Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter participates in National Adoption Weekend

EAST HANOVER — Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter will be working in cooperation with Petsmart Charities for Petsmart’s National Adoption during the weekend of May 15 to May 17. Please visit the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 p.m.  Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter will be having a large adoption event in their parking lot and hope to place at least 50 dogs and cats into good homes over the course of three days.   

It’s a lofty goal but we know with your support we can achieve it!

Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter is located at 194 Route 10 West, East Hanover (behind Petsmart)

If you’re thinking about adding a pet to your family, come on by! Even if you’re not looking for a new pet you can still help – simply share this post with your friends to spread the word.

 For more information: please call Suzanne at 973-386-0068 or email suzanne@njshelter.org

 

Man Charged With Aggravated Arson In Lake Parsippany House Fire

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps announce the arrest of Andry Mroz, 27, Northfield Road, on charges related to an arson that occurred during an early morning fire at 365 Lake Shore Drive, Lake Parsippany.

During the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 6, police and fire officials were dispatched to 365 Lakeshore Drive on a report of a house fire. Upon arrival, it became apparent that a couch located outside of the residence had been set on fire, which caused damage to the home. First responders were able to successfully extinguish the fire. One of the residents of the home sustained minor injuries during attempts to extinguish the fire. None of the other occupants of the home sustained injuries.

Andry Mroz was arrested on scene and taken into custody. Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Court Judge Anthony J. Frese, J.M.C. subsequently authorized charges against Mroz for two (2) counts of Aggravated Arson, crimes of the second degree, as well as one count of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, a crime of the third degree, and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a crime of the fourth degree. Bail was set at $75,000 cash, bond or property, with various conditions.

Prosecutor Knapp thanked numerous agencies which responded to this incident, including the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, the Arson-Environmental Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigation Section, and  Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department at (973) 263-4300, the Arson-Environmental Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200, or Morris County Crimestoppers at 973-COP-CALL (973-267-2255).

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

PHHS Boys Basketball Beefsteak Dinner

PARSIPPANY – The Parsippany Hills High School Basketball Booster Club will be sponsoring a Beefsteak Dinner on Thursday, May 21.  The event will be held at Parsippany Elk’s Lodge, 230 Parsippany Road.

The event starts at 6:00 p.m. and dinner is promptly served starting at 6:30 p.m. The All-You-Can-Eat Beefsteak includes bread, salad, potato wedges, water and soda. Cookes and brownies are available to purchase.

Checks are to be made payable to PHHS Boys Basketball Booster Club and sent to 27 Whitewood Drive, Morris Plains, New Jersey 07950.

For more information contact Jane by emailing here.

St. Andrew’s donates cat food to the Parsippany Shelter

Catfood shelterPARSIPPANY – As part of St. Andrew’s 50th Anniversary, they have initiated “50 ways to share our blessings”.  Each month the church sponsors a drive to collect 50 or more items to donate to a local cause.  In April, over 200 cans and multiple bags of cat and kitten food were donated to the Parsippany Animal Control and Shelter just in time for the spring kitten boom.

In continuation of the program, on May 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. St. Andrew’s will be hosting a blood drive in Friendship Hall located at 335 Reynolds Avenue.

As part of the anniversary celebration they look to meet or exceed their goal of 50 pints donated. All who donates will have the opportunity to receive 1 of 4 VISA gift cards.”

Christie’s 2016 Super PAC to hold first fundraiser in Short Hills

TRENTON — America Leads, the Super PAC aimed at helping Gov. Chris Christie raise the tens of millions required to run for president, is holding its first New Jersey fundraiser later this month. The event will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Short Hills on May 28, with tickets ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. The…

N.J. woman suing airline for $5M after her in-flight video didn’t work

A West Orange woman is suing an airline because she says it failed to properly inform passengers that live television and Internet service aren’t available on all flights. Cary M. David filed a $5 million class action suit in federal court in Newark alleging United Airlines failed to notify passengers that WiFi and DirecTV are inoperable…

Free Comic Book Day was held at Funnybooks

PARSIPPANY — Free Comic Book Day was back at Funnybooks, this past Saturday, May 2. The annual comic book celebration, now in its 15th year at Comic Book Shops across the world, and once again, Funnybooks Comics & Stuff in Lake Hiawatha was the local hot spot for this year’s free comics.

Both Marvel and DC are in the process of “re-launching” their superhero universes this summer, and Free Comic Book Day gave both publishers a chance to give fans a look at what they’re up to. Marvel Comics offered the free Secret Wars #0, which threatens the destruction of the Marvel Universe, while rival DC Comics gave readers a glimpse of the new Batman costume with their Free Divergence title.

This year’s Pop Culture choices included comics featuring “Doctor Who” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “Transformers,” “Bob’s Burgers,” “Attack On Titan,” and even “Fight Club,” while the all-ages choices include: “Spongebob,” “The Simpsons,” “Sonic The Hedgehog,” “Avatar The Last Airbender,” “Teen Titans Go” and “Pokemon.”

Funnybooks Comics & Stuff, which will celebrate 23 years in June, is located at 98 North Beverwyck Road in Lake Hiawatha.

Find Funnybooks on Facebook, or click here.

PACC holds “Business before Business” networking event at Valley National Bank

Chandler Tedholm and Kyle Bilquist
Chandler Tedholm and Kyle Bilquist
Neil Picerni speaking to Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso
Neil Picerni speaking to Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce members gathered at Valley National Bank, 800 Route 46 on Tuesday, May 5 for another successful “Business before Business” Networking Event.

The Business Before Business Breakfast Meetings are the perfect way to start your day! Join Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce for some early morning networking and learn ways to address the day-to-day challenges that businesses face. You’re sure to pick up a valuable tip or two that you can take back with you to the office to improve your bottom line.

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce members enjoyed this FREE networking event, courtesy of Valley National Bank. Members had the opportunity to introduce themselves and their businesses and an opportunity to talk to other small business owners.

To learn more about Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here, or call Executive Board Member Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400.

 

PACC members participate in Staples Small Business Showcase

PARSIPPANY — Members of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce has a new way to promote their business.

Members can set up a display table on select days at the Staples, 760 Route 46, Parsippany.

On Monday, May 4, Atlantis Sports Club, American Cancer Society Relay for Life and Wolf Bookkeeping and Tax Service were among the first companies and non-profit organizations to participate in this new and exciting business showcase.

Pictured about is Cris Morun, Atlantis Spots Club, Betty Boyer, Relay for Life, Carol Dadain, Relay for Life, Cristina Leon, Staples Copy and Print Center, Tracy Politz, Staples Copy and Print Regional Manager, Robert Weaver, Staples Manager, Sandy Lopez, Copy and Print Sales Manager, Maxine Wolf, Wolf Bookkeeping and Tax Service and Herb Wolf, Wolf Bookkeeping and Tax Service.

Our next merchants to have a display at Staples will be PageLink – A mobile enabled website designer on Wednesday, May 6, from 11:00 am. to 3:00 p.m.

On Saturday May 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and Parsippany Focus will be able to participate in Staples Small Business Showcase.

If you are a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and would like to participate in this exciting program, please contact, Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member, at (973) 402-6400.

To become a member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here.

 

 

 

 

Parsippany Man may lose hand after explosion in suspected drug mishap

PATERSON — A 28-year-old Parsippany man was in danger of losing his hand after an item he was carrying exploded Tuesday morning in the city, officials said. Investigators ruled out an incendiary device after responding to the scene along freight train tracks, near 17th Avenue and East 25th Street, according to police. “There was no bomb,”…

Budget Hearings continue tonight; OPRA request for Proposed Budget denied

Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., wants to remind residents that a special meeting for the 2015 Budget Hearings continues this evening, Tuesday, May 5. In addition to tonight, there is a meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 14 starting at 6:00 p.m.

The special meetings will be held at Parsippany Municipal Building located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the American with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. Please call (973) 263-4357 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.

The Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct Special Meetings for review and discussion of the Mayor’s 2015 Budget Recommendations on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, May 5 starting at 6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. Public Works, includes Streets and Roads/Condo, Sanitation and Recycling/Tipping Fees Greg Schneider
Engineering / Engineering Cap. Greg Schneider, Justin Lizza
7:00 p.m. Police, includes Animal Control Chief Paul Philipps
Emergency Management Chief Paul Philipps
9:00 p.m. Municipal Court Al Leal (no attendance required)
  • Thursday, May 14 starting at 6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. Library Jayne Beline and Joseph Weisberg
6:30 p.m. Water Utility Paula Cozzarelli and Kevin Ryan
7:00 p.m. Knoll Utility Paula Cozzarelli and Glenn Foesel
8:00 p.m. Finance / Assessing / Collector includes Contingent,
Statutory and Deferred
Ann Cucci
Legal / Insurance
Salary and Wage Discussion

Note: All times are approximate, with the exception of the start time.

To view the budget hearings from April 23, click here.

In a related matter, Parsippany Focus filed and was denied an OPRA request for the Mayors Proposed Budget Worksheets 2015, which historically has been given out prior to the start of the Budget hearings, and has been posted on www.parsippany.net under “Transparency” section. Click here to review previous years.

It causes concern as to what the Barberio Administration must be hiding.  In previous years, Parsippany Focus, posted the proposed Budget Worksheets to keep the public informed and so the public had an opportunity to review the Budget prior to the hearings.  Actually, budget worksheets are available on the township website for years 2008-2014.

Township Clerk Yancy  stated “We are in receipt of your OPRA request for “the Mayors Proposed Budget Worksheets 2015.”  The document you are seeking is an exemption under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1: “Inter-agency or intra-agency advisory, consultative or deliberative material” so your request is denied.   

For additional information please contact Yancy Wazirmas, RMC Township Clerk at (973) 263-4350.

Temperatures to make it into 80s as weather service warns of fire risk

It’s only May, but it will feel like summer today across New Jersey. Forecasters are calling for sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s with slightly cooler conditions along the shore. The mild weather comes with a word of caution from the National Weather Service, though. A “red flag warning” is in effect from 1 p.m.…

Retired Essex cop, a Parsippany resident, sentenced to 8 years for bank robbery

MORRISTOWN – A 71-year-old retired Essex County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant was sentenced to eight years in jail for robbing a bank in Boonton last year, according to a report in the Daily Record. Harry Schnitzer pleaded guilty in December to second-degree robbery, a charge stemming from an April 30,2014 incident in which he entered the Santander…

Temperatures could hit 80s in Parsippany, climb during week

METUCHEN — Temperatures could hit the 80s in parts of New Jersey on Sunday during a springtime warmup that calls for beautiful weather in the coming days. Temperatures on Sunday morning hovered in the high 50s, but were expected to rise throughout the day. The forecast calls for highs of 80 in Trenton, 78 in Newark,…

Bridgegate charges not ‘a vindication’ for Christie, lawmaker says

TRENTON — A Democratic lawmaker who’s been leading the charge into investigating Gov. Chris Christie’s administration over the George Washington Bridge lane closure controversy said on Sunday that the governor has not been vindicated by the recent charges in the scheme. State Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex), speaking on This Week with George Stephanopoulos on ABC News,…

Paint the town Purple…. Relay for Life; June 6 and 7

PARSIPPANY — Relay For Life Member Karen DeChristopher and Margie Forman were starting to “Paint The Town Purple” which is a great way to spread the word about Relay For Life to be held on June 6 and June 7 at County College of Morris. Cancer touches us all in one way or the other.

As the American Cancer Society Relay For Life marks 25 years of bringing hope to communities nationwide, volunteers from all over the world have an opportunity to celebrate the progress made in the fight against cancer.

Each year, more than 4 million people in over 20 countries raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer through the Relay For Life movement.

There are an estimated 14.5 million cancer survivors in the United States, and that number is expected to grow significantly by 2024.

In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, ultimately raising $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight the nation’s biggest health concern cancer. A year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight event. Since those first steps, the Relay For Life movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, raising nearly $5 billion to fight cancer.

As the nation’s largest fundraising event, Relay For Life of Central Morris County rallies families, friends, businesses, schools, hospitals, service and faith based organizations in communities throughout Morris County and beyond and is asking you to participate in the event by: starting or joining a team, making a donation, sponsoring the event, purchasing a track sign or just coming out to show your support to those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and by providing an opportunity for everyone to fight back against the disease..  They are also looking for survivors and caregivers, as they would love for you to join Relay For Life so that we can celebrate and honor you during our special Survivor activities and dinner, as well as during the Luminaria Ceremony.

For more information about getting involved, making a donation, sponsoring the event and/or purchasing a track sign, contact Bonnie – bonnie@rainbowpeace.net or call (201) 317-0810.  Visit their website by clicking here or like their Facebook page for event details.

Starting to feel like summer in Parsippany

Warmth will surge into Parsippany through the start of the new week as a storm heads slowly out to sea.

Temperatures will trend upward through the beginning of the new week with highs in the 70s on Sunday, followed by 80-degree warmth in many areas Monday and Tuesday.

Following clouds and spotty afternoon showers on Saturday, Sunday and Monday will be free of rain and generally sunny.

The warmth will hang on through Tuesday, but an advancing cold front will ignite an afternoon shower or thunderstorm.

While the front will cut into the warmth and lead to some cooling for the midweek, highs will remain above normal for early May. A quick rebound in temperatures will then follow for later in the week.

Christie political fallout: How does Bridgegate play in New Hampshire and Iowa?

TRENTON — You can add Gov. Chris Christie’s name to the top of the list of thousands inconvenienced by Bridgegate’s traffic delays. Even though Christie was not named in the Bridgegate indictment, delaying his presidential campaign until after he was cleared of wrongdoing means he has almost no chance of prevailing in Iowa, and is facing…

The Bridgegate scandal, your guide A-Z

Federal authorities released long-awaited charges in the George Washington Bridge closure scandal Friday, outlining a dizzying play-by-play of the events that led to four days of gridlock allegedly crafted as political payback. Here’s an A to Z guide to the federal Bridgegate charges. Access lanes It all started with some local access lanes. Three local lanes…

Bridgegate: Revealing the arm of government that turned political

TRENTON — Before the George Washington Bridge lane closure controversy rocked Gov. Chris Christie’s administration and delivered a blow to his presidential ambitions, politicking and campaigning converged on an arm of state government that was supposed to work above the fray. Bridget Anne Kelly, a former top Christie aide, was charged with federal crimes Friday for…