PARSIPPANY — Members of the Parsippany Hills High School Key Club visited the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany for breakfast on Thursday, May 14. The members gave a review of their yearly activities they participated in.
Some of the events the PHHS Key Club organized was the Bake Sale. The Key Clubbers brought in their baked goods for sale. They organized a Senior Citizen Dinner: This is one of the biggest service projects of the year. They served senior citizens an Italian dinner and then they presented a show. They offered Lake Intervale School Babysitting. They raised money and visited the Children’s Specialized Hospital. As per its usual Valentine’s Day celebration, Key Club packed candy bags for each Parsippany Hills High School administrator, teacher, adviser, aid, and employee. With several Key Club volunteers, over 10 bags of chocolates and candy, and 180 mini packages of candy delivered, Key Club plans on continuing its small acts of service for the many years to come.
Kiwanis Advisors Ron Orthwein and Davey Willans, along with Kiwanis President Mimi Letts is pictured with the students from the Parsippany Hills Key Club. The PHHS Key Club Advisor is Bonnie Sturm.
Key Club International, the oldest and largest service leadership organization for teens, teaches leadership through service to others. Key Club’s 267,000 members build themselves as they build their schools and communities. Key Club’s 5,000 clubs thrive in 30 nations in North America, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Service and fundraising By performing more than 12 million service hours each year, Key Club members make a difference in their communities and the world, organizing a variety of service projects, such as cleaning up parks, collecting clothing and organizing food drives. They also learn leadership skills by running meetings, planning projects and holding elected leadership positions at the club, district and international levels.
Key Club encourages volunteering and fundraising for partners March of Dimes, UNICEF and the Children’s Miracle Network. Key Club members are currently raising funds for The Eliminate Project, a joint effort of the Kiwanis family and UNICEF to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus from the face of the Earth.
PARSIPPANY — More than 1,900 Lehigh University students were awarded bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees during the 147th Spring 2015 Commencement ceremonies at Goodman Stadium in Bethlehem, PA.
Connor Luther of Mt Tabor, received a B S in Environmental Engineer
Meghan Barwick of Parsippany, received a Bachelor of Arts
Shijue Wang of Parsippany, received a Master of Science
For 150 years, Lehigh University (lehigh.edu) has combined outstanding academic and learning opportunities with leadership in fostering innovative research.
The institution is among the nation’s most selective, highly ranked private research universities. Lehigh’s four colleges – College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Economics, College of Education and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science – provide opportunities to 7,000 students to discover and grow in a learning community that promotes interdisciplinary programs with real-world experience.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Police Department was called to Ferring Pharmaceuticals, 100 Interpace Parkway, earlier this afternoon on a suspicious package found.
The Morris County Hazmat team remains on the scene, as well as Rainbow Lakes Fire District 2, Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 5 Hazmat team, and Parisppany Emergency Medical Services.
As details come available, Parsippany Focus will update this story.
Ferring Pharmaceuticals is located at 100 Interpace Parkway
The investigators on the scene
Morris County Hazmat team on the scene
The investigators speaking to employees at the scene
Rainbow Lakes Fire Department and Parsippany Fire District 5 Hazmat is on the scene
PARSIPPANY — Police are at the scene of a minivan fire on Lake Shore Drive in the Lake Parsippany section of the township. Morris County Prosecutors Office and Morris County Sheriff Department are on the scene along with the Parsippany Police Department. When additional information is released, Parsippany Focuswill update this article.
Parsippany Police stated Lake Shore Drive in Lake Parsippany is closed between Englishtown Road and Califon Road. There is also no access to Freneau Road from Parsippany Road. There is no estimated time for the closures at this time. Please plan accordingly.
At approximately 9:00 p.m. Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps announced the road has been reopened.
The mini van on fire before emergency vehicles arrived
Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department was on the scene putting out the fire
Firemen putting out the car fire
Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department was on the scene putting out the fire
Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department was on the scene putting out the fire
Fire and police on the scene
The scene was drapped off with the red cloth
Investigators on the scene
Morris County Sheriff Crime Scene
One person was found dead inside a minivan that caught fire
PARSIPPANY — On Thursday, May 14, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Schools kicked off a ground breaking event at Parsippny Hills High School and now the Turf Fields are becoming a reality.
The Parsippany Hills High School Choir sang the National Athem, and the PHHS Alma Mater was performed by the PHHS Band and Choir. Welcoming message was presented by Parsippany-Troy Hills Board President Fran Orthwein.
The proud parents of Dylan McDonald
Board President Fran Orthwein welcoming the audience
The Parsippany Hills Varisty Football Team
Superintendent of Schools Scott Rixford addressing the audience
PHHS Principal Michael DiSanto addressing the audience
Todd Ricker addressing the audience
Coach Albano addressing the audience
Baseball Coach Ray Santana durng the ground breaking of the turf fields
Olivia Piccoli and Rochelle Blair, Girls Soccer Captains during the ground breaking of the turf fields
Fran Orthwein during the ground breaking of the turf fields
Board member Frank Neglia during the ground breaking of the turf fields
Scott Rixford during the ground breaking of the turf fields
Board member George Blair during the ground breaking of the turf fields
Michael DiSanto during the ground breaking of the turf fields
Head Football Coach Dave Albano during the ground breaking of the turf fields
Coordinating Principal of Athletics Todd Ricker during the ground breaking of the turf fields
Rochelle Blair, Girls Soccer Captains during the ground breaking of the turf fields
PHHS Principal Michael DiSanto and Board President Fran Orthwein holding the shovel used for the ground breaking
2015 Football Champions
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education held a meeting on Thursday, February 19 and a presentation was made by the architect and engineer explaining the proposed turfing of the high school fields, the rebuilding of the Parsippany High School track and the construction of lights towers at Parsippany High School and the refurbishment of the light towers already at Parsippany High School.
PARSIPPANY — The fifth grade class at Northvail School held a fundraiser at Applebee’s to raise funds for their graduation in June. The students will be attending Central Middle School in September.
The parents helping the students at the fundraiser
Parent Trish Weiss serving food, while her son, Ryan Weiss, a student at PHS helps
The students were seating guest and taking orders at the fundraiser
PARSIPPANY — The Fifth Grade class of Lake Intervale School held a car wash on Saturday, May 16 to raise funds to help with their graduation this June. The students will be moving up to Brooklawn Middle School in September.
The fifth grade class washing cars during the fundraiser
Fifth grader Jahre Dorsey
Fifth grader Ashley Kornreich
The fifth graders washing the cars
Matthew Memoli washing the cars during the fundraiser
Parents helped the students
Reagan Murphy, Meeka Vardi, Aatthew Memoil, Matt Santana and Gianna Chraca holding the signs promoting the car wash
Nihar Menon and Naga Vardi holding the signs promoting the car wash
Intervale Elementary School is a kindergarten through fifth grade school where staff and parents work together to provide a nurturing environment for our students. The school’s diverse population provides the students with wonderful opportunities to learn about many different cultures, traditions and life styles.
PARSIPPANY — The Volunteers of Lake Hiawatha Fire Department were holding their annual boot drive on Saturday, May 17 along North Beverwcyk Road.
Pictured is Volunteer Michael Ruggier collecting a donation from a local resident.
If you wish to contribute to their fund drive, send donations to Lake Hiawatha Fire Department, 39 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha, Nwe Jersey, 07034.
How To Join the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department
Policy Overview
The purpose of this policy is to identify who is eligible for membership in the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department and to describe the application and investigation process. In order to maintainits high level of competency and proud traditions, the department must ensure that its new members meet or exceed our standards. Furthermore, it must be recognized that its not everyone, in fact most people, cannot endure the physical and mental challenges of firefighting. For this reason, those applicants who would be a danger to themselves or others as firefighters, must be identified.
Eligibility To Join
A. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 40 years old
B. Applicants must live within the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
C. Applicants must have graduated from high school, vocational school, or possess an approved high school equivalency certificate
D. Applicants must be of sound moral character
Any applicant who has been convicted of a crime, or is currently under indictment, shall be ineligible for membership
Any applicant who has been convicted of a Disorderly Persons offense must satisfactorily explain the circumstances of the offense to the investigation committee
E. Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of a firefighter, to be determined by a licensed physician
Contact the Chief for an Application by clicking here.
Volunteer Fireman Michael Ruggier collecting money on North Beverwcyk Road Boot Drive
The history of the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department….
The section of Parsippany Troy-Hills where Lake Hiawatha is located was settled as a summer community along the Rockaway River in 1932. At the time only 3 streets in town were available for travel: North Beverwyck Road, Dacotah Avenue and Nokomis Avenue and development only reached the lake in 1935. The lake was the center of summer activities for the area, consisting of a white sandy beach with a pavilion, children’s playground and a barbequing area.
On January 3, 1935, the area suffered its first tragedy. A home on Wenonah Ave was completely destroyed by fire and in February six men met to discuss the need for a fire department. In the basement of Ferdinand Kaiser’s home, Al Hoffman, George Eiscamp, Art Everly, Theodore Spatz, Richard Thompson and Mr. Kaiser formed the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department. The first organized meeting was held on February 25, 1935 at the Lake Hiawatha Club House where Mr. Spatz was elected the first Chief and Mr. Kaizer was elected the first President for association functions.
In the beginning the department didn’t have any fire trucks or a fire house. All the men had there three packs that were referred to as “Indian tanks”. These tanks were filled with water with a small hose and a nozzle at the end which sat on their back. If the fire was too large, the LHFD would have to call for the Rockaway Neck Fire Department (now Parsippany District #5) or the Parsippany Troy-Hills Fire Association (currently Parsippany District #6) to assist.
Throughout 1935, the members worked hard to acquire money to obtain a fire engine and a fire house. There were several fundraisers held, the first of which was a professional boxing match that cost 50¢ for general admission and 75¢ for ringside, although the largest money maker was a Minstrel show where four hundred and fourteen people came to watch the firefighters sing, dance and tell jokes all for a worthy cause. In August of 1935 the LHFD raised enough funds and purchased their first fire engine which was a 1913 American LaFrance. Since there was no firehouse, the fire engine was housed behind Thomas Broadways home (today where the Lake Hiawatha Post Office is located).
Now that the LHFD had a fire engine, they wanted a permanent location to store it. Land was acquired in September 1935 by way of donation from Benjamin Kline. Mr. Kline donated two lots on Lake Shore Drive where a 30 x 36 foot building was planned to be built with cement blocks and a stucco finish. The total cost of construction for the two bay building was $1,000.00. No contractors were hired but instead the members of the LHFD donated their free time and put in many hours to have a place to house the vehicle that would eventually save many lives and property in their area.
Also in September of 1935, many of the wives of the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department members wanted to do their part for the community. They started the LHFD Ladies Auxiliary and elected Florence Herdon as their first President. Their main function was to be a support branch of the department and would provide the firefighters with coffee in the winter and cold beverages in the summer. Over the years the Ladies Auxiliary hosted many events to raise funds for the FD and give back to the community, such as dances, lunch with the Easter Bunny, Candle Light bowling and various raffles. The LHFD Ladies Aux. joined the New Jersey Fire Auxiliary in 1977 and were represented by three delegates and two alternates and served a vital role in supporting the firefighting activities. In 1985 the LHFD ladies auxiliary was down to only five members and over time the interest dwindled and auxiliary was disbanded. Although there is no longer a Ladies Auxiliary, they are not forgotten and many of their awards and photos are displayed in the firehouse meeting room.
The Highlight of the October 27, 1935 dedication was the laying of the cornerstone by Mr. Kline. Placed inside the cornerstone was a scroll bearing the charter members signatures. A siren was purchased for the rooftop from the Upper Greenwood Lake Fire Department for $20.00 to notify the volunteers of a fire. Jesse Hendershaw worked as a paid caretaker for the firehouse, maintaining a constant 40°F year round temperature and turning the outside red light on at night and turning it off at sunrise.
The fire department’s rules and regulations are spelled out in its Constitution and By-Laws which were approved by the charter members in 1935. Under the original constitution, the LHFD would have a Chief, Assistant Chief, and three foremen although the word foreman was later changed at the next meeting to Lieutenant. In the following years, a Captain was added to the ranks but in 1947 the office of Captain was replaced by a fourth Lieutenant. In the 2000’s the fourth Lieutenant position was again changed back to Captain. Since 1935 the Association has consisted of a board of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary and a Financial Secretary. Over the years, the Constitution and ByLaws have undergone many revisions. Noteworthy was Article X, Section 2a of the original document which has long been dropped:
Section 2. (a) Any officer or member of this Association shall be subject to fines in the amount for various reasons. Or if the conditions warrant they may be suspended and brought before the Board of Fire Officers on charges.
In January 1936 in conjunction with the other fire departments in Parsippany Troy-Hills Township, the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department became known as Parsippany Fire District #4. Every fire company in town was assigned a number, but never changed from its original name. In becoming a fire district, Fire Commissioners are elected by the residents of Lake Hiawatha to approve purchasing of fire apparatus and equipment. The first elected Commissioners were Dr. Herman Minzesheimer, Al Edelman, Vincent Lubrano, George Eiscamp and George Glaser.
In 1939 the LHFD made plans to build an addition onto the firehouse for a meeting room and a kitchen that became known as the “club room”. A pool table, bar, shuffle board and piano were added to the room so the members could socialize at the firehouse and a heating system was also added to keep the firehouse 70°F year round.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the members of the LHFD rallied in support of America by joining the Military Service Organization of Parsippany Troy-Hills. The department conducted air raid drills, purchased black-out shades and collected $80.00 in a 1942 scrap drive. Those members who were of age enlisted in the U.S. military and were granted military leave as to not affect their standing in the department. During the holidays the department sent cards and gifts to their brother firefighters overseas and proudly displayed a service flag year round inside the firehouse.
In 1960 the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department held a celebration in honor of its 25th Anniversary. The highlight of the weeklong celebration was a parade held on May 28th and gave out trophies to several other departments that participated in the parade.
In 1969 the LHFD broke ground for a new firehouse. This fire station was built at the corner of Lake Shore Drive and North Beverwyck Road, the current location it is today. Much of the construction was done by the members and an extensive building fund campaign was needed. The fire department started the fund drive with a large parade in 1968.
In 1972 Vincent Lubrano was named Fireman of the Year by the Schaefer Brewing Company and James Gill was the Schlitz Fireman of the Year in 1978.
During the year of 1974, the LHFD took delivery of their first “Command Unit” which also was the first that acted as a fire department utility/transport vehicle. It was designed by Firefighter Paul Koert to fit the district’s needs in terms of scene lighting, firefighter transport, and equipment storage.
In 1980 Vice President George Bush visited Parsippany and the LHFD was part of the detail that provided protection for the Vice President. The fire department received no monetary reward for their service and was proud to do their part to provide safety to the Vice President of the United States of America.
In 1995 the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department realized that a small ladder truck would aid the community and bought a 65’ aerial truck. It was the first of its kind for the area and has been a great asset in fighting fires in Lake Hiawatha.
During the year of 2006 it was determined the LHFD needed to expand once again. The fire department hired a contractor to add a fourth bay, an elevator, and a commissioner meeting room with a basement. Along with these other rooms, an outdoor patio was also constructed for members’ use during the summer months.
In 2008 the LHFD dedicated the block of Lake Shore Drive from Washington Ave to N. Beverwyck Rd as “Vincent Lubrano Dr” in honor of the dedication that Mr. Lubrano has had for the LHFD. Mr. Lubrano is still a member of the fire dept. and is the Chairman of the Constitution Committee.
On August 14, 2010 the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department hosted its 75th Anniversary. Unlike the past celebrations, there wasn’t a parade but instead hosted a large barbeque completely funded by the LHFD to give back to the community for their support over the last three-quarters of a century.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Baseball Team held their annual car wash fundraiser on Sunday, May 17 at the school to raise funds for their team.
The team plays in states tomorrow versus Harrison High school at 4:00 p.m. at Harrison High School.
Players on the Parsippany High School Baseball team washing cars during their annual fundraiser
Players on the Parsippany High School Baseball team washing cars during their annual fundraiser
PARSIPPANY — Karley Diane Berrios has Graduated Cum Laude from Ramapo College with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Theater. She was 2011 Graduate of Parsippany High School.
Karley will be starting an internship with a New Jersey Equity Theater.
Karley is the daughter of Timothy and Kathy Berrios, Parsippany. Mr. Berrios is a member of Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education.
PARSIPPANY — Four hundred and fifty-five students graduated as Susquehanna University closed its 157th academic year with annual commencement exercises on May 10.
Students were joined in the commencement ceremony by numerous faculty and the commencement speaker. In her commencement address, Comedienne Carol Leifer brought Susquehanna University’s Class of 2015 to its feet with a range of well-earned advice and wise-cracking anecdotes. Leifer’s appearance at Susquehanna honors the 2014-15 University Theme, “Humor.” Her remarks, while light-hearted, urged graduates to seize every opportunity they encounter, whether it’s their dream job or not.
Lacey German graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in art history. A 2011 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, she is the daughter of Arnold German, and was very active on the field hockey team.
Susquehanna University is a selective, residential liberal arts college that provides a solid background in the liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional experiences. Students develop critical thinking, writing, teamwork and communication skills which, combined with internships and research opportunities, prepare them for a lifetime of personal and professional success. The university is recognized nationally for its commitment to off-campus study through the Global Opportunities program. Small classes enable faculty members to serve as mentors, as well as teachers. Ninety-four percent of Susquehanna students are employed or in graduate or professional school within six months of graduation.
NEWARK — A doctor with a medical practice in Montclair was sentenced Friday to 14 months in prison for accepting more than $100,000 in bribes in exchange for test referrals as part of the $100 million scheme operated by Biodiagnostic Laboratory Services of Parsippany, authorities said. Franklin Dana Fortunato, 65, of Montville, pleaded guilty in July…
Much of the Garden State can expect temperatures in the 80s this weekend, but residents shouldn’t stray too far from their umbrellas. The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for New Jersey due to scattered thunderstorms late Saturday that “could produce poor drainage flooding and minor flooding in low lying areas.” The probability…
In celebration of its 15 year Anniversary, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Correction’s Security Threat Group Unit, in conjunction with the Violence Institute of New Jersey and Middle Atlantic-Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network (MAGLOCLEN) is proud to offer a FREE civilian based training that will focus on the recognition, identification and prevention of New Jersey gangs that have infiltrated our communities.
The “New Jersey Gang Awareness, Identification & Prevention” training class will be held on Wednesday, May 27 at the Morris County Public Safety Academy. This specialized training event is highly recommended for Educators, Medical Staff, Health Care Professionals, Security Officers, Community Outreach, Law Enforcement Officials, School Resource Officers, Social Workers, EMS, Criminal Justice professionals, Probation/Parole Officers, Psychologists and Community/Faith Based organizations.
Registration for this training event will take place between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. with instructions allotted for 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Certificates of attendance will be issued at the conclusion of the training.
For further information and/or registration/sign-up, please contact:
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — After a year of testing its bubble-shaped driverless cars on the empty roads of a shuttered military base, Google is about to deploy its fleet on the busy streets of Silicon Valley. For now, the cars must have safety drivers ready to grab the wheel or hit the brakes if something goes…
ST. LOUIS — Post Holdings is consolidating its Post Foods and MOM Brands cereal businesses, with its headquarters to be based in suburban Minneapolis, and closing an office in New Jersey. MOM Brands’ president Chris Neugent will lead the newly named Post Consumer Brands business, reporting to Rich Koulouris. Koulouris, the former president of food product…
While it should be a dry, comfortable day on Friday, the threat of rain on both weekend days could hamper outdoor activities. Forecasters are calling for partly sunny skies with temperatures in the 70s later today. It’s a cool start to the day with the mercury mostly in the 40s across New Jersey as of 6:45…
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, Morris County tax preparation and assistance service, is preparing for the coming tax season and invites you to join now.
Work your mind. Warm your heart. Become a AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Volunteer.
To become a volunter, please sign up:
In Morris County contact Nancy Niemann – morristaxaide@gmail.com or (973) 539-3195
Elsewhere, email taxaide@aarp.org or call Toll-free Nationwide 888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277)
On the web, by clicking here and fill out the online application.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide started in 1968 with just four volunteers at one site preparing 100 tax returns. There are now more than 35,000 volunteers serving 2.6 million taxpayers annually at nearly 6,000 sites nationwide. In fact, we’re one of the most effective volunteer programs in America. But even though we’ve grown a lot, we’re still all about the grassroots. Get the joy and satisfaction of helping people in your own community with a much-needed service that’s free, individualized and has no strings attached. Your expertise will be appreciated more than you can imagine.
Whom will you help as a volunteer? Adults of all ages with low to medium income turn to AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. For many of them, a tax refund could mean they won’t have to choose between paying for groceries and keeping the lights on. Make a difference in your community.
Who volunteers? People like you.
There’s a role for everyone. (All ages and backgrounds; AARP membership not required.)
Use existing skills or learn new ones while providing an invaluable service to those who need your help.
Make a difference in your community.
Apply to join the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteer team today!
For more information about the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program click here.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, a charitable affiliate of AARP, is offered in conjunction with the IRS.
PARSIPPANY — NAI Hanson, a leading New Jersey-based commercial real estate firm, announced that it has arranged the sale of the 44,596-square-foot, class-A Boulevard Common office complex at 1140-1160 Parsippany Boulevard. The buyer, enterprise technology solutions provider Micro Strategies, Inc. will occupy the complex’s two buildings after relocating from Mt. Olive. They will be bringing close to 150 employees to Parsippany.
NAI Hanson Senior Vice President Josh Levering, SIOR and Executive Managing Director Michael Walters, SIOR marketed the twin-building campus on behalf of the property’s previous owner HGF Parsippany Blvd, LLC. The buyer was represented by Cushman and Wakefield.
According to Levering, Micro Strategies was impressed with the recently renovated complex’s overall package of offerings, including its condition and state-of-the-art infrastructure, its window lines, the opportunity to brand through visible building signage and its convenient location — less than one mile from Routes 287, 80 and 46, which enables direct driving access from every direction in Northern New Jersey
Levering also noted that this transaction reflects an emerging trend of companies pursuing opportunities to own the office facilities they occupy.
“We’re seeing increased interest among companies to purchase buildings they intend to occupy,” Levering said. “Buildings as well-maintained as Boulevard Commons have become attractive investment assets especially for growing companies that want to make long-term commitments the region. Property ownership is an expression that companies are committed long term and here to stay. Ownership indicates growth and prosperity with a desire to contribute to civic life in the community they locate.”
About NAI James E. Hanson Since 1955, NAI James E. Hanson has been a leading independent full-service brokerage commercial real estate and property management firm serving a diverse client list. NAI Hanson offers its clients strategic solutions and provides comprehensive value-added services such as office, industrial and retail brokerage, investment sales, land sales, management, government services and financing expertise.
