Dist. #3 Ladies Auxiliary will sponsor Atlantic City Bus Trip

Resorts International, Atlantic City

PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Co., Dist. #3 Ladies Auxiliary will sponsor its annual Atlantic City Bus Trip on Saturday, April 22, 2017.

The cost of the trip to Resorts Casino is $30.00. Guests receive $15.00 in slot play.

Bus leaves promptly at 8:00 a.m. from the Lake Parsippany Firehouse, 255 Halsey Road.

For additional information please call Barbara (973) 887-6809 or Jane (973) 887-5633.

Resorts Casino Hotel, a Mohegan Sun Property, boasts a prime location spanning 11 acres at the northern end of the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk, with 310 feet of Boardwalk frontage overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. There are 942 guest rooms and suites in two hotel towers, an 83,016 square-foot casino, two theaters, six restaurants along with Quickbites Food Court with five eateries, two VIP player lounges, a casino bar, indoor-outdoor swimming pool, health club and spa, salon, and retail shops.

Gaming guests will find non-stop action in the 80,016 square-foot casino, where more than 70 table games and 1,574 slot machines are open 24 hours a day. Among the highlights:

    • Hollywood Hills High Limit Slot Area
    • Margaritaville-themed casino gaming space
    • Earn: through the resort’s partnership with Mohegan Gaming Advisors, comp dollars are also redeemable at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Pennsylvania.

Guests looking for a quick casual bite can visit, Quick Bites food court, conveniently located on the casino floor and features five eateries

    • Dunkin Donuts: An American favorite since 1950 for coffee an baked goods.
    • The Original Soup Man: Founded in 1984 by Al Yeganeh of New York City’s legendary Soup Kitchen International.
    • Ruby’s Diner: The premier 1940’s – style family restaurant, serving award winning burgers, salads, fountain treats and dinner specials.
    • Famous Famiglia Pizza: One of America’s fastest-growing pizza chains, specializing in authentic New York City-style pizza since 1986.
    • Haagen-Dazs: Super-premium ice cream world-renowned for its delicious density.
  • Breadsticks Cafe & Grill: Salads, burgers, sandwiches, grilled favorites, copper-oven specialties and breakfast, served with a world famous Boardwalk view.
  • Gallagher’s Burger Bar: A Big Apple classic, specializing in innovative appetizers, sandwiches, and burgers ground from Gallagher’s own dry-aged beef.
  • LandShark Bar & Grill: The only year-round full-service bar and restaurant on the sand side of the Boardwalk. Featuring nightly entertainment and inspired by the great “beach joints” that once dotted the Atlantic Coast, the venue features retractable walls to provide spectacular views fo the ocean and places guests in the center of the action on the beach and Boardwalk.
  • Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville: Weather guests are looking for a “cheeseburger in paradise” or a surf & turf meal, you’re sure to find it at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Specializing in all sorts of seafood, the seasonal exterior deck on the Boardwalk will allow guests to enjoy alfresco dining or a drink topped off with a gentle ocean breeze.

Canticles of Life: AIDS Benefit Concert

The Parsippany United Methodist Church is pleased to again be hosting a Canticles of Life Benefit Concert on Saturday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first Canticles concert. Since then, over $131,000 has been raised for this music ministry. Presented by the nonprofit Triad Arts Ensemble, the concerts not only benefit three NJ organizations that support those impacted by HIV/AIDS, but they also raise awareness and help to shine God’s love through the compassion, talents and financial gifts of those attending and performing.

Canticles Chairperson Ginny Johnston will be conducting the 26-voice Triad Vocal Ensemble. They will feature a mix of styles including anthems, Broadway, and an inspiring new work, “I Choose Love” by NJ composer Mark Miller. Also performing will be singer/songwriter/ instrumentalists Margo Hennebach and Mark Saunders. The last time they appeared on the Canticles series was as two thirds of the international trio, Mad Agnes. Having just returned from an extended pilgrimage in Ireland, they’ll share their love of Celtic music, incorporate vocal improvisation as learned from Bobby McFerrin, and invite attendees to share their world through on-the-spot creations. And to round out the program will be the Dan Crisci Jazz Trio, offering several instrumental selections. Additionally, panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display and a reception will follow the performance. There will also be a time of reflection and sharing by representatives from the charities.

The concert will benefit: New Jersey AIDS Services based in Morristown, the NAMES Project of Northern NJ, which supports the AIDS Memorial Quilt; and the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children in Newark.

Tickets are no longer required to attend. A free-will offering will be accepted at the concert. You can also make tax-deductible contributions online ahead of time. Click here or talk to Pastor Jeff Edwards at (973) 887-4657 for more information. The church is located at 903 South Beverwyck Road.

Centenary’s School of Professional Studies opens social media center

PARSIPPANY — Centenary University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS) is now in a new location in Parsippany. It is located at the Mack-Cali Professional Building at 7 Campus Drive. This facility offers more classroom and conference space than before, plus it houses a Social Media Center of Expertise. This Center, which is called #theVIBE, will launch a Social Media Marketing certificate program and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Social Media Marketing for adult professionals.

#theVIBE was first launched at Centenary University in Hackettstown in 2015 as a location where students can gain social media expertise and where businesses can leverage the knowledge of social media experts. The launch of this program was so successful that they have built a second Social Media Center at Centenary University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS) in Parsippany.

“The program will help fill the gap we see today in analytic talent and appears to be on the forefront of instilling the skills colleges should be teaching,” says Kevin Hartman, Google Head of Analytics – Consumer Goods and Entertainment Sector.

Students studying Social Media Marketing will be immersed in social media by learning in a modern collaborative environment at #theVIBE, with its impressive touchscreen videowall streaming the latest social media data. This is a rapidly changing field and the program keeps students on the pulse of social media through interactive demos, customized video homework by social media experts, and hands-on use of industry social media listening software. Additionally, embedded in the courses are Google and Facebook certifications. This initiative will be managed by Kathy Naasz, Centenary’s Vice President for Innovation and Tim Guella, Social Media Director.

“The career opportunities in this field, in this part of the country, are massive,” says Naasz. “We can’t fill all the requests from companies looking for social media experts, so the move to Parsippany, to accelerate the training of working professionals who have interest in either expanding their skill set or making a career shift, is the next logical step. We have not even begun to market it and we already have 10 students in the first class in May.”

For more information, visit centenaryuniversity.edu/thevibe or call (973) 257-5190.

First established in 1999, Centenary University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS) provides an entrepreneurial approach to the educational experience by offering professional studies to an adult population, allowing students to select the modality most conducive to their busy lifestyle. Students can take classes in a variety of formats: one-night-per-week, completely online or through a blended approach, which combines online and in class methods.

The curriculum combines theory and practical experience, allowing students to apply knowledge acquired immediately. Having conferred thousands of degrees, the School of Professional Studies serves as an inclusive and collaborative learning community dedicated to preparing adult students to progress further in society and to contribute directly to the state’s economic engine.

Emily Mulhaul speaking on “TheTangible More”

PARSIPPANY —University of Scranton, Circle K International member, Emily Mulhaul had an opportunity to visit the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and discuss her organization, “TheTangibleMore.” Emily is the daughter of Past President Michael Mulhaul.

Mulhaul started, TheTangibleMore, a non profit to encourage unity in our Nation by helping those in immediate need. This is what we can do now for our Homeless Americans. The organization began as a positive and noncontroversial reaction to the Women’s March on January 21, 2017.

In one day, the Women’s March attracted over three million individuals across the United States, with the largest crowds marching through Los Angeles, New York City, Washington, D.C. The streets of cities as large as Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington D.C are shelter for our Homeless Americans. Their goal is to encourage a continual and collective effort and raise three million tangible donations for the 500,000 Homeless Americans.

“We did not forget you when we marched past you,” she said.

The community service club, Circle K, at the University of Scranton donated white socks and undergarments to the local community center for individuals during Fall of 2016. They also donated, 79 toothbrushes and 44 bottles of toothpaste to their local homeless shelter.

The group was formed to deal with the homeless population:

  • 60,000 homeless individuals in New York City
  • ~43,000 homeless individuals in Los Angeles
  • ~11,000 homeless individuals in Washington, D.C
  • ~500,000 homeless individuals in the United States of America
    • ~3 million individuals come together to march in one day
    • They believe three million could open their hearts to the homeless
    • This is the positive, noncontroversial, Tangible More

Get Involved. Tell your friends, family, and surrounding community there is more we can do. There’s no better way to make an impact than to continue to be an active advocate yourself. Join now and make an impact!

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany will be helping Emily with her project, locally, by donating to Homeless Solutions.  Just recently, Kiwanis member, Nicolas Liamnov, organized a fundraiser to collect coats for the needy at Homeless Solutions.

To learn more about TheTangibleMore, click here.

Barberio schedules Town Hall Meeting for Glacier Hill and Sedgefield residents

PARSIPPANY — Mack-Cali has intervened in the Township’s Mt. Laurel affordable housing action. This means that Mack-Cali is seeking to construct multi-family housing in Parsippany, a portion of which is affordable housing. Although Mack-Cali has not specified in court papers exactly where it seeks to construct such housing, there is speculation that at least one site being considered is 1633 Littleton Road. That property currently consists of a vacant office building.

2 Campus Drive has been purchased by Roseland Residential Trust, Mack-Cali’s multi-family subsidiary

Roseland Residential Trust, Mack-Cali’s multi-family subsidiary, acquired Two Campus Drive in Mack-Cali’s Business Campus for approximately $5.5 million. The strategic acquisition will pave the way for the execution of the mixed-use master plan for the Campus in Parsippany. This property is adjacent to 1633 Littleton Road.

1633 Littleton Road is directly across from Sedgefield

In a undated letter mailed to ONLY Sedgefield and Glacier Hills residents, Mayor James Barberio said “As I sated (sic) in my recent State of the Town address, our ability to comply with New Jersey Supreme Court draconian mandates on affordable housing is one of the most significant changes we face. We will face this challenge together as a community – so that you, the residents, are fully informed about this challenge and have the opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts, views and opinions.” Click here to view a copy of the letter mailed to Sedgefield and Glacier Hills residents.

Mayor Barberio

Barberio continued “I strongly believe that, given the magnitude of the issue of affordable housing here in Parsippany, I have an obligation to conduct meetings with our residents. The purpose of such meetings is to educate you on the affordable housing issue and what it means to Parsippany and potentially for 1633 Littleton Road.”

“I will be hosting a TOWN HALL meeting for the residents of Sedgefield and Glacier Hills ONLY on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Parsippany Town Hall. The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. At that meeting you will be provided with a special briefing by our Township Attorney, John lnglesino, Esq. Mr. lnglesino will outline the history of the affordable housing law in New Jersey, including recent Supreme Court decisions. He will advise how these decisions will impact Parsippany and what we can do to minimize such impacts. We will also have our Township planner, Ed Sneickus, present to address any planning-related questions you may have. You will have the opportunity to ask questions. We are allotting one hour for remarks by me and my administration and one hour for questions and comments,” he continued.

Glacier Hills resident Brian Tappen told Parsippany FocusA town meeting is a town meeting.  The Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A 10:4-6 (1973) states:  All meetings of public bodies in New Jersey must be open to the public unless closure is specifically permitted by law. If a meeting by members of a public body is closed to the public, the reason given must be one specifically authorized under the law. Members of the town should all be allowed to come and voice their opinion. This is a move by the Mayor to sell the people of Glacier Hills and Sedgefield that he is working to help them while attacking community leaders who raised this concern. His letter of 2017-03-01 to Glacier Hills says he will fight any project that is bad for Parsippany, Glacier Hills and Sedgefield, yet when community leaders tried to rally people against the project the Mayor sent letters (2017-01-23) to everyone in Glacier Hills and Sedgefield attacking those community leaders for their actions. The Mayor is trying to violate the Open Public Meetings Act and further his reelection campaign with this ploy.”

The residents of this town know about the obligation that each town in New Jersey has to secure the numbers every year for low-income housing families. The upcoming Special meeting (for only Sedgefield and Glacier Hills communities) is just another song and dance to side step the truth. We just do not believe that our town’s elected officials would allow for a corporation to dictate where and when these buildings are to go up even if it’s on their own land. Aren’t there many other sites that are better or just a good in this town? The Mack-Cali Complex in Parsippany is 600 acres. The equivalent to a small town in the United States. It should not be allowed to be rezoned for other than what it already has been permitted from this town … Businesses and Hotels,” said Carlo Guzman, President Sedgefield Civic Association.

He continues “Mack-Cali wants to attract commercial companies into it’s complex they can easily modernize those outdated and empty ones or sell them or the entire complex. It was not permitted when Llewellyn and Prudential tried.”

Democrat Mayoral Candidate Michael Soriano stated “The Route 202 corridor is already beyond capacity, and traffic along the road has been an issue that has gone unaddressed by the current administration for far too long.  This is an issue that effects most of the residents of Parsippany everyday, and the outcome of the Mack-Cali project will have an impact in every corner of town.  I believe that an issue of such importance that it requires a special meeting at town hall with the township attorney present should be open to all residents of Parsippany, and that the residents of Sedgefield and Glacier Hills would welcome their input.”

Mr. Inglesino stated numerous times at Township Council meetings that the courts have not decided Parsippany’s required number of affordable housing units.

Mr. Inglesino also stated at a recent Council Meeting, the meeting will be for the residents of Glacier Hills and Sedgefield and that the Council members are not allowed to attend the meeting. Since the meeting was not being publicly advertised it would be in violation of Open Public Meeting Act if attended by a majority of the Council. Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., is a resident of Sedgefield.

“I am extremely concerned about the Mayor’s actions. It is clear that he is using township funds and facilities, as well as employees, to conduct his political campaign. He is excluding major portions of our community, as well as the Township Council. The Mayor’s agenda is obvious. Our tax dollars are being used to fund his re-election efforts,” stated Robert Peluso Republican Candidate for Mayor.

Democrat Council Candidate Katie Cassidy told Parsippany Focus, “I’m concerned about a change of use in even a portion of the Mack-Cali complex. Building multi-family housing there would have a substantial impact on the township, especially near 202, where the traffic is already a problem. What affects Sedgefield and Glacier Hills affects other communities in the township as well. If an issue is complex enough for both the Attorney and the Planner to be present, the Council should be there as well. Sure, that would require public notice per the Open Public Meetings Act, but that should not be too much to ask. The administration should reschedule the meeting to give adequate time for public notice and hold the meeting at one of the high schools so that anyone concerned can go. Parsippany works best when its many communities come together. We should have an opportunity to do that on this issue.”

Inglesino indicated the meeting will be video-taped and be shown on public access TV and made available to the public.

Township resident Nick Homyak commented “Barberio is dividing the Town into neighborhoods because he doesn’t want another Waterview like grassroots event. This meeting should be open to all Parsippany Residents. The mayor has already sealed the town against against chance of a better outcome.”

Mayor James Barberio’s letter stated “In order that we adequately plan for this event, I ask that you contact my office to advise via email at partroymayorsoffice@parsippany.net or by phone at (973) 263-4297 to confirm your attendance.”

On February 7, 2017, The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council approved a liquor license transfer to Hanover Hospitality Corp, a subsidy of Mack-Cali. The vote passed 3- 2. Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., and Council Vice President Robert Peluso voted against the transfer. There was no location disclosed on the application.

In neighboring Morris Plains, Mack-Cali held a ground breaking ceremony, in August 2016, for its newest luxury multi-family residential community, Signature Place at Morris Plains. The three-story multi-family complex under construction is located approximately one-half mile from 1633 Littleton Road.

Construction has started at Signature Place on Littleton Road, Morris Plains

Cuba Mia opening soon

PARSIPPANY — Pure Restaurant has officially closed to make room for a new Cuban restaurant, Cuba Mia.

Pure Restaurant was located at 707 Route 46. Pure opened in June 2013.

The premises are being renovated and Cuba Mia will be open shortly.

Pure Restaurant is located at Holiday Inn and Suites, and provides room service and breakfast service as well as catering to all the events at Holiday Inn.

 

Parsippany’s Ferrero International to acquire Fannie May Confections

PARSIPPANY — 1-800-FLOWERS.COM the leading gourmet food and floral gift provider for all occasions, and Ferrero International S.A., one of the world’s largest chocolate confectionery companies announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which Ferrero will acquire all the outstanding equity of Fannie May Confections Brands, Inc., including its subsidiaries Fannie May Confections, Inc. and Harry London Candies, Inc., from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. for $115.0 million in cash, adjusted for seasonal working capital.

Ferrero International is located on the fourth floor of Seven Sylvan Drive. In addition to manufacturing Ferrero Chocolate, they also produce Tic Tac and Nutella.

In 1969 that Ferrero U.S.A. first opened for business in New York City. To introduce the Ferrero story in the vast and unique U.S. market, Ferrero U.S.A., Inc. chose as its lead product, not the enormous Nutella® brand or one of the hugely successful Ferrero chocolates, but rather the smallest Ferrero wonder of all – Tic Tac® mints!

Shortly after its introduction, the signature Tic Tac® mints “Tree” display was appearing at U.S. checkouts everywhere and America was singing along with Ferrero’s catchy:
“Put a Tic Tac® in your mouth and get a BANG out of life!”

Repositioned in 1980 as “The 1 1/2 Calorie Breath Mint®,” Tic Tac® has grown continuously, and today enjoys the position of #1 selling breath mint in the U.S.

The distinctive green of Tic Tac® was followed by the dazzling gold of Ferrero Rocher®, the fine chocolate and hazelnut “praline.” Is it any surprise that Rocher® is rapidly becoming a mainstay of increasingly-sophisticated American tastes, and that Ferrero is once again making quality confections a part of everyday life … for treats as well as gifts.

Following the success of Tic Tac® and Rocher®, consumers are now beginning to enjoy the distinctive taste of Nutella® hazelnut spread. As it rapidly gains distribution and awareness across the U.S., it’s destined to become as big a success here as it is in Europe.

In addition to the sale agreement,1-800-FLOWERS.COM and Ferrero will enter into a strategic commercial partnership, to be signed on or before closing of the sale, that will provide 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. with distribution rights for Fannie May, Harry London and certain Ferrero confectionery products in its ecommerce channels as well as in gift baskets and towers sold into the club, food, drug and mass channels in the US.

Chris McCann, CEO said, “We are very excited to be working with Ferrero International, one of the world’s largest and most respected confectionery companies. This transaction will further strengthen our balance sheet while concurrently reducing the working capital requirements in our business model. Importantly, the strategic commercial agreement with Ferrero will enable us to continue offering the iconic Fannie May and Harry London chocolate brands across our ecommerce and wholesale channels and expand our product offerings to include some of Ferrero’s world-renowned chocolate confectionery brands, including Nutella, Ferrero Rocher and Raffaello – further enhancing our ability to help our customers deliver smiles.”

Giovanni Ferrero, Chief Executive Officer of Ferrero Group, said, “We are excited that Fannie May will be joining the Ferrero Group. We have long admired Fannie May’s premium brand, products and people, and believe Fannie May is an extraordinarily good fit with Ferrero. As we have grown from a family business founded in Italy in 1946 to a leading global confectionery company, we have been guided by our key values of loyalty and trust, respect and responsibility, integrity, passion for quality, research and innovation, and entrepreneurship. Since our entry into the U.S. in 1969, we have actively expanded our premium product offering organically, and are thrilled to further accelerate growth through the addition of Fannie May. We look forward to adding Fannie May’s outstanding team and valuable manufacturing, distribution and retail platform to Ferrero’s expanding U.S. presence, and to supporting and growing this iconic American brand for years to come.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to close by May 30, 2017. At closing, Ferrero will acquire all the outstanding equity of Fannie May Confections Brands, Inc., including the Fannie May and Harry London chocolate brands and all related assets and liabilities including, but not limited to, Fannie May’s ecommerce business,79 retail stores located primarily in and around Chicago, IL, a manufacturing facility in North Canton, OH, and two temperature-controlled warehouse and distribution facilities, located in Maple Heights, OH, and Chicago, IL, respectively.

 

Girl Scouts are selling cookies in Lake Hiawatha

PARSIPPANY — If there’s anything that can make cracking open a box of fresh Girl Scout Cookies even better, it’s knowing that you’ve contributed to helping Girl Scouts learn the skills they need to succeed in life and make the world a better place.

Northvail Elementary School Girl Scout Troops 9652, 9656 and 96713 were at QuickChek, 480 North Beverwcyk Road selling their famous cookies.  They will be there from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. today.

In addition, on Sunday, March 19, they will be at Foodtown, 435 North Beverwyck Road from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. again selling famous Girl Scout cookies.

Remember, because 100 percent of the net revenue raised through the Girl Scout Cookie Program stays with local councils, when you purchase Girl Scout Cookies you’re not only getting a delicious treat—you’re also making an important investment in our community.

 

 

Casey Parikh holds Fundraiser for Township Council seat

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Republican Council Candidate Casey Parikh recently held a fundraising event at Tandoori Flames.

Casey was joined by many friends, neighbors and family members for an sold-out afternoon luncheon at Tandoori Flames, 1557 Route 46.

Casey is running on a Republican Ticket with Council Candidate Chris Martino and Mayor Candidate Robert Peluso.

Parikh is a retired executive and a dedicated public servant who has spent 24 years working to preserve the fabric of our community.

Parikh’s commitment to Parsippany will ensure responsible growth while maintaining the standards we expect. He holds a BS Electrical Engineering  – Bombay, India; MS Computer Science – Melbourne, FL and MBA – Melbourne, FL.

Parikh has been a Parsippany resident for 29 years and moved to USA in 1978. He is married to Dr. Rita Parikh for 36 years, and they have a daughter Dr. Coral Parikh, Graduate of Parsippany Hills High School.

Casey Parikh

Dr. Coral Parikh lives with her husband Krishna in New York City. They also have a son, Emil Parikh, also a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School and he resides in New York City.

Casey worked at Kennedy Space Center, FL as a Space Shuttle launch team member at NASA. He has over 30 years of experience in the Security industry with Management and Budgeting experience. Worked at ADT/Tyco security as a Director. Casey managed up to 350 technical people in USA and Canada. He retired in 2013 after working for 36 years in the professional field to dedicate my time to volunteer for community services.

 

 

Boy Scouts help shovel snow

PARSIPPANY — Boy Scout Troop 72 was helping digging out the Parsippany Soccer Club clubhouse after Tuesday’s big snow fall.

For over 60 years Boy Scout Troop 72 has served the youth of the general Parsippany area, including Boonton, Denville, Parsippany, and Morris Plains. Boys from ages 11 to 18 are invited to join.

For more information, click here.