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Parsippany Resident Creates Sustainable Changes with Peace Corps Peru

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Resident Creates Sustainable Changes with Peace Corps Peru

PARSIPPANY — Five or six days a week, Parsippany Resident Joe Coronado teaches financial education, works with groups to learn about saving, works on integration, and applies bug spray to prevent another case of dengue. But one thing is clear, serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer is the most challenging and best experience of his life.

Joe Coronado with students

“I’ve always wanted to do something that would help people. I want my life to have meaning, affecting lives for the better. And since I was young, my parents instilled a desire to travel, making Peace Corps the perfect opportunity for me,” Joe said.

A life-long Parsippany resident and graduate from Parsippany High School, Joe attended Northeastern University in Boston, graduating with a bachelor’s of the sciences degree with a concentration in finance. After working for his aunt and uncle’s HVAC business he applied and was offered the opportunity to serve with the Peace Corps.

In July of 2015, Joe made the move to Lambayeque a hot district in the north of the country where winter settles at 65 degrees Fahrenheit and summers can pass 100. Although challenging, he believes that this has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.

“I am an economic development volunteer where my goals are to work with small businesses to help them grow. I teach high college students how to write and execute a business plan, teach financial education, and implement community banks.”

“The biggest challenge I face as a volunteer is that it’s crucial to work on trust-building, which means becoming a better listener and better person. You can’t just walk into a community and impose your ideas or projects. Creating sustainable changes requires compassion and integration at the most intimate level. Sometimes that means poorly executing a traditional dance at various town events in front of 500 people, changing your diet to the local cuisine, or sharing moments in weddings, graduations, and even funerals”.

After Joe returns from Peace Corps, hopes to continue learning as an MBA student.

For more than five decades, Peace Corps Volunteers have worked in 140 countries to solve critical challenges alongside community leaders. Learn more by clicking here.

Wegmans Announces Opening Date for Hanover Store

Frank L. Cahill
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Wegmans Announces Opening Date for Hanover Store

HANOVER —  Wegmans Food Markets announced the grand opening date for its two location in Hanover, in the Mack-Cali Campus.

Wegmans Hanover, a 113,000 square-foot supermarket, will open in at the intersection of I-287 and Route 10 on Sunday, July 23.

The company will also open a Montvale store, a 108,000 square-foot supermarket, will open at West Grand Avenue and Mercedes Drive on Sunday, September 24.

Hiring and training are ongoing for both stores, which will each employ approximately 500 people. Wegmans Montvale is now accepting applications for 300 part-time customer service and culinary positions across every department. Select full-time openings remain at both locations for culinary line cooks, prepared foods, and departments like meat and seafood. Applicants are encouraged to apply online by clicking here.

“For 20 consecutive years, Wegmans has ranked high on FORTUNE magazine’s list of ‘The 100 Best Companies to Work For,’ recently placing second,” said Wegmans Human Resources Manager Ruth Ann Virgil. “We proudly attribute that recognition to putting our employees first, offering competitive pay and benefits, flexible scheduling for work-life balance, career growth, and college tuition assistance through our employee scholarship program.”

Wegmans will host a culinary recruitment event on Monday, March 27, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Six Century Drive, Parsippany. They can be reached by calling (973) 490-2500

“Above all, we’re looking for people who are passionate about food and helping our customers enjoy great meals. Wegmans is the ideal place for a culinary career because of the stunning variety of restaurant-quality prepared foods we offer. If someone is eager to learn, our executive chefs and first-class training programs teach all the skills needed to be successful,” said Virgil.

Both stores will feature The Burger Bar by Wegmans, a family-friendly, casual restaurant counter that serves delicious burgers, fresh salads, flavorful sandwiches, specialty milkshakes, soup, and sides. In addition to the supermarkets, space will be leased to a third-party owner at each location for a wine, beer, and spirits shop.

Arrest Warrants issued for 18 Defendants by Task Force in Heroin Distribution

Frank L. Cahill
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Arrest Warrants issued for 18 Defendants by Task Force in Heroin Distribution

MORRISTOWN — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces the arrest of several heroin and crack cocaine distributors following a long-term drug investigation that began in October 2016 into the daily importation and distribution of these dangerous substances into Morris County.

The investigation, conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Special Enforcement Unit/Narcotics Task Force, revealed that Kevin O. Ruiz ran a profitable drug distribution network in which he personally delivered heroin and crack cocaine to his drug customers daily in Morris, Sussex, Warren and Bergen Counties. The investigation revealed that many of Kevin O. Ruiz’s drug buyers would re-distribute the heroin and crack cocaine they purchased from Ruiz in their home towns, which included Jefferson Township, Rockaway Township, Hackettstown, Hackensack and surrounding areas.

During a twenty-five day period of this investigation, it is believed that Kevin O. Ruiz directly distributed, in the aggregate, over 4000 folds (individual doses) of heroin and over 130 packages of crack cocaine, which has a street value in excess of $12,000.

On March 17, the investigation culminated when several Court authorized search and arrest warrants were executed throughout Morris, Sussex, Warren, Bergen, and Passaic Counties by the Morris County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT), Bergen County Regional SWAT and the members of the aforementioned County Prosecutor’s Offices Narcotics Task Forces.

Subsequent to execution of the warrants, 15 individuals were arrested and over 210 doses of heroin, 16 bags of crack cocaine, $2800.00 in cash, a stolen handgun, and six motor vehicles were seized. The US Currency and motor vehicles may be subject to a civil forfeiture action. Upon forfeiture, these assets could be utilized for law enforcement purposes.

Prosecutor Knapp stated: “This intensive investigation and subsequent arrests of for profit drug distributors would not have been possible without the cooperation of our municipal law enforcement agencies, other County Prosecutors and the New Jersey State Police.  We will continue to work together and target heroin dealers that sell these deadly substances in Morris County.”

Prosecutor Knapp wishes to thank the following agencies for their assistance and commitment to the Task Force: Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit, Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Morris County Park Police, New Jersey State Police, Morristown Bureau of Police, Town of Dover Police Department, Morris Township Police Department, Boonton Township Police Department, Butler Borough Police Department, Jefferson Township Police Department, Rockaway Borough Police Department, Montville Township Police Department, Riverdale Borough Police Department, Sparta Township Police Department and the Town of Newton Police Department.

The prosecution is being conducted by Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury and Assistant Prosecutor Noelle Fiorentino of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division.

The following individuals were arrested as a result of this investigation:

Kevin O. Ruiz,  aka “Star”, 23, Elmwood Park, was charged with one count of second-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin in a quantity of one-half ounce or more, but less than five ounce, with Intent to Distribute; one count of second-degree Possession of a Firearm while committing a CDS Offense; one count of second-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine in a quantity of one-half ounce or more, but less than five ounce, with Intent to Distribute; three counts of second-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin with Intent to Distribute within 500 feet of a Public Place; two counts of second-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine with Intent to Distribute within 500 feet of a Public Place; seventeen counts of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin; sixteen counts of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin in a quantity less than one-half ounce with Intent to Distribute; eight counts of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine; seven counts of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine in a quantity less than one-half ounce with Intent to Distribute; one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Percocet; one  count of third-degree Possession of Heroin; one count of third-degree Possession of Heroin in a quantity less than one-half ounce with Intent to Distribute; one count of third-degree Possession of Cocaine; one count of third-degree Possession of Cocaine in a quantity less than one-half ounce with Intent to Distribute.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Ruiz was released on a Pretrial Monitoring Level III (plus) with home detention, electronic monitoring and weekly reporting by phone and in person reporting every other week to pretrial services.

Jashawn Halloway, aka “Slime”, 31, Paterson, was charged with one count of second-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin in a quantity of one-half ounce or more, but less than five ounce, with Intent to Distribute; one count of second-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin with Intent to Distribute within 500 feet of a Public Place; one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin; one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine, one count of second-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine in a quantity of one-half ounce or more, but less than five ounce, with Intent to Distribute and one count of second-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin with Intent to Distribute within 500 feet of a Public Place.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Halloway is lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a hearing concerning his release and/or release conditions to be ordered by the Court.

Charles E. Nassor, 56, Hackensack, was charged with one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin; one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin in a quantity less than one-half ounce with Intent to Distribute, one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Percocet and one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Percocet in a quantity less than one ounce with Intent to Distribute.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Nassor was released on a Pretrial Monitoring Level III requiring weekly reporting by phone and in person reporting every other week to pretrial services, random urine monitoring and to attend Narcotics Anonymous weekly.

Keith R. Fitzgerald, 24, Oak Ridge, was charged with one count of second-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin with Intent to Distribute within 500 feet of a Public Place; one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin and one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin in a quantity less than one-half ounce with Intent to Distribute.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Fitzgerald was released on a Pretrial Monitoring Level II requiring reporting once a month by phone and in person to pretrial services, random urine monitoring and to attend Narcotics Anonymous weekly

Heather L. Baer, 35 of Hackettstown, was charged with one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin, one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin in a quantity less than one-half ounce with Intent to Distribute, one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine and one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine in a quantity less than one-half ounce with Intent to Distribute.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Baer was released on a Pretrial Monitoring Level II requiring reporting once a month by phone and in person to pretrial services, random urine monitoring and to attend Narcotics Anonymous weekly.

Richard R. Wagner, 44 of Andover, was charged with one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin, one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin in a quantity less than one-half ounce with Intent to Distribute, one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine and one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine in a quantity less than one-half ounce with Intent to Distribute.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Wagner was released on a Pretrial Monitoring Level II requiring reporting once a month by phone and in person to pretrial services, random urine monitoring and to attend Narcotics Anonymous weekly.

Richard Copeland, 33, Newton, was charged with one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin and one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin in a quantity less than one-half ounce with Intent to Distribute.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Copeland was released on a Pretrial Monitoring Level II requiring reporting once a month by phone and in person to pretrial services, random urine monitoring and to attend Narcotics Anonymous weekly

Dana L. Keim, 22, Newton, was charged with one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Keim was released on a Pretrial Monitoring Level II requiring reporting once a month by phone and in person to pretrial services and to attend Narcotics Anonymous weekly.

Kelly L. Burnette, 52, Rockaway, was charged with one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin and one count of third-degree Possession of Heroin.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Mrs. Burnette was released on a Pretrial Monitoring Level II requiring reporting once a month by phone and in person to pretrial services, random urine monitoring, and to attend Narcotics Anonymous weekly.

Garret J. Burnette, 25, Rockaway, was charged with one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin and one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin in a quantity less than one-half ounce with Intent to Distribute.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Mr. Burnette was released on a Pretrial Monitoring Level II requiring reporting once a month by phone and in person to pretrial services, random urine monitoring and to attend Narcotics Anonymous weekly.

Sheryl A. Onder, 55, of Seaside, was charged with one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin and one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law,  Onder was released on a Pretrial Monitoring Level II requiring reporting once a month by phone and in person to pretrial services, random urine monitoring and to attend Narcotics Anonymous weekly

Jessica M. Roberts, 35, Mine Hill, was charged with one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin and one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Roberts was released on a Pretrial Monitoring Level II requiring reporting once a month by phone and in person to pretrial services

Jassmine J. Royal, 27, Elmwood Park, was charged with one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin and one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Royal was released on her own recognizance.

Melissa K. Gansz, 28, Hopatcong, was charged with one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Gansz was released on a Pretrial Monitoring Level II requiring reporting once a month by phone and in person to pretrial services and random urine monitoring.

Michael P. Monteverdi, 25, Oak Ridge, was charged with one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Monteverdi was released on a Pretrial Monitoring Level I requiring reporting once a month by phone to pretrial services.

Markella I. Strongilos, 26, Sparta, was charged with one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin, one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin in a quantity less than one-half ounce with Intent to Distribute, one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine and one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine in a quantity less than one-half ounce with Intent to Distribute.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Strongilos was released on a Pretrial Monitoring Level II requiring reporting once a month by phone and in person to pretrial services and random urine monitoring.

Sean H. Meekel, 28, Lake Hopatcong, was charged with one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin, one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin in a quantity less than one-half ounce with Intent to Distribute, one count of second-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin with Intent to Distribute within 500 feet of a Public Place, one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine, one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine in a quantity less than one-half ounce with Intent to Distribute and one count of second-degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine with Intent to Distribute within 500 feet of a Public Place.

Mekeel is being detained, pending admission into the Morris County Correctional Facility, at which time, pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Mekeel will have a hearing concerning his release and/or release conditions to be ordered by the Court.

Travis J. Schneider, 29, Vernon, was charged with one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin.

Pursuant to the Bail Reform law, Scheider is lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a hearing concerning his release and/or release conditions to be ordered by the Court.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until he/she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a Court of law.

Easter Bunny will visit Town Hall

Frank L. Cahill
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Easter Bunny will visit Town Hall

PARSIPPANY — The Easter Bunny will visit on Saturday, April 1 beginning 10:00 a.m at the Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard

The Easter Bunny will greet and visit with the children. Bring your camera!  Parents will be able to take their child’s picture.

Candy will be given to each child. Bring a basket or bag to hold the treats.

The Recreation Department once again is arranging this fun event for your family. Don’t miss it!!

Great Clips Fundraiser for the Parsippany Library

Frank L. Cahill
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Great Clips Fundraiser for the Parsippany Library

PARSIPPANY — The Friends of the Library are having a Great Clips Fundraising event in effect from April 1 to April 30, 2017.

When purchasing a $15.00 adult cut or a $13.00 children’s cut Great Clips will donate $5.00 back to the Friends of the Library. Click here for coupon and present at time of purchase.

This offer is valid only at 3069 Route 46, Morris Hills Center by Bow Tie Cinema. For appointment call (973) 917-3500.

The Friends of the Library is a volunteer, 501(C)3 organization was established in 1984. Their membership consists of local residents committed to enhancing library services.

The Friends hold fundraising events throughout the year.  All funds raised in our summer fundraising events, Macy’s “Shop for a Cause” day goes specifically towards the Summer Reading Club.  A significant percentage of the Friends income comes from membership dues and Book Nook sales, our book store. By becoming a member of the Friends, you receive a copy of the Friends bi-annual newsletter and invitations to special functions.

You can become active in this organization noting it on your application form.  The Friends are constantly looking for new members. Click here for application form.

Whether you are new to the area or have been a Parsippany resident for many years or a lifetime we can use your help.  If you can commit to helping with various fundraising projects, usually 2-3 hours per event or have a love for the library, please consider becoming a member of the Friends.

Parsippany Man Barricaded Himself in Travelodge

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Man Barricaded Himself in Travelodge

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps, Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, and Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon announce the arrest of Jamel Taylor, 33, Parsippany, for Endangering Welfare of Children, a second-degree crime.

On Wednesday, March 22 at approximately 8:30 a.m., the Parsippany Police Department received a 911 call from Jamel Taylor who reported that he was going to harm his children.

It was determined that Taylor was in a room at the Travelodge Inn, 625 Route 46.  Upon arrival, Parsippany Police confirmed that Taylor was barricaded within the hotel room with his children. The Morris County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) subsequently responded, gained entry, and arrested Taylor.  There were no injuries reported as the result of the incident.

This incident remains under investigation, which is being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Parsippany Police Department.  Due to the status of the investigation, no additional information will be released at this time.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until he/she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a Court of law.

CMS National History Day Club competes in Regional Competition

Letters to the Editor
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CMS National History Day Club competes in Regional Competition

PARSIPPANY — The theme this year was “Taking a stand in History.”  This past Saturday Central Middle School (CMS) students of the National History Club competed in the regional competition at Kean University.  The group almost doubled in size this year and all 21 members competed!  They have been working over the past few months analyzing primary sources and secondary sources in order to create poster board presentations and documentaries.  They also had to complete a process paper and an annotated bibliography.  The great news…three groups were chosen to continue to compete at the State level this May at William Paterson University.

The groups that will be going to the state level competition are:

Victoria Taco and Eileen Zhang – on their chosen topic of Theodora

Sumaiya Rehman, Esha Patel, and Laya Neelisetty on their chosen topic on Jhansi

Lakshmi  Bhai,  Ananya Vasireddy, Snigda Nadella, and Shreya Gadikota on their chosen topic of Indira Ghandi.

Lakshmi  Bhai,  Ananya Vasireddy, Snigda Nadella, and Shreya Gadikota on their chosen topic of Indira Ghandi

History Day is not just a day, it is an experience!

 Special thanks to Maria Elisa Glatz for the photos and for all her hard work assisting students and proofreading all of their work!  

Massive police response at Route 46 Travelodge

Frank L. Cahill
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Massive police response at Route 46 Travelodge

PARSIPPANY — An incident at Travelodge Parsippany prompted a massive police response Wednesday morning. Numerous vehicles from several local agencies including the Parsippany Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office were at the Route 46 hotel around 9:45 a.m. Shortly before 10 a.m., many of the vehicles began to leave…

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Pack 215 Cub Scouts camp at America’s Oldest Zoo

Frank L. Cahill
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Pack 215 Cub Scouts camp at America’s Oldest Zoo

PARSIPPANY — Cubs Scouts from Pack 215 in Parsippany held their Annual Winter Indoor camping trip at America’s oldest zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo.

The overnight program hosted about 100 scouters and their families at the “Treehouse”, the Philadelphia Zoo’s magical, historical indoor playground which formerly housed the zoo’s giraffes. Pack 215 was by far the largest group with 30 attendees. The Scouts had an opportunity to interact with zoo keepers and staff, do a late-night hike, enjoy crafts and games, see a live animal show, and a guided tour the next day. They learned about the individual animals that call the zoo their home including some endangered species, as well as environmental and ecological topics. It all translated into a lot of fun and excitement!

Pack 215 of Parsippany serves boys from first through fifth grades, and delivers a provides a quality scouting program that is designed to provide your son and family with exciting experiences and memories that last a lifetime! Previous winter trips included camping at the Franklin Institute as well as the Battleship NJ. To learn more about Scouting and Pack 215, click here to visit their website or email: cubmaster@pack215.com

Is Parsippany Focus wrong? You decide! Did Barberio break the law?

Frank L. Cahill
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Is Parsippany Focus wrong? You decide! Did Barberio break the law?

PARSIPPANY — Mayor James Barberio in a March 19, 2017 statement on his personal blog* “CAHILL/FOCUS WRONG AGAIN! MAYOR BARBERIO DID NOT VIOLATE SALARY ORDINANCE!” His answer on the blog is clearly a “Smoke Screen.”

He claims the use of misinformation doesn’t suddenly make it true either. The facts are in black-and-white. The facts are the facts. You decide.


An ordinance is a law or regulation made by a city or town government.

During numerous Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests, Parsippany Focus requested the following documents:

  • Eugene Natoli Request for Personnel Action (click here for complete document)
  • Ramona (Jackie) Ortiz Request for Personnel Action (click here for complete document)
  • White Collar Salary Ordinance (click here for complete document)

Eugene Natoli
As reported in Parsippany Focus, on January 9, 2017, Retired Police Sergeant Eugene Natoli was hired by Parsippany-Troy Hills Township on December 19, 2016 at an annual salary of $50,000. The “Request for Personnel Action” report indicates he works in the “Administration Department” as a “Keyboarding Clerk 1.” The position is a full time, permanent position.

The salary ordinance for white-collar workers, specifically Keyboarding Clerk 1, Ordinance 2016:22, passed on second reading on August 16, 2016 states the salary is a minimum of $17,000 with a maximum of $48,000. He was hired at $2,000 more than the maximum amount allowed by Township Ordinance. It is evident that Mayor Barberio hired Mr. Natoli in clear violation of the law. (For complete story, click here)

Ramona (Jackie) Ortiz
According to documents revealed through an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request Ramona (Jackie) Ortiz was hired effective December 5, 2016 as a Keyboarding Clerk I, at an annual salary of $54,000. The salary ordinance for white-collar workers, specifically Keyboarding Clerk 1, Ordinance 2016:22, passed on second reading on August 16, 2016 states the salary is a minimum of $17,000 with a maximum of $48,000. She was hired at $6,000 more than the maximum amount allowed by Township Ordinance. It is evident that Mayor Barberio hired Ms. Ortiz in clear violation of the law. (For complete story, click here).

Of course, Mr. Barberio states “The salary cap ordinance is a function of two factors, the first being civil service title requirements, raises and the like; and the second being the budget.” Mr. Barberio is correct. The employees were hired using Ordinance 2016:22. There is no 2017 Ordinance in effect. The employees should have been hired using the 2016:22 Ordinance. They were hired in 2016.

Barberio breaks Township Ordinances
Elected to Enforce

State Statute, 40:69A-40 states the duties of the Mayor shall enforce the charter and ordinances of the municipality and all general laws applicable thereto.

This is not the first time. In 2014 Parsippany Focus reported Business Administrator Ellen Sandman was hired $15,000 over the maximum salary guideline.  When Mayor Barberio announced the hiring of Sandman, he revealed Sandman’s salary would be $140,000. Former Councilman Jonathan Nelson asked the Mayor in Public Session, “I don’t have the white collar salary ordinance in front of me but I believe this amount is over the salary cap,” The former CFO Joe Kovalcik stated that her pay was within the salary ordinance. Parsippany Focus filed an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request for the salary ordinance for white-collar workers at that time.

*The blog indicates it is “Paid for by the Friends of Jamie Barberio, P.O. Box 29, Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034” which is also his political fundraising organization.

The Police Explorers serve up breakfast at Applebee’s

Frank L. Cahill
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The Police Explorers serve up breakfast at Applebee’s

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Explorers held a pancake fundraiser at Applebee’s Grill & Bar, 1057 Route 46 on Saturday, March 11.

The Police Explorers program gives young adults an opportunity to “explore” a possible career in law enforcement by working and training with members of the Parsippany police force. The program emphasizes academics, character development and self-discipline as well as encouragement to give back to the community.

The Explorers invited the community to a breakfast of Pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs and a beverage choice including coffee, juice, soda and tea. The members of the Explorers were serving up the meals to the guests.

Applebee’s Grill & Bar brings together a lively bar & grill experience offering hand-crafted drinks and craveable, simple, American food with flare featuring vibrant flavors and real, fresh ingredients. All Applebee’s restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to serving their communities and offering the best in food and drinks with neighborly, genuine service.

Building Citizens and Programming a Lifestyle through Robotics

Frank L. Cahill
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Building Citizens and Programming a Lifestyle through Robotics

PARSIPPANY — NanoGurus, Team #4347, the flagship robotics team of NanoGurus Robotics, is in the midst of an extremely successful championship season.

The FIRST Tech Challenge is a competition where teams design, build, and program an autonomous and driver-operated robot that must perform a series of tasks in a short two and a half minute period. It is a sporting event like no other, and the hardest fun on the face of earth.

The team competed at the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania State Championships, winning the top and most prestigious award in New York, The Inspire Award, and the Winning Alliance in the Robotics Tournament in New Jersey, earning their spot at the FTC Super Regional in Scranton, Pennsylvania and they are now going to World Championship in April.

In addition to helping them learn the hard skills of building and programming, coaches Shikha and Anil Saxena have opened their home to instilling essential life skills such as organization, problem solving and teamwork in these young members. The NanoGurus are supported by generous sponsors and mentors and mark their tenth successful year of robots this season!

This year’s team members include Yash Patel and Sabarish Selvarajan, both seniors at Parsippany High School, Mayank Govilla and Sravan Jayanthi, sophomores at the Academy for Mathematics Science and Engineering at Morris Hills High School, Siddarth Swaminathan, Parsippany Hills High School, rookie members Ria Balli is a freshman at The Academy of Mathematics Science and Engineering, and Jeffrey Zhang, an eighth grader at Briarhill Middle School.

Each year FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) announces a new FTC challenge an teams around the world design, build and program their robots to compete. Velocity Vortex, this year’s challenge calls for robots score points by claiming beacons, scoring balls into a five foot high goal, and lifting a large yoga ball up over seventy inches and capping it on the goal. This season has definitely proved itself to be an intense and thrilling journey for the NanoGurus. From failed designs to 3D printed custom pieces, the NanoGurus have built an extraordinary robot that can do a vast range of tasks. Members have been able to  build and program awesome robots and showcase their work at their public outreaches and put their efforts to the test at rigorous competitions.

Team members share their competition experience as once in a lifetime. “The most exciting part of the entire experience is when we go to the competitions and see so many different ways to do the same thing. It is  a lot of fun making friends with other teams, learn from them and contribute towards collective learning. This is my last year of FTC, I am going to miss FTC a lot when I go to college,” said Yash, who plans to major in Robotics Engineering.

Ria Balli commented, “I have learned to efficiently manage my time and think intricately. As a result of my participation in FTC, my definition of fun has changed from mindless activities to thinking and working hard!”

Siddharth said “One of the great things that come with FTC is the opportunity of being able to apply math and science that are being learned in school to something hand-on.”

Mayank Govilla commented, “I never thought I will be able to teach myself all the cool things I have been able to before I joined FTC. It is super exciting to be able to take charge of my own learning and see it tested on the robots!” 

Mayank Govilla demonstrating how the game is played

The NanoGurus is always looking for new parent coaches and mentors to extend more students this fun learning FIRST experience! This season, the team established eight new FIRST Lego League teams, all of which are coached by parents, and mentored by experienced members of this flagship team. New teams start with a training session, followed by mentoring throughout the competition season.

Kavitha, mother of member Siddharth who also coaches a middle school FLL team said that “Coach Shikha takes extra efforts to  bring out the best from the kids at the same time gives an opportunity to identify the limitations and improve upon them. Overall this is the place for the young minds  to learn and develop important life skills and not limited to communication, organization, presentation skills to  help them achieve their dreams and goals. We are proud to be part of Nanogurus.”

Mona Govilla, mother of Mayank remarked “Being an FTC parent for the last three years has opened new avenues in our minds as parents. It is exhilarating to see the kids work together as a team learning incredible and much needed life lessons.”

Mayank Govilla demonstrating how the game is played

All this cannot be done without the support of the community sponsors who take active interest in the development of their future workforce.

Evonik Industries has been the oldest sponsors of the NanoGurus and contribute greatly towards the sustainability of the team, making a huge impact on the competition robotics in the community.

Department of Defence has been sponsoring the team for a while and the team is very grateful to the opportunity to learn professional engineering practices from Thomas Shadis who is the Chief of the Directed Energy and Non-Lethal Branch at Picatinny Arsenal. The team recently had the rare chance to visit Picatinny’s Innovation Labs, Long Range Artillery, and the Additive Manufacturing facilities. Division.

The team is grateful for the kind contributions from  Agadia Systems, H2M Architects, CDMSmith, Subway, RxC International, Inglesino, Webster, Wyciskala &Taylor Attorney at Law and Wing Zone. 

Coach Shikha Saxena said, “We believe that our most important job as coaches is to encourage personal growth and development of each team member. The old saying “it needs a village to raise a child” holds true more than before and we are making that village for our children by constantly growing our robotics community in the Par-Troy school district and beyond. In addition to gain competency in robotics and technology, our goal is to help each of our team member become a problem solver who is caring, responsible, and a contributing member of the society.”

NanoGurus Robotics is a non profit organization serving the Par-Troy school district students, offering them a platform to develop passion in technology and robotics. Geared towards engaging k-12 students in using technology productively, the organization is completely run by volunteers who mentor and coach teams. Their motto “Building Robots. Building Character.” is guided by the NanoGurus philosophy of the Strength Based Model, helping the students learn to quantify both action-oriented and cognitive strengths such as hard work, organization, honesty, responsibility and such to understand the level of their own strengths and take charge of their own learning. The coaches open their homes for students as practice fields to prepare for competitions. Experienced members mentor new members and new coaches do not need knowledge of robotics. With requirements of documenting progress, holding public outreaches, development and execution of a business plan for sustainability, the activity is not limited to students interested in STEM.

Next step: The team is going to St. Louis Missouri for World Championship from April 25 to April 29.

Dist. #3 Ladies Auxiliary will sponsor Atlantic City Bus Trip

Frank L. Cahill
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Dist. #3 Ladies Auxiliary will sponsor Atlantic City Bus Trip
Resorts International, Atlantic City

PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Co., Dist. #3 Ladies Auxiliary will sponsor its annual Atlantic City Bus Trip on Saturday, April 22, 2017.

The cost of the trip to Resorts Casino is $30.00. Guests receive $15.00 in slot play.

Bus leaves promptly at 8:00 a.m. from the Lake Parsippany Firehouse, 255 Halsey Road.

For additional information please call Barbara (973) 887-6809 or Jane (973) 887-5633.

Resorts Casino Hotel, a Mohegan Sun Property, boasts a prime location spanning 11 acres at the northern end of the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk, with 310 feet of Boardwalk frontage overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. There are 942 guest rooms and suites in two hotel towers, an 83,016 square-foot casino, two theaters, six restaurants along with Quickbites Food Court with five eateries, two VIP player lounges, a casino bar, indoor-outdoor swimming pool, health club and spa, salon, and retail shops.

Gaming guests will find non-stop action in the 80,016 square-foot casino, where more than 70 table games and 1,574 slot machines are open 24 hours a day. Among the highlights:

    • Hollywood Hills High Limit Slot Area
    • Margaritaville-themed casino gaming space
    • Earn: through the resort’s partnership with Mohegan Gaming Advisors, comp dollars are also redeemable at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Pennsylvania.

Guests looking for a quick casual bite can visit, Quick Bites food court, conveniently located on the casino floor and features five eateries

    • Dunkin Donuts: An American favorite since 1950 for coffee an baked goods.
    • The Original Soup Man: Founded in 1984 by Al Yeganeh of New York City’s legendary Soup Kitchen International.
    • Ruby’s Diner: The premier 1940’s – style family restaurant, serving award winning burgers, salads, fountain treats and dinner specials.
    • Famous Famiglia Pizza: One of America’s fastest-growing pizza chains, specializing in authentic New York City-style pizza since 1986.
    • Haagen-Dazs: Super-premium ice cream world-renowned for its delicious density.
  • Breadsticks Cafe & Grill: Salads, burgers, sandwiches, grilled favorites, copper-oven specialties and breakfast, served with a world famous Boardwalk view.
  • Gallagher’s Burger Bar: A Big Apple classic, specializing in innovative appetizers, sandwiches, and burgers ground from Gallagher’s own dry-aged beef.
  • LandShark Bar & Grill: The only year-round full-service bar and restaurant on the sand side of the Boardwalk. Featuring nightly entertainment and inspired by the great “beach joints” that once dotted the Atlantic Coast, the venue features retractable walls to provide spectacular views fo the ocean and places guests in the center of the action on the beach and Boardwalk.
  • Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville: Weather guests are looking for a “cheeseburger in paradise” or a surf & turf meal, you’re sure to find it at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Specializing in all sorts of seafood, the seasonal exterior deck on the Boardwalk will allow guests to enjoy alfresco dining or a drink topped off with a gentle ocean breeze.

Canticles of Life: AIDS Benefit Concert

Frank L. Cahill
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Canticles of Life: AIDS Benefit Concert

The Parsippany United Methodist Church is pleased to again be hosting a Canticles of Life Benefit Concert on Saturday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first Canticles concert. Since then, over $131,000 has been raised for this music ministry. Presented by the nonprofit Triad Arts Ensemble, the concerts not only benefit three NJ organizations that support those impacted by HIV/AIDS, but they also raise awareness and help to shine God’s love through the compassion, talents and financial gifts of those attending and performing.

Canticles Chairperson Ginny Johnston will be conducting the 26-voice Triad Vocal Ensemble. They will feature a mix of styles including anthems, Broadway, and an inspiring new work, “I Choose Love” by NJ composer Mark Miller. Also performing will be singer/songwriter/ instrumentalists Margo Hennebach and Mark Saunders. The last time they appeared on the Canticles series was as two thirds of the international trio, Mad Agnes. Having just returned from an extended pilgrimage in Ireland, they’ll share their love of Celtic music, incorporate vocal improvisation as learned from Bobby McFerrin, and invite attendees to share their world through on-the-spot creations. And to round out the program will be the Dan Crisci Jazz Trio, offering several instrumental selections. Additionally, panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display and a reception will follow the performance. There will also be a time of reflection and sharing by representatives from the charities.

The concert will benefit: New Jersey AIDS Services based in Morristown, the NAMES Project of Northern NJ, which supports the AIDS Memorial Quilt; and the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children in Newark.

Tickets are no longer required to attend. A free-will offering will be accepted at the concert. You can also make tax-deductible contributions online ahead of time. Click here or talk to Pastor Jeff Edwards at (973) 887-4657 for more information. The church is located at 903 South Beverwyck Road.

Centenary’s School of Professional Studies opens social media center

Frank L. Cahill
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Centenary’s School of Professional Studies opens social media center

PARSIPPANY — Centenary University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS) is now in a new location in Parsippany. It is located at the Mack-Cali Professional Building at 7 Campus Drive. This facility offers more classroom and conference space than before, plus it houses a Social Media Center of Expertise. This Center, which is called #theVIBE, will launch a Social Media Marketing certificate program and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Social Media Marketing for adult professionals.

#theVIBE was first launched at Centenary University in Hackettstown in 2015 as a location where students can gain social media expertise and where businesses can leverage the knowledge of social media experts. The launch of this program was so successful that they have built a second Social Media Center at Centenary University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS) in Parsippany.

“The program will help fill the gap we see today in analytic talent and appears to be on the forefront of instilling the skills colleges should be teaching,” says Kevin Hartman, Google Head of Analytics – Consumer Goods and Entertainment Sector.

Students studying Social Media Marketing will be immersed in social media by learning in a modern collaborative environment at #theVIBE, with its impressive touchscreen videowall streaming the latest social media data. This is a rapidly changing field and the program keeps students on the pulse of social media through interactive demos, customized video homework by social media experts, and hands-on use of industry social media listening software. Additionally, embedded in the courses are Google and Facebook certifications. This initiative will be managed by Kathy Naasz, Centenary’s Vice President for Innovation and Tim Guella, Social Media Director.

“The career opportunities in this field, in this part of the country, are massive,” says Naasz. “We can’t fill all the requests from companies looking for social media experts, so the move to Parsippany, to accelerate the training of working professionals who have interest in either expanding their skill set or making a career shift, is the next logical step. We have not even begun to market it and we already have 10 students in the first class in May.”

For more information, visit centenaryuniversity.edu/thevibe or call (973) 257-5190.

First established in 1999, Centenary University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS) provides an entrepreneurial approach to the educational experience by offering professional studies to an adult population, allowing students to select the modality most conducive to their busy lifestyle. Students can take classes in a variety of formats: one-night-per-week, completely online or through a blended approach, which combines online and in class methods.

The curriculum combines theory and practical experience, allowing students to apply knowledge acquired immediately. Having conferred thousands of degrees, the School of Professional Studies serves as an inclusive and collaborative learning community dedicated to preparing adult students to progress further in society and to contribute directly to the state’s economic engine.

Emily Mulhaul speaking on “TheTangible More”

Frank L. Cahill
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Emily Mulhaul speaking on “TheTangible More”

PARSIPPANY —University of Scranton, Circle K International member, Emily Mulhaul had an opportunity to visit the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and discuss her organization, “TheTangibleMore.” Emily is the daughter of Past President Michael Mulhaul.

Mulhaul started, TheTangibleMore, a non profit to encourage unity in our Nation by helping those in immediate need. This is what we can do now for our Homeless Americans. The organization began as a positive and noncontroversial reaction to the Women’s March on January 21, 2017.

In one day, the Women’s March attracted over three million individuals across the United States, with the largest crowds marching through Los Angeles, New York City, Washington, D.C. The streets of cities as large as Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington D.C are shelter for our Homeless Americans. Their goal is to encourage a continual and collective effort and raise three million tangible donations for the 500,000 Homeless Americans.

“We did not forget you when we marched past you,” she said.

The community service club, Circle K, at the University of Scranton donated white socks and undergarments to the local community center for individuals during Fall of 2016. They also donated, 79 toothbrushes and 44 bottles of toothpaste to their local homeless shelter.

The group was formed to deal with the homeless population:

  • 60,000 homeless individuals in New York City
  • ~43,000 homeless individuals in Los Angeles
  • ~11,000 homeless individuals in Washington, D.C
  • ~500,000 homeless individuals in the United States of America
    • ~3 million individuals come together to march in one day
    • They believe three million could open their hearts to the homeless
    • This is the positive, noncontroversial, Tangible More

Get Involved. Tell your friends, family, and surrounding community there is more we can do. There’s no better way to make an impact than to continue to be an active advocate yourself. Join now and make an impact!

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany will be helping Emily with her project, locally, by donating to Homeless Solutions.  Just recently, Kiwanis member, Nicolas Liamnov, organized a fundraiser to collect coats for the needy at Homeless Solutions.

To learn more about TheTangibleMore, click here.

Barberio schedules Town Hall Meeting for Glacier Hill and Sedgefield residents

Frank L. Cahill
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Barberio schedules Town Hall Meeting for Glacier Hill and Sedgefield residents

PARSIPPANY — Mack-Cali has intervened in the Township’s Mt. Laurel affordable housing action. This means that Mack-Cali is seeking to construct multi-family housing in Parsippany, a portion of which is affordable housing. Although Mack-Cali has not specified in court papers exactly where it seeks to construct such housing, there is speculation that at least one site being considered is 1633 Littleton Road. That property currently consists of a vacant office building.

2 Campus Drive has been purchased by Roseland Residential Trust, Mack-Cali’s multi-family subsidiary

Roseland Residential Trust, Mack-Cali’s multi-family subsidiary, acquired Two Campus Drive in Mack-Cali’s Business Campus for approximately $5.5 million. The strategic acquisition will pave the way for the execution of the mixed-use master plan for the Campus in Parsippany. This property is adjacent to 1633 Littleton Road.

1633 Littleton Road is directly across from Sedgefield

In a undated letter mailed to ONLY Sedgefield and Glacier Hills residents, Mayor James Barberio said “As I sated (sic) in my recent State of the Town address, our ability to comply with New Jersey Supreme Court draconian mandates on affordable housing is one of the most significant changes we face. We will face this challenge together as a community – so that you, the residents, are fully informed about this challenge and have the opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts, views and opinions.” Click here to view a copy of the letter mailed to Sedgefield and Glacier Hills residents.

Mayor Barberio

Barberio continued “I strongly believe that, given the magnitude of the issue of affordable housing here in Parsippany, I have an obligation to conduct meetings with our residents. The purpose of such meetings is to educate you on the affordable housing issue and what it means to Parsippany and potentially for 1633 Littleton Road.”

“I will be hosting a TOWN HALL meeting for the residents of Sedgefield and Glacier Hills ONLY on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Parsippany Town Hall. The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. At that meeting you will be provided with a special briefing by our Township Attorney, John lnglesino, Esq. Mr. lnglesino will outline the history of the affordable housing law in New Jersey, including recent Supreme Court decisions. He will advise how these decisions will impact Parsippany and what we can do to minimize such impacts. We will also have our Township planner, Ed Sneickus, present to address any planning-related questions you may have. You will have the opportunity to ask questions. We are allotting one hour for remarks by me and my administration and one hour for questions and comments,” he continued.

Glacier Hills resident Brian Tappen told Parsippany Focus “A town meeting is a town meeting.  The Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A 10:4-6 (1973) states:  All meetings of public bodies in New Jersey must be open to the public unless closure is specifically permitted by law. If a meeting by members of a public body is closed to the public, the reason given must be one specifically authorized under the law. Members of the town should all be allowed to come and voice their opinion. This is a move by the Mayor to sell the people of Glacier Hills and Sedgefield that he is working to help them while attacking community leaders who raised this concern. His letter of 2017-03-01 to Glacier Hills says he will fight any project that is bad for Parsippany, Glacier Hills and Sedgefield, yet when community leaders tried to rally people against the project the Mayor sent letters (2017-01-23) to everyone in Glacier Hills and Sedgefield attacking those community leaders for their actions. The Mayor is trying to violate the Open Public Meetings Act and further his reelection campaign with this ploy.”

“The residents of this town know about the obligation that each town in New Jersey has to secure the numbers every year for low-income housing families. The upcoming Special meeting (for only Sedgefield and Glacier Hills communities) is just another song and dance to side step the truth. We just do not believe that our town’s elected officials would allow for a corporation to dictate where and when these buildings are to go up even if it’s on their own land. Aren’t there many other sites that are better or just a good in this town? The Mack-Cali Complex in Parsippany is 600 acres. The equivalent to a small town in the United States. It should not be allowed to be rezoned for other than what it already has been permitted from this town … Businesses and Hotels,” said Carlo Guzman, President Sedgefield Civic Association.

He continues “Mack-Cali wants to attract commercial companies into it’s complex they can easily modernize those outdated and empty ones or sell them or the entire complex. It was not permitted when Llewellyn and Prudential tried.”

Democrat Mayoral Candidate Michael Soriano stated “The Route 202 corridor is already beyond capacity, and traffic along the road has been an issue that has gone unaddressed by the current administration for far too long.  This is an issue that effects most of the residents of Parsippany everyday, and the outcome of the Mack-Cali project will have an impact in every corner of town.  I believe that an issue of such importance that it requires a special meeting at town hall with the township attorney present should be open to all residents of Parsippany, and that the residents of Sedgefield and Glacier Hills would welcome their input.”

Mr. Inglesino stated numerous times at Township Council meetings that the courts have not decided Parsippany’s required number of affordable housing units.

Mr. Inglesino also stated at a recent Council Meeting, the meeting will be for the residents of Glacier Hills and Sedgefield and that the Council members are not allowed to attend the meeting. Since the meeting was not being publicly advertised it would be in violation of Open Public Meeting Act if attended by a majority of the Council. Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., is a resident of Sedgefield.

“I am extremely concerned about the Mayor’s actions. It is clear that he is using township funds and facilities, as well as employees, to conduct his political campaign. He is excluding major portions of our community, as well as the Township Council. The Mayor’s agenda is obvious. Our tax dollars are being used to fund his re-election efforts,” stated Robert Peluso Republican Candidate for Mayor.

Democrat Council Candidate Katie Cassidy told Parsippany Focus, “I’m concerned about a change of use in even a portion of the Mack-Cali complex. Building multi-family housing there would have a substantial impact on the township, especially near 202, where the traffic is already a problem. What affects Sedgefield and Glacier Hills affects other communities in the township as well. If an issue is complex enough for both the Attorney and the Planner to be present, the Council should be there as well. Sure, that would require public notice per the Open Public Meetings Act, but that should not be too much to ask. The administration should reschedule the meeting to give adequate time for public notice and hold the meeting at one of the high schools so that anyone concerned can go. Parsippany works best when its many communities come together. We should have an opportunity to do that on this issue.”

Inglesino indicated the meeting will be video-taped and be shown on public access TV and made available to the public.

Township resident Nick Homyak commented “Barberio is dividing the Town into neighborhoods because he doesn’t want another Waterview like grassroots event. This meeting should be open to all Parsippany Residents. The mayor has already sealed the town against against chance of a better outcome.”

Mayor James Barberio’s letter stated “In order that we adequately plan for this event, I ask that you contact my office to advise via email at partroymayorsoffice@parsippany.net or by phone at (973) 263-4297 to confirm your attendance.”

On February 7, 2017, The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council approved a liquor license transfer to Hanover Hospitality Corp, a subsidy of Mack-Cali. The vote passed 3- 2. Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., and Council Vice President Robert Peluso voted against the transfer. There was no location disclosed on the application.

In neighboring Morris Plains, Mack-Cali held a ground breaking ceremony, in August 2016, for its newest luxury multi-family residential community, Signature Place at Morris Plains. The three-story multi-family complex under construction is located approximately one-half mile from 1633 Littleton Road.

Construction has started at Signature Place on Littleton Road, Morris Plains

Cuba Mia opening soon

Frank L. Cahill
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Cuba Mia opening soon

PARSIPPANY — Pure Restaurant has officially closed to make room for a new Cuban restaurant, Cuba Mia.

Pure Restaurant was located at 707 Route 46. Pure opened in June 2013.

The premises are being renovated and Cuba Mia will be open shortly.

Pure Restaurant is located at Holiday Inn and Suites, and provides room service and breakfast service as well as catering to all the events at Holiday Inn.

 

Parsippany’s Ferrero International to acquire Fannie May Confections

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany’s Ferrero International to acquire Fannie May Confections

PARSIPPANY — 1-800-FLOWERS.COM the leading gourmet food and floral gift provider for all occasions, and Ferrero International S.A., one of the world’s largest chocolate confectionery companies announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which Ferrero will acquire all the outstanding equity of Fannie May Confections Brands, Inc., including its subsidiaries Fannie May Confections, Inc. and Harry London Candies, Inc., from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. for $115.0 million in cash, adjusted for seasonal working capital.

Ferrero International is located on the fourth floor of Seven Sylvan Drive. In addition to manufacturing Ferrero Chocolate, they also produce Tic Tac and Nutella.

In 1969 that Ferrero U.S.A. first opened for business in New York City. To introduce the Ferrero story in the vast and unique U.S. market, Ferrero U.S.A., Inc. chose as its lead product, not the enormous Nutella® brand or one of the hugely successful Ferrero chocolates, but rather the smallest Ferrero wonder of all – Tic Tac® mints!

Shortly after its introduction, the signature Tic Tac® mints “Tree” display was appearing at U.S. checkouts everywhere and America was singing along with Ferrero’s catchy:
“Put a Tic Tac® in your mouth and get a BANG out of life!”

Repositioned in 1980 as “The 1 1/2 Calorie Breath Mint®,” Tic Tac® has grown continuously, and today enjoys the position of #1 selling breath mint in the U.S.

The distinctive green of Tic Tac® was followed by the dazzling gold of Ferrero Rocher®, the fine chocolate and hazelnut “praline.” Is it any surprise that Rocher® is rapidly becoming a mainstay of increasingly-sophisticated American tastes, and that Ferrero is once again making quality confections a part of everyday life … for treats as well as gifts.

Following the success of Tic Tac® and Rocher®, consumers are now beginning to enjoy the distinctive taste of Nutella® hazelnut spread. As it rapidly gains distribution and awareness across the U.S., it’s destined to become as big a success here as it is in Europe.

In addition to the sale agreement,1-800-FLOWERS.COM and Ferrero will enter into a strategic commercial partnership, to be signed on or before closing of the sale, that will provide 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. with distribution rights for Fannie May, Harry London and certain Ferrero confectionery products in its ecommerce channels as well as in gift baskets and towers sold into the club, food, drug and mass channels in the US.

Chris McCann, CEO said, “We are very excited to be working with Ferrero International, one of the world’s largest and most respected confectionery companies. This transaction will further strengthen our balance sheet while concurrently reducing the working capital requirements in our business model. Importantly, the strategic commercial agreement with Ferrero will enable us to continue offering the iconic Fannie May and Harry London chocolate brands across our ecommerce and wholesale channels and expand our product offerings to include some of Ferrero’s world-renowned chocolate confectionery brands, including Nutella, Ferrero Rocher and Raffaello – further enhancing our ability to help our customers deliver smiles.”

Giovanni Ferrero, Chief Executive Officer of Ferrero Group, said, “We are excited that Fannie May will be joining the Ferrero Group. We have long admired Fannie May’s premium brand, products and people, and believe Fannie May is an extraordinarily good fit with Ferrero. As we have grown from a family business founded in Italy in 1946 to a leading global confectionery company, we have been guided by our key values of loyalty and trust, respect and responsibility, integrity, passion for quality, research and innovation, and entrepreneurship. Since our entry into the U.S. in 1969, we have actively expanded our premium product offering organically, and are thrilled to further accelerate growth through the addition of Fannie May. We look forward to adding Fannie May’s outstanding team and valuable manufacturing, distribution and retail platform to Ferrero’s expanding U.S. presence, and to supporting and growing this iconic American brand for years to come.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to close by May 30, 2017. At closing, Ferrero will acquire all the outstanding equity of Fannie May Confections Brands, Inc., including the Fannie May and Harry London chocolate brands and all related assets and liabilities including, but not limited to, Fannie May’s ecommerce business,79 retail stores located primarily in and around Chicago, IL, a manufacturing facility in North Canton, OH, and two temperature-controlled warehouse and distribution facilities, located in Maple Heights, OH, and Chicago, IL, respectively.

 

Girl Scouts are selling cookies in Lake Hiawatha

Frank L. Cahill
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Girl Scouts are selling cookies in Lake Hiawatha

PARSIPPANY — If there’s anything that can make cracking open a box of fresh Girl Scout Cookies even better, it’s knowing that you’ve contributed to helping Girl Scouts learn the skills they need to succeed in life and make the world a better place.

Northvail Elementary School Girl Scout Troops 9652, 9656 and 96713 were at QuickChek, 480 North Beverwcyk Road selling their famous cookies.  They will be there from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. today.

In addition, on Sunday, March 19, they will be at Foodtown, 435 North Beverwyck Road from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. again selling famous Girl Scout cookies.

Remember, because 100 percent of the net revenue raised through the Girl Scout Cookie Program stays with local councils, when you purchase Girl Scout Cookies you’re not only getting a delicious treat—you’re also making an important investment in our community.

 

 

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Parsippany Focus is a digital news organization that provides news coverage of Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. The organization was founded in 1989 by Frank Cahill, who currently owns and operates the organization. Parsippany Focus covers local news, events, and community issues, and their content is primarily distributed through their website and social media channels. The organization has been serving as a trusted source of news and information for the Parsippany-Troy Hills community for over 30 years.

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