Pepper is found; returned safely to his family

Frank L. Cahill
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Pepper is found; returned safely to his family
peppersafe
Pepper is safe and sound

FAIRFIELD — Parsippany Focus published a story last week regarding a dog escaping from Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (click here to read story). The story has a happy ending.

Pepper is safe and sound and will be reunited with his family. Scott, a Good Samaritan wearing a UPS shirt and driving a white truck, saw a small dog on Bloomfield Avenue across from Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (where he escaped) and stopped his truck.

Gena, one of the overnight technicians at Animal Emergency & Referral Associates was walking a dog at 3:00 a.m. and saw the truck.

She brought the dog she was walking inside, and headed back out into the night to help the man recapture what she thought was his own dog.

When she got closer she saw that it was Pepper! When she crouched down and called Pepper’s name, he looked right at her, and then took off running.

Gena immediately took off after Pepper and Scott followed in his truck to help her. After Gena chased Pepper on foot for a full mile in the dark of night down Bloomfield Avenue and then down Route 46, Gena and Scott finally were able to corner Pepper.

Scott was able to get close enough to step on the leash that was still attached to Pepper and recapture him.

Another wonderful overnight technician arrived by car to then take Gena and Pepper back to the hospital.

Pepper had a full evaluation including blood work and x-rays and is in good health and good spirits.

He got a nice warm bath and a soft fluffy blanket so he can nap until his Mom picked him up later that day.

(Please note: He is considered a severe flight risk and will NOT leave the hospital until he is reunited with his family.)

Davey Willans takes oath of office

Frank L. Cahill
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Davey Willans takes oath of office

PARSIPPANY — Long-time resident Davey Willans was sworn in as the newest member on the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Adjustment.

Willans was appointed by the Township Council to a two-year term as an alternate member. His term will expire on December 31, 2017.

Board member Nancy Snyder welcomes Davey Willans
Board member Nancy Snyder welcomes Davey Willans

Other members of the Board of Adjustment include Robert Iracane, Chairman; Jonathan Nelson, Vice-Chairman; Mr. Bernie Berkowitz; Mr. Scot Joskowitz; Nancy Synder, Aida Visakay, Dave Kaplan and Mr. Sridath Reddy. Harriet Jacobs is the Zoning Board of Adjustment Secretary. Willans and Joskowitz are alternate members.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment reviews all applications for relief from provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. The Board’s principal duties are to hear appeals, grant variances and rule on “use” applications.

The Zoning Board is comprised of seven regular members and two alternates appointed by the Township Council. All Board Members are Township residents. The Board reviews subdivisions and site plans with variances.

 

Mayor: Where’s the Cash?

Roy Messmer
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Mayor: Where’s the Cash?

PARSIPPANY — Fellow taxpayers (residential, corporate, landlords and renters) we are getting ripped off in a lot of ways in Parsippany. Let me succinctly explain one of the rip offs: medical self insurance.

Mayor Luther with the consent of the then town council went self-insured. At the time (in my opinion) it was the correct choice due to cost savings and made good economic sense for the future. Going into year 2016, Parsippany is with the same Broker and Insurance Administrator with one exception- Mayor Barberio dropped one of the Company Brokers. The sole Broker is Fairview Insurance (Google: Follow the Money). Fairview is a big time political contributor to candidates and PACS.

Parsippany is currently paying approximately $50.00 a month per employee to Fairview. The average rate statewide is approximately $25.00 to $28.00 per employee. Parsippany Troy-Hills number of employees is 550.

Par-Troy 550 x $50.00 = $27,500.00 per month

average rate 550 x $25.00 = $13,750.00 per month

rip off $13,750.00 per month

Why, you the reader can figure that out! I have asked Mayor Barberio publicly, because Parsippany is self-insured and our loss ratio has been very low the last three to four years where is the surplus? In other words, where’s the Cash?

In closing, Governor Chris Christie has made the state medical insurance program very attractive to townships. Please get involved it’s your town.

Letter to the editor: Parsippany Officials Need  Enforce Sanitation Ordinances 

Frank L. Cahill
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Letter to the editor: Parsippany Officials Need  Enforce Sanitation Ordinances 

MailboxsmallDear Editor:

Last evening Council Meeting, Tuesday, February 2, brought to light a new “supervisor” on board for the Sanitation Department. It was mentioned part of his job will be to speak to students on the importance of waste management and its impacts on the world.

One would think the Board of Education would already have such a program or agenda somewhere in the curriculum, even at a most basic level; poster or enforcement on school property; “a litter free school area”; similar to the drug free zones now in place. In Japan for example; students are responsible for keeping their class rooms and school property clean, through a program of a collective cooperative. Perhaps something along these lines can be considered by the BOE. 

Any student seen littering or areas effected by student aberrant behavior such as littering such be addressed by administering their time and labor in any clean-ups. Custodial staff, teachers or any person involved with BOE duties should be encouraged to report any such behavior. Do not feel a municipal sanitation supervisor should spend time in this aspect of our behavior, but rather the BOE itself. The sanitation employee should devote his duties and responsibilities to law enforcement and reporting offensives that are on-going and too obvious  to overlook. 

Many such violations of the local ordinances, State and Federal laws go unabated. How long has recycling been in effect? There can no longer be any latitude given in not enforcing our local and State laws concerning littering, residents, property owners and businesses must be held responsible. 

Our street and public places are a disgrace. A consumer convenience and free society must reign in its lack of being responsible and civic minded. Fines and Penalties are in order, only these long overdue measures will give any chance to bring a remedy to our abused places of common. We need conscience discipline from our, Police, sanitation crews, housing department, health department, road department, even parks and forestry. It is this lack of concern that has allowed the corporate mess of plastic that now infects our world everywhere we go. Only enforcement of the ordinances have any chance of bring this disease of convenient consumption under control. Too many things divide us rather than bring us together excepting this behavior and using public spaces for a garbage dump must no longer we excepted as the norm. 

Nick Homyak

Jeep overturns on Route 46; Driver arrested for DWI

Frank L. Cahill
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Jeep overturns on Route 46; Driver arrested for DWI

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department received a report of a motor vehicle crash in the area of 1540 Route 46 at 1:52 a.m. on Sunday, January 31.

The caller also reported that the vehicle rolled over. Multiple units responded to the scene, at which time they located a 2012 Jeep Wrangler laying on its side, in the right lane of travel of Route 46 East.

Witnesses stated the 2012 Jeep Wrangler drifted into the left travel lane of Route 46, over-corrected and hit a snowbank on the right hand shoulder of Route 46. Then the Jeep flipped onto its die and slid to stop in the middle of Route 46.

The driver, James Chu, 46, Florham Park, was standing outside of the vehicle upon arrival of responding patrols. After a brief investigation Patrol Officer E. Elston placed the driver under arrest for driving while intoxicated and transported him back to Parsippany Police Headquarters.

Upon arrival at Parsippany Police Department, Mr. Chu was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, and Driving While Intoxicated in a School Zone.

He was released on his own recognizance into the custody of a family member, pending his court appearance.

John ‘Jack’ Joseph Dolan Sr., 76 passed away

Frank L. Cahill
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John ‘Jack’ Joseph Dolan Sr., 76 passed away

PARSIPPANY — John ‘Jack’ Joseph Dolan Sr., 76, a lifelong resident of Morris County, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 29, 2016 after a long illness.

Jack was born in Morristown and grew up in Cedar Knolls. He lived in Parsippany for 46 years before moving back to Cedar Knolls in May of 2015.

Jack graduated from Bayley-Ellard High School in 1958 and attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He was a construction engineer and a founding member of Garden State Tunnel and Boring, where he functioned as President and Treasurer until 2004, and was a member of the Utility Contractor’s Association of New Jersey.

Jack’s greatest love was his family, which he raised in Parsippany. He was dedicated to serving his community, and was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany for many years. He also ran for Morris County Freeholder in 1979, and was the Chairman of the Parsippany Democratic Party, as well as a graduate of the first Parsippany Police Academy. His love of photography earned him various awards, including one from the Audubon Society. Jack was also an avid boater.

A devoted Catholic, Jack was a member of St. Catherine of Siena in Mountain Lakes for 46 years.

Jack and his family are also grateful to Dr. Yekyung Kong and the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation for their many years of care and support.

Jack was deeply loved by many, and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 Years, Marilyn (nee-Lorenzo); his son, John of New York City; his daughter, Maureen Dolan and her husband, Andreas Braunlich of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and his granddaughter, Lindsay Jawor and her husband, Alex, of Wanaque. He is also survived by his siblings: Robert, Patrick, Michael, Eileen Ferriauolo, Peter, and Kathleen and their families, as well as the families of his predeceased siblings: Richard, Thomas and David. Survivors also include his brother-in-law, Dr. Louis Lorenzo and his wife, Francine, as well as his sister-in-law, Mildred Payack and her husband, Paul, and their respective families.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3 at St. Catherine of Siena R.C. Church, 10 North Pocono Road, Mt. Lakes.  Interment: Holy Rood Cemetery, Morristown.

Visiting Hours will be on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and  7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcome in Jack’s name to the Kiwanis Sponsored Youth Program of Parsippany. (Checks made payable to: Kiwanis Club Greater Parsippany Foundation) P.O. Box 5342, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 or to the Kessler Foundation.  300 Executive Drive, #70, West Orange, New Jersey 07052.

Morris County Sheriff’s Office Holds First Clergy Academy

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Sheriff’s Office Holds First Clergy Academy

MORRIS COUNTY — This past week the Morris County Sheriff’s Office completed its first ever Clergy Academy.

More than thirty religious leaders from throughout Morris County participated in this three session program. The academy included a dialogue between law enforcement and the clergy about their role in police community relations as well as an overview of our criminal justice and public safety system.

The participants also toured the award winning Morris County Correctional Facility and was given a realistic look at Use of Force by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Department of Law & Public Safety in its Vir Tra Firearms Simulator.

The participants also met with the Sheriff’s K-9 Unit and was given a demonstration of police canines are used to detect drugs and explosives as well as rescue those in danger. The participants overwhelmingly enjoyed the program and felt that they learned a lot about law enforcement.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps also provided an overview about municipal law enforcement and answered many questions from the clergy. This successful program brought diverse groups from throughout Morris County together. “Programs like these are vital to good relations between law enforcement and citizens”, said Undersheriff William Scheivella who also serves as the President of the NJ Police Community Affairs Officers Association.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office has a number of free community programs for the community which can be requested by government or community groups by calling (973) 285-6600.

List of Morris County Religious Institutions Participating:

Saint Gregory’s Episcopal Church, Parsippany
First Baptist Church of Parsippany
Yogi Divine Society, Parsippany
New Hope Community Church of the Nazzarene, Denville
St. John the Beloved Church, Morris Plains
Parsippany Christian Church
Saint Paul’s Church, Morris Plains
Saint Lukes Catholic Parish, Long Valley
Church of Saint John, Randolph
Mount Freedom Jewish Center, Randolph
Christ Church, Rockaway Township
First Baptist Church, Dover/Rockaway
Morris County NAACP
Salvation Army, Dover
Parsippany Living Waters Church
Iglasia Evangelica Church, Dover
Chabad Center of Randolph
Jewish Community Housing Center, Whippany Presbyterian Church of Morristown
Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Wharton
Saint Clement Pope & Martyr Church, Rockaway Township K9Group

Wegmans Alerts Consumers to Facebook Scam

Frank L. Cahill
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Wegmans Alerts Consumers to Facebook Scam

ROCHESTER, NY – Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is alerting consumers to a scam that involves a fraudulent Facebook post bearing the company’s name. The company became aware of the scam earlier today when an employee questioned the validity of the post.

 The Facebook post shows the image of a Wegmans storefront with a false claim that the company is giving away a free $200 grocery coupon. This giveaway is neither affiliated with nor supported by Wegmans.

Jo Natale, Wegmans vice president of media relations, said, “We’re actively working to have this fraudulent post removed from Facebook. We urge consumers not to click it, share it, or provide any personal information.”

Wegman’s will be opening in Hanover, on the border of Parsippany in early 2017. (see related article.)

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is an 88-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The family-owned company, recognized as an industry leader and innovator, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for 18 consecutive years, ranking #7 in 2015. The company also ranked #1 for Corporate Reputation, among the 100 ‘most-visible companies’ nationwide in the 2015 Harris Poll Reputation Quotient ® study.

 

Letter to the editor: Why were Parsippany schools open on Monday, January 25?

Letters to the Editor
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Letter to the editor: Why were Parsippany schools open on Monday, January 25?

MailboxsmallDear Editor:

My wife and I did not take the car out on Monday out of respect to our fellow residents, road crews and emergency /police personnel. You, Mr. Seitz, Superintendent of Schools put our students and staff at risk. Parsippany’s population due to business environment increases tremendously Monday thru Friday. I’ve seen you close schools with two inches of snow. The hills, winding roads and low areas in Parsippany make for very dangerous driving in normal conditions. Did you, Mr. Seitz make your decision after speaking with Parsippany’s Police Chief and Mayor?

The previous Monday schools were closed to make for a much needed three day weekend, I’m being sarcastic, two weeks earlier was the ten day holiday break. By the way, in my opinion, schools should be open to celebrate the day for Martin Luther King Jr’s life so that this generation can be exposed to what this country was like in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Obviously, I hope nobody was hurt or in an accident due to Mr. Seitzs poor decision. The current Board of Education better start making common sense decisions as to the welfare, safety and education of the students.

Roy Messmer

Where’s Mayor Barberio? At ShopRite

Roy Messmer
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Where’s Mayor Barberio? At ShopRite

Was Mayor Barberio’s article of Wednesday January 27, 2016 in response to the undersigned’s article of the previous week “Parsippany is going downhill” or was it just a coincidence? Just like a few years back he had a town meeting at Parsippany High School a week before my annual town meeting.

How disrespectful Mayor Barberio was when he set-up a table next to mine at town hall petition signing regarding the huge surplus in the utilities fund that I wanted returned to the user payers. Which by the way, the Mayor has used approximately $3,000,000.00 over the last six years so he could say he stayed below the 2% mandatory cap. Mayor Barberio has taken care of his sycophant followers, friends and family on your tax dollars.

Reminder, very soon every single-family house will be a boarding house or over occupied. Your home property values are plummeting. There are only a handful of residents at town council meetings who ask questions, ask for information and make comments about the town and almost all go unanswered.

In Mayor Barberio’s article of January 27, 2016 he states he will make himself more available by holding regular meetings at ShopRite. That’s right ShopRite!!!!!!! The undersigned could go on and on (look for my weekly letter). Please get involved, please get in touch with undersigned regarding problems in town before it’s too late.

It’s February 1, 2016, not a call back from Mayor Barberio from December to schedule a meeting.

Times up.

Economic Development Advisory Committee greets Bagel City Grille

Frank L. Cahill
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Economic Development Advisory Committee greets Bagel City Grille

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory greeted a business which opened recently in Parsippany.

Chairman Frank Cahill congratulates Bagel City Grille Owner Henry Delgado on his new business located at 998 Tabor Road. Bagel City Grille is open seven days a week.

The Economic Development Advisory Committee is to serve in an advisory capacity and shall, upon request of the Township Council, provide information, advice and recommendations relating to the promotion of Economic Development in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. The Committee shall consist of eleven members, five of whom shall be appointed by the Mayor, and six of whom shall be appointed by the Council. Members shall be Township residents who have knowledge of or have demonstrated an interest in the economic well-being of the Township. Each member shall be chosen with a special view to qualifications and fitness for service on the Committee. Members shall serve without compensation.

Frank Cahill was appointed Chairman and Eric Seguin is Vice Chairman. John Beehler serves as secretary. Tom Williams, Raviram Medapati and Ganesh  Persaud are also members of the group.  Council Vice President Robert Peluso serves as a liaison to the committee.

 

PACC welcomes Bagel City Grille to Parsippany

Frank L. Cahill
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PACC welcomes Bagel City Grille to Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — Bagel City Grille, 998 Tabor Road, held a ribbon cutting grand opening celebration on Friday, January 29.

Bagel City Grille is open Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Bagel City Grille is also located in Flanders and Chester.

Bagel City Grille is a member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.  Bagel City Grille also participates in the Greater Parsippany Rewards program, offering a 10% discount to all card holders.

Parsippany Regional Ice Hockey holds Fundraiser at Applebee’s

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Regional Ice Hockey holds Fundraiser at Applebee’s

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Regional Ice Hockey Booster Association held a fundraiser at Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill on Sunday, January 31.

The Parsippany Regional Players served breakfast to the guests.

Tickets for the breakfast was $10.00. The meal included pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage and beverages.

The Parsippany Regional Ice Hockey team was established in 2012 and consists of players from both Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School student athletes. Prior to 2012 the two high school played as independents from 1998 to 2012 and they began MCSSIHL league play in 1999-2000.

For more information click here.

Woman’s Club announces winner of Fifth Grade Spelling Bee Winner

Frank L. Cahill
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Woman’s Club announces winner of Fifth Grade Spelling Bee Winner
Sayanika Upadhyay, fifth grade student at Northvail School with Woman's Cub of Parsippany Troy Hills President Marilyn Marion
Sayanika Upadhyay, fifth grade student at Northvail School with Woman’s Cub of Parsippany Troy Hills President Marilyn Marion

PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills held a “Fifth Grade Spelling Bee” on Saturday, January 30 at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Library.

The winner of the  Fifth Grade Spelling Bee is Sayanika Upadhyay. Sayanika is a fifth grade student at Northvail School.

The over 50 contestants from each of the fifth grade classes in all of the Parsippany Elementary Schools participated in the event.

Ms. Melissa Okerblom, Head of Children’s Services; Parsippany Public Library, Mr. William Westhoven, Reporter, Gannett NJ Daily Record and Retired Teacher Ms. Kitty Lucibello were the judges of the event.

First, second and third place winners in the Spelling Bee are invited to participate in the NJSFWC District Spelling Bee being held on Saturday, February 20 in Sparta (snow date is Saturday, February 27).

The Regional winners will then be invited to the State Championship on March 5 at NJSFWC Headquarters, 55 Liberty Center Way, New Brunswick.

The committee members and volunteers are Jennifer Biondo, Cathy Cerbo, Diana Friedinger, Cathy Haney, Diane Monaco, Mary Ann Coyne, Karen DeChristopher, Joan Garbarino, Betsy Lowry, Marilyn Marion, Lora Rios-McBride and Marianne Burke.

The support of the Spelling Bee is a reflection of dedication to academic achievement.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a non-profit, civic organization for women committed to promoting volunteerism, improving community and fostering friendships.

Winners announced in Intervale School Science Fair

Frank L. Cahill
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Winners announced in Intervale School Science Fair

PARSIPPANY — Hayley Kells and Averi Zitelli were winners of the Fourth grade Intervale Science Fair held on Saturday, January 31.

The project was called Underwater Explosion, visually showing how hot water rises.
They created a display board and demonstrated a hands on experiment for the judges.

Amanda Hoffman
Amanda Hoffman

Every part of the project was completed by the girls themselves.

The girls met for a few weekends and even “Face-timed” each other to practice. This is a great way to use technology.

Amanda Hoffman, is a fifth grade winner of Intervale Science Fair.

She tested the cooling effect of mint. She determined that the cooling effect of mint isn’t just a sensation. Mint actually lowered the temperature of water 6 degrees Celsius compared to the control, after 25 minutes

The Intervale School PTA did an amazing job coordinating the event and all the children that participated worked hard and displayed wonderful science experiments.

Intervale 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 us with wonderful opportunities to learn about many different cultures, traditions and life styles.

Intervale School is located at 60 Pitt Road.

Lakeland Hills Y now Accepting Nominations for Annual Awards

Frank L. Cahill
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Lakeland Hills Y now Accepting Nominations for Annual Awards

MOUNTAIN LAKES — Each year the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA recognizes individuals, groups, and corporations who have gone above and beyond in service to their communities, students, schools, and neighbors.

The Y is now seeking nominations through April 1 for YMCA Citizens of the Year (one from each service area town), two YMCA Educators of the Year (K-8 and High School), two Bronie Parkins Awards for an eighth grade girl and boy, and two William Kogen Awards for a graduating high school girl and boy.

Awards are presented during the Y’s annual dinner, which will take place on Wednesday, May 11 at the Knoll Country Club West in Parsippany.

Think you know someone who might qualify? Click here for complete details, criteria for awards, and links to nomination forms.

Applications must be returned no later than April 1. Contact Community Relations Director, Rosemary Linder Day, for more information: rosemaryl@lhymca.com.

 

Morris Freeholders Proclaim February 13 as Cupid’s Chase 5k Race Day

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris Freeholders Proclaim February 13 as Cupid’s Chase 5k Race Day

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders has proclaimed Saturday, February 13, as Cupid’s Chase 5K Race Day in Morris County in support of an annual fundraising effort by non-profit Community Options in support of people with disabilities.

The mid-winter running event will take place on Valentine’s Day weekend in Morristown starting at 10:00 a.m. on February 13.

“Community Options is already making a difference by providing residential and employment support to people with intellectual disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, traumatic brain injuries and dual diagnoses,’’ said Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo.  The Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders welcomes all who are coming to Morristown and to Morris County for this outstanding event.’’

“Community Options invites runners, walkers, and rollers in wheelchairs and baby strollers to help raise for that can make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities by participating in the Cupid’s Chase 5K,’’ added Svetlana Repic-Qira, New Jersey Regional Vice President for Community Options, told the freeholders.

Repic-Qira was joined at the freeholder meeting by Tracy Mendola, Community Options’ Executive Director for Morris County, Christina Mazza, Media-Events Coordinator for Community Options, and client Ben Pedersen of Boonton, and his father, Buddy Pedersen.

Community Options is a nonprofit agency that works to provide housing, support services and advocacy assistance for people with disabilities nationwide.

Community Options, which is based in Princeton and has offices in Morristown, believes that all people – regardless of disability level – should live and work in the community with dignity, choice, and self-determination.

Cupid’s Chase 5K is an annual event sponsored by Community Options to raise funds and awareness for their mission of dignity and choice for those with disabilities. The very first Cupid’s Chase 5K took place in 2009, with more than 600 participants in Princeton, and was so successful that Community Options decided to make it a national event.

This year, it will be held in 30 towns and cities across the nation, including Morristown, and also Glen Rock, New Brunswick, Pennsauken, Princeton, and Seaside Heights in New Jersey.

For more event information click here.

Morris Arts Joins National Study on the Economic Impact of Arts

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris Arts Joins National Study on the Economic Impact of Arts

MORRIS COUNTY — The Arts Mean Business. That is the message being delivered this week by Morris Arts, which in partnership with the Morris County Economic Development Corporation and ArtPride New Jersey, announced it has joined the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5, a national study measuring the economic impact of nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences.

The study is being conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s nonprofit organization advancing the arts and arts education.

It is the fifth study being done over the past 20 years to measure the impact of arts spending on local jobs, income paid to local residents, and revenue generated to local and state governments.

As one of nearly 300 study partners across all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Morris Arts and the Morris County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) will collect detailed financial data about our local nonprofit arts and culture organizations such as our theater and dance companies, museums, festivals, and arts education organizations.

“Many people don’t think of nonprofit arts organizations as businesses,” said Richard Mahler, Managing Director at PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), and a member of the Morris Arts Board of Trustees.

“This study will make clear that the arts are a formidable industry in our community—employing people locally, purchasing goods and services from local merchants, and helping to drive tourism and economic development.”

Morris Arts and MCEDC will also collect surveys from attendees at arts events using a short, anonymous questionnaire that asks how much money they spent on items such as meals, parking and transportation, and retail shopping specifically as a result of attending the event.

Previous studies have shown that the average attendee spends $24.60 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission.

Those studies have also shown that, on average, 32 percent of arts attendees travel from outside the county in which the arts event took place, and that those cultural tourists typically spend nearly $40 per person—generating important revenue for local businesses and demonstrating how the arts drive revenue for other businesses in the community.

Surveys will be collected throughout calendar year 2016. The results of the study will be released in June of 2017.

Tom Werder, Executive Director of Morris Arts noted, “This study will show that when we support the arts and culture in Morris County, we are making an investment in an industry, one that supports jobs and generates government revenue, and is the cornerstone of tourism.

According to Americans for the Arts’ most recent national study, the nonprofit arts industry generated $135.2 billion in total economic activity and supported 4.1 million full-time equivalent jobs during 2010, resulting in $22.3 billion in federal, state and local government revenues.

The $135.2 billion total included $61.1 billion in spending by arts organizations and $74.1 billion in event-related spending by their audiences on items such as meals, local transportation and overnight lodging. Complete details about the fiscal year 2010 study are available by clicking here.

“Our Arts & Economic Prosperity series demonstrates that the arts are an economic and employment powerhouse both locally and across the nation,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “Leaders who care about community and economic vitality can feel good about choosing to invest in the arts. Nationally as well as locally, the arts mean business.”

Americans for the Arts’ Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study is supported by The Ruth Lilly Fund of Americans for the Arts. In addition, Americans for the Arts’ local and statewide study partners are contributing both time and a cost-sharing fee support to the study. For a full list of the nearly 300 Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study partners, click here.

Morris Arts, located in Morristown, is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1973 dedicated to building community through the arts.  The Morris County Economic Development Corporation, located in Florham Park, is a division of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

Kings Food Markets opens in Boonton with week-end long tasting event

Frank L. Cahill
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Kings Food Markets opens in Boonton with week-end long tasting event

BOONTON — Kings Food Markets debuted its newly refreshed store in Boonton with an exclusive weekend-long tasting event for the community, kicking off its 80th Anniversary Celebration this year. The revamped Boonton store features a brand new “Inspiration Station,” a permanent in-store chef demonstration table where shoppers are invited to taste, learn and explore products from across the store. The store also unveiled a new mezze, olive and soup bar, offering fresh and unique Mediterranean influenced dishes, as well as expanded cheese, seafood, meat and organic produce departments.

The grand reopening celebration began with Kings Food Markets’ signature pasta-ribbon cutting on Friday, which included special remarks from Chairman & CEO Judy Spires, COO Rich Durante and Store Manager Pete Gardner. Following the signature past-ribbon cutting, Kings made a monetary donation to the Boonton Town Food Pantry & Boonton High School Project Graduation.

projectgraduation
Kings Food Markets Community Relations Coordinator Sandra Florent and Boonton Store Manager Pete Gardner make a monetary donation to Boonton High School Project Graduation
Award-winning Chef Barry E. Sexton, as he prepares an in-store chef tasting
Award-winning Chef Barry E. Sexton, as he prepares an in-store chef tasting

Kings Food Markets corporate headquarters is located at 700 Lanidex Plaza.

Mack-Cali announces new lease with Ascensia Diabetes Care

Frank L. Cahill
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Mack-Cali announces new lease with Ascensia Diabetes Care

ascensiaPARSIPPANY — Mack-Cali Realty Corporation announced that Ascensia Diabetes Care US, Inc., a leader in blood glucose monitoring that is owned by Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd. and leading global investment firm KKR, will bring their U.S. headquarters to Five Wood Hollow Road. Ascensia signed a lease for 43,534 square feet for over 10 years.

The award-winning Mack-Cali property is a 317,040-square-foot, three-story, class A office building in Morris County with easy highway access, a sophisticated infrastructure, and outstanding amenities. Ascensia joins AIG, Coyne PR, Groupe SEB, The MI Group, and Decision Resources to bring this trophy asset to 98.6 percent leased.

“This building is the ideal home for Ascensia’s U.S. headquarters, providing all the conveniences and services a company of this significance needs,” said Christopher DeLorenzo, Mack-Cali executive vice president of leasing. “Mack-Cali’s strategic plan focuses on our core properties like Five Wood Hollow Road that bring together premier office space, ideal transportation options, and the amenities to create workplaces where employees want to work.”

Strategically located and beautifully renovated, Five Wood Hollow Road is LEED Gold certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. It is located at the nexus of I-287 and I-80, with I-280, and routes 202, 46, and 10 all nearby, giving tenants easy commuting access.

The building boasts a range of amenities including a contemporary, three-story renovated atrium lobby, an on-site, full-service cafeteria with indoor and outdoor seating, complimentary Wi-Fi available in the cafeteria and its adjacent public meeting rooms, as well as on-site property management. The building is wired with fiber optics for high-speed connectivity and features a recently upgraded high-efficiency HVAC system. In addition, further 2016 planned upgrades include a new, state-of-the-art fitness center and renovated cafe and conference center.

“Bringing a company like Ascensia to our township is validation of the business-friendly environment we are cultivating here that brings a significant and positive economic impact,” said Parsippany Mayor James R. Barberio. “We welcome the new jobs and look forward to Ascensia calling Parsippany home for a long time to come.”

Ascensia was represented in the transaction by Roby Bull and Steven Rotter, both of Jones Lang LaSalle. Mack-Cali was represented in-house by Brian Decillis, vice president of leasing.

About Mack-Cali Realty Corporation
Mack-Cali Realty Corporation is a fully integrated, self-administered, self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT) providing management, leasing, development, and other tenant-related services for its two-platform operations of waterfront and transit-based office and luxury multi-family assets. Mack-Cali owns or has interests in 276 properties, consisting of 148 office and 109 flex properties totaling approximately 30 million square feet and 19 multi-family rental properties containing approximately 5,700 residential units and a pipeline of 10,000 units, all located in the Northeast. Mack-Cali strives to provide its tenants and residents with the most innovative communities that empower them to re-imagine the way they work and live.

Additional information on Mack-Cali Realty Corporation and the commercial real estate properties and multi-family residential communities available for lease can be found on the Company’s website at www.mack-cali.com.

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