PARSIPPANY —Two Parsippany seniors will share a $500 cash award from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association (PTHEA), as winners of the 2018 John Capsouras Faculty Scholarship. The annual award is funded by the 750 teacher members of the PTHEA.
The grant was established by long time Parsippany Business teacher and Association President John Capsouras, as recognition of outstanding students of Business. Since his passing in 2012, the annual award has borne his name.
The 2017 John Capsouras Faculty Scholarship award winner from Parsippany High School is Vincent Prezioso, who will receive $250.
The Parsippany Hills High School student selected to receive the $250 prize is Shivani Patel.
Both recipients are seniors currently studying Business in their respective schools and were selected as winners by their teachers of Business. The students will receive their prizes at formal senior awards ceremonies at each school: Parsippany Hills High School, Monday, June 4; Parsippany High School, Tuesday, June 12.
PARSIPPANY — A bill sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce and Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips helping make New Jersey one of the most innovative states in the country in science and technology received Assembly approval today. The legislation (A3652) recreates the NJ Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology in the Department of Treasury.
“New Jersey’s highly educated labor force and uniquely advantageous location for international trade has made our state a leader in the pharmaceutical and technology industries,” said DePhillips. “This commission will focus on creating incentives and tax credits to keep the pharma, medical device and biotech industries here in New Jersey—instead of fleeing to competitor states.”
The 17-member commission will promote research and entrepreneurship in science and technology. Members will appoint an Innovation Council to determine how to stimulate technology transfer between public and private research institutions of higher education and industry.
“I am proud to support a bill that will help to incentivize and grow innovation jobs in our state,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “New Jersey must remain competitive in attracting new biotechnology companies to invest here and, more importantly, stay here. I believe this bill will help facilitate the cooperation amongst those in the public and private sector to ensure our state’s status as a hub for success and show our serious commitment to the life sciences industry.”
The U.S. will spend an estimated $553 billion on research and development in 2018, more than any other country in the world and over a quarter of the global total. New Jersey is ranked as the eleventh most innovative state in the nation, according to a recent study by WalletHub. Neighboring states Delaware ranked ninth; Connecticut, thirteenth; New York, twenty-second, and Pennsylvania, twenty-sixth.
DePhillips noted that Massachusetts and California have similar state-level councils that help foster and attract science, innovation and technology related businesses. Both states consistently lead the country in those respective fields – Kendall Square in Cambridge, Mass., and Silicon Valley in Santa Clara County, Calif.
The bill is supported by BioNJ and the state’s life sciences industry.
PARSIPPANY — Mill Creek Residential, a leading multifamily investor and operator specializing in premier apartment home communities across the U.S., announced the opening Modera Parsippany, its newest development community in New Jersey.
Parsippany Mayor Michael Soriano Joins Mill Creek Residential to Kick Off Opening Ceremony, On the Heels of Strong Demand for Uniquely Appointed Luxury Residences
The community celebrated its official grand opening Thursday, May 17, at an event joined by Parsippany Mayor Michael Soriano, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Board members Frank Cahill and Nicolas Limanov, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Michael dePierro and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Mill Creek Residential, as well as leaders from the Parsippany-Troy Hills business community.
Robert Peluso, President Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce
Modera Parsippany is addressing the ever-growing need for upscale housing to serve the robust workforce in Morris County. The 212-residence community is uniquely situated nearby numerous Fortune 500 headquarters and a vibrant assortment of shops, restaurants and entertainment destinations.
The lobby of Modera Parsippany
The well-appointed residences at Modera Parsippany will include a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom homes, with rents starting at $1,775 for studios and ranging up to $3,525 for the largest two-bedroom homes. Each residence will feature curated, elegant interiors with contemporary wood plank-style flooring and stunning quartz countertops paired with expansive chef-inspired kitchen islands. Additional features will include state-of-the-art stainless-steel appliances, generous walk-in closets, and lavish tiled soaking tubs.
The front entrance of Modera Parsippany by Mill Creek
“The opening of Modera Parsippany speaks to the increasing demand for attractive housing with upscale amenities for the area’s workforce” said Mayor Michael Soriano. “As Parsippany-Troy Hills continues to grow, thanks to new businesses and residents, it is vital that the township offer well-located, cutting-edge, living options like Modera Parsippany.”
Mill Creek has a proven philosophy of tailoring its development communities to each community’s locale, and Modera Parsippany will be no different. Modera Parsippany features thoughtfully designed lifestyle amenities including a spacious two-floor fitness center with yoga studio, a hotel-inspired salt water swimming pool with sun deck, a designer clubroom with bar and lounge, and keyless entry systems throughout the building. Other premium amenities include a car care station, a package concierge, dry-clean valet, a pet-grooming station and dedicated parking for each community member.
“As our third community in Morris County, Modera Parsippany signifies Mill Creek’s commitment and belief in Northern New Jersey as a great place to live for families, young professionals, and empty nesters alike,” said Russell Tepper, senior managing director. “Located at the nexus of one of the region’s most important centers of employment and transportation, Modera Parsippany provides residents with the best of both worlds: the distinct luxury lifestyle amenities expected from an upscale urban apartment community, with the comfort and sense of community of a great suburban setting.”
Model apartment, showing Kitchen area
On-trend with flexible work culture, Modera Parsippany residents will have access to world-class workspace right at their doorsteps with a fully-equipped conferencing facility outfitted with a signature coffee bar, Wi-Fi and ample telework venues. For commuters, Modera Parsippany is ideally located within walking distance to NJ Transit bus service, and less than an hour ride from New York’s Port Authority Bus Terminal. The community is also less than five minutes from Interstate 80 and Route 46, with both offering direct access to New York City in just 45 minutes. Residents will be just minutes from Interstate 287, which provides easy access to the surrounding communities that many Fortune 500 employees call home.
The community comes to market on the heels of the highly successful Modera 44 as well as Modera 55’s early leasing success in Morristown, which is nearly complete.
Mill Creek Residential Trust LLC is a national multifamily company focused on the development, acquisition and operation of apartment communities in targeted markets nationwide. The company proactively pursues development, acquisition and construction opportunities through its seasoned team of real estate professionals in 14 offices across the United States. Mill Creek is building its portfolio in many of the nation’s most desirable apartment markets in Seattle, Portland, the San Francisco Bay area, Southern California, Denver, Dallas, Austin, Houston, South Florida, Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New York, and Boston. As of December 31, 2017, the company’s portfolio comprises of 71 communities representing over 19,100 apartment homes that are operating and/or under construction. For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY — PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes Fire District No. 2 held an Open House on Saturday, May 26 after the Rainbow Lakes Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. There was plenty of food and drinks and even rides on the fire truck around Rainbow Lakes.
President Frank DeRienzo serving the beveragesAlex Phostole helping with the hot dogs and burgersThe open house was well attendedThe open house was well attendedThe chefs: Keith Lefferts and Mark Rabson
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, May 26 members of the Rainbow Lakes Community held a Memorial Day ceremony. Sponsored by the Rainbow Lake veterans and Parsippany District 2 Fire Company, the event was part of a 68-year tradition and featured a parade of township fire trucks, emergency service units, Scout troops and pipers.
Local officials attended a commemorative service held at the Rainbow Lakes ballfield, including Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, who spoke about the meaning of Memorial Day to a crowd of over 100 local residents and guests.
Charlie Engfer is a Vietnam Veteran who served with the United States Marine Corps in 1969 and 1970.
Charlie Engfer, serving as master of ceremonies, opened the ceremony with the following speech:
“It’s an honor to be here with you today as we come together to remember and to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s finest and bravest. “As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” We find ourselves here on this day, gathered together to reflect on this one sentiment, uttered many years ago by President John F. Kennedy. Words, he believed, were useless unaccompanied by action.
This is why we – the many – gather here to honor our veterans – the few 1who were so willing to give of themselves to defend their brothers and their country. It is a small fraction of our population charged with keeping us safe, with keeping our liberties intact. So how do we properly thank this fragment of the population who has done so much to keep this country, our prosperity and freedoms in place. It’s interesting how different generations of veterans respond to being thanked for their service. Our World War II veterans generally seem to receive it politely – stoically – knowing that they had simply fulfilled their patriotic duty by fighting abroad. Korean and Vietnam War veterans) at times overlooked, seem genuinely touched when welcomed home and remembered.
For our most recent generation of veterans, who represent an even smaller percentage of the population than in previous wars, the gratitude is accepted but many feel a sense of disconnect from their civilian peers. What is common throughout all generations of veterans, however, is the absolute insistence that the gratitude truly belongs – not to them – but to their fallen brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country. This leads us to overlook that the best way to thank them is to honor their fallen, to care for their wounded brothers and sisters, and to safeguard their families. Warriors are selfless creatures. They fight as a team and as a family, and they look out for one another to their last dying breaths. It is easy to surmise there is no better way to thank a veteran than to protect their brethren.
For those who never left the battlefields, we must hold them up in our hometowns and honor their memories. We should spend today reflecting on their service and sacrifice, and live in gratitude each and every day for the precious gift they have given to us. As a nation, we made a promise – a promise that must be kept. To honor our fallen, we must keep that promise.
We keep those promises by strengthening the programs and services that our injured and ill veterans rely on. We must ensure they and their caregivers are properly supported. We thank our veterans by fighting for them when they can’t. By ensuring they and their survivors get the care they earned when they wrote a blank check “up to, and including their very lives.”
In closing I would like to recognize those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty to this country. It doesn’t matter how much time has passed-no words of condolence can even begin to adequately console a survivor’s grief. And while grief from loss may change throughout the years it never leaves us.”
Engfer is a 39-year Rainbow Lakes resident and Vietnam Veteran who served with the United States Marine Corps in 1969 and 1970.
Councilman Michael dePierro, Vietnam Era Veteran and US Air Force, placed a flag on the monument representing the 116,700 dead soldiers from World War I.
Resident Phil Smith, US Navy World War II Veteran, placed a flag on the monument representing the 407,316 dead soldiers from World War II.
Rainbow Lakes Memorial Ceremony
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The wreath
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Rainbow Lakes resident Jerry Manning, US Army Veteran, Cold War Era
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Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi
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The memorial ceremony was attended by many area residents
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Rainbow Lakes Fire Chief Doug Reighard
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Explorers
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Parsippany Fire Company Chaplain Rev. Donald Bragg with the opening prayer
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Charlie Engfer is a Vietnam Veteran who served with the United States Marine Corps in 1969 and 1970
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Rainbow Lakes resident Jerry Manning, US Army Veteran, Cold War Era, placed a flag on the monument representing 36,914 dead soldiers from Korea War.
Greg Smith, Viet Nam, Vet, US Air Force, placed a flag on the monument representing 58,220 dead soldiers from Viet Nam.
Bob Freeman, US Navy Corpsman, The Lifeline of the US Marine Corp, placed a flag on the monument representing dead soldiers from Lebanon, Grenada and Panama.
Jason Dieh, Six year Army Veteran, served three tours in Afghanistan, Recipient of the Bronze Star for Valor and will start his 4th Afghanistan tour in January 2019, placed a flag on the monument representing dead soldiers from The Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Rainbow Lakes Fire Chief Doug Reighard placed a flower bouquet to honor all of those who have fallen.
PARSIPPANY — The Rainbow Lakes Memorial Day parade was held on Saturday, May 26 starting at the firehouse in Rainbow Lakes and proceed to the ballfields off Oakdale Road, where there was a ceremony.
Marchers included members of the Cuchullain Marching Band, firemen from area districts–including Rainbow Lakes, Lake Parsippany, Lake Hiawatha, Parsippany, Mt. Tabor, Boonton Township, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, police officers, boy scouts, families and friends alike.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Janice McCarthy, Councilman Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Emily Peterson and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani also marched along with guests.
Rainbow Lakes Memorial Day Parade
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Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department Chief
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Rainbow Lakes Fire Department
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Cuchullain Marching Band
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Cuchullain Marching Band
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Members of the Rainbow Lakes Fire Department
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Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani and Councilman Michael dePierro
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Ryan Taylor
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Council Vice President Janice McCarthy, James Peterson, Councilwoman Emily Peterson and Mark Peterson.
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Parsippany Cub Scouts Pack 5
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Boy Scout Troop 72
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Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 2
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Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 2
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Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 2
MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) presented diplomas to the Class of 2018 on Friday, May 25, at Mennen Sports Arena during its 49th commencement, which consisted of the largest number of graduates in the college’s history to participate in the ceremony.
The Class of 2018 includes approximately 1,400 students, many of who are transferring to top four-year institutions to earn their bachelor’s degrees. The graduates received their diplomas in one of four degrees: Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science. The graduates completed their studies between August 2017 and May 2018.
Approximately 500 students from the Class of 2018 took part in this year’s commencement ceremony, marking the largest number of students to participate in a CCM graduation.
Dr. Aaron R. Fichtner, president of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, served as the keynote speaker.
“You have learned to solve problems, to work in teams, to gather and evaluate large amounts of information, to respect and understand people who are different from you. And you have learned to learn. It is essential that you keep learning throughout your career and your life,” said Fichtner. “As you embark on your next adventures and opportunities, may you always have faith in the future, have a vision and work hard to achieve it, have the imagination to dream of a better world and the courage to work to create it.”
Also providing remarks was Douglas Cabana, director of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders. “Whatever you imagine as your future can become a reality if you have the courage and determination and are willing to put in the hard work necessary to pursue your dream,” noted Cabana. “You already have taken a major step in pursuing your future by working hard to achieve the degree you will receive today. You did that. Be proud of it.”
Members of the Class of 2018 at County College of Morris are full of smiles as the college’s 49th Commencement gets started
During his remarks to the graduates, CCM President Anthony J. Iacono took advantage of the opportunity to highlight the diversity of students who benefit from a CCM education.
Included among the students he highlighted was Erin Foody, 18, of Rockaway, who earned her associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and two certificates before receiving her high school diploma as a result of participating in a share-time program developed by the Morris County Vocational School District and CCM.
Also highlighted was Andrea Lucia Alfonso of Parsippany, who as a CCM student performed research in artificial tissue engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and was one of only ten students nationwide to receive a $7,500 Phi Theta Kappa Hites Transfer Scholarship.
Andrea Lucia Alfonso
Also highlighted were Ranell Bell, of Dover, who came to CCM on the GI Bill and excelled both in the classroom and on the college’s basketball team; Jaida Schettino, of Sparta, who served as president of the college’s Phi Theta Kappa national honor society, played on the women’s soccer team and was named a nationally recognized Coca Cola Scholar; and Darrin Pulver, of Great Meadows, the third generation nurse in his family to graduate from CCM.
Standing with tradition, this year’s CCM Peace Prize was awarded at commencement. This year, there were two winners, Diana Boehm, of Kenvil, and Mary Rose Cortes, of Morristown, both members of the CCM Student Nurses Association, who produced a video “Appalachia: Chasing Hope.” They, along with several other members of the Student Nurses Association, traveled to Gary, WV in May 2017 to share their time and training with the families of that distressed community, whose high rates of childhood poverty, diabetes, malnutrition and other health-related needs warrant attention. The video Boehm and Cortes produced chronicles the Student Nurses Association’s efforts to assist and offer hope. The video can be viewed by clicking here.
The creator of the winning entry each year receives a $1,000 award, provided by the CCM Foundation. This year that award, at the request of Boehm and Cortes, is being donated to the School for Life in Gary, WV. Their faculty mentor for the project was Professor Buffy Reilly from the Department of Nursing.
This is the 17th year the college has awarded its Peace Prize, which is organized and administered by Professor Peter Maguire of the Department of English and Philosophy.
The Class of 2018 saw many significant accomplishments at the college during their educational journey. In 2017, the college became the first community college in New Jersey to gain designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. PayScale also rated the college number one in New Jersey based on the earnings of CCM graduates.
Members of the Class of 2018 at County College of Morris take a look at their diplomas during the college’s 49th Commencement
As part of the college’s 50th anniversary celebrations, CCM this year also launched a 50th Anniversary Campaign focused on funding programs and facility upgrades, including the Paragano Family Foundation Medical Simulation Center, a Cyber Security Suite, an enhanced Culinary Arts Training facility, a new Manufacturing and Engineering building, student scholarships and the Faculty Innovation Fund. In addition, two new academic programs in animation and virtual reality were developed, to start this Fall Semester, to meet the demand for employees in these rapidly growing areas.
PARSIPPANY — Andrew Aguilera, a Parsippany High School graduate Class of 2014, recently graduated from Seton Hall University.
Andrew graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting and Information Technology Management. He also received a certificate in Leadership and Supply Chain Management.
Aguilera will be taking portions of the CPA exam this summer and will start a job in September as an Assurance Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Andrew AguileraAndrew’s brother Dominic Masherelli, Andrew, Gianna Masherelli and Andrew’s mom, Regina MasherelliGrandmoter Josefina Aguilera, Andrew and Andrew’s father, William AguileraAndrew’s cousin Alex Bahia and AndrewAndrew with his friend Megan SundbergAndrew with Michael Reuter, Director of the Gerald P. Buccino ’63 Center for Leadership Development
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its monthly “Juice Up Your Morning” networking event on Thursday, May 24 at its offices on 90 East Halsey Road, Suite 322, Parsippany.
The “Juice Up Your Morning” business meetings are the perfect way to start your day! Members join the Chamber for some early morning networking and learn ways to address the day-to-day challenges that businesses face. At our events 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. At our Breakfast Meetings each member has the opportunity to showcase their business with the group, and then there is plenty of time for networking.
With over 25 businesses represented, from savings and loans, bookkeeping services, tax accountants, financial services, advertising, website design, internet advertising, sporting facilities, and more everyone had plenty of time to exchange business ideas and create connections.
PACC is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents, and volunteers that provides education, information, and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area. We work with our local and county governments and stand ready to pursue any matter that can make our community a better place in which to live, conduct business, and make a living. We promote a healthy and more prosperous economic climate.
For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here.
PARSIPPANY — Recently Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany donated $6,000 to Camp Nejeda.
Presenting the check was Michael Mulhaul, Chairman of the Grand Tasting Committee to Camp Nejeda Executive Director Bill Vierbuchen. Joining Mr. Mulhaul was Joe Canal owner Nikul Patel and Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill.
This year wine selection at our annual Grand Tasting Fundraiser was provided by Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet, 799 Route 46 East. Joe Canal’s is known for sizable selection of discount wine, beer and spirits.
There is a very diverse selection of wines from all parts of the world with descriptions, recommendations and ratings available on display at Joe Canal’s. This is super helpful and takes the intimidation of selecting wine a breeze for any novice.
Grand Tasting Chairman Michael Mulhaul said “We raised over $300,000 in the past twenty one years, in which Kiwanis Club was able to donate to other non-profit organizations, including Camp Nejeda, New Jersey Sharing Network, Lake Drive Program – Mountain Lakes School District, Morristown Memorial Hospital, Eliminate and Autism.
In addition to the Camp Nejeda, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation donated $6,000 to NJ Sharing Network.
At Camp Nejeda youth with diabetes are given the opportunity to live, if only for one or two weeks, in a world where having diabetes is the norm and where there is no need to explain blood sugar testing, finger pricks, insulin injections, ketones, ‘lows’ (insulin reactions), boluses or ‘carb’ counting because everyone here already understands.
Camp Nejeda is fully licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and accredited by the American Camp Association. ACA accredited camps meet up to 300 standards for health, food service, safety, and program quality.
Grand Tasting Chairman Michael Mulhaul said “We are already planning our 22nd Grand Tasting which will be held on October 25, 2018.”
