Detective M. Czajka and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office CID unit responded to the scene to process the scene and investigate the cause of the fire.

The remains of the house fire on Christmas Night
The remains of 29 Southwood Drive

Letter to the editor: Michele Sylvin, thank you for your 23 years service

parsippany focusDear Editor:

Michele Sylvin, thank you for your 23 years serving the residents of Parsippany. I personally know your quick response time and diligence in all types of matters that came to your attention.

It was a pleasure dealing with you as a township employee and you were second to none (you were tied with Judy Silver).

There were numerous occasions when residents would tell me that woman in the Mayor’s office she is so nice, responsive, and follows up to make sure the matter was taken of. I would ask did you get her name, yes it was Michele.

What most of the residents do not know about Michele was she did not want to be recognized for  the large number of good deeds. She cares about the town more than anyone can realize. The job is not an easy, the public wants everything, their concerns are paramount, and do not want their taxes increased. She was on the front-line “Mayor’s Action Line.

Remember, three administrations and growing diversified community.

It’s going to be an interesting transition without her, if you call the Mayor’s office after January 1 be patient matters will not be handled so quickly. Michelle will be missed.

Roy Messmer
Former Parsippany Resident

Morris County Young Republicans Executive Slate takes oath of office

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Young Republicans 2018 Executive Board formally took the oath of office its Christmas Party on Thursday, December 21 at the Mountain Lakes Club in Mountain Lakes. This event, sponsored by Representative  Rodney Frelinghuysen was attended by over 120 Morris County Republicans, including numerous Elected Officials. Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani and Councilman Michael dePierro were among the elected officials from Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Filling out the executive team are Kevin Staley of Mendham Borough, Vice Chair; Julie Lapatka of Boonton Township, Treasurer; Joseph Bock of Boonton, Secretary; Justin Musella of Morris Township, State Committeeman; and Tia Fritze of Roxbury, State Committeewoman.

Bock served as MCYR Chairman for 2016 and 2017.

Ugalde, 21, is a senior at the College of Saint Elizabeth. She is a member of the Municipal Alliance Committee in Randolph and the Randolph Township Republican Committee, and is considering a career in law and policy.

As chair, she plans to work to increase MCYR membership and to encourage existing members to become more involved as campaign volunteers to help elect Republicans candidates in Morris County and throughout New Jersey in 2018.

“Sydney is an outstanding young woman who has the ability to re-energize the young Republicans residents of Morris County, to help maintain the solid Republican leadership that has made Morris County that best place to live in New Jersey,” said Morris County Freeholder Doug Cabana.

These young men and women offer an energy and enthusiasm which portends a great future for continued Republican Party leadership in Morris County for decades to come,’’ said Morris County Sheriff James Gannon.

“Congratulations to Sydney Ugalde, who hails from my hometown, and to the entire impressive slate of Young Republican leaders for 2018,” said Randolph Republican Municipal Chair and former Mayor Roman Hirniak.

The Morris County chapter of the Young Republicans is one of the most influential in the state, and is affiliated with the New Jersey Young Republican Federation and the Young Republican National Federation.

In 2017, the Morris County Young Republicans held monthly meetings throughout the county, including forums featuring Republican candidates for Governor, Freeholder, and the State Legislature.

During the 2017 summer and fall, MCYR members were actively involved in various  Republican campaigns and two members, Brian Bergen of Denville and Michael Inganamort of Chester Township, won seats on their local municipal governing bodies.

The Morris County Young Republicans are actively recruiting for new members. Any registered Republican in Morris County between the ages of 18-40 can become a member of the Morris County Young Republicans by paying yearly dues of $35.00.

For more information on the MCYR click here.

Matt Rooney

Join Morris County Young Republicans for the first meeting of 2018 featuring guest speaker Matt Rooney of Save Jersey on Thursday, January 18 at 7:00 p.m.

The event will be held at Vinnie’s Pizzeria and Ristorante, 406 Main Street, Boonton, sponsored by Freeholder John Cesaro.

This event is free and open to the public of all ages and we will be serving dinner and refreshments, guests over 21 may bring their own beverages.

For any questions, please e-mail morrisyr@gmail.com.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Council to hold special meeting

Council President Lou Valori

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council President Louis Valori scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday, December 27 at 4:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss:

  1. Resolution of the Township Council of The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Authorizing The Execution of an Agreement with Morris Corporate Center VI, LLC for the installation and maintenance of landscaping on a portion of the property known as 100 Cherry Hill Road (Block 136, Lot 44) in the Township Of Parsippany-Troy Hills;
  2. Resolution of the Township Council of The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Authorizing a Mobile Intensive Care Unit Affiliation Agreement with Prime Healthcare Services;
  3. Resolution of the Township Council of The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Authorizing a Developer’s Agreement with 700 Mountain Way;
  4. Resolution Canceling 2016 Tax Overpayments.

Any other action reasonably related thereto may also be taken. Formal action may or not be taken.

For additional information contact the Township Clerk, Khaled Madin at (973) 263-4350.

 

 

 

Christmas Fire destroys Powder Mill Home

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department Communications Center received a 911 call at 6:42 p.m. from Hoovers Tavern reporting some type of a large fire they could see through the woods on Powder Mill Road.

The occupants lost everything
The remains of the house fire on Christmas Night

Mount Tabor Fire Department, Par-Troy EMS and officers began responding to the area.

At 6:44 p.m. a second 911 caller reported the rear of 29 Southwood Drive was on fire and was not aware if any occupants were inside the residence.

Multiple officers, along with Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department District 1, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 6, Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3, Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire Department District 4, Boonton Fire Department RIT, Cedar Knolls Fire Department RIT, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad and Par-Troy EMS responded to the scene.

Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 2 was used for coverage if any further assistance or emergency calls were received.

The remains of 29 Southwood Drive

Mayor-elect Michael Soriano confirmed that there were no occupants inside the structure. “They are safe,” Soriano said. “They were not inside. We were very worried, and very happy when we saw them.” He said they will be staying with relatives.

Tax records list the owners of the home, at 29 Southwood Drive, as Roger Anderson, 82, and Geneva Anderson, 77. They were the only people living at that address, according to Soriano.

While attempting to extinguish the fire, it was determined by on scene fire personnel that the structure was collapsing and was unsafe to enter.

A construction company was contacted and the house was demolished.

The fire was brought under control and extinguished and all personnel departed the scene by Tuesday, December 26 at 1:20 a.m.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Investigator Detective M. Czajka and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office CID unit responded to the scene to process the scene and investigate the cause of the fire.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department 6 Chief Scott Serrecchia on the scene.

One firefighter was transported to Saint Clares Hospital by Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad after falling on some ice and injuring his leg.

The occupants are currently staying with family. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.  

Letter to the editor: Déjà vu all over again in Parsippany

parsippany focusDear Editor:

Back to business on December 27, 2017 4:30 PM: Council President Louie Valori called for a special meeting regarding the Hold-over status of Township Attorney John Inglesino.

On November 7, 2017, the voters of Parsippany voted out Mayor Barbiero because of Township Attorney John Inglesino. I have stated in previous letter to the editor, just watch September 12, 2017 council meeting tape.

Open question, (I think I know the answer): How did Mayor Barbiero and John Inglesino comprise Louie Valori? 

Parsippany Life reporter, Cindy Forrester, covered on December 28, 2008 7:30PM a special meeting where basically the town council for political reasons rip-off the taxpayers for $750,000 joining Morris County Joint Insurance Fund in lieu of being insured by Fortune 500 Company. Mr. Michael dePierro was also on the council at that time.

Now, this meeting, John Inglesino is not only trying to keep his $800,000 per year fee (which can not be replaced easily) his firm will be billing the town for this resolution, it’s absurd!

I am not a fan of Govern-Elect, but the first matter his Attorney General should address is corruption, mismanagement, and self serving politics in Parsippany

Residents get to the meeting tomorrow, December 27, at 4:30 p.m.

If only U.S. Attorney William Fitzpatrick sent an operative because Chris Christie can not protect Inglesino anymore and President Trump knows better.

Roy Messmer
Former Parsippany resident

Man Found Guilty of Sexual Assault of a Five Year Old Child

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Roxbury Police Chief Marc Palanchi announce that Cameron Muir, 23, Stanhope, was found guilty of two counts of Sexual Assault, crimes of the second degree, and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, crimes of the third degree, after a jury trial before the Honorable Sohail Mohammed, J.S.C. (Passaic Vicinage).

On March 25, 2012, the then five year-old female victim disclosed to a family member that the Defendant had sexually assaulted her on two occasions. The first act occurred when the victim was four years-old and the Defendant was 17 years-old.  The second act occurred when the victim was five years-old and the Defendant was 18 years old.  Mr. Muir was babysitting the victim at the time of the acts in question.

On the afternoon of December 21, 2017, the jury returned a verdict in this matter.  In addition to the verdict of guilty on the charges of Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, the jury acquitted the Defendant of charges of first degree Aggravated Sexual Assault.  Defendant was remanded to the Passaic County Jail and is expected to be sentenced on April 25, 2018.

Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Meg Rodriguez and Assistant Prosecutor Alyssa DiSturco represented the State in these proceedings.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Roxbury Police Department, specifically, Lieutenant Dean Adone, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, specifically, Sergeant Marshall Wang, for their efforts in this matter.

Letter to the editor: Another Promise Broken; Smooth Transition to Soriano

parsippany focusDear Editor:

Parsippany has a mayor–council system under the Faulkner Act. The MAYOR presides over Council. Exercises the executive power of municipality. Votes only to break ties. Has veto subject to override by 2/3 of all Council members. Appoints administration, attorney, tax collector, tax assessor, treasurer, and department heads with Council approval. May remove department heads upon written notice to Council.  

In the recent past a council-vote was taken in which town attorney John Inglesino was voted not to continue as township attorney due to conflicts of interest with Councilman Paul Carifi and other matters concerning his association with corporate developers. At this time the council voted Inglesino out. Mayor Barberio then through his “executive privilege” informed the council after the vote, that Inglesino would be staying. The council then asked; why was a vote allowed in the first place?

How now can council members Valori, dePierro and Gragnani attempt to pass a similar resolution before the new executive takes office, at the same time disenfranchising a fellow council-member? 

How can council president Valori have more power than the newly elected mayor or any mayor in that the power of appointment is the mayors alone; pending council approval? Valori is being the cart before the horse, most likely a tactic under the guiding light of Inglesino.

 Mr. Inglesino tactics to stay in power under Barberio’s administration as our real mayor has disrupted our mayor-council system of governance; using public funds to stifle his rival through lawsuits paid for by Parsippany taxpayers. The real conflict of interest is Inglesino’s promotion of himself while he improperly advocates for candidates favoring him and his law firm’s interest; of real estate developers power over the people of Parsippany and manipulation of our master plan. Development that ignores environmental resources and best practices in land use to profit corporate developers who sue Parsippany when they can’t get their way, which also benefits his law firm, the same law firm that surrenders Parsippany’s quality of life while Parsippany pays to lose, in the favor of those developers. 

Is this the smooth transition promised by Mayor Barberio? This reminds one of the promises made after the Waterview No Vote and the promise of open space for that fought over environmental constrained and valuable landscape. No doubt the tactics of how to make and break this promise occurred under the guiding light of Inglesino’s law firm, which Barberio, dePierro and Gragnani blindly follow. 

Elected officials duty is to the electorate, however it seems what we have officials whom have placed themselves above the town, in the interest of outside corporate developers, whom are about to continue to use Parsippany for their schemes to accomplish their goals of continued sprawl and speculation development where the rights of property over the right to a future of sustainability, health, safety and welfare are ignored.

During the Waterview episode councilman Valori used the term “corruption” in reference to the Barberio/Inglesino administration and the tactics of the planning board. What happened to change the mind of this official; as to siding now with the very elements of those improper means? 

Nick Homyak
Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034

Annual Central Jersey Cat Fanciers scheduled at Parsippany Sheraton

PARSIPPANY — Central Jersey Cat Fanciers will be having its sixteenth Annual cat show at the Sheraton Parsippany, 199 Smith Road, on January 5 to January 7.

Show hours will be 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Price for admission is $10.00 adults, $7.00 seniors, $7.00 children (4-12) and children under four for free.

An expected 200 cats will be present and competing at this show. Judging will take place in seven different rings each day.

This will be an opportunity to see many different breeds of cats including Bengals, Sphynx, Maine Coons, Siamese, Oriental Shorthairs, Ragdolls, Munchkins, Persians, Toygers, Savannahs, Siberians, and many more breeds.

There is also a special category for household pets and kittens, which need not be purebreds. Final awards will be presented in each category. People will be bringing their cats to compete from all over the country as well as several people from outside the United States. We will be having feline health presentations around noon on Saturday and Sunday. In addition to the cats and kittens, there will be many vendors selling gift items for you and your pet, scratching posts, magazines, jewelry, toys as well as unusual items.

There will also be food available at the hotel. We have invited a rescue group, Angel Paws, to attend the show. They will be bringing homeless pets for adoption. The telephone number for information about the show is (570) 807-0406. You can also send email requests to nycsa@aol.com.

You can obtain detailed directions to the Sheraton by calling (973) 515-2000.

Lakeland Hills YMCA Exceeds Annual Campaign Goal

MOUNTAIN LAKES —  The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is happy to announce the success of their annual GIVE A KID THE Y campaign. More than $220,000 was raised for financial aid scholarships that provide funds for membership, childcare, camp and more to those experiencing financial hardship. Adding a thank-you banner to the campaign thermometer, shown here, staff and board wish to thank everyone who supported this year’s campaign

The Learning Center at the Morris County School of Technology Accepting Preschool Applications

DENVILLE — Morris County School of Technology’s learning center, located in Denville, will be accepting applications for the Fall 2018 preschool program.

The Learning Center is an on-site preschool program taught by students in the Academy for Education and Learning and supervised by two certified teachers. Lesson plans are developed using the New Jersey Department of Education’s Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards and address a plethora of topics, which infuse mathematics, literacy, language, social studies, and science concepts. Fine and gross motor skills are developed through a variety of daily activities. 

The program runs Mondays through Thursdays for two sessions each day from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. School is in session from the end of September to the middle of June.

Children must be three years old by October 1, 2018 and residents of Morris County. Enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. Tuition for the year is $1400, which is broken into four equal payments. The first ¼ payment is non-refundable and due at the time of enrollment to secure a spot.

For more information on how to enroll a child in The Learning Center click here and visit  under the Programs tab (The Learning Center).

Fireman from District 2 accompanied Santa to St. Elizabeth

PARSIPPANY — Fireman from Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 2 accompanied Santa to St. Elizabeth Nursery and Montessori School on December 22.

Every year the Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 2 firefighters bring Santa to St. Elizabeth and the children perform songs and dance for Santa and the firefighters. 

Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 2 firefighters and Santa at St. Elizabeth Nursery and Montessori School
Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 2 firefighters gives out candy canes to the children as the children tell Santa what they want for Christmas

Santa visits IHOP on Christmas Eve

PARSIPPANY — Santa was giving out candy canes and children had the opportunity to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas on Christmas Eve at IHOP, 792 Route 46.

IHOP employee Nick Lopez telling Santa what he wants for Christmas.
Nico and Ciava Prestifilippo talking to Santa
IHOP customer Al Goldberg, Manuela Serna with Santa
General Manager Edgar Ortega, Santa and Manager Jonathan Lemus