PACC held successful breakfast networking meeting

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) recently held a breakfast networking meeting entitled “How to promote your business.”

The meeting was held at International House of Pancakes (IHOP), 792 Route 46.

Frank Cahill, publisher of Parsippany Focus (and Executive Board Member of PACC) spoke about Internet Advertising; Denis Degan, WHDA/WMTR spoke on the benefits of radio advertising; Gary DeYoung, North Jersey Media spoke about Parsippany Life and Neighbor News, and the other publications they offer and Jeffrey Rosenberg spoke about website and how to be found on the internet and how to achieve a better ranking in Google.

For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and upcoming events, click here.

PACC’s next networking meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 8 at Crossfit, 5 Eastmans Road.  We will be hosting our famous, sold-out “Speed Networking” event. To register for this event click here.

Aguilera honored by Investors Bank

PARSIPPANY — Andrew Aguilera was honored by Investor’s Bank for his efforts in fundraising over $11,000 for the American Heart Association. Andrew is a Parsippany High School Graduate Class of 2014. Seton Hall student Andrew Hustick also worked on this project with Aguilera.

Each year, Investor’s Bank operates the “University Challenge,” in which local universities raise money for the American Heart Association. The university that raises the most money receives a $5,000 scholarship for the students who lead the initiative.

In prior years, Seton Hall University has raised around $3,000. In addition, this is the fifth year in a row that Seton Hall has won the challenge.

Aguilera and Hustick were very thankful for the participation of the many student organizations at their event on the University Green this past October.

Aguilera said, “At the time we were fund-raising, Andrew and I had family members who were suffering from heart issues. So, it was great to fund raise for something that continues to be close to our hearts.”

Andrew is a student at Seton Hall University.

Students Receive Real-World Fashion Experience at CCM

chrislaura_tatis_4
Crislaura Tatis, of Wharton, who led the winning team in last fall’s Design Concepts II class at CCM.

RANDOLPH —  Students studying fashion design at County College of Morris (CCM) now are getting to put what they learn into practice as they cover the gamut of the fashion industry by creating a concept for a store, developing a fashion line and creating a catalog of their clothing collection.

“It really gave me the opportunity to see what the real world is like,” said Crislaura Tatis, of Wharton, who led the winning team in the Design Concepts II class that took place this past fall. “I had no idea that I could do what we accomplished. When I look back at what we did, I can’t help thinking, ‘Did I really do that?’”

Professor James Howard, who revamped the class to provide students with more hands-on experience, explains that students in Design Concepts II are now assigned to teams. Each team is tasked with developing a concept for a store, including name, location and layout; creating a signature look and a collection to match that; producing a store catalog with photos of their fashions; and building a pop-up display of their store. The fall class was separated into three teams whose works were judged by a panel of professionals in the field. The class is offered both in the fall and spring semesters.

On her team, Tatis served both as leader and fashion merchandiser. Also on her team were Samantha Brennan, of Sparta, working as store designer; Danielle Christ, of Little Falls, as fashion merchandiser; and Daniela Burga Cabrera, of Wharton, as lead apparel designer.

The group decided to create a gender-neutral clothing collection, naming their shop Inclusion and proposing that it be located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

“What we’ve done is taken this class to a level that you don’t really see at a two-year school,” noted Howard. “Not only do students now gain valuable hands-on experience, every single one of them ends up with store catalog they can include in their portfolio.”

“I never thought I would have this kind of experience,” said Tatis. “It gave me the opportunity to really learn about the world of fashion.”

As a result of her experience in the course, Tatis decided this semester to take an independent study class so she could work on designing handbags. When she graduates from CCM, Tatis hopes to transfer to the Fashion Institute of Technology or LIM College in New York, both of which are among the top design schools in the country. 

Intervale School to hold Wine Tasting and Tricky Tray

intervale-winePARSIPPANY — The Intervale School PTA is hosting a very unique fundraiser:  a wine tasting and a tricky tray!  This is their first large-scale fundraiser in three years.

“First and foremost, we want this to be successful so that our students benefit,” Anya Sheiffele, Co-chair of the event stated.  “However we have to realize the economy still isn’t the greatest and families live on budgets, so we want to stretch their entertainment dollar!”

On Wednesday, March 16 at the Knoll Country Club from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the Intervale School PTA will host a wine tasting of 40 different wine selections, a buffet dinner, dessert and a tricky tray!   The cost is $45.00 per ticket for wine tasting, the buffet dinner, dessert and one sheet of Level 1 Tickets.  A cash bar will also be available.

PRE-SALE VALUE PACKS are available only until March 4 and include: two Level 1 ticket sheets, two Level 2 ticket sheets and one Level 3 ticket for $30.00.

As guests check in, they will be handed their tricky tray tickets as well as a wine tasting/order form.  This will allow them to keep track of the wines they most enjoy.  At the end of the night, patrons can drop their form into the wine box in the foyer and their wine order will be filled and ready for pick-up at the Eldorado Winehouse beginning that weekend and into the following week.

The Eldorado Winehouse, located at 346 Route 46 East, Mountain Lakes, has been amazing to work with, Anya mentioned.  Don Gilchrist, owner of the Eldorado, has graciously offered to donate 20% of the total wine sales to Intervale PTA to support the school.  “It certainly is a win-win.  We couldn’t be more grateful to Don for supporting us and making this event so exciting.”

The goal is to raise $15,000. 100% of proceeds will go towards payment of all 300 students’ field trips, cultural arts programming and any additional student programming that aligns with our mission as a PTA.

DO NOT WAIT TO PURCHASE TICKETS!  Three years ago, their event at The Villa sold out in advance.  This year, attendance is limited to 250 people.

You can follow their event on Facebook to get sneak peeks at the tricky tray prizes by clicking here.

The ticket order form is online on their website by clicking here.

Easter Bunny to visit Town Hall

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Recreation Department will host the Easter Bunny on Saturday, March 19, at 10:00 a.m at the Municipal Building, located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

All residents are welcomed as the Easter Bunny greets and visits with children. Parents will have the opportunity to take their child’s photo with the Easter Bunny and candy will be given to each child.

Bringing a basket or bag to hold treats is encouraged.

Anyone looking for more information can call (973) 263-7257 or email recreation@parsippany.net.

Mother’s Market Fundraiser

DENVILLE — The Morris County School of Technology’s SkillsUSA Chapter will be holding a Mother’s Market on Saturday, March 5 at the Morris County School of Technology, 400 East Main St, Denville, from 9:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m. in the cafeteria.

 At this Mothers Market you will have the opportunity to sell your children’s gently used clothes or toys, buy items that others are selling or both! A table cost $20.00 or admission is $2.00.

All proceeds benefit students in various SkillsUSA competitions.

For additional information, email skillsusa@mcvts.org or call (973) 627-4600 ext. 277.

SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers and industry, working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA chapters help students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations excel. SkillsUSA has more than 300,000 students and instructors as members. For more information, visit www.SkillsUSA.org.

 

Three flee Bed, Bath and Beyond with vacuum cleaners

PARSIPPANY — On Friday, February 19 at 2:16 p.m.,  Parsippany-Troy Hills  Police Department dispatchers were contacted by employees of Bed, Bath, and Beyond, 790 Route 46, who reported a shoplifting incident.

Upon arrival of Patrol Officer R. McGinnis, he was advised that three suspects were involved in the shoplifting.

He was further advised that a female and male ran out the front of the store carrying multiple Roomba vacuum cleaners. The third suspect held the doors open to assist the first two suspects flee.

Suspect #1 was described as 5’05 tall black female with long black hair, black glasses, and wearing blue scrubs.

Suspect #2 was described as a 6’00 tall black male, wearing a black jacket, black pants, and wearing a maroon winter hat.

Suspect #3 was described as a heavy set black male.

This incident is still under investigation and anyone with information is ask to call the Parsippany Police Department Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.

Arrest for Multiple Thefts on Waterview Boulevard

PARSIPPANY — After receiving a report of theft at 20 Waterview Boulevard on January 8 and Monday, January 11 along with another report of theft on Tuesday, January 19 at 11 Waterview Boulevard, Parsippany Police Department Detective M. Czajka conducted a brief investigation which culminated with the arrest of Heather Redlich, 35, Rockaway, Tuesday, January 26.

Ms. Redlich was charged with three counts of Theft of Movable Property. She was released on her own recognizance pending her Court date. Proceeds from the thefts included cash, credit cards, and other personal items.

After further investigation a warrant was issued for Ms. Redlich for three counts of Burglary on Thursday, February 4 stemming from the incidents on Friday, January 8 and Monday, January 11. She was arrested by Rockaway Police Department on Saturday, February 6 at which time Parsippany Police Department took custody of her and transported her to Morris County Correctional Facility where she is being held on a $12,000 bail with no 10% option.

10 Waterview Boulevard
10 Waterview Boulevard

On Thursday, February 4 Parsippany Police Department was contacted by personnel at 10 Waterview Boulevard wanting to report multiple thefts. Detective A. Morelli and J. Keiling along with Patrol Sergeant Sean Jasiecki and Patrol Officer J. Seeger responded to the scene.

After a brief investigation it was determined that there were nine different victims who were reporting the theft of money from their work space. The thefts all occurred on Wednesday, February 3.

After a brief investigation, Detective J. Keiling charged Heather Redlich, 35, Rockaway, with nine counts of Theft of Movable Property on Friday, February 12. Mrs. Redlich was still confined at the time to Morris County Correctional Facility and no addition bail amount was added.

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.

Cebula boys arrested for Possession and Drug Distribution

PARSIPPANY — After receiving information concerning drug distribution in Parsippany, Detective Ted Anderson began an investigation into Evan and Mark Cebula, Parsippany. On Thursday, January 28 at approximately 9:30 p.m., Evan Cebula, 23, Parsippany, along with Mark Cebula, 27, Parsippany, were both arrested and transported to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Headquarters.

During the arrest Police Officers seized approximately 31 grams of marijuana, $3,600. in U.S. currency, equipment used for the distribution of CDS, along with other drug paraphernalia.

Evan Cebula was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle. Mark Cebula was charged with Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Marijuana under 50 grams. The Morris County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit assisted in the investigation.

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.

Man Indicted for the Murder of Three Year Old and Assault of Female

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that the Morris County Grand Jury has returned an Indictment against Maurice Pearson, age 27, with a last known address of 55A Route 46 East, Pine Brook, and formerly of Altoona, Pennsylvania, charging him with Murder, a crime of the first degree, related to the alleged beating death of his then-girlfriend’s three year old son in April 2015.

The Indictment also charges Pearson with various additional crimes related to his alleged conduct towards the three year old child, including Aggravated Assault, a crime of the second degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a crime of the second degree, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, a crime of the third degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a crime of the fourth degree.

Pearson was also indicted on the charge of Aggravated Assault, a crime of the third degree, related to the alleged assault of the mother of the same three year old child.

Finally, Pearson was indicted on the charge of Hindering His Own Apprehension, for allegedly proving false information to law enforcement during the course of this investigation.

Pearson is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility, with a bail set at $1,000,000 cash, bond or property.

This case is being handled by Chief Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Troiano.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank members of the Montville Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigation Section, the Fairfield Police Department, and the Altoona (PA) Police Department who have contributed to this ongoing investigation and prosecution.

If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200.

Editors note: Despite this Indictment, the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Authorities seek help in locating missing female

PARSIPPANY – Local authorities and family members are seeking your assistance in locating a missing female from Parsippany by the name of Kirshis Sanchez.

Ms. Sanchez was last seen driving a 2001 Gold Pontiac Grand AM with a New Jersey registration of S87-GBP on February 23.

Please share this and if you see or know anything please contact her daughter Zenith at (973) 489-5323 or the Parsippany Police Department at (973) 263-4300.

Two Parsippany students qualify for New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs Spelling Bee Championship

Sayanika Upadhyay, fifth grade student at Northvail School with Woman's Cub of Parsippany Troy Hills President Marilyn Marion
Sayanika Upadhyay, fifth grade student at Northvail School with Woman’s Cub of Parsippany Troy Hills President Marilyn Marion

PARSIPPANY — The three winners from the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills Spelling Bee, Sayanika Upadhyay from the Northvail School.  Audrey Kuo from Mt. Tabor School and Nehal Singhal, also from Mt.Tabor, all fifth graders, recently participated in the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC) District Spelling Bee held at the Sparta Middle School. Nehal Singhal and Audrey Kuo qualified for the NJSFWC Spelling Bee Championship to be held at NJSFWC Headquarters in New Brunswick on March 5.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.

The next General Meeting, which is open to area women, will be held on Monday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery, 100 Centerton Drive.   For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or visit their website by clicking here.

Woman’s Club Meeting Features Speaker from Saint Barnabas Medical Center

PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills will hold their monthly General Meeting at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive on Monday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m.

The club is a great group of women of all ages and walks of life committed to volunteerism and service and we have fun at the same time! The meeting is open to all area women interested in learning about the club and its involvement in the local community.

After the business meeting, Moira Davis RN, BSN, OCN, Nurse Navigator at Saint Barnabas Medical Center for the Melanoma Program and Thyroid, Head and Neck Cancer Institute, will be the guest speaker.  She will speak on skin safety tips and present information on melanoma, the most serious skin cancer.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.

For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or check us out on the web by clicking here.

 

Mayor Barberio’s Six Years of Accomplishments

10) Leniency letter to Morris County Judge for a Parsippany drug dealer on Township stationery

9)   $3,000,000.00 from sewer surplus to regular operating fund and tells taxpayers the tax increase is below 2% mandatory cap.

8)   Did not review Township Attorney’s submitted invoices that included $5,000.00 in sales tax. (Township is exempt from sales tax).

7)   Violates township ordinance which Mayor voted for as a councilman that Mayor’s automobile should have township emblem.

6)   Allows township employee(s) to take automobile home in violation of township ordinance that Mayor Barberio voted for as a councilman.

5)   Starting pay scale far exceeding the retiring employee’s salary.

4)   Did not follow up civil action settlement payments from former planning board attorney.

3)   Staggering amount of $750,000 to a private information security firm for imaging the hard drive of a police officers computer.

2)   Cost taxpayers for reimbursement of personal attorneys for Mayor Barberio’s Sunday night meeting. $5,000.00  for Mayor’s attorney and 5,662.50 for councilman Brian Stanton’s attorney.

1b) Witch-hunt of retired police captain and sewer treatment employee’s costing taxpayers $2,000,000.00 with no end in sight for the first witch-hunt.

1a) Serving legal papers to the aforementioned police officer on Christmas Eve, who’s been retired for 1½ years.

Roy’s Corner…. Next top ten arriving soon

Roy’s Corner is an Editorial from a Parsippany resident.

Pianist gets $2.5M after Parsippany crash impairs his ability to play

MORRISTOWN — A classical pianist from New York who can no longer play at the high level he mastered after suffering an elbow injury in a 2011 crash was awarded $2.5 million in compensation, according to the Daily Record. A jury voted 6-1 earlier this month to award William J. Finizio, Jr., 47, of New York…

Kenneth A. Galley passed away

PARSIPPANY — Kenneth A. Galley, 54, Montville, passed away suddenly on February 22. Born in Englewood, Ken was raised in Pequannock. He married Eileen Wickham in 1987 and the couple lived in West Milford before settling in Montville 28 years ago. Ken was an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts Troop 173 in Parsippany and enjoyed interacting with his gaming group, the “Devil Dogs.”

Ken is survived by his wife of 29 years, Eileen; his sons, Brian, Sean and Eric; his mother, Barb Galley; his sisters, Cindy Schott and her husband Steve, and Jenna Galley; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Arthur G. Galley and his sister, Debra Galley.

Visiting hours will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 25 at the M. John Scanlan Funeral Home, Pompton Plains. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Our Lady of the Magnificat RC Church, Kinnelon.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ken’s memory can be made by clicking here.

The Restoration of the Smith/Baldwin House will be discussed on Saturday

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society will present a  public event entitled “The Restoration of the Smith/Baldwin House – Part 1”. This historic home was purchased by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills in 2013 with $676,671.85 in township Open Space funds. The house and artifacts span 3 centuries in the Troy Historic District. In 2015 a $38,376 2015 grant from the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust provided the funds to complete a Preservation Plan for this site.

Now that the plan is complete, the Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society will begin a series of public presentations to inform the citizens of Parsippany of the Restoration Plans and future use of this site.

THE RESTORATION OF THE SMITH/BALDWIN HOUSE: On Saturday, February 27 the Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society will present a public event entitled “The Restoration of the Smith/Baldwin House  Part 1”. Come learn about Parsippany’s acquisition and phased restoration of this historic and architectural public treasure located at 460 South Beverwyck Road, Parsippany. A slide show and talk will be followed by a tour of the first floor. Doors will open at noon for the 12:30 p.m. presentation/tour with a 2:00 p.m. presentation/tour to follow. Attendance is by Registration Only due to space limitations. Please call (201) 519-4412 to reserve your seat. Snow date is March 5.

Update: Pedestrian struck on Route 46 and New Road identified

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting a pedestrian that was struck by a motor vehicle at the intersection of Route 46 and New Road. Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad, Traffic Crash Investigator Patrol Officer Michael Sprung along with other officers responded to the scene.

Upon arrival of the officers they located the victim, Jose Dominguez, 23, Morristown, lying in the middle lane of traffic on Route 46 East unconscious and suffering from internal injuries.

Rockaway Neck Volunteer First Aid Squad along with Paramedics treated the patient and transported him to Morristown Medical Center for treatment, where he is still being evaluated.

Morris County Sheriff’s Department CID and Laser Team responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Esterina Herman, 58, West Caldwell, was driving east on Route 46 in a 2002 Nissan Altima. The Nissan Altima had the right of way and was traveling in the middle lane through the intersection of New Road under a green light. Dominguez proceeded to cross Route 46 East from the south side of the roadway at which time he was struck by the Nissan Altima. The driver did remain on scene and spoke to the investigating Officer.

The investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed.

Parsippany Police Department Traffic Crash Investigator Patrol Officer Michael Sprung is investigating the crash and any witnesses are asked to contact (973) 263-4300.

 

Inglesino “stays” despite Council rejection, AGAIN!

PARSIPPANY — Township Council members voted 3-2 last week not to reappointment Township Attorney John Inglesino.  Mayor James Barberio asked the Council to approve a professional services agreement for the year 2016.  Council President Louis Valori, Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr, all voted against the reappointment of Inglesino, while Councilman Michael dePierro and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani voted in favor of his reappointment. (See Resolution 2016-18)

In 2014 and 2015 the Township Council failed to confirm the appointment of Inglesino as Township Attorney, and as a result Inglesino continued to serve as Township Attorney in holdover status, but Mayor James Barberio retained him on as a holdover. Parsippany Focus asked Mayor James Barberio for comment, but he refused to supply a comment.

Resident Pat Pettacia, a regular attendee at Council meetings said, “I hope when each member of the Council places their vote, they explain why they are voting for or against the reappointment.”  Council Vice President Robert Peluso was the only one to respond to Pettacia’s request when voting. Mr. Peluso said “I think the costs are astronomical, more than the county actually pays for legal fees and I strongly believe the rate for legal fees should be fixed.”

Councilman Valori
Councilman Valori

Council President Louis Valori said “that while the vote against Inglesino was based solely on the law firm’s transparency on the question of the townships legal bills, he added the Council stand committed to working with Inglesino to resolve matters looking toward a regular appointment in 2017.

Valori who is running for the Republican nomination for Morris County Freeholder with Parsippany based Peter  King, Esq. added that the Council’s goal is to build on better communications with the Mayor, concluding “If Mayor Barberio wants Mr. Inglesino on board in 2017, I would give him strong consideration.”

While being a holdover for Calendar Year 2015, Inglesino’s firm, Inglesino, Pearlman Wyciskaka and Taylor received $830,112.57, from Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.  The firm was issued two different 1099’s since the accounting system changed in Parsippany.  (Click here to view 1099-1, and click here to view 1099-2).