MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Morristown Police Chief Peter Demnitz can confirm an active investigation into a fatal hit and run that is alleged to have occurred on Wednesday, June 27, in Morristown.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Morristown Bureau of Police are currently investigating a fatality resulting from a hit and run vehicle collision that occurred on the night of June 27 in the area of Martin Luther King Avenue in Morristown.
Law enforcement were notified of an injured person believed to have been struck by a vehicle that then left the scene. The victim, later identified at Victor Padilla, Jr., 27, Morristown, ultimately succumbed to his injuries on July 7, 2018 at Morristown Medical Center.
The vehicle believed to have been involved in this incident was located by law enforcement shortly after this incident. The circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation.
There are no charges at this time, but the investigation is active and ongoing. Multiple other agencies have been assisting in this investigation, including the Morris Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200, the Morristown Police Department at (973) 538-2200, or Morris County CrimeStoppers at www.copcall.org, 973-COP-CALL, or Text 274637 using keyword “MORRISTIP”.
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany welcomed new member David Nelson at a recent meeting. Club President Frank Cahill presented Mr. Nelson with his membership plaque and Club Secretary placed the official Kiwanis membership pin on David.
Frank Cahill said “We welcome Mr. Nelson to this global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is the fastest growing Kiwanis Club in the State of New Jersey with 70 members.
PARSIPPANY — Starting on Monday, July 16, the two hour parking limit on North Beverwyck Road from Lake Shore Drive to Tioga Avenue between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. will strictly be enforced.
There will be a short period of time where officers will be issuing warnings, however that will be followed by violators being issued parking tickets.
§ 405-12 Parking time limited on certain streets.
No person shall park a vehicle for longer than the time limit designated at any time between the hours listed on any day upon any of the streets or parts of streets described.
Name of Street
Sides
Time Limit
Hours
Location
Nokomis Avenue
East
2 hours
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
From Hiawatha Boulevard south for a distance of 100 feet
PARSIPPANY — Tori Morgan Rothman of Mount Tabor, has been awarded a Bachelor of Social Work Degree in Social Work from Kutztown University. Tori is a 2014 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School.
Kutztown University has conferred degrees on more than 1,225 students during the winter and spring semesters.
Kutztown University announces degree conferment twice a year, once in the winter and once in the summer. Commencement exercises are held in May and December; however, students finish their requirements for graduation throughout the entire year.
The cumulative grade point average necessary for honor distinction is: with honor (cum laude) 3.40; with high honor (magna cum laude) 3.60 and with highest honor (summa cum laude) 3.80.
Founded in 1866, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education located on 289 acres nestled in the beautiful East Penn Valley in Berks County, between Reading and Allentown, Pennsylvania. KU is just two hours from New York City; 90 minutes from Philadelphia. As the region’s center for excellence in academics, culture and public engagement, KU’s programs and reputation for quality offer students the opportunity to discover lifelong avenues of learning and discovery. KU students select from more than 100 areas of study within four colleges in a diverse liberal arts academic environment.
To complement their studies, KU’s NCAA Division II athletics program with 21 varsity sports joins the more than 160 student clubs and organizations providing students with a variety of activities for learning and discovery. For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY — I was incredibly proud this year to support a slate of real Democratic candidates running under the banner of “Dover First” against the current members of Dover’s governing body, who are, for the most part, Republicans masquerading as Democrats. With the MCDC’s support, Dover First swept the primary election, winning nearly 60% of the vote town-wide against the Dodd Team.
Yesterday, despite a recount doubling our margin of victory in the key Fourth Ward, the Dodd Team continued their desperate attempt to retain power. Despite their overwhelming loss, they filed a legal challenge to the primary election results in the Fourth Ward, something almost unheard of after a five-point margin of victory.
It seems that finally, the Dodd Team has unmasked themselves for the Republicans they really are, as they are represented in the case by Morris County Republican leader Alan Zakin. Zakin has been the Executive Director of the Morris Republican Victory PAC and has been the attorney representing Republican candidates against us in most general election recounts over the years.
Carlos Valencia, our candidate in the Fourth Ward, worked tirelessly to meet with the voters of Dover and aspire to represent their issues on what has been an insular and unresponsive governing body. The fact of the matter is that, whether or not the Dodd Team wants to accept it, Carlos defeated incumbent Alderman Ron Camacho fair and square.
Alderman Camacho’s loss in a Democratic primary should not have been too surprising. He has run as a Republican in Dover in the past and has never lifted a finger to help fellow Democratic candidates on the ballot.
What is most bothersome, however, is the voter suppression tactics the Dodd Team is attempting to use to overturn the 4th Ward election results. Their claims of voters casting ballots illegally come straight from the Donald Trump Republican playbook.
The voters of Dover should have no fear, particularly from their municipal government, about going to the polls on Election Day. Whether you vote in person or by mail, your voice matters and your vote should count. The MCDC stands firm in support of all eligible citizens in Dover being allowed to cast their ballots without fear and we will do whatever is necessary to protect every one of those voters.
Chip Robinson Chairman, Morris County Democratic Committee
PARSIPPANY — Hi, I’m Mickey! I may not be the mouse but I can guarantee I am just as special!
I am a five-year-old Chihuahua mix who is as sweet as can be! I am quite the cuddle bug and could cuddle all day long! I am quiet and have a mellow disposition according to my foster dad.
I am shy at first, but slowly warm up to new people as they earn my trust! Once I am comfortable with you, I will never leave your side!
I am completely potty trained and show a sign when I have to go outside. I do well with other dogs after a proper introduction. I typically befriend those who are small like me since the big guys can be slightly intimidating.
I do well with cats and other furry animals! Because I can be shy, it would be best I go to a quiet home with kids above the age of 13.
I enjoy going on walks and I do great on the leash! I know how to sit and speak on command! I am quite smart and always eager to learn new tricks!
I would love a family who will be patient with me and help me gain some confidence! Thinking about all my potential gets me so excited! Oh boy, I can’t wait to find my forever home!
If you are interested in adopting Mickey, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue (WAR) on Instagram by clicking here.
Like Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County employees and residents now have an additional location, inside the county government complex in Morristown, to safely and conveniently dispose of unwanted or leftover prescription drugs.
A new Prescription Drug Drop Box has been added by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office to the lobby of the Morris County Administration and Records Building, which is located at 10 Court Street in Morristown, directly across from the Morris County Courthouse.
Parsippany has a Prescription Drug Dog Box located at Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, 3339 Route 46.
The new Morristown locked drop box is available to the public and Morris County employees during normal business hours, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
It is important to note that businesses or clinics may not use the collection box to dispose of medications.
Morris County Sheriff James Gannon
“This is a central location for the public allowing people to discard their medications in a safe and secure area, while also offering convenience for county employees,” said Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon.
“We fully support the Sheriff’s initiative as another positive step to deal with the opioid crisis we are facing in Morris County,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Director Doug Cabana.
The new drop box is clearly labeled to identify items that may and may not be deposited.
Acceptable items include pills, capsules, patches, vitamins, samples, pet medications and over-the-counter medications. Medication packaging also will be accepted, such as pill bottles and small medication boxes.
Not acceptable: syringes, liquids, lances for diabetic testing, inhalers, thermometers and aerosol cans, and of course any type of trash.
Since 2013, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office has been part of the successful Prescription Drop Box Program under the Community Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Morris, (an initiative of nonprofit Morris County Prevention is Key), in conjunction with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and numerous Municipal Police Departments within Morris County.
The Community Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Morris looks to prevent and reduce the harmful effects of drugs in Morris County.
Since 2013, there have been 26 drop box installed at various locations in Morris County, making it easier for county residents to dispose of unused or expired medications, said Barbara Kauffman, Director of Prevention Services at Morris County Prevention is Key.
“I have been proud to work with both the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, to equip each of the Morris County Police Departments with a Prescription Drug Drop Box,’’ said Kauffman, who is the coordinator of the Community Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Morris.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office collects the medications with 25 local police departments that host a collection unit. The Sheriff’s Office has destroyed more than 30,000 pounds of medications in the last six years, including 6,563 pounds so far in the first half of 2018.
The medications are weighed, logged and stored prior to destruction.
Sheriff James M. Gannon, who has been an advocate in the fight against the opioid epidemic said, “The gateway to this disease often begins with legally prescribed medicine that is overused or used by people other than the patient. My hope is that by collecting and destroying unused medications, we lessen the access and thereby block potential beginnings.”
To find a list of Prescription Drug Drop Box locations across the county click here.
PARSIPPANY — The NJ Department of Transportation will be milling and paving South Beverwyck Road between Route 80 and Route 46 this evening, July 11. They will begin closing off part of South Beverwyck Road at 9:00 p.m. and continuing until the work is completed. The anticipate the work to be completed between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
There will be a number of detours throughout the night including the Route 80 East off ramp onto South Beverwyck Road will be closed during this time frame so please plan an alternate route.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Mountain Lakes office of Weichert Realtors has happy feet! The agents collected and donated over 135 pairs of gently worn, used and new shoes to help raise funds for the United Way and Wounded Warriors. It was a TEAM effort.
PARSIPPANY — Work has begun on Knoll Road and will continue throughout the summer. Portions of Knoll Road will be closed between Vail Road and Buckingham Road from
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Detours are in place.
The work was included in Ordinance No. 2018:05 adopted on April 17, 2018, entitled “Various Improvements” and Resolution R2018-101, awarding a contract to Midwest Construction, 23 Dead River Road, Warren for a total bid price of $772,972.70. Midwest was the lowest bidder.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that on July 9, 2018, defendant Keith Enlow of Pequannock, entered a guilty plea before the Honorable Thomas J. Critchley, J.S.C. to one count of second-degree theft by deception.
This investigation was conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit. The case came to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office as an allegation of the theft of $472,000.00 from the victim. The defendant, a former registered representative at Merrill Lynch, convinced the victim to move her money into an online brokerage account where the defendant claimed he would manage the funds for the victim’s benefit.
After the money was moved, Enlow withdrew approximately $9,400.00 each month to pay for his own personal expenses. He also transferred money into accounts under his own name, in which he conducted highly speculative losing trades. As a result of Enlow’s losing trades and the withdrawal of the victim’s money for his own benefit, the victim suffered a loss of $472,000.00 within approximately 18 months.
Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Michael Rappa represented the State at the plea hearings. Enlow faces four years in New Jersey State Prison and has agreed to restitution of the entire amount.
The sentencing date for Mr. Enlow is on September 21, 2018 before the Honorable Thomas J. Critchley, J.S.C.
PARSIPPANY — Under the leadership of Advisor Ahmed Kandil, the Parsippany Hills Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter capped off an extremely successful year.
The Business Presentation team consisting of Nick Kuo and Nick Levytsky took First
The club had 28 national qualifiers (school record) and of those who attended, the chapter had the following top 10 International finishers (from all over the Nation, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and China) at the Awards Ceremony on July 1 in Baltimore, MD: The Business Presentation team consisting of Nick Kuo and Nick Levytsky took First at the Conference and Yash Bhawsar placed Fourth in the Virtual Business Challenge event. Congratulations on a successful year.
Parsippany Hills Future Business Leaders of America in Washington, DC
Mr. Kandil took the group to the Nation’s Capital, Washington DC on the way to Baltimore. The group visited the White House, had a guided tour of the Capitol Building and were given special permission to experience the House of Representatives in session.
PARSIPPANY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Investigations Stephen Wilson, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Chief of Police Andrew Miller announce the implementation of a joint Driving While Intoxicated checkpoint in Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey during the month of July 2018.
Law enforcement personnel from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department will be conducting the checkpoint.
The checkpoint is funded by grants that the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office received from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety to conduct DWI checkpoints at various locations throughout Morris County.
RANDOLPH — If you didn’t see them last weekend, you probably heard them! This past Sunday, July 1, over 150 bikes came out in the 100-degree weather for RTSP and Harley Davidson’s Ride For Freedom. The ride was organized by RTSP to increase awareness that there is a voice for those who believe in their freedoms and 2nd Amendment rights.
The over 100-degree temperatures also did not stop supporters from cheering on the bikers on the sides of the street or in front of their homes as they rode over 87 miles through Morris and Hunterdon Counties from Garden State Harley Davidson on Route 10 in Morris Plains and back to RTSP- Range, Firearms, and Training on Route 10 in Randolph.
The Ride For Freedom was a respectful way for everyone from the local doctor, police officer, or lawyer, to stay at home moms, college students, and anyone else to have a voice for legal gun ownership in New Jersey. These “Freedom Riders” believe in their 2nd amendment right.
“Handling firearms safely as well as going through the right channels to acquire firearms is a right we have as Americans. However, in the state of New Jersey, while illegal gun ownership is on the rise, the government is putting all its efforts into taking away our right to self protect. This ride was an opportunity to show that there are masses of people throughout the state that believe in that right, and while we are not the loudest, we are here!” said Brad Tremeroli, RTSP owner.
At the end of the ride, bikers were met at the RTSP facility with music, BBQ, and prizes. Despite the heat, the RTSP and Harley Davidson Ride For Freedom turned out to be a successful day of New Jersey locals coming together and supporting a cause that they feel passionately about.
All net proceeds from the Ride For Freedom bike run will benefit New Jersey Second Amendment Societies.
About RTSP- Range, Firearms, and Training As Northern New Jersey’s premier indoor shooting range, store, and training facility, RTSP provides an unparalleled venue for family and personal firearms enjoyment and education. Located in Randolph, New Jersey, RTSP occupies a 35,000 square foot space – which includes a 15,000 square foot training facility, 4,000 square foot Shoot House, 900 square foot Digital Simulator, and a 900 square foot Dojo.
PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board has recommended $2.2 million in county grants from the county’s 2018 Preservation Trust Fund to help preserve, restore, or protect 20 historic sites in 16 towns across Morris County.
The recommendations, made recently to the Morris County Board of Freeholders in Morristown, included grants ranging from $355,143 for Craftsman Farms Administration Building – Rehabilitation and $258,064 for Smith/Baldwin House – Phase 2 Rehabilitation.
The freeholders were briefed on the projects by Review Board Chairman Randy Tortorello. They will make a final decision on the grant recommendations at their July 11 public meeting.
The grant money comes from the voter-approved Morris County Open Space, Farmland, Floodplain Protection and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. All 21 applications received this year received grants.
Of the 21 recommended grants, 12 are construction grants while the other nine are for non-construction purposes, such as planning or construction documents.
Awards were recommended for projects in Parsippany as well as Boonton, Denville, Florham Park, Hanover, Kinnelon, Mine Hill, Madison, Morristown, Mount Olive, Pequannock, Randolph, Rockaway Borough, Roxbury, Washington Township, and Wharton.
“This historic preservation grant program, which was overwhelmingly approved by county voters, helps to finance the protection our county’s heritage, and helps to ensure that we maintain important links to our past,’’ said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana.
“The restoration, rehabilitation, and preservation work that is aided by these county grants helps to allows future generations to enjoy these historic sites, allows us to better understand our county’s history and our historic roots, and enhances the quality of life for all residents of Morris County, ’’ added Freeholder Christine Myers.
“The dedicated people working to preserve our links to the past, provide lessons for the present and ensure an inheritance for the future deserve our sincere thanks,’’ said Ray Chang, Historic Preservation Program Coordinator for Morris County. “Their efforts, supported by these grants, ensure that our county’s heritage and architectural legend are sustained.”
Awards are recommended for projects that best meet the program’s evaluation criteria in categories of construction, preservation planning, and creation of construction documents.
These criteria include the historic significance of the resource, relationship of the project to community revitalization, preservation of the built or natural environment, and heritage education and tourism.
Other factors include the degree to which projects promote preservation activity, represent innovative design, reach new audiences, offer significant contributions to the advancement of historic preservation; and restoration, rehabilitation, and adaptive use plans of historic buildings and cultural landscapes.
Trust Fund Review Board Chairman Randy Tortorello explained there were detailed reviews of all projects, including site visits, and that decisions were made on funding after lengthy debate and discussion by the entire board. He highlighted two projects that are recommended for funding this year:
Mead Hall
Mead Hall, Borough of Madison
The 1833 administration building on the campus of Drew University was originally built as a residence for William Gibbons and his family.
Considered one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture north of the Mason-Dixon Line, the building was restored in the 1990’s after a fire.
$26,268 funding is recommended to the Drew University for the completion of a Preservation Plan for Mead Hall.
Martin Berry House, Township of Pequannock
The c. 1740 Dutch Colonial house includes a gambrel roof, shallow fireplaces, interior chimneys, thick stone walls and massive roof framing.
The house was documented through the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) in 1939, and individually listed on the Historic Registers.
$281,728 funding is recommended to the Township of Pequannock to provide for exterior and interior rehabilitation including site work, barrier-free ramp, structural repairs, electrical upgrades, windows/doors restoration and replacement.
Woman’s Club of Morristown
Other projects recommended for grants include, Boonton, Holmes Public Library and the Stone Arched Bridge; Denville, Ayres Farm Tenant House; Florham Park, Hancock Cemetery; Hanover Township, Whippany Burying Yard; Kinnelon: L’Ecole Kinnelon Museum; Madison, Mead Hall; Mine Hill, Bridget Smith House; Morristown, Acorn Hall Carriage House and the Woman’s Club of Morristown; and Mount Olive, Seward House.
Also recommended for grants are Pequannock, Martin Berry House; Randolph, Friends Meting House; Rockaway Borough, Fox’s Brook Culvert; Roxbury, King Homestead Museum and Lake Hopatcong Train Station; Washington Township, Union School House; and Wharton: Morris Canal Lock 2 East.
To view a summary of all recommended projects click here.
County voters in 2002 approved an amendment to the county’s Preservation Trust Fund to include the acquisition and preservation of historic sites and facilities.
Since 2003, when the first grants were awarded, 98 sites or resources in 32 municipalities in 32 Morris County municipalities have received funding assistance.
For more information on Morris County’s historic preservation program click here.
PARISPPANY — Applebee’s® Neighborhood Grill + Bar located at 1057 Route 46, Troy Hills Shopping Center has new Neighborhood Drink specials this month that are unlike anything you’ve seen before. The new $3.00 Grey Goose Vodka and Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice Cocktail – also known as 3 DOLLAR Goose and Cranberry – is handmade with Grey Goose Vodka, a top-ranked, ultra-premium vodka, and mixed with Ocean Spray® Cranberry Cocktail, and the $5.00 Grey Goose Vodka Cosmopolitan is mixed with Grey Goose Vodka, Cointreau, Sun Orchard Lime Juice and cranberry juice.
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar® also celebrates the summer with $10.00 Bacardi Rum Buckets at participating New Jersey and Long Island locations with outdoor patios. Now through Labor Day, guests 21 and over can enjoy their choice of two deliciously refreshing summer staples – each 32 ounces – including:
Arnold Palmer Bucket – Bacardi Rum, lemonade, iced tea
Applebee’s July Neighborhood Drinks are available at Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises in New Jersey, Long Island, Florida and Georgia. In New Jersey, Applebee’s is located in Parsippany, Brick, Bridgewater, Butler, Clark, Clifton, East Hanover, Edison, Flemington, Garfield, Hackensack, Hackettstown, Hillsborough, Howell, Jersey City, Jersey Gardens, Kearny, Lacey, Linden, Manahawkin, Manalapan, Manchester, Middletown, Milltown, Mt. Olive, Newark, Newton, North Bergen, Northvale, Ocean, Paramus, , Phillipsburg, Piscataway, Rockaway, Tinton Falls, Toms River, Totowa, Union, Wall and Woodbridge.
Participation and hours or availability may vary by location, and guests must be 21-years old or over to enjoy responsibly. Void where prohibited. As always, Applebee’s reminds you to please drink responsibly.
About Doherty Enterprises, Inc. Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises, Inc. is recognized as the 68th largest privately-held business in the New York Metro area by Crain’s Business and the 11th largest franchisee in the United States as ranked in the Restaurant Finance Monitor, operating seven restaurant concepts including: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, Quaker Steak & Lube, Noodles & Company, and two of its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. In 2017, Nation’s Restaurant News ranked Doherty Enterprises as the 78th largest Foodservice revenue company in the United States. To date, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates over 150 restaurants in northern, southern and central New Jersey, on Long Island, as well as locations throughout Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and sections of Florida and Georgia. The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow Our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.” (www.DohertyInc.com).
About Applebee’s®
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar offers a lively casual dining experience combining simple, craveable American fare, classic drinks and local drafts. All Applebee’s restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to serving their communities and offering quality food and drinks with genuine, neighborly service. Applebee’s is one of the world’s largest casual dining brands; as of December 31, 2017, there are nearly 1,970 Applebee’s franchise restaurants in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and 14 other countries. Applebee’s is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world’s largest full-service restaurant companies.
PARSIPPANY — Pinnacle Foods Inc. and Conagra Brands, Inc. announced that their boards of directors have unanimously approved a definitive agreement under which Conagra Brands will acquire all outstanding shares of Pinnacle Foods in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $10.9 billion, including Pinnacle Foods’ outstanding net debt.
For complete details on the transaction click here.
Under the terms of the transaction, Pinnacle Foods shareholders will receive $43.11 per share in cash and 0.6494 shares of Conagra Brands common stock for each share of Pinnacle Foods held. The implied price of $68.00 per Pinnacle Foods share is based on the volume-weighted average price of Conagra Brands’ stock for the five days ended June 21, 2018. The purchase price reflects an adjusted EBITDA multiple of 15.8x, based on Pinnacle Foods’ estimated fiscal year 2018 results excluding synergies, and 12.1x adjusted EBITDA including run-rate cost synergies.
The combination of two growing portfolios of iconic brands will serve as a catalyst to accelerate value creation for shareholders. The transaction will enhance Conagra Brands’ multi-year transformation plan and expand its presence and capabilities in its most strategic categories, including frozen foods and snacks. With annual net sales in excess of $3 billion, Pinnacle Foods’ portfolio of frozen, refrigerated and shelf-stable products includes such well-known brands as Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Earth Balance, EVOL, Erin’s, Gardein, Glutino, Hawaiian Kettle Style Potato Chips, Hungry-Man, Log Cabin, Tim’s Cascade Snacks, Udi’s, Vlasic and Wish-Bone, among others. Based on both companies’ latest fiscal year results, pro forma net sales would have been approximately $11 billion.
“The acquisition of Pinnacle Foods is an exciting next step for Conagra Brands. After three years of transformative work to create a pure-play, branded food company, we are well-positioned to accelerate the next wave of change,” said Sean Connolly, president and chief executive officer of Conagra Brands. “The addition of Pinnacle Foods’ leading brands in the attractive frozen foods and snacks categories will create a tremendous opportunity for us to further leverage our proven innovation approach, brand-building capabilities, and deep customer relationships. With greater scale across leading, iconic brands, an unwavering focus on driving profitable growth, and a strong balance sheet and cash flow, we are creating a tremendous platform to drive meaningful shareholder value.”
“Today’s transaction provides Pinnacle Foods shareholders with substantial and immediate value, as well as the opportunity to participate in the significant upside potential of the combined company,” said Pinnacle Foods chief executive officer Mark Clouse. “Because of our employees’ incredible work, Pinnacle’s total shareholder return is approximately 275 percent since our IPO, and today marks an important milestone in the company’s journey. The portfolios and capabilities of both enterprises are impressive and complementary. We look forward to working through a seamless transition with the Conagra Brands team.”
Compelling Strategic and Financial Benefits
Complementary Portfolio of Iconic Brands: The combined company will have a portfolio of leading, iconic brands within attractive domains such as frozen & refrigerated meals and snacks & sweet treats.
Enhanced Ability to Capitalize on Trends in Frozen Foods: The combination will bring together complementary portfolios in the large, growing and on-trend frozen foods category, positioning the combined company to accelerate innovation and benefit from long-term tailwinds.
Compelling Growth Profile: Conagra Brands and Pinnacle Foods are two of the fastest-growing companies in the consumer packaged foods industry by consumption, and Conagra Brands expects continued momentum based on the enhanced scale and new opportunities to partner with customers that the transaction will provide.
EPS Accretive: On a percentage basis, Conagra Brands expects the transaction to be low single-digit accretive to adjusted EPS in the fiscal year ended May 2020 and high single-digit accretive to adjusted EPS in the fiscal year ended May 2022.
Significant Synergy Opportunities: Conagra Brands expects to achieve approximately $215 million in annual run-rate cost synergies by the end of fiscal year 2022, with one-time cash costs to achieve the synergies estimated at approximately $355 million, inclusive of expected capital expenditures of approximately $150 million.
Financing Maintains Solid Investment Grade Credit Rating and Dividend Rate: The transaction is expected to be financed by Conagra Brands equity issued to Pinnacle Foods shareholders, new transaction debt and incremental cash proceeds from a public equity offering and/or divestitures.
Proven Integration Capabilities: In recent years, Conagra Brands has established a proven track record of executing strategic transactions. The two organizations share complementary portfolios, supply chains, and results-oriented cultures, which are expected to facilitate integration.
Pinnacle Foods is headquartered at 399 Jefferson Road and has nearly 5,500 employees across the U.S. and Canada. For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills held its annual concert and fireworks extravaganza on Wednesday, July 4.
Overboard at Parsippany’s 4th of July Celebration
The event started at Parsippany Hills High School with an evening of music by “Overboard,” and then brilliant explosions and stunning blasts of colored light filled the skies above Parsippany Hills High School to a huge crowd of over 7,100 attendees. The event was made possible by a generous donation from MCC Blue. Fireworks were provided by International Firework Company.
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Recreation Department planned and organized the event including fireworks, concert, handicap/senior transport etc.
Special thanks to Parsippany-Troy Hills Parks and Forestry, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Parsippany-Troy Hills Youth Explorers Program, Mount Tabor Fire Department District #1, Rainbow Lakes Fire District #2, Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire District #3, Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire District #4, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District #5 and Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District #6, Parsippany-Troy Hills Rescue and Recovery, Parsippany-Troy Hills Office of Emergency Management, Parsippany CERT, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Parsippany Fire Prevention Department, Parsippany DPW’s Road Department, Mayor Michael Soriano’s office, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council, Parsippany Board of Education.
MORRISTOWN — On Friday, August 3, from 4:00 p.m. to9:30 a.m., Saturday, August 4 join the activity filled, overnight adventure, Campout on the Beach, at Sunrise Lake at Lewis Morris Park in Morris Township.
Start with swimming, boating, and fun on the Wibit, the inflatable obstacle course. Families are welcome to arrive at 4:00 p.m. for free beach admission and water activities. Please note Wibit and Boat use are an additional fee.
Pack your own picnic dinner to enjoy beachside. Once the sun sets, relax, and gather around the roaring campfire, while listening to stories and roasting delicious s’mores. Enjoy fun games throughout the evening for all ages too! S’more making kits and a light beachside breakfast are provided.
Admission to this event is $45.00 per tent site, and pre-registration is required by July 27, as this event sells out FAST! To register, call (973) 326-7616, email recreation@morrisparks.net, or register online at morrisparks.net/slbc under Campout on the Beach. For more information and directions to Sunrise Lake Beach Club or click here.
The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 19,653 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!
MORRIS COUNTY — Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are excited to return to New Jersey.
They plan to film episodes of the hit series American Pickers throughout the region in AUGUST 2018!
American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on History. The hit show follows Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques.
They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them. As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics.
Along the way, the Pickers want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. The pair hopes to give historically significant objects a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. Mike and Frank have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them. American Pickers is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure.
If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call (855) OLD-RUST. facebook: @GotAPick
I am shy at first, but slowly warm up to new people as they earn my trust! Once I am comfortable with you, I will never leave your side!
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County employees and residents now have an additional location, inside the county government complex in Morristown, to safely and conveniently dispose of unwanted or leftover prescription drugs.
