PARSIPPANY – The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council is meeting tonight at 7:00 p.m.
Click here to download the agenda.
Mayor James Barberio
Council President Loretta Gragnani
Council Vice President Michael dePierro
Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.,
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
MORRIS COUNTY – Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Roxbury Police Chief Dean Adone confirmed the arrest of Auraceli A. Maldonado, 24, Irvington, in connection with the shooting of a man at the Roxbury Motel on October 18, 2023.
On October 18, at approximately 8:54 p.m., authorities were notified that a man had been shot while at the Roxbury Motel on Route 46 in Roxbury. Roxbury Police officers arrived on scene, located a male victim with a gunshot wound to the leg, and provided lifesaving medical aid. The 36-year-old victim was transported to a medical center with severe but not life-threatening injuries. The suspects fled the scene immediately after the incident.
Subsequent investigation revealed the victim had planned to meet with an unknown suspect at the motel. On the date of the incident, surveillance video captured a Honda Accord with a New York registration arriving at the motel parking lot and a man and a woman are depicted exiting the vehicle. It is alleged that these two individuals met with the victim and that the woman was armed with an AR-style rifle during the interaction. It is alleged that the two suspects robbed the victim, who was shot in the leg during a struggle for the firearm, and fled the scene.
The investigation has revealed Maldonado to be the registered owner of a Honda Accord, which was observed traveling through East Hanover shortly after the incident. Maldonado was subsequently located and detained in Middleburg, Florida on November 2, 2023. The male suspect has not been apprehended or charged at this time.
Maldonado has been charged with Armed Robbery, a crime of the first degree in violation of 2C:15-1a(1); Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, a crime of the second degree in violation of 2C: 39-4a(1); Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, a crime of the second degree in violation of 2C:5-2a(1); Aggravated Assault, a crime of the second degree in violation of 2C:12b(1); and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a crime of the third degree in violation of 2C:39-5c(2).
Following her arrest, Maldonado was extradited to New Jersey from Florida and is currently being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility pursuant to the Criminal Justice Reform Act. A preindictment conference is scheduled before the Hon. Ralph E. Amirata, J.S.C. on January 9, 2024.
Prosecutor Carroll acknowledges the efforts of the Roxbury Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office on this investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200 or the Roxbury Police Department at 973-448-2100, or anonymously through Morris County Crimestoppers at 973-COP-CALL or copcall.org.
PARSIPPANY – On Monday, November 13, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board approved Application #23:519, which pertains to the construction of two warehouses located at 5 Wood Hollow Road. Each warehouse will consist of 155,242 square feet.
The existing structure, referred to as “The Quad,” currently encompasses three floors, with a total area of 330,631 square feet, situated on a spacious 23-acre site. Notable features of the building include a striking three-story atrium lobby, balcony lobbies on the 2nd and 3rd floors, and ample surface parking accommodating 1,240 vehicles. Additionally, the property includes a newly established conference/training center with a seating capacity of 144, all within a Specialized Economic Development District (SED5).
The current roster of tenants within the facility encompasses well-known names such as Toys R Us, Coyne PR, Ascensia Diabetes Care, SEB Groupe, and Weichert. Currently, there are approximately 142,077 square feet of vacant space.
PARSIPPANY – The celebrations of culture, spirituality, and community that began with the opening of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey continue to resonate in all BAPS Mandirs throughout North America this Diwali. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Parsippany, NJ hosted a grand Diwali celebration on November 12, allowing the local community to immerse themselves in the deep-rooted traditions of this beloved Festival of Lights.
Diwali, the revered Hindu ‘festival of lights’, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It’s a time for reflection, rejuvenation, and celebration for millions across the world. This year, the local BAPS Mandir presented an experience that seamlessly wove age-old traditions with contemporary expressions of faith, culture, and community. “The Diwali season provides an opportunity to welcome the full community to the Mandir and celebrate Diwali with its traditions, significance, and values“ shared Kamal Kapadia, Community Affairs Lead.
Devotees and visitors were welcomed with a vibrant and traditional reception at the mandir’s entrance, where colorful decorations, including a beautifully intricate Rangoli, an ornate floor design crafted from colored powder. This artistic display not only added to the festive atmosphere but also served as a fitting introduction to the rich cultural heritage celebrated locally and nationally at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham.
Another awe-inspiring feature was the ‘Annakut’, where hundreds of vegetarian dishes were offered as a token of gratitude to the divine, symbolizing abundance and the community’s unwavering devotion. Devotees, young and old, had poured weeks of preparation into ensuring the Annakut was a feast for both the eyes and the soul.
“The annakut preparation begins very early in the morning for us,” explained Rushit Patel a BAPS youth volunteer. “The vegetarian food is traditionally arranged in tiers or steps in front of the sacred images of God. Today over 700 food items have been offered on this day of celebration and appreciation.”
For families, volunteers organized an array of children’s activities, allowing younger generations to bond with their cultural roots while partaking in the festivities. These encompassed storytelling sessions, craft workshops, and traditional games to engage all who took part in the celebrations.
Similar to this local community celebration, BAPS mandirs across North America welcomed visitors with the glow of lights, bright colors, and a festive ambiance as they took in the colorful and joyful spirit of Diwali. The multiple days of Diwali are steeped in traditions and rituals that symbolize new beginnings and a renewed commitment to family. The bright colors of Rangoli, the lamps, and the elaborate offering of vegetarian food (Annakut) to God, all mark a renewal of the good within and the goodwill towards all around us.
Reflecting on the day, the spirit of Diwali was palpably felt not just in the surroundings of the mandir, but in the hearts and souls of every visitor. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir remains a pillar of culture, community unity, and spiritual enrichment.
MORRIS COUNTY – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, D-11, has officially launched the “2023 Heroes” recognition program.
The program, which is currently in its third year, encourages residents of the 11th Congressional District to nominate everyday heroes in their lives, whether it be teachers, healthcare providers, first responders, family members or volunteers making a difference in the community. Of those nominees, 25 will be selected.
Nominees must live or work in the 11th Congressional District.
“I am launching the 2023 Heroes program, which each year celebrates people making a positive impact in our community whether it’s through healthcare, public service, education, and more,” Sherrill said. “This holiday season, I encourage all to reflect on those in your life who have been a hero to you, in ways big and small, and nominate them so we as a community can show our gratitude for their dedication.”
The nomination form can be found by clicking here. The deadline to submit the form is Monday, December 11.
PARSIPPANY – While the election season has officially concluded, uncertainty still looms over the upcoming Parsippany-Troy Hills town council swearing-in ceremony slated for January 1.
Judy Hernandez, a Democrat, initially secured the fourth position in the race for three available seats on the all-Republican town council when Election Day concluded, positioning Republicans Paul Carifi Jr., Adam Kandil, and Matt McGrath as the front-runners.
However, on November 15, after the inclusion of provisional and last-minute mail-in ballots, Hernandez made a significant leap to secure the third position, holding a mere two-vote lead over Kandil.
Her victory was officially certified by Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi. Nevertheless, Morris County Republican Committee Chair Laura Ali filed for a recount to challenge the results.
An election recount is a procedure in which the votes cast in an election are re-tabulated to verify the accuracy of the initial outcomes. Recounts are typically initiated in cases where there is a narrow margin of victory, allegations of election fraud have been made, or administrative errors are suspected.
Our sources indicate the recount is set for December 12. Should the election results remain unchanged, Hernandez will assume the role of the sole Democrat on the Parsippany five-member council.
PARSIPPANY – The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council meeting of Tuesday, November 21.
Click here to download the agenda.
Mayor James Barberio
Council President Loretta Gragnani
Council Vice President Michael dePierro
Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
PARSIPPANY – Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to a residence on Patrician Court for attempted burglary to an occupied residence at 6:53 p.m. on Wednesday, November 29.
The victim stated she was inside her home when she heard the shattering of glass. The victim checked her basement and found that the sliding glass door was shattered.
Upon further investigation, it was determined that one suspect rang her doorbell and then entered the backyard with a second suspect.
While in the victim’s backyard, they shattered the sliding glass door but fled before entering the residence. The Morris County Sherriff’s Office K-9 Unit also assisted us during the initial investigation.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call (973) 263-4300 or email [email protected]
HANOVER – As the holiday season approaches in the charming town of Hanover, there is a growing sense of excitement in the air. Families are eagerly preparing for the festivities. Among all the holiday cheer, there was one beloved tradition that children of all ages were looking forward to writing letters to Santa Claus.
To ensure that this tradition continues, the Hanover Township decided to play a special role. They set up a magical mailbox inside the front entrance vestibule of the Community Center, specifically designated for Santa’s incoming mail. The mailbox would be adorned with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and a sign that would read “Santa’s Mailbox.”
Now through December 13, 2023, the community center would warmly invite children to drop off their letters to Santa. All they would need to do was use the designated mail slot, ensuring that their heartfelt wishes and holiday dreams would make their way to the North Pole. The mailbox would be a place of wonder and enchantment, a portal to the world of Santa Claus.
What would make this setup even more convenient was that the mailbox would be accessible seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. This would mean that children and their families could visit whenever it suited them, making it easy to include this cherished tradition in their busy holiday schedules.
As anticipation for Christmas grew, the children would diligently compose their letters to Santa, pouring their hopes and dreams onto paper. They would ask for toys, kindness for others, and the joy of spending time with loved ones. Some might even include drawings and colorful decorations to make their letters extra special.
Then when December 14 rolls around, something magical would begin to happen. Santa himself would take the time to read each letter that had been dropped off at the community center’s mailbox. With a twinkle in his eye and a heart full of warmth, he would start responding to these heartfelt messages.
Between December 14 and December 22, 2023, children from Hanover will receive letters from Santa Claus himself. These responses will bring smiles, laughter, and a sense of wonder to every child’s heart. Santa’s kind words, encouragement, and the promise of a special surprise on Christmas morning would fill their souls with joy.
The Hanover Community Center would not only facilitate a cherished tradition but would also create a magical connection between the children of Hanover and the North Pole. As the holiday season continued to unfold, the town’s families would feel the warmth of the season, knowing that the spirit of giving and the magic of Christmas were very much alive in their community.
And so, the tradition of writing letters to Santa Claus would remain as enchanting as ever in Hanover, reminding everyone that the true magic of the holidays lay in the hearts of those who believed.
Dear Editor:
What a shame!!! Our weak-kneed Politicians of both parties have brought us to a place where there is no real penalty for breaking the law. For this reason, citizens are unsafe in their homes and communities, property is being stolen daily and our roads are more dangerous by far since the credo of personal responsibility has been flushed down the sewer by politicians whose only interest is in getting re-elected.
We hire and train more police who learn that most of their keeping the peace and enforcing the laws are a joke because political forces have ensured that the turnstile criminal justice system only mocks their efforts.
And when we point out the irresponsibility of our affected officials, they turn to us and explain, “It isn’t me, it’s them, that has let you down! We are on your side!”
When will we wake up and see that most of our political class has sold us out?
Hank Heller
Parsippany
Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.
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