Commissioner Deborah Smith, Chair of the Commissioners’ Budget Committee
MORRIS COUNTY — Freeholder Deborah Smith will be named Freeholder Director at the Morris County Freeholders Reorganization meeting to be held on Friday, January 3, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Morris County Administration and Records Building.
Joining Smith will be Freeholder Stephen H. Shaw as Deputy Director.
Other members of the Freeholder Board consists of Doug Cabana, John Krickus, Thomas J. Mastrangelo andKathryn A. DeFillippo. Freeholder Heather Darling will step down and be sworn in for a five-year term as Morris County Surrogate. Darling, a Republican from Roxbury Township who has sat on the board since 2018, won the surrogate race, defeating Democrat Michael Thompson in the Tuesday, November 5 general election.
Darling leaves behind a term that expires on December 31, 2020. As a result, the seat must be filled by a Republican county convention, to be held at a date yet to be announced but must be held within 35 days after she is sworn in to her new position.
So far, former Morris County Freeholder John Cesaro of Parsippany, is first to announce his desire to fill Darling’s seat. Cesaro, a Parsippany attorney, sat on the freeholder board from 2012 to 2018. His bid to represent the 26th Legislative District in the Assembly failed in the June 2017 primary. His bid to return to the freeholder board in 2018 also ended in that primary.
Darling, a 43-year Morris County resident, was in her second year on the freeholder board but ran for surrogate because veteran surrogate John Pecorino was to retire after 25 years of service. She is principal of the Darling Law Firm, LLC, which she founded, and is president of her father’s real estate business.
Liberty Office Suites is located at 181 New Road, Suite 304, Parsippany, NJ 07054. They can be reached by calling (973) 575-6080 or by visiting http://www.LibertyOfficeSuites.com
Company description: Co-working, meeting rooms, private offices, and virtual offices
Q. Why did you start your business locally: Parsippany is the best location in Northern NJ with many top quality companies nearby. It is a natural place for a business such as ours.
Q: How long did it take to go from idea to opening your business? We have another location so the idea was already there, but going from signing a lease, designing the space and getting it built and furnished took about a year.
Q: What do you find the most rewarding about what you do? I get to meet many business people who share an enthusiasm for what they do. I get to help them and also learn from them. We really are a business community. Our office clients get to see each other every day and get to know one another. This results in both friendships outside of the office as well as many business referrals. That makes me happy.
Q: When people think of your business, what sets you apart from others? We go out of our way to know our clients as people, and to help them succeed. We are a small business too. The personal touch really shows.
Q: What name brands do you offer? Conference and meeting rooms that accommodate up to 70, catering services, free WiFi, furnished offices, virtual offices, phone answering, mail handling, phone answering and receptionist services.
Q: Where would you like your business to be in five years? We would consider opening a third location in Morris County.
Q: What local organizations do you belong to? Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, Morris County Chamber, Montville Chamber
Q: Who is your competition? Regus is the best known name in the industry, but we encourage our prospects to shop and research them. There’s a reason why so many of their clients come to us and wish they had done so first.
It’s time to talk about your business:
“You can’t go wrong doing the right thing”. We try to live by that adage.
We are very happy to be part of the Parsippany Chamber of Commerce.
NEW JERSEY — Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that a state grand jury has indicted nine men in an investigation that targeted a large-scale cocaine distribution ring in Cumberland County. During the investigation, the Division of Criminal Justice dismantled a drug mill in Vineland, where they seized heroin and fentanyl, as well as assault rifles and illegal large capacity magazines.
The indictment handed up today is the result of an eight-month investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau that led to arrests of a dozen defendants in late 2017. The Division of Criminal Justice was assisted by the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office. Three other defendants pleaded guilty to first-degree distribution of cocaine prior to the indictment.
Terrel Goodwin
The Division of Criminal Justice obtained an indictment charging Terrel Goodwin, 30, of Vineland, with first-degree promoting organized street crime.
Goodwin, who allegedly was a major supplier of cocaine, is also charged with first-degree distribution of cocaine, along with George Smith, 58, of Bridgeton.
Goodwin, Smith, and six other men are charged with second-degree conspiracy.
Those six other men allegedly acted as “runners” for Goodwin, distributing cocaine to street-level dealers.
The ninth indicted defendant, Alexander Torres, 33, of Vineland, was arrested when detectives of the DCJ Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau executed a search warrant during the investigation at his basement apartment on North Myrtle Street, where they seized six guns, including two illegal assault rifles, and four illegal large capacity magazines.
Alexander Torres
They also seized nearly 100 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl, nearly a kilogram of powder dibutylone (“bath salts”), over 900 dibutylone pills, and drug milling equipment, including grinders, blenders, mixing bowls, respirator masks, scales and a pill press.
Torres is charged with first-degree maintaining a narcotics production facility, as well as drug and weapons offenses, including possession of a weapon as a convicted felon, possession of firearms during commission of a drug crime, and possession of assault rifles and large-capacity magazines.
“The drugs and guns seized in this investigation speak to the danger this criminal ring posed to residents in the communities where they operated,” said Attorney General Grewal. “By dismantling this network and filing first-degree charges against the lead defendants, we took important steps to promote safety and security in South Jersey.”
“By conducting proactive investigations that target large-scale distributors of narcotics and that cut deeper into the supply network, we maximize our impact on drug dealing and the violence that so often accompanies it,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “I commend the detectives and attorneys in our Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau who conducted this operation, which led to first- and second-degree charges against a dozen alleged drug dealers.”
Three other cocaine suppliers who allegedly supplied or received cocaine from Goodwin were arrested during the investigation and pleaded guilty previously to first-degree distribution of cocaine. Each of the following men is awaiting sentencing and faces a recommended sentence of ten years in state prison:
Moses Arellano, 23, of Vineland
Christian Padilla, 28, of Glassboro
Oscar Gonzalez, 36, of Vineland
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Rastelli was assigned to the investigation for the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Erik Daab and Bureau Chief Lauren Scarpa Yfantis. Deputy Bureau Chief Daab presented the case to the state grand jury. Lead detectives for the DCJ Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau were Detective Jeffrey Lorman and Detective Todd Watkins, as well as the entire Organized Crime South Unit, under the supervision of Detective Sgt. Peppi Pichette, Deputy Chief of Detectives Christopher Donohue, and Chief of Detectives Weldon Powell. Attorney General Grewal thanked the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey State Police Intelligence Section for their valuable assistance.
The following is a full list of the defendants charged in the indictment returned today:
Terrell Goodwin, 30, of Vineland
George Smith, 58, of Bridgeton
Alexander Torres, 33, of Vineland
Stephen Fortune, 30, of Bridgeton
Joshua Rivera, 21, of Bridgeton
Wesley Bowleg, 46, of Bridgeton
Eric White, 31, Vineland
Kyle Mills, 33, of Bridgetown
Joseph Flores, 26, of Vineland
First-degree charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000, while second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000. The sentence for promoting organized street crime must be served consecutively to the sentence for any underlying offense. First-degree distribution of cocaine carries an enhanced fine of up to $500,000. Possession of a weapon as a convicted felon carries a minimum term of parole ineligibility of five years. The third-degree drug charges carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $35,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The indictment was handed up to Superior Court Judge Thomas M. Brown in Mercer County, who assigned the case to Cumberland County, where the defendants will appear in court at a later date for arraignment.
Editor’s Note: An arrest, indictment or signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — Businessman/Lawyer and Republican State Committeeman Larry Casha announced his candidacy for the 11th Congressional District seat for the 2020 election.
The following is a statement by Casha:
“The America we know, the America whose base principles of economic freedom, free speech, due process for all Americans including President Trump and a Congress that works together for the people is under attack. Never in the history of our country has a mainstream political party such as the Democratic Party openly accepted socialism, a concept that would end the America that permitted our grandparents, parents and ourselves to pursue our American dreams. Never before has a Congress ignored the Constitution by ignoring due process in these clandestine impeachment proceedings. We should all be afraid of their secret, behind doors proceedings to indict. Today it is the President, tomorrow it may be one of us.
The people of the New Jersey 11th Congressional District deserve someone who will represent them addressing the issues that are germane to Morris, Essex, Passaic and Sussex Counties like deducting all of our real estate and local taxes from our income taxes and not someone whose sole purpose in Congress is to promote the national agenda of Speaker Pelosi’s Democratic Party. Someone who will fight for the principles that made this country the most prosperous the world has ever known so that future generations have the same chance to pursue their dreams as their ancestors. Someone who will stand up to the Democrats and call them out for socialism and ignoring the Constitution. Someone who will work with the administration, which has created unparalleled prosperity among all socio-economic levels of our society, with an eye towards an increasingly successful future, so that progress can continue.
It is for these and many other unaddressed issues which are crucial to the people of the New Jersey 11th Congressional District that I announce my candidacy for the United States Congress.”
Larry Casha Bio Larry is the founding member of Casha and Casha, LLC in 1980 and Casha Realty, LLC 1999. At the law firm, he specializes in transactional matters such as real estate, wills, trusts, estate planning and business matters. Casha Realty is a real estate holding company wherein he manages commercial real estate.
Larry received a Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree with a double major in Marketing and Management. He graduated cum laude with a Juris Doctor Degree from University of New Hampshire School of Law. He is admitted to the bars of the States of New Jersey and New York, as well as the Federal Courts for the Districts of New Jersey, the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York and the United States Supreme Court.
He is the former Kinnelon Council President and currently serves as the Republican State Committeeman from Morris County. He served on the staffs of Assemblyman Alex DeCroce and Senator Robert Martin. He was the New Jersey Surrogate Speaker Director for the Presidential Campaign of George W. Bush and Morris County Coordinator for John McCain’s Presidential and Christine Todd Whitman’s Gubernatorial Campaigns as well as numerous other roles in, Presidential, U.S. Senate and Gubernatorial Campaigns.
Larry was Governor Whitman’s appointee to the Board of Trustees for the County College of Morris and has or continues to volunteer legal services and/or be on the Boards of the Chamber of Commerce, the Montville First Aid Squad and Fire Departments, Drug Awareness Council and the Housing Partnership.
In 2006, Larry was inducted into the Montville Township High School Hall of Fame. Larry is also a frequent legal and political contributor on radio talk show stations.
Larry and his wife Debra of 41 years are lifelong residents of the 11th Congressional District. Currently residents of Kinnelon, they were both educated in the District’s public-school systems and attended Montclair State University for their undergraduate degrees.
MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joseph Pennacchio made the following statement on Congressman Van Drew switching To the Republican Party:
I have known Congressman Van Drew for two decades. Our terms in the legislature paralleled each other in the Assembly and in the State Senate. Both of us previously chose Dentistry as our profession. We served on many of the same committees. We also shared the fact that we both were initially Democrats but now are part of the Grand Old Republican Party. Both of us realized that “The Democrat Party of John Kennedy” is no more. In Congressman Van Drew’s case that realization was most recently made. My awakening happened 40 years ago. Weaponizingimpeachment, open borders, Medicare for all and the emergence of an unapologetic march towards socialism has opened up the eyes of many who have traditionally called themselves Democrats. I welcome Congressman Van Drew into our Large political tent. I encourage other Democrats to follow suit.
PARSIPPANY — St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 335 Reynolds Avenue, is hosting a piano concert on Sunday, December 15, at 10:45 a.m. featuring the jazzy piano styling of Don Ehrmann, Minister or Music, performing Christmas musical arrangement by several contemporary church music composers, including an original piece written by Mr. Ehrmann himself.
You are invited to come get your Christmas mood set with some Christmas groove. St. Andrew is barrier-free and welcoming to all. For more information click here or call (973) 887-6713.
Freeholder Darling with Freeholder Director Cabana
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders gave an unofficial sendoff to Freeholder Heather Darling, who will depart the county governing board at the end of the year to take her new elected post as Morris County Surrogate.
Freeholder Director Doug Cabana lauded Darling for her efforts as a freeholder, wishing her well in her new job as fellow freeholders Kathy DeFillippo, John Krickus, Stephen Shaw and Deborah Smith gave her a round of applause.
Darling received a framed rendering of the Morris County Courthouse as a parting gift.
Darling, speaking at the freeholders’ annual holiday gathering at the County Administration Building in Morristown, thanked her colleagues for their support and thanked county employees for their hard work “to always make us all look good.”
She will start her new job as Surrogate in the new year.
Heather Darling, John Krickus, Kathryn A. DeFillippo, Deborah Smith and Stephen Shaw
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County has the second lowest unemployment rate in New Jersey, behind only Hunterdon County, according to the October, 2019 figures provided by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
The county’s 2.6 percent unemployment compares favorable to the state’s 3.3 percent unemployment rate. The county has approximately 6,800 unemployed residents according to the state report.
Morris County’s unemployment rate for October was 2.6 percent, which is unchanged from September and down from 2.8 percent one year ago, in October 2018.
In October, Morris County had the second lowest unemployment rate in New Jersey at 2.6 percent, behind Hunterdon County at 2.5 percent. Cape May County had the highest unemployment rate at 5 percent.
New Jersey’s unemployment rate for October was 3.3 percent, up from 3.2 percent in September but down from 3.5 percent one year ago, in October 2018.
Morris County’s total labor force was 261,700 in October, up from 257,900 in September and 252,300 one year ago, in October 2018.
Statewide, unemployment rates are higher mostly in the southern part of the state, ranging from 4.4 percent to 5 percent in Salem, Atlantic, Cumberland and Cape May counties, while Essex County in North Jersey also has a 4.2 percent rate.
Jobs most in demand across the state, according to the report include software developers, registered nurses, retail sales, wholesale and manufacturing sales, customer service representatives, retail sales supervisors, medical and health services managers, and secretaries and administrative assistants (excluding legal and medical).
Visit the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development website to dig much deeper into the numbers, by clicking here.
If you are seeking a job, visit NJ Career Connections or visit the Morris-Sussex-Warren Workforce Development Board website by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — The Assembly Appropriations Committee advanced a bill (A5667), sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce and co-sponsored by Assemblyman Ned Thomson, requiring pharmacies and hospice programs to provide patients with information and methods to safely discard prescription medications.
Governor Phil Murphy conditionally vetoed a similar bill (S3240) in May of this year because he wanted pharmacies and hospice programs to offer a drug disposal method approved by an independent lab. Under this bill, the disposal solutions must render a drug unusable per federal regulations and meet DEP requirements concerning alternative disposal methods for medical waste that currently apply to the medical industry. In addition, drop boxes must follow federal Drug Enforcement Administration requirements for collected pharmaceuticals and use prominent signage.
“The importance of properly disposing of unwanted or unused medications and needles cannot be understated,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “Our medicine cabinets can hold potentially deadly consequences if prescriptions like opioids get into the wrong hands.”
One in three Americans have expired or unused medication sitting in their bathroom cabinets. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an estimated 18 million Americans misused prescription medications at least once in 2017. A national survey found that more than 70 percent of people abusing opioids for nonmedical reasons get them from family or friends.
“My family experienced the terrible pain of opioid abuse when we lost my nephew to an overdose four years ago,” said Thomson (R-Monmouth). “I want to empower people to be a part of the solution by taking that extra step to safely and securely rid their homes of unused prescriptions so they can prevent a similar tragedy.”
Under the bill, pharmacies must have at least one method of disposal on-site such as over-the-counter deactivation solutions or secure drop boxes that are offered to the patient for purchase or at no cost. Patients also must receive information about the dangers of improper drug disposal and the ways to safely discard unused, unwanted, or expired drugs. Patients in hospice care programs who undergo changes in treatment that result in a discontinuation of a medication must also be educated about safe disposal and be offered a disposal method like an at-home solution or a secured collection box. In addition, information on the safe disposal of used hypodermic syringes and needles to prevent the spread of disease and accidental injury is also required.
The bill is named “Charlie’s Law” for Charlie Van Tassel who died at the age of 33 after struggling with addiction for many years.
The full Assembly is scheduled to vote on the bill this Monday.
PARSIPPANY — Award-winning cat-book author and Cat Writers’ Association Professional Member, Shawn Flynn, invited to join the Central Jersey Cat Fanciers for their 19th Annual Cat Show at the Hilton, One Hilton Court on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 3, 4 and 5, to share his inspirational pet rescue story.
Flynn’s book, “THE KITTY Who Rescued Me After I Rescued Him,” is a heartwarming tale that reveals how the pets we love sometimes turn around and care for us (ABBE Road Publishing, ISBN: 978-0-9987880-0-5, $9.95). His book was named a first-place winner in Top Shelf Magazine’s 2018 Indie Book Awards in three categories that include Animals/Pets, Novella and Relationships Non-Fiction. It also won a 2017 Readers’ Favorite Book Award and was an award-winning finalist in the 2017 International Book Awards competition. Flynn will be at the show all three days which is scheduled for:
Central Jersey Cat Fanciers 19th Annual Cat Show, Hilton Hotel, 1 Hilton Court, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 3rd, 4th and 5th. The show runs from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
“It is an honor to have been invited to participate in the Central Jersey Cat Fanciers 19th Annual Cat Show as they really have a great club,” commented Mr. Flynn. “With 4 out of 5 households in the U.S. owning at least one pet, I know that there are plenty of pet lovers in New Jersey.”
“One of those unique and compelling stories that will linger in the mind and memory long after the book itself has been finished and set back upon the shelf, “THE KITTY Who Rescued Me After I Rescued Him” is unreservedly recommended for community library collections.” –Midwest Book Review
“The story of Kitty and Shawn was very moving… I never expected such a heartwarming story to come from a man… I would recommend this book to all animal lovers, not just cat lovers…” –Readers’ Favorite FIVE STAR Review
Applebee's Parsippany General Manager Rachel Gaida with Santa
PARSIPPANY — Applebee’s located at 1157 Route 46, Troy Hills Shopping Center – as well as those across the state – held a Breakfast with Santa fundraiser on Saturday, December 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to support the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots program.
In addition to food, guests received toys donated by Sons of Italy and pictures with Santa.
There were hundreds of toys donated for the eventU.S. Marine, David Gaida, Santa and Rachel GaidaParsippany Volunteer Fire District 5 member Taner Uygun, Santa, and Dave Cavaliere
“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,” said Tim Doherty, President and Chief Executive Officer of Doherty Enterprises. “We look forward to spending the day with our employees and guests to celebrate the holidays and the season of giving.”
Heading into its 21st year, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises, which owns more than 96 Applebee’s restaurants across New Jersey, Long Island, Florida and Georgia, have raised over $4.6 million for the Toys for Tots initiative to date, helping to spread holiday cheer to more than 230,000 deserving children.
Just in time for the holidays, for every $50.00 gift card purchase, guests will receive a free bonus card valued at $10.00. Offer valid through January 5. Bonus cards valid from next visit through March 1, 2020.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador David Warner, Committee Chairperson Barbara Freda, Executive Board Member Frank Cahill, and Investors Bank Kim Chhugani
PARSIPPANY — Kim Chhugani, Vice President Business Banker, Investors Bank, located at 820 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell, has joined the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Investors Bank strives to provide high-quality products and services in an honest and straightforward manner while operating responsibly and ethically, so that their clients, employees, stockholders and communities may prosper.
Their Vision
For individuals, families, growing businesses and commercial real estate clients, Investors provides world-class products and services, in an honest and straightforward manner.
They work hard to always do what’s right for each and every customer — making sure they get the right products and great value — to help them meet their everyday banking needs as well as to achieve their long-term goals.
To do well, you have to do right. And doing right by our customers is how they hope to become the leading community-oriented bank in the region.
Our Mission and Vision are built on Four Core Values:
Cooperation: The act of working together toward a common purpose or benefit
Character: The combination of features and traits that form the individual nature of a person or team
Community: A self-organized network of people who collaborate by sharing ideas and information for the sake of the common good
Commitment: A pledge, promise or obligation
For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, contact Executive Board Member Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400, or click here.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Committee Chairperson Barbara Freda, BurgerIM owner Touria Ettamri, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill, Board Members Alan Golub and Ildiko Peluso. Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes new member BurgerIM
PARSIPPANY — BurgerIM, a fast-growing burger chain offering a mesmerizing array of gourmet burgers, is excited to announce the opening of its first location in Parsippany.
Located at 131 New Road, the new location is serving up BurgerIM’s full menu of mouth-watering burgers available in more than ten protein options, all served on fresh buns with the choice of house-made sauces and premium toppings, allowing guests to customize to their heart’s desire. Best known for its 3 oz. “Classic BurgerIM,” the chain recently added quarter-pound and third-pound “Big BurgerIM” options for larger appetites; a Keto Burger and Impossible Burger have been introduced to the menu as well.
“We’re thrilled to bring the signature BurgerIM experience to Parsippany residents and look forward to becoming a valued member of the community,” said Touria Ettamri, Parsippany’s BurgerIM franchisee. “We’re proud to offer an unparalleled variety in fast-casual burgers and to be a place that guests can count on for an amazing burger, whether it’s their go-to favorite or trying something new.”
BurgerIM was founded on the idea of ‘Burgers for Everyone’ because nobody should have to miss out on enjoying a juicy burger no matter their dietary restrictions or lifestyle choices. Offering more than ten different patties including Dry-Aged Beef, Salmon, Crispy Chicken and Falafel, a variety of bun options like Keto and Gluten-Free, along with a large selection of toppings and scratch-made sauces, BurgerIM’s endless customizability caters to every taste preference and lifestyle. BurgerIM also serves thick ice cream milkshakes, signature circle-cut fries, crispy double-battered onion rings, meaty wings in a variety of flavors, salads and desserts. Many BurgerIM locations offer wine and beer on tap in an upscale atmosphere with big screen TVs and a U-shaped bar.
The new BurgerIM is located at 131 New Road and can be reached by telephone at (973) 521-9909. Hours of operation are 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. To find your nearest BurgerIM location and to view BurgerIM’s full menu with nutritional information, visit www.burgerim.com.
BurgerIM, the fastest growing burger franchise in America, offers a mesmerizing array of chef-inspired, gourmet burgers to tickle everyone’s taste buds and fit every lifestyle. Whether you are vegan, pescatarian, keto or just hungry, BurgerIM has what you crave. BurgerIM is burgers re-IMagined, with more choices than any other burger chain. At BurgerIM, guests can choose from eleven different patties, including angus, dry aged, wagyu, Spanish beef, chicken, salmon, Greek lamb, falafel and more, plus a variety of toppings from mild to wild, including sunny side up eggs, pineapple, and bacon. Top your burger off with a variety of house made sauces, delicious, soft buns, including non-GMO buns, gluten-free/plant-based buns or handcrafted lettuce to wrap your burger. BurgerIM also serves up delicious milkshakes, signature circle-cut fries, the best double-battered onion rings in the world, meaty wings, healthy salads, and enticing dessert options. Many establishments also carry wine and beer on tap served in an upscale sports-bar-like atmosphere with big screens and a u-shaped bar. For more information, visit www.burgerim.com and Instagram @burgerim.
PARSIPPANY — The Friends of Lake Hiawatha held their annual “Snowflake Festival” on Friday, December 6 at the Gazebo on North Beverwyck Road.
Everyone was served hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes as Santa arrived by Firetruck.
Santa greeted all the children and parents were taking pictures of their children.
Mayor Michael Soriano, Santa and Antoinette Piccolo-SimmonsAva Arthurs telling Santa what she wants for ChristmasFriends of Lake Hiawatha member John Pascarella with Mayor Michael Sorinao
The golfers enjoying a nice day of golf at Knoll Country Club
PARSIPPANY — At the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting, Mayor Michael Soriano announced that the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will not be renewing the contract of Kemper Sports.
Previously Kemper Sports was the management company operating the Knoll Country Club.
Mayor Soriano said “Immediately we are starting a transition with Kemper Sports and we will assume local responsibility for the management of our courses. With that, we have offered Mr. Kevin Brancato.”
Mr. Brancato, is a member of the Knoll Country Club. He’s a member of the Knoll Country Club Advisory Committee and a successful businessman. We are giving him the opportunity to manage the transition and lead the Knoll utility as we move forward.
“Kevin, I welcome you and I look forward to working with you and the great things that you can do up there at the Knoll. I’m pleased at this decision was unanimously agreed upon by myself and the Township Council and the working group continues to plan for the future of the Knoll Country Club. This will include management, finances, facilities and the overall mission as to how we serve our members and guests,” said Soriano.
When questioning, Kemper Sports General Manager Osner Charles he said “I wasn’t aware of this change, and I will investigate.”
Santa Claus arrived at Parsippany Child Day Care Center to greet the children
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, December 7 the children at Parsippany Child Day Care Center enjoyed a breakfast and a visit from Santa sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
Kiwanis members Nicolas Limanov, Joe Jannarone, Jr., and Craig Eagleson volunteered and prepared the breakfast which consisted of scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, pancakes, bagels and muffins.
Kiwanis Club serves breakfast at Parsippany Child Care Day Center
1 of 8
Kiwanis Elfs
Ava Arthurs, Santa and Karen DeChristopher
Scarano family, Santa and Charlotte Scarano
Rhonda Kron sits on Santa's lap.
Craig Eagleson and Nicolas Limanov serving breakfast to the children
Nicolas Limanov and Craig Eagleson cooked the eggs and sausage
Chef Joe Jannarone, Jr. cooking the pancakes
Santa Claus arrived at Parsippany Child Day Care Center to greet the children
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany invites Santa and cooks up a breakfast and supplies gifts for the children every year.
Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization in over 96 nations. The major emphasis is serving the children of the world.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany picks service projects that need attention. The Club is all local people that volunteer time and talents to make our community a better place to live. We, like you, are busy with making a living, church, family, and many other activities.
The children received wooden puzzles, coloring books and crayons from Santa as well as a goodie bag.
The Parsippany Child Day Care Center was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1968. They opened with 20 children and expanded to meet the growing need for quality child care in our community. In 1980, they moved into a new building specifically designed for child care and owned by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. During the 1990s, the building was renovated with two additions to the building, which made room for infants and young toddlers. They are governed by a Board of Trustees, who are volunteers from our community.
The facility was designed specifically for the care of children, and was built with HUD funding. The center has a total of seven classrooms, a large multipurpose room, a full service kitchen, offices, adult and children’s lavatories.
The center is comprised of a diverse population of families and staff. They come from a variety of backgrounds and speak multiple languages from all over the globe.
A very unique relationship exists between the center and Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. Parsippany built the original building and owns it. A self-renewing contract allows for joint responsibility for repairs and building upkeep. Primarily the center maintains the building and the town maintains the property. They also have strong ties with civic organizations within Parsippany, including but not limited to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills and the Sons of Italy.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Police Officers from the Parsippany PBA #131 teamed up with Target and did some holiday shopping with disadvantaged children during Target’s Heroes and Helpers Event on December 8.
$2000 was donated to the children from Target and the Parsippany PBA and each child teamed up with a Parsippany Police Officer to help them shop.
MORRIS COUNTY — Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is holding a food drive this holiday season until Friday, December 27 with all donations going to nourish.NJ, formerly known as Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown.
Patrons attending events are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items and personal care items at shows. Donations may also be dropped off at the box office during regular business hours from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Current needs include canned soup, low sugar cereal and oatmeal, individual packages of breakfast bars, nuts or trail mix, canned chicken and tuna, sturdy backpacks, sleeping bags, undershirts, boxers, men’s and women’s low socks, laundry soap, hand sanitizer, flashlights rain ponchos, shampoo, razors, toothpaste, soap, deodorant and other toiletries.
Nourish.nj provides nutritious meals in a warm, safe and caring environment, free of charge, no questions asked, to anyone who comes seeking nourishment.
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is a member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Pennacchio promotes the development of fusion energy as a source of clean, sustainable power
MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio wants to help New Jersey become a global leader in clean, renewable fusion energy, and his resolution seeking federal funding for fusion research was approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
“New Jersey is perfectly positioned to play a crucial role in bringing the promise of fusion energy to fruition and changing the way the world generates power,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Our state is the home of the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab and a growing ecosystem of ambitious start-up companies determined to make fusion power a reality. Investment from the federal government aligned with some sensible moves by the State to support this promising industry could yield massive dividends for our residents and New Jersey’s future.”
Pennacchio’s measure (SR-146) calls on Congress and the President to increase federal funding for fusion research.
In May, Pennacchio hosted a symposium with a panel of top experts in physics and fusion energy.
“From what we learned, it is obvious the potential of fusion is limitless,” Pennacchio noted. “The promise of a super clean, reliable, and affordable energy solution is within reach. If we are truly committed to developing a sustainable, environmentally friendly energy source, we can get this done with a financial push from Washington. Fusion energy is a clean safe source of renewable energy that can be supported by both Republicans and Democrats, environmentalists and the business community.”
Current nuclear power plants create power through fission, a process that splits a uranium isotope to start a chain reaction. Both the fuel and the waste are highly radioactive.
Fusion, on the other hand, is a nuclear reaction occurring when two light nuclei smash together and fuse, creating a heavier nucleus and releasing energy in the process. Fusion is safe because accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima are impossible. Fusion is cleaner, too, producing only a fraction of the waste nuclear fission produces.
“For years, people have assumed the promise of fusion was decades in the future, but some experts believe it could become a reality in as little as five years,” Pennacchio said. “Just as California has its Silicon Valley, New Jersey could have its Fusion Epicenter if we play our cards right.”
Pennacchio’s resolution is just one of a series of fusion-related bills the senator sponsored in September:
(S-3946) Includes fusion within the definition of Class I renewable energy as defined in the “Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act.” Other Class I renewable energies include energy produced from solar technologies, wind energy, etc. Enacted in 1999, the Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act fundamentally changed the way residential and commercial consumers of electricity pay for their services. It separates the cost of generating and supplying power from the cost of delivering it. Under this bill, consumers would be able to purchase fusion energy when it becomes available.
(S-4045) Establishes a scholarship program for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the field of fusion science. Under the program, the state will award ten scholarships annually in the amount of $12,500 each to qualified recipients. Each scholarship awarded will be contingent upon the recipient receiving an equal scholarship from their institution of higher education. Recipients must remain in good standing at the institution.
(S-4073) Provides that fusion energy and fusion technology companies are eligible to receive benefits under certain economic incentive programs. Under the bill, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) is required to adopt rules and regulations for the administration of economic incentive programs to provide that any reference or stipulation under a program related to the development or production of renewable energy, the development of emerging technologies, or to the expansion of targeted industries in this State connected to the award of a benefit or incentive to a company is deemed to include the development or production of fusion energy or fusion technology in this State.
(S-4074) Requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA), in consultation with the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology, to establish a Fusion Technology Industry Development Program to promote the fusion technology industry in the State and to attract fusion technology businesses to the State. Requires the EDA to provide technical and financial assistance to fusion technology businesses considering locating in New Jersey and to invest moneys from business assistance programs administered by the EDA, as may be available.
(S-4075) Establishes the NJ Fusion Technology Industry Commission. The commission is to consist of the following nine members: the Secretary of Higher Education; the chair of the Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology; the Executive Director of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority; two members from NJ colleges and four public members with a background in fusion. The bill requires the commission to be responsible for the development and oversight of policies and programs in fusion energy and technology development in New Jersey and report annually to the Governor and Legislature.
PARSIPPANY — Constituents are invited to drop off holiday cards for retired members of the New Jersey Fire Services at Representative Sherrill’s District Office in Parsippany, starting today through Monday, December 23. Holiday cards placed in envelopes should not be sealed closed. The cards will be distributed to residents of the New Jersey Firemen’s Home in Boonton, the state’s only licensed healthcare facility dedicated to taking care of the women and men of New Jersey’s Fire Services.
“Writing a hand-written note to our retired firefighters is a small way to say thank you to those who dedicated their lives to keeping our communities safe and to spread some holiday cheer,” said Representative Sherrill. “Visiting the Firemen’s Home was a highlight of my summer district work period. It is a wonderful part of our community, and I look forward to seeing the creativity and holiday spirit our residents bring to this program to honor our retired firefighters.”
Representative Sherrill’s District Office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 8 Wood Hollow Road, Suite 203, Parsippany.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County has the second lowest unemployment rate in New Jersey, behind only Hunterdon County, according to the October, 2019 figures provided by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
BurgerIM was founded on the idea of ‘Burgers for Everyone’ because nobody should have to miss out on enjoying a juicy burger no matter their dietary restrictions or lifestyle choices. Offering more than ten different patties including Dry-Aged Beef, Salmon, Crispy Chicken and Falafel, a variety of bun options like Keto and Gluten-Free, along with a large selection of toppings and scratch-made sauces, BurgerIM’s endless customizability caters to every taste preference and lifestyle. BurgerIM also serves thick ice cream milkshakes, signature circle-cut fries, crispy double-battered onion rings, meaty wings in a variety of flavors, salads and desserts. Many BurgerIM locations offer wine and beer on tap in an upscale atmosphere with big screen TVs and a U-shaped bar.
