PARSIPPANY — Hi, my name is Cosmo! I am a stunning one-year-old male Pit Bull, German Shepard, Basenji mix! According to my DNA test, my unique share of breeds just makes me 100% cute!
I am fully grown and currently weight 70 pounds. I am super sweet and can easily make someone’s day a bit brighter! I am goofy and at times clumsy, all making me more adorable! My foster mom tells me that my curly tail is the funniest part about me, next to my personality of course. When I go on walks, she puts me in a harness and says I do not pull one bit! She also says I am cuddly and that I love being the center of attention. I’ve quickly become her shadow!
I enjoy watching TV and lounging on the couch with my doggy foster sibling. I know basic commands and am house broken! I would do GREAT in a home with another dog who can teach me how to be my best self! You know what else I really love? The car! Do you want to go on trips and vacations with me? I can’t wait!
Because I am a big, young pup, it would be best if I go in a home with children above the age of 16. After being rescued from a municipal shelter in Jersey City, I am now SO ready to find my forever home! Because of the neglect I suffered through, I am experiencing life’s best moments for the first time. I absolutely love everything that comes my way and I am very eager to find a family who will continue my adventures and explore with me!
If you are interested in adopting Cosmo, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
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(Wise Animal Rescue) W.A.R.’s goal is to find the perfect family dynamic and place our dogs in a loving, safe and permanent home. All of our dogs available for adoption are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on shots and microchipped.
Our adoption process starts with filling an application, home visit, meet and greet and then finalizing with an adoption contract and fee.
Adoption fees range from about $200-$500. These fees help defray costs of veterinary and foster care and are tax deductible.
PARSIPPANY — Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 members donated twelve complete turkey dinners to clients of Parsippany Child Day Care Center, 300 Baldwin Road. They also donated $1,500 in gift cards to other families throughout Parsippany for the holiday.
ShopRite Parsippany also contributed in donating to the Thanksgiving turkey dinners. There was a total of 24 complete turkey dinners distributed, an additional twelve to other Parsippany families.
Sons of Italy hosts many successful fundraising events throughout the year. 100% of the money raised during their fundraising events are donated to organizations throughout the year.
Sons of Italy also purchases gift cards from area stores to donate to local charitable organizations, including Parsippany Day Care Center, Parsippany Food Pantry, the Valerie Fund, and Jersey Battered Women’s Service. The Sons of Italy also awards many scholarships to graduating students of both high schools.
The truck was loaded with 12 complete Turkey dinners
In July the Sons of Italy raised over $10,000 from their successful golf outing, and more recently they held a successful Beefsteak dinner.
Sons of Italy, very active in community events, also sponsors a fundraiser for Par-Troy Wrestling Club.
Members of the Sons of Italy should be proud of all the fundraising efforts that helps families in need not just holidays but all year round.
To become a member contact President Joseph Jannarone, Jr. at (973) 632-4765.
PARSIPPANY — IHOP, 792 Route 46, prepared dinner for over 100 residents residing at Brookside Senior Center.
IHOP donates Thanksgiving Dinner to residents of Brookside
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The dining room of IHOP was packed with guests from Brookside Senior Center
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Robert Peluso with Brookside Senior residents Pamela Newman, Dominic Mele and Richard W. Kunz
IHOP donated over 100 meals to the Brookside Senior Center
Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo, Karen DeChristopher, Robert Peluso and Freeholder-elect Heather Darling
Kiwanis Key Club members holding their certificates are Matthew Lin, Wasay Noor, Jaclyn Carifi, Agamya Rao, Razwan Ahmad and Varenya Alvakonda, received a plaque thanking the students for volunteering and making a difference in our community. Township Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Dr. Selimo, Nicolas Limanov, Frank Cahill, Karen DeChristopher, Carol Tiesi and Freeholder Thomas Mastrangelo.
Robert Peluso presenting IHOP Co-owner Mo Abdelhadi with a plaque for his appreciation of
IHOP Co-owner Mo Abdelhadi, and Kiwanis member Nicolas Limanov
The residents were offered transportation to IHOP by Ultimate Party Bus and Limo. Upon arrival at IHOP the guests were greeted by Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill, President-elect Karen DeChristopher and members Dr. Patrick Selimo, Nicolas Limanov and Carol Tiesi. Ultimate Party Bus and Limo donated their services to help make this event a success.
Volunteers from Parsippany Hills High School Key Club were Razwan Ahmad, Matthew Lin, Wasay Noor, Varenya Alvakonda, Agamya Rao and Jaclyn Carifi.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo and Freeholder-elect Heather Darling joined in helping the Key Club members in serving the guests dinner.
Frank Cahill said to the Kiwanis Key Club members “On behalf of the members of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany we thank you for being part of Key Club and making a difference in our community.”
Robert Peluso presenting IHOP Co-owner Mo Abdelhadi with a plaque for making a difference in our community.
On behalf of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, Robert Peluso also presented IHOP’s co-owner, Mo Abdelhadi, with a plaque thanking him for making a difference in our community. Peluso is also President of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Michael Adler, Ultimate Party Bus and Limo and Robert Peluso. Peluso thanks Ultimate Party Bus for donating their services in making this event successful
Nicolas Limanov delivered hot meals to Brookside seniors that couldn’t make the event.
Editors Correction: The story has been updated to correct the Key Club members. Previously we identified the students from Parsippany High School, but all of the volunteers were from Parsippany Hills High School.
Thanksgiving is traditionally a time when we gather as families to reflect on our blessings, and focus on our gratitude for them. Because of that focus on family, spending Thanksgiving separated from loved ones is often tough for military members and families.
As you gather with your family to reflect on your blessings, please take a moment to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to our troops serving away from home on the holiday, and let them know you are grateful for their sacrifice, spending their holiday separated from their families so that you can enjoy yours in peace.
Happy Thanksgiving from the members of Parsippany Focus
PARSIPPANY — The state approved plans to build a high-voltage transmission line through parts of Morris County by Jersey Central Power & Light, the latest in a series of projects aimed at enhancing the reliability of the power grid.
The seven-mile transmission line, running through Parsippany, Montville and East Hanover won approval from the New Jersey Board of Utilities. When originally proposed, the project was estimated to cost $35 million, according to the utility.
JCP&L and other utilities are being pressed to modernize an aging power grid by state regulators and operators of the regional power grid, PJM Interconnection.
The Morris project, however, faced minimal opposition, compared to other projects undertaken in other areas of the New Jersey Highlands, or the controversy enveloping JCP&L’s proposed 10-mile Monmouth County Reliability Line. The latter project is before an administrative law court judge.
“JCP&L is pleased that the Board of Public Utilities unanimously approved the Montville-Whippany Reinforcement project,’’ said Ron Morano, a spokesman for the state’s second-largest electric utility. “Significant infrastructure investments such as this enable JCP&L to deliver the safe and reliable service our customers deserve and expect.’’
Utilities have embraced proposals to build transmission projects in recent years, earning far more than on investments in maintaining their distribution system — the poles and wires delivering electricity to homes and businesses.
At the same time, however, the projects have come under increasing criticism from local communities and environmentalists, in part because of a declining growth in electricity load.
The new project, which follows along an existing power line, is expected to begin construction in the first quarter of 2018, according to Morano. The project was part of a $200 million, multiyear program of transmission upgrades planned by JCP&L, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy of Akron, OH.
JCP&L has been the target of much regulatory scrutiny from the state in recent years, largely over repeated power outages and criticism that it was not investing enough to maintain its power grid.
PARSIPPANY — B&G Foods, Inc. announced that it has appointed Kenneth G. Romanzi as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, a newly created position, effective December 4, 2017. Mr. Romanzi will serve on the Company’s executive management team, reporting to President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert C. Cantwell.
Some of B&G Food products include Accent, Bear Creek, Mrs. Dash, Ortega, LaPalmas, Green Giant and French’s. The company is located at Four Gatehall Road.
“After more than doubling the size of our business over the past two years, we believe now is an excellent time to supplement our already very strong executive management team with another highly talented executive,” said CEO and President Robert C. Cantwell. “Ken Romanzi is a proven leader with extensive experience in the food and beverage industry. We are very pleased to have Ken join our team. As chief operating officer, Ken will have a broad range of responsibilities as we continue to execute our growth strategy.”
Romanzi most recently served as president of fresh foods at WhiteWave Foods Corp., where he led Earthbound Farm Organic.
Before that, he was senior vice president and chief operating officer of global brands for Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc.
His previous jobs have also included president of Hasbro’s U.S. toys division. Romanzi started his career in marketing at Frito-Lay Inc.
“B&G Foods’ executive management team has done a tremendous job through the years transforming the company from a small, regional pickles and peppers business to one of the leading public-branded food companies in the nation,” Romanzi said. “I look forward to working with Bob and the entire team at B&G Foods to assist with the future growth of the company.”
MORRIS COUNTY — More than 750 law enforcement officials from all 21 New Jersey counties recently met in Atlantic City to stay abreast of ongoing issues and to continue their legal education.
The three-day training program at the Borgata Hotel & Casino was part of the 2017 Annual College of the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey and included an appearance by State Attorney General Christopher Porrino.
The college took place on November 18-20. The college included the installation of Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp as Association president.
Previously, he had been First Vice President. Knapp replaces Warren County Prosecutor Richard T. Burke as President. The new First Vice President will be Sussex County Prosecutor Francis A. Koch. The Second Vice President will be Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri. The secretary will be Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, the treasurer will be Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni and National District Attorneys Association delegate is Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes.
Prosecutor Knapp said, “I am honored and humbled to be elected as president of the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey. Serving as the head of this Association is a great responsibility, which I welcome enthusiastically.” Over three days, the state’s 21 county prosecutors, 700 assistant prosecutors, detectives and members of the state Attorney General’s Office took part in an array of breakout sessions focusing on varying legal issues. Topics included such things as “The Prosecutor’s Paradox: Understanding How Unconscious Bias Can Affect Behavior,” “Managing the Opioid Crisis in Your Jurisdiction: A Sample Approach,” “Taking a Byte Out of Crime: Using Technology to Find and Prosecute Crime,” and “Recanting Witness: Friend or Foe.” Ten hours of continuing legal education programs were presented for attendees. There were also general meetings involving the 21 County Prosecutors, First Assistant Prosecutors, Chiefs of Detectives, Forensic Nurses, Victim Witness Coordinators and the Narcotics Commanders Association of New Jersey.
A highlight of the college were awards given to three individuals, including Catherine Broderick, a Supervising Assistant Prosecutor in Morris County who was honored for Outstanding Advocacy Over a Career. A graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law, Broderick has prosecuted many different crimes, but has spent much of her career handling cases involving the most vulnerable of victims.
When Megan’s Law was enacted, Broderick created a unit to fully comply with the law, including the prosecution of offenders and community notification upon their release. Broderick most recently has served as the Supervising Assistant Prosecutor in charge of the Specialized Services Unit, which includes Megan’s Law, Missing Persons, Weapons Returns and several other office functions. In 2016, she was selected by the Morris County Bar Association as the Association’s Professional Lawyer of the Year.
Also honored were Brian C. Matthews, an Essex County Assistant Prosecutor who most recently helped secure a conviction in a case involving a murder and a carjacking at the Mall at Short Hills. He was honored for Outstanding Advocacy in a Single Case. A third honoree was Daniel Bornstein, who was cited for Outstanding Advocacy Over a Career in a Non-Trial Position. Bornstein has been a Deputy Attorney General in the Division of Criminal Justice since 1995, and he has served as Chief of the Division’s Appellate Bureau since September 2014. During his career as an appellate prosecutor, he has handled dozens of high-profile cases in the New Jersey Supreme Court and Appellate Division. Bornstein currently supervises 20 Deputy Attorneys General, one attorney assistant, and five administrative assistants in the Appellate Bureau, and he regularly provides trial assistance to trial prosecutors and appellate prosecutors across the state.
MORRIS COUNTY — First Night Morris is celebrating its 26th anniversary on Sunday, December 31, as one of New Jersey’s biggest and brightest First Night events — a New Year’s Eve family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration of the arts – with nearly 200 artists, 85 events in 24 venues – representing dance, theatre, music, world cultures, visual arts and children’s events.
For all 26 years, Morris Arts has been First Night Morris’ artistic programmer, securing topflight talents who attract thousands of people from Morris County and beyond.
More than half of the program features new artists, or artists returning after several years, many of whom have performed at top venues, such as the White House, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Metropolitan Opera, and who have won international recognition, performed on national radio/TV, in major films and/or collaborated with superstars of performing arts.
On December 31 in Morristown, you can experience everything from a Metropolitan Opera soprano to inflatable dinosaurs!
Rock/Bluegrass/Blues: The John Ginty Band showcasing Ginty, who toured/performed with the Dixie Chicks, Jewel, Santana. Silk City brings its blend of bluegrass, roots and honky-tonk music. For gutsy, full-throated blues with a touch of funk, R&B, country and jazz, don’t miss the Cobra Brothers.
Jazz and Swing: First Night would not be complete without jazz pianist, Rio Clemente and his inventive and sparkling improvisations. Mauricio de Souza’sband Bossa Brasil offers smooth, Brazilian-tinted jazz while James Langton takes it Nice & Easy, Swingin’ the Great American Songbook.
Broadway: A Night of Broadway Stars transports the Great White Way to First Night, featuring Broadway performers singing unforgettable songs from Phantom, Wicked, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and other great shows.
Folk Music: Catch the crystalline voice of singer/songwriter Christine DeLeon. If you prefer musical satire, don’t miss John Forster, whose works were recorded by Judy Collins and Roseanne Cash.
Classical Music: Don’t miss Metropolitan Opera Soprano, Jennifer Check, who has sung under the world’s top conductors (Levine, Maazel, Ozawa) and will be joined by award-winning pianist, Andrew Rosenblum. First Night also offers the New Jersey Festival Orchestra, the piano virtuosity of Laryssa Krupa (with her trio), the grand brass of Solid Brass Lite, and the Harmonium Choral Society. You can even meet “Beethoven” himself as Dennis Kobray’s Meet the Musicians shares the life and works by the great composer.
World Cultures: Includes the Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoor; exotic Music of the Middle East, which spotlights Armenian oud master Ara Dinkjian and Turkish kanun virtuoso Tamer Pinarbasi. Melanie Mitrano performs haunting songs of Portuguese Fado and Brazilian song traditions, while Irish (and other) eyes will be smiling at the music of Irish Fiddler Brian Conway (with guitarist John Walsh). Groove on good vibrations from The Didge Project which blends the sounds of the Australian aboriginal didgeridoo with world rhythms and tribal beats. And join in the salsa, merengue and tango with Daniel Herrera’s DREAMS dancers or infectious rhythms of Folk Music of Colombia with Viva Vallenato’s cumbia and vallenato.
Mayhem Poets blend poetry, hip hop, improv, stand-up comedy
Theater/Comedy? Laugh into the New Year with Comedian Moody McCarthy, Hypno Marc’s Comedy Hypnotism, and Master Magician and Illusionist Great Scott! with his feathered partner Thurston (a blue/gold macaw). Also Robert Costello becomes Abraham Lincoln; Lou Del Bianco tells the story of his grandfather, the Master Carver of Mt. Rushmore; The Mayhem Poets blend poetry, hip hop, improv and stand-up comedy; Kit’s Interactive Theater drafts the audience directly into the performance of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother; and Storyteller Extraordinaire, Julie Pasqual, shares stories from around the world.
Dance: First Nighters can savor dazzling routines of New Jersey Tap Ensemble soloists Maurice Chestnut and Jeffry Foote, delight in the elegant beauty of Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoori, enjoy Latin Dance with Daniel Herrera’s D.R.E.A.M.S. dancers, or try Square Dancing with Caller, Mary Moody.
Dinoman’s Dinosaurs will entertain kids
Children’s/ Family Programs: Who could resist Dinoman Dinosaurs or Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery? Catch the clowns, face painting balloons, and organ grinder at The Children’s Fun Festival or visit Transformations Facepainting. Perennial favorite and skilled circus performer, Mr. Fish will be back to amaze audiences with Phenomenal Physics.
Younger Children (4:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.): Hula hooping with Whirled Revolution, art making artist Samantha (“Sam”) Matthews’ Art 4 Kids, and Fun with LEGOs. New to this year’s early session is the Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoori, with dazzling costumes and choreography, and Square Dancing with Caller, Mary Moody.
Three visual arts exhibits (displaying over 300 artworks) and two sets of fireworks top off that magical evening known as First Night® Morris County. To check out the full lineup of artists, visit: www.firstnightmorris.com.
PARSIPPANY — Spencer Savings Bank participated in Jersey Cares’ Coat Drive from September 22 through November 16 to help distribute coats this upcoming winter season to residents in need. The bank collected new and “gently used” winter coats for all ages, and altogether collected over 400 coats for the cause. This is the first time Spencer Savings Bank has partnered with Jersey Cares. Spencer Savings Bank is located at 1699 Littleton Road.
“We are very excited to be partnering up with a new organization and one that does such great work.” said Janel Bazih, Vice President and Marketing Manager of Spencer Savings Bank. “Coats are expensive and not all families are able to afford them, so we are thankful for the generous amount of donations from our customers and employees.”
Established in 1993, Jersey Cares is a nonprofit organization whose focus is to increase civic engagement in New Jersey by coordinating volunteer opportunities to address community-identified needs. The organization provides hundreds of volunteer opportunities, ranging from tutoring children to painting new murals in schools, along with the Coat Drive. This year marks the 22nd Annual Jersey Cares Coat Drive. Last year, Jersey Cares collected and distributed over 30,000 coats throughout the state of New Jersey, and the plan is to exceed that number this year.
Spencer Savings Bank, a community bank headquartered in Elmwood Park, has been serving its local communities with integrity and pride for more than 75 years. The bank, serving consumers and businesses, operates 21 branches throughout New Jersey. For more information click here.
Jersey Cares, a nonprofit organization, expands meaningful volunteer engagement by creating and managing efficient, impactful projects to address critical community-identified needs. The organization partners with local nonprofits and implements volunteer projects to meet these needs. Individuals, families, corporate employees, and community groups are provided with a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that range from tutoring children to painting new murals in schools. Through the annual Coat Drive, Jersey Cares has collected, sorted, and distributed more than 500,000 coats for New Jersey residents over the past 21 years. Jersey Cares is an affiliate of the Hands on Network, an innovative alliance of volunteer catalysts throughout the world. For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY — On Thursday, November 16, Silvia Cooper, Branch Manager of Boiling Springs Savings Bank, 66 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha was inducted into Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. Club secretary Karen Gajewski presented Silvia with her Kiwanis membership pin and certificate.
“Kiwanis is something so good that each of us loves to share it. What better way to show our love for our club and our community than to welcome a new member into our club? Today we’re very pleased to welcome Silvia Cooper to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany,” said President Frank Cahill.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Secretary Karen Gajewski placed the Kiwanis pin on new member Silvia Cooper. Silva is the branch manager at Boiling Springs Savings Bank located on North Beverwyck Road
Cahill continued “We welcome you to this global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Would you, Karen Gajewski, please place the pin on Silvia’s lapel? Silvia, by presenting you with this certificate of membership, I welcome you, on behalf of the entire membership, into the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.”
A new member for our club means new ideas, new enthusiasm, greater fellowship—and greater service.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets at the Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46 every Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. If you are interested in joining our dedicated volunteers, join us for breakfast. For additional information you can email Frank Cahill at flcahill@parsippanykwianis.org.
