PARSIPPANY — In April, Women’s Clubs across the country support Prevent Child Abuse America in its Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign. Every year, clubwomen raise awareness of child abuse and promote healthy childhoods by planting pinwheel gardens. Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the pinwheel in 2008 as the official symbol of great childhoods.
The pinwheel reminds everyone of their own childhoods and the fact that all children deserve to be happy and healthy. Here in New Jersey, the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC have made Prevent Child Abuse its Special State Project for the next two years. Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey is the only statewide non-profit dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect in all forms, for all New Jersey children. For more information on PCA-NJ click here.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.
The April General Meeting is on Monday, April 24 at 7:00 pm, at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. All area women are welcome. For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, click here to view their website.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Department of Planning and Public Works, Division of Planning and Preservation, has announced that the 2017 grant application for funding of open space projects under the Morris County Preservation Trust are now available online by clicking here.
Any of Morris County’s 39 municipalities and qualified charitable conservancies are eligible to apply for grant funding, said Barbara Murray, open space program coordinator.
Funding for the grants comes from the county’s Preservation Trust Fund, which generates revenues through a voter-approved special county tax.
The tax, set at 7/8 of a cent per $100 of tax assessment, should generate about $8 million this year. Of that money, the county allocates 2/8 of a cent to the Park Improvement Trust used by the Park Commission to restore facilities and 5/8 of a cent is allocated to the other Preservation Trust Programs.
Freeholder Christine Myers
In addition to open space projects, the county’s preservation fund also helps finance farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, recreational trails project, and the purchase of residential properties prone to flooding.
“Preserving our natural areas is vitally important to maintaining our great quality of life in Morris County,’’ said Freeholder Christine Myers, who is the county governing board’s liaison on preservation issues. “Our parks, trails, and nature areas offer a great variety of recreational opportunities for our residents, sometimes just giving us a place to breathe and think, so it is vital to ensure that we have green spaces in each of our towns.’’
The freeholders in 2016 approved funding for six preservation projects at a cost of nearly $3.75 million and totaling more than 270 acres in five Morris County towns. Included were two projects in Denville, and one each in Parsippany, Kinnelon, Randolph, and the first-ever grant award to Mt. Arlington.
They ranged from six-acres in a heavily populated section of Parsippany — and one of the last remaining undeveloped large open spaces in town, to 179-acres of forested land in Kinnelon that is contiguous to a county greenway and a local park in neighboring Pequannock.
Puzio Farm, is located east of Knoll Road, south of the Knollwood School within a densely populated section of the township. The property was a former tree farm and is one of the few remaining large open space tracts left in the township. The level property is contiguous to preserved open space and located across the street from watershed lands surrounding the Jersey City Reservoir. Preservation will create a greenway of close to 35 acres in the region and protect water quality. The grant amount approved in 2016 was $772,500.
More than 13,750 acres of open space have been preserved with the assistance of grant funding from the county program since its inception in 1993, according to Murray.
The deadline for submitting 2017 open space applications and appraisals is Friday, June 16. The Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee will visit proposed sites in September, with final presentations made in October, and recommendations made to the freeholder board in early November.
You can obtain additional information by contacting the Morris County Division of Planning and Preservation at (973) 829-8120.
DENVILLE — Morris County Vocational School District English Teacher and 2014 Morris County Teacher of the Year, Lisa Adams, served as the New Jersey State teacher representative at the State Teacher Leadership Convening on February 13-14 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Given the increased flexibility from the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), state education agencies are able to advance their approaches to teacher leadership. The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) in collaboration with Leading Educators convened states interested in further refining their teacher leadership strategies. Adams joined a vertical team of five people from the state to refine their theory of action for teacher leadership with supported, specific, tested strategies. Adams joined Chelsea Collins, Program Manager, New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE); Debra Gulick, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, East Brunswick Public School District; Peter Mazzagatti, Policy Analyst, NJDOE Office of Evaluation; and Charles Rowan, Assistant Principal, North Plainfield High School.
The state team had the opportunity to create and adapt a variety of resources from other states and collaborated through extensive, facilitated time to engage in strategic conversations as a team. The team left the convening with a clear action plan to guide their work over the course of 2017 – 2018 as it relates to the New Jersey Teacher Leader Endorsement.
The Teacher Leader Endorsement will be available to teachers who are eligible and complete an approved program of study and will recognize educators who take on leadership positions in their schools while maintaining their roles as teachers.
The Morris County Vocational School District (www.mcvts.org) offers programs for Morris County high school students, including Career Academies, Share Time Programs, and Continuing Education programs. For additional information, call the Morris County School of Technology at (973) 627-4600 ext. 277.
CEDAR KNOLLS — Clothing and fashion accessories for men, women and children will be collected as Employment Horizons holds its annual spring clothing drive April 19 to 21. The clothing drives offers an opportunity to spring into spring while benefiting area residents with disabilities.
Items to be collected also include stuffed animals and hard toys, such as dolls and action figures (must be below 14” in size), as well as household linens (blankets, sheets, curtains, etc – no fabric scraps or carpet). All items should be placed in well-tied plastic bags. Shoes, boots, and sneakers are also accepted. No single shoes, winter coats, or winter boots, please. All donated items will be distributed to needy families overseas. The clothing will be turned over to a company that will in turn pay Employment Horizons for each pound collected. Their goal is to collect 5,000 pounds.
Bags may be dropped off at Employment Horizons, 10 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls from April 19 to 21, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Donations are to be placed in the box truck marked “Clothing Drive” located in the Employment Horizons rear parking lot. Items may not be dropped off prior to these dates.
Don’t forget, Employment Horizons also has an on-site book bin where you can drop off books, textbooks, CDs, DVDs, and video games. Please no encyclopedias, magazines, VHS tapes, or water damaged items.
Employment Horizons is a local not-for-profit organization which serves individuals with disabilities, empowering them to earn a paycheck and live as productive citizens in the greater Morris County area. For more information, contact Maria Florio, Director of Community Relations at (973) 538-8822 ext. 240 or at mariaflorio@ehorizons.org.
PARSIPPANY — Jaya Minhas, an Albright College senior French/Spanish major/women’s and gender studies minor will present at the 2017 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). The scholarly gathering, marking its 31st year, will be held at the University of Memphis, April 6 to 8. Minhas is a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, Class of 2012.
Minhas will present “The Condition of Indigenous Women in the Andean Region.”
Established in 1987, the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research promotes undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, this gathering of young scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all corners of the academic curriculum, creating a unique environment for the celebration and promotion of undergraduate student achievement, providing models of exemplary research and scholarship, and helping to improve the state of undergraduate education.
Founded in 1856, Albright College educates creative, curious students to become adaptable, global citizens who discover and reach their full potential. The College’s flexible interdisciplinary curriculum encourages students to combine majors and disciplines to create individualized academic programs. Close faculty mentorship, numerous experiential learning options, and a diverse, supportive and nurturing community of scholars and learners help students exceed their own expectations and graduate with a commitment to a lifetime of service and learning. Located in Reading, Pennsylvania, Albright enrolls more than 1,800 full-time undergraduates and 700 adult learners and graduate students.
PARSIPPANY — Faculty and Staff from Central Middle School and teachers from Eastlake Elementary School purchased t-shirts that have the quote “Be The Change You Wish To See In The World.”
The t-shirts also had the school name on them. Proceeds from this fundraiser went to the students in the National History Day Club at Central Middle School and at Eastlake Elementary School, the funds went to help students purchase books at their school book fair.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Y believes that all kids have the potential to grow up and change the world if they’re nurtured properly and supported along the way. With that in mind, the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA kicked off their annual GIVE A KID THE Y campaign on Saturday, April 1.
This annual effort primarily supports financial aid scholarships for childcare, after school care, and summer day camp, providing dollars of financial assistance to those in the local area who are less fortunate. Last year the Y provided almost $185,000 in financial aid scholarships for membership and specifically toward these areas: $53,905 Early Childhood Learning Center, $85,475 Day Camp, $23,688 After School Childcare, $6,059 Aquatics, and $1,765 Youth Fitness.
The Y invites you to become a part of GIVE A KID THE Y by supporting this vital cause. Your gift will provide programs and services that give all kids what they need to succeed from childhood and beyond – regardless of their financial circumstances. Please pledge (payable by 12/31/17) your support when one of their volunteers contacts you or pledge/donate online at www.lakelandhillsymca.com
PARSIPPANY — The EastLake School PTA will be holding a Tricky-Tray on Friday, April 21. The event will be held at Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road. Pre-sale ticket check in is at 5:30 p.m. and general admission (if tickets remain available) starts at 6:00 p.m.
Click here to down load a pre-sale ticket form. Pre-sale tickets are due by April 14. Admission ticket is $20.00 which includes admission, coffee, dessert and three sheets of level 1 tickets. Advanced Admission Ticket bundles is $40.00 includes admission, coffee, dessert, three sheets level 1 tickets, 5 level 2 tickets and 1 level 3 ticket.
Night of the event, Admission is $20.00, which includes coffee and dessert (while tickets last). Ticket sales are $5.00 for level 1 tickets, $2.00 for level 2 tickets and $5.00 for level 3 tickets.
Print out the attached form and mail it to Eastlake Elementary School, 40 Eba Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 in a sealed envelope, attention 5th Grade Committee or contact eastlake5thgrade17@gmail.com. Make all checks payable to Eastlake PTA.
By Kim Guadagno Is the Office of the Governor in New Jersey too powerful? If you believe it is, like I do, it’s time to have an honest conversation about how to fix it. I have put forward a bold plan that will begin to restore trust in state government by establishing an independently elected attorney…
PARSIPPANY — “Professor” John Inglesino led a very informative and interesting discussion on affordable housing and what effect it will have on the residents of Parsippany. Mayor James Barberio welcomed the standing room only crowd, and spoke for about three minutes before turning the almost three hour meeting over to Township Attorney John Inglesino. “There’s nobody that knows land-use law like Mr. Inglesino,” Barberio said before turning the meeting over to Inglesino.
Residents were asking questions
Inglesino explained the challenges of affordable housing requirements facing Parsippany and supplied answers to many of the questions asked by interested members of Sedgefield and Glacier Hills. Inglesino stated during the meeting that the courts have not decided Parsippany’s required number of affordable housing units.
Also present were Business Administrator Ellen Sandman, Township Planner Ed Sneickus, CFO Ann Cucci and Attorney Owen Weaver.
Mayor James Barberio addressing the audience
Barberio sent an undated letter to ONLY Sedgefield and Glacier Hills residents to attend the meeting. 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.”
“Unfortunately, the mayor elected to exclude the council from this meeting,” Council Vice President Robert Peluso said. “As you know, the mayor held this meeting as a private meeting and directed that it was by invitation only. As a result, council members, as well as large numbers of the public, were unable to attend.”
After reviewing a videotape of the meeting, Peluso said “The Mayor and Mr. Inglesino did not tell the whole story and continue to mislead the public. In particular, the Mayor’s presentation makes it appear that all of the units being proposed in town are required under COAH. It is my experience that these units make up only part of a development. I believe there are other options. The Mayor should stop with the smoke and mirrors. The taxpayers deserve to know the full scope of the proposed projects and the potential impact on our neighborhoods.”
Also present at the meeting were two Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers at the front door and representatives from the Mayor’s office controlling the desk, which was at the entrance, to ensure only invited guests entered the meeting.
The Mayor did state at the meeting he plans to host future meetings about the subject at which time he will notify all residents. At the time of this article there are no plans announced for additional meetings.
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.
Roseland Residential Trust, Mack-Cali’s multi-family subsidiary, recently 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.
There are no applications pending with the Township Zoning Board of Adjustment or Planning Boards regarding Mack-Cali’s future plans.
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.”
1633 Littleton Road is directly across from Sedgefield
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.”
The meeting was videotaped and is published below. The video contains three segments.
PARSIPPANY — The Paw Patrol visited IHOP made a visit to IHOP on Friday, March 31. Characters Police Pup Chase and Firedog Marshall entertained the children. The event was sponsored by IHOP and Robert Peluso Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President and Mayoral Candidate. IHOP is located at 792 Route 46.
A group of six rescue dogs, led by a tech-savvy boy named Ryder, has adventures in “PAW Patrol.” The heroic pups, who believe “no job is too big, no pup is too small,” work together to protect the community. Among the members of the group are firedog Marshall, police pup Chase, and fearless Skye. All of the animals have special skills, gadgets and vehicles that help them on their rescue missions. Whether rescuing a kitten or saving a train from a rockslide, the PAW Patrol is always up for the challenge while also making sure there’s time for a game or a laugh.
PAW Patrol first episode date was August 12, 2013 and can be seen on the Nickelodeon Network.
Frankie and Tyler Fisk with Police Pup Chase from The Paw PatrolCouncil Vice President Robert Peluso and his son Robert with Firedog MarshallFiredog Marshall with IHOP server Nicolas LopezPolice pup Chase with Robert and Council Vice President Robert Peluso at the IHOP during a visit from The Paw PatrolFour-year old Benjamin Koenig and his father Matthew with Casey Zicolello and Natalie Koenig, 18 months. Council Vice President Robert Peluso is with MarshallTracie Kasko, right, with three-year old Ryan and Marshall at IHOPFour-year old Maanav Patel is excited to meet Police Pup ChaseThe Webb family meetings Marshall. John and Anna Webb with five-year old Jack, four-year old Nolan and two-year old Carter. Council Vice President Robert Peluso looks on.Ildiko and Robert Peluso meeting Marshall with Robert , Jr., enjoying the excitement of one of his favorite television characters
PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Multi-Organ Transplant Group is hosting a fundraiser at Gourmet Cafe on Monday, April 3, as part of the group’s celebration of Donate Life Month in April. The purpose of the month-long promotion is to highlight the importance of organ and tissue donation awareness.
A portion of sales from the day including lunch and dinner, eat in and take-out, as well as gift certificates go to the New Jersey Sharing Network Foundation.
Gourmet Cafe is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The restaurant is located at the corner of Route 46 and Baldwin Road, 136 Baldwin Road. To make a reservation call (973) 316-0088.
PARSIPPANY — The Easter Bunny visited the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills on Saturday, April 1, at 10:00 a.m at the Municipal Building, located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
The Easter Bunny greeted and visited with children. Parents had the opportunity to take their child’s photo with the Easter Bunny and then the children received candy given out by volunteers of Parsippany Recreation Department.
The chocolate eggs may have been on the shelves since January but it won’t be long until it’s time to unwrap them. Easter will be celebrated on Sunday, April 16.
Six-year old Eddie Chiappa with the Easter BunnyCouncil Vice President Robert Peluso, Little Robert and Ildiko posing with the Easter BunnyVolunteer Alex Zitelli handing candy, color books and crayons to five year old Dominic WolfTwo year old Rani Chandni with the Easter BunnyMarvice Linares, 9, talking to the Easter Bunny at Town Hall
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce will present a breakfast networking event on Tuesday, April 11, titled “Email Marketing – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.”
The event starts at 8:00 a.m. at IHOP, 792 Route 46. Members and non-members are reminded to bring plenty of business cards, since there is an opportunity to network and meet business people of Parsippany.
Everyone uses email these days – but the question is, does it really work? We are all inundated with tens or hundreds of emails every day and every week. Which ones get opened and why?
Come to this PACC breakfast and find out the 10 Facts You Need to Know About Email Marketing. Learn about:
Best and most cost-effective way to reach your target audience
Best subject lines to get opened
How good is your list
How you can use email to grow your social media following
Best times to send emails – it’s changing all the time
Is your email template responsive and why it must be
Ilene Greene and Ted Polmar
Ilene Greene and Ted Polmar, Principals of MarketShare Communications and BizCircles Entrepreneurs Business Network, will present this PACC Breakfast Program. Their firm specializes in marketing strategy, website development, and branding for small and middle market companies.
You won’t want to miss this informative and exciting meeting if you are a business owner, a manager of a department in a large company, or have a professional practice. Make sure you register and we look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, April 11 at 8:00 a.m.
PARSIPPANY — Brian Stanton has announced his candidacy for re-election to Parsippany’s Township Council.
“Parsippany’s taxpayers are my top priority, which is why I am running for re-election to the Town Council. I pledge to work for you to improve our community and overall quality of life,” said Stanton.
He continued “If you haven’t noticed, the Republican Party in Parsippany is broken. Without a major change in the June Primary it won’t matter, the Democratic Party will soon take over Parsippany.”
The younger of two children, Brian Stanton has lived in Parsippany for 44 years. He graduated from Parsippany High School in 1990 where he lettered in Baseball, Wrestling and Winter Track.
After attending Morris County Community College and Jersey City State College, Brian graduated from the Morris County Police Academy in 1996. For the past 21 years he has worked for the Morris County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Edward Rochford and now Sheriff James Gannon. Brian currently works in Protective Services Division. During his 21 years Brian has served his PBA as President, Vice President, and Treasurer.
Brian plans on continuing his education at Centenary College and becoming an elementary school special education math teacher upon retiring from the Sheriff’s Office.
A longtime Republican, Brian has served on the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council from January 2010 through December 2015. As a member of the Township Council Brian was the former liaison for the Fire Prevention Bureau, Parsippany Day Care Center, Municipal Alliance Committee, Police Athletic League, and the liaison to the Board of Education which he was instrumental in creating.
Brian is active in many community and political organizations, including the Sons of Italy, The Italian American Police Society of New Jersey, and the Elks Club of Parsippany. Brian was a former member of the PTA’s for both the Rockaway Meadow School and Central Middle Schools.
His track record for voting during his six years on Council speaks for itself. He has never joined forces with any other Council member. He always voted for what was best for the “People of Parsippany.”
“The current Parsippany Council has to remember one important fact, they were voted by the people to do what’s best for the people of Parsippany,” said Brian.
Brian is a resident of Rainbow Lakes section of Parsippany and has three children, Joseph 18, West Virginia University, Justin 15, Parsippany High School, Jessica 12, Central Middle School.
ROXBURY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief Marc Palanchi of the Roxbury Township Police Department announce the arrest of an individual for first-degree possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute.
Members of the Roxbury Township Police Department and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit received information concerning an individual distributing illegal narcotics in Morris and surrounding counties. Roxbury Police Detectives and members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement/Narcotics Task Force initiated an investigation that resulted in the arrest of the individual, and the seizure of 200 grams of cocaine, over $17,000 in US currency, a handgun loaded with hollow point bullets, and a motor vehicle that was being used to transport the narcotics.
As a result of the investigation and seizures, Terrance T. Clemens, 41, Newark, was charged with the following:
One count of first-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine) with the Intent to Distribute.
One count of second-degree Certain Person not to have Weapons (Handgun).
One count of second-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine).
One count of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine).
Two counts of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine).
On March 30, Clemens was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a first appearance.
Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp wishes to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit (Narcotics Task Force), the Roxbury Township Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts related to this investigation.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a Court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County homeowners will pay an average of $18 more annually in property taxes to fund the services and programs provided by Morris County government through the 2017 county budget introduced by the Board of Freeholders Wednesday, March 22.
The proposed $332.1 million budget includes a tax rate increase of 1.79 percent, according to the board.
The 2017 budget remains within a state-set cap provides level spending in most areas except for contractual employee health insurance, which increased by $6 million.
The budget allows the county to remain financially and operationally efficient. It maintains and, in some areas, expands public safety initiatives; sustains all human services programs, and ensures maintenance of all countywide infrastructure projects.
It also, supports countywide economic development and tourism initiatives, protects the county’s long-standing, top-ranked Triple A bond rating; and preserves a stable level of fund balance required for well-run, top-ranked county governments.
In addition, the freeholders have maintained the county’s voter-approved preservation trust fund that finances vital open space, farmland and historic preservation projects, and provides money for recreational trails and flood mitigation.
To view the proposed 2017 county budget, and previous county budgets, click here.
“Through this budget, Morris County will continue to be the premier place in which to live, work, and raise a family in New Jersey,’’ said Freeholder Christine Myers, chair of the freeholders’ budget subcommittee. “Our county will continue to build our vibrant and sustainable economy and preserve our natural resources and history,’’ she added.
Freeholder Katheryn A. DeFillippo
“We will honor our unique quality of life, assure a safe, well-maintained infrastructure and offer cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike,’’ said Freeholder Kathy DeFillippo, a member of the budget subcommittee. “We will continue to offer compassionate support to those in need and maintain our tradition as a caring community.’’
The 2017 Operating Budget represents a “Year of Transition,” featuring initiatives such as outsourcing of the Morris View Healthcare Center and introduction of a county-wide EMS Program.
It also includes a full year of costs related to Criminal Justice Reform, completion of the remaining Renewable Energy Sites in the county’s Solar II Program, are all conservatively presented.
“We have carefully scrutinized all aspects of county operations to make sure we operate in a lean manner, while offering services that maintain Morris County’s quality of life, by running a modern, efficient and cost effective operation,’’ said Freeholder said Freeholder and Budget Subcommittee member Deborah Smith. “At the same time, the board continues to look at the big picture, at county long-term needs such as a new or enhanced court complex, to ensure we properly plan for the future while ensuring the effective, efficient and ethical stewardship of our residents’ hard earned tax dollars.’’
While maintaining a tight rein on spending, the freeholders’ proposed 2017 budget continues to invest in key programs and initiatives that maintain the high quality of life in the county.
Ongoing Investments in Education, Recreation, and Human Services, include:
• $13.7 million: Morris County Park Commission
• $11.8 million: County College of Morris
• $7 million: Community Based Human Services Agencies
• $6.2 million: Morris County School of Technology
• $5.1 million: Morris County Library and Heritage Commission
• $400,000: Economic Development and Tourism
The 2017 capital budget strategically authorizes $27.1 million to responsibly deal with critical infrastructure needs, with a continued emphasis on:
• $7.8 million: Road improvements, to continue upgrading the county’s road network;
• $4 million: Building and Structure Improvements, including Criminal Justice Reform;
• $2.4 million: Bridge design and replacement projects;
• $2.3 million: Law and Public Safety Equipment;
• $2.2 million: Educational facilities;
• $2.2 million: Public Works Equipment
• $1.5 million: Information Technology
The 2017 Morris County budget also will fund a wide variety of vital Human Services that county residents expect, including more than 500,000 meals annually provided to Morris County’s senior citizens, operation of the Morris View Healthcare Center, which remains home to 283 individuals, a wide variety of Human/Social Service programs, including Aging, Disabilities, and Veteran Services; Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse Services, Emergency Assistance Services and Transportation Services.
The freeholders will consider adoption of their budget at 7:00 p.m. at their Wednesday, April 22 meeting at the Morris Plains Borough Hall, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains.
RANDOLPH — The Testing Center at the County College of Morris was recently awarded with a Test Center Certification by the National College Testing Association for serving as a nationwide leader in testing practices.
The County College of Morris Testing Center is only one of two National College Testing Association certified post secondary testing centers in New Jersey and only one of 159 certified centers in the United States and Canada.
“We are grateful to everyone at CCM who has played a role in our achieving this status,” Testing Center supervisor Kevin Chen said. “This recognition is provided only to those centers that have demonstrated exemplary practices in testing. We are pleased and honored to have gained that recognition as part of providing CCM students with a quality educational experience.”
The Testing Center is responsible for all basic skills placement testing on campus and for proctoring exams for online testing for online and hybrid courses.
In addition, the center provides proctoring services for other schools and organizations as needed.
The center is a member of and adheres to National College Testing Association professional standards and guidelines and is an active participant in the Consortium of College Testing Centers.
The National College Testing Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of professionalism and high-quality service in the administration of testing programs at the post secondary level.
PARSIPPANY — Nearly twice the amount of bowlers came out for the Randolph Kiwanis Club‘s second annual Pins 4 Pets fundraiser than last year. The event was held at the Rockaway Lanes bowling alley on Sunday, March 26. Members of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany were the winners. The winning team members were Deborah Mellinger-Young, Bob Young, President Gregory Elbin, Karen DeChristopher and Joanne Rich.
Almost 100 bowlers participated in the event which raised over $1,200 which included funds raised from the event itself and donation by the Kiwanis Club to benefit the animals at the Eleventh Hour Rescue.
Last year, over fifty bowlers turned out for the event, which raised a total of $1,140 to benefit the Friends of Randolph Animal Pound.
Eleventh Hour Rescue takes in cats and dogs that have medical issues and help return them to full health and find a home.
Eleventh Hour Rescue is a no kill animal rescue and has their shelter located at 861 Route 10, Randolph Township. For more information, click here.
The organization also has a store in Rockaway Mall called Annie’s Pooch Pets and just opened a location in the Roxbury Mall where the rescue brings animals on Saturdays and Sundays in the hope of finding them a home.
A $50 gift certificate to the Randolph Diner was awarded to the team with the highest score.
Everyone is invited to attend a meeting every Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46, Parsippany. For more information click here
PARSIPPANY — The fifth grade students from Northvail Elementary School performedthe musical “No Strings Attached,” which is an adaptation of Pinocchio. Geppetto, the old woodcarver, and his marionette son Pinocchio came to life amidst a cast of clever, talented characters during the production. Once a “real” boy, curiosity and temptation gets Pinocchio into trouble and he learns about the consequences of his actions. Ultimately he also learns of his capacity for change.
Basic Skills Math teacher Mrs. Serrao, Second Grade teacher Mrs. DeGeorge, and Principal Mr. Jeff Martens graciously assisted the fifthgraders purely on their free time prior to the production. In addition, they arranged the special effects, music, and custom costumes in cooperation with the fifth grade parents.
The play was a huge success and enjoyed by everyone. Our fifth grade students should all be applauded for their fantastic job performing the musical.
Basic Skills Math teacher Mrs. Serrao, Second Grade teacher Mrs. DeGeorge, and Principal Mr. Jeff Martens graciously assisted the fifth