Mount Tabor Residents Concerned Over Library Cuts

Frank L. Cahill
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Mount Tabor Residents Concerned Over Library Cuts

PARSIPPANY — The February 27 meeting of Parsippany Library Board of Directors was packed with a standing-room only crowd of concerned Mount Tabor residents.

The residents attended to voice their concerns over the cutting of the hours, cutting of programs and rumors of closing the branch.  Mount Tabor library is walkable for the many children who live in Mt Tabor. In a gesture for the Standing Room Only turnout for the Library Board meeting President Dr. Joseph Weisberg moved the public comments section of the meeting to the start of the meeting.

Library Director Jayne Beline assured the crowd the Mount Tabor Library was not closing. She also stated, “The Township has been very supportive of the Library.”

Board President Dr. Joseph Weisberg opened the meeting by addressing the audience. “The Library Board appreciates all of the interest in the Mount Tabor Library branch. All of our decisions that the Library Board made with regard to the six-hour cut were very well thought out. We made these decisions so that the Library branch could remain open,” said Dr. Weisberg.

Area children addressing the Library Board

He continued, “To clarify, we had to make additional cuts in services, not just the reduction in hours cut at Mount Tabor. At the main library, because our Sunday grant was reduced by 50%, we are now open only 26 Sundays a year instead of 37. We have been asked to postpone the needed renovations at the Lake Hiawatha branch. This project was slated at $1.5 million, (based on an estimate from 2010) but after the plans were drawn up the scope of the project changed and now the project cost is estimated at $3 million.’

The Mount Tabor branch hours went into effect February 6 are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m.

The Mount Tabor branch is open 34 hours per week now. That is a reduction in the schedule by six hours. The Lake Hiawatha branch is open for 58 hours per week. The Parsippany Main Library is open for 64 hours per week plus four extra hours on 26 Sundays.

Year round, the Library is responsible for covering 156 public service hours.

It was stated at Mount Tabor Library, there are full-timers using four of their 35 hours a week to cover the branch. The branch head at Lake Hiawatha works at Mount Tabor one day a week to oversee operations, meet with staff and assist with coverage. There are four part-time staff workers at the branch.

Total salary to operate the branch is $62,373; Heat costs are $652; Electric are $1194; Telephone is $950 for an estimated total of $65,169 yearly. To restore six hours it is estimated to cost between $7,500 and $9,000.

Mayor James Barberio said the Camp Meeting Association of Mount Tabor (CMA) offer of $1 per year rental with the Township maintaining the building was under review by Parsippany Township Attorney John Inglesino and he would follow up on the status and the CMA to finalize the agreement. CMA Board members reiterated that the Bethel was always available at no cost for Library special programs and had never been proposed to be available for rent. The Bethel is actually a value added to the Library for popular Children’s programs to use more space for free.

The discussion from residents included using volunteers. All volunteers would need to pay for a background check at an estimated cost of $30 to $40. The volunteers would have to be placed on the Library’s liability insurance policy. It is estimated it would cost between $500 and $600 more. All volunteers are required to be trained in the Library’s policies and procedures. Each volunteer would need to be paired with a staff member. It would require a volunteer coordinator to manage the volunteers. If a volunteer is the second person there and does not show up, the branch may need to be closed. Mayor Barberio pointed out that there are many volunteers working for various Parsippany departments (firefighters, ambulance, etc) who are already covered under the township liability insurance so this should not be an objection, and he would check into the liability.

It was noted the Library has a budget of $2.8 Million, and the cost to operate Mount Tabor Library (with the cuts) is approximately $70,000.

Resident Jim Lau swiftly calculated this is just 3.5% of the total Library budget for one of three Library branches.

Area resident Glenda Hasse stated “Reinstitute the Youth Programs – that encourages use of the different aspects of the Library.  Children are encouraged through school programs to get their library card and make good use of it. There are class trips to the library to encourage and familiarize students with the library. Children use the Library as a resource for homework. Adults and students use the computers for access to the Internet. Research. Job Hunting, when funds are limited to have a private internet service.”

One resident brought up the cuts in Children programming at Mount Tabor. He said, currently Mount Tabor has no children programs, while Lake Hiawatha branch has 32 and the main library has 44. Dr. Weisberg said “If the Board determines that storytime should be offered at Mount Tabor, they could assign librarians from the other two location to conduct storytimes.

It was also suggested by an area resident, “Be creative with the hours. open from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. instead of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so everyone can use the library.”

The building has served as the community library since 1889, and then became a branch of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library.

The Main Library moved to its new headquarters in 2006. The library is conveniently located off route 202, at 449 Halsey Road. It is in walking distance of an elementary, middle and high school.

The Lake Hiawatha library was established in 1937, but has occupied the present site since 1968. In 1994 the interior was renovated and expanded so that the library Branch could better meet the needs of its neighborhood service area.

Nestled in the Mount Tabor section of Parsippany, the Mount Tabor branch building occupied its present site since 1889. It is the smallest branch but is located in a beautiful setting near Trinity Park.

For more information on Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, click here.

Women’s Theater Company Presents The Musical of Musicals (The Musical)

Frank L. Cahill
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Women’s Theater Company Presents The Musical of Musicals (The Musical)

PARSIPPANY — The Women’s Theater Company, a professional theater company in Parsippany, presents Musical of Musicals (The Musical), written by Joann Bogart and Eric Rockwell.

The Musical of Musicals (The Musical) is a hilarious satire of musical theatre.  One story becomes five delightful musicals, each written in the distinctive style of a different master of the form, from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim. The basic plot:  June is an ingenue who can’t pay the rent and is threatened by her evil landlord. Will the handsome leading man come to the rescue?  The variations are: a Rodgers and Hammerstein version (set in Kansas in August, complete with a dream ballet), a Sondheim version (featuring the landlord as a tortured artistic genius who slashes the throats of his tenants in revenge for not appreciating his work), a Jerry Herman version; an Andrew Lloyd Webber version and a Kander & Ebb version 9set in a speakeasy in Chicago).

The Musical of Musicals (The Musical), starring Patricia Durante, Scott McGowan, Jenna Ravenda, Zach Mazouat.  Producing Artistic Director Barbara Krajkowski, Director/Choreographer Lauren Moran Mills, Musical Director Deborah Martin.

The Musical of Musicals (The Musical) runs March 24 to April 2 Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 for adults and $20.00 for seniors. To purchase tickets online Click here or call (973) 335 -3038.

The Women’s Theater Company is located at the Parsippany Playhouse at 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. For GPS driving directions, please enter the town of Boonton, 07005.

ABOUT WOMEN’S THEATER COMPANY:

The Women’s Theater Company’s mission is to provide a fertile environment for the advancement of professional women theater artists and to provide quality theater for the community at large.  Through their main stage, educational outreach, and new works development programs, the Women’s Theater Company supports the development of new women artists, promotes new works in the American theater, and provides entertaining and enriching productions for growing audiences.  Women’s Theater Company is located at The Parsippany Playhouse, 1130 Knoll Road, Parsippany.  For more information contact (973) 335-3038, or email info@womenstheater.org.

The Women’s Theater Company is proud to be a member of the New Jersey Theater Alliance. Funding for the Women’s Theater Company has been made possible in part by funds for the Morris Arts through the New Jersey State Council on the Art/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Women’s Theater is proud to be a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Temple Beth Am to celebrate Purim

Frank L. Cahill
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Temple Beth Am to celebrate Purim

PARSIPPANY — Temple Beth Am will celebrate Purim with a very special event featuring a carnival, reading of the Meggilah and a not to be missed Purim Shpiel featuring music adapted from Fiddler on the Roof, on Sunday, March 12.

The festivities, free and open to the public, begin at 9:45 am with the Purim Schpiel, “A Meggilah on the Roof”, followed by a reading of the Meggilah with spinning groggers and assorted noisemakers. At 11:00 a.m., the party continues with a carnival including food, fun, face-painting, games, prizes and the always popular Moon Bounce. Come and enjoy Temple Beth Am’s unique celebration of Purim.

For more information about the First Friday Speaker Series or Temple Beth Am please contact Debbie Lesser, Temple Administrator at (973) 887-0046.

Temple Beth Am is located at 879 South Beverwyck Road.  You can visit their website by clicking here. 

Celebrating our 51st year, Temple Beth Am is a Reform congregation with a diverse membership living throughout Morris County, including the towns of Parsippany, Boonton, Denville, Lake Hiawatha, Mountain Lakes, Montville, Randolph and Rockaway. We open our doors to adults and youth, singles and couples, Jews-by-birth and Jews-by-choice, and interfaith couples. Led by Rabbi Steven L. Mills and Rabbi/Cantor Inna Serebro-Litvak, Temple Beth Am is an inclusive, warm and welcoming place for personal and communal prayer, solace and comfort, joyous celebration, community service, education and sharing as a vibrant Jewish congregation.

 

Parsippany Hills Players will be performing a production of “Bye Bye Birdie”

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Hills Players will be performing a production of “Bye Bye Birdie”

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills Players will be performing a production of “Bye Bye Birdie” on Thursday, March 16, Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18. The performance will be held at Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive at 7:00 p.m.

Cast members include: Albert performed by Lucas Folan; Rosie performed by Mia Macarella; Conrad performed by Anthony Paterno; Mr. MacAfeeperformed by Alexei Sepe; Mrs. MacAfee performed by Jackie Pascale; Kim MacAfee performed by Nicolette Kelly; Randolph MacAfee performed by Shoumik Vaddi and Hugo performed by Ky Yurchuk.

Revisit a simpler time in 1950s America, where you’ll follow Albert and Rosie’s journey as they accompany a swooning, hip-thrusting Conrad Birdie to small town Sweet Apple, Ohio! There you’ll see a patriotic, healthy, normal, typical American family, the MacAfees, and sweethearts Hugo and Kim!

Admission is $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for senior citizens and non-district students, and free for Parsippany-Troy Hills School District students.

Book by Michael Stewart; Music by Charles Strouse; Lyrics by Lee Adams and Originally Produced by Edward Padula.

BYE BYE BIRDIE is presented by arrangements
TAMS-WHITMARK MUSIC LIRRARY, INC.
560 Lexington Avenue, New York,  New York 10022

 

 

Microwave fire at Carlstadt home; no major damage

Frank L. Cahill
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Microwave fire at Carlstadt home; no major damage

PARSIPPANY — On a chilly Sunday morning, March 5, at approximately 10:15 a.m. Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department 6 and Lake Parsippany Fire District 3 were called to Carlstadt Road in Lake Parsippany.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police were first at the scene and reported there was no fire at the time of arrival.

Microwave ovens are in just about every home now, and in a lot of offices and other workplaces as well. They can make food preparation a lot easier but they can also be a fire hazard.

If you experience any abnormal activity with your microwave oven, you should unplug it and not use it until a repair person inspects it. Also, tell someone about your problem. Specifically, report it to the CPSC.

Consumers often wonder why a product has not been recalled. One reason is that the CPSC has to get a certain number of reports of a problem before it will take any action. There are other factors as well. CPSC works partly off of hospital records; unless a product defect has caused injuries, it may not be eligible for recall.

ConsumerAffairs warns consumers regarding microwave use and cleaning.

Recently Consumer Affairs received this alarming email from a reader named Anne.

“Our microwave, we believe it was a Samsung, started a fire in the middle of the night. Our house is totaled. No loss of life except our two cats. Can we do anything?”

A request to Anne for a follow-up interview about the accident went unanswered, so we decided to look into our database of consumer reviews to see if anyone else has had similar problems. They have.

“I bought this microwave and it starts sending out sparks and is an extreme fire hazard,” Emily, of Manteca, Calif., wrote about her Emerson microwave.

Needs cleaning?

Emily said she called the company and was told the fire was probably because the inside of the unit needed cleaning. Emily isn’t buying it, especially after finding other consumers who have reported similar experiences.

“I and most of the reviewers on this site have had experience with many microwaves over the course of our lives and have not had sparks flying out of our microwave,” she wrote.
“Saturday the KitchenAid over the stove microwave/convection caught FIRE before my eyes,” Stephen, of Leawood, Kan., told us. “Serviceman yesterday said the magnatron had burned holes within the machine and was not replaceable.”Earlier this year ConsumerReports published an in-depth study of reported problems with KitchenAid microwaves. Some of those problems have also been reported to ConsumerAffairs.

There have also been a few reports of similar problems with GE microwaves.

“I purchased the model (PEM31SM1SS) GE Profile in November of 2008,” writes Pamela, of Duxbury, Mass. “Less than a year later it overheated and failed; since it was still under warranty, the repair was managed by the appliance vendor. The scorch mark on the rear wall of the oven was and is still there. During the past year, the paint on the interior roof began to bubble and peel. There is now a broad area of exposed metal and the paint around the interior door frame is also peeling.”

Consumers should report safety problems to the manufacturer. Use a civil, businesslike tone. The company needs to know the scope of the problem it has on its hands.

Finally, don’t forget to post a report on ConsumerAffairs. Other consumers can learn and benefit from your experience.

Burglary to Vehicle at LA Fitness

Frank L. Cahill
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Burglary to Vehicle at LA Fitness

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officers E. Elston and A. Van Orden responded to LA Fitness at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28 on a reported theft and burglary.

Upon arrival he spoke to the victim who stated an unknown suspect gained access to his belongings in his locker and removed his vehicle keys.

The unknown suspect then gained entry into his vehicle removed cash from the victim’s wallet.

This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department’s Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.

82 year-old Resident Arrested over Handicapped Parking Spot

Frank L. Cahill
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82 year-old Resident Arrested over Handicapped Parking Spot

PARSIPPANY — Multiple Officers responded to a parking lot on Rutgers Lane for a disturbance involving a handgun at 11:54 p.m. on February 28.

Upon arrival of responding Officers, spoke to the 23 year old male victim. The victim advised that the suspect, identified as Vittorio Dipinto, 82, Parsippany, was upset that his vehicle was partially parked in a handicap parking area.

The victim further advised that during their verbal argument, Mr. Dipinto pointed a handgun at him. After further investigation, Mr. Dipinto was placed under arrest and transported back to Police Headquarters. Patrol Officer P. Parisi processed and charged Mr. Dipinto with one count of Aggravated Assault in the Fourth Degree, one count of Terroristic Threats in the Third Degree, one count of Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes in the Second Degree and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.

He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Katie Cassidy to seek Township Council seat

Frank L. Cahill
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Katie Cassidy to seek Township Council seat
Katie Cassidy

PARSIPPANY — Lifelong resident Katie Cassidy has announced she will be seeking a seat on Township Council in the upcoming election. Katie is a registered democrat.

Council President Louis Valori and Council Vice President Robert Peluso current term ends December 31. Valori, Republican, is seeking re-election and is running on the ticket with Mayor James Barberio and former Councilman Vincent Ferrara. Peluso, also Republican, is challenging to unseat Mayor Barberio.

Township of Hanover Police Officer Chris Martino and Former Parsippany Planning Board Chairman Casey Parikh, are seeking a seat on the Council.

It is expected that former Councilman Brian Stanton will be entering the race.

Monday, April 3 is the filing deadline to submit a petition to run in Primary Election.

In early February, Democrat Michael Soriano announced he will be seeking the office of the Mayor.

It is expected that Democrats Janice McCarthy and Emily Peterson will announce shortly and will be running with Michael Soriano.

Cassidy is a lifelong resident of Parsippany-Troy Hills. She is a member of the Environmental Advisory Committee and Municipal Alliance Committee. Her goal is to rejuvenate the community spirit in town. In her mind, the key components of success are responsible spending, transparency while planning for the future as well as togetherness in the community.

Katie has dedicated a great deal of time to attending township meetings. Along with the Environmental and Municipal Alliance Committee meetings, she has also attended countless Council, Planning and Zoning Board meetings. In just the last year, Katie’s notable successes include initiating the passage of a support resolution and applying pressure to increase the transparency of the Township.

The primary will be held on Tuesday, June 6. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

You are eligible to vote if you are a citizen of the United States, are a Morris County resident 30 days before the election. You can register is you are at least 17 years of age, but cannot vote until the age of 18. You can not be incarcerated, on parole or on probation due to a felony conviction.

If you don’t know if you are a registered voter, you can click here to find out.

If you are not a registered voter, you can fill out the application form (click here), and mail a completed form to Morris County Board of Elections, Post Office Box 9000, Morristown, New Jersey 07960. You must register 21 days prior to the election which you wish to vote. Your registration will remain valid, as long as you do not move out of Morris County.

Once you are registered you will receive a ballot in the mail. If you need to find out where you go to vote, click here.

Parsippany Focus has reached out to all candidates that have filed their registrations, asking when and where they are announcing. Parsippany Focus will give equal coverage to all candidate running for office. Candidates can contact us by sending an email by clicking here.

Parsippany Hills McDonald signs letter of intent

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Hills McDonald signs letter of intent

PARSIPPANY — Dylan Joseph McDonald signed a letter of intent today and committed to Ave Maria University. Dylan’s will be majoring in Exercise Science.

Dylan will be graduating Parsippany Hills High School in June where he was a three-year starter. McDonald was part of the team which made the 2016 NJSIAA North 2 Group III final, and beat Cranford for the North 2 Group III championship in 2014, the first and only sectional title in school history.

Coach Dave Albano said “Dylan was  a three-year starter us. He has the size and speed to do great things in college.”
“Ave Maria is lucky to get Dylan! He is not only a great player with a motor that never quits, he is more importantly a great young man! Dylan epitomized what we looked for in a player for Team USA. His parents have done a great job raising him and Dylan will go on to represent his family and community well” said Matt Hennesy, Head Football Coach North American Championships.

Gail McDonald, Matt Hennesy with Dylan

“I am very proud of Dylan’s accomplishments, he has worked very hard and will be very successful in life and on the football field at Ava Maria, said Gail McDonald.

This past January Dylan played against Canada in the first USA Football North American Championship in Orlando, Fla.

The event featured under-18 national teams from each country and was played at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

This was the sixth time McDonald has suited up for the United States.  As an eighth grader, he attended a combine in south Jersey and performed well enough that he was invited to a camp for football players his age in College Station, Texas. He also spent a month in Harbin, China, last summer.

McDonald was one of 44 players selected to make the journey to China, and represented the United States in a seven-nation tournament, the Under 19 International Federation of American Football World Championship.

For McDonald it was a honor to sport the red, white and blue uniform, with “USA” across his chest.

Dylan signing the letter of intent as his family looks on

Ave Maria University is a vibrant University located in beautiful Southwest Florida. It is an academic institution that pledges faithfulness to the teachings of the Catholic Church and is committed to offering one of the finest classical liberal arts curricula available, as well as opportunities for specialized study in all of the sciences and humanities.

Ave Maria is known for its exceptional academics, faithfulness to the magisterium of the Catholic Church, dedicated faculty and caring staff, and a unique educational philosophy that strives to develop the whole person.

The university’s superb faculty, challenging curriculum, professional staff, and a student community where it is easy to form lasting friendships, provide graduates with a training that empowers them to step out into the working world as future leaders and wealth-creators, with a solid understanding of contemporary challenges, and a strong confidence in their own intellectual training and foundation.

For more information about Ave Maria University click here.

Ave Maria University

 

Standing room only at Sons of Italy fundraiser for Par-Troy Wrestling

Frank L. Cahill
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Standing room only at Sons of Italy fundraiser for Par-Troy Wrestling

PARSIPPANY — Sons of Italy Chapter 2561 sponsored a fundraiser for Par-Troy Wrestling Club.  The fundraiser was held at Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 5, 180 Old Bloomfield Road on Saturday, February 25.

Included with the pasta dinner, cooked by the Sons of Italy members, are homemade meatballs, bread, salad and dessert.

The Sons of Italy and Par-Troy Wrestling Team would like to thank the following for contributing to the door prizes and raffles: Vincent Ferrara, Italian American Police Society of NJ, Sons of Italy Lodge #2561, Longhorn Steakhouse, Outback Steakhouse, Eccola Italian Bistro, Verde Ristorante, IHOP, Tabor Pizzeria, Gourmet Café, Churrasco Grill, Houlihan’s, TGIF, Modell’s, Home Depot, Smashburger, Pinnacle Athletic Development, Coach John-Drumline Live tickets and Towne Tavern. A special thanks to Parsippany Volunteer District 5 for donating the facilities for the event.

Board Member, June Madia, Par-Troy Wrestling Team presented Joe Jannarone, Jr., President of the Sons of Italy 2561 with a plaque thanking the Sons of Italy for all their hard work in preparing the food for the fundraiser.

Par-Troy Wrestling board members are June Madia, Linda Gohn, Ralph Rocco, Kim Doktor,
Cris Parente, Pat Rocco, Gabe Nazziola  and Dan Ilic.

Parsippany is such a large town that its children’s wrestling programs are traditionally split into two teams – the Parsippany Redhawks and the Parsippany Hills Vikings. Both had long-established histories, successes, and victories. As strong as both teams functioned separately, coaches, wrestlers, and parents knew that if they joined forces to create one team Parsippany Wrestling would become a major squad.

This became a reality in the spring of 2010. The Par-Troy Wrestling Club was formed with the motto, “One Town. One Team.”

PTWC registers children from grades kindergarten through eighth grade and participates in a number of competitive wrestling leagues. Their function with a full Executive Board and Executive Committee Members. Their major annual fundraiser is a two-day Holiday Tournament with teams gathering from all over. Over the years PTWC boasts successes of all the kids, including:

  • New Jersey Kids State Qualifying Wrestlers, Place Winners and Champions
  • Participation and Great Success in Numerous Leagues: Grade School, Passaic County, Tri-County, Future Stars, Northwest NJ K-6, North Jersey, Northern NJ Gold and Silver Teams, and King of the Mat
  • Place Winners and Champions at Competitive Tournaments
  • Bronze Certified Coaches
  • Alumni Wrestlers who move on and are highly successful at Parsippany High School, Parsippany Hills High School, and local private programs

The full roster looks forward to more success under the club’s long list of qualified coaches. The 2016-2017 season will include participation of teams in five competitive leagues and local tournaments.

For more information on Par-Troy Wrestling, click here.

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