Earth Friendly Products Receives Recycling Naturally” Award

Frank L. Cahill
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Earth Friendly Products Receives Recycling Naturally” Award

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority, which provides drinking water to Morris County municipalities and oversees the County’s garbage transfer stations and hazardous waste disposal facility, and recycling programs, celebrated environmental excellence during an award ceremony on May 12, at the Morris County Park Commission’s Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township.

Larry Gindoff, Acting Executive Director of the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority, thanked all of the award recipients for their outstanding environment work.

“We are extremely proud of these award winners, who have show outstanding enterprise and leadership in helping to make Morris County a better place to live, work and go to school,” said Morris County Freeholder Christine Myers, who is the county governing board’s liaison to the MUA. “Congratulations to all of you from the entire Freeholder Board.”

Here are the award winners:

Recycling Naturally Award: Earth Friendly Products
Supporting Sustainability Award: Woman’s Club of Morristown

Earth Friendly Products received the “Recycling Naturally” Award. This Parsippany company believes that what’s on the inside counts and they have spent nearly 50 years creating and perfecting thoughtfully sourced cleaners that work great and are safer for people and the planet. Formulated with pure, thoughtful science and manufactured using zero-waste guidelines, products are made in facilities powered by renewable energy where recycling is a priority. Earth Friendly was named one of the top business recyclers in the state by the DEP last year.

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, President Earth Friendly Products Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks and State Senator Joseph Pennacchio

The Women’s Club of Morristown was honored with the “Supporting Sustainability” Award for their fourth annual Bra Drive. The club collects new and lightly used bras in all sizes and styles. The garments are distributed to Howard’s Mission and Dress for Success Morris County. Women are provided with professional attire and confidence to help them secure employment.  Bras that cannot be used are sent to The Bra Recyclers, an Arizona-based textile recycling company whose mission is to reduce the amount of textiles going to landfills.

Laura Szwak, MCMUA Board Chairwoman, Mary Ellen Potucek, Chester Area Senior Housing and Kathleen Hourihan, MC District Recycling Coordinator

Recycling is Fundamental Award: Nancy Meade

Nancy Meade is a teacher at Stony Brook School in Rockaway Township.  Her fourth grade recycling club students accepted the “It’s S’cool to Recycle” award.  Meade created and is the advisor to the school’s recycling club, which oversees recycling for the school.  The club promotes recycling by collecting and weighting recyclables to see how much material they are keeping out of the landfill.

Golden Age Recycler Award: Mary Ellen Potucek

Mary Ellen Potucek, on-site manager of the Robert Cole Senior Housing Complex of Chester Borough, was given the “Golden Age Recycler” award for the exceptional recycling program at this 38-unit affordable housing community. The MCMUA’s curbside collection crew has nothing but good things to say about her staff and the way they prepare recyclables.

Insuring a Better Tomorrow by Caring about Today Award: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Last fall, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., located in Whippany, cleaned up more than a ton of litter from the banks of the Whippany River, the lawns of Central Park, and the trails of Patriots Path, all in Hanover Toiwnship.  Employees joined members of the Hanover DPW, Fire and Police Departments, and the Whippany River Watershed Action Committee by donning hip waders and jumping into rowboats to remove trash from hard to reach areas.  Because of their hard work, the company received an award entitled “Insuring a Better Tomorrow by Caring about Today.”

Rob Grow, the owner of Potbelly’s Riverside Café, located on Main St. in Rockaway Borough, has conducted spring and fall cleanups for the past 10 years and has relied on volunteers to help clean the Rockaway River and its banks. The cleanup usually takes place between the waterfalls behind the firehouse and the waterfalls at Jackson Avenue, but Grow will go farther afield depending on the amount of litter, the number of volunteers, and the weather conditions.  Because of his decade of environmental awareness, the MCMUA honored him with the “Rockaway River Clean Water Stewardship” Award.

Rockaway River Clean Water Stewardship Award: Rob Grow

Leading by Example Award: Rosemary Schmidt

Rosemary Schmidt was quietly picking up trash in her neighborhood when she was discovered by members of the MCMUA.  “What a wonderful surprise,” said Liz Sweedy, the Morris County Clean Communities Coordinator. She continued, “Rosemary made my day and my year!”  Without any fanfare, this resident of Randolph goes out regularly and tackles litter along a busy street near her home.  In her honor, the MCMUA presented her with the “Leading by Example” Award.

 

Winners of the Slam Dunk the Junk Poster Contest:
Shreya Seripalli, Copeland Middle School, Rockaway Township;
Priya Patel and Lizzmarie Perez, Morris Hills High School;
Amanda Giglio, Morris Knolls High School;
Sheryl Peng, Mount Arlington Public School;
Mike Capobianco, Pequannock Township High School;
Carrie Schofield, Riverdale Public School.

For more information on the Morris County MUA, click here.

Recycling Club students from the Stony Brook School in Rockaway Township

Civil Air Patrol Squadron Holds Pre-Memorial Day Ceremony at Local Cemetery

Frank L. Cahill
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Civil Air Patrol Squadron Holds Pre-Memorial Day Ceremony at Local Cemetery

MORRIS COUNTY — On Tuesday, May 23, cadets with the Picatinny Squadron of Civil Air Patrol based at the Dover American Legion held a formal ceremony marking the first official Memorial Day events locally.  The squadron planted flags at hundreds of veterans’ grave sites together with members of Dover American Legion Baker Lodge 27 at the Locust Hill Cemetery.  Afterwards they played “Taps” and presented a salute to honor the memory of those who have fallen.

The Picatinny Composite Squadron NJ-093 of the New Jersey Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, the nation’s official United States Air Force Auxiliary, celebrates 45 years of service this year.  This milestone coincides with the 75th anniversary celebration of the founding of CAP as a civilian homeland defense operation under the US Army Air Force in December 1941, seven days before Pearl Harbor.

During the past 45 years the New Jersey Squadron has helped locate lost hikers, tracked down and recovered missing planes, ferried sick children for specialized hospital treatment, and trained hundreds of young men and women in military customs and courtesies, powered and glider flight, aerospace history and the basics of flight, emergency services, and search and rescue.

Like its predecessors, today’s Picatinny Squadron is providing young people with the opportunity to experience flying, receive STEM training in aerospace, cyber-security, and scientific  advancements, as well as supporting the community in Northern New Jersey with search and rescue and emergency service preparedness.

The national organization of Civil Air Patrol is a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. CAP has 58,000 adult and youth members nationwide, and maintains more than 500 aircraft throughout the country. In 2014, Congress awarded CAP members who served during World War II with a Congressional Gold Medal recognizing their contributions towards the war effort stateside.

In a world of heightened vigilance and an increased need for homeland security, the Civil Air Patrol motto “Semper Vigilans” or “Always Vigilant” remains as important today as it was when it was first founded during the dawn of the Second World War.  In honor of its proud history the Picatinny Squadron here in New Jersey continues the tradition of America’s Air Force Auxiliary, building the nation’s finest force of citizen volunteers serving America.

The Picatinny Composite Squadron is part of the CAP Northeast Region, New Jersey Wing. Its members are comprised of adults as well as teens from 13-17 from Morris, Warren and Sussex Counties. The group meets every Tuesday night from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  For more information click here.

Cadet Colonel Daniel Bailey and Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Sloane Liput planting American flags at Locust Hill Cemetery

Burroughs Graduates from Susquehanna University

Frank L. Cahill
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Burroughs Graduates from Susquehanna University

PARSIPPANY — Ashley Burroughs, of Parsippany, graduated with a BA in Communications as Susquehanna University closed its 159th academic year with annual commencement exercises on May 17.

A 2013 graduate of Parsippany High School, Burroughs is the daughter of Don and Arletha Burroughs.

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-six percent of Susquehanna students are employed or in graduate or professional school within six months of graduation.

The EDAM program, Engineering Design and Advanced Manufacturing

Frank L. Cahill
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The EDAM program, Engineering Design and Advanced Manufacturing

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School and Morris County School of Technology are proud to congratulate three graduating seniors, who will be the first students completing the EDAM program at the County College of Morris. The EDAM program, Engineering Design and Advanced Manufacturing, prepares students for an engineering career through computer applications, cutting edge technology, graphics, drafting, and prototyping.  Eli Davis, Robert Murphy, and Nathaniel Petricca represent Parsippany Hills High School, which happens to have the largest graduating class of the MCST/EDAM program of all the High Schools across Morris County. Parsippany Hills also has two more students representing the program as eleventh graders, Mark Maddox and Randall Rosado, for a total of five students in the program.

Shari Castelli, counselor at Morris County School of Technology reports, “The three students are in the first class to complete the program so they have been pioneers, willing to take a risk on something new. The students were on the ground floor of the NASA HUNCH program and have been able to both manufacture parts for the International Space Station and design objects to be used by astronauts on the International Space Station. These students were able to earn 32 college credits through the program, and possibly more.”

Nathaniel Petricca, “This was a great opportunity to get college experience, authentic working experiences, and exposure to different ways of being taught.”  The boys report that they are currently working on a variety of nuts, bolts, screws, sleeves, and hinges will be used as parts for more equipment on the International Space Station.

Parsippany High School Varsity Girls Softball team honored at town hall

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany High School Varsity Girls Softball team honored at town hall

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio presented the Parsippany High School Varsity Girls Softball team with certificates honoring their victory of 2017 Morris County Softball Champions.

The team had an outstanding record of 23-6 and is currently tied for first place with Hanover Park in the North West Athletic Conference.

Those players honored were Luisa Barone, Claudia Bennett, Caitlin Brennan, Julia Del Viscio, Michelle Ebel, Alyssa Feola, Victoria Freire, Gabriella Gennarelli, Carly Homler, Paige Kaiser, Megan Leitner, Alivia Mercuro, Lilianna Vidal, Julia Vincent and Sarah Waffenfeld. Also Head Coach Cleary and Assistant Coaches Steve Miller and Gionna Florey.

The team proudly holding their certificates
Their celebration cake

PHS Band Celebrates 60 years of music making

Frank L. Cahill
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PHS Band Celebrates 60 years of music making

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Band held its 60th Anniversary celebration with a Spring Band Concert on Friday, May 19 and continued on Saturday, May 20, with a picnic at Veterans Memorial Park for all PHS Band Alumni and their family. This landmark reunion recognized 60 years of Bands at Parsippany High School. Many Band Directors and Band Members attended the event with food donated by Applebee’s and food catered by Texas Smoke Barbecue.

Welcome to the PHS Band Alumni
Craig Hunt (2016), Xue Ting Lin (2016) and Josh Lustig (2015) were the youngest Alumni’s at the picnic
Robbie Furman (1989) with his balloon creations
Band Director Greg Dalakian and Brian Stanton
Steve Klein (1985), Mary Giercyk Castillo (1986), Lionel “Lonnie” Roland (1986), Robbie Furman (1989) and Chris Marques (1988)
Tamar Fine Yarkoni (1989), Saxophone with Nancy Polen McAllister (1989) Drum Major
Calvin Dickens (2031) Nancy Dickens (Band Parent 1988-2000) and Miles Dickens (2028)

 

Balloon Artist Robbie Furman (1989)
William Min (1995) and Lew Kelly (1995)
Phil Hughes, Michele Hughes (1987), Steve Dickens and Nancy Dickens
Drum Majors and Band Directors – Joe Bernabe (1970), Ellen Klein (1979), Greg Dalakian (2004), Joe Stella, Adrienne Thaunberg Perez (2003), Chris Arnold and Nancy Polen McAllister (1989)
Leslie (Griswold) Silver (1979), Kathy (Eccles) O’Rourke (1979), Joe Bernabe (1970), Laura (Miguelez) Quay (1979), Ellen Klein (1979) and Terri (Thompson) Herold (1979)
Band Directors: Erin Neglio, Chris Arnold, Mike Russo, Joe Bernabe, Joe Stella and Greg Dalakian
The delicious celebration cake

Christie Administration announces $78.75 million in Municipal Aid grants to help control property taxes

Frank L. Cahill
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Christie Administration announces $78.75 million in Municipal Aid grants to help control property taxes

TRENTON — The Christie Administration today announced 373 Local Aid grants totaling $78.75 million to help municipalities advance a variety of transportation projects without burdening local property taxpayers.

“Most of the Municipal Aid grants will support road resurfacing or preservation projects, and will help towns make much needed repairs,” NJDOT Commissioner Richard T. Hammer said.   “These grants will help keep local roads in a state of good repair without burdening local property taxes.”

The competitive Municipal Aid grant program attracted 628 applications worth $287.3 million in work.  A total 373 municipalities applicants were awarded grants, which are funded through the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund.

Under the Municipal Aid grant program, each county is apportioned a share of the total funding based on population and the number of local centerline miles.  Municipalities compete for portions of their county’s share.  Past performance in connection with timely award of projects and construction close-out factor into the evaluation of the Municipal Aid grant proposals. Of the $78.75 million, there is $5 million allotted for municipalities qualifying for Urban Aid under state law, with the awards determined by the Department of Community Affairs.

When evaluating municipal aid grant applications, NJDOT gives an additional point to municipalities that have adopted Complete Streets policies. At the time municipal aid applications were due there were 122 municipalities with complete streets policies, and all but eleven submitted applications.  Of them, 99 were recommended for grants totaling $21.4 million.

A total of 134 municipalities and eight counties now have adopted Complete Streets policies, which establishes guidelines that require consideration be given to pedestrians and bicyclists when local transportation projects are being planned, designed, and built.  NJDOT adopted its award-winning policy in December, 2009.

NJDOT provides 75 percent of a municipal aid grant when a town awards a contract and the remaining 25 percent upon completion of the project.

PHS holds assembly on the dangers of drinking and driving

Frank L. Cahill
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PHS holds assembly on the dangers of drinking and driving

PARSIPPANY — On Friday, May 26, Parsippany High School held their Sixth Annual Anti-Drunk Driving Program for seniors. This program was created to help raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. Parsippany-Troy Hills law enforcement officials worked closely with school administrators, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Parsippany Fire Department District 5 and Atlantic Air Medical Unit and other community stakeholders, to help raise student awareness against drunk driving, especially at this time of the year with upcoming prom and graduation celebrations.

The program is so unique from year to year which adds to the impact that is left on the students.  The students created the video from beginning to end and take complete ownership of the project.  The actors, seniors Cristina Fernandez, Joseph Ruggiero, Jackson Wolfe, Yash Patel and Jennifer Mazo started planning this program in early October.

During the staged event, Senior Joseph Ruggerio was charged with Criminal Vehicular Manslaughter, DUI and Negligent homicide. Christina Fernandez was paralyzed from neck down and can never walk again. Jackson Wolfe died on impact. Yash Patel was paralyzed from waist down and Jennifer Mazo died at the scene.

Sarah Di Pippa and Divij Malkani, was the Director, Editor and Camera. Special thanks to Mr. Thomas Rizk, Detective Thomas Lenanhan, Detective Curving, Captain Wieners and Patrolman Levi.

The video was produced by Video on the Go.

CCM Holds 48th Commencement Ceremony

Frank L. Cahill
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CCM Holds 48th Commencement Ceremony

MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) presented diplomas to the Class of 2017 during its 48th commencement ceremony on Friday, May 26.

Approximately 1,450 students – many who are transferring to top four-year institutions to earn their bachelor’s degrees – were eligible to receive diplomas in one of four degrees: Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science. The five most popular programs CCM students received degrees in are Business Administration, Humanities Social Science (Liberal Arts), Nursing, Criminal Justice and Biology. The graduates completed their studies between August 2016 and May 2017.

More than 500 students from the Class of 2017 took part in this year’s commencement ceremony. Due to the number of students who participated in this year’s commencement, the ceremony was moved offsite to the Mennen Sports Arena.

Included among the top schools CCM graduates are transferring to are Emerson College, Johnson & Wales University, Penn State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Texas, Arlington, along with New Jersey’s leading colleges and universities.

Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, who became CCM’s third president this past September, gave the commencement address.

”Today is a joyous occasion as we celebrate all the hard work, sacrifice and commitment that have brought you to this point of completion and new beginnings. Your education will open up doors of opportunity and set you on the path to a more fulfilling life,” said Iacono. But … I challenge you not to stop there. Instead, take what you have learned – and will continue to learn – and use it to open the doors of opportunity for others. As much as others have helped you to reach this milestone, be that help for others.”

Standing with tradition, this year’s County College of Morris Peace Prize recipient was recognized at commencement. The winner of the 2017 CCM Peace Prize is Jessica Ann Jones, of Hopatcong, for her video “Light.” Her video can be viewed by clicking here. Professor Laura Gabrielsen, from the Department of English and Philosophy, served as Jones’ mentor for the project.

The creator of the winning entry each year receives a $1,000 award, provided by the CCM Foundation. Jones also will have her name added to a permanent plaque of Peace Prize winners located in the Student Community Center.

This is the 15th year the college has awarded its Peace Prize, which is organized and administered by Professor Peter Maguire of the Department of English and Philosophy. Established in the fall of 2001, the Peace Prize competition provides students with the opportunity to apply their imagination and creativity to the design and production of a work that both commemorates the events of September 11, 2001 and makes a positive statement about the importance and pursuit of world peace.

Assemblywoman’s suit alleging challenger violated finance laws dismissed

Frank L. Cahill
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Assemblywoman’s suit alleging challenger violated finance laws dismissed

MORRISTOWN — A day after filing her lawsuit against Morris County Freeholder William “Hank” Lyon, a Morris County judge dismissed on Thursday Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce’s suit against her challenger in the June primary over alleged campaign finance violations. Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz, in an order obtained by NJ Advance Media, dismissed the suit for lack of…

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