PARSIPPANY — Coyne Public Relations has won an unprecedented three distinct honors recognizing the firm as the Best Place to Work. Winning the trifecta this awards season, Coyne PR has earned recognition from PRWeek, Ragan Communications, and, most recently, PRovoke Media.
“This is an amazing milestone,” said CEO Tom Coyne. “Being recognized as the Best Place to Work unanimously across the industry affirms our mission of creating an agency culture centered around employees and their growth. At Coyne PR, we do everything possible to ensure employees feel valued, respected, and inspired daily.
Tom Coyne
Founded in 1991 by CEO Tom Coyne, the agency’s mission statement has never wavered: “Our mission is not to be the best agency in America, but the best one to work for. If we are the best workplace, we will attract the best people. If we have the best people, we will attract the best clients. If we have the best people and clients, how can we not be the best agency in America?”
“We are immensely proud of this recognition and what it means for our agency,” said Rich Lukis, President. “Being recognized by the industry’s most prestigious publications as the best workplace is not something we take for granted. We understand this is not something that happens overnight. It takes dedication, hard work, and commitment from everyone to ensure people feel valued, respected, and inspired every day they come to work. We remain committed to always being a great place to work.”
While this award represents much of what Coyne PR does internally, it also has a major impact on its clients. With the highest retention rate in the industry, Coyne PR’s clients avoid the constant turnover they might experience elsewhere in the industry. The singular culture also helps to attract many of the industry’s top talent who produce amazing client results. Our North Star has always been to create a workplace where everyone feels like they belong,” said Coyne. “These recent honors are further proof that we have achieved exactly that. By continuing to invest in our team members, we can ensure that employee retention remains at an all-time high.”
•Best Midsize Place to Work by PRWeek: PRWeek's Best Places to Work initiative honors the leading agencies, and in-house teams ranked a cut above their associates on essential issues, including workplace culture and salary. Culture is critical at Coyne PR, and employees credit founder and CEO Tom Coyne with creating one that zeroes in on best practices,” said PRWeek.
•Top Place to Work by Ragan Communications: The Top Places to Work initiative honors organizations that keep their employees engaged and inspired champion a more diverse and equitable workplace and delivered powerful stories.
•Best Small Agency to Work For by PRovoke Media: PRovoke Media’s Best Agencies to Work For is determined by a comprehensive survey of nearly 3,500 agency employees throughout North America. Respondents were asked to rate their agency on topics related to agency leadership, personal empowerment, people and co-workers, workplace culture, diversity and inclusion, interesting and rewarding work, internal communications, ethical standards, work-life balance, professional development, and benefits and compensation. “Collaborative,” “creative,” and “fun” are the three words respondents use most frequently when describing the Coyne culture.
PARSIPPANY — After considering the last-minute invitation to a debate proposed to the DeCroce For Assembly campaign, we have concluded that we will not be part of a desperate campaign ploy b y Brian Bergen and his supporters.
The offer is unfair to LD-26.
The debate parameters were made without our campaign’s knowledge and with zero DeCroce For Assembly team input. The operators of two websites that are friendly toward Bergen and his running mates – conspired with Mr. Bergen, his running mates, and his advisors to create a debate format and present it to us only a few days before Memorial Day.
Never in the history of politics has one side worked secretly with debate forum operators to devise a debate without the knowledge or input from his or her rival. We will not be the first to do that.
Any objective review of the proposed candidate “debate” and its presentation to us via a candidate press release would conclude that the forum has been rigged to favor Brian Bergen, who is desperately trying to hang on to his seat in the Assembly. Curiously, Mr. Bergen sent out a press release about the debate offer BEFORE the DeCroce campaign was notified there was an offer.
At previous forums during the Primary campaign before Republicans in Morris and Passaic counties, Mr. Bergen has proved to be uncontrollable, insulting, and unwilling to abide by the forum’s rules. At one such forum, Mr. Bergen admitted to the Republican leader that “I am a narcissist” as an excuse for his uncontrolled desire to monopolize the forum and ignore its rules.
The objectivity of the two moderators of the debate is questionable. One has written just two articles about the Assembly contest in five months, and both were negative attacks on BettyLou DeCroce. One was published on Wednesday, May 24. It parroted Bergen’s spin that BettyLou DeCroce was somehow supporting the opponent of her running mate Tom Mastrangelo for State Senate. That’s a ridiculous lie – but it plays into the hands of the Bergen campaign. Incidentally, Mrs. DeCroce was never consulted by the SaveJersey blogger to get her side of the story.
The SaveJersey blogger who wrote Wednesday’s piece for Bergen is known as an obsequious sycophant of Bergen’s running mate Assemblyman Jay Webber – who undoubtedly played a part in this political charade.
The other so-called moderator of the forum — David Wildstein — has also written just two articles that we know of on the Assembly race, although they were more balanced than the SaveJersey smears.
After many decades in politics, Mr. Wildstein should know better than to put his integrity on the line by participating in such an obvious campaign stunt on behalf of one troubled candidate.
For these reasons, BettyLou DeCroce will not participate in a so-called debate that will do nothing to enlighten voters and will only be a spectacle.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council candidates Gary Martin and Dharmesh Desai have broken the law by failing to file required disclosure statements with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC). Election regulations require that candidates for a New Jersey primary election file financial statements by certain deadlines, including disclosures of any political contributions above $300. This year, the pre-primary deadlines are May 8 and May 26. According to public records on ELEC’s website, neither Martin nor Desai has filed any required registration or disclosure statements. ELEC has no record of either candidate’s campaign finances or political fundraising activities.
Having run for both Board of Education and Township Council seats in the past, Martin, a former police officer, has filed several disclosure statements with ELEC and is well aware of the filing deadlines. Running under the banner “Real Republicans,” Martin and Desai have called for greater fiscal accountability and transparency from the Township Council. Their campaign, on the other hand, is anything but accountable or transparent.
“We believe the purpose of our campaign finance laws is to protect the integrity of our elections. Candidates who violate our campaign laws, such as Gary Martin and Danny Desai, cannot be trusted with taxpayer money. Why are Martin and Desai hiding their contributors? Who is contributing to them, and how much are they contributing? Who has paid for their mailers, lawn signs, videos, and fundraisers? Failure to disclose campaign contributions raises the question of what was promised and to whom. We are running to represent the people of Parsippany. Martin and Desai are running to benefit some undisclosed special interest,” stated Carifi, Kandil, and McGrath.
“In light of Gary Martin and Danny Desai’s unlawful actions, we call on the Attorney General and the Morris County Prosecutor to conduct a thorough investigation to get to the bottom of Martin’s and Desai’s illegalities. They should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” stated Carifi, Kandil, and McGrath”
PARSIPPANY — Alexandra Partington is one of nearly 100 master’s students who marked their academic success and achievements as part of Lebanon Valley College’s 154th Commencement on Saturday, May 13.
Partington received a master of education in education from LVC. The Parsippany Troy Hills School District has employed her since September 2005.
Lebanon Valley College, founded in 1866, offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 50 majors; master’s degrees in accounting (MBA 3+1), applied kinesiology, athletic training, business administration, clinical exercise physiology, clinical mental health counseling, education, intelligence and security studies, music education, school counseling, science in STEM education, speech-language pathology, and sports performance; a doctoral degree in physical therapy; ACT 48 continuing education for educator credits; and certificates in comprehensive curriculum & assessment for PreK-12, healthcare management, integrative STEM education, leadership & ethics, marketing, modern band, online teaching & learning, project management, social, emotional, & behavioral wellness, sports enhancement, supply chain management & logistics, and trauma-informed counseling. Located eight miles from Hershey, Pennsylvania, this college of 1,600 undergraduate and 400+ graduate students produces alumni who attend prestigious graduate and professional schools and are employed by top companies and school districts.
Thirty-one percent of our students are first generation (40% of first-year class), 21% of fall 2022 first-year students were Pell-eligible, and 100% of the fall 2021 incoming class received grant or scholarship aid from LVC. More than 35% of our students participate on our 27 NCAA Division III athletic teams or eSports teams, and our students volunteer more than 20,000 hours of community service during the academic year.
Agenda subject to change without notice Although the information on this site is believed to be reliable, online postings of meeting agendas are not considered official copies.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Veterans Services Office (VSO) is expanding accommodations and key services to assist veterans and their families under a plan launched by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.
The Commissioners have approved an infusion of $300,000 to expand and continue veteran programs the Commissioners first created in 2021 with $350,000 while additionally approving an expansion of county VSO facilities at the county complex in Morris Township. Morris County has expanded its VSO staff to handle the growing caseload of veterans seeking services.
“The county is nearly doubling funding for a recently launched veterans program and more than doubling facility space for veterans services. Morris County is committed to our veterans. They served our country selflessly. Some were wounded physically and/or mentally and have earned our gratitude and ongoing support,” stated Commissioner Director John Krickus, a Marine Corps veteran.
Morris County will continue programs initially approved in late 2021 to provide mental health support services for veterans and their family members and assist them with skills to sustain long-term stabilization within our community. The $300,000 being committed this year will support additional services for emergency shelter, eviction prevention, housing access, transportation, and food security.
Morris County is expanding the VSO into adjacent, county-owned offices at the Morris View Health Care Center off West Hanover Avenue in Morris Township. The added room will more than double the space available to support veterans and their families.
Director Krickus, Shawnna Bailey, VSO Program Coordinator Jessica Tomalo, VSOs Andrew Cornwallis and Jason Leffler.
A primary service the county veterans officers provides is helping veterans apply for and obtain benefits through the federal Veterans Administration Clinic, which also has an office nearby.
The expanded space will provide additional room for Morris County’s Morris Area Paratransit System (MAPS), which some veterans use to reach appointments and fulfill other obligations.
Renovations to the space the VSO assumes are expected to be completed in the fall of 2023.
“Currently, we only have one interview space for veterans, which means we can only have one interview at a time due to confidentiality and being able to maintain their privacy. Having a larger space will enable us to provide services to more veterans at once,” said Shawnna Bailey, Assistant Director of Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming.
The Morris County Commissioners determined an emergent need to increase existing mental health support for Morris County veterans and their families after the United States withdrew armed forces from Afghanistan in 2021.
At that time, the board allocated $350,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to provide mental health treatment for veterans and their families through counseling and support groups, and community-building events to provide veterans informal opportunities to connect with one another. For 2023, the county subcontracted with the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, the lead agency delivering a strong and successful mental health response for veterans and their families.
“We hope veterans served through these funds will obtain the additional support needed to help prevent situations of significant crisis, such as homelessness or eviction. The Mental Health Association will continue providing important mental health support services for veterans and their family members to build skills for better outcomes within our community,” stated Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers, liaison to the Human Services Department.
VSO Program Coordinator Jessica Tomalo, VSOs Andrew Cornwallis, Jason Leffler, Shawnna Bailey, and Director Krickus.
Morris County’s VSOs connect local veterans with federal VA Healthcare. They also support filing pension claims and provide referrals to other services, including home health services, mental health services, transportation, housing, education, and employment. The role of veteran service officers in the intake process is essential to sustaining the well-being of veterans. They function as a dependable resource they can trust.
“The VSO is one of our most unheralded treasures serving our veterans. The VSO is phenomenal—it’s a hidden treasure not many know,” stated Deacon Richard Reck of VFW Post 7333.
Veterans seeking services through Morris County are encouraged to visit the Morris County Veterans Services Office website, call (973) 285-6866, or email MCVets@co.morris.nj.us.
MORRIS COUNTY — On Thursday, May 25, the County College of Morris (CCM) celebrated its 54th Commencement at Mennen Arena to honor the Class of 2023. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for approximately 1,025 graduates who successfully completed their academic journey at CCM. With great pride and enthusiasm, the college recognized the achievements of these graduates, who have worked diligently to attain their degrees and certificates. The Commencement ceremony served as a momentous occasion to commemorate their hard work, dedication, and academic accomplishments, signaling the beginning of their next chapter as they venture into their respective fields and pursue their aspirations.
Welcoming the graduates, Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, CCM president
Welcoming the graduates, Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, CCM president, remarked, “You truly are a class like no other. Many of you began your studies during the pandemic – a period of tremendous uncertainty, stress, and loss. Yet you demonstrated incredible focus and refused to let even a pandemic stop you from moving forward. Your determination to earn your degree and reach your dreams has brought you to this moment today.”
He then went on to highlight several outstanding graduates.
Liyalani “Lili” Roebuck, originally from Newark, strove to be an excellent student in high school and engaged in activities that assisted others. After graduating high school In 2020, she planned to attend Hampton University in Virginia. Just before leaving, her life was shattered by a senseless shooting. In recovery, she decided not to be a victim and instead to thrive. Her first step was to forgive her assailant, and her second was to enroll at CCM to graduate with honors. In addition to a caring family that helped her thrive, she had the advocacy of Dr. John W. Kennedy, CEO of the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program. She graduates with a degree in Psychology and is transferring to Rutgers. “Keep on thriving, Lili,” said Iacono. “Keep making us proud.”
During the 54th Commencement ceremony at County College of Morris (CCM), Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, the president of CCM, had the honor of presenting a diploma to a deserving graduate. With pride and enthusiasm, Dr. Iacono recognized the graduate’s hard work, dedication, and academic achievements throughout their time at CCM. This symbolic moment represented the culmination of the graduate’s educational journey and marked the beginning of their future endeavors. As the president of CCM, Dr. Iacono played a pivotal role in celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2023 and inspiring them to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their chosen fields.
Yet another member of the Class of 2023, Stephanie Wildrick of Blairstown, lost her husband, Ronald, in Afghanistan when an IED struck his military vehicle. Left to care for their two young daughters, she received the support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides mortgage-free homes to families of fallen soldiers. With the ability to care for her family eased, she decided to continue her education and prepare for a nursing career. “Stephanie, thank you for choosing CCM,” said Iacono. “You are a pillar of strength and conviction and have inspired many. Keep caring and keep inspiring.”
Also, in the Class of 2023, Calvin Solomon of Morristown came to CCM as an adult learner, looking to establish himself in the medical field as a technician. He started in the Mechanical Engineering Technology Program but, along with the rest of the world, had to pivot during the pandemic. Never one to shy from giving back, he coached upcoming students in the Electrical Engineering Technology Biomedical Program on real-world expectations. While putting himself through school, he found work in the biomedical equipment field before completing his degree in Electronics Engineering Technology. “Calvin – congratulations,” said Iacono. “You are proof positive that some dreams are worth fighting for and quitting is never an option.”
Presented with the Sherman and Dorothy Masten Memorial Scholarship was Christopher Wright of Budd Lake/Mount Olive, graduating with a degree in Graphic Design/Animation. Dr. Sherman H. Masten was the founding president of CCM. The Masten Scholarship is presented to a graduate with a minimum 3.5 GPA who has been accepted into a four-year college or university.
Iacono next welcomed CCM’s Board of Trustees Chair George J. Milonas ’98, a CCM alumnus.
Milonas told the graduates, “For me, deciding to attend CCM was the right one. It gave me the tools to pursue a rewarding career that has allowed me to work in the public and private sectors and academia,” he said. Encouraging the graduates, he added, “Don’t be afraid. Lean in. Believe in yourself to make the right decision. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You will often learn the most from them.”
Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus
Also speaking to the graduates, Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus noted, “We at the Morris County Board of County Commissioners … have prioritized education. We have enthusiastically provided funding for several projects: the new Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center, the to-be-built expansion of the culinary program and an entrepreneurship center, and on the CCM campus, a $25 million, 500-student expansion of the Morris Vocational School District. The education, skills, and careers you are developing are not only important to you and your families, but they are also vitally important to our nation.”
English Professor Laura Driver presented this year’s Peace Prize to graduate Hannah Ernst, of Parsippany, for her “Faces of Covid Victims” project (Click here)
Ernst’s project is an international initiative that has aided over 20,000 families and created over 3,000 digital, personalized memorials to commemorate loved ones lost to COVID-19. The passing of her grandfather, Cal Schoenfeld, due to COVID-19, was her inspiration as he gave Ernst a passion for literature, art, and music. She plans to attend Rutgers and major in Psychology, concentrating on Criminal Profiling.
Serving as the Keynote Speaker was Tom Bergeron, editor, and chief content officer of ROI-NJ, which he helped launch in 2017. An influential journalist in New Jersey for more than two decades, Bergeron has guided the development of ROI-NJ into a highly successful digital and print news outlet covering the world of business and politics in New Jersey.
Speaking to the graduates, he encouraged them to take advantage of their smartphones to research, explore opportunities and improve their lives. “After coming up with an idea – a product or service that you feel is needed – you can go on your phone and quickly discover if anyone else has the same idea. And if they do, you can quickly analyze their product or service’s quality and cost and determine if your idea can compete. It’s the type of market research that people of my generation would have paid thousands of dollars for,” he said.
He also encouraged the graduates to set aside their phones to focus on relationships. “Your phone isn’t perfect. Make no doubt about it, those who only have relationships through social media and text messages always will have a hole to fill,” he said. “So, find a job, a hobby, a volunteer project where you are forced to put down your phone and interact with people you don’t know. It will be an incredible life lesson.”
At the ceremony, Dr. Dorothy Hollowell, a retired English professor, was bestowed the honor of Faculty Emerita. Hollowell began teaching at CCM in 1988. During her tenure, she served as director and tutor for the English department’s Writing Center and assistant program coordinator for the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Graduates’ Program.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for approximately 1,025 graduates who successfully completed their academic journey at CCM. With great pride and enthusiasm, the college recognized the achievements of these graduates, who have worked diligently to attain their degrees and certificates.
As the student speaker, Zuleyka Obando of Hackettstown, vice president of the Student Government Association, shared, “My journey began here at the County College of Morris right after graduating from Mount Olive High School. Unsure of where I wanted to go or what to do for the rest of my life, I began taking courses and realized that coming here was the best decision I have ever made.”
PARSIPPANY — Danny Desai and Gary Martin, candidates for Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council, hosted a successful “Meet and Greet” event at Elmas Turkish & Mediterranean Cuisine, attended by over 75 guests.
Hemant Shah, a longtime friend, and supporter, played a pivotal role in organizing the successful “Meet and Greet” event hosted by Gary Martin and Danny Desai, candidates for Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council. Gary Hemant Shah’s involvement ensured the smooth coordination and execution of the gathering, contributing to its overall success. Their dedication and commitment to the candidates were instrumental in creating an engaging and welcoming environment for the attendees, further strengthening the bond between the candidates and the community.Gary Shah, a longtime friend and supporter, played a pivotal role in organizing the successful “Meet and Greet” event hosted by Gary Martin and Danny Desai, candidates for Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council. Gary Hemant Shah’s involvement ensured the smooth coordination and execution of the gathering, contributing to its overall success. Their dedication and commitment to the candidates were instrumental in creating an engaging and welcoming environment for the attendees, further strengthening the bond between the candidates and the community.Gary Martin and Danny Desai actively engaged with the guests at the “Meet and Greet” event, passionately sharing their views and discussing their perspectives on various important matters. They took the opportunity to communicate their visions for Parsippany-Troy Hills Township and listened attentively to the concerns and ideas expressed by the attendees. Through meaningful conversations and open dialogue, Gary and Danny fostered a deeper understanding of their platforms and demonstrated their commitment to addressing the needs and aspirations of the community. Their interactions with the guests reflected their dedication to public service and genuine interest in making a positive difference in the township.During the “Meet and Greet” event, Gary Martin and Danny Desai engaged in meaningful conversations and open dialogue with the attendees, showcasing their dedication to public service and genuine interest in positively impacting the community. By actively listening to the guests’ concerns, ideas, and aspirations, Gary and Danny demonstrated their commitment to understanding the community’s needs and finding effective solutions. Their interactions fostered a deeper understanding of their platforms and highlighted their responsiveness and willingness to address the issues that matter most to the township residents. Through their genuine engagement, Gary and Danny showed their determination to serve the community and work towards a better future for all.Danny Desai and Gary Martin, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council candidates, hosted a successful “Meet and Greet” event at Elmas Turkish & Mediterranean Cuisine, attended by over 75 guests.The gathering allowed local residents to get acquainted with the candidates and engage in meaningful conversations.
The gathering allowed local residents to get acquainted with the candidates and engage in meaningful conversations. Gary Shah and Herant Shah, well-known community members, introduced Desai and Martin to the enthusiastic crowd, emphasizing their qualifications and dedication to serving the township. The event created a positive and engaging environment, fostering connections between the candidates and the community they aim to represent.
PARSIPPANY — Unity Bank, a community bank, is set to open a new full-service branch in Lake Hiawatha, marking its first location in Morris County and its third new retail banking site since December. The branch, located at 66 North Beverwyck Road, will bolster Unity Bank’s retail banking footprint to 21 branches across various New Jersey and Pennsylvania counties.
With its established business and residential lending programs in Morris County, the expansion of Unity Bank’s retail services aligns with its strategic growth plans. The bank aims to tap into the growing population and opportunities in Morris County, particularly in the residential mortgage lending sector. Unity Bank recognizes the enduring importance of branch-level banking services, especially for small business owners still relying on in-person banking services.
The Lake Hiawatha branch is scheduled to open in the summer, and Unity Bank is currently offering customer incentives for online account opening before the official launch of the retail location. Interested individuals can find more information about the promotion at unitybank.com/lakehiawatha.
The new branch, previously operated by Blue Foundry Bank, spans 3,864 square feet and features dedicated parking spaces, drive-up banking, and ATM services. Unity Bank recently expanded into Fort Lee in Bergen County and Lakewood in Ocean County, further diversifying its presence. The bank currently holds around $2.5 billion in assets and $1.8 billion in deposits.
PARSIPPANY — On Thursday, May 25, Parsippany High School Students organized its 2023 Drunk Driving Awareness Assembly to promote safety and responsibility during prom season.
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 Air One, 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 unique from year to year, which adds to the impact on the students. The students created the video from beginning to end and take complete ownership of the project.
