PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 21
Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. All meetings will be held in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.
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 prior to the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.
Mayor James R Barberio
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Council President Michael J. dePierro
Council Vice-President Loretta Gragnani
Councilman Justin Musella
PARSIPPANY — The honor and distinction of the Eagle Scout rank can only be achieved through hard work and commitment to the ideals of the Scouting movement. The achievement is so rare, that only 5% of Scouts earn the Eagle rank. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million Scouts.
Once a Scout advances to Eagle Scout, they will remain an Eagle for the rest of their life regardless of age or participation in Scouting. Eagle Scouts are expected to set an example for other Scouts and to become the leaders in life that they have demonstrated themselves to be in Scouting. As such, they have disproportionately represented in the military, service academy graduates, higher education and academia, major professions, the clergy, business, and politics.
On Sunday, June 12, Parsippany welcomed three Scouts who advanced to Eagle, Tyler Catapano, Andrew Modin, and Matthew Rankel.
The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks, the highest being that of Eagle Scout. Officially, the trail starts with the Tenderfoot rank and continues through Second and First Class ranks. Then, mountain climbing begins. The path is marked by merit badges, leadership responsibilities, service projects, and the practice of Scouting skills and ideals. The first peak reached is that of Star Scout, the second is Life Scout, and, finally, Eagle Scout.
On Sunday, June 12, Parsippany welcomed three Scouts who advanced to Eagle, Tyler Catapano, Andrew Modin, and Matthew Rankel.
Senior Patrol Leader Nick Shatynski
Committee Chair Bruce Benson welcomed the guests to The Eagle Court of Honor. Opening remarks were presented by Senior Patrol Leader Nick Shatynski along with the Flag Salute, the Scout Oath. Special Community Presentations was presented by Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Jonah Lance. Advancement Chair Jaime Ackerman certified the Eagle Candidates.
Advancement Chair Jaime Ackerman certified the Eagle Candidates. Pictured are Tyler Catapano, Jaime Ackerman, Andrew Modin, and Matthew Rankel.
The Eagle Badge presentation was presented to Tyler Catapano, Andrew Modin, and Matthew Rankel by Tom Stearns.
The Eagle Charge was presented by Past Scoutmaster Les Wu, and the Scoutmasters Benediction by Dave Franz.
Eagle Scout Recognition Ceremony Honors Three
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Rotary Club President BettyLou DeCroce, Andrew Modin and Rotary member Michael dePierro
Rotary Club President BettyLou DeCroce, Tyler Catapano and Rotary member Michael dePierro
Tyler Catapano, Richard Kunz and Andrew Modin
Tyler Catapano, Mary Ann Burke, Parsippany-Troy Hills Womans Club and Andrew Modin
Tyler Catapano, Ryan Porcelli representing Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge 2078 and Andrew Modin
Tyler Catapano, Michael Vitale, Parsippany Knights of Columbus and Andrew Modin
Tyler Catapano, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Andrew Modin, and Matthew Rankel
Tyler Catapano, Councilman Frank Neglia, Andrew Modin, Matthew Rankel and Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro
Tyler Catapano, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill, Andrew Modin, and Matthew Rankel
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Carol Tiesi,
Tyler Catapano, NJ District Kiwanis Lt. Governor Division 9 Frank Cahill, Andrew Modin, and Matthew Rankel
Matthew Rankel
Matthew started his journey through Scouting in Pack 142. He moved up to Troop 173 after receiving the Arrow of Light award. Matthew attended the National Jamboree in 2017, participating in BMX, mountain biking, and patch trading activities. He also attended Philmont this past summer, which was a 54-mile backpacking trek. He also attended many Troop 173 Big Trips such as Philadelphia, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C.
Matthew Rankel and his mom Christine
Matthew took his first position as an Instructor, teaching younger Scouts the skills they would need while camping. As Patrol Leader, he led a small group of Scouts; eventually becoming an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, where he helped lead the entire troop. To improve his leadership skills, Matthew attended National Youth Leadership Training (NYL T) in 2018. He also returned to staff the program for two years. He has received the National Outdoor Award for camping, accumulating over 120 nights camping, and he has also received the Patriots Path Council Silver Community Service Award.
For Matthew’s Eagle Project, he led a restoration of the Glacier Hills Monument located on Route 10. This included painting the structure, repainting the letters on its side, repairing the retaining wall, and installing a traffic bollard to prevent damage to that wall. Matthew was led to a successful project by his Eagle Coach Tom Stearns.
Matthew is now a Senior at the Academy for Biotechnology at Mountain Lakes High School and plans on studying business at Clemson University.
Matthew is a Mountain Lakes Lacrosse team member that won the County and State Championships this year. He was also involved in the National Honor Society, the World Language Society, and the DECA Competitive Business Club. Matthew was a founding member of DECA at Mountain Lakes High School and held several key leadership positions including the Vice President of Career Development, the Vice President of Leadership, and President in his senior year. He received many regional awards, placed third in the NJ State Competition, and was a four-time National Qualifier. Overall, in Scouting, Matthew has learned to love nature through his many trips and adventures with his friends. He also enjoys camping, hiking, backpacking, sports, and skiing. Boy Scouts has taught Matthew a lot about himself and what he is able to accomplish with focus, drive, determination, and support from his friends and family. Matthew has earned 22 merit badges:
American Cultures Electricity, Camping*, Canoeing, Citizenship In Community*, Citizenship In The Nation*, Citizenship In World*, Communication*, Cooking*, Environmental Science*, Family Life*, Fingerprinting, First Aid*, Disabilities Awareness, Lifesaving*, Personal Fitness*, Personal Management*, Rifle Shooting, Metalwork, Swimming*, Wood Carving, and Shotgun Shooting.
Matthew Rankel
Andrew Modin
Andrew began his Scouting journey in Cub Scout Pack 5 where he earned the Arrow of Light award and crossed over to Troop 173 in Parsippany. He advanced and grew in his Scouting career under the guidance of Scoutmasters Les Wu, Mike Catapano, and David Franz. Andrew has attempted to give back to Scouting through his various leadership positions including Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, OA Representative, and Den Chief.
Andrew Modin with his parents, Christopher and Sara Modin
Andrew has been active in many of the Troop 173 trips through his attendance in multiple Big Trips to places like Washington D.C. and Rhode Island; the 2017 National Jamboree; and two separate Philmont treks in New Mexico. Andrew also participated in National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) in August of 2017 and is currently serving his fifth year on the NYL T staff as a Senior Patrol Leader of a June/July Troop. In addition, Andrew has accumulated 170 total camping nights; 285.5 total service hours; received four Gold and one Silver Camping National Outdoor Award; two 50 Miler awards; and the Den Chief Service Award. He has also earned the Patriots Path Council Gold Community Service Award.
For Andrew’s Eagle Scout project, he led several of his friends and fellow Scouts in the construction of a Rest Area at the Historical Parsippany Rock House under the mentorship of his Eagle Coach, Bob Moravsik. In this project, he cleared overgrowth and constructed a robust gravel area with benches and a table to allow anyone a place to admire the structure before enjoying the nearby hiking trails.
Andrew is currently a Senior at the Academy for Biotechnology in Mountain Lakes High School with ambitions to study chemical engineering in college. In school, he is involved with the track and field and cross-country teams while taking part in clubs like Key Club, National Honor Society, and DECA for which he earned three National Qualifications in Principles of Marketing, Food Marketing, and the Entrepreneurship Business Challenge. in Scouting, Andrew has learned to love the outdoors alongside friends through hiking, camping, and fishing with hopes to remain involved in the Scouting program in the future.
Andrew has earned 21 merit badges: American Cultures, Basketry, Camping*, Canoeing, Citizenship In Community*, Citizenship In Nation*, Citizenship In World*, Communication*, Cooking*, Environmental Science*, Family Life*, Fingerprinting, First Aid*, Leatherwork, Lifesaving*, Personal Fitness*, Personal Management*, Rifle Shooting, Small Boat Sailing, Swimming* and Wood Carving.
Andrew Modin
Tyler Catapano
Tyler began his Scouting experience in Cub Scout Pack 142, earning the Arrow of Light award. He joined Troop 173 in fifth grade and quickly advanced through the first few ranks with the help of Senior Patrol Leaders Rishi Konkesa and David Albin. He worked his way up the ranks starting as an Assistant Patrol Leader, soon after became a Patrol Leader, then Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and led the Troop as the Senior Patrol Leader.
Tyler Catapano, with his parents Michael and Kimberly
Over the years Tyler has been very active with Troop 173 attending Big Trips to Philadelphia, Rhode Island & Washington D.C., attending National Youth Leadership Training (NYL T), was a summer camp Senior Patrol Leader, and completed his ordeal to become a member of the Order of Arrow. In 2017, Tyler attended the BSA National Jamboree in West Virginia meeting and learned about Scouts from across the country. This past summer Tyler attended Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico where he was the Chaplains Aid for his Crew. During this capstone adventure, he was able to apply all the skills he learned throughout his time in Scouting. Tyler received the National Outdoor Award for camping accumulating over 120 nights camping. In addition, he has twice earned the Patriots Path Council Gold Service Award. For his Eagle project, Tyler worked with his Eagle coach and mentor, Tom Stearns, and worked with The Morris County Parks Commission where he constructed bird boxes for the American kestrel population of the Morris County Parks. The bird boxes were installed in parks across Morris County.
Tyler is currently a Senior at Delbarton School where he was the captain of the swim team, won the gold in the 200 Freestyle Relay at the Morris County Championships this year and earned all-conference recognition. Tyler was a part of the Golf team his junior year and was involved in a number of other activities. Outside of school and Scouting Tyler was an ocean lifeguard with the Beach Haven Beach Patrol for the past three summers, patrolling the beach and participating in lifeguard competitions for the Beach Haven Beach Patrol team. Over the past ten years, Tyler has been part of Games with Friends where he has been a peer leader for special needs children from kindergarten to 8th grade. Tyler enjoys camping, hiking, fishing, skiing, sports, and time with his family at the beach. He has gained an appreciation and love for the outdoors through Scouting. This fall Tyler will be attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he aspires to become an officer in the United States Army.
Tyler has earned 21 merit badges: Basketry, Camping*, Canoeing, Citizenship In Community*, Citizenship In Nation*, Citizenship In World*, Communication*, Cooking*,
Environmental Science*, Family Life*, Fingerprinting, First Aid*, Kayaking, Lifesaving*, Personal Fitness*, Personal Management*, Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting, Small Boat Sailing, Swimming*, and Wood Carving.
Tyler Catapano
A reception was held afterward, both inside and outdoors, to congratulate them and their families.
Troop 173 was chartered by the Sedgefield Civic Association in 1957. Yet from the beginning, Troop 173 has included boys from all over Morris County in its programs. While most of our members come from the area of Parsippany from Lake Parsippany to Powder Mill and across the Township, we have had members as far away as Succasunna and Randolph.
Boy Scouts of America Troop 173 Eagle Scout Honor Roll includes Norman Schofield, Jr., Michael Gottschalk, James Searing, Geoffrey Brown, John Chervenak, Guy Corbett, Tim Corbett, Robert Burney, Juan Correa, Richard Lauber, Tim Roche, Christopher Callahan, Thomas Cook, Stephan Pirylis, Brian Stewart, Patrick Roche, Edward Chiorazzi. Brian Pomarlen, Simon Healey, Keith Henderlong, David Chezem, Alex Lin, Robert Strechay, Jr., John Oleske, Daniel Strechay, Joseph Strechay, Kevin Smithers, Joseph Stevens, James Ward, Jason Viglione, Michael DeGuarde, Michael Smith, Tim Foster, Christopher Malcolm, Mark Viglione, Gary Hwang, William Barcliffe IV, Jonathan Cook, Daniel Aguanno, Anthony Valvano, Eric Kratz, David Kratz, Thomas Corigliano, David Kinskey-Lebeda, Ryan Diggle, Mike Fulton, Dan Fulton, Brian Galley, Shane Moravsik, Paul Rossnagel, Jesse Garbarino, Shay Grabinsky, Sean Galley, Matthew Breeman, Ryan Barwick, Dylan Grabinsky, John Stretavski, Brendan Barwick, Eric Galley, Bobby Ebel, Sean Michie, Michael Ludwig, Matthew Luther, Chris Gardner, Chris Worthington, Cameron Boone, Daniel Metcalf, Rishi Konkesa, Noah Munn, Erik Darling, Thomas Catapano, Daniel Corcoran, Colin Aguesseau, David Dodd III, Michael Gaudio, Galen Wu, Timothy Metcalf. David Albin, Ryan Porcelli, Jack Summa, Anthony Paterno, Chris Neumann, Alex Geddes, David Sinchi, Kyle Cipkins, Anli Liu, Joseph Messana, Evan Vojta, Matthew Sinchi, Sreemanth Meka, Dylan Franz, Jacob Kaplan. Ethan Geddes, Andrew Modin, Matthew Rankel, and Tyler Catapano.
(*Eagle Required Badge)
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, July 2022.
PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, June 15 Parsippany’s newest redevelopment broke ground for 500 Parq Lane, in the former Lanidex Plaza off Parsippany Road.
Artist’s rendering on PARQ Lane
Parq will be a unique multi-generational luxury community consisting of townhomes, multi-family residences, retail, outdoor trails, open space, and indoor amenities.
PARQ is a distinctive, emerging multi-generational community in Parsippany. This new, authentic neighborhood is welcoming and humble. Unique and timeless in every regard. Nestled in northern New Jersey, PARQ is ideally located near all major interstates. An upscale experience in a down-to-earth environment. At PARQ, the best is yet to come.
Upon entering the community, you will be greeted with tree-lined streets leading to our first residential building.
Located at 500 Parq Lane, the building will feature an elegant reception area and grand lobby with relaxing chairs, sofas, and a fireplace – perfect for curling up with a good book or listening to a podcast. When work calls, you don’t have to go far. This building offers onsite co-working spaces with plenty of seating and a plug-and-play environment. Looking for something more elaborate? The sports lounge offers the perfect prelude to a night well spent. Cap it all off with a dip in the courtyard’s crystal blue pool.
Demolition of the old office buildings in Lanidex Plaza to make room to build PARQDemolition of the old office buildings in Lanidex Plaza to make room to build PARQDemolition of the old office buildings in Lanidex Plaza to make room to build PARQ
MORRIS COUNTY — Members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office joined thousands of other members of law enforcement throughout New Jersey to participate in the annual fundraising and awareness event, Law Enforcement Torch Run For Special Olympics New Jersey, on June 10, 2022.
Every year, law enforcement personnel from agencies across New Jersey carry the “Flame of Hope” throughout the state and into the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games at the College of New Jersey in Ewing.
This year, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office members ran from Headquarters Plaza in Morristown into Morris Township on Mt. Kemble Ave. and past Harter Road, where the Torch was passed over to other participants waiting to continue the journey southward.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, “The value that the Law Enforcement Torch Run contributes to its cause, in both public awareness and monetary terms, cannot be overstated. The participation in this event by members of this office and the countless other members in New Jersey law enforcement is simply another display of their commitment to those they serve and society as a whole.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker officially sworn in Sean Verbist as Detective for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, on June 13.
He has been assigned to the General Investigations Unit within the Courts and Administration Division.
Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Detective Verbist served as a Police officer for the Montclair Police Department, a Police Officer for the Randolph Police Department, and a Police Dispatcher for Montclair Township.
He has also served as a Park Ranger for Paramus, Substitute Security Person/Custodian for the Rockaway Township Public Schools, Camp Counselor for Paramus, and a Volunteer Police Reserve Officer for Paramus.
Detective Verbist has attended Ramapo College of New Jersey, Bergen Community College (BCC), and Montclair State University (MSU), earning an Associate’s Degree from BCC in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor’s Degree from MSU in Justice Studies.
In addition, he is a graduate of the Morris County Police Academy and has completed several professional training courses. Prosecutor Carroll said, “The addition of Detective Verbist to our ranks is the continuation of our plan to staff the office with personnel who bring a wide array of talent and experience, and we welcome him to our team.”
MORRIS COUNTY — There is still time to register for the Market Street Mission 5K Race for Recovery! If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate the Fourth of July, join the 5K Race or 2-mile Freedom Walk! Click here to sign up.
The race will be held in person on Monday, July 4, 2022, at the Central Park of Morris County. Participants will enjoy a great event with tech tees, chip timing, refreshments, awards, prizes, and family fun (with a free race and other activities for kids, too)! The race will be over before noon, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy other holiday festivities.
If you are more comfortable celebrating from home, or if the race is a bit too far away, we are also offering a virtual option over the course of the Fourth of July weekend where participants can run from anywhere in the world!
A big part of the work at the Mission is our addiction recovery Life Change Program for men. Each year around the Fourth of July, while we celebrate our country’s freedom, we also host this race to celebrate freedom from addiction. It is a powerful time for people to gather together to support the Mission and honor loved ones who have fought the battle against substance abuse.
If you are looking for a fun way to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend while also supporting the work of the Mission, come run with the Mission!
Click here to watch a recap of last year’s race to see the fun they have in store!
Established in 1889, the Market Street Mission is an experienced organization with a proven method of helping to fight alcoholism, substance abuse, hunger, and homelessness in northern and central New Jersey. As a private non-profit we rely on the charitable support of compassionate donors to provide more than 110,000 meals and 30,000 nights of shelter per year across our three locations. For more information on our emergency services, free addiction recovery program, community counseling services, and thrift store please visit us at www.marketstreet.org.
PARSIPPANY — Widener University recently awarded degrees to undergraduate students who completed their studies. Ceremonies were held Thursday, May 12, and Saturday, May 14. The university provided two in-person, outdoor celebration options:
A drive-through ceremony on May 12 where graduates were able to exit their vehicles and be recognized as they crossed a stage in front of the historic Old Main administration building.
A traditional ceremony on May 14 at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.
Graduates included Erik Franklin Holmstrom of Mount Tabor, a magna cum laude graduate who earned a bachelor of science in Accounting from the School of Business Administration.
Widener University is a private institution known for its commitment to every student’s personal and professional success, where academic experiences are distinguished by excellence and students develop the leadership qualities employers seek. Core values of respect, integrity, and excellence are reflected in an outstanding student experience provided through an agile, innovative, and inclusive approach to learning. Industry-shaping faculty provide close, personal mentorship and share powerful connections that help students build professional networks. Recognized as one of the Philadelphia region’s leading universities, Widener offers programs and experiences that empower our community of learners to discover and create better futures as scholars, leaders, and globally engaged citizens. Visit the university website by clicking here.
