Morris Habitat for Humanity hosts breakfast on how charitable giving helps businesses

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris Habitat for Humanity is leading the effort to alleviate the affordable housing crisis in Northern New Jersey.  They need your help!  Come and join this special breakfast meeting.  Learn how you can make a difference from widely acclaimed guest speaker Dennis Budinich, Senior Vice President Chief Culture Officer for Investors Bank.  In his innovative and high energy presentation, he will share his insights into how charitable giving and volunteering enriches your business, your community and your family.

Dennis Budinichm
Dennis Budinichm

Join for this important program and complimentary breakfast on Friday, September 30, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Park Avenue Club, 184 Park Avenue, Florham Park.

The special guest speaker, Dennis Budinichm SVP Chief Culture Officer, Investors Bank has invaluable experience to draw from. With a varied background that always kept the needs of his community in mind.

Immediately prior to joining Investors Bank Dennis Budinich co-founded FTC Methods Inc. in 2004, a highly successful professional development and consulting firm   which operated primarily in the financial services industry.  In his capacity as co-founder, Dennis developed engaging learning programs, and was  a  highly  sought  after  public speaker, motivator, and educator.

Before co-founding his company, Dennis was recognized as a premier entrepreneur and business leader.  He has owned several successful businesses, including a gourmet bread bakery, an auto paint supply company, and a restaurant. He also excelled in the world of financial sales where his achievements carried him to the levels of Top Producer, to Sales Manager, to Program Director.

Throughout his entire career, Dennis has dedicated himself to helping others be their best by sharing with t hem the most effective success principles and how to apply them. In all of his high-energy learning programs, Dennis shares the information he acquired in the fields of positive psychology and self­science, as well as his personal experiences as a successful financial professional and entrepreneur.

Please RSVP by September 23, to Kathy Ritchey by clicking here or by calling (973) 891-1934 extension 122.

About Morris Habitat for Humanity
Morris Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles by building homes, communities and hope. Morris Habitat is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; advocating for fair and just housing policies; and providing training and access to resources to help families improve their living conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. Morris Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion.

Since 1985 Morris Habitat has served 400 households though home ownership opportunities, home preservation, and international home building programs. Of these 62 home were home repair projects and 74 new homes were built as well.  Morris Habitat has set a goal of twelve housing starts for 2016, completing nine homes during the year. In addition, proceeds from the ReStore, opened May 2007, have funded 18 homes and diverted almost 5,100 tons of useable material out of landfills.  Located at 274 South Salem Street, Randolph. Store hours: Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

SOS Security LLC Donates to Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry

PARSIPPANY — SOS Security, with its corporate office located at 1915 Route 46 is proud to donate over 150 items in an effort to help fill the shelves of the local Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry.

As part of their expanding corporate outreach program, the security firm and it’s employees are finding ways to help local residents and families in need. This imitative is something SOS Security hopes to achieve with increasing quarterly donations, helping residents in the surrounding community fight hunger.

The Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry is located at the Parsippany Community Center at 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Donations of non-perishable food items are always needed. Any resident in need of supplemental food are invited to call ahead (973) 263-7163 or (973) 263-7351/52. Ready-made bags of basic food staples such as canned goods, cereal and dried food, are available through donations from individuals, schools, scouts and churches.

About SOS Security
Established in 1969, SOS has steadily grown to become one of the largest security companies in the U.S. SOS currently employs more than 6,000 security professionals domestically and internationally through foreign regional joint ventures. SOS’s primary business is to furnish various types of well-trained, highly qualified Security Officers that are specifically prepared to perform security services required by a variety of business sectors, including: Technology/Communications, Government, Embassies & Consulates, Public Utilities, Education Facilities/Campus Security, Hospitality/Leisure/Hotels, Retail/Shopping Centers, Media/Entertainment, Commercial/Residential Real Estate, Pharmaceutical/Healthcare/Hospitals, Manufacturing/Warehouse/Distribution and Financial/Banking. SOS also provides Close Protection Operations for Fortune 1000 corporate executives and high-profile individuals around the world, as well as Investigative, Management and Consulting and Fire & Life Safety Services.

To learn more about SOS, click here or call 800-SECURE-0.

Money Magazine Rates Parsippany 5th Best Place to Live

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills was rated the fifth best place to live in the United States in their yearly survey “Best Places to Live in 2016,” by Money Magazine.

For this year’s search for the ultimate hometowns, they analyzed 60 key factors: taxes, education, health care, and more. Looking for places where homes are affordable and jobs are plentiful? Good. Those communities earned the highest scores are:

  1. Columbia, Maryland
  2. Eden Prairie, Minnesota
  3. Plano, Texas
  4. West Des Moines, Iowa
  5. Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey
  6. Highlands Ranch, Colorado
  7. Clarkstown, New York
  8. Weston, Florida
  9. Beaverton, Oregon
  10. Naperville, Illinois

Parsippany Stats:

Population 53,173
Median Home Price $356,500
Property Tax $8,221
Unemployment rate 3.9%
Commute time 25 minutes

According to Money Magazine, if you’re one of those people who believe that New Jersey is all industrial sprawl and one long turnpike, you might be surprised to find Parsippany near the top of the Best Places list. You might also be surprised to know that Parsippany has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for the past 40 years. Or that the local team made it to the Little League World Series in 2012. Or that Lake Parsippany has become a favorite swimming pool for brown bears and other critters. In Parsippany you can see how New Jersey got the nickname “the Garden State.”

Parsippany (official name: Parsippany–Troy Hills) is still very much a New York City suburb. The Big Apple is only 35 miles away, and many residents are commuters. But it is also surprisingly affordable by regional standards. The typical home costs about $356,500; property taxes on it would run about $8,220 a year. That may sound expensive, but residents pay less in property taxes relative to their homes’ values in Parsippany than they do in 75% of the New Jersey locations on our list.

Parsippany scores even higher in terms of jobs. The 3.9% unemployment rate is the lowest of any our New Jersey locations. Among the largest employers: Wyndham and Kings Food Markets, which have their national headquarters in town.

But it’s the local feel that makes Parsippany a place natives are reluctant to leave. Michele McCormick moved there when she got married; her husband, Keith, wouldn’t live anywhere else. In fact, they’ve moved a few times within the city’s limits. For their most recent change of address, their team of movers included their old neighbors and their new neighbors. “Keith always told me how great Parsippany is,” Michele says, “but I didn’t fully appreciate it until we moved here.” And then moved again.

Three other towns in New Jersey also made the list: Edison (Middlesex County), Franklin (Sussex County) and Cherry Hill (Camden County).

Pray 4 Noah Fundraiser set for October 1

PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, October 1 a beefsteak fundraiser will be held starting at 6:30 p.m. at All Saints Academy Gymnasium, 189 Baldwin Road.

Tickets are available at $50.00 each and the even will feature the band, Not Enough Jeffs.

On Thursday, March 3, what started out as a normal school day for 13-year old Noah suddenly turned tragic. During gym class, Noah excused himself to the locker room. While in there, his heart went into an arrhythmia which ultimately led to cardiac arrest. A friend found him unresponsive and contracted his teacher who immediately began CPR. The school nurse and EMT’s were summoned to help and administer an AED to get his heart started again.

Noah was rushed to nearby Morristown Medical Center. On the evening of March 3, he was transferred to Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital at Columbia Presbyterian in New York City and was in the cardiac intensive care (ICU) for almost three weeks. The doctors conducted a successful ablation procedure on Noah and shortly thereafter he left ICU.

However, his fight is not over. Even after five months in the hospital, Noah is expected to have a long road of rehabilitation ahead.  Everyone is hopeful that Noah will recover from the trauma so you can hear his voice and see that infectious smile.

Please join the community to help Noah and his family.  All proceeds will go to help the Lorencovitz family as they continue to tackle this difficult situation. They are part of our community and members of Saint Peter the Apostle Church. Noah and his father, Tim, have been part of the CYO basketball program since Noah was in the fifth grade. Let’s all come out together and continue to give support and prayers for Noah and his family so NOAH can wear his #4 jersey on the basketball court with his team mates very soon.

For tickets make checks payable to Saint Peter the Apostle Church, 179 Baldwin Road, Parsippany. For more information contact Gapo Guzman at (973) 332-5977 or Loida Guzman at (973) 732-3222.

Click here to download an event flyer.

CCM to Hold Fall Open House on October 15

RANDOLPH — County College of Morris (CCM) will be holding its Fall Open House on Saturday, October 15, for high school students and their parents, students attending other colleges who are looking to transfer, and adults interested in returning to school.

The Open House takes place in the Student Community Center on CCM’s Randolph campus, 214 Center Grove Road. Two sessions will be offered at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Those who attend and apply for admissions will have the $30 application fee waived.

The Open House features academic break-out sessions so students can explore the areas of study they are most interested in pursuing. A special breakout session also will be offered for adults who are looking to return to school to take continuing education courses, earn a certificate or work on an associate degree.

Faculty and representatives from admissions, financial aid, career services and student life will be on hand to answer questions. Participants also can take a self-guided tour of campus.

The Open House offers the opportunity to learn about CCM’s more than 50 associate degree programs, certificates and certifications, and athletics and student organizations. 

Registration is required and can be easily completed online by clicking here. Remember to select the session you want to attend.

Open house visitors can park in Lots 6 or 7 (a campus map can be found by clicking here). For more information, click here.

Four Knives Deli & Catering hold grand opening celebration

PARSIPPANY — Members of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, friends and family celebrated the Grand Opening of Four Knives Deli & Catering.  Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso cut the ribbon during the celebration.

Owner and Chef Camilo Guzman graduated from Parsippany Hills High School in 2003. He played soccer three out of the four years. In addition he played soccer for the Parsippany Soccer Club for six years.

After graduating Parsippany Hills High School Camilo attended the Culinary Institute at Hudson Community College and graduated with a Certificate in Culinary Arts.

Camilo said “Ever since I was a kid I wanted to become a chef. It was always a dream to learn how to be a professional cook. I love food from the aroma to flavors. I always say that food is meant to be shared with everyone. Breaking bread with someone is welcoming them into your family.”

His culinary background comes from working many years in off premise catering. He started as a Prep Cook and moved up the ranks to Kitchen Manager of a multi-million dollar company. 

Chef Camilo Guzman would like to thank Lisa Epstein Chef Owner of Encore Catering. Without her help he would not be where he is today.

Four Knives Deli & Catering is located at 166 Halsey Road, in Lake Parsippany. You can reach them by calling (973) 585-6555.

Four Knives Deli takes pride in serving you fresh homemade food. A lot of of love and detail goes into every dish they prepare. They make homemade dressing like Balsamic Vinaigrette and Avocado Cilantro and many more. Four Knives Deli has a little something for everyone, from Taylor Ham breakfast sandwiches to a variety of delicious salads.

At Four Knives Deli you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. From pasta dishes to Cuban Sandwiches. They offer home cooked roast beef, fresh turkey and their ever so tender ten hour pulled pork.

Four Knives Deli is vegan and gluten free friendly as well for our guest who prefer a different meal option.

Ahmad Khan Rahami arrested after shootout with cops, was wanted in bombings

LINDEN – The man wanted in the weekend explosions in New York and New Jersey has been taken into custody in Linden after a shootout with police that left two officers wounded. Ahmad Khan Rahami, 28, of Elizabeth, has been the subject of a massive manhunt since being named as a suspect by the FBI early…

Former Bloomfield School Teacher Sentenced for Distributing Child Pornography

RANDOLPH — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Superior Court Judge Catherine Enright sentenced Nicholas Schumacher, 30, Randolph, to three years in New Jersey State Prison and imposed a $1500 fine for Endangering the Welfare of a Child – Distribution of Child Pornography, a second degree crime.  Schumacher must also register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law.

The Defendant, a public school teacher in Bloomfield, at the time of the incident, was also required to relinquish his teaching certificate and forfeit future public employment in the State of New Jersey.  Schumacher originally pled guilty to the charge on July 26, 2016.

The initial investigation commenced in 2015 when the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force that child pornography was being uploaded by the Defendant from his residence in Randolph, and also from his place of employment in Bloomfield.

The investigation also revealed that Schumacher was in possession of a number of images of child pornography.

Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Meg Rodriguez represented the State during the Court proceedings.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Randolph Township Police Department, the Bloomfield Police Department, the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Section, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit for their assistance with this prosecution.

Two car accident on Vail Road sends both drivers to Morristown Medical Center

PARSIPPANY — Natalie Gongora, 17, Parsippany, was driving a 2000 Nissan Maxima eastbound on Vail Road, in the right lane, approaching North Beverwyck Road when a 2012 Black Mazda, driven by Mr. Noah Guida, 18, Parsippany, driving westbound on Vail Road, and approaching North Beverwyck Road collided. This collision occurred on Wednesday, September 14 at 10:12 p.m.

The vehicle driven by Natalie Gongora
The vehicle driven by Natalie Gongora

Gongora’s vehicle continued eastbound on Vail Road and entered the intersection of North Beverwyck Road and made contact with Mr. Guida’s vehicle, as he was attempting to make a left turn onto North Beverwcyk Road.

Ms. Gongora stated to Parsippany Police she had a green light as she approached the intersection and proceeded into the intersection. Mr. Guida stated he had a “green left turn arrow” as he approached and entered the intersection.

Based on a statement from a witness, Ms. Gongora had a red light while Mr. Guida had a green turn arrow.

The traffic signals appeared to be functioning properly after the crash occurred.

Patrolman Jesse Hughes investigated the accident and determined that Ms. Gongora was at fault due to failure to observe a traffic signal and driver inattention.

Both drivers, Mr. Guida and Ms. Gongora was transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital by Rockaway Neck Volunteer First Aid Squad.

Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Powder Mill Towing.

The vehicle driven by Noah Guida being towed from the scene by Powder Mill Towing
The vehicle driven by Noah Guida being towed from the scene by Powder Mill Towing

Parsippany Library to host lectures on Impressionism

dr-michael-norris
Dr. Michael Norris

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library is pleased to host Dr. Michael Norris, Metropolitan Museum Educator, as he presents four lectures on Impressionism.  The lectures are part of the ongoing Live Well Age Smart series and will be held on Fridays, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on October 7, 14, 21, 28.

Dr. Norris received his PhDin Art History from the University of California and his Armchair Art Tours have been highly received in numerous venues.

The lectures will cover Impressionism’s origin in France, its fascination with water and Paris, and its influence on American collectors and artists. Impressionism, a 19th-century artistic style that sought to capture a single moment of life in paint, has captured the enduring interest of both art enthusiasts and the general public. Dr. Norris explains, “Impressionism appeals to a lot of people because the strong colors and broad brush strokes give a sense of brightness and movement. The viewer instinctively knows that he/she doesn’t need an art history degree to appreciate a picture–Impressionist images do not preach or tell a story, they just capture a moment of daily life.”  

You are invited to attend these informative, entertaining lectures by preregistering by clicking here  or by calling (973) 887-5150 ext. 209.

 

Update: Chlorine Leak on Sylvan Way

PARSIPPANY — As reported on Parsippany Focus here is an update regarding the Chlorine Leak at 7 Sylvan Way.

Parsippany Police Department’s Communication Center received a 911 call reporting a Chlorine leak in the parking garage of 7 Sylvan Way at 9:06 a.m. on Wednesday, September 14.

20160914_095638Upon arrival of Patrol Officer Joseph Chmura and Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Department Chief Serrecchia, they were advised by building management that there was a chlorine leak in the pump room inside the parking garage.

He further advised that approximately 13-15, three inch disc shaped chlorine tablets, were inserted into the water filter basket for the exterior fountain.

When the pump was activated it appeared that the O-ring seal was not properly sealed which let the chlorine gas escape from the system.

Rockaway Neck Fire Department Haz-Mat, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Whippany Fire Department, Morris Township Fire Department, Morris County Haz-Mat, Morris County Fire Coordinator, Par-Troy Emergency Medical Services, Morris County and Parsippany Office of Emergency Mangement, Saint Clares Hospital BLS and MICU, Morris County EMS Task Force, and OSHA all responded to the scene.

During the incident the building was evacuated, which consisted of approximately 70 employees. Three employees were assessed by Par-Troy Ambulance for breathing discomfort and a burning feeling in their eyes. All three employees declined further medical assistance.
Rockaway Neck Fire Department Haz-Mat personnel were able to enter the pump room and remove the chlorine tablets that were inside the pump unit. After the building was ventilated, the air quality was checked and all employees were allowed back into the building.

Fall Festival returns this Sunday

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills announced the annual Fall Festival will take place this year on Sunday, September 18 from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 p.m. on North Beverwyck Road.

Mayor James Barberio and his wife Brenda enjoying the Fall Festival in 2015
Mayor James Barberio and his wife Brenda enjoying the Fall Festival in 2015

The town-wide celebration not only provides an opportunity to highlight township programs, services, organizations and businesses, but also encourages community spirit.

The generosity of the business community has played a large role in the success of the past festivals.

Parsippany’s 15th Annual Fall Festival promises to be one of the most successful festivals yet. There will be entertainment, rides, and other attractions to help bring out people to the event.

If you have any questions, please email recreation@parsippany.net.

Officer D’Alessandro to be Guest Speaker at Woman’s Club Meeting

PARSIPPANY — Community Relations Officer D’Alessandro of the Parsippany Troy-Hills Police Department to be Guest Speaker at Woman’s Club General Meeting.

On Monday, September 26, at 7:00 p.m. the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills will hold their monthly General Meeting at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. The club is a great group of women of all ages and walks of life committed to volunteerism and service and we have fun at the same time! The meeting is open to all area women interested in learning about the club and its involvement in the local community. After a short business meeting, Community Relations Officer Remo D’Alessandro from the Parsippany Police Department will be the guest speaker. He will speak about Crime Prevention.  A social time with refreshments to meet club members follows.

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.    For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or visit their website by clicking here.

Parsippany Area Chamber held Networking Event

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce recently held a breakfast networking event hosted by Alan Golub, Esq., discussing “Trademarks 101 – Protecting Your Business and Your Brand with a Federal Trademark Registration.”

The event was held at Parsippany IHOP, on Tuesday, September 13.  Chamber members had the opportunity to network with other members as well as an informative presentation by trademark attorney Alan S. Golub, Esq.

Mr. Golub discussed the basics of the federal trademark registration process. Among the many topics for discussion:

  • What is a trademark?
  • What’s the difference between patents, trademarks, and copyrights?
  • Do I really need to register my trademark?
  • Do I need an attorney to register a trademark?
  • How much will it cost?
  • What happens after I file my trademark application?
  • Once I’ve registered a trademark, what happens if someone else uses it without my permission?

For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here or call (973) 402-6400.

 

Breaking news: Chemical Spill on Sylvan Way

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Focus is on the scene of a chemical spill at 7 Sylvan Way in the Mack-Cali Campus off Littleton Road at approximately 9:00 a.m.

The office building has been evacuated and it is reported as a Gasoline and Chemical spill which is in a contained area.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6, Par-Troy Emergency Medical Services and Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad are on the scene. Morris County Office of Emergency Management HazMat team has been requested to the scene.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps is also at the scene.

As details become available Parsippany Focus will update this article.

 

20160914_095638
A chemical spill at 7 Sylvan Way

Danielle Davis earns a Gold Medal at US Figure Skating’s National Solo Dance Series

PARSIPPANY — US Figure Skating’s National Solo Dance Series Final was held recently at the University of Delaware and representing the Eastern Region, in both Pre-Gold Solo Pattern and Novice Solo Combined, is Parsippany Hills High School Senior Danielle Davis. 

In order to qualify for Nationals, Danielle had to compete in a series of competitions, in order to accrue points.

She competed at both the 2016 Morris Open and the 53rd Annual NJ Council of FSC Championships held at the Mennen Arena, the May Day Open and the Chesapeake Open in Maryland, The Southern CT Open in Darien, Skate Wilmington in Wilmington DE, and lastly Lake Placid Dance in Lake Placid, New York.  Only the top 6 skaters in each level for each region (Eastern, Midwest and West) were invited to participate.

Danielle was at the top of her group after qualifying for the Final round by dancing the Blues and the Paso Doble.  For the final round, she had to dance the Starlight Waltz.

Danielle is a member of the SC of Morris and is coached by Kenneth Foster and Anna Zadorozhniuk.  This is the second time Danielle has earned a Gold medal at Nationals.  The first time was in 2014, when she won in the Silver level.

 

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CCM Professor to Present at Pennsylvania Labor History Conference

Dr. Jill Schennum
Dr. Jill Schennum

MORRIS COUNTY — Dr. Jill Schennum, chair of the Department of Sociology, Economics and Anthropology at County College of Morris (CCM), will present at the Pennsylvania Labor History Society and Steelworkers’ Archives conference later this month on the decline of unions and economic disparity.

Schennum is one of four people scheduled to speak at the society’s annual conference to be held September 16 and September 17 at St. John’s Windish Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. She will speak on September 17.

Schennum, of Blairstown, earned her Ph.D. from CUNY in 2011. Her dissertation, “Bethlehem Steelworkers: Reshaping the Industrial Working Class,” focused on the economic inequality that resulted from the loss of union jobs when Bethlehem Steel closed in 2003.

Having worked in Bethlehem as a social worker during the 1980s, Schennum was struck by the image of the steel mills, which gave her a passion to learn more. As a professor of anthropology at CCM since 1998, Schennum continues to research the lives of former steelworkers and the decline of Bethlehem Steel. She has since turned her dissertation into a book, which she expects will be published next year.