PARSIPPANY — 32 Spanish Exchange Students visiting Parsippany made a stop at the Parsippany Municipal Building on Monday, September 24. Parsippany High School teacher Mr. Duhl organized for the exchange students to visit Parsippany and had local families host the students.
Parsippany Town Hall Council Regular Meeting – August 21, 2018
Parsippany Town Hall Council Regular Meeting – August 21, 2018 – Part 2
Parsippany Town Hall Council Regular Meeting – August 21, 2018 – Part 3
Editors Note: These videos were published late due to technical difficulties during processing by Parsippany Focus.
Commended Parsippany Resident 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program
PARSIPPANY — Sister Fran Sullivan, OP, Head of School at Mount St. Dominic Academy, announced that Parsippany resident Alyssa Sebastian ’19 has been named a Commended Student in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) was presented to this scholastically talented senior.
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2019 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2019 competition by taking the 2017 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).
“The young men and women being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”
Alyssa is pictured with Head of School Sister Fran Sullivan, OP and Director of School and College Counseling John Galka, M.A. Ed. The Mount is proud of Alyssa’s accomplishment and wishes her continued success this year and in her college endeavors.
Mount St. Dominic Academy, established by the Sisters of St. Dominic in Caldwell, New Jersey, is a Catholic college preparatory school, dedicated to the education of young women from a variety of ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. Since 1892, The Mount has been empowering young women in the Dominican tradition.
For more information about Mount St. Dominic Academy click here.
Goddard School children test new interactive toys
PARSIPPANY — The Goddard School, is celebrating 30 years of continued growth in early childhood education this year! Preschoolers at the Parsippany Goddard School and across their northern Jersey and along with 49 other Goddard Schools across the country, will take on the job a lifetime.
Now in its 11th year, The 2018 Goddard School Preschooler-Approved Toy Test engages children from infants to six years old to play with interactive toys from Monday, September 24 to Friday, September 28 while teachers observe and document how the toy rates among the judging criteria. (interactivity, skill development, creative inspiration and more).
The preschoolers will then cast their votes to determine the Top 10 Preschooler-Approved Toys, which will be announced just in time for the holidays on November 1, 2018.
Participating notable toy brands include V-Tech, Leap Frog, Manhattan Toy Company, Popular Playthings and many more.
The Goddard School is located at 311 Smith Road.
Attempted Vehicle Burglary on Bridgeton Drive
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police reports that at approximately 1:20 a.m., on Thursday, September 27, a resident on Bridgeton Drive woke up to what they believed was the sound of their vehicle alarm chirping outside.
When the resident looked outside, she saw a white male wearing a black hoodie and black pants pulling on the driver’s side door handle and then the passenger door handle in an attempt to gain entry.
She quickly clicked her lock button which made the vehicle chirp twice causing the unknown suspect to flee the area on foot.The surrounding area was checked by responding officers, but the suspect had fled the area.
If anyone in the immediate or surrounding area of Bridgeton Drive between Madison Ave and Halsey Road, has any CCTV cameras that my have captured anything please contact the Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
Kazmark named as Parsippany’s Business Administrator
PARSIPPANY — Keith Kazmark has been appointed to serve as Parsippany’s Business Administrator effective October 1 at a salary of $165,000 per year.
In accepting the position, Mr. Kazmark said “I’m looking forward to this new challenge and working with the Governing Body, staff and residents of Parsippany-Troy Hills. We will take the first 45-days to see where we can improve efficiencies, streamline services, and ensure we are operating the township effectively. I look forward to earning the trust and confidence of the entire Governing Body, building relationships and collaboratively moving the Township forward.”
Mayor Michael Soriano said “Keith Kazmark has the experience, education, intelligence, and drive to be an outstanding Business Administrator for Parsippany.”
Kazmark stepped down as the Elmwood Park Business Administrator, Municipal Clerk and Secretary of the Rent Leveling Board on August 31 after twelve years.
He has been serving as the Mayor of Woodland Park since 2011 after serving as council president.
“After I reviewed Mr Kazmark’s resume which is very impressive and having the opportunity to speak with him and discuss what his thoughts and goals are for the Township I was very impressed. I did have some concerns over the starting salary until I was informed that Mr. Kazmark would not be accepting medical benefits, which saves the Township approximately $26,000 in comparison to our current Business Administrator Mrs. Sandman’s salary and benefits costs to the township. Therefore I feel this is a win win for Parsippany In that we get a highly qualified person in Mr. Kazmark and we also save approximately $26,000,” stated Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.
Councilman dePierro voted no and stated “I think the salary is too high for a starting employee.”
“I am very confident in our appointment of Keith Kazmark. In the time I’ve known him, he has been smart, candid and authentic. I am looking forward to working with him as he begins his service to Parsippany,” stated Councilwoman Emily Peterson.
The current business administrator, Ellen Sandman, had previously announced her intention to retire on December 1. She will remain on the town payroll and assistant with the transition.
Sandman was appointed by Former Mayor James Barberio to serve as Parsippany’s Business Administrator on June 16, 2014. Prior to joining Parsippany she was employed at Mendham Borough, where she held the same title for the previous six years, and in Denville for 22 years before that; she also served for five years as Assistant Business Administrator in Jersey City.
Sandman said “I will be retiring as of December 1. I’ve enjoyed my wonderful stay here in Parsippany. As I just said to Jasmine Lim (former Parsippany-Troy Hills Business Administrator) I said, you know, that saying, “When you find something you love, you never work a day in your life. I did, however, paraphrase it and said maybe a couple of days I worked in Parsippany, maybe a good couple of days, but in the end it’s all about people and working together and being, being joyous in what you do.”
Parsippany Town Hall Council Regular Meeting – September 25, 2018
Parsippany Town Hall Council Regular Meeting – September 25, 2018 – Part 2
Parsippany Town Hall Council Regular Meeting – September 25, 2018 – Part 3
Parsippany Town Hall Council Regular Meeting – September 25, 2018 – Part 4
Annual Coat Drive at Lakeland Hills YMCA
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Doing some fall closet cleaning? Well, don’t throw your old coats away! Some less fortunate neighbors in our area could use them this winter.
The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA will be partnering with the Community Church of Mountain Lakes, Mountain Lakes High School Key Club, by collecting coats for the Market Street Mission’s and Homeless Solutions’ annual coat drives from Monday, October 1 through Monday, October 15.
Just bring your coat(s) to the Y lobby anytime from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and drop them off in the collection box, or you may drop off at the Community Church.
All styles and sizes welcome. Coats should be clean and in good condition. Coats will not be accepted before October 1 or after October 15. Scarves and gloves will also be accepted. Want more information? Call Randy at the Lakeland Hills Y, (973) 334-2820 or email: [email protected]
111 Littleton Road is now a Class A office site following redevelopment
PARSIPPANY — Commercial Realty Group (CRG) whose name is synonymous with, among other real estate properties, the redevelopment of antiquated commercial office/industrial site’s, has once again brought back to life another property at 111 Littleton Road. Originally built in 1976, CRG purchased the soon to be vacant and outdated Class B property in timeworn condition, some forty-years later in 2016.
They have since transformed the three-story, 36,000 square foot, antiquated Class B building into a stunning Class A office site, following a two-year and $3,000,000 redevelopment, under the watchful eye of Corporate Contracting, Inc. (CCI), the construction firm tasked with the building’s extensive renovations. Kimmerle Newman Architects, Harding, handled the new design of the building.
111 Littleton was a welcome “site” to the local business landscape, as the project supported multiple construction jobs. And, gave a sought after opportunity for Strategic Micro Systems to relocate from a nearby location and remain in Parsippany, as opposed to a possible move elsewhere. The New Jersey Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will headquarter its operations at 111 Littleton Road as well.
111 Littleton’s tenant clientele, will have unparalleled access to the offices at 111, as it’s strategically located near the I-80 & I-287 crossroads as well as near Routes 46, 202, and 10. “Though proving to be a very popular location, there’s still space available,” says CRG’s Andy Billing.
Headquartered in Parsippany, Commercial Realty Group is a full-service real estate operating company with a 40+ year history of providing high-quality office and industrial space in Morris, Essex, Somerset and Middlesex Counties in Northern New Jersey. CRG possesses the in-house capability to acquire, finance, construct and manage office and light industrial properties. It operates offices in Parsippany and Boca Raton, Florida.
Council places lien on 24 Longport for failure to abate dangerous conditions
PARSIPPANY —At the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council meeting on Tuesday, September 25, the council members passed Resolution 2018-159 to place a lien on 24 Longport Road, for failure to abate dangerous conditions on the property.
The owners of record, Isabel I. Kowalik (deceased), Frank J. Kowalik, Jr., and Katherine A. Kowalik are the last known owners of record of the property located at 24 Longport Road. The property is identified as Block 327, Lot 12 on the tax map of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
As a result of numerous complaints received, multiple inspections of the property confirmed overgrown lawn, bushes, weeds, fallen branches, and most recently the presence of debris and rodents.
A notice of violation was sent on June 6, 2018 and June 21, 2018. There was also a previous hearing held on October 18, 2017 at Parsippany Municipal Building, to discuss the owner’s failture to abate the violations, at which time the owners of record failed to appear.
On September 14, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department along with the Director of Housing and Director of Health and Human Services performed a welfare check on Frank Kowalik, who resided at the property. During this visit, it was determined that the property suffers from a severe rat infestation. A notice of unsafe structure was issued ordering the property to be vacated immediately.
The council approved the hiring of an outside contractor to have the lawn moved, the brush and debris cleaned at a cost not to exceed $2,500.00.
They further hired an outside contractor to remedy the situation by having the rodents exterminated and removed from the property at a cost not to exceed $10,000.00.
The Township Code allows that the expenditure of municipal funds to put the Property in property condition may be charged against the property as a lien and shall be added and become and form a part of the taxes next to be assessed and levied upon the property. The Council passed the resolution to place a lien on the property for the purpose of collecting unpaid charges due the Township for abatement of the Housing violations.
Council passes resolution to clean up 19 Jefferson Avenue
PARSIPPANY — At the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council meeting on Tuesday, September 25, the council members passed Resolution 2018-160 to place a lien on 19 Jefferson Avenue, Lake Hiawatha, for failure to abate dangerous conditions on the property.
As a result of complaints received from neighbors, an inspection of the property confirmed an overgrown lawn, bushes, weeds, fallen branches and the presence of substantial debris. The property, owned by Jean A. Walrath, appears to be uninhabited and is being used for storage of personal items. Notices of Violations were sent out on June 6, 2018 and June 21, 2018. There was a hearing scheduled on September 13, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Parsippany Municipal Building, to discuss the owner’s failure to abate the violations, at which time Ms. Walrath failed to appear.
Due to the lack of response and the condition of the property, the Director of Planning, Zoning, Housing, Fire Prevention and Construction has determined that the property has been abandoned.
The township will hire an outside contractor at a cost not to exceed $4,000.00 and will place a lien on the property and will become a part of taxes next assessed and levied upon the property.
Circle K Club formed at Seton Hall University
SOUTH ORANGE — A group of Seton Hall University students, with assistance from the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, recently formed a chapter of the Circle K International Club on campus to expand service opportunities for students on campus and in the surrounding communities.
Circle K International is the world’s largest student-led collegiate service organization. It enables student volunteers to gain resume worthy skills, find lifetime friends and do community service that changes lives, including the participants, according to the service organization.
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany sponsored the club’s charter fee and the organization was officially charted on August 17, 2018.
During the Circle K Club of Seton Hall Charter Night, held on Monday, September 24, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill introduced the invited guests. In attendance was Rosemary Oarsley, Governor NJ District of Kiwanis International; Gordon Meth, Past New Jersey District Governor, Governor-Elect, 2018-2019, Liaison for Seton Hall Circle K, President South-Orange Maplewood Kiwanis Club and Key Club Financial Counsellor; Mickey Cohen, Administrator, NJ District Circle K and Technology Chair / Webmaster NJ District Kiwanis International; Michael Vitti, District Governor – 2018 – 2019 Circle K New Jersey District Governor and 2018 – 2019 International Membership Committee Member: Recruitment & Retention Task Force (also a member of NJ Institute of Technology Circle K); Emily Scharf, Zone Advisor, Metro Division New Jersey at Circle K International; Jonathan Varano, Lieutenant Governor, Metro Division, NJ District, Circle K International (and Circle K Co-Vice-President Montclair State University) and Mrs. Lysa Martinelli, Seton Hall Club Advisor.
The following Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany also attended to congratulate the students: Nicolas Limanov, Board Member, Co-Chair Young Children Priority One; Carol Tiesi, Board Member, Community Committee and Lieutenant Governor-Elect District 9, 2018-2019; and Silvia Cooper, Member Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. Also in attendance was Bruce van Ysseldyk and Angela Phalen, members of the South Orange-Maplewood Kiwanis Club.
Club President Frank Cahill said “Gordon Meth reached out to me as soon as I took office as President, presenting the thought of our club sponsoring this club. I was more than happy with the idea, and I presented it to our Board of Directors who overwhelming approved the sponsoring of Seton Hall Circle K. We submitted the paperwork to Kiwanis International and was approved, which brings us to this exciting event today. Bringing Seton Hall Circle K is one of the greatest gifts our Kiwanis club can give and to increase service to this community, while developing quality leaders and citizens.”
The 2018-2019 offers installed by Jonathan Varano, Lieutenant Governor, are Tabitha LaRocca, President; Joseph Carbone, Vice President; Sydney Battaglia, Secretary; Diego Espinoza, Treasurer and Tea Scott, Editor/Public Relations Chair.
The club was chartered with a total of 15 new members: Sydney Battaglia, Lindsey Brausch, Emmanuel Bayon, Joseph Carbone, Carina Castagna, Natalie Cribbin, Diego Espinoza, Ryne Herzfeld, Tabitha LaRocca, Celine Mazzella, Milencia Saintus, Tea Scott, Katherine Strych, Paige McDonald and Gregg Quackenbush.
Seton Hall CKI President Tabitha LaRocca said “When we first thought of bringing Circle K to the Seton Hall campus, almost a year ago, it seemed more like a dream, a distant goal. It is an honor to be able to stand here, in front of so many mentors and peers, and and say we have reached that dream and accomplished that goal.”
We are very excited for the service year ahead, as well as to build new relationships with the community around us,” continued LaRocca.
For more information on Seton Hall Circle K, please contact Tabitha LaRocca by calling (732) 796-5845 or email [email protected].
Man Groped Woman at Michael’s Arts & Crafts Store
EAST HANOVER — On September 20 at approximately 6:30 p.m., an improper touching occurred at a Michael’s store located in the Castle Ridge Shopping Center at 410 Route 10 in East Hanover. A 20 year-old female victim was groped on her buttocks as she was shopping in the store.
The victim and witnesses described the suspect as a white male of average height and build, having blonde or orange thinning hair.
He had a thin mustache and wore glasses. It appears that he may have a tattoo on his right forearm.
He was wearing beige khaki pants and a white short sleeve shirt with what appears to have the Looney Toons cartoon character ‘Gossamer’ printed on it.
Please note the security video images from the store are mirror images.
Anyone with information on who this man is is asked to contact Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStopper at www.copcall.org, 973-COP-Call. Tips can be made anonymously, and you could receive a reward of up to $1,000.
500 upscale apartments on Township Council agenda tonight
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council is expecting to vote on Ordinance R2018-157 “Resolution Designating 1515 Parsippany, LLC as Redeveloper of the Property Known as Block 200, Lot 1.2 in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and Authorizing the Execution of a Redevelopment Agreement with 1515 Parsippany LLC for the Redevelopment of Such Property for a Mixed-Use Development in Accordance with the Redevelopment Plan.”
At the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Planning Board meeting of Monday, September 24, the board is recommending to approve the project. All members of the Planning Board voted for the redevelopment plan, with the exception of Councilwoman Janice McCarthy and the Mayor’s representative Judy Hernandez.
If this project, to be located at 1515 Route 10 East, if approved will be the most dense housing and retail complex ever built in Parsippany. According to Stanbery’s website, (click here) the project size has increased to 500 upscale apartments to go along with the 100,000 square feet of retail and restaurants. According to Mayor Michael Soriano, they are proposing only 441 apartments.
Currently the site of two vacant office buildings, Stanbery Development of Ohio had originally proposed a mixed use of of approximately 100,000 square feet of retail along with approximately 250 apartments on the 11 acre site.
Hi! My name is Ross, please adopt me
PARSIPPANY — Hi! My name is Ross and I am an eight year-old Schnauzer/Poodle mix aka a “Schnoodle”!
I was abandoned at a local, municipal shelter where I was terrified and a bit sick. I am now in a foster home getting the treatment and love I need.
My foster mom describes me as very sweet but a little shy. I like to sniff a person out before I meet them but within minutes all I want to do is get pets! I REALLY like the company of cats and dogs and would do best in a home with a furry friend.
I would love a quiet home where we can curl up on the couch and I can get pets all day. For this reason, I am looking for a home with older kids maybe 16 and up.
One of my favorite things is to explore outside in the yard. And, as already mentioned, I really like snuggles! I am crate trained and totally ok when left alone during the work day.
I really need someone who will give me all the love I haven’t gotten in my previous life!
If you are interested in adopting Ross, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Like Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
Car Seat Check
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will host a free event on Saturday, September 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to check children car seats. Sponsored by Par-Troy Emergency Medical Services.
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be on hand to inspect your car seat for proper installation, fit and use.
The car seat check will be held at Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard
For additional information, please call Dean Snook at (973) 263-7387 or email [email protected]
CCM Presented with Two Business Leadership Awards
RANDOLPH — County College of Morris (CCM) recently was presented with two business leadership awards, one from the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ) and one from Randolph Township, for its innovations and programs that enhance economic success.
On September 20, CIANJ presented CCM with a Best Practice Award for serving as an innovation and workforce development leader. Accepting the award at the CIANJ Best Practices Conference was Patrick Enright, associate vice president for Workforce Development. The Best Practices Conference was held at the Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange. As part of the college’s award, President Anthony J. Iacono’s remarks on how CCM assists individuals in becoming the next generation of leaders were included in the CIANJ’s Annual Best Practices Guide.
Then on September 22, Iacono was presented with Randolph Township’s 2018 Business Achievement Award by Mayor Mark Forstenhausler, the Township Council and Economic Development Committee. In a proclamation issued to the college, the township noted, “County College of Morris contributes significantly to the economic success of Randolph Township and Morris County as a whole, generating an estimated half billion in regional economic impact per year.” That award was presented during the 11th Annual Country Fair held at the Randolph Township Municipal Complex.
“We are honored to receive these awards in recognition of the college’s contributions to business and economic success,” said Iacono. “An essential part of our mission is to serve our local communities and beyond. We are proud of the work CCM does to enhance the lives of individuals and the economic strength of communities.”
Morris County Park Police Arrest Parsippany Resident for Warrants
PARSIPPANY — Morris County Park Police Officers were dispatched to the Dog Park section of Central Park on September 14,on a report of a suspicious person.
An investigation revealed William W. Kinney, 58, Parsippany, to have a warrant for failure to appear in Denville Township Municipal Court.
He was transferred to the custody of the Denville Police Department.
Traffic Shift On Route 80 West in Roxbury
TRENTON — New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials announced traffic was shifted last night on the I-80 westbound Bridge over Route 46/Ledgewood Avenue as the I-80 Bridges over Route 46 replacement project advances in Roxbury, Morris County.
Last night, NJDOT’s contractor, Ferreira Construction Co. Inc., created a long-term traffic shift onto I-80 eastbound by crossing over the I-80 westbound left lane. In addition, the middle and right lanes from I-80 westbound were moved onto the temporary bridge above Route 46 in Roxbury to allow for the demolition and reconstruction of the I-80 westbound bridge structure. The new traffic shift is expected to remain in place until the end of 2018. The speed limit will remain 50 mph in the construction zone.
Work on the first bridge, I-80 eastbound is complete, and the next stage requires a traffic shift to allow for the demolition and reconstruction of the second bridge. Three travel lanes will be maintained at all times during construction to minimize impacts to motorists.
The $15.1 million federally-funded project will advance in stages, first replacing the I-80 eastbound bridge, followed by the I-80 westbound bridge. Each two-span concrete bridge will be replaced by single-span steel girder structure with concrete bridge decks. The vertical clearance will be raised to 14 feet-9 inches to improve safety for tall vehicles on Route 46, and existing guardrail will be upgraded to current standards. In addition, the bridge piers currently located underneath each bridge will be demolished.
In order to minimize impacts to motorists, a temporary I-80 bridge with two travel lanes was constructed in the median area, and a third lane will be provided on each new bridge to maintain three travel lanes in each direction as construction progresses. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2020.
Variable message signs and lane closure signs will be utilized throughout the project limits to provide advance notification to motorists of all traffic pattern changes associated with the bridge replacement project. Throughout the project, NJDOT will provide information before upcoming road closures.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.
‘Brave Bags’ Donated To Parsippany Police
PARSIPPANY — Residents from the Matheny Medical and Education Center created “brave bags” and donated them to the Parsippany Police Department to help comfort children during emergency situations.
Adult residents at Matheny, a hospital for children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities, worked to make the bags as part of pre-vocational training. Deanna Willard, Life Skills Coordinator, and Nicole Araujo, Peapack Program Coordinator, came up from the “brave bags” as an extension of the police’s existing practice of handing out teddy bears to children.
Bags included items like crayons, coloring books, bubbles, bouncy balls, and small game or toy. They’re kept in soft cloth bags small enough to be tucked in an officer’s cruiser, and handed out to children during car crashes or other upsetting incidents.
The bags are brightly decorated, and were colored and designed by the residents themselves.
