Celebration of Joe Bulgarini’s 100th Birthday

Frank L. Cahill
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Celebration of Joe Bulgarini’s 100th Birthday

PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany resident Joe Bulgarini’s celebrated his 100th Birthday on Saturday, October 1, at Applebee’s Parsippany.

Joe was joined by his two daughters, three grandchildren, two great granddaughters, his nieces and his extended family. In addition to his family Mayor James Barberio presented Joe with a “Proclamation.”  Also joining the celebration was Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development; Robert Peluso, President Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Board Member Ildiko Peluso.

Joe served his country with honor during WWII in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant T4 and was deployed to India where his unit worked to keep the Japanese forces from gaining control.

Joe Bulgarini blowing out the candles on his birthday cakee

Joe and his wife Louise moved with their two daughters, Carol and Janice, to Lake Parsippany in 1966 where they created many wonderful memories together.  He also served as President of the Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association.

Joe is the beloved father to Carol Elmstrom and Janice Blinder, devoted grandfather to Sharon, David and Cheryl and loving great-grandfather to Carina and Victoria.

 

CCM to Hold Fall Open House

Frank L. Cahill
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CCM to Hold Fall Open House

MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) will be holding a Fall Open House packed full of informative and engaging sessions and activities, including a raffle to win a virtual reality headset.

Culinary Arts students demonstrating how to make a tasty dessert for guests at the Spring 2022 Open House

Several academic programs will be holding showcases to provide students with deeper insight into different courses of study. Participants also will be able to tour the college’s state-of-the-art facilities, labs and studios. To obtain a solid understanding of the lay of the campus – the Land of the Titans – there will be a scavenger hunt and a raffle for those who take part. The winner will receive a Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset.

The Open House takes place Saturday, October 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with three starting sessions at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on CCM’s campus, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Registration is required and is now taking place. To register click here.

As always, the Open House will provide high school students, their families and adult learners with the opportunity to learn about the highly ranked education CCM provides to meet educational and career goals. Those attending the Open House will be able to talk with faculty and explore the more than 100 degree, certificate and professional development programs CCM offers. They also can learn about the admissions and registration process, and the support services and co-curricular programs CCM provides to ensure the success of its students. Special admissions and registration sessions also will be held for students to secure their enrollment at the college.

Included among its many distinctions, CCM is ranked #1 in New Jersey for best associate degrees and in the top 1.8 percent of the best community colleges nationwide by Intelligent. The college also continues to maintain its #1 position in the state in PayScale’s “Best Community Colleges in New Jersey by Salary Potential,” a distinction it has held for five years in a row.  To apply click here.

New Jersey’s ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Program

Frank L. Cahill
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New Jersey’s ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Program

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey announced a new Property Tax Relief Program which replaces the previous Homestead Benefit program and has expanded eligibility for property tax relief for Tax Year 2019. The Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) Property Tax Relief Program will benefit a large number of homeowners and tenants. Click Here for more information.

The deadline for filing your ANCHOR benefit application is December 30, 2022. They will begin paying ANCHOR benefits in the late Spring of 2023. ANCHOR payments will be paid in the form of a direct deposit or check, not as credits to property tax bills.

They are currently mailing ANCHOR benefit information mailers to homeowners and tenants. Allow until the first week in October to receive your mailer. Homeowners who filed a homestead benefit application last year may be able to obtain their ID and PIN numbers online. Tenants do not need an ID or PIN number to file. Click here to visit the Division’s ANCHOR page for all filing information.

Due to high call volume, the ANCHOR and Homestead Benefit Hotline may be unable to take your call at certain times.

If that occurs, please try your call at another time. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Pennacchio Blasts Teaneck Democrats for Anti-Hindu Resolution

Frank L. Cahill
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Pennacchio Blasts Teaneck Democrats for Anti-Hindu Resolution

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio blasted the Teaneck Democratic Municipal Committee for its adoption of a resolution condemning and targeting major Hindu American organizations that it considers to be hate groups tied to “Hindu nationalism” in India.

“It’s concerning that a Democratic political organization whose purpose is to elect its members to government office and to influence public policy would pass a resolution effectively condemning the entire Hindu religion,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “It’s extremely dangerous to target large segments of any ethnic group or religion for harassment using government resources. It was wrong when the entire Muslim community was profiled after 9/11 for the actions of a small number of extremists, and it’s just as wrong for all of our Hindu American neighbors to be treated this way today.”

The TDMC’s resolution lists five major tax-exempt Hindu organizations that it suggests are hate groups with “direct or indirect ties” to a Hindu nationalist organization in India.

Suggesting these Hindu groups share an ideology with “Nazism and European fascism,” the resolution by Teaneck Democrats urges Senator Bob Menendez, Senator Cory Booker, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, and Governor Phil Murphy to request that the FBI and CIA to investigate “foreign hate groups” and their tax-exempt status, among other things.

“Regardless of the religion we choose to practice, we are all Americans,” added Pennacchio. “We shouldn’t try to weaponize our institutions of government to attack other people or groups whose religious views or affiliations differ from our own.”

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Morris County Proclaims October 2022 Blindness Awareness Month

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Proclaims October 2022 Blindness Awareness Month

MORRIS COUNTY — Director Tayfun Selen of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners today delivered a framed proclamation declaring October 2022 “Blindness Awareness Month,” as he toured the Denville headquarters of Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey.

VLANJ President and CEO Bill Schuldt was on hand to accept the proclamation. He and Vice President of Development and Communications Jennifer Singer also updated Director Selen on the nonprofit’s programs.  Serving adults with vision loss for 79 years, VLANJ helps people cope and adapt to vision loss, while also providing them with training in independent living skills and assistive technology.

Blindness and profound vision loss affect more than 160,000 people in New Jersey, an estimated 7.68 million people in the U.S. and those numbers are expected to increase as the nation’s population lives longer, according to the National Federation of the Blind.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 93 million adults in the United States are at risk for vision loss and projects the number of Americans of ages 40 years old and up with serious vision loss or blindness will double to nearly 9 million by 2050.

The proclamation, signed by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, commends VLANJ for its nearly four decades of exemplary service to the public. It also proclaims October 2022 to be  “Blindness Awareness Month” in Morris County to increase awareness of eye disease and eye care, so all citizens understand the challenges faced daily by our loved ones, friends, neighbors and co-workers with vision loss.

The nonprofit began in Newark in 1943 as the New Jersey Association for the Blind, a place for people with vision loss to socialize. Twelve years later, the organization opened a summer camp in Denville for women with blindness and, under the name NJ Foundation for the Blind, added life skills training to the summer camp experience.

Independent skills training became year-round in the late 1990s, and by 2006, the organization provided a comprehensive, nonresidential vision rehabilitation program for adults. Adopting VLANJ as its name in 2016, the nonprofit added low vision occupational therapy and other services.

Director Selen and Bill Schuldt leaving the VLANJ offices

Since the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020, VLANJ has grown tremendously as it added and expanded virtual programming.

On October 26, Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey will host its annual “Dining in the Dark” event, which allows guests to briefly experience what people with vision loss or blindness must go through when they dine. Attendees will enjoy a three-course meal using smell, touch, taste, and hearing  — but not sight — at the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park.

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at vlanj.org by Click here.  Contact VLANJ Vice President of Development and Communications Jennifer Singer at jsinger@vlanj.org or 973-627-0055. Prompt 2 for more information.

VLANJ receives the majority of its funding from individual donations, which can be made by clicking here.

Fortune Named Parsippany 15th Best Place to Live

Frank L. Cahill
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Fortune Named Parsippany 15th Best Place to Live

PARSIPPANY — Families are synonymous with love, care, and support. But to provide that, about 45% of Americans are being squeezed by simultaneous responsibilities of raising their children while regularly caring for their own parents. Where this so-called Sandwich Generation chooses to live can actually help mitigate some of the stress by providing useful amenities like good schools, access to quality health care, community support, and resources for aging residents. To find hometowns that provided the right mix to meet the needs of multigenerational families, Fortune analyzed more than 215,000 data points for nearly 2,000 cities and towns across the U.S. Here are the communities that stood out.

Parsippany was ranked 15th in the top 25. Click here to read the article.

Remembrance of the Murder of Christopher Thomas

Frank L. Cahill
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Remembrance of the Murder of Christopher Thomas

MORRIS COUNTY — The 40th Anniversary of the unsolved murder of Christopher Thomas, 16, of Boonton Township, was marked Saturday, October 1, by his family, friends the Morris Catholic High School community and Morris County Law Enforcement.

The ceremony took place at the high school, 200 Morris Avenue, Denville. Thomas was a Morris Catholic junior when he was killed in 1982.

Thomas’ brother, Mark, announced an increased reward and asked the public to help solve the shooting death of his brother inside the Rockaway Townsquare Mall on October 1, 1982.

On Friday October 1, 1982, Thomas made plans to go to the Rockaway Townsquare Mall with a 14 year old female acquaintance. The two were dropped off at the mall at 9:16 p.m that night. They walked into the mall entrance, with the intention of going to see a movie at the Inner-Six Theatre and afterwards, purchasing an anniversary present for Christopher’s parents. Within seconds, Christopher was approached by a man. This man then pushed the female acquaintance aside, took out a gun and fired a single shot at Thomas point blank range in the chest. The shooter fled the scene on foot as Christopher stumbled a bit further into the mall and collapsed on the floor.

The Rockaway Township Police Department and other emergency service workers rushed to the scene and transported Christopher to the Dover General Hospital on Route 46 East, Dover. Unfortunately, Christopher was pronounced dead at 9:26 p.m. The case was then ruled a homicide.

There were at least 20 witnesses to this incident, and each one described the offender as a Caucasian male between 18-23 years old, 5’5 to 5’10” in height, and a thin build of about 135-155 pounds. He had dark medium length hair that was parted in the middle, which police suspect might have been a wig. He had a thin, dark colored mustache and some sources state he also had mirrored sunglasses on. He was dressed in blue jeans, a denim jacket and boots. There is a composite sketch posted above. Christopher’s friend said she did not recognize the gunman.

According to his family, Christopher was a promising student and a talented athlete at the time of his murder. He was preparing to be inducted into the National Honor Society and was on the high school’s varsity basketball team and the soccer team.

Police would not comment on whether they believe this was random, a case of mistaken identity, or something else entirely. They have been pursuing all angles, and have still not come up with a motive.

If you have any additional information, please contact the Morris County Cold Case Unit at 973-285-6200. All calls will be kept confidential.

Provident Bank to Acquire Lakeland Bank

Frank L. Cahill
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Provident Bank to Acquire Lakeland Bank

MORRIS COUNTY — Provident Financial Services, Inc. and Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. have entered into a definitive $1.3 billion all-stock merger agreement, creating a preeminent super-community bank in the state, according to the two financial institutions. The merger of Provident Bank and Lakeland Bank will create a financial institution that will have more than $25 billion in assets and $20 billion in total deposits. It will also have approximately 4% of all bank deposits in New Jersey, which represents the second largest share of New Jersey bank deposits for institutions with less than $100 billion in assets.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, Lakeland will merge with and into Provident, with Provident as the surviving corporation. The combined company will operate under the “Provident Financial Services, Inc.” name and the combined bank will operate under the “Provident Bank” name. The administrative headquarters of the combined company will be located in Iselin.

“We are excited to announce this transformational combination of two amazing organizations. The scale and profitability of the combined organization will enable us to invest in the future, better compete for market share, and better serve our customers and communities,” said Anthony Labozzetta, president and CEO of Provident. “It is particularly gratifying to embark on this journey with our colleagues on the Lakeland team and Tom Shara, whom we have held in high regard for many years.”

According to Thomas J. Shara, Lakeland’s president and CEO, “The combination of our companies will allow us to achieve substantially more for our clients, associates, communities, and shareholders than we could alone. I have tremendous respect for Tony Labozzetta, Chris Martin, Provident’s management team and associates. We will continue to build upon and leverage our combined strengths as we focus on the future together.”

Chris Martin, executive chairman of Provident added, “We are confident that this strategic combination and the resulting strong pro forma financial performance, synergies and experienced management team will deliver on our commitment to providing superior long-term shareholder returns.”

Strategic Benefits of the Merger

While the transaction fortifies Provident and Lakeland’s positions as leading players in the Tri-State commercial real estate market, Provident’s two ancillary fee-based business lines in insurance and wealth management and Lakeland’s growing asset-based lending and equipment lease financing provide opportunities for additional growth and relationship expansion. Both Provident and Lakeland have extensive experience successfully integrating with merger partners, and both are intensely focused on ensuring a smooth integration.

Governance and Leadership

The combined company’s board of directors will have sixteen directors, consisting of nine directors from Provident and seven directors from Lakeland.

  • Christopher Martin, Provident’s current executive chairman, will continue to serve as executive chairman of the combined company board of directors
  • Thomas Shara Jr., Lakeland’s current president, chief executive officer and director, will serve as executive vice chairman of the combined company board of directors
  • Anthony Labozzetta, a current director of Provident, will continue to serve as a director of the combined company
  • A Provident board representative will serve as the independent lead director of the combined company board of directors

The combined company will be led by a well-respected management team that is comprised of individuals with significant financial services and M&A integration experience.

  • Anthony Labozzetta, Provident’s current president and CEO, will continue to serve in that role in the combined company
  • Thomas Lyons, Provident’s current senior executive vice president and chief financial officer, will continue to serve in that role in the combined company
  • The remainder of the executive team will draw from both Provident and Lakeland

The merger is expected to close in the second quarter of 2023, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of customary regulatory approvals and approval by the shareholders of each company.

Piper Sandler Companies is acting as financial advisor, and has rendered a fairness opinion to the board of directors of Provident. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is serving as legal counsel to Provident. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company is acting as financial advisor, and has rendered a fairness opinion to the board of directors of Lakeland. Luse Gorman, PC is serving as legal counsel to Lakeland.

College of the Holy Cross Welcomes Gabriel Mansolelli to the Class of 2026

Frank L. Cahill
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College of the Holy Cross Welcomes Gabriel Mansolelli to the Class of 2026

PARSIPPANY — The College of the Holy Cross congratulates the 904 new Crusaders who are starting at the College in Fall 2022. Gabriel Mansolelli, a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, will be part of the Class of 2026.

Representing the largest class in Holy Cross’ 179-year history, the Class of 2026 hails from 575 high schools, 14 countries and four continents. Twenty-five percent of the class are students of color and international students; 24 languages are spoken; and 50 members hold dual citizenship. Nine students live within 1 mile of campus, which is about the same number as those who live more than 5,000 miles from The Hill.

These newly minted Crusaders have distinguished themselves through community service, leadership roles, and diverse participation in areas like the arts, music and athletics.

“Holy Cross is built for broad, deep and meaningful education and that says something very important about the kind of student who matriculates here. Our classes are small and there is nowhere to hide – in the best possible sense,” President Vincent D. Rougeau said. “Our students have to be ready for spirited engagement. They will have their certainties challenged and perspectives broadened as they prepare for a world that needs their leadership, wisdom, empathy and generosity. And we are confident that they will thrive here.”

The new Crusaders arrived on campus and moved into the residence halls on Saturday, August 27th, where they were welcomed to Mount St. James by an enthusiastic purple crew of current students, staff, faculty and alumni. Fall classes began on Tuesday, August 30th.

The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Mass., is among the nation’s leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,100 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Since its founding in 1843, Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional and civic life.

Parsippany Board of Education Candidates Forum

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Board of Education Candidates Forum

PARSIPPANY — The League of Women Voters held a debate for candidates for the Board of Education.  The debate was co-sponsored by Parsippany Woman’s Club.

Seven candidates are running for three available seats:

  • Falgun Bakhtarwala
  • Kendra Von Achen
  • Michelle Shappell
  • Jack S. Raia
  • Andrew Choffo
  • Alison C. Cogan
  • Yvonne Ferise

Election Day is Tuesday, November 8.

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