Starbuck’s Second Parsippany location will be brewing soon

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Focus reported in a story titled “Good-bye to the King of Burgers; Hello to the King of Coffee” in January 2016 that Burger King will become a Starbucks. (Click here to read complete story)

Recently, we published a story on March 27 regarding “Starbucks will be served in Parsippany soon.” (Click here to read complete story).

When that story was published Parsippany Focus received dozens of calls, emails, text messages and Facebook post messages regarding our “Good-bye to the King of Burgers; Hello to the King of Coffee” story.

Everyone wanted to know what happen to the Starbucks coming to Route 46.

Parsippany Focus contacted Town Hall for an update and was told “They have their permits and should begin shortly.” Soon you will be able to drive-up and order your Iced Carmel Macchiato or Caffè Americano in Parsippany, instead of driving to Denville or elsewhere. The new location will be located at 1429 Route 46.

 

Someone Must Wash the Dishes: An Anti-Suffrage Satire

Michele LaRue in “Someone Must Wash the Dishes”

PARSIPPANY — Accredited actress Michele LaRue, in period costume, will portray a fictional speaker in this witty, satiric monologue written by pro-suffragist Marie Jenny Howe in 1912 on Thursday, April 13, 7:30 p.m., at the Bethel in Trinity Park, Mount Tabor. 

Many women fought against the vote in the early 1900s, but none with more charm, prettier clothes, and less logic, than the fictional speaker. “Women suffrage is the reform against nature”, declares Howe’s unlikely, but irresistibly likable heroine.  Reviewers have called this production “wicked” in its wit, and have labeled Michele LaRue’s performance “side-splitting.” LaRue is a professional actress who tours nationally with a repertoire of shows by turn-of-the-previous-century American writers. The production is directed by Warren Kliewer for New Jersey’s The East Lynne Co., which he founded in 1980 to revive American plays and literature of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Park at the post office at 26 Simpson Avenue, Mount Tabor and walk up the pedestrian path to the Bethel. For information call (973) 625-8548. Invite your friends and neighbors for this treat provided by funding from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. This program is co-sponsored by the Mount Tabor Historical Society and Mt. Tabor branch of the Parsippany Library.

Brianne Partington Enrolls at Lebanon Valley College

PARSIPPANY — Lebanon Valley College is excited to welcome Brianne Partington, Mount Tabor, as part of the Class of 2021 which will arrive on campus for the Fall 2017 semester.

Brianne, who attends Parsippany Hills High School, plans to major in Music Business at The Valley.

Brianne will be among more than 1,600 full-time undergraduates studying 41 challenging and sophisticated majors, as well as customized self-designed majors. Brianne will receive the guidance, mentoring, and education required to become a successful member of the LVC Global Network.

Lebanon Valley College is a private, coeducational college founded in 1866 and dedicated to the liberal arts. The College offers 41 undergraduate majors plus self-designed majors and a range of minors, concentrations, and pre-professional options, as well as graduate degree programs in athletic training, business administration, music education, physical therapy, science in STEM education, and speech-language pathology.

The College has 1,602 full-time undergraduate students and 113 full-time faculty. Students can choose from more than 95 clubs and organizations, and 19 study abroad programs. LVC awards generous academic scholarships to those whose high school records demonstrate a commitment to challenge and achievement. Learn more at www.lvc.edu.

Join the MOMS Clubs of Parsippany for Fun at the Parsippany Library

PARSIPPANY — The MOMS Club of Parsippany East and MOMS Club of Parsippany West, chapters of an international support group for mothers, will host a children’s yoga class and open house on Friday, May 5 at the Parsippany Main Library’s meeting rooms A and B, 449 Halsey Road.

A yoga class for preschool and school-aged children will be led by WDHA DJ Lindsay Klein, who is also a mother and certified yoga instructor. Lindsay uses her knowledge of music and background in dance to create her unique yoga classes.

Activities will also be provided for younger siblings and children not interested in participating in yoga.

The yoga class for preschool and school-aged children will be held at 10:30. For expectant mothers and mothers who will be without children during the morning but want to learn more about the club, a meet-and-greet with refreshments will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The meet-and-greet session will also continue after the conclusion of the yoga class at 11:00 a.m. Those coming just for the meet-and-greet need not register in advance.

RSVP for the class online at the Parsippany Library’s website, by clicking here. Registration preference will first be given to Parsippany residents, with remaining spots then available to outside residents. Registration for Parsippany residents begins on April 19 and remaining spots will open on April 26.

Can’t make the open house but still want to learn about MOMS Club chapters in Parsippany? If you live in Parsippany with children who attend or will attend Troy Hills, Lake Hiawatha, Northvail, Knollwood, or Rockaway Meadow schools, email parsippanymomsclubeast@gmail.com. Those whose children attend or will attend Intervale, Mount Tabor, Lake Parsippany, Eastlake, and Littleton schools should email parsippanymomsclubwest@gmail.com.

Pet Valu’s Pet Appreciation Month Raises Money and Awareness for Local Rescues

PARSIPPANY — Pet Valu, a premium pet supplies and accessories chain, is currently hosting its 7th annual Pet Appreciation Month to raise money for local rescues and find forever homes for as many pets as possible. Throughout April, customers can donate at any Pet Valu store nationwide by purchasing a festive pet bandana for $5.00 or a Paper Paw to hang in the store’s window for an amount of their choosing. Anyone who donates will receive a $5.00 coupon to use at Pet Valu, and their donation will go directly toward the rescues in their community.

Pet Valu is located at 3053A US-46 in the Morris Hills Shopping Center,

As part of the month-long celebration, Pet Valu will also host a National Adoption Weekend on April 21 to April 23. From Friday through Sunday, local rescues will be at Pet Valu stores with adorable animals up for adoption by loving families. Specials sales, raffles and refreshments will also be offered all weekend long. Those who adopt will receive a free bag of pet food and other store coupons. Last year, 927 animals found homes, while over $510,000 was raised during Pet Appreciation Month in entirety.

Though only a few months into the year, Pet Valu’s fundraisers for national animal causes and local shelters have already seen a substantial uptick in customer participation. In March, Pet Valu’s annual campaign for America’s VetDogs, an organization that helps place service animals with disabled veterans and first-responders, brought in the highest amounts ever recorded in the partnership’s history.

An early glance at the 2017 cumulative totals for Pet Valu’s fundraising events show:

  •     732 homeless cat and dog adoptions facilitated with local shelters
  •     36,157 bags (a value of $211,148) of kitty litter donated to local shelters
  •     $171,215 raised for America’s VetDogs
  •     $164,584 raised for local animal cruelty prevention groups by 2017 calendar sales

“We continue to be overwhelmed with our customers’ enthusiasm and generosity each time we offer opportunities to support causes for animals in need,” said Joe Dent, vice president and U.S. general manager for Pet Valu. “What really tells the story about Pet Valu’s growth over the past few years is how much our customers have given back to their communities during events like Pet Appreciation Month and toward our partners like America’s VetDogs. Those are the numbers that matter most.”

Mount Tabor Historic District Unveils National Register Marker at Ceremony

PARSIPPANY — The Mount Tabor Historical Society is pleased to announce that a ceremony unveiling the National Register Marker commemorating the listing of the Mount Tabor Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places was held on Sunday, March 19.

Attending the unveiling of the Mount Tabor Historic District National Register Marker are from left: Parsippany Historian Randy Tortorello, Council member Loretta Gragnani and Parsippany Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Mount Tabor Historical Society President Michelle LaConto Munn, Morris County Freeholder Christine Myers, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio

Several dignitaries were present to congratulate the Mount Tabor Historical Society on this great achievement including Morris County Freeholder Christine Myers, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Parsippany Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Council member Loretta Gragnani, Parsippany Town Historian Randy Tortorello and Camp Meeting Association President Richard Morgan. Also attending the unveiling ceremony were Mount Tabor Historical Society members and other community residents.

Mount Tabor Historical Society President Michelle LaConto Munn had the honor to unveil the newly placed National Register Marker located in a garden near the post office parking on Simpson Avenue. A reception was held immediately following in the Bethel Pavilion.

The listing marks a major milestone for the community and those involved in the nomination process, which started in January of 2011 with the assistance of grants from the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust to help fund the creation of a Mount Tabor Historic Preservation Master Plan and a National Register Nomination. This nomination required extensive research and documentation over several years utilizing a team of historic preservation specialists and historic architects overseen by HMR Architects. Educational outreach was provided through a series of meetings, programs and speakers presented to the public by the Mount Tabor Historical Society.

The Mount Tabor Historical Society decided to seek listing on the National Register as a public benefit to the community. Michelle LaConto Munn, president of the Society, headed the effort on behalf of the group . “I am so honored to have had a part in getting Mount Tabor its due recognition as being historically significant to our state and nation. I hope it will increase awareness and appreciation of our lovely historic community.”

The Mount Tabor Historic District was officially listed on the New Jersey Register on January 8, 2015, and approved for listing on the National Register for Historic Places on March 3, 2015.

Founded in 1869, the Mount Tabor Historic District embodies the distinctive characteristics of a permanent Methodist Camp Meeting Ground that evolved into a summer resort community and therefore possesses significance in community planning and development. Another area of significance is its architecture. Particularly of note are the early camp meeting Stick-Style and Gothic Revival influenced cottages with their prominent steep gables, open porches and elaborate gingerbread embellishments.

The National Register is administered by the National Park Service, and is the country’s official list of United States historic sites considered worthy of preservation. The Register honors the district by recognizing the historical significance to its community, state and nation.

The Mount Tabor Historic District consists of 130 acres of a wooded hill in the western part of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township on the border with Denville Township and has a total of 229 buildings.

There are benefits associated with listing on the National Register, including: the eligibility of non-profits to qualify for historic preservation grants, and the ability to take advantage of the New Jersey Rehabilitation Subcode which incorporates certain code allowances outside the traditional building code to encourage the preservation of historic buildings. Additionally, a review process ensures that state and federally funded projects in the district comply with federal and state laws by exploring ways to avoid, minimize and offset any negative effects to properties or districts listed on the National Register.

It is important to point out that Mount Tabor’s listing on the National Register does not place any restrictions whatsoever on homeowners’ use or maintenance of their property. This is a common misconception about being on the National Register.

The Mount Tabor Historical Society, along with HMR Architects, was honored to receive the 2013 New Preservation Initiatives Award from Preservation New Jersey in recognition for outstanding achievement for the preparation of the Mount Tabor Historic District Preservation Master Plan. This massive project defined the district through comprehensive survey and evaluation of the boundaries and period of significance, while helping to build public support for the state listing. The report also included design guidelines to assist homeowners interested in historically appropriate repairs.

Six years after the process began, it is gratifying that the historical significance of this neighborhood is thoroughly documented and officially recognized with an historic marker. The hope is that this recognition creates more awareness and sensitivity to the unique historical characteristics that contribute to making Mount Tabor such a special place to live.

Attending the unveiling of the Mount Tabor Historic District National Register Marker are from left: Parsippany Historian Randy Tortorello, Council member Loretta Gragnani and Parsippany Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Mount Tabor Historical Society President Michelle LaConto Munn, Morris County Freeholder Christine Myers, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio

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_________________________________________________________________________________
About the National Register:
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of cultural resources significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering or culture. For more information, visit the National Park Service web site at NPS.gov/nr.

_________________________________________________________________________________
About the Mount Tabor Historical Society:
For more information on this district and the wealth of historic resources reflecting the heritage of Mount Tabor, visit the Mount Tabor Historical Society web site at MountTaborNJ.org.

The Mount Tabor Historical Society is an all-volunteer, non-profit 501c3 organization founded in 1990 with the mission to preserve and restore the Victorian heritage of Mount Tabor, and to increase community awareness and participation in planning for its future in harmony with its past. The organization serves the Mount Tabor community and hosts educational programming and tours for residents and the public to call attention to Mount Tabor’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. The Society is a proud steward of the Richardson History House, a Camp Meeting Cottage Museum, located at 32 Trinity Place and open to the public the second Sunday of each month from 12 pm until 4pm and by appointment by calling 973-975-0001. Its largest fundraiser is an annual historic house tour held the last Saturday each September.

 

 

Boy Scout Troop 173 collected over 3,100 food items during food drive

PARSIPPANY — Boy Scout Troop 173 of Parsippany reached out to the local community with a food drive for the Parsippany Christian Church’s Food Pantry. Parsippany Christian Church operates a food pantry on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. It is open to anyone who needs assistance with food. It is operated solely by the church and does not have an affiliation with any governmental agency.

Troop 173 Scouts collected over 3,100 food items to provide much needed meals for families in need within our community.  We are mindful that there are those who struggle financially to put food on their table. For many years, Troop 173 Scouts have exemplified the Scout oath by taking part in Scouting for Food. We thank the Parsippany community for their generous support. Their efforts help feed hundreds of people in our community.

Community service is an important part of being a Scout; service projects allow our Scouts to develop leadership skills, learn to work as a team and make a direct and positive impact on our community; this year we’ve provided over 650 hours of community service to date.  With over 50 Scouts ranging in age from 11 to 18, Troop 173 is a very active and fun filled troop.  We offer a wide range of activities, learning experiences and community service opportunities for all of our members.   We are a “Family Friendly” Troop that welcomes boys from Parsippany and other near by towns.  If you know of a community organization that might benefit from our help, or would like more information about Troop 173, Click here or email troop173@att.net.

Kiwanis donates to Prevent Child Abuse

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany donated to Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey at its breakfast meeting of Thursday, April 6.

Pamela Stalcup, Director of Development and Communications, accepts the check from Kiwanis Club President Greg Elbin.

Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey promotes Great Childhoods, positive parenting and healthy child development. Founded in 1979, all efforts throughout the state are dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect in all forms for all New Jersey children. We envision a world where every child has a happy, healthy and safe childhood – free of abuse and neglect. They promote Great Childhoods by helping parents to nurture, develop and sustain healthy children; and training professional staff of hundreds of organizations that work with children and families statewide. They hope you’ll join us to create Great Childhoods for all New Jersey children!

For more information on Prevent Child Abuse, click here.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets weekly on Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. For more information, click here.

Driver lost control of vehicle, swerves off roadway

PARSIPPANY — Ms. Kimberly Brocker, 25, Lake Hiawatha was traveling south on Lake Shore Drive near the intersection of Minnehaha Boulevard on Tuesday, April 4 at approximately 3:45 p.m.  She attempted to negotiate the curve, and she stated she lost control of the vehicle, a 2004 Red Mercury Sable, struck the curb and ran off the road to the right and struck a utility pole.

There was no damage to the utility pole. She is at fault for unsafe speed due to the wet road conditions.

Her vehicle was towed from the scene by Corigliano Towing.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrolman Gregory Bloete investigated the scene.

Kiwanis welcomes new member: David Philipps

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany welcomed new member J. David Philipps at its weekly breakfast meeting held at Empire Diner, on Thursday, April 6.

Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Our members, Kiwanians, are service-minded men and women who are united in their commitment and compassion for others.

Any community need can become a Kiwanis service project, especially the needs of children. Kiwanis service projects range from efforts that help local communities to Kiwanis International’s Worldwide Service Project for the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders.

Kiwanis members dedicate more than 6 million volunteer hours and invest more than $100 million in service projects that strengthen communities and serve children every year.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany ensures that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives. They believe that by helping one child, you help the world.

If you are interested in Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, visit their website by clicking here, or join us for breakfast on Thursday mornings at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner.