Scout Makes History Come to Life Through a Smartphone

Frank L. Cahill
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Scout Makes History Come to Life Through a Smartphone

PARSIPPANY — The Mount Tabor Historical Society is pleased to announce a new way of touring our historic neighborhood community. Mount Tabor is a former Methodist church camp and a thriving present-day neighborhood known for its picturesque Victorian gingerbread cottages standing shoulder-to-shoulder on narrow streets. Visitors are drawn to the historic community, and now, using a smartphone, they can scan a unique QR code on each of 20 signs throughout the historic district. Each sign links to a corresponding webpage describing the history of the site and unlocks a map and historic photos correlating to the exact location where the visitor is standing. Many photos, from the Mount Tabor Historical Society archives, have rarely been seen by the public.

This extraordinary project, connecting the past with present-day technology, is the Eagle Scout project of 16-year-old Eashan Iyer of Scout Troop 173 in Parsippany. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the official launch of the walking tour will be held on Saturday, August 26, at 10:00 a.m. in Trinity Park, Mount Tabor.

In 2022, Eashan reached out to the Mount Tabor Historic Society seeking a project for his Eagle Rank. Michelle LaConto Munn, president of the Society, provided the Scout with a wish list of projects to choose from. His affinity for digital technology led him to make an unconventional choice to help the Society to increase the public’s access to the rich, but hidden, historical archives through a digitally enhanced walking tour. Eashan observed, “Over the past few years, I have seen QR codes gain popularity as we enter an increasingly touchless society. I thought this trend would lend itself well to a walking tour, allowing people access to the rich historical archives of Mount Tabor at their fingertips.”

According to Ms. LaConto Munn, “The Society had a general idea for a walking tour, but without Eashan, this project would not have become a reality. This project stands out from the more typical construction-oriented projects and is the first to use modern technology to help the society actively increase awareness of our history and potentially reach new audiences.”

Over the last year, Eashan worked with the Society to develop a route of 20 designated stops in the neighborhood to spotlight historic sites and significant buildings. Acting as project manager, he created a proposal, raised over $600 to fund the project and knit all parts of the project together with a team of eager volunteers. The Scout’s tasks ranged from the technical: melding smartphone technology with the website of the Mount Tabor Historic Society and creating separate website pages for each featured site, to the traditional: employing good old-fashioned footwork to select signpost locations and working hands-on to produce and install the signage. Eashan notes, “I crafted this project to leverage my skills in many disciplines and provide genuine value to our community. Opening a QR code, you will see web pages I developed working with volunteers. Looking at the signposts, you will see brackets that connect the sign plates to the post. I custom-designed these brackets to place the signs at an angle, making them easier to read and scan.”

His efforts provide a long-term benefit to the neighborhood, and the community at large, raising the awareness of historic Mount Tabor, which is tucked on a hill off Route 53 between Morris Plains and Denville. The recently completed Explore Historic Mount Tabor Walking Tour expands everyone’s knowledge and appreciation of this charming ‘city in the forest.’

The tour includes neighborhood highlights such as the “Golden Stairs,” the site of the old Arlington Hotel, streetscapes that juxtapose yesterday’s perspectives with today’s views, and iconic buildings including the Tabernacle, library, and firehouse, all in use today.

The digital walking tour is free and can be taken at any time of the year. Follow the signs sequentially or begin anywhere inspiration strikes. If you are unable to visit Mount Tabor personally, the tour is also available online at www.MountTaborNJ.org.

Once you’ve experienced the unique charm of this neighborhood, you are invited to take a closer look with access inside over 15 historic homes and buildings during the annual Mount Tabor Historic House & Garden Tour, on Saturday, September 30. Tickets are available now online.

Kiwanis Club Donates Supplies, Brightening Students’ Academic Journey Ahead

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Club Donates Supplies, Brightening Students’ Academic Journey Ahead

PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany’s Community Director, Carol Tiesi, recently visited the Parsippany Health and Human Services to generously donate backpacks filled with school supplies. The members of the club actively participated in purchasing and donating these supplies, ensuring they reached the hands of families in need through the Health and Human Services.

An array of school supplies, ready to empower the next generation of learners

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany proudly stands as the second-largest Kiwanis Club in New Jersey, boasting an impressive roster of 61 members. The club, which is always eager to welcome new members, is renowned for its dedication to community service. Learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany by clicking here.

Annually, Kiwanis members worldwide dedicate a staggering six million volunteer hours and funnel more than $100 million into impactful service projects. These projects not only bolster communities but are also primarily aimed at aiding children. The vision of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany aligns with the overarching Kiwanis mission: ensuring every child has a fair shot at leading a healthy and successful life. Their foundational belief is simple yet profound: “Help one child, and you help the world.”

For those looking to contribute or in need of assistance, the Parsippany Food Pantry operates out of the Parsippany Community Center. Located at 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha, the pantry is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They can be reached at (973) 263-7163.

An array of school supplies, ready to empower the next generation of learners

Prosecutor’s Office PBA 327 Donates To Backpack Giveaway Program

Frank L. Cahill
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Prosecutor’s Office PBA 327 Donates To Backpack Giveaway Program

MORRIS COUNTY — On August 10, the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Local No. 327, which represents Detectives serving in the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO), made donations to KAT Team and Table of Hope towards their facilitation of the Backpack Giveaway Program.  The donations, in the amount of $250.00 each, were presented to KAT Team Board Member Angelica Nols and to Table of Hope Director Teresa Williams.       

At the presentation to KAT Team, PBA Treasurer Detective Supervisor Stephanie Merced delivered the donation check to Ms. Nols at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.  Also present were Angelica Nols’ husband, Karl Towns, Sr., and brother, Andy Parada, as well as members of the MCPO Executive Team, including Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Deputy Chief Jan-Michael Monrad, Captain Stephen Ortiz, and Captain Mark Castellano, and the supervisor of the MCPO Community Outreach & Recruitment Unit, Sgt. Patrick LaGuerre, at the presentation to Table of Hope, Sgt. LaGuerre delivered the donation check to Teresa Williams during a mobile food pantry event on Bishop Nazery Way in Morristown.

Sgt. LaGuerre; Capt. Castellano; Chief McNally; First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood; Prosecutor Carroll; Det./Sup. Merced; Angelica Nols; Karl Towns Sr.; Andy Parada, Deputy Chief Monrad; and Capt. Ortiz

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, “These committed community members who drive this program are true leaders.  It is through their selfless actions that they not only raise awareness and help those in need but also inspire others to do the same.  I also want to recognize and thank members of PBA No. 327 for their continued generosity towards causes such as the Backpack Giveaway Program.”     

Innovative Boutique Salon Concept Replaces Former Dollar Tree

Frank L. Cahill
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Innovative Boutique Salon Concept Replaces Former Dollar Tree

PARSIPPANY — Phenix Salon Suites, a trailblazer in the “Boutique Salon Suite Concept,” has secured approval from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board to occupy the space previously held by Dollar Tree in the Troy Hills Shopping Center. This move came after the salon was granted a Minor Site Plan with a C Variance, addressing parking requirements for the site on Route 46 at South Beverwyck Road.

Offering a unique blend of luxury and independence, Phenix Salon Suites empowers Lifestyle Professionals by providing them with elegantly designed suites to operate their individual businesses. Covering a generous area of 6,800 square feet, the location will boast 39 suites, welcoming clients from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by appointment only.

This boutique salon model eliminates the hurdles of traditional salon ownership. It presents salons and other business professionals with an upscale setting to run their own salon-like venture without the burdens of property management. From hairdressers to tattoo artists and smile experts to facialists, clients can enjoy an array of services under one roof, ensuring an upscale “Spa” ambiance.

This boutique salon model eliminates the hurdles of traditional salon ownership.

Committed to nurturing entrepreneurship, Phenix Salon Suites offers not just a space but also developmental tools and complimentary education, aiming to guarantee the success of every professional joining their community. This allows professionals to focus on expanding their clientele, honing their skills, and boosting their revenue in a refined environment, all at a fraction of the traditional cost.

Phenix Salon Suites is perfect for all Lifestyle Professionals. Clients will love to visit this location because they can satisfy all their salon needs in one place.

Sample of the interior of Phenix Suites

Video: Township of Parsippany Planning Board – August 7, 2023

Frank L. Cahill
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Video: Township of Parsippany Planning Board – August 7, 2023

Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board Meeting was held on August 7, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.

Click here to view the agenda.

The Planning Board members are:

Mayor Barberio 12/31/2025 I Mayor
Anil Dadheech* 12/31/2024 IV Regular
Michael de Pierro 12/31/2023 III Council Rep.
Tom Dinsmore 12/31/2025 IV Regular
Dominic Mele* 12/31/2023 IV Regular
Gordon Meth* 12/31/2025 IV Regular
Nick Napolitano 12/31/2024 IV Regular
Ted Stanziale 12/31/2023 Alternate No. 1
Jennifer Vealey* 12/31/2023 II Muni, Rep.
John Von Achen* 12/31/2023 IV Regular
Stuart Wiser Board Planner, ARH  
Andrew Cangiano Board Engineer, GPI  
Dan Lagana Board Attorney, Cleary Giacobbe Alfieri Jacobs  
Nora O. Jolie Board Secretary

 

Agenda subject to change without notice
Although the information on this site is believed to be reliable, online postings of meeting agendas are not considered official copies.

New Apartment Development Springs Up Off Cherry Hill Road

Frank L. Cahill
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New Apartment Development Springs Up Off Cherry Hill Road

PARSIPPANY — The transformation of excess office spaces into housing units continues in town with the initiation of new major housing projects.

While recent prominent constructions along Routes 80 and 10 have been in the spotlight, this new development lies discreetly within an office park on Cherry Hill Road.

Two four-story buildings are under construction at the site in the Morris Corporate Center. 

At the Morris Corporate Center site, two four-story buildings are emerging. The initial building, offering 162 rental units, aims to welcome occupants by this fall. Meanwhile, the subsequent building, boasting 163 units, is set to debut in early 2024.

District at 1515 Venture is in the process of introducing 500 more apartments along with retail spaces.

The township is currently witnessing a significant construction surge, with an additional 325 units proposed due to the available unwanted office space and the push for affordable housing solutions. Not far from this, construction is in progress at the PARQ site near the juncture of routes 80 and 287, set to incorporate 600 homes at the previously known Lanidex office park. Further south on Route 10, the District at 1515 venture is in the process of introducing 500 more apartments along with retail spaces.

Last year marked the onset of construction at the complex located at 100 Cherry Hill Road. This endeavor is taking the place of two earlier office buildings that were demolished. According to tax records, this expansive 26.6-acre site was acquired for $11.25 million in January 2021.

Jack Klugmann, the CEO of Accurate Builders based in Edison, emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “This development aims to cater to the urgent demand for rental homes in one of New Jersey’s most sought-after suburban areas.” He further added, “In collaboration with Mayor James Barberio and the town council, we share a collective vision for this property, striving to cultivate a community of enduring worth.”

Accurate Builders recently held a ribbon cutting for the Morris Marketplace in the heart of Morris Township. 

CUTTING THE RIBBON at Morris Marketplace. From left: Morris Township Committee members Donna Guariglia and Cathy Wilson, Deputy Mayor William “Bud” Ravitz, Accurate President and CEO Jack Klugmann, and DeVimy Equities Owner Robert Indig, August 8. Photo courtesy of the developers.

Morris Marketplace opens with an array of community-oriented public amenities and attractions designed to reimagine the conventional suburban shopping experience. From interactive children’s play areas to charming pocket parks, splash pads, inviting seating areas, al fresco dining spaces, and other active and passive recreational spots, the retail center invites visitors to immerse themselves in a lively and welcoming environment. 

The current roster of tenants at Morris Marketplace includes a diverse selection of establishments:

  • America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses – is now open
  • AT&T – is now open
  • Burlington – is now open
  • Cambridge Wines – coming soon
  • Dental office – coming soon
  • Diamond Braces – coming soon
  • European Wax – is now open
  • Habit Burger – is now open
  • Hand & Stone Massage & Facial – coming soon
  • Italian restaurant – coming soon
  • Jersey Mike’s – is now open
  • Just Salad – is now open
  • Lidl – opening September 2023
  • Mattress Warehouse – now open
  • Nail salon – coming soon
  • Optimum – coming soon
  • Orangetheory Fitness – is now open
  • Panda Express – is now open
  • Red Wing Shoes – is now open
  • Restore Wellness – is now open
  • Scenthound – is now open
  • Starbucks – coming soon
  • Taco Bell – is now open
  • Tropical Smoothie – is now open
  • Turning Point – coming soon
  • Twin Boro Physical Therapy – coming soon
  • Veterinary office – coming soon
  • Wells Fargo – is now open

Parsippany Man Sentenced for 2017 Child Assault; Guilty Verdict Follows Three-Day Trial

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Man Sentenced for 2017 Child Assault; Guilty Verdict Follows Three-Day Trial

PARSIPPANY — Morris County officials reported that Amit Bhatt, 43, previously from Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, received a sentence for an incident of Aggravated Explicit Contact from October 28, 2017. Bhatt was handed a 29-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison on June 23 for first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, with a mandatory 25 years before parole consideration. Additionally, a third-degree charge of Endangering a Child was combined into the Sexual Assault charge.

Upon his eventual release, Bhatt will be mandated to comply with Megan’s Law notifications and will be under Parole Supervision for the entirety of his life. He has also been strictly prohibited from contacting the victim.

Guided by the stipulations of the Jessica Lunsford Act, the sentence for first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault mandated a range between 25 years to life, with a non-negotiable 25 years before parole eligibility.

On January 27, after a concise three-day trial, a jury found Bhatt guilty on all three counts. These charges stemmed from an October 28, 2017, incident in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, where Bhatt was found to have conducted sexual acts upon and inappropriately touched an eight-year-old child.

The case came to light and was subsequently investigated by both the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes / Child Endangerment Unit following the victim’s revelation that was communicated to them by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office on January 11, 2022.

Gilead Sciences Expands East Coast Presence in Parsippany

Frank L. Cahill
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Gilead Sciences Expands East Coast Presence in Parsippany

PARSIPPANY —Gilead Sciences has inaugurated its cutting-edge facility in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, positioning it as the company’s primary East Coast hub. Dignitaries present for the inauguration included State Senator Joe Pennacchio, State Assemblyman Brian Bergen, Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus, Deputy Commissioner Director Christine Myers, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Gilead’s brand-new facility will take place at Latitude, situated at 379 Interpace Parkway.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman presented Jill Massey, Vice President, Global Medical Strategy and Operations, welcoming Gilead to Parsippany and thanking them for relocating to Parsippany.

The establishment of this new Gilead facility paves the way for the company’s ambitious goal to introduce ten or more groundbreaking medicines by the end of the decade.

As conveyed by a representative from Gilead, their expansive 96,391-square-foot establishment will accommodate as many as 500 professionals, spanning various functions from corporate roles to operations, engineering, and supply chain management. This new venture represents one of Gilead’s paramount infrastructural commitments outside their central Foster City, Calif. location, highlighting the firm’s strengthening relationship with the East Coast.

The primary focus of the Parsippany office will be on corporate functions encompassing medical affairs, regulatory affairs, operations, engineering, quality, and supply chain across various levels.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Gilead to Parsippany,” said Mayor Barberio. “After our initial meeting at the beginning of the year, I immediately felt that they would be an engaged community partner; and having signed an 11-year lease in the Latitude building, I look to establishing a great relationship with them. Their motto of “creating possible” speaks to their drive and desire to create a healthier world for all people.”

Gilead’s new facility is located in Latitude, 379 Interpace Parkway. 

Mayor James Barberio of Parsippany-Troy Hills addressed the audience

The primary focus of the Parsippany office will be on corporate functions encompassing medical affairs, regulatory affairs, operations, engineering, quality, and supply chain across various levels.

“As we celebrated the grand opening of Gilead’s new Parsippany site today, I was struck by the many attributes that make this an important and special place for the hundreds of colleagues who will call this their new workplace,” said Jill Massey, Vice President, Global Medical Strategy and Operations at Gilead Sciences and N.J. Site Lead. “One special detail that stands out in particular: Every conference room is dedicated to a person whose life has been impacted by a Gilead medicine, serving as an important reminder of the people we serve every day with our work.”

Gilead’s East Coast hub will include: 

  • Spaces for innovation to thrive: The office includes a variety of spaces designed for different ways of working, from conference rooms, a community hub, and other collaborative areas to quiet, closed-door rooms for individual-focused work.  
  • Keeping patients front and center: Each conference room is named after a person whose life has been impacted by Gilead medicine, providing a constant reminder of the purpose that drives the Company’s work. 
  • Amenities for employees’ wellbeing: To help Gilead employees bond and nourish their whole selves at work, the facility includes an onsite café, fitness center, pickle ball courts, yoga/Pilates room, and other amenities. 
  • Prioritizing sustainability: The latest green building practices have been incorporated into the site. 

There is also a partnership between Gilead and the Parsippany community.  There will be a $250,000 grant to Students 2 Science, a local organization helping to foster a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce through hands-on STEM experiences. The grant will help expand Students 2 Science programs, making them accessible to 1,650 underserved students from Morris County School Districts.

Meet the Merchants: Cornerstone Mortgage

Frank L. Cahill
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Meet the Merchants: Cornerstone Mortgage

PARSIPPANY — The Branch Director of Business Development of Cornerstone Mortgage, Sharif Shamsudin, welcomed a visit from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee, accompanied by Video on the Go.

Cornerstone Mortgage is located at 6 Century Drive, Suite 180, Parsippany.

In conjunction with Video on The Go Producer, Cinematographer, and Director Brian Satch,  Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill began working with local businesses within Parsippany to help publicize their business.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor said, “Parsippany businesses create job opportunities here in Parsippany. And add to the Township character. They also contribute to our charitable organizations. As Mayor of the Township Parsippany-Troy Hills, I ask you to #SHOP LOCAL, #SHOP PARSIPPANY.

The video will be aired on Public Access Channel 21 and included on the Township’s social media posts. In addition, Parsippany Focus will promote the videos as a free service to the Parsippany business community.

“In addition to working with the Administration on attracting new business to Parsippany, our committee is committed to working with current businesses and helping promote business within Parsippany,” said Cahill.

The service is free to any Parsippany business. Contact Frank Cahill at (973) 559-6000 for scheduling.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Celebrate the Legacy of Raoul Wallenberg

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Celebrate the Legacy of Raoul Wallenberg

PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, August 6, Mayor James R. Barberio, alongside the Parsippany Interfaith Council, commemorated the heroic deeds of Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat who bravely saved thousands of Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust.

Situated at Smith Field, the Wallenberg sculpture is among 31 global memorials, saluting Wallenberg’s exceptional courage and kindness in challenging times.

Wallenberg’s ultimate fate remains shrouded in mystery after being imprisoned in a Nazi gulag.

The heartfelt ceremony saw participation from Parsippany’s diverse religious leaders, elected representatives, and local residents.

Raoul Wallenberg stands as a towering figure in the annals of World War II history. A Swedish diplomat stationed in Budapest, he is credited with saving tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews from the clutches of the Holocaust.

With a combination of bravery and cunning, Wallenberg utilized “Schutz-Passes” – protective documents that declared the bearers to be under Swedish protection, despite lacking legal standing.

Additionally, he established a series of safe houses across Budapest, marked as Swedish territory, to shelter Jews from Nazi and Arrow Cross raids. His relentless efforts demonstrated a profound sense of humanity during one of history’s darkest hours. Tragically, in 1945, Wallenberg was detained by Soviet forces for reasons that remain unclear. His subsequent fate is shrouded in mystery, with conflicting reports on his demise. Nonetheless, Wallenberg’s legacy endures as a testament to the power of an individual’s will to combat profound evil.

 

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