MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Library sponsors Open Mic Night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month.
Morris County Library welcomes performers of all types – musicians, comedians, poets, storytellers and multimedia presenters. Performer are encouraged to sign up in advance. Walk-ins are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. All are invited, though some material may be of an adult nature.
The library will provide a sound system, electronic keyboard, LCD multimedia projection system. For more information and performers sign ups, contact Laurence Ross at (973) 285-6948 or email [email protected].
PARSIPPANY — At approximately 5:30 p.m.on Thursday, February 28 a two car motor vehicle accident on Route 46 West near North Beverwyck Road.
Heavy traffic in area due to a motor vehicle accident with injuries. Try to avoid the area. www.parsippanyfocus.com will have complete story when details are made available.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders unanimously introduced county government’s 2019 budget, which will slightly increase the average tax levy for county residents but will provide enhanced social services, public safety, educational opportunities, modern technology, and a continued emphasis on maintaining the county’s key road, bridge, and facilities infrastructure.Freeholders Introduce 2019 County Government Budget
Morris County homeowners will pay an average of just $11.00 more annually, or 0.94 cents each month, in county taxes this year to fund services and programs provided by Morris County government through the $315.3 million 2019 county budget introduced by the Board of Freeholders last night in Morristown.
The proposed $315.3 million includes a tax levy increase of just $11 annually. The price of an average property in Morris County is $462,400.
“We have carefully scrutinized all aspects of county operations to make sure we operate in a lean manner, by running a modern, efficient and cost effective county government,’’ said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “We believe this is fair and balanced budget, which incorporates all of the critical needs of our residents for the current year, but which also takes a prudent far-reaching look at the county’s future needs.’’
The tax dollars in the proposed operating budget incorporate numerous public safety and social services initiatives, to be offered in many cases with our nonprofit providers who deal with school safety, the opioid epidemic, childcare, emergency medical services, and services and programs for our most vulnerable residents.
The budget positions the county to address emerging challenges and needs by partnering with its 39 municipalities, constitutional offices, nonprofits, and others entities on a variety of programs and projects.
It also addresses the need to maintain the county’s roads and bridges, and its technology, law enforcement, public safety, educational and recreational infrastructure that are key to the county’s high quality of life.
Freeholder Heather Darling
“Through the 2019 budget, our county will continue to be the premier place in New Jersey in which to live, work, and raise a family,’’ said Freeholder Heather Darling, chair of the freeholders’ budget subcommittee. Other members are Freeholders Kathy DeFillippo and Deborah Smith.
“This budget process goes far beyond 2019 by offering financial integrity that will position the county for future challenges. It was developed in coordination with the county’s strategic plan, adhering to the guiding principles developed in that plan, in cooperation with the county’s municipal, school, business, healthcare, nonprofit and community leaders.’’
“The freeholders want to ensure that Morris County remains THE infrastructure leader in New Jersey by continuing major investments in the county’s roads and bridges, the county college and school of technology, county parks, and our excellent public safety and communications systems,’’ said Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo, who heads the capital budget subcommittee. Other members are Freeholders John Krickus and Stephen Shaw.
Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo
While maintaining a tight rein on spending, the freeholders’ proposed 2019 operating budget continues to invest in key programs and initiatives that maintain the high quality of life in the county, and look to the future. It maintains and expands public safety initiatives, sustains all human services programs, enhances Stigma-Free tools to deal with the opioid epidemic and mental health issues, and addresses the needs of military veterans.
It supports countywide economic development, protects the county’s top-ranked Triple A bond rating, and preserves a stable level of fund balance required for well-run county governments. In addition, the freeholders are continuing the county’s voter-approved preservation trust fund that finances open space, farmland and historic preservation projects, and provides funding for recreational trails and flood mitigation.
Some new and expanded programs, to be done through partnerships, include:
Expanding Morris County’s EMS Initiative, to offer two additional backup units for as-needed emergency response service to all 39 Morris County municipalities;
The roll-out of “Navigating Hope,’’ which will deliver critical social services programs into the community, and will partner with the Sheriff’s existing Hope One mobile opioid initiative;
Expanding investments in community based Human Services programs operated and managed by nonprofit agencies within the county;
Creating a Ballistics Laboratory in the Sheriff’s Office, to support law enforcement;
Supporting the Responsible School Violence Prevention Program for school districts, as part of a joint initiative of the Freeholders, Sheriff, law enforcement, human services and educational communities;
Developing a new services-oriented county website, and new electronic online forms system for public interaction with county government;
Increased funding for the county park system;
Addressing the Emerald Ash Borer infestation that requires removal of thousands of dying trees along county rights of ways for safety reasons.
The 2019 budget strategically authorizes $33.5 million to responsibly deal with critical infrastructure needs, including county roads and bridges; public safety technology and security enhancements; parks, education and building maintenance needs $18.8 million is dedicated for public works initiatives and includes:
Resurfacing of 25.3 miles of county roads;
Construction of six bridges and design of nine bridges;
Morris View Healthcare, Historic Courthouse and other facilities maintenance projects.
The planned $7.8 million earmarked for bridge projects (to be combined with federal and state dollars) is the highest amount allocated for bridge repair and replacement in six years. Projects will target the county’s lowest rated bridges to ensure continued safety for motorists.
Planned bridge projects include:
Intervale Road in Parsippany;
Palmer Road in Denville/Randolph;
Passaic Street in Chatham Township;
White Bridge Road in Long Hill;
Russia Road in Jefferson Township.
Some other major capital funding:
$6.7 million: County College of Morris campus upgrades, including construction of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center;
$6.6 million: 9-1-1 Communications Center technology upgrades;
$2.2 million: Information Technology equipment and upgrades;
$1.9 million: Park Commission improvements, including renovation of Lees Marina;
$1.6 million: Morris County School of Technology upgrades;
$1.2 million: Head Start Program expansion and renovation (loan to be repaid);
The freeholders will consider adoption of their operating budget at the Wednesday, March 27 evening meeting in Morristown.
Please take a look at the county’s 2019 proposed budget, and PowerPoint presentations on the proposed 2019 operating budget and capital budget.
MORRIS COUNTY — Meet Bolt, an approximately 6-8 year old Maltese! This little cutie is FULL of life and is looking for his forever family!
He loves to play and is a super happy-go-lucky boy! He was abandoned by some people who left him in an awful condition. His dew claws had grown into his leg by the time we got him. We are so happy that Bolt can now find his real forever family that loves and cares for him unconditionally!
Bolt is potty-trained and is good with cats and dogs! He can live with other dogs and children 10+. He’s a spunky guy that will love to play all day then cuddle up with you on the couch to watch a show. He loves to follow his foster mama around and gives plenty of kisses.
Bolt enjoys car rides, playing with his foster siblings, and getting attention. He would prefer not to be without his people more than a couple hours at a time though. What can we say, he loves getting love!
If you’re looking for a little cutie to add to your family, apply to adopt Bolt!
If you are interested in adopting Bolt, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
Recently you may have seen headlines in major newspapers such as the following — “United Methodist Tighten Ban on Same Sex Marriage and Gay Clergy” — regarding legislation passed at a Special Conference of the governing body of our denomination.
We would like to publicly state that we are appalled by these rulings. We grieve for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters both inside and outside of our congregations for the cruel message of rejection you have received in these pronouncements.
We want you to know you are welcome in our congregations and we look forward to the day when these prohibitions that grieve the heart of Jesus are removed.
Both of our churches are “Reconciling Congregations” who proudly proclaim that homosexuality is not a sin and celebrate the ministry of ALL people as blessed children of God.
Rev. Jeff Edwards Parsippany United Methodist Church 903 S. Beverwyck Road, Parsippany Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.
Rev. Amanda Hemenetz United Methodist Church at Mount Tabor 5 Simpson Avenue, Mount Tabor Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
MORRIS COUNTY — Sandy is about two years old and weighs about 15-20 pounds.
This is what her foster mom has to say about her… Sandy is a sweetheart! She is great with everyone….people, other dogs and kids. When we come home she is so happy she will run over to meet us. Anywhere we go, Sandy will follow! She likes being with people. When you go to pet Sandy, she will roll over on her back for tummy rubs. And, Sandy has a stuffed toy that she carries around. She is just so darn cute! Sandy enjoys running around outside and she enjoys her walks. She is calm, gentle and sweet. Every ounce of her sweetness.”
Sandy ended up in an over-populated high kill shelter because someone saw her running around NC and they followed her into an abandoned building. Inside the building they found Sandy along with her puppies so they were taken to a shelter. When FHDR found out about how sweet Sandy is, we rescued her along with her puppies and transported them New Jersey to live in a foster homes. Sandy is hoping you have a furever home for her!
Sandy is so sweet you can’t help falling in love with her!
If interested in adopting Sandy, please email [email protected] and to see more photos and a video clip, click here.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Councilman Michael dePierro
PARSIPPANY — Councilman Mike dePierro, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani announced tonight that they were running as a united Republican ticket for Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council in the June primary and urged residents to maintain Republican representation in local government this November as an important check-and-balance against Governor Phil Murphy’s far-left agenda.
“We are running as an experienced team committed to affordability, safe schools and neighborhoods, economic growth, open space preservation, and responsible planning,” said dePierro, Carifi and Gragnani in a joint statement. “With Governor Murphy’s far-left agenda already raising taxes by over a billion dollars and turning New Jersey into a Sanctuary State for criminal illegal immigrants, our community needs Republican representation on Township Council more than ever.”
An Air Force Veteran from the Vietnam era and a Life Member of VFW Post 10184, Councilman dePierro has made service to his community and his country a way of life for more than five decades. After serving six years on the local school board, Mike was first elected to Township Council from 1982 to 1997, and then again from 2000 to present. Mike and his wife Dee have been married for 58 years with three children and ten grandchildren are active parishioners of St. Ann church for 35 years.
“Experience still matters and I offer the people of Parsippany decades of it,” said dePierro, who graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with an Electrical Engineering degree and was a Systems Manager with Bell for 30 years. “I am proud of the role I’ve played in making Parsippany the attractive community it is today, and I am running for re-election to continue making a difference in the town I love.”
Robert Zwigard, Chairman Morris County Victory PAC, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Councilman Michael dePierro and Parsippany Republican Committee Chairman Louis Valori
A township resident for 45 years who proudly went through the local school system, Carifi, Jr. enjoyed a decorated 25-year career in law enforcement with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and has been a member of Township Council since late 2011. Paul graduated with a B.A. from East Stroudsburg University in Sociology / Criminal Justice, as well as from the West Point Leadership and Command Class. He has also completed the NJ Certified Public Managers Program. Carifi, Jr. is a parishioner at St. Christopher’s Church and a member of the Sons of Italy.
“Democrats have complete, one-party control in Trenton and we see how that’s working out for the State,” said Carifi, Jr. “Here in Parsippany, Republican watchdogs on the Council is critical to ensuring our community has a check-and-balance on Governor Murphy’s extreme agenda.”
Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce congratulating Paul Carifi, Jr.Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Councilman Michael dePierro. Sheriff James Gannon is an honorary chairman of the campaign. Their announcement was made at Bruno’s Italian Bistro in Parsippany to a standing room crowd
A successful small business owner for 29 years, now retired, Councilwoman Gragnani is running for her second term on Township Council after first being elected in 2015. Loretta and her husband Adam have been married for 55 years with two children and three grandchildren and have called Parsippany home for over 50 years. Gragnani has volunteered at the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms and a Past Trustee, Advisory Board and Finance Council Member at St. Ann Church.
“Three years ago, I ran as someone who could bring the perspective of a successful business owner to government,” said Gragnani. “With the extreme anti-business, anti-jobs policies coming out of Trenton, that private sector experience is more critical than ever to have on Council in Parsippany.”
Paul Carifi, Jr., with his twin sons, Tyler and Jonathan
PARSIPPANY — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill applauded the passage of H.R. 8, a bipartisan universal background checks bill, the first piece of legislation co-sponsored by the Congresswoman. The bipartisan measure closes a loophole in current law by requiring universal background checks for gun purchases, with specific exemptions for family transfers and recreational hunting.
“I constantly hear from residents throughout my community about the need for common sense action in Congress to reduce gun violence,” said Congresswoman Sherrill. “I’m incredibly proud that the first piece of legislation I co-sponsored passed with bipartisan support. As a veteran trained in firearms in the U.S. Navy, and a former federal prosecutor who worked to keep illegal guns off the streets of New Jersey, I know this bill is urgently needed.
“Now the Senate must vote and show the American people we can work together and pass bipartisan legislation – legislation that reflects the overwhelming support in this country for universal background checks.”
Congresswoman Sherrill is a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.
Front Row L to R: Vicki Golden, Karen DeChristopher, Marilyn Marion, Lois Preis White, Dr. Rosa Coppolecchia, Ivy Ertle, Diana Freidinger, Joan Garbarino
Back Row L to R: Kathy Roussel, Adelaide Richardson, Bernadette Doyle, Cathy Cerbo,, Marilyn Zarzycki, Janice Carrubba, Lee Maddocks, Teri Wohld, Bernadette Cicchino, Esther Rucci, Terry Gerber, Mary Ann Coyne, Lorraine Steinsberger, Cathy Haney, Evelyn DeCastro, Ginny Scala
PARSIPPANY — The February General Meeting of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills featured Dr. Rosa Coppolecchia as the guest speaker. Dr. Coppolecchia is currently the US/Global Medical Director in Medical and Clinical affairs, for the Cardio aspirin/prevention at Bayer HealthCare, Consumer Health in Whippany, New Jersey. Club members learned about the signs of stroke and heart attacks, ways to prevent or reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke and questions to ask your doctor. Dr. Coppolecchia also talked about FAST regarding stroke detection. FAST stands for Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time to call. If you notice any of these things in yourself or someone around you call 911 immediately. The session ended with a questions and answer period.
The Club presented a donation Dr. Coppolecchia to the American Heart Association as thanks for her presentation.
For more information on the American Heart Association click here.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of NJSFWC, which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. General Meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month from September to April at 7:00 pm at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery, 100 Centerton Drive. For more information call Marilyn at (973) 539-3703, e-mail the club at [email protected], visit us on the web by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, and Rockaway Borough Police Chief Conrad Pepperman announce the guilty pleas of three males in connection with a home invasion robbery that occurred on the evening of October 21, 2018, in Victory Gardens.
On February 11, Victor Hernandez, 20, with a last known address in Rockaway Borough, entered a guilty plea to second degree Conspiracy to commit Armed Robbery. The Honorable Catherine I. Enright, J.S.C. presided over the guilty plea. The State will recommend that Hernandez be sentenced to three years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the eighty-five (85) percent parole ineligibility requirements of the No Early Release Act.
On February 11, Marlon Martinez, 23, also with a last known address in Rockaway Borough, entered a guilty plea to second degree Conspiracy to commit Armed Robbery. The Honorable Catherine I. Enright, J.S.C. presided over the guilty plea. The State will recommend that Martinez be sentenced to three years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the eighty-five (85) percent parole ineligibility requirements of the No Early Release Act.
On February 27,, Carlos Rodriguez, 22, with a last known address in Victory Gardens, entered a guilty plea to first degree Armed Robbery. The Honorable Donald G. Collester, J.S.C. (retired and temporarily on recall) presided over the guilty plea. The State will recommend that Rodriguez be sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the eighty-five (85) percent parole ineligibility requirements of the No Early Release Act.
In pleading guilty, the defendants admitted to entering a residence located in Victory Gardens on the evening of October 21, 2018. It is alleged that the residence was occupied by the leaseholder and two guests. Hernandez and Martinez both acknowledged that they were armed with weapons, specifically metal pipes, and that they had agreed with Rodriguez and one another to enter the residence to commit theft. Rodriguez acknowledged that he entered the residence with the two other males, both of whom were armed with metal pipes. Rodriguez further acknowledged that he stole a safe and metal chains from the residence while the other males used the metal pipes to threaten the victims.
All three defendants continue to be lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility. Sentencing for all three individuals has been scheduled for March 29, before the Honorable Catherine I. Enright, J.S.C. The State is represented by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn in this matter.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the New Jersey State Police, the Rockaway Borough Police Department, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit for their efforts in this case.
Karen Kreitz, Program Coordinator for the Alfred J. Thomas Home for Veterans; Carolyn Perry, Veterans Housing Director for Community Hope; Alle Ries, M&T Bank Community Reinvestment Manager; and M&T Bank Regional President Tom Comiskey. The photo was taken at the Alfred J. Thomas Home for Veterans in Garfield
PARSIPPANY — M&T Bank recently presented a $20,000 grant to Community Hope to help the organization provide housing and support services to veterans through its locations.
Community Hope was started in 1985 by families and mental health professionals seeking a safe haven in the community where young adults could continue their recovery from chronic mental illness. For the past thirty-one years, our non-profit organization has provided housing and essential services to individuals in recovery from mental illness.
M&T Bank Corporation is a bank holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. It operates 780 branches in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Connecticut. M&T is ranked 467th on the Fortune 500
MORRIS COUNTY — Seton Hall University is pleased to announce the following students who qualified for Fall 2018 Dean’s list and to congratulate them for their outstanding academic achievements.
Glory Akoh of Florham Park
Neena Andican of Boonton
Pooja Banker of Parsippany
Andrea Berman of Parsippany
Shawn Berry of Morris Plains
Sarah Bright of East Hanover
Gianna Canella of East Hanover
Liam Cassidy of Boonton
Saadet Ceynek of Boonton
Antonio Chirichiello of Parsippany
Ishani Chowatia of Parsippany
Rachel Cuevas of Florham Park
Kevin Dauber of Mount Tabor
Abigail Deffler of Boonton
Kavan Desai of Morris Plains
Adriana Di Dio of Lake Hiawatha
Victoria Dobkowski of Lake Hiawatha
Shamil Dzhatdoyev of Florham Park
Nicholas Ebel of Parsippany
Kimberly Ebel of Parsippany
Axel Esquivel of Lake Hiawatha
Cristina Fernandez of Parsippany
Erney Fertile of Morris Plains
Kathryn Garafano of Lake Hiawatha
Kyle Gaydo of Boonton
Francis Gencarelli of East Hanover
Daniel Goetz of Boonton
Joseph Grabowiecki of Parsippany
Alexandro Granata of East Hanover
Aidan Higginbotham of Morris Plains
Sabrina Huresky of Boonton
Dominique Imes of Morris Plains
Li-Hsuan Inn of Lake Hiawatha
Disha Jani of Parsippany
William Jayne of Madison
Christina Johnson of Morris Plains
Kalliopi Kebabjian of Cedar Knolls
Vibha Khare of Parsippany
Joseph Kloss of Parsippany
Sarah Lynch of Madison
Joseph Manno of East Hanover
Vannesa Martinez of Parsippany
Griffin Mehl of Florham Park
Peter Mitrakos of Morris Plains
Masood Mohayya of Parsippany
Meghan Murphy of East Hanover
Carolyn Murray of Boonton
Gianna Pallis of Morris Plains
Michelle Pan of Cedar Knolls
Rocco Pascale of Parsippany
Shivani Patel of Parsippany
Radha Patel of Parsippany
Joseph Paul of East Hanover
Grace Petinakis of East Hanover
Francesca Petracco of East Hanover
Jocelyn Rogalo of Boonton
Brielle Runfeldt of Boonton
Matthew Schaaf of Morris Plains
Justin Schaefer of Boonton
Milena Scrobanovich of East Hanover
Natalie Sliwowski of Boonton
Dean Spenzos of Florham Park
Nicholas Thomas of Boonton
Angela Trejos Villacres of Morris Plains
Brian Tross of Madison
Michael Volante of East Hanover
Nicholas Volante of East Hanover
Katherine Walsh of Morris Plains
Thomas White of Morris Plains
Yuzhen Zhang of Parsippany
As one of the nation’s leading Catholic universities, Seton Hall has been showing the world what great minds can do since 1856. Home to nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 80 rigorous majors, Seton Hall’s academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, US News & World Report and Bloomberg BusinessWeek. Seton Hall, which embraces students of all religions, prepares its graduates to be exemplary servant leaders and caring global citizens. Its attractive main campus is located in suburban South Orange, New Jersey, and is only 14 miles by train, bus or car to New York City, offering a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The university’s nationally recognized School of Law is prominently located in downtown Newark. For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills now offers rides to ShopRite and Walmart for ambulatory residents who cannot drive themselves. Rides are on a first come first serve basis and can be cancelled due to inclement weather. Our ride service will be available every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
Drivers will pick up residents and drop them off at their location. The drivers will then return in an hour and a half for pick up and then bring residents back to their homes.
Please call the Office on Aging to schedule your ride, we can be reached at (973) 263-7352 or (973) 263-7351
Please note: You must be able to manage your own packages, the driver will not be able to assist you.
PARSIPPANY — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement after voting in favor of a bipartisan resolution to block President Trump’s national emergency declaration:
“As a veteran, I am deeply concerned with the harm this unwarranted emergency declaration does to our military readiness, military families, and construction projects needed across the country and at Picatinny Arsenal. I supported the bipartisan resolution to keep military construction funds for military missions authorized by Congress and needed by our warfighters.”
The President’s proposal would strip $3.6 billion for military construction projects, including $41 million for the Munitions Disassembly Complex at Picatinny Arsenal, the Joint Center of Excellence for Armaments and Munitions.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP – Brightest Star School of Performing Arts is holding “Merit Scholarships Auditions for all Summer Musical Theater Programs.”
There will be 3 tuition awards, valued at $500 each, given to the three students who audition on Sunday, March 3 and receive the highest scores in the following areas:
1. ability to “tell the story” while singing a song of his/her choosing
2. ability to stay on pitch throughout entire length of 32 bar cut of the musical theatre song
3. has song and short monologue (30 seconds) memorized
4. Is on time for reserved time slot and registered, as per instructions below
There will be an accompanist, provided. However, you may use a background track from your own device.
No “walk ins” will be allowed. All those auditioning must have appointment.
If winner has already paid summer tuition, this award will be in the form of a reimbursement.
The decision of the judges is final and will be announced by March 10.
Auditions are a “closed”, that is, no one will be present except the judges. Please do not arrive to the parking lot more than 10 minutes earlier than your appointment time and please do not enter studio until your appointment time, please.
For more information click here to sign up and choose your reserved time slot. You will forfeit your time and opportunity to audition if you are late for your scheduled time.
Brightest Star School of Performing Arts brings the strategies required in the learning of the arts to be applied to everyday life.
Improvisation helps us think on our feet and is used in all of our acting classes to enhance other methods.
Rigorous Practice aids us in understanding what is necessary to achieve the highest level of any goal.
Memorization massages the brain and keeps us alert.
Dance works our bodies, giving us exercise, spatial awareness, and coordination. All of this is done in an environment of successful accomplishment, creating true satisfaction.
Brightest Star has been evolving since 1977, when they began as Newark Academy Summer Musical Theatre and later became the Vecchio School of Performing Arts, Morristown-Beard Summer Musical Theatre, and finally, Brightest Star School of Performing Arts, formally housed at the Bickford Theatre at The Morris Museum.
Brightest Star School of Performing Arts is an independent school of performing arts, encouraging all students to “learn arts for life”.
Brightest Star School of Performing Arts is located at 16 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls, and can be reached by calling (973) 829-1973.
PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company, Parsippany District 2, held its annual Fire Company Dinner Dance and Awards Ceremony at the Mansion at Mountain Lakes on Saturday, evening, February 9. The evening was well attended and guests included community leaders and officers from neighboring fire companies, EMS and other emergency services.
Mayor Michael Soriano acknowledged the members of District 2 for their outstanding volunteer service to the residents and businesses of Parsippany. Chief Doug Reighard proudly summarized the past years activities and thanked the members for performing hundreds of hours of firematic and community services.
Numerous members were recognized for their years of service and contributions to the Fire Company. Maryia Lysak was presented a certificate for her successful completion of Fire Fighter 1 at the Morris County Fire Academy. George Appel and Russ Grueter were recognized for 40 years of service to the fire company. Joe Reeber was honored for his service as Deputy Chief and will continue serving the community in a line officer position as Captain. Charles Iantosca was recognized by Chief Reighard and Company President Frank DeRienzo as “Rainbow Lakes Firefighter of the Year”.
The Fire Companies next special event will be the annual fish and chicken fundraiser dinner on Friday, March 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with take out available. Tickets are $16.00 for adults and $12.00 for children. Please call (973) 652-0851 or [email protected] for tickets.
In addition an information table will be available for those interested in becoming a member as a firefighter or in a support position as an auxiliary member.
PARSIPPANY — Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce’s legislation to relieve insurance brokers from costly, over-burdensome requirements was approved by the Assembly. The bill (S2475/A2034) alters the standard of care for agent malpractice liability.
New Jersey law protects policyholders against errors by insurance professionals. The courts, however, established a fiduciary standard that increases broker liability.
The fiduciary standard of care requires financial professionals to put their clients’ interests above their own. The current standard in New Jersey requires insurance agents to purchase more expensive coverage than other states.
“It’s an unnecessarily rigid standard,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “It increases the cost of doing business for brokers, driving the cost of malpractice protection through the roof. Consumers in New Jersey have some of the best protections in the nation. This standard is a belt and suspenders for policyholders that is unwarranted.”
DeCroce noted the bill ensures protections for both policy-buyers and businesses.
“Insurance is not one-size-fits-all,” said DeCroce. “Removing the need for high-cost coverage that threatens to drive brokers out of business allows consumers to retain access to insurance professionals who are familiar with their needs.”
On February 19 this writer attended a meeting at Parsippany Town Hall to listen to the introduction of our new budget and to listen to the discussion on 1515 Route Ten and the plans for it.
Our new Business Administrator Keith Kazmark, also the Mayor of Woodland Park, a community five times smaller than Parsippany, started the meeting with a slide show presentation, with the usual slides, showing this and showing that, telling us that “I have worked with the instructions that the Mayor has given me that not one person who works for the town will lose their job!”
He went on to say that starting with the Police Department which will receive a 7% salary increase, plus any cost of living increase, to the white collar workers who will receive only 2% increase. There was the usual blaming the past administration, with the Mayor sitting there observing as if he had never seen any financial data on the town when he was running his 2017 campaign – although the budget and all expenditures are available for anyone to read as they are Public Information.
After blaming everything on the previous mayor, we finally reached the point where Mr. Kazmark dropped his bomb. THE NEW BUDGET WILL CARRY A 4.75% INCREASE for the next years property taxes. The State mandate is that budget should NOT exceed a 2% increase to attempt to keep the property taxes at least more affordable. This did not deter Mr. Kazmark.
At no time did Mr. Kazmark or the Mayor say that if they reduced the number of employees by just one person per department this increase would not occur, there was never a mention that Townhall has more employees now than it ever has and most of those new employees are in the Mayor’s Office.
Mayor Soriano is a good Union man, he is a member of the electrical Trades union in New York City, and also a good democrat, that combination leads inevitably to what he has done in Parsippany. Add unneeded employees to the payrolls, make a promise to not reduce the number of employees in town, no matter how much of a tax increase we have to support those employees, and add to this his apparent desire to bring “Affordable Housing” to Parsippany and we see a man who ran of the slogan “BRING CHANGE TO PARSIPPANY”. The change will drive those people on fixed incomes right out of town.
I suggest to Mr. Kazmark that you go back to the drawing board and bring a REAL LIFE budget to the Town Council, because unlike your job the people of Parsippany VOTE for the people who sit on the Town Council as well as the mayor job. We saw in the last election a bad decision by the previous mayor regarding an unwanted shopping center on Route 46 and he is now employed somewhere else but NOT here in Parsippany, he was joined on the unemployment lines with two councilman who supported the shopping center. I hope that our Council Members, including the two new democrats will have the Hutzpah to tell the Mayor and Mr. Kazmark where they can put this very BAD BUDGET … People of Parsippany deserve a budget they can afford, not some pie in the sky nonsense.
Peggy Rauscher, Tara Bartley, Judy Hernandez, Gordon Meth and Casey Kaushik Parikh.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Child Care Day Center held a fundraiser at “Painting with a Twist.” The Parsippany Child Care Day Center raised over $200.00
Painting with a Twist® painting sessions are fun art, not fine art. Invite your friends, sip your favorite beverage and enjoy step-by-step instruction with our experienced and enthusiastic local artists. It’s a colorful, casual party atmosphere where you’ll leave your cares behind and go home with a one-of-a-kind painting created by you.
Painting with a Twist® is located at 440 Main Road, Montville.
Bring your favorite bottle of wine or beverage, and paint along with their artist to create your own work of art that you will take home at the end of the evening.
They provide all painting supplies and artist instructions. No art experience is needed. Simply be ready to have a Twisted good time!
Par-Troy Wrestler Trevor Ridzyowski has Mayor Michael Soriano in a headlock
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, February 23, The Par-Troy Wrestling Club sponsored a “Pasta Dinner” held at Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5, 180 Old Bloomfield Avenue.
Members of Sons of Italy 2561 graciously prepared the pasta, gravy and meatballs; sliced the bread and served the meals to all the attendees during the fundraiser.
Par-Troy Wrestling Club Pasta Fundraiser
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The Sons of Italy in the kitchen preparing the pasta
The Par-Troy Wrestling Club would like to thank the following sponsors and donors: Verde Restaurant, Tabor Pizza, Bagel City Grille, Eccolla, Joe Canal’s, Mule Tavern, Sports Clips, PTWC, Little Viking Cheer, Little Viking Football, Par Troy West Little League, Cinepolis Theatre, Pinnacle Athletic Development, Scorpions Wrestling Club, Jazzercise, Riola Printing, Parsippany Lacrosse, Zinburger, Outback Steakhouse, Shoprite of Parsippany, Funplex, The Costello, Stevens, Madia, Ridzyowski, Stanziele, Andersen and Skennion families; and of course to The Sons of Italy 2561 for the delicious pasta dinner.
Morris County Library welcomes performers of all types – musicians, comedians, poets, storytellers and multimedia presenters. Performer are encouraged to sign up in advance. Walk-ins are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. All are invited, though some material may be of an adult nature.
Dear Editor:
Dear Editor:
