Free Tax Assistance by AARP-IRS Tax Aides available

Frank L. Cahill
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Free Tax Assistance by AARP-IRS Tax Aides available

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Seniors, low-income and disabled persons are eligible for Tax Filing Assistance.

Free tax assistance will be available to Parsippany senior citizens, low-income, or disabled persons by experienced and trained AARP-IRS Tax Aides, at Parsippany Community Center and the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library.

At the Parsippany Community Center sessions will begin Tuesday, February 2 and will continue every Tuesday through April 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

At the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library sessions will begin on Friday, February 5 and will continue through April 15. The tax assistance is available every Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. German language is available on Friday, and Hindi is available on Saturday.

People who wish to use this service should bring the following documents:

  1. Social Security Card for taxpayer, spouse and dependents
  2. Picture ID (such as a valid driver’s license)
  3. Documents related to Affordable Care Act.
  4. Cost Basis information for securities sold in 2015
    5. Last year’s tax return(s)
  5. Copies of their completed 2014 Federal and State income tax returns
    7. SSA-1099 form showing the total Social Security benefits paid to you for the year, or Form RRB-1099, Tier 1 Railroad Retirement benefits
  6. 1099 forms reporting interest (1099-INT), dividends (1099-DIV), proceeds from sales (1099-B), as well as documentation showing the original purchase price of your sold assets
  7. 1099-R form if you received a pension, annuity, or IRA distribution.
  8. 1099-Misc forms.
  9. Charitable contributions.
  10. Tenants should know the amount of rent paid in 2015.
  11. If you receive the Property Tax Reimbursement booklet (PTR 1 or 2) from the state, bring the Homeowners Verification form to Town Hall Tax Department to be filled out and stamped, then bring the booklet and form for your tax appointment.

For an appointment at Parsippany Community Center call Gloria at (973) 263-7351.

For an appointment at the Parsippany Library call (973) 887-5150 ext. 209.

For additional locations and times, click here.

What a ‘state of emergency’ declaration really means

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What a ‘state of emergency’ declaration really means

TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie has just declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the blizzard due to blanket the state beginning Friday night. As ominous as it sounds, a state of emergency means more for the police, fire and other public safety officials responding to the event than it does for the average person.…

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How cold is ‘too cold’ to leave your dog outside?

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How cold is ‘too cold’ to leave your dog outside?

TRENTON — In response to the death of two New Jersey dogs who froze to death this past week, state lawmakers will introduce legislation on Monday requiring and defining proper shelter for dogs left outside in the cold. State Sen. Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Gregory McGuckin and David Wolfe (all R- Ocean) will introduce a bill…

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Fourth Annual Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy Enrollment Now Taking Place

Frank L. Cahill
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Fourth Annual Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy Enrollment Now Taking Place

MORRIS COUNTY — It’s only January, but enrollment for this summer’s highly competitive 2016 Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy is beginning now, with limited space available for the intensive week-long course for young Morris County women and men in grades  9-12.

The fourth annual academy, which is run by the Morris County Department of Law & Public Safety and Office of Emergency Management, and funded by the Morris County Board of Freeholders, will be held during the week of August 15-19. Classes are held at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy in Parsippany.

The Academy offers a five-day program that is open to all Morris County students who are enrolled in grades 9-12 in the fall of 2016.

It is completely free of charge to the cadets and their families.

The Academy is a uniquely designed program which provide high school students exposure to and a better understanding of the various facets within the field of public safety. This program has been designed to target Morris County’s young adults at a time when they are making decisions about their future education and careers.

“They are is the process of making educational and life commitments that could potentially impact their careers, their character, and their communities,’ said County OEM Director Jeff Paul. “We want to give them a chance to see if public safety might be a way for them to go.’’

“The Youth Academy is a unique program that exposes cadets to all facets of the public safety profession.“This is an investment in the youth of our county, and a chance to interest some of the brightest young people who live in Morris County to consider being future leaders in our vitally important public safety team,’’ said Freeholder Doug Cabana, who is the county governing board’s liaison on law and public safety issues.

This intensive program will provide cadets with specially designed training and hands-on experience in the fields of police, fire, EMS, emergency management, and more.

Class size is limited and the summer 2016 class is expected to quickly fill to capacity.

To find out more information about this exciting program, or to apply for enrollment, click here.

CCM Holds Fourth Annual Photo Contest for High School Students

Frank L. Cahill
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CCM Holds Fourth Annual Photo Contest for High School Students
2015 winner by Lindsay Morrison of the Morris County School of Technology
2015 winner by Lindsay Morrison of the Morris County School of Technology

RANDOLPH — New Jersey high school students with a passion for photography and a talent for taking good photos have until April 16 to enter the County College of Morris Fourth Annual Photo Contest for the chance to win prizes and recognition.

The contest is conducted by the Photo Club at CCM. Again this year, the competition’s sponsor, Unique Photo Superstore in Fairfield, will provide first-, second- and third-prize gift certificates.

High-school-age photographers are being asked to submit photos on the theme of “Borderlands.”

Professor Hrvoje Slovenc, who teaches photography at CCM, explains, “By definition a borderland is an area of overlap between two things. We’re looking for images that visually define a line between two geographic locations, states of minds, emotions or between history and myth, or whatever else our photographers envision.”

Winning photographs, honorable mentions and finalists will be featured in an exhibition also including work by CCM photography students. The exhibit will take place in May in the CCM Art Gallery at the school’s Randolph campus. Winners will be required to submit high-resolution files for the exhibition and may need to show proof of ID and authorship.

Photo contest participants are encouraged to join the “CCM Photo Club Competition” Facebook page (http://tinyurl.com/ludm5al) to receive news, announcements and vote for the photo that will receive the “Popularity Award” for obtaining the most likes. Voting for the Popularity Award begins at midnight on April 30 and the winner will be announced at the opening of the exhibition.

Last year, the CCM Photo Club received more than 600 submissions from high school students. In the previous competitions, winners have come from Morris County School of Technology, Morris Knolls, Columbia, Bridgewater-Raritan, Sparta and Mount Olive high schools, as well as Blair Academy.

Photos can be submitted now through midnight April 16. To enter online, click here.

To enter by mail, send prints or digital files to County College of Morris, Photography Department, DH 201, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, NJ 07869-2086 with contact information included. There is no limit to the number of entries and finalists will be notified on April 30.

For additional information, contact ngruneiro@ccm.edu or hslovenc@ccm.edu.

Parsippany Town Council Regular Meeting 01/19/2016

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Town Council Regular Meeting 01/19/2016

Town Council votes out Engineering Firm tied to Democratic Super-PAC

Frank L. Cahill
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Town Council votes out Engineering Firm tied to Democratic Super-PAC

PARSIPPANY — During the January 19, 2016 Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Council meeting, mixed between routine resolutions, was the confirmation for Mayor Barberio’s re-appointment of engineering firm Adams, Rehmann & Heggan Associates (ARH).  While most members of the public in attendance paid little attention to the vote, ARH was ousted by the Council by a vote of 2-2 with one abstention.

ARH came to prominence during the 2015 Republican Primary after Parsippany Focus uncovered that the firm had donated tens of thousands of dollars to the Super-PAC America’s Future First.  It was later learned that America’s Future First was created in order to try to oust Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., from office by spending nearly $200,000 on the June 2015 primary supporting Mike dePierro, Loretta Gragnani, and Vincent Ferrara.

Paul Carifi, Jr., came in first place in the race and Vincent Ferrara lost the primary.

Parsippany Focus made several unsuccessful attempts to contact ARH for comment.

Chuck F. Lee, manager for North Jersey Operations for ARH with Governor Chris Christie in Parsippany.
Chuck F. Lee, manager for North Jersey Operations for ARH with Governor Chris Christie in Parsippany.

Aarin Feliz Named to Springfield College Dean’s List

Frank L. Cahill
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Aarin Feliz Named to Springfield College Dean’s List

PARSIPPANY —  Springfield College has named Aarin Feliz of Lake Hiawatha to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the fall 2015 term. Feliz is studying Movement and Sport Studies. Aarin is a graduate of Parsippany High School Class of 2015.

Criteria for selection to the dean’s list are as follows: The student must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded coursework for the semester, exclusive of “P” grades; the student must not have any incompletes, missing grades or “CPs” in the designated semester; the student must have a minimum semester grade point average of 3.500 for the semester; and the student must not have been barred from the dean’s list due to a disciplinary action.

Founded in 1885, Springfield College is known worldwide for the guiding principles of its Humanics philosophyeducating students in spirit, mind and body for leadership in service to others. With its foundation of academic excellence and rich athletic heritage, Springfield College prepares students with real-world leadership skills for careers that transform lives and communities.

The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of health sciences, human and social services, sport management and movement studies, education, business, and the arts and sciences. It also offers doctoral programs in physical education, physical therapy, and counseling psychology.

The college is ranked in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges in the top tier of Best Regional Universities North Region by U.S.News & World Report, and is designated as a premier Leadership Development Center by the YMCA of the USA. More than 5,000 traditional, nontraditional and international students study at its main campus in Springfield, Mass., and at regional campuses throughout the country.

“Beetle” flips over on Route 10

Frank L. Cahill
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“Beetle” flips over on Route 10

PARSIPPANY — Mr. John Radassich, 54, Long Valley was stopped at the intersection of Powder Mill Road and Route 10 East at the traffic signal.   When the light turned green he proceeded to drive east on Route 10, when he was struck by a 2008 Red Volkswagen Beetle.

The driver of the Volkswagen, a 17-year old Parsippany Hills High School student, was driving north on South Powder Mill Road when she turned right on Route 10 on a red traffic signal.  When she entered onto Route 10 east she was unable to see due to the sun glare and struck Mr. Radassich’s 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee.   Then rolled the vehicle over when she lost control.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene by C & L Towing.

The driver and the passenger in the 2008 Volkswagen both escaped injuries.

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The 2008 Volkswagen Beetle landed on the roof of the vehicle
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A Parsippany police officer getting the girls books from the vehicle.
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An officer investigates the damage to the Jeep

Mexican Restaurant celebrates grand opening

Frank L. Cahill
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Mexican Restaurant celebrates grand opening

PARSIPPANY — Las Leyendas De Mexico recently celebrated a ribbon cutting grand opening.

The new restaurant is located at 71 New Road, New Road Plaza.

They are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

For more information call (973) 287-6070

 

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Xceed Financial to award $10,000 through Scholarship Program

Frank L. Cahill
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Xceed Financial to award $10,000 through Scholarship Program

PARSIPPANY —  Becoming a credit union member can be a great way for a young person to get off on the right foot financially. With Xceed Financial Credit Union’s Romeo Doty Scholarship Program — which will award ten $1,000 scholarships to talented high school seniors this spring — it can also yield help paying for a college education. They are located at 22 Sylvan Way.

“The late Romeo Doty served on the Xceed Financial board for many years, and he was passionate about the importance of education,” said Xceed Financial President and Chief Executive Teresa Freeborn. “In recognition of his service to the Credit Union, Xceed created the Romeo Doty Scholarship program to help fulfill his dream of making higher education accessible for all students.”

To be considered for the scholarship, students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5, and supply copies of their transcripts. They must also complete an application, sharing details of their extracurricular activities, including community service, school service, and work. The last part of the application is a personal essay that demonstrates both their knowledge and creativity.

“With ApplePay, AndroidPay, and so many other payment methods now available, the essay question this year asks students to share their thoughts on what credit unions can do to ensure they stay competitive and their products remain a viable option for consumers,” said Freeborn. “Since today’s students are digital natives, we’re excited to get their opinions.”

A panel of judges within the Credit Union will evaluate the applications, and announce the ten recipients in June 2016.

Applicants need to be members of the Credit Union to be considered for the scholarships. Interested students, parents or guardians should video chat with an Xceed associate using the Xperience Center at xfcu.org or call Xceed Financial’s toll-free line at 800.XFCU.222 to learn more.

About Xceed Financial Credit Union
Headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., Xceed Financial is a full-service, federally chartered not-for-profit workplace credit union that focuses on meeting the needs of businesses and their employees throughout the United States. With roots going back 85 years, it now has over $1.2 billion in assets under management, nearly 65,000 members, and operates 11 Financial Centers in five states. Xceed Financial partners with more than 300 employers – also called “select employer groups” or SEGs – to deliver personal banking, wealth management services, and financial education to working adults and their families. The Credit Union has a four-star, excellent rating from BauerFinancial, and has been named one of CU Times’ “Best Credit Unions to Work For” for the past two years. Learn more at www.xfcu.org.

Clean those fire hydrants; sidewalks and handicapped parking areas

Frank L. Cahill
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Clean those fire hydrants; sidewalks and handicapped parking areas

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department reminds residents of Ordinance 346-1: The owner, tenant or occupant of any lands abutting upon the public streets of the Township shall remove all snow and ice from abutting sidewalks and fire hydrants, and the owner or tenant or occupant of property containing handicapped parking spaces shall remove all snow and ice from the handicapped parking spaces within 12 hours of daylight after the snow falls or ice is formed thereon.firehydrant2

Parsippany closings – Saturday, January 23

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany closings – Saturday, January 23

PARSIPPANY FOCUS — As of Friday afternoon, The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning which will remain in effect from midnight tonight to 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. We still see a few varying opinions from the weather team with some of the current storm models having a lower than normal confidence forecast. Periods of snow will likely begin after midnight this evening with some models suggesting a snow start time of 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning and ending 12:00 Midnight to 2:00 a.m. on Sunday. Snowfall amounts of 4-11” are being forecasted along with potential wind gusts of 20-35mph.

A winter storm warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice are expected. Strong winds are also possible and travel may be hazardous.

Parsippany Focus, in the past, has kept the public aware of closings.  Our list is updated frequently, so we suggest you check back.  As of now the following events / buildings will be closed on Saturday, January 23.

New Jersey Transit has a temporary full shutdown of the system beginning at 2 a.m. Saturday morning

  • Bus, Rail and Light Rail: Bus and rail service will implement a full, temporary shutdown of all service at 2 a.m. Saturday with service resuming as weather conditions permit.
  • Access Link: Service suspended all day Saturday, resuming Sunday at 12 p.m.

Uber system will not be available until conditions improve.

Woman’s Club – Spelling Bee – scheduled for Saturday, January 23 has been reschedule to Saturday, January 30.

Parsippany PAL Building will be closed on Saturday, January 23.

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Library and its branches will be closed on Saturday, January 23.

Denville Dairy will be closed on Saturday, January 23 and reopen on Sunday, January 24

The Morris County Library will be closed on Saturday, January 23.

County Park Commission has cancelled its maple sugaring event at Great Swamp due to the incoming winter storm.

Parsippany Free Transit System has cancelled all service for Saturday, January 23.

Parsippany Recycling Center will be closed on Saturday, January 23.

Parsippany Board of Education  – All school buildings are closed.

New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles offices will be closed.

The Music Shop will be closed on Saturday, January 23.

If you group or organization would like to list a cancelled event here, please email Parsippany Focus at news@parsippanyfocus.com.

 

Woman’s Club supports the library with book donation

Frank L. Cahill
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Woman’s Club supports the library with book donation

PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills has donated a book on mental illness to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the special state project for the member clubs in the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Club Chairman Claudia McCarthy presented the book, “Behind the Wall: The True Story of Mental Illness as Told by Parents” which offers an intimate look at parenting a child with serious mental illness, presenting stories that have the power to educate, advocate and heal.

This collection of seven true stories told by nine parents offers a perspective unique to parents, who witness the illness unfold, fight the lonely battles on their child’s behalf, and serve as fierce allies for the road to recovery.

The Parsippany Library has other great resources and books on mental illness.

For additional information on NAMI, click here.

For information on the Woman’s Club involvement with JBWS, call Claudia at (908) 489-2314.

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 about the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills, call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, email the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or visit them online by clicking here.

Morris County braces for blizzard, as watches get upgraded to warnings

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Morris County braces for blizzard, as watches get upgraded to warnings

What can N.J. expect from the weekend winter storm? Here are the key factors including accumulations that Morris County residents should know about the upcoming winter storm. Friday morning is shaping up to be the calm before the storm — a big blizzard that’s on track to deliver a powerful punch to a wide stretch of New…

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Council approves Liquor License transfer for redevelopment property

Frank L. Cahill
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Council approves Liquor License transfer for redevelopment property

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council approved a “Person-to-Person” transfer of a Plenary Retail Consumption Liquor License on Tuesday, January 19.

The license was previously owned by Ruby Tuesday (inactive Pocket License) and is being transferred to 1515, LLC. The owners of the property of 1515 Route 10 plan to build a total of 45,000 square feet of restaurant space and will most likely need a liquor license on the site.  The Ruby Tuesday license was the only available license in Parsippany.

In April 2015, the Township Council voted on a resolution to designate 1515 Route 10 (Lot 1.2, Block 200) as an Redevelopment Area pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1 et seq.

In the proposed development it contemplates a 50-room hotel, 90,700 square feet of retail space, 45,000 square feet of restaurant space, 61,500 square feet of office space and 180 one bedroom units and 62 two bedroom units.

The project is projected to generate revenues of approximately $1.6 million annually that are anticipated to accrue to Parsippany Township, which is close to 2.5 times greater than the existing revenues.

According to their proposal the residential development is projected to generate 410 new residents including 12 school-age children. This reflects the number of total units and the number of proposed bedrooms within the project.

An affiliate of Stanbery Development, LLC and the developer/owner of The Shoppes at Union Hill in Denville acquired the complex.

Ex-teacher rejects plea offers in sex case with student

Frank L. Cahill
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Ex-teacher rejects plea offers in sex case with student

MORRISTOWN — A former teacher at Parsippany Hills High School on Wednesday rejected the prosecutor’s two final plea offers in a case accusing her of having sexual contact with a male student in 2013. Jenna Leahey, 33, a former English teacher and field hockey coach at the school, said she wants to go to trial on…

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SPS Names Thomas M. Praschak as CEO

Frank L. Cahill
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SPS Names Thomas M. Praschak as CEO

PARSIPPANY — Strategic Products and Services (SPS), a unified communications system integrator and managed service provider, today announced that in addition to serving as president, Thomas M. Praschak will assume the role of SPS chief executive officer (CEO). John N. Poole, who formerly served as CEO, will remain active on the executive board, assuming the role of executive chairman of the board. SPS is located at 300 Littleton Road.

Praschak joined SPS as chief operating officer (COO) in 2013, and assumed the role of president in 2015. Throughout his time with the company, he has helped SPS execute its plan and strategy. He has been involved in the company’s recent mergers and has actively met with SPS employees, partners and clients to devise a plan that builds upon the company’s strengths and facilitates its evolution into a systems integrator (SI).

“What sets SPS apart is the caliber of the team we have assembled, and I am proud of what we are building as an organization. We have a tremendous opportunity,” said Praschak. “I am excited to accept my extended role as CEO and lead the SPS team in this next crucial stage of the company’s development.”

SPS specializes in design, integration and managed services for unified communications (UC), including voice, video conferencing, collaboration and contact center. SPS teams with clients, providing professional services, managed services and cloud-based solutions to deliver exceptional results.

Throughout his career, Praschak has helped companies make foundational enhancements and successfully transition into solution providers. Prior to joining SPS, he served as the vice president, service operations for Dimension Data and vice president, general manager for DecisionOne. He has also held roles with Marconi, Lucent Technologies and AT&T Bell Laboratories.

About SPS
Strategic Products and Services (SPS) is a global, multi-vendor IT solution provider for unified communications (UC). With documented and repeatable processes, deep knowledge, broad competencies and certifications, we enable clients to optimize their business with custom end-to-end communication solutions – from strategy and design through implementation, support and managed services.

Having achieved more than 25 years of profitable growth, SPS has offices across North America and the United Kingdom. The company is also a founding member of the Intelligent Communications Alliance (ICA), a global partner network providing multi-national customers with a consistent approach to pricing, design, installation and support of integrated business solutions. Click here to learn more.

Emergency officials eying storm’s impact on N.J. coast

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Christie on potential blizzard that could hit N.J. Gov. Christie gives an update on what he’s been doing to preparing for the potential blizzard that could hit New Jersey. TRENTON — State authorities are keeping a close eye on the track of a winter storm that could wallop wide swaths of New Jersey this weekend. “Right…

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Christie: No plans to cut campaign short, state ‘preparing for worst’ with storm

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Christie: No plans to cut campaign short, state ‘preparing for worst’ with storm

Christie on potential blizzard that could hit New Jersey Governor Christie gives an update on what he’s been doing to preparing for the potential blizzard that could hit New Jersey. CHESTER, N.H. — Gov. Chris Christie said he has no plans for now to cut short his campaign trip in New Hampshire and return to New Jersey…

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