RANDOLPH — Those with a passion for animation – whether that be in gaming, the movies, television, video or another area – now can turn to County College of Morris (CCM) to start building a career in this rapidly expanding field.
Starting with the Fall 2018 Semester, CCM will be offering an Associate in Fine Arts Degree in Animation through its Department of Art and Design.
“With this degree, students can take advantage of a range of options. They can go on to earn a Bachelors of Fine Arts, or a bachelor’s in animation, motion graphics, multimedia or a similar area,” notes Dr. Bruce Dutra, dean of the School of Liberal Arts at CCM. “Some of the schools our fine arts degree holders have transferred to include Parsons, Pratt and the Rhode Island School of Design, along with top colleges and universities in New Jersey.”
“Those with degrees in animation have a wide range of career options from designing graphics for videos and games to the dream job at Pixar,” adds Nieves Gruneiro-Roadcap, chair of the Department of Art and Design.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow faster than the average for all other occupations.
The AFA program at CCM is designed to provide students with a strong background in the process of animation from start to finish with classes in drawing, color theory, multimedia, animation and more. For more information, contact the Department of Art and Design at (973) 328-5446 or tdoney@ccm.edu.
DENVILLE — The Morris County Vocational School District in partnership with County College of Morris (CCM) is offering a new Share Time program, Cybersecurity and Information Protection (CIP), for Morris County high school students.
Students in the program will take a two-year course sequence at CCM in Randolph. The courses will focus on the technical skills and knowledge required to work in cybersecurity in both the public and private sectors. Through their program studies, students will earn 39 college credits and two certifications Comptia A+ and Cisco CCNA.
Program coursework will include areas such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Security, Network Security, Software Engineering, Introduction to Unix, Visual Basic, and Ethical Hacking and System Defense.
Program partners such as the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCICC), Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) and Proactive Risk have endorsed the proposed program because they believe it addresses the need for skilled employees in the cybersecurity industry. According to Cybersecurity industry experts and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is going to be a projected 28 percent growth rate in cybersecurity jobs in the next 10 years. This is a “much faster than average” growth projection.
Cybersecurity and Information Protection students have multiple pathways after completing the two-year program. They can go directly into an entry-level cybersecurity position. Graduates may transfer their 39 CCM credits to a four-year college and continue with their education. Through a partnership agreement with CCM, students may attend the college for an additional year and earn an Associate Degree in Information Technology after which they can go directly into the workforce or transfer to a four-year program.
All interested 10th grade students and parents are invited to learn about the program at an Information Session to be held at CCM’s Randolph campus, 214 Center Grove Road, on Tuesday, February 6, at 6:00 p.m. in the Student Community Center, Davidson Room A and B. To register for the Information Session click here.
Students in 10th grade may apply via an online application at www.mcvts.org under Admissions>Application Form> Share Time Programs tabs. Priority will be given to all applications as they are received. Applicants who successfully meet the admissions criteria will be required to attend a Shadow Session for final consideration. The application will remain open for rolling admissions until all seats are filled. Once all seats are filled, applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
The Morris County Vocational School District (www.mcvts.org) offers programs for Morris County high school students, including Career Academies, Share Time Programs and Continuing Education programs. Share Time programs are half-day sessions providing juniors and seniors in high school the opportunity to receive daily career and technical training as part of their school program. For additional information, call the Morris County School of Technology at (973) 627-4600 ext.277.
MORRIS COUNTY — Three Hanover Township residents, Andy Mottram, Kevin Bauer and Frank DeMaio, were honored last night by the Morris County Board of Freeholders for the life-saving rescues of the husband and wife owners of an iconic Whippany restaurant and tavern that went up in flames in late 2017.
The three heroes saw the flames and smoke pouring out of Billy & Madeline’s Red Room Tavern during the early afternoon of November 27, 2017, stopped their cars and ran to the scene.
Andy Mottram and Kevin Bauer worked as a team to bring Madeline Fornaro from a smoke-filled second floor bedroom to safety.
Frank DeMaio, a former Hanover firefighter, broke through the main door of the tavern and was able to locate Billy Fornaro and bring him out safely.
Freeholders Honor Whippany Trio
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The Morris County Freeholders honor three Morris County residents who in late November risked their own safety to rescue the owners of Billy & Madeline’s Red Room Tavern
The Morris County Freeholders honor three Morris County residents who in late November risked their own safety to rescue the owners of Billy & Madeline’s Red Room Tavern
The Morris County Freeholders honor three Morris County residents who in late November risked their own safety to rescue the owners of Billy & Madeline’s Red Room Tavern
The Morris County Freeholders honor three Morris County residents who in late November risked their own safety to rescue the owners of Billy & Madeline’s Red Room Tavern
All three men declined to be called heroes: “We did what probably anyone would have done,’’ said Bauer.
But in presenting county resolutions of thanks to each of the men at a ceremony in Morristown, Freeholder Director Doug Cabana said the following:
”A hero is defined as a person who, in the face of danger, combats adversity through ingenuity, bravery or strength, sacrificing his own personal concerns or safety for a greater good or to help others who are in need.
“The actions of Frank DeMaio, Kevin Bauman and Andy Mottram, on November 27, 2017, certainly fit that definition. The residents of Hanover Township and Morris County thank them for their actions.
“On behalf of the Board of Chosen Freeholders and Sheriff Jim Gannon, we issue these county resolutions to you for your swift and courageous actions without regard to your own personal safety, and thank you for being role models for all residents of our county.’’
Joining the freeholders in honoring the trio were Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Whippany Fire Department Chief Joe Cortright, Hanover Mayor Ron Francioli, and Hanover Committeeman Thomas “Ace” Gallagher.
Cortright lauded Mottram, Bauer and DeMaio for their good Samaritan efforts, saying their quick and responsive action — several minutes before firefighters arrived -– saved the lives of tavern owners Billy and Madeline, who are both near or over age 80.
While driving on the afternoon of November 27, 2017, Mottram and Bauer (together in one vehicle) and DeMaio (in a second vehicle) observed the fire at Billy & Madeline’s. All three ran to the fiery and smoky building to see if they could help.
Bauer, raised on his shoulders by the much taller Mottram, was able to climb onto the roof and help Madeline Fornaro out of a second story window. DeMaio, meanwhile, broke the glass on the tavern door to get into the burning building and located Billy Fornaro.
PARSIPPANY — The Rotary Clubs in our area are offering an international scholarship for students who are interested in pursuing further study abroad. Applicants must live in Morris, Essex, Sussex or Warren Counties, and must be interested in planning a career in one of the following subject areas:
Peace and conflict resolution
Disease prevention and treatment
Water and sanitation
Maternal and child health
Basic education and literacy
Economic and community development
Candidates must be accepted to a foreign university at the time of application. The scholarship is competitive, and the main factors considered are a scholar’s experience, the graduate program of study, and career goals. Of added importance is having a plan with a clear-cut purpose. Additional information may be found in the Rotary Foundation Section of www.rotary.org, or by contacting Eva-Pia Reich at evapiareich@gmail.com
Applicants should send their resume, college transcripts, and proposal (to include the program of study and a description of a career path) to Eva-Pia Reich, 24 South Shore Road, Denville, NJ 07834 or evapiareich@gmail.com
The deadline to apply is May 1, 2018 with interviews to follow.
This article was supplied by Aric Gitomer, for the safety of Parsippany residents.
I recently attended a local gathering of concerned residents following a fire in a neighboring townhome. Members of the community were so concerned about their own future safety given the fact the hydrant outside the townhome had failed and the townhome was not protected with a fire sprinkler system. The adjoining townhomes where only impacted by smoke given the fact that the units are separated by fire separation walls which were extremely effective in holding back the flames. This opened my eyes to the ongoing debate of residential sprinkler systems for single family homes as well as townhomes. As of today the International Residential Code 2015, New Jersey Edition Section R313 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems has been deleted for townhouse as well as one- and two-family dwellings. It is my understanding that the New Jersey Builders Association has been very persuasive through their lobbying to keep New Jersey from adopting this section of the IRC. Legislation in New Jersey was passed to accept the use of sprinklers however the governor vetoed it. Twenty three other states have adopted some form of a residential sprinkler system.
Why does the Builders Association not want a life safety item in their homes? It seems to me it is all about money. So what is the cost of a system? If you look online I have seen prices as low as $1.35/square foot or some figures quote around $4,000, however I have found this to not be the case. I have gotten figures from local installers ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. Of course that figure varies on the size of a home and several factors. One company quoted a budget figure of $2.50/square foot. Why such discrepancy, well it depends on each individual home. Let’s say you want to use your new home’s attic for storage well you have to provide sprinklers up there and guess what, the attic is typically not insulated so this requires a special system driving up the cost. If the local fire official or the utility authority wants you to install a dedicated service line just for your system (even though the system is not even required) you need to conform to their request which will drive the cost up more.
Are there savings on my homeowner’s insurance if I install a system? That depends on your insurer. My insurance company said no discount, however State Farm Insurance gave me a quote on a fictitious 4,000 square feet home valued at over $900,000 and informed me I would save a whopping $47/year (that is quite a period of time on your payback).
But really the issue is not money it is about life safety! The evidence is clear that a sprinkler system is going to save lives in the event of a fire. The 13D system has sprinkler heads in each room of your home. Depending on the size of a room will determine how many heads are required. Each head provides coverage of approximately 12 feet x 12 feet. Each individual head has a glass tube with mercury in it and when the temperature reaches 150 degrees in that location the glass will shatter and open the valve and water will come rushing out onto the fire. Only the head in the location of the fire will be activated. According to the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition a head can put a fire out in 1½ minutes, I do not think the firemen are getting there that fast! I believe the time it takes them to arrive is approximately ten minutes from the time a smoke detector goes off.
Homes today are being constructed with lighter materials, which in terms of strength are fabulous but in terms of combustibility are even better! But you might say I have smoke detectors, isn’t that good enough? Studies have shown that most children can sleep right through the alarm, (click here to read study), I wish I could sleep that well! So I guess the answer to that question is no!
Sprinkler systems have also been found to be better for the environment according to FM Global’s research there is a reduction in pollutants, they reduce greenhouse gases from fires by 98% and water consumption up to 90%. Wow that’s a lot of good stuff for the earth!
Click here to view the benefits of a home sprinkler system.
Since an architect’s job is to look out for health, welfare and safety of their clients, it seems that this is one of those times it makes sense if it is economically feasible to recommend a home sprinkler system over the deleted Section R313!
For additional information contact Aric Gitomer, 30 Emerson Road, Morris Plains,
New Jersey. Call (973) 829-1720 or email aricgitomer@optonline.net.
AGA is an Architectural Firm serving Morris, Sussex and Essex County, New Jersey specializing in new residential designs, planning, additions, renovations, new construction design, construction documents and blueprints. Aric Gitomer Architect LLC is a boutique practice run by a sole practitioner, Aric Gitomer, AIA in Parsippany.
PARSIPPANY — Silvia Cooper presented Michele Picone, Parsippany-Troy Hills Human Services Director a check for $3,500 to be used in purchasing food for the Parsippany Food Pantry.
Pictured (left to right) Boiling Springs Saving Bank teller James Kosakowski, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano, Michele Picone, Boiling Springs Savings Bank Manager Silvia Cooper, Marketing Sales Coordinator Leigh A. DelPorto, Kristen McGovern and Courtney Ammeraal.
Boiling Springs Saving Bank is located at 66 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha.
Ms. Cooper said “We are community bankers who are community driven. It’s not just something we say, it’s something we do, upon presenting the check to Picone.”
The Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry is located at the Parsippany Community Center at 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Donations of non-perishable food items are always needed. Any resident in need of supplemental food are invited to call ahead (973) 263-7163 or (973) 263-7351/52. Ready-made bags of basic food staples such as canned goods, cereal and dried food, are available through donations from individuals, schools, scouts and churches.
PARSIPPANY — Recently Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany donated $6,000 to New Jersey Sharing Network.
Presenting the check was Michael Mulhaul, Chairman of the Grand Tasting Committee to Michele Dabal of New Jersey Sharing Network. Kiwanis Club supports NJ Sharing Network’s efforts to save more lives through organ and tissue donation.
NJ Sharing Network is the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for those in need of a life-saving transplant. Over 4,000 New Jersey residents are currently awaiting transplantation. They are also part of the national recovery system, which is in place for the more than 120,000 people on waiting lists.
NJ Sharing Network operates 24/7/365 with a team of over 150 highly trained and dedicated members on staff. The Governing and Foundation Boards are made up of a diverse group of individuals from both public and private sectors, across a variety of disciplines, and many of whom have been touched by donation including donor families and recipients. They bring great experience and insight to the important and life-saving work that we do.
Michael Mulhaul presented a check for $6,000 to Michele Dabal, New Jersey Sharing Network
The money donated was part of the proceeds raised during Kiwanis Club’s 21st Grand Tasting Event held on October 12, 2017 at the Hanover Manor.
This year wine selection was provided by Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet, 799 Route 46 East. Joe Canal’s is known for sizable selection of discount wine, beer and spirits.
There is a very diverse selection of wines from all parts of the world with descriptions, recommendations and ratings available on display at Joe Canal’s. This is super helpful and takes the intimidation of selecting wine a breeze for any novice.
Grand Tasting Chairman Michael Mulhaul said “We raised over $300,000 in the past twenty one years, in which Kiwanis Club was able to donate to other non-profit organizations, including Camp Nejeda, New Jersey Sharing Network, Lake Drive Program – Mountain Lakes School District, Morristown Memorial Hospital, Eliminate and Autism.
In addition to the NJ Sharing Network, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation will donate $6,000 to Camp Nejeda, serving children with Type 1 Diabetes since 1958.
At Camp Nejeda youth with diabetes are given the opportunity to live, if only for one or two weeks, in a world where having diabetes is the norm and where there is no need to explain blood sugar testing, finger pricks, insulin injections, ketones, ‘lows’ (insulin reactions), boluses or ‘carb’ counting because everyone here already understands.
Camp Nejeda is fully licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and accredited by the American Camp Association. ACA accredited camps meet up to 300 standards for health, food service, safety, and program quality.
Kiwanis Club President Frank Cahill presented Chairman Michael Mulhaul with a plaque and honored him for 21 years of a successful event. The plaque read “On behalf of The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, we congratulate you for 21 Successful Years as Chairman of “Grand Tasting Committee.” Your Volunteerism Brightens our Community; With your leadership Kiwanis Club has raised over $300,000 to help one child, one community at time.
Grand Tasting Chairman Michael Mulhaul said “We are already planning our 22nd Grand Tasting which will be held on October 25, 2018.”
PARSIPPANY — Three members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany were honored with Kiwanis International recognition awards at its Annual Awards Dinner held at Hanover Manor.
Ron Orthwein, who joined Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany in 1996, was honored with the “Tablet of Honor.”
Dr. Susan Elbin and Betty (Elizabeth) Polen were presented with the George F. Hixon Award.
Past New Jersey District President and Past Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President, Michael Mulhaul had the honor of presenting Ron Orthwein with his award.
Michael Mulhaul presenting Ron Orthwein with the “Tablet of Honor” award
Throughout the long history of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, the dedication of its members has kept the goals and objects of our organization alive. These men and women unselfishly give of their time and talents to create a better community and a better world.
In 1965, Kiwanis International Foundation established the Tablet of Honor as away to recognize those who have made a difference in this world.
Fran Orthwein places the “Tablet of Honor” pin on her husband Ron.
Michael Mulhaul said “Today we celebrate the presentation of this Tablet of Honor to Ron Orthwein. This recognition was made possible by a contribution made to Kiwanis International Foundation, from which support the needs of children and the Kiwanis family.”
Orthwein was recognized because of his dedicated service to community, Kiwanis and the world. This is a better place to live because of his service and commitment.
“We are pleased to present to you this beautiful plaque, pocket crest, pin and name patch for your club’s honor banner,” said Mulhaul as he presented the Tablet of Honor, the highest honor bestowed by the Kiwanis International Foundation, to Orthwein.
Ron Orthwein during his acceptance speech. Looking on is Michael Mulhaul, Frank Cahill and Fran Orthwein
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill then presented Betty Polen with a George F. Hixson Fellowship Award.
President-elect Karen DeChristopher placing the Hixon Award pin on Betty
George F. Hixon Fellowship Awards are given to Kiwanians who have contributed to the betterment of the club. The club is eligible to award a Hixon for each donation of $1,000 to the Kiwanis International Foundation. The Hixon award is named in honor of the first Kiwanis International president.
Since Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany’s inception 27 years ago, there have been 40 other club members who received this honor. This year’s honorees will be the 41st and 42nd member to be honored with such award.
The procedure to choose the Hixon award is forming a committee of all past Hixon recipients. The committee met in December and was chaired by the immediate past honoree, Karen DeChristopher.
In choosing this years honoree, it was very easy to select once the members of the committee heard the accomplishments of this years honoree.
The requirements for the Hixon award are:
Consistently works for the club on projects and programs.
Has been a member in good standing for at least 2 years.
Attended 60% of the meetings or make ups for the past 2 years.
Serves on a committee, participates in at least one service project.
Worked on a District or International program or project that has brought recognition to our club.
The recipient can be a non member that has served the club in an outstanding manner.
One of this year’s honorees is Betty Polen.
President Frank Cahill said “Betty Polen chaired the Human and Spiritual for many years with great success. She took care of the Holiday cards with St. Jude. She ran the Ecumenical Breakfast with great ease and kept great records, and currently she runs the Breakfast registration and keeps the records for the 50/50 with precise energy for many years. She participates in most of our functions. Betty doesn’t miss a meeting – having perfect attendance for nine years. I am honored to award a George F. Hixon Fellowship Award to Betty Polen.”
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill, Betty and President-elect Karen DeChristopher
In making the presentation for the second Hixon Honoree, Karen DeChristopher said “As a winner of last year’s Hixson award, I have the extreme pleasure of announcing one of this year’s winners.”
So, too make this a little more entertaining, I have chosen a word that I think describes this person. You have to determine the winner based on the clues I am giving you.
Here’s a hint – listen to the words (there are six) and think about the first letter of each.
This recipient is:
Benevolent – caring, compassionate, kindhearted – not only in Kiwanis life but in day to day living
Intelligent – not everyone achieves at this level – congrats to those who do
Reliable – authentic and trustworthy
Director – steps up, takes charge and gets it done
Enthusiastic – enjoys being part of Kiwanis and giving back to the community
Responsive – jumps in to meet the current need.
No, I am not describing our next Eagle or Gold Award winner.! Any ideas?
Dr. Susan Elbin, during her acceptance speech
I am talking about our very own “birder” Dr. Susan Elbin.
Not only is Dr. Elbin all of the things I just mentioned, there are so many other important things that she has contributed for the betterment of our club.
Dr. Susan Elbin has run Trivia night with husband Greg for many years.
She has volunteered for the Sunshine card project for several years.
Her attendance has been superb for the past 3-4 years, with perfect attendance for the past two years.
She cooks frequently for Homeless Solutions, has attended most of our functions.
She is our current Director of Human and Spiritual and Club Vice President.
“Dr. Susan Elbin, I am honored to present you with our second Hixon award. Congratulations and thank you for your dedication and commitment to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany,” said Karen DeChristopher.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill congratulating Dr. Susan Elbin on her achievementsGreg Elbin, Dr. Susan Elbin, Frank Cahill and Karen DeChristopherHixon Award Hall of FameTablet of Honor Hall of FameMembers Joyce Garrow, Khaled Madin, Carol Tiesi, Karen DeChristopher and Frank Cahill at the Annual Awards Dinner. Al Goldberg (left) joins in the celebration
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill had the honor of inducting Dr. Barbara Sargent into our organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is 60 members strong and growing.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany supports nine K-Kids clubs, Lake Parsippany Elementary School, Eastlake Elementary School, Mt. Tabor Elementary School, Littleton Elementary School, Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, Troy Hills Elementary School, Northvail Elementary School, Knollwood School and Rockaway Meadow Elementary School, two builders clubs, Central Middle School and Brooklawn Middle School; two Key Clubs, Parsippany Hills High School and Parsippany High School and one Aktion Club.
They also raise funds and donates to the Parsippany Food Pantry, Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, Parsippany PAL Youth Center, Parsippany High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Hills High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Child Day Center, Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey, Camp Nejeda, NJ Sharing Network, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Parsippany, Parsippany Project Graduation, Jersey Battered Women’s Services, Family Promise of Morris County, Parsippany Little League West, Parsippany Little League East to name a few.
Kiwanis Secretary Karen Gajewski places the Kiwanis pin on Dr. Barbara Sargent’s lapel
If you are interested in joining Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany contact, Frank Cahill at (862) 213-2200 or email flcahill@parsippanykiwanis.org.
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at the Empire Diner at 1315 Route 46. New members are always welcome.
PARSIPPANY — Littleton School K-Kids came out to support Hannah Cerullo at the Charity Basketball game held in Parsippany Hills High School.
Anthony Caponegro and Jesse Nazziola had the opportunity to meet Mayor Michael Soriano and Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., during the game against Brooklawn Middle School Teachers vs. the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. It was an exciting game, with Brooklawn Middle Teachers winning 45-44 in overtime. (Click here to see related article.)
Hannah, a sixth grade student at Brooklawn Middle School, is the 11 year old daughter of Michael Cerullo of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, is battling cancer.
