MORRIS COUNTY — Homeless Solutions (HSI) grabbed their giant scissors and proudly cut the ribbon for their newest affordable housing project. HSI joined their supporters, as well as federal, state, and local officials to celebrate their new eight-unit property located on Martin Luther King Avenue in Morristown, on Friday, October 25.
It’s official. The ribbon was cut at Homeless Solutions newest eight-unit property located on Martin Luther King AvenueHomeless Solutions celebrate their new eight-unit property located on Martin Luther King AvenueThe large spacious units with many closets throughoutBeautiful handicapped accessible bathroomsLarge modern kitchens
“HSI is a leader in affordable housing. The impact on and contributions made to the community are clearly evidenced by its recent projects. Within the last two years, we’ve opened 12 new affordable apartments,” HSI Housing Development Committee Chair Buddy Scott proudly shared.
This project was ideal for HSI. The location is close to amenities including parks, public transit lines, and downtown businesses. And, it provided an opportunity to turn an old, dilapidated building into attractive, affordable apartments, improving the neighborhood.
HSI saw some firsts with this project. It was their first property to offer 4-bedroom apartments. HSI is pleased to be able to provide an option for larger families. It was also their first property built on land shared by two towns – Morristown and Morris Township.
This presented some challenges, but HSI was pleased to have the support from both towns. “I am glad the two municipalities could work together to bring this fantastic project to fruition. HSI is an invaluable resource for many towns and we are grateful for their presence in Morris Township,” Township of Morris Mayor Jeff Grayzel reflected.
Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty concurred and added why HSI is a good partner for the town. “Morristown has a commitment to nonprofits and to preserve and expand a range of housing options for various income levels as part of its larger goal to healthy residential neighborhoods. HSI has shown a proven track record with Morristown in demonstrating project planning, leadership, and completing successful affordable housing projects through a private-public partnership. This fills a critical missing link in the affordable housing community.”
HSI is grateful to community partners, donors, and funders that made this affordable property possible. Not only did they receive grants through the William E. Simon Foundation, TD Foundation, County Home Funds, and Municipal Housing Funds, HSI was awarded the first government housing grant that was offered nationally. The plans for this property were well-aligned with the grant requirements, and HSI was one of only six organizations to receive the National Housing Trust Fund.
HSI looks forward to the next opportunity where they can break out their scissors to provide more homes people can afford.
Dan McGuire Chief Executive Officer Homeless Solutions, Freeholders Kathryn A. DeFillippo and Stephen H. ShawDan McGuire Chief Executive Officer Homeless Solutions
HSI is a private, nonprofit organization with 36 years of experience meeting the needs of those affected by homelessness in Morris County. With a philosophy of, “A Hand Up, Not a Handout,” HSI’s mission is to offer shelter, services, and supportive housing to homeless and low-income people. There are four Shelter Programs and a Transitional Housing Program to help guests develop the skills to successfully return to independent living. HSI also operates the Mt. Kemble Home for senior women of limited means, and develops and manages affordable housing throughout Morris County. For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany IHOP hosted its annual Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 25.
Children arrived in different creative costumes and enjoyed walking around to all the decorated cars and collecting candy. The best decorated car won $100.00; Kids also were able to eat free during the event.
The Crunch Fitness crew was dancing to the 70’s and 80’sPeople of all ages dressed up for IHOP’s Trunk or TreatGuess who we found at IHOP’s Trunk or Treat?Three year old Fabian TorresPearl E. Gates
We all have important decisions to make on Election Day, and my choice is Cori Herbig for Parsippany Town Council. Cori is always there, observing Council meetings, speaking up on meaningful issues, and connecting with this community. She understands our town, and will do a fine job representing it.
Cori cares about both the big challenges facing our country, and the ones we face every day right here in town. Her experience as Director of State Government Affairs at Everytown for Gun Safety gives her a grasp of the practical legislative process for achieving common-sense measures that improve all our lives.
Cori has a strong background in the law: a degree from Pace Law School, and a certificate in Environmental Law from there too, as well as a certificate in Criminology from Rutgers University. This shows the commitment and effectiveness she will bring to working for Parsippany’s green space, and working with local law enforcement to keep our streets and schools safe.
Cori has protected animals at the ASPCA, and championed families as a lawyer fighting illegal evictions. No matter who needs help, Cori is pledged to give it, and has shown results. In the same way, if elected she will be a representative for all Parsippany residents.
I’ve lived in Parsippany for 26 years, and I want to entrust it to those who will help it thrive for 50 more. That’s why I’m voting for Cori Herbig, Rob Kaminski, and Judy Hernandez for Town Council on Tuesday, November 5.
MORRIS COUNTY — M. Bucco took the oath of office today to become the new Senator for New Jersey’s 25th Legislative District. A lifelong resident of Morris County, Bucco was sworn in during a session of the New Jersey Senate at the State House in Trenton.
Senator Anthony M. Bucco introducing his family as he addresses the Senate chamber after taking the oath of office on October 24, 2019
“It is my absolute honor to be sworn in as Senator for the 25th District. I look forward to continuing my fight for the taxpayers of Morris and Somerset counties on the issues important to them – lower property taxes, fair school funding, safer communities, and creating better-paying jobs, just to name a few,” said Bucco. “It is my pledge to the 25th District’s residents that I will continue with my track record of pristine constituent service and a work ethic that they have come to know with me as their Assemblyman.”
Bucco earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and managerial economics in 1984 from Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa. He went on to receive his law degree from Seton Hall Law School in 1987, and was admitted to the New Jersey bar that same year. He is a partner at the law firm of Murphy McKeon, P.C. specializing in local government law.
Prior to joining the Senate, Bucco served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2010 to 2019, including as Republican Conference Leader in his final two years.
The 25th Legislative District includes parts of Morris and Somerset counties.
Senator Anthony M. Bucco pictured with his family on the floor of the New Jersey Senate after taking the oath of office on October 24, 2019.
PARSIPPANY — SCG Advertising + Public Relations, a full-service communications agency, has appointed Stony Point resident, Alexa Cangialosi as account executive. In her role, Cangialosi provides professional support for SCG’s broad spectrum of PR clients, including event management, campaign development, media relations, analyzing performance metrics, and social media managing.
“From planning and coordinating events to executing all aspects of social media for our clients, Alexa offers experience in various sectors of public relations,” says Mike Cherenson, SCG’s executive vice president. “With her enthusiasm, knowledge of the field, and range of skill, Alexa has become a significant asset to our team and to our clients.”
Before joining SCG Advertising + Public Relations, Cangialosi was campaign coordinator at Reach Marketing, where she managed email marketing processes and analyzed program performance. A Ramapo College of New Jersey graduate with a bachelor’s degree in communications, with an emphasis in writing, Cangialosi participated in SCG’s internship program as a fall 2017 public relations intern, a program that she now manages.
PARSIPPANY — The Superior Court of the New Jersey-Morris County has released its opinion in Purzycki, et als v. Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association, finding that all property owners in Lake Parsippany must contribute their fair share to the maintenance of the lake, beach and other common properties.
Judge Stuart Minkowitz, the Assignment Judge for Morris and Sussex Counties, held that Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association, Inc. (“LPPOA”) located in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, Morris County, New Jersey can compel property owners to pay dues and assessments pursuant to covenants in the deeds and chains of title of all property owners.
The Court found Lake Parsippany is a common interest community and that each of the 2200 property owners had been granted rights to the use of the common properties, including the lake, by virtue of an easement in their chain of title to their property, and by the fact that their lots are depicted on a map filed with Morris County at the time of the original development of the community. As a result, the Court found that the owners were on notice as to the possibility of an assessment.
LPPOA is a private lake association that maintains the lake, beaches, Clubhouse and other common property for the benefit of the Lake Parsippany community. LPPOA must comply with State regulations relate to lakes and dams. LPPOA also pays for taxes, insurance, lake water quality management and dam inspections, which became increasingly difficult on voluntary payments.
In 2017, LPPOA imposed a mandatory assessment of $115 per year for all residents of the community as a basic maintenance fee. A group of property owners filed the lawsuit in opposition to the mandatory fee, and the entire community was later joined in a class action suit. They argued that LPPOA did not have the authority to assess them, and the community, if it ever existed, had been abandoned long ago.
The Court rejected that argument, finding that all residents benefited from being in the lake community. The Court found that LPPOA’s role in maintaining the lake and recreational facilities enhanced or at the very least sustained value of the nearby properties, and that a poorly- maintained lake would certainly be unattractive to potential buyers and could also implicate public health or safety.
The Court found not only did LPPOA have the authority to impose a mandatory assessment, but that it had administered the assessment fairly.
The Lake Parsippany case follows the trend in lake case law in New Jersey, where the Courts have consistently found that even in lake communities which were not originally formed with mandatory membership, the association may impose a mandatory fee to maintain the common properties.
The Court’s decision is also consistent with Governor Phil Murphy’s recent statement accompanying a conditional veto of A5043/S3661, where he stated that the proposed legislation “could undermine a lake association’s ability to collect the funds necessary to comply with critical environmental, health and safety requirements, such as those outlined in the Safe Dam Act, the Stormwater Management Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Water Pollution Control Act, among others. This would significantly hinder an association’s ability to provide long-term operation and maintenance of dams, …and unfairly shift the cost of upkeep to a smaller group of members, and, potentially, State and local taxpayers.”
LPPOA was represented by Howard B. Mankoff, Esq. of Marshall, Dennehy, Warner, Coleman and Goggin. Plaintiffs were represented by Brian M. Rader, Esq.
PARSIPPANY — This low-rider lived in a home until he was surrendered to shelter in August. We are so happy to help this AMAZING senior find his forever home!
He weighs sixty pounds and is a big hunk of love. He is 100% house trained and is not destructive when left alone. Chester is happiest snoozing on the couch – and snoring!
He is super food/treat motivated and eager to please. Chester knows sit, come, leave it, wait, with me, and here–that big head is holding a big brain! He also loves to play fetch and go for walks.
Chester tends to be a strong puller on-leash, but he is working hard to correct that with his foster mama. He LOVES belly rubs and will often invite you to do so (see picture #2). Chester also loves being scratched on the neck.
His foster mama describes him as a very sweet boy and a good dog – easy!
If you’re looking to welcome a perfect, hunky senior into your home, look no further than Chester!
If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
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PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Redhawk Marching Band took first place in the US Bands competition held at North Warren Regional High School on Saturday, October 19.
With their show entitled “Bollywood” – the Band scored 87.363 and won best caption for Color Guard, followed by Lenape High School scoring 86.263, for the division 3A set. The Marching Redhawks also were awarded “Best in Show” for the entire competition for all divisions.
This follows their showing at Mount Olive High School on Saturday, October 12 where they chalked up a first place win over Lenape and Pequannock High Schools, and a previous second place finish at US Bands Yamaha Cup at Metlife Stadium October 5th with the award for best overall music for division 3A.
The Redhawk band will compete this weekend at the NJ State Championships for 3A at Rowan University on Sunday, October 27.
MORRIS COUNTY — Young men and women, ages 14-20, who are interested in careers in aviation are invited to join Aviation Explorer Post 523 on Wednesday, October 30 at Morristown Airport. The goal of the post is to help teens experience different career paths in aviation.
On October 30 the meeting will focus on an airplane’s instrument panel.
The post is chartered to DM Airports Ltd. and will meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month. New Explorers are welcome and can register by clicking here.
Exploring is a worksite-based program of Learning for Life, a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America. Exploring units, called “posts”, usually have a focus on a single career field, such as police, healthcare, law, aviation, engineering, fire/rescue or the like, and may be sponsored by a government or business entity
For further information please contact Al Thomas, District Executive at 973-765-9322 x229, al.thomas@scouting.org.
PARSIPPANY — The final ascent on the Eagle trail is the longest and the hardest. It is not unusual for this rank to take several years, and many Scouts never make it, but for Timothy William Metcalf and Colin Georges Aguesseau that was different. They worked hard and long and achieved the rank of Eagle. On Sunday, October 20 Troop 173 B.S.A. held an Eagle Court of Honor in which Timothy William Metcalf and Colin Georges Aguesseau were honored with their Eagle Badge.
Scoutmaster Michael Catapano was the Master of Ceremonies. Invocation was by Father Joseph G. Buffardi, Saint Christopher R.C. Church. Tyler Catapano, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader performed the Flag Salute and recited the Scout Oath and Law.
Advancement Chair Chris Modin read the certification of the Eagle candidate. Eagle Badge Presentation was presented by Daniel V. Metcalf (for Timothy Metcalf) and Christine Aguesseau (for Colin Aguesseau). Eagle Charge was read by Past Scoutmaster John Worthington and the Benediction was by Father Michal A. Falgowski from Saint Christopher R.C. Church.
The Eagle Scout Award is Scouting’s highest rank and among its most familiar icons. Men who have earned it count it among their most treasured possessions. Those who missed it by a whisker remember exactly which requirement they didn’t complete. Americans from all walks of life know that being an Eagle Scout is a great honor. The award is more than a badge. It’s a state of being. The Eagle Scout may have received the badge as a boy, but you earn it every day as a man. In the words of the Eagle Scout Promise, they do their best each day to make their training and example, their rank and their influence count strongly for better Scouting and for better citizenship in the troop, in their community, and in their contacts with other people. And to this they pledge their sacred honor.
Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million young men. An average of only 4% of the Boy Scouts actually earn this rank.
The requirements for the Eagle Scout rank are as follows:
Be active in your troop and patrol for at least six months as a Life Scout.
Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life.
Earn 21 merit badges, including the 12 that are required-First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving, Environmental Science, Personal Management, Swimming or Hiking or Cycling, Camping, and Family Life.
Serve actively in an approved position of responsibility for a period of six months after becoming a Life Scout.
Plan, develop, and lead others in carrying out a service project worthy of an Eagle Scout.
Take part in a Scoutmaster conference
Appear before a board of review of prominent persons, and satisfy them that you have done your best to understand and live up to the Scout Oath and Law and, in all ways, qualify for the Eagle Scout Award.
COLIN GEORGES AGUESSEAU
Colin Georges Aguesseau
Colin began his Scouting career as a Tiger Scout in Cub Scout Pack 5, earning his Arrow of Light and crossing over to Boy Scout Troop 173 in March 2011.
As Colin progressed through Scouts, he held the role of Patrol Leader four times as well as Scribe. Colin attended BSA National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) in the summer of 2013.
Many of Colin’s best summer memories were made at BSA Camps: Camp Wheeler, which he attended every summer as a Cub Scout and later worked as a Camp Counselor for five years – and Camp Winnebago, which he enjoyed attending with Troop 173 each summer. Among the many highlights there were winning the mile swim in 2016 and the earning “greasy watermelon” for his Troop two years in a row. With his Troop, Colin completed a total of 102 nights of camping, and 31 in a cabin, including on Big Trips to Lake George, Boston and Washington DC.
While in Troop 173, Colin participated in 95 community service hours. Colin has continued this tradition of service in his community: joining Explorers Post 131 of the Parsippany Police Dept when they relaunched in the summer of 2016 (promoted to the rank of Sergeant in Jan 2019) and the Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department, District 2, Parsippany-Troy Hills, in 2018.
Colin’s Eagle Scout Project
Colin completed his Eagle Scout project in the fall of 2017, constructing and installing platforms at the Mt. Tabor Pond, providing residents of his community a place to fish.
On February 13, 2018, Colin became the 74th Scout in Troop’s 173’s 60+ year history to earn the rank of Eagle.
Colin graduated from Parsippany Hills High School in June 2018, but even as he began his college career in Business Administration at the County College of Morris, he continued his Scouting career by joining Troop 173’s Venture Crew, culminating in the once-in-a-lifetime experience of attending Philmont – the BSA’s largest National High Adventure Base – in the summer of 2019, an unforgettable adventure.
Colin earned 24 merit badges: Camping, Chemistry, Citizenship in the Community,
Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Collections Communications, Cooking, Environmental Science, Family Life, Fingerprinting, First Aid, Fishing, Geocaching, Geology, Kayaking, Lifesaving, Metalwork, Nature, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Pottery, Small Boat Sailing and Swimming.
TIMOTHY WILLIAM METCALF
Timothy William Metcalf
Timothy began his Scouting experience in Cub Scout Pack 175. When he was eligible to join Boy Scouts to continue his Scouting experience he became a member of Troop 173.
Timothy quickly started making new friends while rising through the ranks of Scouting under Scoutmasters Ken Galley, John Worthington, and Les Wu; he was very active in the Troop by attending most campouts and Troop meetings. He also attended National Youth Leadership Training and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow. He has a total number of 169 camping nights and has earned a total of 32 merit badges. With his extra merit badges, he also earned a bronze and gold Palm. He has a total of 221 service hours with the Troop. During his time with the Troop he held many positions of responsibility including being Troop Guide Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader. While in the Troop he earned the Scout Scholar Athlete Award and the Pope Pius XII award. He joined Venture Crew 173 associated with the Troop and with that group he attended Philmont in the Summer of 2019.
Timothy’s Eagle Scout Project
For his Eagle Project, Timothy renovated an upstairs storage room in the Smith Baldwin Historical House in Parsippany. His crew cleaned out the room, and painted walls in the room. Tim designed and the crew built two wood storage units for the room. He received guidance and encouragement from his Eagle Coach, Ginny Grabinsky, his family, all the adult leaders in his Troop, and Randy Tortorello, his Project Beneficiary. He also received help from his friends and embers of Troop 173. Timothy is thankful for all the support he received with his Project.
Timothy graduated from Seton Hall Preparatory School. While he continued to be active in Scouting; he also played sports, was involved with clubs, performed community service and worked on installing landscaping lights with his dad. He played on the school bowling team and ultimately became Captain. Tim was the President of the Pirates Against Cancer Club and the Vice President of the Service Club. At St. Christopher’s Church, he was an Altar Server, volunteered at Vacation Bible School, and even dressed as the Easter Bunny for the children at Easter time. He is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Timothy’s favorite parts of Scouting were camping, hiking, and white-water rafting. He also gained many different skills and knowledge throughout Scouting that will help him throughout the rest of his life.
Timothy earned 32 merit badges: Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in Nation, Citizenship in World, Collections, Communication, Cooking, Environmental Science, Family Life, Fingerprinting, First Aid, Geology, Kayaking, Leatherwork, Lifesaving, Metalwork, Nature, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Pioneering, Reptile/Amphibian, Small Boat Sailing, Soil and Water, Space Exploration, Sports, Swimming, Weather, Wilderness Survival and Wood Carving.
Eagle Court of Honor
1 of 36
Invocation by Father Joseph G. Buffardi, Saint Christopher R.C. Church
Michael Catapano, Scoutmaster delivers the welcoming message
Tyler Catapano, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader opening the program
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano and Timothy William Metcalf
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano and Colin Georges Aguesseau
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Michael dePierro
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Michael dePierro and Timothy Metcalf
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Michael dePierro and Colin Aguesseau
Colin, Timothy and Dr. Barbara Sargent, Superintendent of Schools Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
Timothy, Bob Roberti representing Sedgefield Civic Association and Colin
Colin, Frank Cahill representing Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and Timothy
Colin, Al Clark representing Knights of Columbus and Timothy
Colin, Timothy and Kathy Nolan representing the Columbiettes
Timothy, Richard Kunz, VFW Post 10184 and Colin
Timonty, Kathy Haney, Woman's Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills and Colin
Timothy, Keith Porcelli, representing Elks Lodge 2078 and Colin
Colin, Timothy and Carol Dadaian, Registration Assistant at Patriot's Path Council, BSA
Certification of the Eagle Candidates: Timothy, Mr. Chris Modin, Advancement Chair and Colin
Daniel V. Metcalf
Daniel places the Eagle Pin on Timothy
The Eagle Badge Presentation was presented by Daniel V. Metcalf, to his brother Timothy
Timothy places the Dad pin on his father
Timothy places the Mom Pin on his mom, Cathy
Timothy places the mentor pin on Ginny Grabinsky
Colin's mom, Christine Aguesseau, places the Eagle pin on Colin
Colin places a pin on his grandfather, Bernard Frattin
Colin Aguesseau pins John Worthington with the Mentor Pin
Father Michal A. Falgowski, Saint Christopher R.C. Church
Colin Georges Aguesseau and Parsippany Hills High School Teacher Andrew Nicholes
Colin Georges Aguesseau and Timothy William Metcalf
Timothy William Metcalf with Randy Tortorello
The Metcalf Family
Grandparents Rosemarie and Bernard Fratha; Colin, Jeremy, Christine Aguesseau and Tony Bosi
Colin Georges Aguesseau and Timothy William Metcalf cutting the celebration cake
Eagle Scout Timothy William Metcalf, Mayor Michael Soriano and Eagle Scout Colin Georges Aguesseau
Dear Editor:
