PHS team placed first in Academic Decathlon state competition

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Academic Decathlon (AcDec) Team recently participated in the New Jersey State Competition. The competition was held at Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes on Saturday, March 4. Parsippany High School’s team placed first in the state and won the Super Quiz.  

As State Champions, Parsippany High School will advance to the National Competition April 20-22 in Madison, Wisconsin. This is their 5th state championship.

Nine team members and six alternates competed on Saturday, Team members who participated were Will Chen, Miki Hansen, Rohan Khajuria, Daniel Kuo, Hugh Kwong, Alice Limanova, Katherine Yang, Adam Ye and Ellie Xu,  Overall, the Parsippany High School team took home more than 70 awards and honors for the regional competition.

Academic Decathlon is a 10-event scholastic competition for high school students. The events include math, science, social science, literature, economics, art, music, speech, essay and interview. This year’s theme is World War II. Team coaches are Nancy Lennon, Science Teacher and Stacy Cozin, Media Specialist.

Snow Emergency Closings

PARSIPPANY — Governor Chris Christie called a state of emergency for Tuesday, March 14. We have been receiving some closings already, and will keep updating this page as more information is supplied to us.

The following facilities will be closed on Tuesday, March 14:

Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Court
Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Hall
New Jersey State Offices
Morris County Offices
Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Schools
Atlantis Sports Club & Spa
There will not be any garbage or recycling
Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library

Parsippany Focus will be updating this list as we receive information. If your organization or business is closed and would like to be added to this list, please email us at news@parsippanyfocus.com

Former Morris County Law Firm Employee Sentenced

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that on March 10, 2017, Superior Court Judge Thomas J. Critchley sentenced the Defendant, Erica Verrone, 49, Wayne, to five years probation for Theft by Unlawful Taking, a third degree crime. The Defendant must also pay full restitution in the amount of $63,856.67, to the former employer.

Verrone originally plead guilty on December 20, 2016 before Judge Critchley.  As part of the plea agreement, she paid $25,300 towards restitution at sentencing.  The balance is required to be paid to the victim through the New Jersey Probation Division during the five year probationary period.

At the time of the incident, Verrone was employed by a Morris County law firm. The Morristown Bureau of Police initiated an investigation in 2015 when the law firm discovered $2,351.25 missing from one of its accounts.  The investigation ultimately disclosed that numerous fraudulent checks were cashed by Verrone, totaling $63,856.67.

Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Michael Rappa represented the State during the Court proceedings.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Morristown Bureau of Police and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit for their assistance with this prosecution.

Michael Soriano Announces Democratic Candidates for Township Council

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Mayoral candidate Michael Soriano, who announced his candidacy last month for the Democratic party, is proud to announce his slate of Township Council candidates for the 2017 primary election.

Soriano will run with businesswoman Janice McCarthy and small business owner Emily Peterson.

Janice McCarthy spent a career in private sector finance working for Fortune 500 companies, including ADP as Director of Finance and Ingersoll Rand as Director of Budget and Planning. She also served in managing the budget operation at Montclair State University. Her many years of private and public sector budgeting experience will be an asset to the township’s fiscal processes. Running to bring back bi-partisan government, McCarthy believes Parsippany deserves a Mayor and Township Council working effectively together to maintain our infrastructure, deliver quality services, preserve our environment, control development, and do it in a fiscally responsible manner.

Emily Peterson is a small business owner and adjunct professor at New York University who knows what it’s like to meet deadlines and balance a tight budget every day. She understands what it will take to develop Parsippany’s economy and build a base of small businesses to increase ratables. Standing firm on the belief that taxpayers’ money should be put to better use in providing for the people of Parsippany, she recognizes that controlling spending is one of the most important responsibilities the Township Council and administration have.

With this announcement, a different tone is set for the future of Parsippany’s fiscal planning. Janice McCarthy noted, “I know there is a more productive and beneficial way to spend a million dollars of taxpayers’ money than paying attorney’s fees for a failed lawsuit.” This kind of thinking is exactly what Parsippany needs in order to fully serve the people of this community. Both Peterson and McCarthy understand this, and are proud to partner with Michael Soriano in order to make this philosophy a reality.

Democrat Katie Cassidy is one of the candidates who will be seeking a Township Council seat in the June Democratic primary.

Storm Alert: It Seems March Wants to Go Out Like Lion!!

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor the Nor’easter which at this time appears to be on track for Monday night, March 13 through Tuesday, March 14. They are preparing for what forecasters have described as a “Major Winter Storm.”

The National Weather Service has issued a “ Winter Storm Watch” which is in effect from Monday evening through Tuesday evening. We continue to monitor several storm models, and we anticipate that the forecast data will change as we get closer to the event. We will provide additional updates as we continue to monitor the data.

Current data suggests we may experience 1-3” per-hour snow rates during the pre-dawn hours through early afternoon on Tuesday, with near blizzard conditions and limited visibility possible at the height of the storm with prolonged blowing and drifting snow.

At this time, the data suggests snow accumulations of 12-16” are likely with isolated higher amounts of 20-24” possible depending on where the storm sets up. The higher snow amounts have a lower confidence rating at this time.

Winds will be northeast at 20-25 MPH with gusts of 40-45 MPH late Monday night through Tuesday.

You are encouraged to plan ahead.  Take a look below of Emergency Management Winter Storm Preparedness Tips.

Winter Preparedness Tips:
Prepare at Home: Stock up!
Food that doesn’t require heating or refrigeration
Water (one gallon per person per day)
Flashlights and batteries
Battery powered or hand-crank radio
Battery powered clock
First Aid Kit
Medications and Medical Items (if necessary)
Cellphones with chargers
Pet food, water, and additional supplies
Baby supplies (formula, bottles, diapers, etc.)
Alternate heating methods (wood, coal burning stoves, etc.)
Warm coats, gloves or mittens, boots, and extra blankets

On the Road: Winterize your vehicle.

Keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
Check tires for proper inflation
Check antifreeze
Pack emergency supplies in a backpack for a kit on-the-go:
Ice scraper
Jumper cables
Tire chains
Small shovel
First Aid Kit
Flashlight and batteries
Warning Flares or reflective triangle

As we near the storm, Parsippany Focus will keep you updated.

Third annual community-wide health fair held at PAL Youth Center

PARSIPPANY — Free blood pressure checks, advice on prevention and preparedness, low cost on site eye exams, free chiropractic and dental screenings were just a few of the many offerings at the third annual community-wide health fair held at the Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road, on Saturday, March 11.

Participants were offered a wide variety of free services, ranging from cancer screenings to helpful tips on fire prevention, first aid, CPR and disaster preparedness, compliments of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association.

Parents with children ages 2-7 was offered free, supervised activities on the “Fun Bus”, which was stationed just outside the building

Participating exhibitors included:

–Parsippany-Troy Hills Health Department: Literature and advice about EMS, pest control, general information, questions & answers
-St. Clare’s Hospital: Free blood pressure checks, general information, Q&A;
-American Diabetes Association: Literature and information;
-Source of Health: Free chiropractic consultation and spinal pre-screening;
-Rauchberg Dental Group: Free oral screenings
-American Red Cross: Information and advice about first aid, CPR and disaster preparedness;
-Parsippany Fire Prevention: Information, safety tips, literature;
-American Cancer Society: Information about cancer screenings;
-Community Blood Services: Full blood drive, blood pressure check, blood type ID.
-Fun Bus: Supervised activities for children ages 2-7
-Optical Academy: Discounted eye exams and eye ware ($30/exam, $29+/glasses).
-Relay for Life: Form a team and sign up for the two day event to be held Saturday, June 10 through Sunday, June 11 at Veterans Park

The mission of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association:
To work for the welfare of students, the advancement of education, and the improvement of educational opportunities for all.

To unify all employees eligible for membership so as to enable members to speak with a common voice on all matters of mutual concern and to represent individual and common interests of members before the Board of Education and other legal authorities.

To represent its members and other employees in negotiations and grievances with the Parsippany Troy-Hills School District on all matters of compensation and all other terms and conditions of employment. (The Association shall be the recognized bargaining agent for all appropriate school district employees to the full extent of the provisions of Chapter 123, Public Laws of 1974, unless another organization has been officially designated as the bargaining agent.)

To promote the general welfare of members, to advance educational standards and to establish and maintain good community relations.

PACC hosts “Staples Small Business Showcase”

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) hosted another “Staples Small Business Showcase” during the week of March 5 at Staples,  760 Route 46.

One of the merchants featured this week was PACC member, Selimo Chiropractic.

Once a month, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the “Staples Small Business Showcase” where local merchants have a table and can greet the customers of Staples and talk about their products and services and give out samples.

Dr. Patrick M. Selimo is Structural Chiropractor serving a number of towns in the County. Dr. Pat did his undergraduate coursework at William Paterson College, focusing on studies in Communication. He then attended Life University in Marietta, Georgia, where he graduated in 2001 with a Doctorate in Chiropractic.

Taking an engineer’s approach to analyzing and correcting spinal deficiencies, he sets his practice apart from other healthcare professionals. The typical approach with doctors, physical therapists, massage therapist and conventional chiropractors, is to focus on addressing pain and symptoms. At Selimo Chiropractic the focus is on stabilizing and correcting the underlying problem, which is often the cause of your secondary conditions (symptoms). By creating a strategy centered around precise structural and radiographic analysis, 3-dimensional postural analysis, specific spinal adjustments, corrective exercises and patient education, the goal is to improve function and ultimately keep you healthier.

Dr. Selimo is a native of New Jersey and currently resides in Lake Hiawatha with his wife Tricia and their two cats. In his free time he enjoys public speaking, kayaking, spending time outdoors and reading.

Dr. Pat has also had the good fortune of being able to give back to the community on several occasions with volunteer activities.

Selimo Chiropractic is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce

Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, said “Once a month we give PACC members an opportunity to display their goods and services to the customers of Staples and to increase their brand awareness.”

This monthly event, “Staples Business Showcase” is available to all PACC members and local non-profit groups.

For more information on “Staples Small Business Showcase” please contact Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400 or email flcahill@parsippanychamber.org.

Next available dates are on Monday, April 3; Wednesday, April 5 and Saturday, April 8.

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

Eastlake School Fun Fair was more than “Fun”

PARSIPPANY — The Eastlake Elementary School PTA held it’s annual “Fun Fair.” The children had more than fun, playing games such as Coin Toss, Ring Around The Bottle, and more. There was pizza, hot chocolate, hot dogs, potato chips and even cotton candy.

Students from Parsippany Hills High School were volunteering and running the games so the children could have a good time and win prizes. Many of the games involved team work among the students, and was a perfect opportunity for the students to learn and be together.

Toss games and giveaways were the heart of a successful event, and besides that — it was fun for parents and kids, alike. The day was a fantastic, family friendly, fun day out.

Knoll Country Club Catering Facilities Lease Renewed

PARSIPPANY — Resolution R2017-38 was unanimously passed on Tuesday, March 7 by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council.

The resolution was authorizing award of a contract to “Knoll West Country Club” (a private company) for the operation of catering and banquet facilities at the Township owned buildings at Knoll West Country Club and Knoll East County Club.

Both buildings will be going under major renovations within the next four years, and at times will be required to be closed to the public.

The Catering Hall at Knoll West County Club

Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills advertised for bids to be received for Operation of Catering and Banquet Facilities and Provision of Related Services at Knoll County Club on two occasions, initially on January 20 and again on February 14.  The Township mailed out 24 bid packages to potential bidders in the field of catering and banquet services and no bids were received on either date.

Local Public Contract Law allows a contract to be negotiated after no bids were received on two separate occasions.

CFO Ann Cucci, Director of Purchasing Michael Hardie and Golf Superintendent Glenn Foesel met with the current caterer, Knoll West County Club and negotiated and revised the rent proposed to be more applicable with respect to the current market conditions.

Knoll West Country Club will pay a monthly rent of $30,000 each month for the initial forty-eight months of the term. The monthly rent will decrease by 50% during any time period where either the Knoll West Facility or the Knoll East Facility are completely closed down due to renovations. The monthly rent will increase to $55,000 once the renovations to both the Knoll West Facility and the Knoll East Facility have been completed.

Knoll West Country has booked well over 100 upcoming events in the next several months and is willing to work with the Township to coordinate these events around the upcoming renovations that the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is planning to undertake at both facilities.

 

District 5 serves up Corned Beef at Annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany District 5 Fire Department held its 18th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner on Saturday, March 11 at the firehouse on Old Bloomfield Avenue.

The annual event attracted many residents, firemen, politicians and friends who enjoyed a delicious cooked corned beef, cabbage, boiled potatoes and carrots.  There were even hot dogs for the kids, as well as homemade cupcakes and cookies.

Paddy Merrill stopped by to sing some Irish tunes!