PARSIPPANY — Benjamin Comora graduated from Troy University during Term 1 of the 2018/2019 academic year.
Comora attended the Dothan Campus graduated with the Master of Business Administration degree.
Term 1 includes students at TROY’s campuses in Dothan, Phenix City and Montgomery, Ala., along with teaching sites outside of Alabama and online.
Troy University is a public, historic, international university with more than 145,000 alumni. Students choose TROY for its quality academic programs, reasonable costs and availability of financial aid, outstanding faculty, and flexible in-class and online class offerings. Students on the Troy, Ala. campus enjoy a traditional college experience, while working adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, Ala., as well as at locations around the world and online.
PARSIPPANY — Supporting educational enrichment in the township, the Parsippany Education Foundation has awarded $13,057.64 to fund ten innovative programs during the 18-19 school year. Spanning robotics, life skills, storytelling, music and literature, proposals were developed by teachers approved by principals and evaluated by the Foundation based on their ability to contribute to a positive, dynamic learning environment.
Blending life and business skill development for middle school students with special learning needs at Brooklawn Middle School, the “Up All Knight Cafe” will be an ongoing snack and coffee concession run by students focused on interpersonal communication plus forecasting, inventory control, production and cash management. “The Cafe is a wonderful program we will use to apply academic and social training to the real world challenges of running a small business. We are delighted to bring this opportunity to our students through the generosity of the Parsippany Educational Foundation and their donors,” said Teacher Laura Bailliard.
“Through the Chipwrecks and Redbots grant, our new student robotics club will be able to design and build a robot to compete in the worldwide First Tech Challenge from the organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST). Robotics challenges our students to solve problems across physics, computer science, mathematics, CAD engineering and more,” said Teacher Ellesa Effner of Parsippany Hills High School.
A check for $13,057.64 was presented to the Parsippany Board of Education by Parsippany Education Foundation President Stella Gizas, Recording Secretary Debbie Bogaert and ex officio member and Parsippany BOE member Joseph Cistaro, on November 15. “Our Parsippany Education Foundation serves as Guardian Angels for our educators. They work hard to fundraise and support our teachers and administrators in bringing innovative and meaningful learning opportunities that reflect our district’s Strategic Plan and enrich our students’ school lives,” said Dr. Barbara Sargent, Superintendent of the Parsippany Troy Hills School District.
The Parsippany Educational Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 1996 to enrich the opportunities and experiences of students in the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District. The Foundation has contributed over $350,000 in grants to the district raised through private donors, annual spring golf outing and events held through the year. Its Board of Directors consists of volunteers committed to developing a community of learners.
Please visit their website by clicking here for more information and like their Facebook page.
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will be hosting an informative meeting on Wednesday, December 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Knoll West Grille Room.
They will be producing the long term vision, master place for both Knoll courses, going over 2019 membership and programming options, closing with an open question and answer seminar.
Click here to register, in an attempt to have a headcount to deliver to the caterer with ample time. We would love for you all to attend. Appetizers will be served.
Knoll Country Club West is located at 990 Greenbank Road Boonton, NJ 07005 (For GPS purposes).
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Christian School Forensics class will be performing its first play of the school year this Friday night, December 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Parsippany Baptist Church at 1179 Littleton Road.
The play by Alex Alfieri is titled, What Happened After Once Upon a Time. According to Tara Marine, director and Forensics teacher, “It’s the story of some well known fairy tale characters including Cinderella, Snow White, and Jack and the Bean Stalk. We all think we know these characters pretty well, but in Alfieri’s humorous interpretation, their stories are not all that accurate. Cinderella is an OCD neat freak who really didn’t want to go to the ball. Snow White is a drill sergeant, and so it’s a humorous spin on some of your favorite fairy tale characters.”
The play is pure fun for all the actors who range in age from nine to eighteen. Some of the cast have been part of Parsippany Christian’s Forensics program for five years under Marine’s direction.
Grace Reinke plays the lead role of the story teller. Marine says, “She has a very natural and sensitive understanding of the character whose emotions range from euphoria at meeting her childhood fairy tale idols and then absolute chagrin when she learns what these characters are really like.”
The role of Rapunzel is played by Katheryn Jurado who won first place the last two years in state forensic competitions in both drama and poetry categories.
The role of Jack is played by Logan Marine who has also won first place two years in a row in the state forensics competition in Humorous Interpretation. The Big Bad Wolf is played by Matthew Rotondo, another state completion winner.Other members of Marine’s cast have been part of her award winning Readers’ Theatre and Acting groups.
What Happened After Once Upon a Time opens on Friday, December 14 at 7:00 pm. Admission is free and the play is good, clean fun for any age group.
MORRIS COUNTY — An Assembly panel advanced a measure requested by Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco and Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce to address a shortage of Class III police officers to protect our schools. The bill (A1400) makes retired state and county corrections officers eligible for the classification.
State Assemblyman Anthony Bucco. (File Photo)
The program was initiated through legislation sponsored by Bucco and signed into law in 2016 by then-Governor Chris Christie. The law allows retired police officers to work in schools to help protect the community. Law enforcement experts have predicted a shortage of available officers because of the stringent hiring requirements and an increase in demand by municipalities and school districts.
“Schools have scrambled to find retired police officers for several years and we want to make sure that more trained officers are available before they have to hire private security guards with less experience and at a higher cost,” said Bucco (R-Morris). “More than ever before, schools across the state are looking for special police officers to help protect our school communities. These officers are in demand because they often come from the community and are familiar with the local police department and the school system.”
The uniformed, armed officers work part time and get paid at a lower scale, making it the most affordable option for placing guards in schools. The special officers are paid about $30 or $40 an hour and are not entitled to a pension or benefits for their service, but they still report to the local chief of police.
“Retired corrections officers are job tested and proven in high-pressure situations,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “Their experience calming tensions and resolving confrontation will make the halls, cafeterias and playgrounds safer, and they will be ready to immediately respond to emergencies.”
A version of the bill (A4451) passed the Assembly 75-0 in May 2017 but was not taken up in the state Senate.
MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio today blasted Conagra for announcing, two weeks before Christmas, that they will eliminate more than 500 jobs in New Jersey, including more than 300 positions in Parsippany, a town in the senator’s district.
Senator Joe Pennacchio
Senator Joe Pennacchio blasted Conagra for announcing, two weeks before Christmas, that they will eliminate more than 500 jobs in New Jersey, including more than 300 positions in Parsippany, a town in the senator’s district.
“I have one thing to say to Conagra – shame on you,” Senator Pennacchio said. “Announcing layoffs two weeks before Christmas is a gutless and soulless thing to do.”
Conagra announced that it will eliminate 308 jobs at Pinnacle Food’s former headquarters in Parsippany, and 196 jobs at the Woodcrest Road offices in Cherry Hill, according to a December 8, 2018 Parsippany Focusarticle (click here for full article).
“Conagra just purchased Pinnacle in October. They knew exactly what they were doing. They couldn’t care less about the hundreds of people who have spent years working in Parsippany,” Pennacchio added.
“I am a strong supporter of the business community, but I’ll always put my constituents first. There is no denying that Governor Murphy’s bad-for-business agenda is forcing companies out of state, but to be clear – that’s not what happened here. Conagra knew what they were getting into. It seems like they bought Pinnacle, just to make a quick buck. That is shameful.
“If any of the families who are coping with these layoffs are in need of toys for their children, or any other type of assistance in the wake of this upheaval, please reach out to my district office by calling (973) 227-4012. We will help you in any way we can.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Republican Victory PAC (MRVP) has appointed Robert Zwigard as its new Chairman. According to Zwigard, former Executive Director of MRVP, “I am pleased to take over this organization that has a 14-year history supporting Republican success in Morris County”. I would also like to thank Tim Smith for his leadership of the PAC as Chair in 2018”. Smith resigned this November because he is moving to Florida.
MRVP has helped campaigns through financial, strategic and in-kind grass-roots support of municipal and other campaigns throughout Morris County. In 2018 MRVP opened a centrally located Morristown campaign office that hosted volunteers who made greater than 20,000 calls and distributed hundreds of signs and thousands of literature packets in support of the Republican ticket from the local to the county to the federal level. MRVP also gave support to local campaigns.
In 2019, MRVP plans to continue to work with fellow Republicans to broaden the party’s base and help increase Republican victories and turnout on the local level.
According to Zwigard, “We are ready to work hard to bring resources to key Morris municipalities to help them spread the Republican message of efficient and effective government leadership. We look forward to helping to increase economic success and quality of life of Morris County residents by promoting Republican principles.”
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Young Republicans installed their 2019 officers at their annual Holiday Party. The officers are Sydney Ugalde, President; Brian Mulligan, Vice President; Julie Laptaka, Secretary; Joe Bock, Treasurer; Justin Musella – State Committeeman, Morris Township; and Tia Fritze, State Committeewoman, Roxbury.
This event, sponsored by Sheriff James Gannon was attended by Morris County Republicans, including numerous Elected Officials including Freeholders Tom Mastrangelo, Heather Darling and Kathryn A. DeFillippo.
Sydney Ugalde honored Morris Plains Mayor Frank Druetzler as honorary chair. Brielle Cook received a plaque for Volunteer of the Year.
The Morris County chapter of the Young Republicans is one of the most influential in the state, and is affiliated with the New Jersey Young Republican Federation and the Young Republican National Federation.
At Morris County Young Republicans Christmas Party & Installation at Lake Valhalla Country Club in Montville – Great new slate of officers sworn in by Sheriff James Gannon including Sydney Ugalde, President, Joe Bock, Brielle Cook and Justin MusellaSydney Ugalde gives a tribute to retiring 32-year Morris Plains Mayor Frank DreutzlerJustin Musella, Joe Bock, Sydney Ugalde and Brielle Cook, President Montville Republican ClubSheriff James Gannon swearing in the officers for Morris County Young Republicans, while Ken Schwemmer holds the bible.
The Morris County Young Republicans are determined to grow our membership and build strong Republican networks in all of the 39 municipalities in Morris County. They encourage YOU and anyone you know to join their club by donating yearly dues of just $35.00. You may bring a check made payable to “Morris County Young Republicans” to their next meeting, or mail a check to our office at 26 Schuyler Place, Morristown, NJ 07960. You can also pay online by credit card by visiting the “Contribute” page on our website. Membership dues allow our club to grow and run events that benefit Republicans at all levels. For club voting rights, members must be registered Republicans between ages 18-40 and live in Morris County but they welcome any of their friends outside of those requirements to join as Associate Members and to attend all of the events.
For more information on Morris County Young Republicans, click here.
PARSIPPANY — Recently, 1 United MMA House celebrated its “First Anniversary” with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Mayor Michael Soriano and Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member Ildiko Peluso, Nicolas Limanov, President Robert Peluso and Executive Board Member Frank Cahill attended the ceremony.
1 United Mixed Martial Arts House aims to create a positive atmosphere for their clients by upholding the highest levels of integrity and character. They are here to help our members reach their goals whether physical or mental.
Family members with Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Mayor Michael Soriano, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill with owners Yusuf Yoldas and Ibrahim Yoldas
Owner Yusuf Yoldas said “after over a decade of experience in both training in mixed martial arts, I pride myself on sharing the knowledge and skills I have attained with my students. I started training at the age of 13 and took a break along the way to dedicate my time to soccer. After becoming a top player in my high school and various club teams, I returned to martial arts and attained my black belt at the age of 18. In 2010 entered the world of strength and conditioning and became a professional MMA competitor. I have traveled the country and trained under dozens of professional athletes who offered me a great deal of information. This has allowed me to attend various conventions in which I advanced my skill level. By learning a great deal about mixed martial arts and strength and conditioning I am able to better assist my students in reaching their fitness goals. Combining these two skills has allowed me to gain insights into two completely different forms of art that complement each other perfectly. Helping students of all ages has allowed me to gain a sense of self-fulfillment that I would not otherwise experience, allowing me to truly say that teaching has become my pride and joy.”
Owner Ibrahim Yoldas, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Mayor Michael Soriano, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill and Owner Yusuf Yoldas ready to cut the ribbon celebrating 1 United MMA House First Anniversary Celebration
His brother, Ibrahim Yoldas, said “Coming from a family having three siblings, I realized that setting the example for my younger brother Abdu was very important to me. I always followed in the footsteps of my older brother Yusuf and I wanted to instill the same values in my younger brother. Seeing my older brother train daily inspired me to start training by the age of 14. After a certain amount of time I grew to realize that it’s not all about fighting, it’s about discipline. Within four years of training, I prepared my mind and body to work at the same pace in order to obtain my black belt by the age of 18. Over the course of the next four years I apprenticed at a local personal training studio and health club where I learned how to cater to all age groups and with clients who had pre existing medical conditions and specific injuries. I value and appreciate all the people that contributed to my growth up to this point, which in turn lead my brothers and I to embark on this new journey.”
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano cuts the ribbon celebrating 1 United MMA House anniversaryOwner Ibrahim Yoldas, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Mayor Michael Soriano, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill and Owner Yusuf Yoldas celebrating 1 United MMA House First Anniversary Celebration
1 United MMA House is located at 96 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha.
PARSIPPANY — Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar® 1057 Route 46, Troy Hills Shopping Center, held its annual Breakfast with Santa fundraiser on Saturday, December 8.
The fundraiser supports the efforts of the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots program, which distributes new toys to underprivileged children to provide a tangible sign of hope to as many economically disadvantaged children as possible at Christmas.
Guests enjoyed breakfast compliments of Applebee’s along with goodies, raffle tickets for door prizes and the opportunity to take a photo with Santa Claus.
Tickets to Breakfast with Santa was purchased in advance for $10.00 each.
Children under the age of two are admitted free of charge. Applebee’s raised additional funds by selling paper “gift tags” for $1.00 or $5.00 each, which were displayed at the restaurant. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the Breakfast with Santa events and “gift tag” purchases will be donated directly to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program to be distributed to local families.
Hennion & Walsh (located in Waterview Plaza, 2001 Route 46) donated over 100 toys for “Toys for tots” breakfast with Santa at Applebee’s. In addition, Sons of Italy #2561 Morris County donated toys for the event.
“It’s an honor to host our 20th annual Breakfast with Santa fundraiser in partnership with Toys for Tots,” said Tim Doherty, President and Chief Executive Officer of Doherty Enterprises. “We are thrilled to be able to support this amazing organization and all they do for the development of area children and our local communities, especially when we can make the holidays a little brighter. We look forward to spending the day with our employees and guests to celebrate the holidays and the season of giving.”
Heading into its 20th year, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises, which owns more than 100 Applebee’s restaurants across New Jersey, Long Island, Florida and Georgia, have raised over $4.3 million for the Toys for Tots initiative to date, helping to spread holiday cheer to over 230,000 deserving children.
“We are very pleased to continue our partnership with Doherty – Applebee’s, a national corporate sponsor of the 2018 Marine Toys for Tots Campaign,” said Lieutenant General Pete Osman, USMC (Ret), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Their community service goals certainly align with those the Marine Corps has promoted for over 70 years through our Toys for Tots Program.” Osman concluded, “With their generous support we will be able to fulfill the Christmas holiday dreams of thousands of less fortunate children who otherwise might be forgotten.”
LCpl Richard Sun, Alexander Peason, 6, holding Bendy; Ethan Mendez,5; Giordano Mendez, 8; Isabella Evicci, 10 and Rosalba Evicci at Applebee's for the Toys for Tots Fundraiser
At the Parsippany Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 4, Lisa Plevin (Highlands Council Executive Administrator) and two members of her staff presented information on the process and benefits of conformance with the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act. Following their presentation a resolution was put forth to allow Parsippany to petition the Highlands to be in conformance with the regional master plan. It was approved, but the vote was 3 to 2. Those in opposition indicated some lack of familiarity with the act and its associated regional planning benefits of conformance. The vote enabled a resolution to be placed on the agenda for the December 18 meeting which will formally petition the Highlands Council for participation in Highlands conformance.
As Parsippany is now moving to create a new master plan this is a perfect time to do what is best for all. The Highlands Council provides experts in the science of land use and natural resource protection and can help Parsippany manage its land and water resources in many ways as well as provide grants for these programs, minimizing the associated costs to the township. These new programs will also improve quality of life for residents by controlling flooding, improving the quality of lakes, ensuring the quantity of water needed and preserving open space, among other benefits.
The Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act was signed on August 10, 2004 and Parsippany has been involved in some fashion since 2009. This information is readily available and should be common knowledge to any elected official. Parsippany had been on the path to conformance when it was derailed by a false claim that participation would cause a year or more delay in remediating a sewage plant problem. Unfortunately, this also made it impossible for Parsippany to use Highlands conformance protections in its fight against the Waterview project. In hindsight, Parsippany has suffered and continues to suffer unnecessary problems and resident distress due to not being in conformance.
At the December 4th Council Meeting one member (who voted NO on the resolution) implied that if “conformance” cannot help us reduce our housing number, its other benefits, good land use practices and planning grants obtained from experts, are not worth having. While using good land and water management practices may have a side benefit of preventing unwanted housing construction this is not the main reason why Parsippany should conform. The alternative would be to continue to allow private corporate developers to decide Parsippany’s fate as they have in the past, ignoring environmental and community concerns, in effect ignoring our own master plan in favor of developers immediate short term plans rather than long term comprehensive planning.
Defending our remaining environmentally sensitive areas and natural resources, especially our aquifer, is about all Parsippany can hope for and this should be a neutral and nonpartisan move forward in the creation of our new master plan. If community elected officials cannot agree on environmental issues of concern, then something is lost in our common humanity.
Parsippany has proven in the past to be an easy mark for corporate developer market schemes, that has left our town over-developed and now vulnerable under the illusion of home rule and developers lawsuits, which Parsippany tax payers have had to pay for. (Including the local open space fund scam of $3.5 million to RD for a buffer that could have been handled by proper zoning).
It can be argued that Regional Planning strengthens rather than weakens local government and the health of local communities. A new Parsippany master plan should be a full prioritization of human and environmental requirements in harmony with the Highlands Master Plan which should be a covenant between the Municipally and it’s residents, not silly putty in the hands of corporate developers. A vote against Highlands Conformance is a vote against Parsippany itself. Any who cannot see the benefits possible here are blind or being arbitrary and capricious.
We encourage all Parsippany residents who want to improve our ability to manage our resources using best scientific practices to come to the town council meeting on December 18th and ask the council to vote YES on conformance.
PARSIPPANY — At the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Joshua Michael Knowle on Saturday, December 8, Josh was presented with the highest advancement of Boy Scouts, the “Eagle Scout.”
The Eagle Scout Award is Scouting’s highest rank and among its most familiar icons. Men who have earned it count it among their most treasured possessions. Those who missed it by a whisker remember exactly which requirement they didn’t complete. Americans from all walks of life know that being an Eagle Scout is a great honor. The award is more than a badge. It’s a state of being. The Eagle Scout may have received the badge as a boy, but you earn it every day as a man. In the words of the Eagle Scout Promise, they do your best each day to make their training and example, their rank and their influence count strongly for better Scouting and for better citizenship in the troop, in their community, and in their contacts with other people. And to this they pledge their sacred honor.
The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks, the highest being that of Eagle Scout. Josh started as a Scout on September 19, 2002. Officially, the trail starts with the Tenderfoot rank (April 3, 2013) and continues through Second (August 10, 2013) and First Class (June 4, 2014) 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 (October 8, 2014) , the second is Life Scout (April 13, 2016), and, finally, Eagle Scout (September 20, 2018).
The presentation of the Eagle Scout badge is an important and serious event, the goal for which a Scout works many years, an occasion for pride and joy, a time for serious contemplation. It is the culmination of efforts of the various leaders of this Scout. The Eagle Scout Award is the highest and most coveted rank in Scouting—the last major step in the advancement program. Fewer than 4% of all Scouts in the United States reach the Eagle Scout rank. Josh Knowle has achieved our purpose in the building of character, training of leadership, and the practice of serving.
The requirements for the Eagle Scout rank are as follows:
1. Be active in your troop and patrol for at least six months as a Life Scout.
2. Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life.
3. Earn 21 merit badges, including the 13 that are required—First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communication, Cooking, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving, Environmental Science or Sustainability, Personal Management, Swimming or Hiking or Cycling, Camping, and Family Life. Josh earned 51 badges.
4. Serve actively in an approved position of responsibility for a period of six months after becoming a Life Scout.
5. Plan, develop, and lead others in carrying out a service project worthy of an Eagle Scout.
6. Take part in a Scoutmaster conference.
7. Appear before a board of review of prominent persons, and satisfy them that you have done your best to understand and live up to the Scout Oath and Law and, in all ways, qualify for the Eagle Scout Award.
Among the 51 badges John earned were: American Heritage, Archery, Aviation, Camping, Chemistry, Chess, Citizenship in Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Climbing, Communications, Composite Materials, Cookings Crime Prevention, Digital Technology, Disability Awareness, Electricity, Electronics, Emergency Preparedness, Engineering, Environmental Science, Family Life, Fingerprinting, Fire Safety, First Aid, Fishing, Game Design, Genealogy, Geology, Home Repair, Indian Lore, Metal Work, Music, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Pioneering, Plant Science, Pottery, Radio, Railroading, Reading, Rifle Shooting, Robotics, Safety, Search and Rescue, Scholarship, Swimming, Traffic Safety, Wilderness Survival and Wood Carving.
Josh is a member of The Parsippany Police Department Explorers. He is currently a Junior at Parsippany High School.
Josh with his parents Sandie and Ronald
Josh’s Eagle Scout project included the complete renovation of the flagpole at Central Middle School. Completely sanding and repainting the pole. The installation of a new flagpole topper which is a proud American Eagle. The installation of new pulley, rope and fasteners to last for years to come. The installation of a solar powered light to illuminate the flag in the evening. The digging of a pathway to and around the flagpole, the installation of weed block and gravel that make access to the flagpole area much easier. (Click here to read complete story).
The flag flies high at Central Middle School, thanks to Josh Knowle
Josh received special acknowledgements from Mayor Michael Soriano; Councilman Michael dePierro on behalf of the Township Council, Parsippany Rotary Club, Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, Assemblyman Jay Webber and SenatorJoe Pennacchio; Michael dePierro on behalf of American Legion Post 249; Nicolas Limanov, Board Member of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany; Executive Board Member Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Frank Cahill; Parsippany-Troy Hills Superintendent Dr. Barbara Sergent and Board of Education President Frank Neglia; Sheriff James Gannon; Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Andrew Miller and Parsippany-Troy Hills Lieutenant Keith Lefferts on behalf of Parsippany Police Department Police Explorers with explorers Esther Hsieh and Michael Fiorentino; Wise Animal Rescue; Eric Bisch from the Parsippany Elks Lodge 2078 and Former Mayor James Barberio.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Andrew Miller and Lieutenant Keith Lefferts along with Explores Esther Hsieh and Michael Fiorentino from Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Explorers presents to Josh
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill congratulates Joshua Michael Knowle at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor held on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Central Middle School.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Board Member Nicolas Limanov, and co-chair Young Children Priority One congratulates Joshua Michael Knowle at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor held on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Central Middle School
For over 60 Years Troop 72 has served the youth of the general Parsippany area, including Boonton, Denville, Parsippany, and Morris Plains. Boys from ages 11 to 18 are invited to join.
Starting in 1961, between Troop 72 and Troop 177 there were 92 young men receiving their “Eagle Scout.” Here is a list of “Eagle Scouts:”
Jack Robinson, Troop 72; Jeffrey Benson, Troop 72; Ralph Wright, Troop 72; Wayne Grosnick, Troop 72; Leonard Cooke, Troop 72; Michael Cooke, Troop 72; William Cooke, Troop 72; Lee Burgess, Troop 72; Rich Karlson, Troop 72; Dave Peloubet, Troop 72; Jeffrey Glenn Troop, 72; Les O’Neil, Troop 72; Larry Bergus, Troop 72; Darryl Pronko, Troop 72; Bruce Ganek, Troop 72; James W. Kelly, Troop 72; Ian “Mitch” Rosenblum, Troop 72; Carl Jacobs, Troop 72; Richard Tress Troop, 72; Paul Spergel, Troop 72; Steven Chun, Troop 72; Ian Golton, Troop 72; Andrew Sadowski, Troop 72; John Thompson, Troop 177; Scott Smith, Troop 72; Brian Smith, Troop 72; Richard Tkach, Troop 177; Robert Vogel, Troop 72; David Grabell, Troop 72; Edward Ballo, Troop 72; Matthew Wetstein, Troop 177; Charles Chaffee, Troop72; Keith Olson, Troop 72; Demetrios Benos, Troop 72; Timothy Booth, Troop 72; Edward Pursell, Troop 177; Jason Ledakowich, Troop 72; Tommy Hayner, Troop 72; Jason Weinstein, Troop 177; Scott Dubnoff, Troop 177; Peter Newman, Troop 72; Andrew Pursell, Troop 177; Shuan Gonzalez, Troop 72; Matthew Caulfield, Troop 72; Michael Nicosia, Troop 177; Garthon Rowley, Troop 72; Joseph Calafiore, Troop 177; Salvatore DeFilippo, Troop 177; Victor Jacobia, Troop 177; Michael Banom, Troop 177; Christopher Lysenko, Troop 177; Matthew Nicosia, Troop 177;Thomas Ludwig, Troop 177; John Banom, Troop 177; Patrick Banom, Troop 177; Kevin Bogaert, Troop 72; Christopher Ottesen, Troop 177; Anthony DeZenzo, Troop 177; Kevin Owens, Troop 72; Kyle Welge, Troop 177; Christopher Caulfield, Troop 72; Michael Caulfield, Troop 72; Christopher Thomas, Troop 72; Vincent Li, Troop 177; Thomas Gizas, Troop 177; Andrew Ludwig, Troop 177; Rigel Turdiu, Troop 177; Kurt Welge, Troop 177; Brian Recciha, Troop 72; Kiernan Boone, Troop 177; Matthew Hubner, Troop 177; Brian Mitchell, Troop 72; Robert Moroz, Troop 72; John Shandra, Troop 177; Matthew Corrente, Troop 177; Sean Levorse, Troop 177; Michael Kertesz, Troop 72; Nick Corrente, Troop 177; Alex Bamert, Troop 72; Brendan Shanahan, Troop 72; Andrew Goetschkes, Troop 72; Daniel Bamert, Troop 72; Jonathan Kennet, Troop 72; Crin Uricoli, Troop 72; Keith Hawkins, Jr, Troop 72; Thomas Goetchskes, Troop 72, Adam Warner, Troop 72, Alex Adams, Troop 72, Rahul Patel, Troop 72, Rushi Desai, Troop 72 and Joshua Michael Knowle, Troop 72.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Morris County Republican Committee held their “Annual Toys for Tots” breakfast at the Zeris Inn, Mountain Lakes. Republicans from around the county attended the early Saturday breakfast and contributed by bringing an unwrapped toy to be donated to the “Toys for Tot” program.
Morris County Republican Committee Toys for Tots Breakfast Fundraiser
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Morris County Freeholder Heather Darling, Tayfun Selen, Chatham Township Municipal Chair, Senator Anthony Bucci, Jr., and Butler Municipal Chair Marc Piccirillo
Hundreds of toys were donated during the fundraiser
Boonton Alderman Elect Michael Cardillo, Morris County young Republicans Treasurer Joe Bock, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani and Councilman Michael dePierro
Morris County Freeholder Deborah Smith, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon
Former Governor Don DiFrancesco, Senator Tom Kean, Senator Anthony Bucco, Senator Joe Pennacchio, Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, Jr., Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, Assemblyman Jay Webber, Sheriff James Gannon, Freeholder Doug Cabana, Brian Bergen for Assembly, Don Dinsmore for Freeholder, Alan Zakin, Gateway Outdoor Advertising, Ronald P. Mondello and Mills and DeFilippis were sponsored of the event.
PARSIPPANY — Santa Claus will make his annual visit to the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Co. at 255 Halsey Road in Lake Parsippany on Saturday, December 15, from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Bring the kids, bring your neighbor’s kids, bring your grandkids and don’t forget your camera. You’ll go home with great memories of the day.
Parking is available at the rear of the firehouse.
PARSIPPANY — John Guest USA, 20 East Halsey Road helped out Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany by accepting deliveries of over 200 winter jackets.
Member Gordon Meth was seeking a company with a loading dock to accept delivery of hundreds of winter coats for Kiwanis Club to distribute to the homeless community. To date Jackets acquired was 215; Jackets donated were 149, and 66 more jackets to be distributed. Great job Gordon Meth!
John Guest was more than happy to receive two pallets full of boxes with the winter coats at their new facility in Parsippany and store them until Gordon Meth picked them up to distribute to Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, Kiwanis Club of Clifton and Kiwanis Club of South Orange Maplewood.
Those clubs then distributed them to various organizations, including Isaiah House in East Orange; Oasis Haven for Women and Children in Paterson; Jersey Battered Women’s Shelter; Family Promise of Morris County Drop in Center for Homeless; Clifton High School and St. Michael’s Church in Newark.
Jackets on their way to Jersey Battered Women’s Shelter, December 6.Family Promise Drop-In Center donation room on November 23 with Jacob Meth of Parsippany High School Key Club and Maria of Family Promise
RANDOLPH — At a recent dinner presentation “Recognizing Volunteers and Community Service” Family Promise of Morris County honored Michele Caruso.
The event was sponsored by Greenberg Traurig
Each year Family Promise of Morris County and Greenberg Traurig present the “Community Impact Award” to honor organizations and individuals that are making a tangible impact in our community.
The impact can be the result of any number of activities but is focused on people who make their contribution to the community a priority.
Board Member Karen DeChristopher with Danny Umana
Family Promise of Morris County (FPMC) mission is to end the crisis of homelessness facing families in Morris County. Their honoree, Michele Caruso, embodies the spirit of community impact, giving of her time, talent and treasure to assist FPMC and her community to help those less fortunate on the path to self-sufficiency.
When Michele relocated to Morris County two years ago, she knew that she wanted to continue her work with at-risk families. When she discovered Family Promise of Morris County and learned of its success with homelessness, she knew that she had found her volunteer home.
Family Promise Community Impact Award
1 of 9
Joann Bjornson, LSW – Executive Director
Joann Bjornson, LSW – Executive Director
Stephen W. Hammond, P.E., President
Michele Caruso
Karen DeChristopher, Joann Bjornson, LSW – Executive Director and Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, Jr.
Daniella Deluca, Frank Cahill and Karen DeChristopher
Dominique Tornabe, Director of Development Community Relations
Silent Auction items
With her social work background, it was easy for her to bond with the current guests and learn about their specific needs and future goals. She loves playing “Santa” each week, as she can provide the guests with specific shoe and clothing requests that have been donated or purchased. No matter what state she is residing in at the time, from California to Florida, Michele takes her service to the community very seriously; she is no stranger to non-profit organizations. Michele has proudly served on boards, created programs, and single-handedly raised more than $25,000 in one year.
One of Michele’s proudest achievements to date is the creation of the Making Moves Matter program. It was created to lessen the financial burden on our families and help new residents experience self-sufficiency.
On the day Family Promise guests move into a new residence – one they have been waiting for and working toward, the Making Moves Matter team of volunteers arrives with all the necessary household items. They clean, hang shower curtains, make beds, organize the kitchen, stock the fridge and cupboards, and spread their love throughout the new living space.
To date, Michele and her Making Moves Matter teams of volunteers have worked in conjunction with the Family Promise staff to secure and set up more than 22 homes. Successful community impact is rooted in our ability to respond to needs that are unmet or underserved through the efforts of our volunteers. Michele helps us exceed in this area through her time and her tireless commitment to helping others.
One of the unique attributes of all Family Promise volunteers is they achieve community impact through collaboration and Michele excels at this. Her efforts to collaborate with the congregation community for donations and specific services have created a wealth of positive support and friendships for which she is so grateful.
Michele believes that we are made kind by being kind and she feels blessed to be part of the Family Promise community.
Call a real estate development a “PILOT” Program, make sure that you use the acronym instead of the full name: Payment in Lieu of Taxes, and show pretty pictures of what you are going to build, and you will convince a majority of the members of the Parsippany Town Council that a prime piece of real estate on a major highway with immediate access to an Interstate, in the immediate vicinity of three major hotel chains, a host of major supermarkets, a large busy department store, strip malls being upgraded and a noted complex of commercial properties containing the corporate headquarters of many national and international companies, that the property you intend to develop is an Area in Need of Development! And because you will convince certain Council members that this area is in need of development you are entitled to a tax giveaway!!
Are these Council members so insular that they have not left the confines of Parsippany to go to the immediate areas of our town to see the numerous tracts of land that have been developed within the past few years and others that are now in the process of being developed, and that none of them are have received or are receiving tax giveaways?
This letter is not a resistance to what should or should not be built on this property, but one of resistance to an unwarranted real estate developer tax giveaway.
Richard Rosenthal 3 Cambridge Road Morris Plains, NJ 07950
PARSIPPANY— University of the Cumberlands has proudly accepted Sarah Budney for the upcoming academic year. Sarah, a current student at Parsippany Adult High School, is welcomed into the UC Class of 2023.
Located in the heart of Appalachia, University of the Cumberlands is an institution of regional distinction that offers undergraduate degrees on-campus and online, along with several pre-professional, graduate and doctoral programs. With a total enrollment of more than 10,000 students, UC is the largest private university in Kentucky and is devoted to preparing students for the future through hands-on, experiential learning and research.
Budney will be among 1400 other students on the UC Williamsburg campus finding academic opportunity in more than 40 majors, more than 30 clubs and student organizations, 28 athletic teams and a commitment to affordability in a private, liberal arts education.
Cumberlands students come from 36 states and 38 foreign countries. Classes are small to ensure each student receives the individualized attention they need to succeed in the classroom. To instill in students the desire to be agents of change in the world who use their knowledge and talents for the benefit of others and themselves, all UC students participate in community service by the time they graduate.
For additional information about University of the Cumberlands, visit ucumberlands.edu.
PARSIPPANY — Senior Emily Davis of the Muhlenberg College field hockey team was named to the All-Centennial Conference second team.
Davis, a native of Lake Hiawatha and a graduate of Parsippany High School, earned All-CC recognition for the third time, moving up to the second team after receiving honorable mention as a freshman and sophomore. She started nine of Muhlenberg’s 10 CC games in the midfield and recorded assists against Dickinson and Johns Hopkins.
A four-year starter, Davis finished her career with 29 points on 10 goals and nine assists.
Muhlenberg finished the 2018 season with a 10-8 record, going 8-2 in the CC to qualify for the playoffs for the fifth time in the last six years. The Mules defeated Dickinson in a first-round game and took nationally ranked Franklin & Marshall to double overtime before falling in a semifinal game.
Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a highly selective, private, four-year residential, liberal arts college located in Allentown, Pa., approximately 90 miles west of New York City. With an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 2200 students, Muhlenberg College is dedicated to shaping creative, compassionate, collaborative leaders through rigorous academic programs in the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences as well as selected pre-professional programs, including accounting, business, education and public health. The College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. A member of the Centennial Conference, Muhlenberg competes in 22 varsity sports.
HANOVER — Cedar Knolls IHOP served dinner to the volunteer fire departments of Hanover Township and Morris Plains on Tuesday, December 4.
Owner Sobhy Abdelhady said “We wanted to show our appreciation to the volunteer fire department for the job they did in putting out our kitchen fire, and kept damage to a minimum. If it weren’t for their quick response, the damage could have been much worse. We are very thankful for our volunteers.”
The Cedar Knolls IHOP donated 10% of all sales during the week starting Monday, December 3 through Friday, December 7 to the local fire departments.
The Cedar Knolls IHOP is located at 102 East Hanover Avenue.
The fire department families eating dinner at IHOPeSobhy Abdelhady holding the dessert for the firemenCedar Knolls Fire Department
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Republican Victory PAC (MRVP) has appointed Robert Zwigard as its new Chairman. According to Zwigard, former Executive Director of MRVP, “I am pleased to take over this organization that has a 14-year history supporting Republican success in Morris County”. I would also like to thank Tim Smith for his leadership of the PAC as Chair in 2018”. Smith resigned this November because he is moving to Florida.
Dear Editor:
