Video: Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board Meeting – December 14, 2022

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board Meeting – December 14, 2022.

The announcement is made that adequate notice of this meeting has been given and that it is being conducted in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq. of the New Jersey “Open Public Meetings Act.”

Click here to download the agenda.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment
2022 Members and Term Dates

  • Robert Iracane    Chairman    12/31/22
  • Dave Kaplan    Vice-Chair       12/31/23
  • Bernard Berkowitz    Member      12/31/24
  • Scot Joskowitz    Member        12/31/25
  • Nancy Snyder    Member        12/31/23
  • Sridath Reddy    Member        12/31/22
  • Davey Willans    Member        12/31/24
  • Casey Parikh    Alt. No. 1        12/31/23
  • Chris Mazzarella    Alt. No. 2        12/31/23
  • John Chadwick, Planner, John T. Chadwick IV P.P.
  • Chas Holloway, Engineer, Keller & Kirkpatrick
  • Peter King, Attorney, King Moench Hirniak & Collins, LLP
  • Nora O. Jolie, Board Secretary

 

 

Video: Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – December 20, 2022

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – December 20, 2022.

Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. Council meetings are held at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.

Click here to download the agenda.

Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request auxiliary aid.

Click here to download the 2022 agenda schedule.

Mayor and Council

Mayor James R Barberio
Council President Michael J. dePierro
Council Vice-President Loretta Gragnani
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella

Lake Hiawatha Seniors Are Very Active

PARSIPPANY  — The Lake Hiawatha Seniors have existed for over 45 years!  They are always open to new members.  Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at the Senior Community Center,1130 Knoll Road.  Meetings are from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Dues are $20.00 per person per year.

Lake Hiawatha Seniors meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays.

The main goal is to offer a place for our seniors to meet friends and enjoy some time out.  The club meetings include entertainment, trivia games, bingo, and other activities. They often have speakers come in to discuss topics interesting to the group. In the past, they have had Mikie Sherrill, Mayor Barberio, representatives from the Fire and Police departments, and the Parsippany Library. They delivered information important for the seniors, such as fraud, local activities available, and town issues.

Members of Parsippany Hills High School Choir and Kiwanis Key Club. The Choir sang festive holiday songs, and the Key Club and the Seniors made a Christmas Paper Chain and then placed it on the Community Center Christmas Tree

This past year, the group offered many musical entertainers, including a DJ, for a little dance party! The Parsippany Hills Choir performed a Holiday performance on Wednesday, December 21.

Throughout the year, they hold holiday luncheons.  For example, at one of our November meetings, members paid $6.00 for a full Thanksgiving meal! Other luncheons they have had include St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s and Father’s Day, and Thanksgiving.

Feel free to contact the club for any additional information at LakeHiawathaSeniors@yahoo.com or stop by one of the meetings!

Members of Parsippany Hills High School Kiwanis Key Club along with the Lake Hiawatha Seniors made a Christmas Paper Chain and then placed it on the Community Center Christmas Tree

Dr. Marcello Sammarone Collected Toys for the Holidays

PARSIPPANY — The office of Interventional Pain Management, Dr. Marcello Sammarone, collected toys and donated them to the Parsippany PAL.

The Parsippany PAL has been collecting toys to be delivered to the Ronald McDonald house for the children.

“Operation HO HO HO” and the PAL in spreading Holiday Cheer to underprivileged children in the area this Holiday Season.

New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the PARSIPPANY PAL, 33 Baldwin Road, until December 23.

Adam J. Gragnani Passed Away Peacefully

PARSIPPANY — Adam Gragnani, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to many, was called home to be with the Lord peacefully, after a brief illness, on Saturday, December 17, surrounded by his loving family.

Adam was born September 29, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, to Eufemio and Rosa (Butera) Gragnani. He was the youngest of five children, three of which pre-deceased him, Clotilda, Frank, and Frosina. He is survived by a sister, Maria Mulcahy, and a sister-in-law, Jeanne Gragnani.

Adam served honorably in the United States Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

He was President of Loris Data Corporation with his dear friend and partner, Dominick LePore. Loris Data Corp. was a computer consulting firm having Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Newark, as one of their primary clients.

In earlier years, Adam enjoyed being a C.Y.O. basketball coach at St. Peter’s Church in Parsippany. He was an outstanding member of The Sons of Italy and The 200 Club.

Adam was a devoted parishioner at St. Ann Church for over thirty years, where he also served as a Eucharistic Minister.

He was involved with the Republican Party and served as a Committeeman in District 23.

Adam was an avid golfer and respected member of The Knoll Country Club in Parsippany for nearly 35 years. For thirty of those, his foursome enjoyed a standing 7:32 a.m. starting time each Saturday morning.

Loretta and Adam Gragnani

Adam is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Loretta (DeLio) Gragnani; their two devoted sons, Andrew Gragnani; daughter-in-law, Sophia, son Peter Gragnani; daughter-in-law, Ferlana; three cherished grandchildren, Christopher Adam and John Peter, and Anna Maria. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Daniel DeLio, and his wife, Debra. Sister-in-law Phyllis (DeLio) Krok and her husband, Richard, and many beloved nieces, nephews, as well as great nieces and great nephews.

Adam will forever be remembered as an extremely warm and caring man with a heart of gold. He lived his life in an exemplary manner and loved unconditionally. Adam had the utmost devotion to his faith and his family.

Adam and Loretta Gragnani

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend his Funeral on Friday, December 23, at 8:30 a.m. from the Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road, Parsippany. His Liturgy of Christian Burial is to be offered at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Ann R.C. Church, 781 Smith Road, Parsippany. The interment is at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

Visiting hours are Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Par-Troy Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 300, Memphis, TN 38148.

Loretta and Adam

Morris County School of Technology Educational Services Professional of the Year

MORRIS COUNTY — School Counselor Jennifer Katz has announced the Morris County School of Technology (MCST) Educational Services Professional of the Year.

Ms. Katz has been a School Counselor at the Morris County School of Technology for 13 years and has been instrumental in establishing and implementing the school’s guidance program. In her role as a counselor, Ms. Katz advocates for her students and provides a safe and warm environment for all. She displays an innate ability to empathize, care for, and support others. She listens and counsels without judgment and fosters a sense of independence, motivation, and growth.

“Ms. Katz is our 2022-2023 Educational Services Professional of the Year because she always starts with the heart,” said Lynne Jackson, Principal at Morris County School of Technology.

Counseling in today’s climate is difficult and requires wearing many hats; this is one of Ms. Katz’s greatest strengths. In her position as a college advisor, working on college prep and the application process, she has aided hundreds of students in achieving their post-secondary goals.

Ms. Katz is also willing to help her students, parents, and colleagues. Her collaboration with families, coworkers, and stakeholders is unmatched. “Ms. Katz epitomizes excellence in school counseling in every aspect of her job,” said Athena Borzeka, Director of Student Services & Special Education. She takes on all her roles with willingness and ease. She works extremely hard to ensure her students’ academic, emotional, and social well-being and success. Ms. Katz credits her co-counselors and supervisor for their constant support and contributions in making the MCST guidance department successful.

The Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD) offers career and technical education programs for Morris County high school students. The Morris County School of Technology, located in Denville, offers a wide range of these programs, from auto service and construction trades to healthcare sciences and design. The high school currently has ten full-time academies and ten share-time programs on its Denville campus. In addition, through collaboration with local school districts and the County College of Morris, MCVSD offers six full-time academies and five share-time programs established at off-site satellite locations. Learn more by clicking here.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – December 20, 2022

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting will hold an Agenda meeting on Tuesday, December 20, 2022.

Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. Council meetings are held at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.

Click here to download the agenda.

Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request auxiliary aid.

Click here to download the 2022 agenda schedule.

Mayor and Council

Mayor James R. Barberio
Council President Michael J. dePierro
Council Vice-President Loretta Gragnani
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella

New Jersey Has Ambitions to Become a Crypto Hub

These days, we’re seeing growing numbers of cryptocurrency companies, exchange platforms, and individual miners break into the marketplace. The culture around digital assets is part of their appeal. When you purchase Ethereum, for instance, you’re buying into an entire scene. The world of crypto requires a network or coalition of regional hubs performing different functions to run a flawless and value-added ecosystem. Crypto hubs appear where they can find tax and regulatory benefits, diverse and immersive communities, not to mention stable energy grids. Evolving consumer needs are fueling industry change; for long-term success, it’s necessary to provide an outstanding customer experience.  Click here for the Current Ethereum price.

Crypto enthusiasts may want to consider moving to New Jersey, which wants to cement itself as a key player for cryptocurrency-related businesses. It’s an investment for the future, the shape of which isn’t clear at this point. New Jersey has ambitions to become a crypto hub yet hasn’t been friendly towards digital assets due to their volatile nature. Nevertheless, it has openly shown its approval of blockchain technology and supported TIE, a group that fosters entrepreneurship via mentoring, networking, education, funding, and incubation. The crypto industry will continue to develop and expand in New Jersey. 

Last November, New Jersey Introduced A Bill to Regulate the Blockchain 

Regulators at the federal level ensure effective oversight of cryptocurrencies. Still, there are very few clear rules for businesses to follow. This lack of regulation impedes economic growth by creating an excessive burden for economic actors. Many states have addressed legislation regarding digital assets, following different paths. In November 2022, the New Jersey Senate introduced the “Virtual Currency and Blockchain Regulation Act” that, if enacted, would establish a regulatory framework for virtual currency businesses and transactions. To be more precise, it would recognize DAOs as legal entities, allow organizations to issue electronic stock certificates, and make tax incentives available to businesses using blockchain technology.  

In recent years, people have been fascinated with blockchain technology, particularly Ethereum and NFTs. The state government has taken into account regulations to ensure the investing public is protected against misconduct, including deceit, misrepresentations, and so forth. New Jersey wants to lead the way into a new way of thinking and provide crypto-friendly regulations. Under the new act, an individual can’t engage in any activity involving cryptocurrencies unless licensed by the Department of Banking and Insurance. What is more, officials would be prohibited from accepting digital assets and NFTs as gifts, the benefit of which is avoiding capital gains tax. 

What Creates the Perfect Environment for Crypto Company Headquarters? 

Proponents of crypto assets and stablecoins argue they have the potential to increase the efficiency of financial transactions, particularly international transactions that involve high fees and several days to complete. Stablecoins, as their name clearly suggests, try to peg their value to a reserve asset such as fiat currency. The Ethereum blockchain is the most popular option for stablecoins, driving decentralized finance. Tether, for instance, is pegged to the US dollar. Wrapped Ethereum is similar to stablecoins in the sense that it’s pegged to ETH. In spite of the general volatility of cryptocurrencies, Ether is one of the most stable coins. Check the current Ethereum price and see for yourself. 

There’s no set blueprint for the perfect crypto hub, but there are some fundamental principles all crypto hubs must hold close to their hearts. 

A Business-Friendly Regulatory Environment

Cryptocurrency is an effective option to attract investors, increase earnings and diversify the economy. One of the constituents of success of a crypto hub is the design of a regulatory system that encourages investments and levels the playing field for all businesses. It should encourage individuals to set up their own businesses, try new ideas, and take on calculated risks. New Jersey has already made a step in this direction by pushing through Senate Bill No. 4163. Crypto companies might soon have a legislative framework to keep operations efficient and expenses low. 

A Stable Power Grid

The rapid growth in cryptocurrency operations can destabilize the power grid, so it’s crucial to have a stable power source. If more money is invested into energy efficiency, we could witness a decrease in power consumption. By supplying renewable energy, for instance, we can fight the climate crisis and reap the economic benefits of the crypto industry. There needs to be a balance in consumption and production within the electrical grid. Electricity can’t be stored in the power grid. Mining can rely on solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal renewable energy systems. 

A Supportive Local Community

Numerous people embrace cryptocurrency, but opinions are divided. It goes without saying that a crypto hub can develop and expand only if there’s a supportive local community. Simply put, a crypto hub needs a group of individuals who have a commitment to blockchain technology. Diversity of thought, illustrated by a wide array of mindsets, provides fertile ground for achieving innovation. One of the most interesting use cases for blockchain technology is local communities. Cryptocurrency can help bring people together, and regional economies can grow in a sustainable way, not to say that they better withstand market shocks.  

What’s Next for Blockchain Technology After New Jersey Legislation? 

In this fast-changing world of technology, state (and local) governments must face the future with confidence by adopting cryptocurrency. An ever-increasing number of companies around the globe are using digital assets for investment, operational, and transactional purposes. The regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies will continue to evolve, meaning that businesses and investors must keep up with regulatory changes and seek advice from an experienced attorney before engaging in any transactions. Consumer protection and regulation will create a well-regulated marketplace. 

It’s hard to say how crypto enthusiasts benefit when the bill is in place. What is certain is that it will lure companies from other places and make New Jersey a center for the crypto industry. Small companies and startups will be able to engage in the industry, meaning they won’t go through a tough, burdensome process, whether financially or from a time perspective. 

Click here for the Current Ethereum price.

Letter to the Editor: Pennacchio Pushes For New Jersey to Lead in Fusion Energy

parsippany focusDear Editor:

This is not the answer, and it certainly isn’t clean. Nuclear Reactors produce nuclear waste.

Solar energy is green as the sun is nature’s fusion and is 93 million miles away.

Pennacchio is silent or ignorant of Proforestation and Carbon Neutral. Trees and the Remaining Forest have never been more important.

Proforestation protects natural forests to foster continuous growth, carbon accumulation, and structural complexity.

We can use our forest by allowing trees to mature to their rightful biological age to sequester carbon and plant more trees where possible. NJ can establish a Strategic Forest Reserve in its Northern Physiographic Provinces.

Using “Proforestation” as a new paradigm is cost-effective and promotes biodiversity. From Northern NJ to Southern Maine is the largest carbon sequestration and photosynthesis zone north of the Smokey Mountains and east of Montana.

Humans emit more carbon dioxide than Nature (land and oceans) removes during a single year.

Carbon neutrality is when humans release no more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than Nature, and Nature removes and stores it.

Carbon neutrality is not a goal to be achieved, but a moment in time around 2050 is followed by a net negative when humans emit less carbon dioxide than Nature is removing.

Forests are important because they remove nearly 30% of our emissions annually – the most of any ecosystem. They also store vast quantities of carbon in the wood of trees and in forest soils.

It has been found that managing forests differently to let more trees reach a large size could store twice as much as they now do.

The current practice of sustainable forestry – if practiced everywhere would keep the amount of carbon in forests forever at the current level. We need to increase the carbon stored in forests by reforestation management- letting more trees grow without harvest. Our reliance on fossil fuels has to lead to this climate crisis.

Man-induced climate change is not that hard to comprehend or understand why and how. Our so-called progress based on fossil fuels, its emissions, deforestation, and loss of planetary biodiversity have caught up with us.

Nuclear is not the answer, and never was anything other than trying to make the nuclear bombs and threats look civilized.

Pennacchio seems never to be in keeping with his times and place. Another official who does not believe in good government as intended but in private interest, subsidized by our tax dollars for little or nothing in return. Trickle Up.

Nick Homyak

CCM Rated the Best for Transfer Students for Second Consecutive Year

MORRIS COUNTY — The County College of Morris (CCM) has been rated the Best for Transfer Students by Intelligent, adding to the college’s growing list of accolades.
This is the second year in a row that Intelligent has rated CCM as the best community college in New Jersey for students who start at the college and then transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree.

The 2023 ranking of the Best Community Colleges in New Jersey is based on the transfer agreements CCM holds with colleges and universities across the state and nation. CCM has more than 170 transfer agreements to ease the process for students who want to earn an associate then a bachelor’s degree. More than 70 percent of CCM graduates transfer to earn their bachelor’s degree within three years of graduation – enrolling in schools from New Jersey’s top colleges and universities to the Ivy League.

“CCM has made it a priority to develop transfer agreements with other institutions to ensure our students can seamlessly continue with their higher education,” notes Kari Hawkins, Coordinator of Transfer Services & University Partnerships. “We are delighted to receive this recognition as additional proof of the high-quality education and support services students receive at CCM so they can meet their educational goals.”

Besides its success at transferring students to other colleges, CCM also enrolls many students each year who begin at another institution and then decide the community college is a better fit for starting their higher education.

Along with this latest distinction from Intelligent, the college earned several other national and state rankings in 2022. Included among those, CCM was selected as a Top 10 Community College in the U.S. by the Lumina Foundation, rated the Best Community College in New Jersey by Best Accredited Colleges, and #1 For associate degree graduates in New Jersey who earned the Best Salaries by Payscale, a distinction it has received for five consecutive years.

The college is currently enrolling students for the Spring 2023 Semester. Don’t delay; enroll today so you, too, can benefit from exceptional higher education and support services designed for your success. Click here for more information.