PACC offers area graduating high school students Scholarships

Frank L. Cahill
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PACC offers area graduating high school students Scholarships

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) is pleased to offer two scholarship opportunities for graduating high school senior at Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School who have exhibited excellence in studies, and plan to pursue a business major or other related field at an accredited institution or acknowledged business school.  The individuals must have a 3.0 GPA or greater and be community service oriented.

The Annual Scholarships, in the amount of $500.00 each were created to recognize excellence, encourage business students of the future, and to demonstrate the value of success to the human experience.

Parsippany High School or Parsippany Hills High School seniors graduating in June 2017 who are currently attending are eligible. Applicants must (a) be Parsippany residents, (b) plan to pursue post-secondary studies in business, (c) have demonstrated community service and (d) have a 3.0 GPA grade average or greater.

“The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and its Board of Directors are committed to serving our community and encourage our young adults to pursue their unique dreams.  We encourage all graduating seniors to continue their education and to participate in our community, said Robert Peluso, President.”

“The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship was established in 2015 and I am very proud to start such program to help the graduating class pursue their education dreams” said Nicolas Limanov, Board Member, Chairman of the Scholarship Program. Limanov, a graduate of Parsippany High School received many scholarships to pursue his college education and is very active in community service programs.

Application information has been sent to the high school guidance offices for distribution. Applications are available through high school guidance offices as well as online by clicking here.

Applications must be postmarked or delivered to the the guidance department or Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, Post Office Box 6205, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2017.  Applicants will be judged by a committee consisting of panelists representing each artistic discipline. All panelists are professionals with a high level of expertise and professional business experience. Winners will be notified at the annual awards presentations at each high school.

PACC is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents, and volunteers that provides education, information, and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area. PACC works with our local and county governments and stand ready to pursue any matter that can make our community a better place in which to live, conduct business, and make a living. We promote a healthy and more prosperous economic climate.

For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce please call (973) 402-6400 or click here.

Drunk driver crashes into house on Marmora Road

Frank L. Cahill
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Drunk driver crashes into house on Marmora Road

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Police Officers along with Parsippany Fire Districts 3 and 6 and Parsippany Ambulance Cars 69 and 65, responded to Marmora Road shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon their arrival, they located a 2003 Red Ford Explorer that crashed into the residence at 134 Marmora Road.

During the investigation officers determined that the driver, later identified as Ms. Carla Marcella Martinez, 25, Bound Brook, was traveling east on Marmora Road at a high rate of speed while attempting to negotiate a right curve.

A sign knocked over is laying on the front lawn

Ms. Martinez ran off the road, struck a street sign, side swiped a tree, drove through the grass of 134 Marmora Road, and struck the house causing extensive damage to the house and the vehicle. Ms. Martinez was transported to the Morristown Medical Center for complaints of pain.

Another sign hit by the driver

The investigation also resulted in charging Ms. Martinez with Driving While Intoxicated. She was issued additional summonses for: Unregistered vehicle; open container of alcohol in vehicle; failure to maintain lane; unlicensed driver; reckless driving; no seat belt, and destruction of agricultural property. She was released on her own recognizance at the hospital to a sober adult pending her court appearance.

The home was stabilized by members of Parsippany Rescue and Recovery and a construction official from the Township of Parsippany Housing Department deemed the home safe for re-entry.

No injuries were reported by the occupants of the home.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Which way to Route 80?
The driver was traveling east on Marmora Road at a high rate of speed while attempting to negotiate a right curve

Janhavee Kulkarni wins First Place trophies at Mid Atlantic Music Teacher Guild

Frank L. Cahill
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Janhavee Kulkarni wins First Place trophies at Mid Atlantic Music Teacher Guild

PARSIPPANY — Northvail Elementary fourth grader, Janhavee Kulkarni walked away with two First Place trophies at this weekend’s Spring Mid Atlantic Music Teacher Guild Festival held on Friday, March 31; Saturday, April 1; and Sunday, April 2  at the Hanover Marriott in Whippany.

Miss Kulkarni sang “Amarilli Mia Bella” for the Voice Open Art Solo – Elementary category and “Climb” for the Voice Standard Pop Solo – Elementary category!

Congratulations!

The Spring Music Festival is All About The Kids. Students of all ages attend the annual Spring Music Festival and perform in music competitions, music evaluations and ensembles showcases. Each musical instrument category includes several types of events that promote musical excellence for students of varying performance ability levels.

Lakeland Hills YMCA Believes in Preventing Childhood Abuse

Frank L. Cahill
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Lakeland Hills YMCA Believes in Preventing Childhood Abuse

MOUNTAIN LAKES — In recognition of Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Month in April, the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA will be offering information to help prevent child abuse during the entire month. The Y encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making our local communities a better place for children and families.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany has been placing pinwheels throughout Parsippany. The pinwheel serves as the national symbol for child abuse prevention. It is a reflection of hope, health and safety.

Together we can prevent child abuse by ensuring that adults have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly.

One in ten children experiences the trauma of child sexual abuse before age 18, typically at the hands of someone they know and trust.

As adults, we are responsible for protecting children and educating ourselves to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

The Y promotes the following five Steps to Protecting Our Children™ (an initiative of Darkness to Light): Learn the Facts, Minimize Opportunity, Talk About It, Recognize the Signs, and React Responsibly. “Protecting children is of the utmost importance and April reminds us that child abuse is a threat to children in all communities,” said Vik Joganow, CEO at Lakeland Hills Y. “Adults should learn the facts about child sexual abuse and be prepared to intervene to protect the children in their lives.”

Everyone is invited to a special workshop presented in partnership with Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey and the Kiwanis Club of Greater called “Prevention Matters: Child Abuse and Neglect” on Thursday, April 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pre-registration is preferred either online or by calling the Y at (973) 334-2820.

The Lakeland Hills YMCA is located at 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes. Click here for additional information on programs and activities.

Catherine Grusovnik is the new manager of Atlantis Sports Club & Spa

Frank L. Cahill
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Catherine Grusovnik is the new manager of Atlantis Sports Club & Spa

PARSIPPANY —  Catherine Grusovnik is the new manager of Atlantis Sports Club & Spa inside the Parsippany Sheraton Hotel.

She has been the Activities Director at the Appalachian Hotel where she instructed yoga and meditation classes and acted as a guide on hikes.  She is also a group fitness instructor and a personal trainer.  She assists each individual with their personal fitness goals while making it fun. Her extensive knowledge of personal training and nutrition helps individuals feel and look their best.

 

“My desire to be in the fitness industry has many facets that have come full circle. I was always around fitness as a child because my dad had the old, hard core style gym in our basement. He and his friends would work out often and eventually my dad began cycling. So I always had the idea of health and wellness around me. However, I didn’t find my passion until I was much older,” said Catherine.

She continued “Having gone through two spinal cord surgeries and overcoming being bed ridden for six weeks after the second one, I put on considerable weight and lost myself in food. Working an exceptionally stressful job and hitting my highest weight, I reached my breaking point and made some changes. I went to school to become a personal trainer. I believed that I as I journeyed through to a healthier life I could absolutely inspire others because I understand what it’s like to be stuck on the couch and look in the mirror and not like the reflection.”

The indoor pool at Atlantis

“Since then I train clients, teach classes including boot camps, circuits, yoga and meditation. I have run multiple 5ks, 10ks, half marathons and triathlons. I am currently training for the Chicago Marathon this October. And I love talking about it to everyone and bringing them along my journey, struggles and all. Every step I run, I run in gratitude for the strength to overcome obstacles,” said Catherine.

Whether you are new to fitness, seasoned athlete, want to relax in our sauna and steam rooms, or swim in our salt water pool, at Atlantis Sports Clubs our goal is for you to succeed in achieving your health and fitness goals. They believe that results are attained by a great fitness experience that will restore and enhance your mind and body leaving you feeling refreshed, alive, and ready to meet life’s challenges.

Atlantis Sports Club & Spa is located at 199 Smith Road, inside Parsippany Sheraton Hotel. They are open Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

For more information click here.

“Love like Ashley” Bingo night. Such a special event for a wonderful and beautiful girl

Frank L. Cahill
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“Love like Ashley” Bingo night. Such a special event for a wonderful and beautiful girl

PARSIPPANY — Over 400 people packed the Parsippany PAL Youth Center on Friday, March 25 to support “Love Like Ashley Bingo Night.”

This picture of the Love and Support of the 400 people who attended on Friday, March 24

“It was truly an HONOR to be part of the event planning for the Love Like Ashley Bingo Night! So very proud to live in Parsippany and be part of such a loving and caring community! #lovelikeashley,” said Marni Deuer.

Joseph Cistaro with Mayor James Barberio
Joseph and Christina Cistaro

 

“Love like Ashley” Bingo night. Such a special event for a wonderful and beautiful girl

The Love Like Ashley Memorial Fund, established in 2016, is a tribute to Ashley Nicole Cistaro. Ashley passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly on March 27, 2016.

Ashley was a sweet, loving, kind and happy nine year old whose scrunchy smile warmed the hearts of everyone who knew her. All it took was an introduction, and Ashley considered you her friend.

She welcomed everyone into her circle with open arms. Even as a young girl, her empathy and compassion for others extended well beyond her years.

She lived her life to make others feel accepted and always celebrated others’ successes regardless of her own. Her heart, mind and soul were filled with kindness, joy, love and so many sparkles. She wasn’t afraid to be herself and never felt the need to follow the crowd. Ashley truly was an angel on earth.

Ashley Cistaro

Ashley loved and adored her people: Mommy, Daddy, big sister Ella, Huey, Charlie, her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and each and every one of her teachers and friends with her whole heart. She loved cupcakes, cookies, all things peanut butter, lip gloss morning, noon and night, cheerleading, dancing, being silly, the beach and anything pink, purple and sparkly. Ashley was a joy to be around, and truly left a little sparkle wherever she went.

The Love Like Ashley Memorial Fund exists as a community fund to support local, philanthropic causes that honor Ashley’s all-accepting, selfless, empathetic spirit. In addition, an annual scholarship will be awarded to a student who has overcome personal challenges and has demonstrated the qualities that Ashley possessed throughout their high school career.

Ashley Cistaro

While donations are much appreciated and what will keep this fund going for years to come, the Love Like Ashley Memorial Fund is solely about honoring Ashley’s beautiful spirit in all that we do. Be a friend to someone who needs one. Enjoy the little things in life… Snuggle with your loved ones. Say I love you any chance you get. Be silly and make people laugh. When life gets difficult, keep going and don’t ever give up. Most importantly, spread kindness where it is needed most.

Ashley was taken from us far too soon. In her short time here she created a legacy with her kind, sparkly spirit. Above all things, it is our hope that all who come upon this fund will dedicate their lives and choose to live and Love Like Ashley.

For more information on Ashley, click here.

Former Parsippany Resident Dr. Stephen J. Roman, Jr. engaged

Frank L. Cahill
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Former Parsippany Resident Dr. Stephen J. Roman, Jr. engaged

PARSIPPANY — Mr. Stephen J. Roman Sr. of Parsippany is pleased to announce the Engagement of his son Dr. Stephen J. Roman, Jr., of Ewing, to Miss Natalia Shubitidze, of Brooklyn, New York.

Miss Shubitidze is a Professional Model appearing in many magazines, commercials and fashions shows in both Europe and New York City, currently she is an instructor at the Barbizon School in New York City.

Dr. Roman is a triple board certified medical doctor, he attended Seton Hall University for his undergraduate degree, University of Medicine of New Jersey for his MD, and Emory University, where he undertook his fellowship training, he is currently studying for a fourth Board Certification from the Harvard Medical School. He is a senior partner in The Trenton Orthopedic Group.

A September wedding is planned.

Eagle Scout Court of Honor held for Rishi Sai Konkesa

Frank L. Cahill
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Eagle Scout Court of Honor held for Rishi Sai Konkesa

PARSIPPANY —  An Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held on March 25 at Parsippany PAL Youth Center for Rishi Sai Konkesa for achieving the highest rank by the Boy Scouts of America, that of Eagle Scout.

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, the mountain climbing begins. The path is marked with 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.

Eagle Scout is the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting. Since 1912 more than two million Boy Scouts have earned the Eagle Scout rank. In the words of the Eagle Scout Promise, Eagles do their best each day to make their training an example, their rank and their influence count strongly for better Scouting and for better citizenship in their troop, in their community, and in their contacts with other people. To this they pledge their sacred honor.

In Parsippany, there have been 68 other boys receiving such honor since 1957. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million young men. Only 4% of the Boy Scouts actually earn this rank.

Rishi began his Scouting experience in Cub Scout Pack 5 joining as a Webelos 2 Cub Scout. Following his time in Pack 5, Rishi joined Troop 173 in fifth grade and quickly advanced through the first few ranks through special guidance of Robert Ebel, Danny Metcalf, and Scoutmasters John Worthington and Les Wu.

As a member of Troop 173, Rishi held a variety of leadership positions including Scribe, Troop Guide, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader. His most valuable experience in his Scouting experience is his time as Patrol Leader where he learned invaluable communication, organization, and leadership skills.

Boy Scout Troop 173

In addition, Rishi accumulated over 127 Scouting related service hours and participated in both the National Youth Leadership Training Conference and the Woodsman Thong leadership training programs.

For his Eagle Project, Rishi designed and marked three walking trails around Lake Parsippany Park. He also constructed a kiosk containing a map of the park along with contact information for town officials and town resources for parks and recreation. Along with the trail system, Rishi constructed a 45-foot walking path along with a small garden in order to reduce foot traffic on a grassy area. He thanks his Eagle Scout coach, Shane Moravsik, for helping him complete his project in a timely manner.

Rishi is a senior at the Morris County School of Technology in the Academy for Healthcare Sciences. In school he participates in the National Honors/Technical Honors Society and serves as treasurer for the Health Occupations Students of America Club, Robotics Club, and Student Council.

He is also an active member of the Parsippany Hills High School tennis team and the Morris County Relay for Life event for which he has served as a team leader for two years raising over 2,000 dollars in donations for cancer research.

During the past two summers, Rishi served as an Intern at the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, MD where he conducted research in microvilli formation. During this experience he was fortunate to develop a research paper for which he earned a semifinalist position in the Siemens Science Competition in Math, Science and Technology. He currently serves as an intern at the Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research. In the future, Rishi wishes to pursue a career in medicine and would like to return to the community some of the benefits he has received from it. He also plans to remain active in Scouting after college and help younger Scouts along their Scouting journey because he recognizes the positive influence Scouting has had on him during his formative years.

During his Scouting career, Rishi accumulated 79 total camping nights earning the BSA National Outdoor Award for Camping with three gold devices. In addition Rishi earned 30 Merit Badges including:

    • Archery
    • Basketry
    • Camping*
    • Citizenship in the Community*
    • Citizenship in the Nation*
    • Citizenship in the World*
    • Collections
    • Communications
    • Cooking*
    • Emergency Preparedness*
    • Environmental Science*
    • Family Life*
    • Fingerprinting
    • Fishing
    • Indian Lore
    • Leatherwork
    • Model Design
    • Music
    • Nature
    • Personal Fitness*
    • Personal Management*
    • Pioneering
    • Pottery
    • Rowing
    • Small Boat Sailing
    • Space Exploration
    • Swimming*
    • Wilderness Survival
    • Wood Carving

To earn the Eagle award the Scout must complete 21* required merit badges. Rishi earned a total of 30 Merit Badges.

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, Stephen Corcoran, 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, Joseph Stretavski, Brendan Barwick, Eric Galley, Bobby Ebel, Sean Michie, Michael Ludwig, Matthew Luther, Chris Gardner, Chris Worthington, Cameron Boone, Daniel Metcalf and Rishi Konkesa. Noah Munn will be honored with a Eagle Scout Court of Honor in the upcoming weeks.

Pinwheel Garden Planted to Create Awareness for Prevent Child Abuse

Frank L. Cahill
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Pinwheel Garden Planted to Create Awareness for Prevent Child Abuse

PARSIPPANY — In April, Women’s Clubs across the country support Prevent Child Abuse America in its Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign. Every year, clubwomen raise awareness of child abuse and promote healthy childhoods by planting pinwheel gardens. Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the pinwheel in 2008 as the official symbol of great childhoods.

The pinwheel reminds everyone of their own childhoods and the fact that all children deserve to be happy and healthy. Here in New Jersey, the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC have made Prevent Child Abuse its Special State Project for the next two years. Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey is the only statewide non-profit dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect in all forms, for all New Jersey children. For more information on PCA-NJ click here.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.

The April General Meeting is on Monday, April 24 at 7:00 pm, at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. All area women are welcome. For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, click here to view their website.

Photo Credit – Jan Wohld.

Morris County 2017 Open Space Grant Applications Now Being Accepted

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County 2017 Open Space Grant Applications Now Being Accepted

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Department of Planning and Public Works, Division of Planning and Preservation, has announced that the 2017 grant application for funding of open space projects under the Morris County Preservation Trust are now available online by clicking here.

Any of Morris County’s 39 municipalities and qualified charitable conservancies are eligible to apply for grant funding, said Barbara Murray, open space program coordinator.

Funding for the grants comes from the county’s Preservation Trust Fund, which generates revenues through a voter-approved special county tax.

The tax, set at 7/8 of a cent per $100 of tax assessment, should generate about $8 million this year. Of that money, the county allocates 2/8 of a cent to the Park Improvement Trust used by the Park Commission to restore facilities and 5/8 of a cent is allocated to the other Preservation Trust Programs.

Freeholder Christine Myers

In addition to open space projects, the county’s preservation fund also helps finance farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, recreational trails project, and the purchase of residential properties prone to flooding.

“Preserving our natural areas is vitally important to maintaining our great quality of life in Morris County,’’ said Freeholder Christine Myers, who is the county governing board’s liaison on preservation issues. “Our parks, trails, and nature areas offer a great variety of recreational opportunities for our residents, sometimes just giving us a place to breathe and think, so it is vital to ensure that we have green spaces in each of our towns.’’

The freeholders in 2016 approved funding for six preservation projects at a cost of nearly $3.75 million and totaling more than 270 acres in five Morris County towns. Included were two projects in Denville, and one each in Parsippany, Kinnelon, Randolph, and the first-ever grant award to Mt. Arlington.

They ranged from six-acres in a heavily populated section of Parsippany — and one of the last remaining undeveloped large open spaces in town, to 179-acres of forested land in Kinnelon that is contiguous to a county greenway and a local park in neighboring Pequannock.

Puzio Farm, is located east of Knoll Road, south of the Knollwood School within a densely populated section of the township.  The property was a former tree farm and is one of the few remaining large open space tracts left in the township.  The level property is contiguous to preserved open space and located across the street from watershed lands surrounding the Jersey City Reservoir.  Preservation will create a greenway of close to 35 acres in the region and protect water quality. The grant amount approved in 2016 was $772,500.

More than 13,750 acres of open space have been preserved with the assistance of grant funding from the county program since its inception in 1993, according to Murray.

The deadline for submitting 2017 open space applications and appraisals is Friday, June 16. The Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee will visit proposed sites in September, with final presentations made in October, and recommendations made to the freeholder board in early November.

You can obtain additional information by contacting the Morris County Division of Planning and Preservation at (973) 829-8120.

Morris County Vocational School District English Teacher Served as State Teacher Representative

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Vocational School District English Teacher Served as State Teacher Representative

DENVILLE — Morris County Vocational School District English Teacher and 2014 Morris County Teacher of the Year, Lisa Adams, served as the New Jersey State teacher representative at the State Teacher Leadership Convening on February 13-14 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Given the increased flexibility from the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), state education agencies are able to advance their approaches to teacher leadership. The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) in collaboration with Leading Educators convened states interested in further refining their teacher leadership strategies.  Adams joined a vertical team of five people from the state to refine their theory of action for teacher leadership with supported, specific, tested strategies. Adams joined Chelsea Collins, Program Manager, New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE); Debra Gulick, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, East Brunswick Public School District; Peter Mazzagatti, Policy Analyst, NJDOE Office of Evaluation; and Charles Rowan, Assistant Principal, North Plainfield High School.

The state team had the opportunity to create and adapt a variety of resources from other states and collaborated through extensive, facilitated time to engage in strategic conversations as a team. The team left the convening with a clear action plan to guide their work over the course of 2017 – 2018 as it relates to the New Jersey Teacher Leader Endorsement.

The Teacher Leader Endorsement will be available to teachers who are eligible and complete an approved program of study and will recognize educators who take on leadership positions in their schools while maintaining their roles as teachers.

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. For additional information, call the Morris County School of Technology at (973) 627-4600 ext. 277.

 

Spring Cleaning for a Cause with Employment Horizons’ Clothing Drive

Frank L. Cahill
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Spring Cleaning for a Cause with Employment Horizons’ Clothing Drive

CEDAR KNOLLS — Clothing and fashion accessories for men, women and children will be collected as Employment Horizons holds its annual spring clothing drive April 19 to 21.  The clothing drives offers an opportunity to spring into spring while benefiting area residents with disabilities.

Items to be collected also include stuffed animals and hard toys, such as dolls and action figures (must be below 14” in size), as well as household linens (blankets, sheets, curtains, etc – no fabric scraps or carpet). All items should be placed in well-tied plastic bags. Shoes, boots, and sneakers are also accepted. No single shoes, winter coats, or winter boots, please. All donated items will be distributed to needy families overseas. The clothing will be turned over to a company that will in turn pay Employment Horizons for each pound collected. Their goal is to collect 5,000 pounds.

Bags may be dropped off at Employment Horizons, 10 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls from April 19 to 21, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.  Donations are to be placed in the box truck marked “Clothing Drive” located in the Employment Horizons rear parking lot. Items may not be dropped off prior to these dates.

Don’t forget, Employment Horizons also has an on-site book bin where you can drop off books, textbooks, CDs, DVDs, and video games. Please no encyclopedias, magazines, VHS tapes, or water damaged items.

Employment Horizons is a local not-for-profit organization which serves individuals with disabilities, empowering them to earn a paycheck and live as productive citizens in the greater Morris County area. For more information, contact Maria Florio, Director of Community Relations at (973) 538-8822 ext. 240 or at mariaflorio@ehorizons.org.

 

Jaya Minhas to Present at 2017 National Conference on Undergraduate Research

Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — Jaya Minhas, an Albright College senior French/Spanish major/women’s and gender studies minor will present at the 2017 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). The scholarly gathering, marking its 31st year, will be held at the University of Memphis, April 6 to 8.  Minhas is a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, Class of 2012.

Minhas will present “The Condition of Indigenous Women in the Andean Region.”

Established in 1987, the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research promotes undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, this gathering of young scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all corners of the academic curriculum, creating a unique environment for the celebration and promotion of undergraduate student achievement, providing models of exemplary research and scholarship, and helping to improve the state of undergraduate education.

Founded in 1856, Albright College educates creative, curious students to become adaptable, global citizens who discover and reach their full potential. The College’s flexible interdisciplinary curriculum encourages students to combine majors and disciplines to create individualized academic programs. Close faculty mentorship, numerous experiential learning options, and a diverse, supportive and nurturing community of scholars and learners help students exceed their own expectations and graduate with a commitment to a lifetime of service and learning. Located in Reading, Pennsylvania, Albright enrolls more than 1,800 full-time undergraduates and 700 adult learners and graduate students.

 

 

“Be The Change You Wish To See In the World” T-shirts raised money for students

Frank L. Cahill
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“Be The Change You Wish To See In the World” T-shirts raised money for students

PARSIPPANY — Faculty and Staff from Central Middle School and teachers from Eastlake Elementary School purchased t-shirts that have the quote “Be The Change You Wish To See In The World.”  

The t-shirts also had the school name on them. Proceeds from this fundraiser went to the students in the National History Day Club at Central Middle School and at Eastlake Elementary School, the funds went to help students purchase books at their school book fair. 

LHY Board of Governors Kicks off Annual Giving Campaign for Kids

Frank L. Cahill
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LHY Board of Governors Kicks off Annual Giving Campaign for Kids

MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Y believes that all kids have the potential to grow up and change the world if they’re nurtured properly and supported along the way. With that in mind, the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA kicked off their annual GIVE A KID THE Y campaign on Saturday, April 1.

This annual effort primarily supports financial aid scholarships for childcare, after school care, and summer day camp, providing dollars of financial assistance to those in the local area who are less fortunate. Last year the Y provided almost $185,000 in financial aid scholarships for membership and specifically toward these areas: $53,905 Early Childhood Learning Center, $85,475 Day Camp, $23,688 After School Childcare, $6,059 Aquatics, and $1,765 Youth Fitness.

 

The Y invites you to become a part of GIVE A KID THE Y by supporting this vital cause. Your gift will provide programs and services that give all kids what they need to succeed from childhood and beyond – regardless of their financial circumstances. Please pledge (payable by 12/31/17) your support when one of their volunteers contacts you or pledge/donate online at www.lakelandhillsymca.com

Eastlake School PTA to hold Tricky-Tray

Frank L. Cahill
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Eastlake School PTA to hold Tricky-Tray

PARSIPPANY — The EastLake School PTA will be holding a Tricky-Tray on Friday, April 21. The event will be held at Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road. Pre-sale ticket check in is at 5:30 p.m. and general admission (if tickets remain available) starts at 6:00 p.m.

Click here to down load a pre-sale ticket form. Pre-sale tickets are due by April 14. Admission ticket is $20.00 which includes admission, coffee, dessert and three sheets of level 1 tickets. Advanced Admission Ticket bundles is $40.00 includes admission, coffee, dessert, three sheets level 1 tickets, 5 level 2 tickets and 1 level 3 ticket.

Night of the event, Admission is $20.00, which includes coffee and dessert (while tickets last). Ticket sales are $5.00 for level 1 tickets, $2.00 for level 2 tickets and $5.00 for level 3 tickets.

Print out the attached form and mail it to Eastlake Elementary School, 40 Eba Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 in a sealed envelope, attention 5th Grade Committee or contact eastlake5thgrade17@gmail.com. Make all checks payable to Eastlake PTA.

Lt. Gov. Guadagno: Here’s how electing the attorney general restores trust in government

Frank L. Cahill
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Lt. Gov. Guadagno: Here’s how electing the attorney general restores trust in government

By Kim Guadagno Is the Office of the Governor in New Jersey too powerful? If you believe it is, like I do, it’s time to have an honest conversation about how to fix it. I have put forward a bold plan that will begin to restore trust in state government by establishing an independently elected attorney…

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Inglesino leads informative meeting regarding Affordable Housing requirements

Frank L. Cahill
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Inglesino leads informative meeting regarding Affordable Housing requirements

PARSIPPANY — “Professor” John Inglesino led a very informative and interesting discussion on affordable housing and what effect it will have on the residents of Parsippany. Mayor James Barberio welcomed the standing room only crowd, and spoke for about three minutes before turning the almost three hour meeting over to Township Attorney John Inglesino. “There’s nobody that knows land-use law like Mr. Inglesino,” Barberio said before turning the meeting over to Inglesino.

Residents were asking questions

Inglesino explained the challenges of affordable housing requirements facing Parsippany and supplied answers to many of the questions asked by interested members of Sedgefield and Glacier Hills. Inglesino stated during the meeting that the courts have not decided Parsippany’s required number of affordable housing units.

Also present were Business Administrator Ellen Sandman, Township Planner Ed Sneickus, CFO Ann Cucci and Attorney Owen Weaver.

Mayor James Barberio addressing the audience

Barberio sent an undated letter to ONLY Sedgefield and Glacier Hills residents to attend the meeting. Mayor James Barberio said “As I sated (sic) in my recent State of the Town address, our ability to comply with New Jersey Supreme Court draconian mandates on affordable housing is one of the most significant changes we face. We will face this challenge together as a community – so that you, the residents, are fully informed about this challenge and have the opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts, views and opinions.” Click here to view a copy of the letter mailed to Sedgefield and Glacier Hills residents.”

“Unfortunately, the mayor elected to exclude the council from this meeting,” Council Vice President Robert Peluso said. “As you know, the mayor held this meeting as a private meeting and directed that it was by invitation only. As a result, council members, as well as large numbers of the public, were unable to attend.”

After reviewing a videotape of the meeting, Peluso said “The Mayor and Mr. Inglesino did not tell the whole story and continue to mislead the public. In particular, the Mayor’s presentation makes it appear that all of the units being proposed in town are required under COAH. It is my experience that these units make up only part of a development. I believe there are other options. The Mayor should stop with the smoke and mirrors. The taxpayers deserve to know the full scope of the proposed projects and the potential impact on our neighborhoods.”

Also present at the meeting were two Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers at the front door and representatives from the Mayor’s office controlling the desk, which was at the entrance, to ensure only invited guests entered the meeting.

The Mayor did state at the meeting he plans to host future meetings about the subject at which time he will notify all residents. At the time of this article there are no plans announced for additional meetings.

Mack-Cali has intervened in the Township’s Mt. Laurel affordable housing action. This means that Mack-Cali is seeking to construct multi-family housing in Parsippany, a portion of which is affordable housing. Although Mack-Cali has not specified in court papers exactly where it seeks to construct such housing, there is speculation that at least one site being considered is 1633 Littleton Road. That property currently consists of a vacant office building.

Roseland Residential Trust, Mack-Cali’s multi-family subsidiary, recently acquired Two Campus Drive in Mack-Cali’s Business Campus for approximately $5.5 million. The strategic acquisition will pave the way for the execution of the mixed-use master plan for the Campus in Parsippany. This property is adjacent to 1633 Littleton Road.

There are no applications pending with the Township Zoning Board of Adjustment or Planning Boards regarding Mack-Cali’s future plans.

Democrat Council Candidate Katie Cassidy told Parsippany Focus, “I’m concerned about a change of use in even a portion of the Mack-Cali complex. Building multi-family housing there would have a substantial impact on the township, especially near 202, where the traffic is already a problem. What affects Sedgefield and Glacier Hills affects other communities in the township as well. If an issue is complex enough for both the Attorney and the Planner to be present, the Council should be there as well. Sure, that would require public notice per the Open Public Meetings Act, but that should not be too much to ask. The administration should reschedule the meeting to give adequate time for public notice and hold the meeting at one of the high schools so that anyone concerned can go. Parsippany works best when its many communities come together. We should have an opportunity to do that on this issue.”

1633 Littleton Road is directly across from Sedgefield

Democrat Mayoral Candidate Michael Soriano stated “The Route 202 corridor is already beyond capacity, and traffic along the road has been an issue that has gone unaddressed by the current administration for far too long.  This is an issue that effects most of the residents of Parsippany everyday, and the outcome of the Mack-Cali project will have an impact in every corner of town.  I believe that an issue of such importance that it requires a special meeting at town hall with the township attorney present should be open to all residents of Parsippany, and that the residents of Sedgefield and Glacier Hills would welcome their input.”

The meeting was videotaped and is published below.  The video contains three segments.

The Paw Patrol visited IHOP

Frank L. Cahill
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The Paw Patrol visited IHOP

PARSIPPANY — The Paw Patrol visited IHOP made a visit to IHOP on Friday, March 31. Characters Police Pup Chase and Firedog Marshall entertained the children. The event was sponsored by IHOP and Robert Peluso Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President and Mayoral Candidate. IHOP is located at 792 Route 46.

A group of six rescue dogs, led by a tech-savvy boy named Ryder, has adventures in “PAW Patrol.” The heroic pups, who believe “no job is too big, no pup is too small,” work together to protect the community. Among the members of the group are firedog Marshall, police pup Chase, and fearless Skye. All of the animals have special skills, gadgets and vehicles that help them on their rescue missions. Whether rescuing a kitten or saving a train from a rockslide, the PAW Patrol is always up for the challenge while also making sure there’s time for a game or a laugh.

PAW Patrol first episode date was August 12, 2013 and can be seen on the Nickelodeon Network.

Frankie and Tyler Fisk with Police Pup Chase from The Paw Patrol
Council Vice President Robert Peluso and his son Robert with Firedog Marshall
Firedog Marshall with IHOP server Nicolas Lopez
Police pup Chase with Robert and Council Vice President Robert Peluso at the IHOP during a visit from The Paw Patrol
Four-year old Benjamin Koenig and his father Matthew with Casey Zicolello and Natalie Koenig, 18 months. Council Vice President Robert Peluso is with Marshall
Tracie Kasko, right, with three-year old Ryan and Marshall at IHOP
Four-year old Maanav Patel is excited to meet Police Pup Chase
The Webb family meetings Marshall. John and Anna Webb with five-year old Jack, four-year old Nolan and two-year old Carter. Council Vice President Robert Peluso looks on.
Ildiko and Robert Peluso meeting Marshall with Robert , Jr., enjoying the excitement of one of his favorite television characters

Gourmet Cafe fundraiser to Support NJ Sharing Network Foundation

Frank L. Cahill
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Gourmet Cafe fundraiser to Support NJ Sharing Network Foundation

PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Multi-Organ Transplant Group is hosting a fundraiser at Gourmet Cafe on Monday, April 3, as part of the group’s celebration of Donate Life Month in April.  The purpose of the month-long promotion is to highlight the importance of organ and tissue donation awareness.  

A portion of sales from the day including lunch and dinner, eat in and take-out, as well as gift certificates go to the New Jersey Sharing Network Foundation.

Gourmet Cafe is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The restaurant is located at the corner of Route 46 and Baldwin Road, 136 Baldwin Road.  To make a reservation call (973) 316-0088.

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