More time to be annoyed: Lawmaker wants traffic ticket payment available 24/7

TRENTON — Cops can give you a traffic ticket 24 hours a day. So, one state lawmaker says, why not be able to pay it 24 hours a day as well? Assemblyman Tim Eustace recently introduced legislation to require that New Jersey drivers can pay their tickets online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.…

Cellebrite Announces Wounded Warrior Project Sponsorship

PARSIPPANY — Cellebrite, the leading developer and provider of mobile forensic solutions, announced its pledge of financial support for Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), a national non-profit organization with a mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. Cellebrite is located at
7 Campus Drive, Suite 210.

“Cellebrite supports those who bravely serve, and we are proud to show our appreciation through this charitable contribution,” said Jim Grady, CEO, Cellebrite Inc. “By committing to a long-term relationship with Wounded Warrior Project, we want to honor the sacrifices that the men and women in uniform have made for our country.”

Cellebrite launched its cornerstone philanthropic initiative at the start of its 2015 corporate planning meeting. Honored guest speaker and wounded veteran Staff Sergeant Erick Millette addressed Cellebrite employees, sharing his experiences and delivering important motivation to drive harder and smarter in all aspects of service to its customers in uniform. Following this moving and motivating speech, Cellebrite Inc. CEO Jim Grady presented Staff Sergeant Millette with a check and pledged future support for Wounded Warrior Project.

“For more than a decade, Wounded Warrior Project has served injured service members, their caregivers and families, continuously adding programs and enhancing our services to help warriors face myriad issues and challenges,” said Ayla Hay, communications executive vice president for Wounded Warrior Project. “As a non-profit organization, Wounded Warrior Project deeply appreciates the ongoing support from supporters like Cellebrite, which help us in reaching our vision to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history.”

“As a market leader, Cellebrite is well-known for its innovative mobile forensic solutions, technical expertise and deep knowledge of our customers’ duties and needs,” added Grady. “Cellebrite employees work every day to give law enforcement and government customers the tools they need to gain a tactical advantage over those who commit crimes and threaten our security.”

About Cellebrite

Founded in 1999, Cellebrite is a global company known for its technological breakthroughs in the cellular industry. A world leader and authority in mobile data technology, Cellebrite established its mobile forensics division in 2007, with the Universal Forensic Extraction Device (UFED). Cellebrite’s range of mobile forensic products, UFED Series,  enable the bit-for-bit extraction and in-depth decoding and analysis of data from thousands of mobile devices, including feature phones, smartphones, portable GPS devices, tablets and phones manufactured with Chinese chipsets.

Cellebrite’s UFED Series is the prime choice of forensic specialists in law enforcement, military, intelligence, and corporate security and eDiscovery agencies in more than 100 countries.

Cellebrite is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sun Corporation, a listed Japanese company.

PHS holds Drunk Driving Awareness Program

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School presented the Fifth Annual anti-drunk driving assembly program to the seniors, in the school’s auditorium and outside parking lot on Friday, May 22, warning the students about drinking and driving especially during Prom season. Six seniors were actors involved in a two car accident where seniors were drinking and driving. The six actors were seniors Andrew Massefski, Danielle Jannarone, Amanda Angulo, David Alosio, Kayala Rodriguez and John Bucciarelli.

Assistant Principal for Building Operations Thomas Rizk, Mike Nicosia, Math teacher and Det. Lenahan started working on this year’s program in December. They sat down with the students that were involved every two  to three weeks to guide them through the process and to offer our input and suggestions. From beginning to end this project took six months to complete. 

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Unit, Lake Hiawatha Fire Department Fire District 4, Parsippany Fire District #5, and Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squard, and Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad responded and participated in the dramization at Parsippany High School for the Project Prom Drunk Driving Awareness Program.

The following staff from Parsippany High School participated in the event: Jeff  Coviello, Video on the Go; Jim Groome and Matt Lazzari Autos/Woods teachers; Steve Gilgur Science teacher/Sound and Lighting Advisor; Evan Intveld, Art teacher; Makeup by students: Nikki Ilic, Michelle Stanel and Nicolette Villopotto. Evan Shoshan shot all the footage and edited the video, and Tyler Smith from Parsippany Rescue and Recovery. 

Senior Andrew Massefski said “Taking part in the event really showed how these types of tragedies can happen to anyone; no one is excluded and you need to take the necessary precautions to make sure it doesn’t happen. You need to be smart about the decisions you make because it doesn’t only effect you it effects everyone around you as well.”

“I just really hope that everyone realizes more now of how much of an impact one bad decision can make. I hope that people take something away from this presentation and gets the powerful message that it is never okay to drink and drive under any circumstance, stated senior Danielle Jannarone.

“The program at Parsippany High School  this morning on drinking and driving delivered a very powerful and poignant message to our students. It is so important to reinforce this message at this time of year. Thank you to the students, parents, and Administrators who put the program together. Special thanks to Det. Lenahan and the Parsippany police department and to our wonderful volunteers from the ambulance squad, fire departments and rescue and recovery squad,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education President Fran Orthwein.

The characters David Alosio, Danielle and Amanda died at the scene; Kayala Rodriguez suffered brain damage from internal bleeding and Andrew Massefski was paralyzed and will never walk again. The driver, John Bucciarelli, was charged with DWI and First Degree Manslaughter and will remain in jail until 2065.

Don’t drink and drive.  If you been drinking, always call someone.  Don’t let your friends drink and drive.

The event was also video-taped by Video On The Go, click here to view video.

 

 

Basement fire on Park Road

PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 2 , Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department District 1 and Boonton Volunteer Fire Department Rapid Intervention Team were on scene of a structure fire in the basement on Park Road on Friday, May 22 at approximately 2:00 a.m.

The occupants got out safe and no injuries were reported.

Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad was standing by and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery was assisting the fire departments at the scene.

 

Vidyalaya hosts Annual Show

PARSIPPANY —  Vidyalaya hosted it’s Annual Show on Sunday, May 17 at Parsippany Hills High School.

Vidyalaya is a school of Indian heritage and culture in Parsippany. The classes are held once a week on Sunday mornings at Brooklawn Middle School. Over 200 students attend the school to learn Indian languages, culture and dharma. This community school has 100 teachers and over 100 volunteers who help to run this non-profit, all volunteer organization. They host many festivals and celebrations throughout the year, such as Navratri, Pongal, Lohri, Holi, etc. The Annual Event held during the spring months is the largest of them all. Today’s annual function had over 500 visitors and saw all the students emcee the program as well as perform a variety of acts including dances, plays, presentations, singing, playing instruments,etc. The students were coached by their talented language teachers from the Hindi, Gujarati and Telugu classes as well as the assistance from their student teachers. Everyone enjoyed the event followed by a traditional Indian lunch.
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries including: Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills James Barbiero; Undersheriff William Schiavella;  Ragini Goel, Morris County Human Relations Commission; Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Vice President of Parsippany-Troy Hills Council, Robert Peluso; Assemblyman Jay Webber, Morris County Sheriff Ed Rochford; Community Relations Representative Samara Forbes; Jounalist and Hindi teacher Ashok Ojha; Vice President of Central Hindi Institute in India Dr. Kamal Goyanka and Community Activist Sue Waldman.
The event was organized and led by Mahendra Patel, a parent of three Parsippany students, along with a large team of volunteers. It was supported by Principal of Vidyalaya, Asmita Mistry and Vice Principal Anurag Rochlani.

Vidyalaya means “School” in Sandkrit and their “Vidyalaya” is an all-volunteer run organization based in Morris County. Their mission is to provide a platform and an envirnoment for their children where they not only excel at learning the languages of India, but also develop a deep understanding and appreciation of the Indian Culture and the Hindu way of life. They have enrolled over 200 children in the year 2014-2015.

Breaking news: Route 46 reopened

PARSIPPANY — Earlier reports indicate a tractor-trailer hit telephone poles and there are wires down on Route 46, between Beverwyck Road and New Road.  The road was closed while the wires in the highway were removed and repaired.  The road is now open to traffic.

1
Route 46 is closed to traffic.
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Poles are down in front of Travelodge, Route 46

Memorial Day activities to Commemorate those who served our Country

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany is gearing up to commemorate those men and women who served the country in the military, Memorial Day marks the time for Americans to reflect on those men and women.

Memorial Day festivities will start at 9:00 a.m. at the Lake Hiawatha Park with a VFW Ceremony honoring Parsippany service members who died in Vietnam.

At 10:00 a.m. in Veterans Memorial Park, Route 46 and Vail Road, Reverend Bragg of Parsippany Presbyterian Church will conduct the invocation; the Boys and Girls Scouts will lead the Pledge of Allegiance; the American Creed will be recited; Mayor James Barberio will explain the history of Memorial Day; and the history of Flanders Field will be recited by Eileen White of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

An honored guest at the ceremony will be Ed Zelichowski, a World War II veteran and 100-year-old who will help perform the wreath laying ceremony.

A VFW Rifle Squad will conduct the salute, and Taps will be played.

In addition, Siobhan Fuller, mother of Parsippany’s Derek McConnell, who died after being wounded in Afghanistan, will be a guest speaker at the event.

Starting at 12:00 noon, the annual Parsippany Memorial Day parade will begin at Katherine Drive and North Beverwyck Road and end at Volunteers Park.

North Beverwyck Road will be closed at 11:45 a.m. until after the parade between Vail and Knoll roads.

Kashif Parvaiz Sentenced to Life in Prison For Murder of Wife

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Kashif Parvaiz, 30, has been sentenced to life in prison in connection with the 2011 murder of his wife, Nazish Noorani.

On February 26, 2015, Parvaiz was convicted when a jury returned a verdict of guilty against him on counts of Murder (a crime of the first degree), Conspiracy to Commit Murder (a crime of the first degree), two counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (crimes of the second degree), two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (crimes of the second degree), Prohibited Weapons and Devices (a crime of the fourth degree), Endangering the Welfare of a Child (a crime of the second degree), and Hindering One’s Apprehension (a crime of the third degree).

This prosecution stemmed from the arrest of Kashif Parvaiz for his role in the shooting death of his wife, Nazish Noorani, on Cedar Street in the Town of Boonton on the night of August 16, 2011.

Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Troiano and Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan represented the State during the prosecution of this matter.

 

On today’s date, the Honorable Robert J. Gilson, J.S.C. sentenced Parvaiz to life in prison on the crime of Murder, which is subject to the provisions of the No Early Release Act. This sentence is to run consecutive to a sentence of seven (7) years with a three (3) year period of parole ineligibility on the crime of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and also consecutive to a three (3) year sentence for Hindering Apprehension. The aggregate sentence is a total of eighty-five (85) years in State Prison. All other charges were run concurrent and/merged as required by law.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to specifically thank the members of the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as the Town of Boonton Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigation Section, and the Billerica (MA) Police Department.

Prosecutor Knapp commended all law enforcement officers who participated in this successful prosecution:

“The Major Crimes Unit led by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Troiano and Captain Stephen Wilson did an outstanding job in bringing this individual to justice. The court imposed a severe sentence which was certainly justified by the horrific and cowardly acts of the unrepentant defendant.”

YMCA honors two from Parsippany at their Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation

PARSIPPANY —  Lakeland Hills Family YMCA held its “2015 Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation” on Wednesday, May 13 at the Knoll Country Club, Parsippany. Among the many individuals honored, two were honored from Parsippany, Parsippany Hills High School student Alezander Wu and the late Dr. Frank Calabria.

Parsippany Hills High School senior, Alezander Wu received the William Kogen Community Service Award. The award is presented to a high school senior boy and girl who best exemplify service and leadership to the community. The award included a $1,000 college scholarship and a YMCA membership.

Alezander Wu was the Northern Regional Communications Director for the New Jersey Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) organization during his junior year. He has been president of the Parsippany Hills Habitat for Humanity Club since my junior year. Alezander is a member of the PHHS Key Club. He volunteered as an editorial intern for Out Impact Magazine. He also volunteered with the Heritage of Pride Association of New York City. He is a tutor for both the PHHS Italian Honor Society and National Honor Society.He has helped prepare, serve, and deliver Thanksgiving meals around Grafton County in New Hampshire. Alezander canvassed with the New York Public Interest Research Group against hydrofracking in Westchester County. He also volunteered at the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter.

Additionally, here are Alezander’s prospects for the future:

He will be attending Pitzer College in Claremont, California double majoring in a self-designed literary therapy major, along with a second concentration in Environmental Sustainability.

He has written three novels and plan to have one published within the next year.

He hopes to become an indirect ally through my writing in the future in order to lower the teen suicide rate. He plans to tell stories from various backgrounds and points of views of the main characters in order to connect with a greater audience.

He is in the process of starting a nonprofit called The Hope Book. It will be a website where people can submit their own works about battling through hardships in order to provide hope and confidence for those undergoing similar circumstances. He also wants it to be an easy way to connect teens with an older mentor to help them through any issues they may have.

Dr. Frank Calabria was among the candidates being honored for “Citizens of the Year Awards.”

The award is presented to individuals in the YMCA service area who have provided outstanding volunteer service and leadership to improve the quality of life in each of their communities.

Frank Calabria, in memoriam – Frank was one of the longest-serving Board of Education members in the entire State of New Jersey. He cared deeply and was passionate about education, which was never more evident than by his helping shape the futures of Parsippany students. Frank shared his knowledge and experience with colleagues by being both a friend and a mentor. His honors included UNICO Parsippany Citizen of the Year award, and the Jaycee’s Distinguished Service award (along with his wife Angela). Although he served many school districts professionally, his heart was in Parsippany. Frank was also a vital member of St. Christopher’s Church, Parsippany. Frank passed away this past February, and the Lakeland Hills YMCA offers condolences to the Calabria family.

The Lakeland Hills YMCA serves the following communities: Parsippany, Boonton, Boonton Township, Denville, Kinnelon, Butler, Lincoln Park, Montville, Mountain Lakes, Pequannock and Riverdale.

The Lakeland Hills YMCA is a powerful association joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. They believe that lasting personal and social changes can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. Every day, they work to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

The Lakeland Hills YMCA is located at 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes.  For more information, click here.

Donate Your Electronics and Help Victims of Domestic Violence

PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is collecting used smart phones, cell phones, IPads and IPods from now through mid-June.

All money earned by recycling these items will be donated to Jersey Battered Women’s Service of Morris County. Collection boxes are located in Cerbo Lumber & Hardware at 1855 Route 46 Eastbound, Atlanta Bread Company, 1711 Route 10 Eastbound (Kohl’s Shopping Center) and in Green Pond Dry Cleaners 1 Baldwin Road (Baldwin Shopping Center). For additional information call Cathy Haney at (973) 335-9769.

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.   For more information about the club call Cathy Cerbo at (973) 984-0758 or e-mail the club by clicking here  or visit their website by clicking here.

 

New Afternoon Tot Time Program offered in Lake Hiawatha

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Recreation Department is now offering a new summer program for ages 3 to 5 year olds. The new afternoon Tot Time Program offers preschoolers the opportunity to enjoy crafts, singing, stories, themed activities, socializing with peers and more!

Exciting visits from magicians and animal programs will also be included in the program. The program will run from June 29 until August 21 weekdays from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Lenni Lenape Picnic Area with a cost of $165.00 for the entire eight weeks.

Registration can be done online, by clicking here or at the Parsippany Recreation Department office, One Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha.

Nice day today, but rain could return Thursday

The on-again, off-again pattern of muggy weather is back off on Wednesday. A sunny day is ahead in New Jersey, but temperatures will struggle to reach 70 across the northern and central parts of the state. South Jersey will be slightly warmer and areas along the Shore a bit cooler, the National Weather Service says. A…

Happy Birthday Yancy Wazirmas

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Clerk Yancy Wazirmas celebrated her birthday on Tuesday, May 19.

Parsippany Focus Photographer Nicolas Limanov presented Yancy with a bouquet of flowers and then sang “Happy Birthday” to her with the audience joining in.

Happy Birthday, Yancy!

Red Cross Encourages Families to Make Water Safety a Priority this Summer

The American Red Cross North Jersey Region is encouraging families to make water safety a priority this summer.

“As we all gear up for trips to the pool, beach, rivers and lakes this summer, we’re asking that families here in New Jersey make water safety a priority,” said Mathieu Nelessen, regional CEO, American Red Cross North Jersey Region. “Families need to make sure that both adults and children have the knowledge and skills they need to be safe in and around the water.”

A national survey conducted for the Red Cross shows that most children and teens cannot perform basic swimming safety skills. These critical water safety skills, also known as “water competency,” are the ability to, in this order: step or jump into the water over your head; return to the surface and float or tread water for one minute; turn around in a full circle and find an exit; swim 25 yards to the exit; and exit from the water. If in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder.

The survey found that nearly all parents (94 percent) expect that their children will engage in some sort of water activity this summer. However, nearly two-thirds (61 percent) of these parents report that their child cannot demonstrate all five basic skills that could save their lives in the water. Of these, 65 percent are parents of children (ages 4-12) and 51 percent are parents of teens (ages 13-17).

Tips to Keep You and Your Family Safe Around the Water:

  • Ensure everyone in your family knows how to swim and only swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
  • Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
  • Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
  • Provide close and constant attention to children and inexperienced swimmers you are supervising in or near the water. Avoid distractions while supervising.
  • For a backyard pool, have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.
  • Secure the backyard pool with appropriate barriers including four-sided fencing.
  • Never leave a young child unattended near water, and do not trust a child’s life to another child. Teach children to always ask permission to go near water. If a child is missing, check the water first.
  • If someone plans to swim in the ocean, they should always check weather conditions before going in the water.
  • Be aware of the danger of rip currents. If caught in one, swim parallel to the shore until out of the current. When free, turn and swim toward shore. If unable to swim to the shore, call out for help, float or tread water until free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
  • If you go boating, wear a life jacket! Most boating fatalities occur from drowning.

“Summer is the perfect time to enroll children in Red Cross swim lessons, the first step in practicing water safety,” Nelessen said. “The Red Cross created the first national water safety program in the U.S. – and today it’s still the gold standard, training more than two million people annually.”

Red Cross swimming lessons help people develop skills and water safety behaviors that help people be more comfortable and safe when they are in, on and around the water. The Red Cross encourages all household members to enroll in age-appropriate water orientation and Learn-to-Swim programs. To find classes for your family, contact your local aquatic facility and ask for American Red Cross swimming and water safety programs, or click here.

 On June 2, join the American Red Cross for our inaugural Giving Day, a 24-hour fundraising campaign to support those in need in communities across the country. Nearly every second of every day, the Red Cross delivers help and hope. And we couldn’t be there without the generous support of the American public. Together, let’s go “all in” and make one day count. Schedule your donation today for Giving Day at redcross.org/givingday. You can also help build awareness by using the hashtag #allin1day on Twitter and Facebook.

The national public opinion survey was conducted for the Red Cross April 17-20, 2014 using ORC International’s Online CARAVAN omnibus survey. The study was conducted among a national sample of 1,024 American adults, including 201 parents of children aged 4-17. The total sample is balanced to be representative of the US adult population in terms of age, sex, geographic region, race and education.  The margin of error for the total sample of 1,024 adults is ±3.1percent; the margin of error for the sample of 201 parents is ±6.9 percent.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org.

                                       

About the American Red Cross North Jersey Region
The American Red Cross North Jersey Region provides programs and services throughout the counties of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren, with a combined population of 5.7 million. The region trains and mobilizes more than 3,330 volunteers who support the delivery of services in the community. Last year, the Red Cross North Jersey Region responded to 494 local home fires, helping 1,130 displaced families; collected 25,420 units of blood through blood drives and Red Cross Blood Donation Centers; provided 1,877 military family case services with emergency messages, helping families find assistance and/or get counseling and referrals; and trained 60,441 individuals with life-saving skills in preparedness, CPR, AED use, first aid and aquatics. Follow the North Jersey Region on Twitter @RedCrossNorthNJ.

Big money from labor union flows into Morris GOP freeholder primary

MORRIS COUNTY — An infusion of organized labor money to support one of the freeholder teams in the Morris County Republican primary has emerged as a contentious issue in the campaign. The latest state Election Law Enforcement Commission filing by the Republican slate headed by incumbent Freeholder John Cesaro, whose running mates are Christine Myers and…

In their words: How a Wyckoff cop fatally shot a family dog

WYCKOFF — What happened on April 29, when Wyckoff Police Officer Kyle Ferreira showed up at the wrong house to look into a burglary? It depends on who you ask. Chief Benjamin Fox said an internal affairs investigation exonerated Ferreira. The Vukobratovic family, who owned the German Shepherd, is considering legal action. Wyckoff Police released their…

Parsippany’s Bishop selected as Plumbing Inspector of the Year

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s plumbing inspector, David Bishop, has been selected 2015 Plumbing Inspector of the Year by the N.J. Plumbing Inspector’s Association. Bishop has been acknowledged for his out-standing contributions in the areas of code enforcement and plumbing inspection.

He was honored at an awards luncheon during the Building Safety Conference of New Jersey on May 7 in Atlantic City.

Bishop became a master plumber in 1986 and was self-employed from 1993 to 2006. He obtained his plumbing inspector’s license in 1996 and began his career in Parsippany in 1999 as a part-time employee with the township. He became full time in 2001.

Bishop is very gracious in expressing his gratitude to the administration in Parsippany for supporting his involvement with the N.J. Plumbing Inspectors Association for more than 15 years and permitting him to attend meetings and seminars. He was an active member who served as Sgt. of Arms for two years and financial secretary for six years. With concern about continuing education, Bishop started their first scholarship program.

He also served as the past president of Triboro Master Plumbers, the local association of State League of Master Plumbers and has been an instructor at Passaic County Technical Institute for the past seven years.

“I am so proud of Dave Bishop and all that he has achieved,” stated Mayor James Barberio. “The township is so fortunate to have an inspector who not only is a master plumber, but is trained, certified and experienced in every aspect of the plumbing industry. Dave is a very astute inspector who is proficient in detecting code violations. I sincerely trust Dave’s judgment and know that when he makes an important decision, he is doing so to ensure code compliance.”

Photography Gallery hosting a public conversation with local artits

70southgalleryMORRISTOWN — The 70 South Gallery is inviting the public to join an informal conversation with their featured artists in on Thursday, June 4, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. as part of its “Informal Lens” series. 

This free event exposes participants to Jay Seldin and Callie Wohlgemuth and their respective approaches to photography. Seldin and Wohlgemuth are currently featured in the gallery’s “Cuba, Asia, and The Mad Hatter” show.

Seldin, a self-proclaimed teacher, photographer and world traveler, is a documentary social photographer who works mostly in black and white and has been celebrated with various awards and honors over the course of his 25-year career. Most recently, Seldin was invited to exhibit some of his work at the Drumthwacket Foundation, which is located inside the governor’s mansion in Princeton. He is also the artist-in-residence at the Newark Art Museum and Montclair Art Museum, as well as a faculty member at the International Center for Photography in New York City.

Wohlgemuth, conversely, is a student at Morris Knolls High School and has spent the last few years teaching herself the ins and outs of photography. She first garnered an interest in the art form when she was in eighth grade and has since gone on to volunteer her time and talents with local animal shelters, using her photography skills to help the animals find good homes.

“I think art should portray and capture emotions and moments that words are unable to express,” Wohlgemuth says. “I want people to be able to connect with my art no matter who they are or what they are feeling. I want to make a connection with someone without ever saying a word to him or her.”

The Informal Lens is a regular series of candid yet casual conversations moderated by 70 South Gallery’s Artist Relations Manager Ira L. Black. Each installment shines a spotlight on two newly featured artists and helps the gallery bring awareness to its current and upcoming shows, ultimately striving to bring together a community of likeminded photographers and photo enthusiasts.

Those interested in attending should RSVP by emailing Ira L. Black by Tuesday, June 2.

The 70 South Gallery is located at 70 South Street, Morristown.

For more information, click here or call (973) 539-2112.

 

Water main break in Lake Hiawatha

PARSIPPANY — A water main break has shut down the intersection of Minnehaha Boulevard and Nokomis Avenue in the Lake Hiawatha section of the township.

The water service has been turned back on for those residences affected by the water main break.

The intersection, which is a block east of North Beverwyck Road, will remain closed to vehicular traffic while repairs are being completed, police said. As of 9:00 a.m., the intersection was expected to reopen between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., according Parsippany Police Officer Remo D’Alessandro