PACC sponsors another successful Breakfast Networking Event

Frank L. Cahill
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PACC sponsors another successful Breakfast Networking Event

PARSIPPANY — Recently, the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a morning networking event titled “Email Marketing – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.”

Ilene Greene and Ted Polmar, Principals of MarketShare Communications and BizCircles Entrepreneurs Business Network, presented this PACC Breakfast Program. Their firm specializes in marketing strategy, website development, and branding for small and middle market companies.

Everyone uses email these days – but the question is, does it really work? We are all inundated with tens or hundreds of emails every day and every week. Which ones get opened and why?

The attendees received first hand knowledge of the 10 Facts You Need to Know About Email Marketing. Some of the topics included:

  • Best subject lines to get opened
  • How good is your list
  • How you can use email to grow your social media following
  • Best times to send emails – it’s changing all the time
  • Is your email template responsive and why it must be
  • Best and most cost-effective way to reach your target audience

Ilene Greene and Ted Polmar, Principals of MarketShare Communications and BizCircles Entrepreneurs Business Network, will present this PACC Breakfast Program. Their firm specializes in marketing strategy, website development, and branding for small and middle market companies.

You can join Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, May 9 when Ilene Greene and Ted Polmar presents “Social Media & Why We All Need to Engage.”

There was a time when social media was considered by some as a passing fad. Something that “the kids” were using, that businesses could never really benefit from. Today roughly eight-in-ten online Americans (79%) now use Facebook, a 7-percentage-point increase from a survey conducted about one year ago.

Popular social platforms have become marketing giants, offering businesses valuable data about their customers and a (mostly) free way to reach them. Social media for business is no longer optional.

Come to our next breakfast on Tuesday, May 9, and learn the 10 Benefits of Social Media and why you MUST be engaged – from Main Street to the Board Room. Find out who is using social media, how often they engage and which ones. Social Media helps you get:  Exposure • Brand Awareness • Customer Loyalty and more!

This event is held at IHOP, 792 Route 46. $10.00 for members, and $15.00 for non-member and includes breakfast. Click here to register.

 

Easter Bunny hops into IHOP and distributes candy

Frank L. Cahill
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Easter Bunny hops into IHOP and distributes candy

PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, April 15, the Easter Bunny, hopped into IHOP, to visit the children having breakfast. Children had the opportunity to take pictures with the Easter Bunny and the Easter Bunny gave out candy to everyone.

IHOP waiter Daniel Arguelles with the Easter Bunny
Committee Chair of YCPO of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Karen DeChristopher visits with the Easter Bunny
11 month old Lucas Amaral meeting the Easter Bunny for the first time at IHOP on Saturday
IHOP employees Cara David and Kathy Jovel and Kiwanis member Karen DeChristopher visits with the Easter Bunny

Easter Bunny visits Sedgefield; Children found eggs during Easter Egg Hunt

Frank L. Cahill
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Easter Bunny visits Sedgefield; Children found eggs during Easter Egg Hunt

PARSIPPANY — Sedgefield Civic Association held their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 15. The children, in age groups went into Grafton Park to collect Easter eggs.

The children at the starting line waiting for hunt for the eggs in Grafton Park

Each age group had an opportunity to find a golden egg with a silver dollar, to win a grand prize. There were over 1,200 eggs hidden in the park.

Mayor James Barberio attended and gave each child an Easter bunny and some candy. The Easter Bunny hung out for pictures with the children, then took off to IHOP, 792 Route 46 to enjoy Breakfast with the children. (Click here to read related story)

For more information on Sedgefield Civic Association, click here.

Council Vice President Robert Peluso with his son who was ready to find the Easter Eggs

Woman’s Club Celebrate National Library Workers’ Day

Frank L. Cahill
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Woman’s Club Celebrate National Library Workers’ Day

PARSIPPANY — Librarians and Staff Members at Parsippany’s three libraries;  Main Library, Mount Tabor Branch and Lake Hiawatha Branch were treated to refreshments on Tuesday, April 11 by members of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills (WCPTH) to celebrate National Library Workers’ Day.  Club members treated the staff at all three branches to desserts, chips, candy and drinks to thank them for their dedication to the Parsippany library system.  Club Members were on hand to chat with the staff and thank them in-person.

National Library Workers’ Day was established in 2003 to ‘recognize the hard work, dedication, and expertise of library support staff and librarians.’

This is the third year WCPTH has supported National Library Workers’ Day.  The club has a special relationship with the library, being one of its first donors in the 1960’s when the township library was established.  Nationally, Women’s Clubs are credited with establishing three quarters of the nation’s libraries.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC, which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.   The next General Meeting is Monday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, visit their website by click here.

Meeting schedule is subject to change.  Please contact Cathy, Membership Chairman, if interested in attending a meeting or to confirm date and time.

Survey: Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook in dead heat for student use

Frank L. Cahill
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Survey: Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook in dead heat for student use

PARSIPPANY — Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook are in a statistical deadhead when it comes to college and high school students and the social media networks they use, but Snapchat and Instagram jump to a solid lead when it comes to how often they use them.

According to an online survey of 333 college and high school students conducted by SCG, a Parsippany based advertising and public relations agency, about 95 percent of students say they use the three major social media platforms, but 88 percent say they use Instagram and Snapchat often, versus  81 percent for Facebook.  Twitter trails on all fronts with only 66.6 percent reporting use and fewer than 50 percent using it often. Students report lower usage of Tumblr, YouTube, and Pinterest.

Snapchat wins the battle for daily use, with 78 percent saying they use the service daily, as compared to 76 percent for Instagram, and 66 percent for Facebook. Seventy-one percent say they use Snapchat more than six times per day, and 51 percent says they are on Snapchat more than 11 times per day.

To access the full white paper on the results, click here.

“Students – mostly GenZ – are spending about 11 hours per day in front of up to five different screens. So it should be of no surprise that they are not married to just one platform,” said Michael Cherenson, SCG’s executive vice president for public relations. “Marketers and brands must be agnostic when it comes to platform. This means being open to use of several social media networks, often in unique ways.”

When it comes to Snapchat, respondents say they are most interested in keeping in touch with friends (89.5 percent) and sharing and creating videos, images and stories (56.8 percent). A whopping 49.2 percent say they return to Snapchat daily simply to maintain a Snapchat streak.

“More than half of Snapchat users say they would feel disconnected from friends if not for Snapchat, which speaks volumes about the relationship students have with the platform and their peer networks,” Cherenson said.  “Almost 25 percent indicated Snapchat is essential to their relationships.”

Almost 90 percent of Snapchat users say they enjoy the GeoFilters, while 85 percent say they like the Snapchat Lenses.  Students report little to no interest in ads that appear in stories.

There also is a high degree of interest in content, including “Real Stories or day-in-the-life,” “Behind-scenes videos,” and How-To videos.  When asked about what brands or companies use Snapchat well, Cosmo, Buzzfeed and the Kardashians were cited most frequently.

“Brands would be wise to use the platform for storytelling, providing new and interesting perspectives, and for engaging in a thoughtful, interesting and meaningful way with students,” said Cherenson. “Cookie cutter content will be pushed aside quickly.”

About SCG
Founded more than half a century ago, SCG (Success Communications Group) provides 21st century communication services highlighted by creativity, passion, and innovation. With specific expertise in public relations, advertising, marketing, social media, digital marketing, and recruitment, SCG is headquartered at26 Eastmans Road, Parsippany with regional offices in the metro areas of Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Diego, and Tampa.

Letter to the editor: Trump Administration’s new federal budget

Frank L. Cahill
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Letter to the editor: Trump Administration’s new federal budget

To the Editor,

As the Trump Administration’s new federal budget moves forward, I have been heartened to hear Representative Frelinghuysen’s positive statements on the importance of foreign assistance programming and these programs’ demonstrated value in improving American security and prosperity. Using only less than one percent of the federal budget, these programs comprise a critical piece of our country’s foreign policy.

We know all too well that violent extremists do not only wage their campaigns in their hometowns, their movements and attacks are global and present a clear threat to the security of Americans. While there is still much work to be done in defeating these groups, American foreign assistance investments in education and licit livelihoods have played a major role in reducing local support in other countries for extremism. Reducing this programming at this point would certainly move this effort backwards.

Foreign assistance also opens foreign markets for American business and export, both by building foreign markets for American goods and services as well as serving as a key negotiation point in discussions around taxation and regulation. In a world with increasing global competition, American businesses cannot afford to lose the benefits provided by foreign assistance programming. This is especially true as American competitors, particularly Chinese businesses, are realizing the returns from their own governments’ investments in foreign assistance.

Finally, American foreign assistance fights the spread of diseases that, through international flights and shipping connections, could easily reach the United States within days and do immeasurable damage to American lives and livelihoods. All totaled, foreign assistance is an investment that is extremely important to the security and prosperity of Americans, as well as those abroad that we reach with programming. Representative Frelinghuysen is right to question the Trump Administration’s proposed cuts to USAID and the State Department’s foreign assistance budgets.

Maria G. D’Andrea
Morristown

Local Beat: Three CRDA board members take thousands in back pay, stipends

Frank L. Cahill
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Local Beat: Three CRDA board members take thousands in back pay, stipends

Local Beat is the NJ News Commons’ weekly roundup of the best reporting by community news sources. THREE CRDA BOARD MEMBERS TAKE THOUSANDS IN BACK PAY, STIPENDS As many in Atlantic City are facing pay cuts and layoffs under the state’s takeover, one state authority has paid its own board members thousands of dollars in back…

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Cover Up Of A Crime? Salary Ordinance Revised; 3-2 Vote on First Reading

Frank L. Cahill
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Cover Up Of A Crime? Salary Ordinance Revised; 3-2 Vote on First Reading

PARSIPPANY — Four days after Democratic activist and candidate for governor Bill Brennan filed a citizen’s complaint against Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio and Business Administrator Ellen Sandman in Parsippany Municipal Court, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Louis Valori called a special meeting to introduce an ordinance establishing White Collar Salary Ranges.

Both defendants must appear in Morris County Superior Court on Wednesday, April 19 at 11:30 a.m.

This is clearly a salary ordinance, and not a payment ordinance.

The Ordinance, #2017:05, shall be retroactive to January 1, 2017 for all employees active on the date of introduction of this ordinance. The salary in this ordinance for Keyboarding Clerk 1 will have a minimum starting salary of $17,000 annually to $55,000 annually. (Note: A copy of the Ordinance was not available to the public during the special meeting, Parsippany Focus obtained a copy through Open Public Records Act (OPRA). Click here to see the complete White Collar Salary ranges.

Retired Police Sergeant Eugene Natoli

According to New Jersey Civil Service Commission, the definition of a Keyboarding Clerk I is “Under close supervision, performs routine, repetitive clerical work involving the processing of documents in a variety of functions; formats and key enters/types correspondence, documents, reports, charts and other materials on a computer console, typewriter, or other key entry device used by the agency; does other related duties as required. Keyboarding clerks typically spend a majority of their work time (more than 50%) typing or operating keyboard equipment. Speed and accuracy are essential for all keyboarding positions.

The complaints stem from a series of articles published in Parsippany Focus earlier this year. Barberio authorized the hiring of Retired Police Sergeant Eugene Natoli on December 19, 2016 at an annual salary of $50,000. The “Request for Personnel Action” report indicates he works in the “Administration Department” as a “Keyboarding Clerk 1.”  The position is a full time, permanent position. It is evident that Mayor Barberio hired Mr. Natoli in clear violation of the law.(click here to read article).

The Personnel Action form was signed by Business Administrator Ellen Sandman.

Natoli’s Request for Personnel Action form obtained through an OPRA request
Ramona (Jackie) Ortiz

Then in an article published in Parsippany Focus on March 7, “Barberio Breaks Township Ordinances Elected to Enforce, Again,” a source inside Town Hall told Parsippany Focus that Barberio hired Ramona (Jackie) Ortiz effective December 5, 2016 as a Keyboarding Clerk I, at an annual salary of $54,000.

The salary ordinance for white-collar workers, specifically Keyboarding Clerk 1, Ordinance 2016:22 states the salary is a minimum of $17,000 with a maximum of $48,000. She was hired at $6,000 more than the maximum amount allowed by Township Ordinance. It is evident that Mayor Barberio hired Ms. Ortiz in clear violation of the law. (click here to read complete Personnel Action form)

The Personnel Action form was signed by Business Administrator Ellen Sandman.

Ortiz’s Request for Personnel Action form obtained through an OPRA request

Both individuals were hired as a “Keyboarding Clerk I.” At the time they were hired the salary ordinance for white-collar workers, specifically Keyboarding Clerk 1, Ordinance 2016:22 states the salary is a minimum of $17,000 with a maximum of $48,000. Natoli was paid $2,000 over the ordinance while Ortiz was paid $6,000 over the ordinance.

Ordinance 2017:05, read on first reading on Tuesday, April 12 was voted 3-2. Council President Louis Valori and Michael dePierro voted in favor of the ordinance. In addition, Concilwoman Loretta Gragnani voted in favor of the Ordinance by telephone since she was not present at the meeting.   The first reading passed 3 – 2.

Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr. voted against the passage of this Ordinance.

“I find it kind-of comical that we had to have this special meeting, at the last second, right after this gentlemen who you claim files this bogus claim,” Councilman Paul Carifi told Parsippany Focus. “Again, the mayor hired these people at a higher rate than what the salary ordinance allows. That is a fact. This is a knee-jerk reaction, as usual, by the mayor.”

“I’m voting with my conscience, no,” Council Vice President Robert Peluso said.

It was reported that Brennan and Barberio did not attend the special 5:00 p.m. meeting, during which Township Attorney John Inglesino read a statement accusing Brennan of politicizing township business and criticizing Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill.

“Mr. Inglesino appears to be speaking out of both sides of his mouth. On one hand he claims there is no salary cap violation but on the other, he’s recommending that the ordinance be changed now with an unscheduled, last minute special meeting. If Mr. Brennan’s complaint is bogus, why is Mr. Inglesino in such a hurry?” stated Democratic Mayoral Candidate Michael Soriano.

Bill Brennan told the Daily Record, “I am beginning a legal campaign against these lawless abusers. Inglesino is my ultimate target. I investigated the perpetrators and started with Inglesino’s cronies, and am working my way up.”

The meeting drew a small public audience including Michael Soriano, who is running for mayor in the June Democratic primary. Barberio is running for re-election in the June GOP primary against Peluso. The audience also included former Councilman Jonathan Nelson, Former Mayor Mimi Letts and Current Council Candidate Janice McCarthy.

“These salary ordinances should be reviewed in October or November of the previous year, and adjusted at that time, not after the mayor goes and hires people above the salary ordinance,” Paul Carifi said. “He continues to do this. But in the past, for certain people that he’s hired for certain positions, we’ve been told that the promises and/or the negotiations the mayor has engaged in, that if we did not give them those salaries, we could be sued. And at that point, we had no choice. That’s why we did it in the past.”

The ordinance will be further considered for second reading and final passage on Tuesday, April 25.

CCM to Hold Spring Open House on April 22

Frank L. Cahill
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CCM to Hold Spring Open House on April 22

RANDOLPH — County College of Morris (CCM) will be holding its Spring Open House on Saturday, April 22, for high school students and their parents, students attending other colleges who are looking to transfer, and adults interested in returning to school.

The Open House takes place in the Student Community Center on CCM’s Randolph campus, 214 Center Grove Road. Two sessions will be offered at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Those who attend and apply for admission will have the $30 application fee waived.

The Open House features academic breakout sessions so students can explore the areas of study they are most interested in pursuing.

Faculty and representatives from admissions, financial aid, career services and student life will be on hand to answer questions. Participants also can take a self-guided tour of the campus.

The Open House offers the opportunity to learn about CCM’s more than 50 associate degree programs, athletics and student organizations. 

Registration is requested and can be easily completed online by clicking here. Remember to select the session you want to attend.

Open House visitors can park in Lots 6 or 7 (a campus map can be found by clicking here). For more information click here.

School Funding Roundtable to be held on Monday

Frank L. Cahill
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School Funding Roundtable to be held on Monday

PARSIPPANY — Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Joseph Pennacchio will join with local officials, educators, advocates and parents in a community forum in Parsippany to discuss the importance of acting to reform the state’s school funding practices, including full funding of the School Funding Reform Act, the law that was intended to distribute state aid fairly and equitably but has not been fully funded and has been hobbled by add-on provisions.

Senator Joe Pennacchio

With thirteen school districts in Morris County funded under 50 percent of the formula, the county has some of the lowest funded districts by percentage in the state.

With the growth cap and adjustment aid removed and SFRA and Extraordinary Special Education Aid fully funded, Morris County schools stand to gain $57 million.

The Parsippany SFRA Fair Funding Roundtable will be held on Monday, April 17, at 11:00 a.m. in Parsippany Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

 

Parsippany Town Hall Special Council Meeting 04/11/2017

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Town Hall Special Council Meeting 04/11/2017
Parsippany Town Hall Special Council Meeting 04/11/2017
“When dealing with critics always remember this: Critics judge things based on what is outside of their content of understanding.”
― Shannon L. Alder

Breaking news: Fire destroys home on Lord Stirling Drive

Frank L. Cahill
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Breaking news: Fire destroys home on Lord Stirling Drive

PARSIPPANY — At approximately 8:45 a.m. Friday morning, April14, Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Department 5 and 6 and Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire Department 4 responded to a working house fire on Lord Stirling Drive.

Boonton RIC also responded to the scene. According to sources at the scene no one was injured. American Red Cross was called to help the five residents who are displaced by the fire.

Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, Par-Troy Emergency Services, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Rehab Trailer were all called to the scene.

Jersey Central Power and Light was also called to the scene to turn off the electric to the home.

Parsippany Police’s Fire Investigator and Det. Marcin Czajka continued to investigate the fire at about 10:30 a.m.

Earth Friendly Products Celebrates 50-Years of Green Cleaning Innovation

Frank L. Cahill
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Earth Friendly Products Celebrates 50-Years of Green Cleaning Innovation

PARSIPPANY — Earth Friendly Products, the maker of ECOS™ environmentally friendly cleaning products, is celebrating 50 years of green cleaning innovation, a significant achievement in the cleaning products industry. Earth Friendly Products is located at 50 Lackawanna Avenue.

2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the family-owned and –operated company, and it will celebrate this important milestone with gala celebrations at its four sustainable manufacturing facilities across the U.S.

The celebrations will occur throughout the month of April in conjunction with global Earth Day celebrations, in honor of the company’s long-standing commitment to environmental protection. Earth Friendly Products has achieved many firsts in developing safer cleaning products. The company has received many awards for its advances in safer green chemistry, including the U.S. EPA’s coveted Safer Choice Partner of the Year.

In 2016, Earth Friendly Products was the first cleaning products company to use the safer ethylhexylglycerin as a preservative in its formulations, partnering with the U.S. EPA to establish it as a Safer Choice–recognized chemical.

Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks

“I’m proud to continue our company’s legacy as an eco-pioneer while making Earth Friendly Products a model for green business practices,” says Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, president and CEO of Earth Friendly Products. “It’s important to me that we continue to lead as an American manufacturer, creating green jobs and supporting local economies. Since the beginning, our mission has been to make plant-powered cleaners that are safer for people, pets and the planet, and to do that for 50 years while supporting our employees and our communities is very rewarding.” Earth Friendly Products is also a nationally recognized leader in corporate social responsibility, paying one of the highest minimum wages in the nation and supporting its employees with numerous family-friendly benefits such as paid healthcare, sick time, and maternity and paternity leave. The company also offers its employees financial incentives to adopt green lifestyle choices, such as purchasing a low-emissions vehicle, installing solar panels, and relocating close to its facilities to reduce carbon emissions and long commutes.

The company was started in 1967 by Eftychios Vlahakis known as Van Vlahakis.

Eric Hanks unveils a Bronze Custom Portrait Sculpture of Kelly’s father, Van Vlahakis

The Greek-born Mr. Vlahakis founded Venus Laboratories in the garage of his Chicago home in 1967. A decade later, he changed the name to Earth Friendly Products and opened a headquarters and factory in Garden Grove, California. He died on April 6, 2014 at his home in Key Largo, Florida. He was 79.

With 300 employees and four     manufacturing plants in the United States, the company topped $100 million in sales last year with biodegradable, chemical-free products sold online and in supermarkets and big-box stores such as Wal-Mart and Costco.

Born in Crete on January 14, 1935, Mr. Vlahakis immigrated to the United States at 18; he had $22 in his pocket. He lived in homeless shelters and supported himself with odd jobs at bars and restaurants while attending Roosevelt University in Chicago. After earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1958, he found work in the cleaning products industry.

“Earth Friendly Products is a model for manufacturers across the U.S. that shows you can do the right thing for customers, employees, and the planet and be successful,” says David Levine, co-founder and CEO of American Sustainable Business Council. “Their 50 years of continued growth is a testament to the fact that companies can do good and do well.” Founded in 1967, Earth Friendly Products was launched at the dawn of the environmental movement in the same year that saw the passage of the Air Quality Act and the founding of the Environmental Defense Fund. The company was an early supporter of Earth Day, which traces its roots back to 1970.

Parsippany is home to one of four manufacturing plants nationwide which was welcomed with a Ribbon Cutting hosted by the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce  on Earth Day 2015. The Parsippany facility is carbon neutral, water natural, and Zero Waste Platinum certified, saving more than 53 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually and diverting more than 95 percent of all waste from landfills.

In addition to the celebration in Parsippany on April 13, other anniversary events will be held at Earth Friendly Products’ facilities in Lacey, Washington, on April 18; Addison, Illinois, on April 21; and the company’s headquarters in Cypress, California, on April 28.

Guests enjoyed an exciting program featuring a locally sourced organic lunch, VIP guest speakers, and the world premiere of videos honoring the company’s legacy in the green movement and its unprecedented achievements in sustainable manufacturing. Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Vice-President Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Robert Peluso was the emcee of the event.

VIP speakers included Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey, Senator Joe Pennacchio, Gary Williams, Projects Specialist and Outreach Coordinator and George Helmy, both from Senator Cory A. Booker’s office,  Representatives from Rodney Frelinghuysen’s office, Mayor James Barberio and local representatives and employees of the Parsippany facility.

Menendez and a representative for Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) both presented CEO Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks with American flags that had flown outside the Capitol building in Washington to commemorate the occasion.

Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks presented a check for $50,000 to American Sustainable Business Council. CFO Michael Palmatier and David Levine

During its Parsippany anniversary celebration, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks presented a donation to its key non-profit partners at each facility, including American Sustainable Business Council in New Jersey. At celebrations in other locations, a donation will also be presented to Seattle Children’s Hospital in Washington, the Discovery Cube Museums in California, and the Roosevelt University in Illinois.

“We’re honored to have so many federal and state dignitaries, non-profit partners, and community members join us to celebrate this important milestone in our company’s history,” says Vlahakis-Hanks.

After the celebration and awards CEO Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks provided a tour of the facility so people could see first-hand how the eco-friendly cleaning products are produced. Her fahter’s life story was the basis for “A Green Story,” a 2013 feature film with a cast that included Malcolm McDowell as a villain who tries to force Mr. Vlahakis to sell his company. A short video was shown to the guests at the end of the tour hosted by Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks.

ECOS™ cleaners are produced in the U.S. in carbon neutral, water neutral, and Platinum Zero Waste-certified facilities. ECOS™ laundry detergents are among the over 100 Safer Choice-certified products made by Earth Friendly Products. The U.S. EPA’s Safer Choice program is designed to help consumer find products that are safer for human health and the environment and have superior performance. Earth Friendly Products has more Safer Choice-certified products than any other manufacturer.

For more information about Earth Friendly Products and ECOS™ products, click here.

Former Roxbury High School Assistant Principal indicted on Five Counts of Sex Offenses

Frank L. Cahill
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Former Roxbury High School Assistant Principal indicted on Five Counts of Sex Offenses

ROCKAWAY —  A onetime Roxbury High School Assistant Principal was indicted on five counts of sexual offenses related to an alleged improper relationship with a minor in a case brought by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Prosecutor Fredric Knapp and Rockaway Township Police under the direction of Chief Martin McParland Jr.

Charged by a Morris County Grand Jury was Roger Schneider, 57, Rockaway Township.

He was indicted on one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (a second degree crime), two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact (third degree crimes) and two counts of Criminal Sexual Contact (fourth degree crimes). 

The indictment states that between August 1, 2013 and January 1, 2015, the defendant purposely committed acts of sexual contact with a minor who was at least 13-years-old, but less than 16-years-old. At the time, the minor was living with the defendant in Rockaway Township.

Thursday’s indictment supersedes an earlier indictment of Schneider. A second indictment was necessary to address technical, legal issues raised by the defense, which are now moot.

Schneider, who is a former Clifton police officer, was arrested in April, 2015. After the arrest, Schneider was placed on administrative leave by the Roxbury School District. Schneider also resigned his seat on the Morris Hills Regional Board of Education after he was arrested.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank theMorris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit and Rockaway Township Police for their work on this case.

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.

Red Cross Appeals for Support to Help One Family During Its Giving Day

Frank L. Cahill
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Red Cross Appeals for Support to Help One Family During Its Giving Day

The American Red Cross is asking people in New Jersey to remember those families impacted by disaster and to #help1family on Giving Day, Wednesday, April 26. Donations can provide hope and urgent relief such as food, blankets and other essentials to people who need it most. 

“Nearly every eight minutes, there is a family that has lost everything to a home fire or other disaster. This one-day nationwide event will raise funds to ensure the Red Cross is able to meet the critical mission of helping those families who have been affected by emergencies,” said Ana Montero, CEO, American Red Cross New Jersey Region.

Giving Day is a 24-hour fundraising campaign supporting the work of the Red Cross, helping people in New Jersey and across the country each and every day in need of emergency support.

Last year, in New Jersey, the Red Cross responded to more than 760 local disasters, mostly home fires, to provide compassionate care and emergency assistance to more than 1,800 New Jersey families. 

To help protect New Jersey families from home fires, the Red Cross and its community partners have installed more than 17,000 free smoke alarms across the state and helped nearly 7,300 families create a fire escape plan through the Home Fire Campaign. To date, the campaign has saved 18 lives in New Jersey. 

The American public’s support of Giving Day is a promise of better days ahead for those in our community who have lost everything. Donations to the Red Cross can be made by clicking here on April 26.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

 About the American Red Cross in New Jersey 
The American Red Cross provides programs and services to a population of 8.8 million in New Jersey. The Red Cross trains and mobilizes more than 5,300 volunteers who support the delivery of services throughout the state. In New Jersey, last year, the Red Cross responded to more than 760 local disasters, mostly home fires, helping more than 1,800 displaced families; collected more than 89,100 units of blood through blood drives and Red Cross Blood Donation Centers; provided more than 3,500 military family case services with emergency messages, helping families find assistance and/or get counseling and referrals; and trained more than 116,100 individuals with life-saving skills in preparedness, CPR, AED use, first aid and aquatics. For more information, please visit redcross.org/NJ and follow us on Twitter @NJRedCross.

Wawa free coffee day 2017: How, when to get free coffee Thursday at Wawa

Frank L. Cahill
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Wawa free coffee day 2017: How, when to get free coffee Thursday at Wawa

You can get free coffee, any size, at any Wawa Thursday as the convenience store chain celebrates its anniversary. Wawa Free Coffee Day is an annual event that Wawa lovers and coffee aficionados look forward to each year. How do you take advantage of this Wawa coffee special on Free Coffee Day? Well, just show up.…

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Former Boy Scout leader convicted in child pornography case

Frank L. Cahill
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Former Boy Scout leader convicted in child pornography case

PARSIPPANY —A former Boy Scout leader was convicted on eleven child pornography charges in a case brought by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp.

A jury in state Superior Court, Morristown, found Stephen Corcoran, 49, Parsippany, guilty on ten counts of endangering the welfare of a child by possessing child pornography on a thumb drive and one count of exhibiting or showing child pornography to someone else.

Corcoran, who was taken into custody after the verdict was announced, will be sentenced June 2.

Corcoran also faces trial on sexually abusing three juveniles who were Boy Scouts in the 1990s. Those charges were severed from the pornography case and the jury was not told about them. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless, or until, he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

The case came to light in 2011 during an investigation into the alleged sexual assaults. Evidence presented at trial established that a witness disclosed that Corcoran had exhibited child pornography to him and law enforcement subsequently recovered a thumb drive containing child pornography images and videos from Corcoran’s home.

The investigation that led to Corcoran’s conviction was conducted by the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment and High Tech Crimes units of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Criminal Investigation Section of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Parsippany Police Department. The state’s case was handled by Assistant Morris County Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn.

Letter to the editor: Parsippany Focus has become a true champion for the people of Parsippany

Frank L. Cahill
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Letter to the editor: Parsippany Focus has become a true champion for the people of Parsippany

Dear Parsippany Folks,

Parsippany Focus has become a true champion for the people of Parsippany.  The letter to the editor in the issue below raises serious questions about the behavior of Mayor Barberio and Township Attorney John Inglesino.

Focus article after Focus article has contained invaluable information on the goings-on in our township government, many of which have been of questionable legality.  (You can sign up for emails like the one below on the Focus website.)

In the past, Mayor Barberio’s election strategy has been to run a smear campaign against any challenger.  I cannot think of one case in which the mayor’s sickening claims have been correct.  Each one appears to have been invented.  Maybe the extremist liberal super PAC that supports the Mayor provides the invented dirt.

Nonetheless, he’s won each election.  Apparently smear campaigns work.

Township Council Vice President Robert J. Peluso has announced that he is running for Mayor.  I’ve met Mr. Peluso and know him to be a well-educated, bright, sincere and capable individual whose character and honesty are beyond reproach.

It will be interesting to see what the Mayor invents to smear this honorable man.

Cheers!
Jack Puglis

Letter to the editor: Fake News? Why does an honest Mayor need his own Media Hype? 

Frank L. Cahill
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Letter to the editor: Fake News? Why does an honest Mayor need his own Media Hype? 

Dear Editor:

Its funny how as soon as Trump started the “Fake News” trend Barberio and Inglesino latched on to it immediately. All they have to do is respond to the articles and have the facts checked or have transparency to the elements of the issue; simple right? Wonder how Barberio is really paying for his Plug into Parsippany; he claims its his own money…Interesting that photos were taken by Township employees are appearing on his “personal” blog!

You know they refused my OPRA requested twice; claimed it would be too complicated to itemize all the lawsuits. Remember if Parsippany had completed the Regional Management Consistency Process started in July 2010 ended June 2014 we would have legal protections against developers lawsuits; developers would be suing the State and therefore have a much higher bar to overcome. Inglesino would perhaps still make some money.

Waterview would of never had the outcome it did, and Forge Pond would of happened without all the lawsuits, the original 135 acres turned out to be 124 of which 109+ are wetlands which cannot be developed anyway.

Barberio stated at a Council meeting he likes dealing with Mosberg; why? Waterview even under COAH environmental polices would not be considered for public housing, this was a scam by Inglesino to have his Whole Foods buddies scare everyone, RD certainly acted in bad faith, yet Inglesino dismissed the one case in Morristown, where they attempted to initiate their own COAH polices, the Judge should of immediately dismissed the case; as the issue was not Housing, but refusal of the rezoning, then Inglesino dismissed without prejudice. Keeping RD right alive and well over Parsippany’s grassroots victory, council no vote, no rezone.

Affordable Housing is an obligation, all Parsippany had to do was treat it that way, instead they used it as a fear tactic, instead of working with all parties concerned. Parsippany did not seek a declaratory judgement until other so-called economic improvements were allowed to succeed. Remember also under regional conformance under the Highlands water Protection and Planning Act an agreement is still in effect for conforming communities, with lower housing numbers, with important environmentally sensitive landscapes, and higher standards for water infrastructure.

Rejecting conformance cost tax payers more and is degrading our quality of life. Parsippany is entirely in the planning zone, but developers do not have environmental best practices and ignore landscape characteristics; their plans erase the land, for profit motives. Christie’s NJDEP rubber stamps, favoring private economic concerns over the long term, accumulative affects of corporate interest. Parsippany has more than enough for redevelopment, no new land destruction is necessary. 

Finally is tax ratable chase really worked Parsippany would never be in need of another tax increase, but possibility a decrease. Just think of the money wasted with the lawsuits to nowhere under the Inglesino/Barberio administration. Our Master Plan remains silly putty under this administration. Don’t forget the $3.5 Million we still owe RD developer for the buffer zone, called open space at waterview. This is surely corruption.

In a town where the administrator does most of the work and the Attorney does most of the talking and negotiations with corporate powers and our master plan, why do we need a mayor at all? A mayor’s job is to look after his community, not create jobs for outside interest or giving tax breaks to billion dollar profit corporations like UPS. Their PILOT deal (pay in lieu of taxes) is not a ratable, but a sweetheart deal, $800,000 over a thirty year period if some loophole does not allow them to avoid that during the period. The mayor claimed more office square footage is now occupied because of him, in reality more office space was created in order to do this; UPS new modern office complex; which will bring more traffic, more environmental impacts, and leave plenty of empty office buildings for other needs, (including the office it abandoned in Paramus) or just call it office blight. Regional Planning is Parsippany only hope, any good leader would see this.

When making local planning decisions a municipality must consider the impact of its initiatives on the entire region. The community that wishes to truly determine its future will the additional step of advocating for the creation of a regional Master Plan. Parsippany is rather an enemy of good planning sides with developers over its own citizens and has taken slight to water protection and planning all to favor a law firm and corporate developers. Parsippany committees, open space, environmental, transparency, are purely cosmetic and are not allowed to be active in any sphere of influence to the benefit of life here. This also smells of corruption. 

Nick Homyak
Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034

Parsippany Town Hall Council Agenda Meeting 04/04/2017

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Town Hall Council Agenda Meeting 04/04/2017
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