Littleton School fifth grader donates hair to benefit children with hair loss

Frank L. Cahill
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Littleton School fifth grader donates hair to benefit children with hair loss

PARSIPPANY — A Littleton School fifth grader has cut and donated her hair to benefit children with hair loss– for the third time.

Janey Smith has donated her hair three times in just eleven years

Janey Smith, 11, has donated her hair three times in just eleven years, an impressive feat considering that’s how old she is. That’s about 30 inches of hair.

This time she donated her hair to Children With Hair Loss, a charity that makes wigs for children with medical conditions that cause hair loss. In 2016, the organization made wigs for 528 children.

Children With Hair Loss is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides human hair replacements at no cost to children and young adults facing medically-related hair loss.

When a child’s hair is lost due to Cancer treatments, Alopecia, Trichotillomania, Burns, etc., the painful effects are far deeper than just cosmetic. Each year, the number of children requesting our hair replacements increases and with support, they can continue to increase the number of children they are able to help in the future.

Fall Festival returns on Sunday, September 17; Vendors wanted

Frank L. Cahill
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Fall Festival returns on Sunday, September 17; Vendors wanted

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills announced the annual Fall Festival will take place this year on Sunday, September 17 from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 p.m. on North Beverwyck Road.

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. For those businesses and organizations wanting to participate click here and print a registration form. Please be sure to submit your forms as soon as possible.

Diane and Sara Manganelli, Lake Hiawatha Daily

Parsippany’s 16th 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.

The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is offering spaces on a first come first serve basis. Display spaces vary depending on location and intended use. Vendors that are selling food will be distributed along the entire area with priority given to local food vendors and local organizations selling food. Lake Hiawatha merchants have first preference on the space in front of their establishments as long as a completed registration form and the required fee are received at the Recreation Department by August 25.

Payton Saltenberger, 6, and Sydney Strumolo, 5, enjoying coloring at the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany display at the 15th Annual Fall Festival Street Fair

Discounts apply if registration is received at the Recreation Department office or postmarked before August 4. All registration forms must be received at the Recreation Dept. office or postmarked by September 8. Late registrations will NOT be accepted and returned. If you or your group wishes to participate, please complete the agreement by clicking here and mail to Parsippany Recreation, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany New Jersey 07054.

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

Please note: The township reserves the right to limit the type and number of vendors and/or displays. You must submit a separate form for each location if you require more than one location/space. Please make checks payable to: Township of Parsippany, Fall Festival 2017.

Morristown police seek information on reported hit-and-run near the Green

Frank L. Cahill
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Morristown police seek information on reported hit-and-run near the Green

Morristown police are investigating the report of a man who said he was struck by a car on Sunday morning near the Morristown United Methodist Church. The victim, 27-year-old Daniel Walsh of Parsippany, complained of minor injuries but declined a hospital trip after being evaluated at the scene by emergency medical technicians from the Atlantic Ambulance…

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Dean Snook appointed “Head of Department of Emergency Medical Services”

Frank L. Cahill
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Dean Snook appointed “Head of Department of Emergency Medical Services”

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council approved a resolution on March 7 confirming the appointment of Dean Snook, MICP, NR-P, as head of the Department of Emergency Management.

Dean has been an employee of Parsippany-Troy Hills and assigned since the inception of Par-Troy Emergency Services in 2002 and has served as Chief of Par-Troy EMS since 2005. Dean also possesses the requisite skills, qualifications, license and credentials to oversee the Department and Par-Troy EMS operations.

Par-Troy EMS was re-assigned from the Department of Human Services and made a division of the recently created Department of Emergency Medical Services.

The powers and duties of the Division of Par-Troy EMS are to:
(1) Exercise the functions, powers and duties of a New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services licensed ambulance provider;

(2) Provide 9-1-1 and on-demand emergency medical response throughout the Township and surrounding communities as required and in coordination with Township volunteer ambulance and rescue squads;

(3) Plan and administer emergency medical response protocols, procedures, guidelines, and standards;

(4) Coordinate and update mutual aid response plans;

(5) Provide training and competencies to Department personnel and Township employees;

(6) Maintain Department vehicles and equipment for maximum operational readiness;

(7) Administer the Township’s Third-Party Payment Plan for Emergency Medical Services, as well as billing and partnership agreements with participating hospitals and health care systems;

(8) Provide clinical oversight of emergency medical operations;

(9) Provide programs designed to promote the awareness of child passenger safety and educate the public regarding the same;

(10) Liaison with Township volunteer ambulance and rescue squads to coordinate on issues including, but not limited to operations, training and safety, and to maintain a current Township Emergency Medical Response Plan; and

(11) Provide special programs and initiatives promoting community health and safety, which special programs and initiatives may be in conjunction with other Township Departments or agencies.

The Par-Troy EMS doesn’t have a permanent home to call its own. It operates out of the Parsippany Community Center and the Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department on South Powder Mill Road.

In 2014 The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills considered purchasing the home of late Councilman James Vigilante at 19 Littleton Road East but the proposal never materialized.

Starbucks will be served in Parsippany soon

Frank L. Cahill
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Starbucks will be served in Parsippany soon

PARSIPPANY — The first Starbucks in Parsippany is on its way! Soon you will be able to drive-up and order your Iced Carmel Macchiato or Caffè Americano in Parsippany, instead of driving to Denville or elsewhere. The new location will be located at 1719 Route 10.

Plans were submitted in late 2015 to the Parsippany Troy-Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment, applying for a variance for property located at 1719 Route 10 East and is designated as Block 200, Lot 1 on the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Tax Map. The building is known as the Octagon 10 Office Center.

According to the plans, the café with a drive-thru will occupy 2,000 square feet, the daycare or fitness center will occupy 13,689 square feet and the restaurant will occupy 8,740 square feet.

During a Zoning Board meeting on Wednesday, October 20, 2015, Board Chairman Robert Iracane asked the Applicant’s Attorney, Joe O’Neill, who will be occupying the cafe? A Dunkin Donuts? Mr. O’Neill replied, the only thing I can disclose it will be an “upscale coffee cafe.”

The Board of Adjustment met again on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 and approved the cafe with a drive through. It was also disclosed that the tenant would be Starbucks.  The other two buildings received preliminary approval since there was no pending tenant. The board voted unanimously to approve Starbucks.

The Octagon 10 Office Center is located in Morris County’s Fortune 500 District, this octagon shaped building has an outdoor courtyard and fountain. Unique octagonal design,  Internet fiber optic SONET rings,Full service cafeteria, Basement storage, fine local business hotels (Hilton and Marriott) and restaurants abound in the area, Interior court with fountain. The building is located directly across from the Mack-Cali Business Campus.

The office building is approximately 97% rented. It contains 192,660 square feet, on three floors, with 4,938 square feet currently vacant. Some of the current tenants include Internal Revenue Service, Chase Bank, Net Access, Law Offices of Thomas Buonocore, Manpower and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  The building was constructed in 1975 and renovated in 1996.

The building is owned by Commercial Realty Group, the same company that owns 100 IMS Drive.

Kiwanis Club to host “Trivia Night”

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Club to host “Trivia Night”

PARSIPPANY — It’s back again, for the 14th consecutive year. The Ultimate Trivia Contest will be held on Saturday, April 22. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., and Trivia starts at 7:00 p.m. Gather your friends, family, co-workers and come out for a night of fun. Each team can have up to eight people.

2016 First place winners: Jen Walters, Michele Reutty, Richard Tester, Arlene Sahraie, Joanne Roukens, Steve Vega, Michael Maziekien and Connie Keller. Will you be our 2017 winner?

Bring your own food and BYOB. Soda, coffee, water, plates, cups, napkins, and utensils will be provided. Specialty cupcakes will be available for purchase.

To play fair there are a few simple rules: The use of ANY electronic device whatsoever during competition will immediately disqualify the offending team. This includes but is not limited to I-Pod’s, PDA’s, ICBM’s, drones, etc. The use of printed material such as encyclopedias, almanacs, National Geographic, and the like, is strictly prohibited and of course no tweeting!

The fee is $20.00 per person. The event is held at Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road.

For more information or to download a flyer, click here.

Please bring an extra, non-perishable food item to be donated to our community food bank.

Bring non-perishable foods to be donated to a local food pantry

Sedgefield Civic Association holds successful wine and cheese social

Frank L. Cahill
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Sedgefield Civic Association holds successful wine and cheese social

PARSIPPANY — The Sedgefield Civic Association drew a large crowd for its annual Wine and Cheese social on Friday, March 24 held at the Mount Tabor Fire Department.

Lt. Keith Lefferts discussed traffic issues concerning the residents of Sedgefield. Most of the discussions were centered around speeding motorists and people running stop signs.

Patrolman Remo D’Alessandro discussed phone scams and identity theft.

Other concerns of the residents are the repurposing of commercial buildings by Mack-Cali on Littleton Road and Campus Drive.

Wines from around the world were offered to the guests attending the event.  Sandwiches and cheeses were supplied by The Daily Joe, 56 Fanny Road.

Boy Scouts Troop 173 was chartered by the Sedgefield Civic Association in 1957 and the Association still sponsors the Troop.

The History of Sedgefield…. In the late 40’s Justus Nienaber purchased a 200 acre tract from Peter Freylinghuysen Jr.  This was formerly the Ballantine Estate and included a beautiful two-story white colonial mansion, complete with gazebo, creek, pond and other outbuildings.

In 1949, he started to develop Sedgefield with a group of builders.  The name was taken from a charming and peaceful Carolina resort hotel, The Sedgefield Inn, which is surrounded by a development of gracious homes.

The name Sedgefield itself is derived from two Anglo-Saxon words:  secg (a sword), its popular meaning – any course, grasslike herb, growing in damp places; and feld – a cleared piece of land.

Carrying on with the Anglo-Saxon Association, all the streets bear the names of English towns, villages or locations.  The three entry streets are Sherwood, Sedgefield and Dartford.  All streets between Sedgefield and Dartford are in alphabetical order.  All streets between Robinhood and Friar are of English origin but are not in alphabetical order.

Development in Sedgefield can be determined by the type of roads in the area.  The first section contained ranch or single story homes built on streets with no curbs.  The second section contained ranch, split-level and two-story colonials built on streets with concrete curbs.  The third and final section contained two-story colonials or split-level homes built on streets with Belgian block curbing and sidewalks.

Long time residents can remember when Littleton Road (US 202) was a two-lane tree-line road with very little traffic.  It passed Rusty’s Hardware Store, the old St. Christopher’s Church (which was housed in the Blue Swan Inn) and a goat farm that used to be in the area of the Littleton Road bridge over Route 80.  Alderney Dairy had a barn and pasture where Gatehall is now located.  Cows and deer used to wander into Sedgefield along Robinhood Road.  A few deer still visit us on occasion.

Back then, the Morris Plains Shopping Center had a Two Guys from Harrison store.  Sip and Sup was located at the intersection of Route 202 and Route 10 where one could enjoy food and dairy products in a leisurely manner and watch the few cars going through the intersection.  The area now covered with commercial buildings (Campus Drive, Sylvan Way and Dryden Way) contained dairy farms and was used by the Civic Association for picnics and fireworks.

In the 1970s, Sherwood Village (the section around Sherwood, Friar, Robinhood and Littlejohn Roads) was included as part of Sedgefield.  Crawford Road was the last area to be developed.

The last home in Sedgefield was erected in 1988, a two-story colonial manufactured in Pennsylvania.  This was the 295th home in Sedgefield.

Wayne L. Kasbar Joins Colliers International

Frank L. Cahill
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Wayne L. Kasbar Joins Colliers International

PARSIPPANY —  Wayne L. Kasbar, a leading transactional broker in New Jersey commercial real estate, has joined Colliers International Group, Building C, Morris Corporate Center I, 300 Interpace Parkway, as a Managing Director, announced David A. Simon, SIOR, Executive Managing Director and New Jersey Market Leader.

Wayne L. Kasbar

In his new position, Kasbar will focus on the retail sector. An active broker in Manhattan, he moved his real estate practice to New Jersey in 2002. He was a member of Trammel Crow’s retail leasing team and continued in that role after CBRE acquired the firm. Just prior to his new position at Colliers, Kasbar was a top producer at Silbert Realty & Management Company, Inc., where he had oversight of the brokerage team. He has more than 27 years of transactional brokerage experience and, over the past decade, has been involved in $50 million annually in lease transactions. He is a resident of Summit.

“The retail industry continues to evolve,” said Kasbar. “And the retail real estate service community needs to keep pace. Historically, the retail brokerage landscape was defined by regionalized, boutique brokerage houses. As National retail brands expand their store presence and face increasing pressure to open stores in the tier one markets/properties, the legacy transactional service community is often challenged to keep up with the information, software and personnel demands.

“Additionally, the ‘new owners’ of the retail brands (private equity firms) are seeing the value of a national single point of contact and a vertical integration of service lines (brokerage, logistics, industrial, project management etc.). In short, we are seeing more and more that national occupiers of space are idea driven and the national real estate service companies are best suited to provide the resources and perspective as a single-source solution. Colliers provides that platform. It’s an exciting time to be on their team.”

“We are committed to growing our retail practice, and we are excited to have Wayne help us achieve this objective,” said Simon.

International Financial Advisory Group President O’Connell Receives 2016 Advisor of the Year Award

Frank L. Cahill
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International Financial Advisory Group President O’Connell Receives 2016 Advisor of the Year Award

PARSIPPANY — Thomas J. O’Connell, president of International Financial Advisory Group Inc., a retirement planning, wealth management and insurance services firm based in Parsippany, received a 2016 Advisor of the Year Award. Presented at an event in Laguna Niguel, California, the award is given to select financial professionals as recognition to those who represent true excellence in their practice. David Gaylor and Gary Reed, leaders of 3-Mentors, a mentoring group within the organization, and Steve Bates, president of GamePlan Financial Marketing, LLC, a field marketing organization (FMO) dedicated to helping independent insurance and financial professionals through advanced training on financial planning, presented O’Connell with the honor.

According to GamePlan, O’Connell was chosen for this prestigious honor as someone who consistently performed as a financial services industry leader and one of the top ranked financial professionals within the organization, exemplifies the philosophy of always putting his client’s needs first and truly embraces his responsibility for helping clients’ protect, grow and distribute their wealth with a focus on strategic balance.

About Thomas J. O’Connell
Thomas J. O’Connell is the president of International Financial Advisory Group, Inc., which offers a variety of retirement planning, wealth management and insurance services. Based in Parsippany, O’Connell has been a part of the financial services industry for more than 30 years, and is active in speaking and training in life insurance nationwide. He is part of Ed Slott’s Master IRA Advisory GroupSM, the Infinite Banking Institute and the Wealth and Wisdom Institute, and is also a member of the board of directors and second chairman-elect for the New Jersey Better Business Bureau. O’Connell is part of the local edition of the nationally syndicated radio show “Your Game Plan to Retirement which airs every Monday at 6:00 p.m. on WCTC AM Radio 1450 and every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on WMTR AM Radio 1250. He also holds Series 6, 7, 63, 65, and 24 securities licenses, along with a life and health license in 12 states, including New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. For more information about Thomas J. O’Connell and International Financial Advisory Group, click here or call (973) 394-0623.

Investment Advisory services are offered through Comprehensive Capital Management, Inc., (“CCM”), a SEC-Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through Comprehensive Asset Management and Servicing, Inc., (“CAMAS”), a registered broker/dealer. Member FINRA/SIPC/MSRB. 2001 Route 46, Suite 506, Parsippany, NJ 07054, Phone (800) 637-3211. International Financial Advisory Group, Inc. is independent of CCM & CAMAS. 

Lakeland Hills YMCA National Swim Team Will Compete

Frank L. Cahill
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Lakeland Hills YMCA National Swim Team Will Compete

MORRIS COUNTY — Keira Cruz, Head Coach announced that the LHY National Swim Team will travel to Greensboro, NC to compete in the 2017 Short Course YMCA National Championships from April 3 to April 7. A total of 29 LHY swimmers qualified to compete in the most prestigious YMCA swim meet in the country against 210 teams and over 1330 athletes.

Shown in photo, front Row (l-r): Sarah Scelsa, Coco Fraser, Aidan Pinto, Kelsey Thompson, Mary Laurita, Symi Lall

2nd Row: Chiara Mennonna, Elise Fraser, Lexi Faria, Chloe Rippey, Nicole Barkemeyer, Grace Tarantola

3rd Row:  Gene Angeles, Victoria Eisenhauer, Maggie Reilly, Katie Kiely, Miranda Byrne, Kate Bernauer, Rachel Weiss, Justin Yang

Back Row: Alex Zhang, Chris Ruhnke, Sean Tan, Gary Sun, Matt Luciano, Matt Fricker, Mike Scornavacca, Evan Bota (Missing: Dillon Shu)

K-Kids Club at Eastlake School is very active

Frank L. Cahill
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K-Kids Club at Eastlake School is very active

PARSIPPANY — Fifth Grade Student, Kevin Maass, is the Treasurer of K-Kids Club of Eastlake Elementary School. K-Kids Club is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.

Fifth Grade Student, Kevin Maass, Treasurer of K-Kids Club of East Lake School

In K-Kids clubs worldwide, more than 36,000 children are learning leadership through service. They’re taking on the responsibility of running a K-Kids club as they plan and participate in community service projects. They assist the elderly with chores or organize community food drives.They serve their schools, raising funds for sports equipment and extracurricular activities. This year Eastlake Elementary School held a Toy Drive for Toys for Tots.  The students filled up the front showcase with new unwrapped toys. K-Kid Advisor Kara Baltuch delivered five large contractor bags filled with toys to the Livingston Police Department who than distributed to them to those in need.  The co-advisor is Mary Coen.

In January the K-Kids held a food drive for the food pantry where food was collected for Pantry located at the Parsippany Christian Church on Vail Road.  The students had an overwhelming response.  They collected the food each morning and at the end of the drive sorted the food by type and helped load the van.

Throughout the year the students have been selling school supplies on Friday. With the funds they have raised and the children recently voted to donate money to the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter and Operation Smile.  There was a healthy discussion about different charities and why they would be a good place for us to make a donation.

The K-Kids are currently working on decorations for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Eastlake.

On Monday, March 27 they began their “Pennies for Patients Drive” that helps support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

In big and small ways, they’re changing the world around them. But the most significant change happens in the kids themselves.

K-Kids Pledge
As a K-Kid,  I promise to serve my neighborhood and my school;  I will show respect toward my environment;  and I will try to make the world a better place in which to live.

For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, click here.

Terry’s Team of Love to hold Fundraiser for Terry Intiso-Ober

Frank L. Cahill
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Terry’s Team of Love to hold Fundraiser for Terry Intiso-Ober

PARSIPPANY — Please join the Terry’s Team of Love for a fun night on Saturday, June 10 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Elks Lodge, 230 Parsippany Road.

PM RIDER will be jamming with songs from the 60’s to today. You can dance the night away and have fun for Terry. Full Dinner Buffet will be served and cash bar. The love from our neighboring communities have made it possible to have the best Tricky Tray in Morris County. They have received so many heartwarming donations to help out The Ober Family, lifelong Parsippany Residents. Terry is a graduate of Parsippany High School, Class of 1980.

Donations can also be made by clicking here.

Let’s help her family get through this difficult time. Terry was diagnosed with stage four Colon to Liver Cancer in December of 2015.  Her husband had a stroke, two months later.  He is on permanent social security disability. Terry’s daughter, Dominque, 15, attends Parsippany High School.  She is keeping busy with Volleyball, Basketball and Softball.

Terry does everything she can to keep her life somewhat normal for her teenage daughter and her husband.  Her role as a mother and wife is her goal.  She continues her chemo two times a month. Her medical bills are accumulating. She seems to stay strong but weakening as the bill collectors are calling every day!  We don’t want to see her lose her home that she was has was born and raised in. Terry works for the Parsippany Board of Education, two hours a day, just to stay busy and stay positive for her health and family.

Tickets can be purchased by cash or check, payable to Terry Ober through the following members of Terry’s Team of Love: Colleen Hurley, 119 Edwards Road, Parsippany NJ 07054; Angela Petzinger, 15 Ridge Road Parsippany NJ 07054; Reflections, Faces & More, lLC – Jacqeline Jay Intili 607 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell NJ 07006. (973) 534-5964. Please text her to get up-to-date hours; Gina Fania, 50 Vail Road, Lake Hiawatha NJ 07034.

Frelinghuysen calls health care bill unacceptable

Frank L. Cahill
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Frelinghuysen calls health care bill unacceptable

MORRIS COUNTY — Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-11, on Friday, March 24 called the current Republican health-care bill unacceptable.

His decision to vote no on the bill was viewed as significant because of his leadership role as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

On Friday afternoon, the House of Representatives canceled its vote on the American Health Care Act after postponing it on Thursday because the Republicans lacked enough votes to pass the bill.

In an emailed statement Friday morning, Frelinghuysen said, “The legislation before the House today is currently unacceptable as it would place significant new costs and barriers to care on my constituents in New Jersey.

“In addition to the loss of Medicaid coverage for so many people in my Medicaid-dependent state, the denial of essential health benefits in the individual market raise serious coverage and cost issues.”

Frelinghuysen joined his New Jersey GOP colleagues Leonard Lance, Frank LoBiondo and Chris Smith in opposing the current bill.

He said he had “wanted to support legislation that made positive changes to rescue health care in America.”

“I remain hopeful that the American Health Care Act will be further modified. We need to get this right for all Americans.”

Delaware Valley University accepts two PHHS students

Frank L. Cahill
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Delaware Valley University accepts two PHHS students

PARSIPPANY — Delaware Valley University is pleased to announce two Parsippany Hills High School students, Kayla Christofferson and Noah Munn have been accepted for admission at the University.

Delaware Valley University is an independent, comprehensive university with more than 1,000 acres in Bucks and Montgomery counties. Founded in 1896, DelVal emphasizes experiential and interdisciplinary learning and provides small class sizes where students learn on a first-name basis.

Through the innovative Experience360 Program, all DelVal students gain real world experience in their fields. Located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, DelVal combines the comfort of small-town living with the excitement of big-city access.

DelVal offers more than 25 undergraduate majors in the sciences, humanities and business, more than five master’s programs, a Doctor of Education and a variety of adult education courses. Learn more at delval.edu.

Morris County School of Technology Students Win Film Award

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County School of Technology Students Win Film Award

DENVILLE — Halls of Ivy, a dance film created by the Morris County School of Technology’s Academy for Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Dance Class of 2018, was selected as the winning Capturing Motion NYC film at the 45th Annual Dance on Camera Festival at Lincoln Center. As the winning film, Halls of Ivy was screened at the Walter Reade Theater with the Experimental Shorts Program on February 7.

Led by Dance Film Guest Artist Brianna McGraw (Creative Director of B. RUTH CREATIVE), students choreographed site-specific dance phrases, filmed the scenes using iPhones and edited footage to create Halls of Ivy, all on location at Morris County School of Technology.

Dance students Caroline Yorke and Sarah Row represented VPA at the adjudication round of the competition held on February 6, 2017. Yorke and Row spoke about the creative process behind this work and received feedback from the panel, Gabri Christa (Assistant Professor, Barnard College, Columbia University) and Mickela Mallozzi (Emmy Award-winning host and producer of Bare Feet in NYC). The composer for Halls of Ivy, Gisel Costa, was also in attendance.

Sponsored by the Dance Films Association (DFA), “Capturing Motion NYC is an annual workshop series and dance film competition for high school students in the five boroughs. DFA facilitates school workshops in interactive dance film education for students and teachers. The workshops culminate in the Capturing Motion NYC competition, in which students submit their work to be a part of Dance on Camera Festival.” DFA opened up the competition to students outside of the five boroughs so the Academy for Visual and Performing Arts could participate. 

McGraw accepted the award on behalf of the VPA students at the Walter Reade Theater, home of the Film Society of Lincoln Center, a co-presenter of the Dance on Camera Festival. This award is especially significant since McGraw is an alumna of the VPA-Dance program. VPA-Dance began its Dance Technology Curriculum approximately 17 years ago and it continues to evolve as technology in dance becomes ever present in college programs and professional dance career work.  

Pictured: Award-winning Academy for Visual and Performing Arts students in Denville celebrate Halls of Ivy, the film that won the 2017 Capturing Motion NYC film at the 45th Annual Dance on Camera Festival at Lincoln Center. Brianna McGraw of Morristown, guest artist and film director (center) holds the award acknowledgement with Lisa Peluso, Dance Instructor at Morris County School of Technology.

 

VPA-Dance is a training ground for college preparatory dance study and dance vocations. The program provides quality dance education and is under the direction of Lisa Peluso. For more information about Morris County School of Technology and the Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, please visit www.mcvts.org or call 973-627-4600 ext.277

 

Verona’s Laura Fortgang Running For State Assembly

Letters to the Editor
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Verona’s Laura Fortgang Running For State Assembly

Laura Fortgang, a small business owner and resident of Verona for more than two decades, announced her candidacy as a Democrat for New Jersey state Assembly from the 26th district this morning. Her announcement sets up an unusual contested Democratic primary in the 26th district, which, in addition to Verona, also includes Fairfield, North Caldwell, and…

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Michael Crispi launches campaign for Morris County Freeholder

Frank L. Cahill
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Michael Crispi launches campaign for Morris County Freeholder

PARSIPPANY — Michael Crispi, a 24-year-old conservative Republican, launched his candidacy to fill Hank Lyon’s seat on the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Lyons announced he will be seeking Betty Lou DeCroce’s assembly seat. His Freeholder term ends December 31, 2017.

Crispi, a Cedar Knolls resident, believes he may be the answer to directly combat the rising issues in Morris County while persevering the aspects that make the county great.

On Thursday, March 16, the Parsippany Sheraton Hotel was the scene of many supporters, friends, relatives and elected politicans joining Crispi for his announcement.

Murray Sabrin, a Professor of Finance at Ramapo College and 2008 GOP US Senate Candidate and Juanpablo Andrade, a advisor on President Trump’s National Diversity Coalition and National Hispanic Advisory Council spoke during the event.

Murray Sabrin, a Professor of Finance at Ramapo College and 2008 GOP US Senate Candidate
Juanpablo Andrade, a advisor on President Trump’s National Diversity Coalition and National Hispanic Advisory Council.
Anthony J Somma Jr., State Committeeman of Morris County Young Republicans addresses the supporters at Parsippany Sheraton Hotel

An employee benefits consultant for Allstate Insurance, Crispi said he quickly became active in local politics after moving to New Jersey, becoming an executive board member of the Morris County Young Republicans (MCYP) and attending various meetings and political functions. Crispi is currently secretary of MCYP.

Crispi said “I’m excited to launch my campaign for Morris County freeholder in a time when our county needs a diverse new perspective on the board. We need a voice who can be an agent for innovative progress and help draw the future industry leaders and community patrons that will continue to make our county one of the best. As the median age in Morris county is rising and the population of New Jersey is shrinking, nobody in this field of candidates is taking the issue head on like I am. Nobody wants to see their children and grandchildren move out of Morris county because it’s too expensive, and if elected, young families who want to live here will be able to with greater ease. We will be the most affordable and most innovative county in the tri-state area. This will benefit all people, from all backgrounds and both parties. I will look to substantially cut the budget and reduce wasteful spending. As the most fiscally conservative candidate in this race with a complex understanding of healthcare issues, I’m confident we can solve the puzzle on Morris View and make it a greater quality facility than ever before. The housing market is also a big focus of mine, and the “reshaping how we live initiative” (tax break program for home renovations) will be something I look forward to talking more about on over the course of this primary cycle.”

Crispi also comes from a long line of public servants. His father, Paul Crispi, recently retired as Federal Security Director for the US Department of Homeland Security in New York; his mother worked for the Federal Aviation Administration. Additionally, his grandfather worked for the Department of Defense and his grandmother worked for the Veterans Administration.

Former Freeholder David Scapicchio and Roxbury Attorney Heather Darling also has filed a petition to run for Lyon’s Freeholder seat.

Another incumbent freeholder, John Cesaro, also is challenging DeCroce in the primary, although his freeholder seat does not expire until the end of 2018.

Parents, Students Complain About Dangerous School Bus Driver

Letters to the Editor
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Parents, Students Complain About Dangerous School Bus Driver

PARSIPPANY — Intervale Elementary School parents say the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District substitute bus operator of Route 307 has been driving so dangerously and their children are getting hurt. Parsippany-Troy Hills School District uses Student Transportation of America, or STA for transportation of students.

Now, they’re trying to get him out of the driver’s seat, but they keep hitting road blocks.

“He like stopped the bus in the middle of the road. We banged our heads on the seats. And he told us, he like said, ‘Oh my god, be quiet,’” said 7-year-old Katelyn Wheelock.

That’s how sisters Katelyn and Jillian say their bus driver handled chatty kids on the way to Intervale Elementary School. The girls told their dad, and as it turns out, other kids were telling their parents about those dangerous rides too.

“He was not waiting for them to sit down to take off,” mother Noelle Rhodes said.

“I send my 6-year-old on the bus, and I assume that she’s going to be in good hands,” another mom, Gabrielle Bailey, said.

The parents complained to Intervale Elementary, and the school pulled the driver from that route last week. But the school contracts drivers through Student Transportation of America, or STA, so the girls’ dad called them, CBS-TV News Ali Bauman reported.

“They said, ‘No, actually we just transferred him to another school district.’ And I said, ‘So he’s out there today driving kids?’ And they said, ‘Yes, that’s correct.’ And I said, ‘How is that going to solve anything?’” Brian Wheelock said.

Wheelock said “Our Jillian and Katelyn share the story of their school bus nightmare. After weeks of parents and kids safety complaints he slams on the brakes to ‘quiet’ the kids hurting at least two. Police have banned him from our town – but bus company STA in Pine Brook admits they moved him to another town as their solution. Today he is on the road with someone else’s kids….we are rallying to get this driver OFF THE ROAD!!”

CBS-TV New York Channel 2, Report Ali Bauman paid a visit to STA’s bus depot to find out. She asked whether the driver is still on the road and was told, “we can’t disclose that.”

The employees there directed her to a corporate number. Then, the operator directed her to the regional director. After countless voicemails and emails, she still didn’t get an answer.

While the parents say they’re happy the driver is no longer responsible for their children, they want to make sure he isn’t responsible for any others.

Some STA buses have cameras on board, but the Parsippany school district doesn’t require them. Parents say all this could have been resolved if those cameras were rolling.

“All schools in New Jersey should require cameras on the bus to be on. It’s for the safety of these kids and the safety of these drivers,” Rhodes said.

“God forbid something happens to someone else’s kid and they find out there have been complaints against him and he was taken off the route,” Bailey said.

The parents are still fighting to find out where the driver ended up, but without cameras, they’re left wondering what is going on on board.

Video and parts of the story from CBS-TV Channel 2 News.

Driver charged with careless driving in two car accident on Smith Road

Frank L. Cahill
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Driver charged with careless driving in two car accident on Smith Road

PARSIPPANY — Mr. Konstanti Leontarakis, 29, Saddle River was traveling at a high rate of speed on Smith Road through a red traffic light and struck a vehicle driven by Mr. Mohammad Al-amid, 27, Wharton. This accident occurred on Monday, March 13 at 6:43 p.m. Mr. Al-amid has a green traffic signal and was exiting off Route 46 West to Smith Road at the time of the impact.

Mr. Leontarakis was driving a 2015 Black BMW 4S, which was towed from the scene by Eagle Towing.

Mr. Al-amid was driving a 2000 Red Kia Spectra, which was also towed from the scene by Eagle Towing. Mr. Al-amid, and his 21 year old female passenger were both transported to St. Clares Hospital, Denville.

Mr. Leontarakis was issued a summons to appear in Parsippany Municipal Court for careless driving.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Lampros Nicos investigated the accident.

Careless driving ticket N.J.S.A. 39:4-97 is perhaps the most common traffic violation heard in every New Jersey Municipal Court. A person found guilty of this violation faces two motor vehicle and insurance points plus a fine. Incarceration may be imposed up to 15 days for careless driving although courts rarely if ever exercise such discretion. The Court is likelier to impose jail for this violation in the event of an accompanying DUI charge that was dismissed based on a technicality. The court may also suspend a driver’s license if it finds the violation to have been willful.

The 2000 Kia Spectra was being driven by Mohammad Al-amid, Wahrton
Both passengers of the vehicle were transported to St. Clare’s Hospital, Denville
The driver of the 2015 BMW 4S was charged with careless driving
The debris on the road from the accident

Juvenile Detention Officer Pleads Guilty to the use of Excessive Force

Frank L. Cahill
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Juvenile Detention Officer Pleads Guilty to the use of Excessive Force

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Morris County Department of Human Services Director Jennifer Carpinteri announce that on March 21, the defendant, Katria Thorne-Stevenson, 32, Newark, pled guilty before the Honorable Catherine Enright, J.S.C., to the charge of Simple Assault, a Disorderly Persons offense.

Thorne-Stevenson started at the facility on August 21, 2006 and was paid $40,008 annually. The Morris County Juvenile Detention Center is located at 460 West Hanover Avenue.

The plea arose from an investigation into a claim that the defendant, who was a Juvenile Detention Officer at the Morris County Juvenile Detention Center, used excessive force during the course of duty.  The County and Juvenile Detention Center fully cooperated with the investigation.

The investigation revealed that on November 5, 2016, the defendant, while attempting to physically restrain a juvenile who was then detained at the Morris County Juvenile Detention Center, struck the juvenile in the face with a closed fist, in excess of the force needed to accomplish any lawful purpose. The juvenile was handcuffed at the time and there was no justifiable need for force to be used at that point. The juvenile received physical injury, to wit, a bruise and swelling to her lip.

The defendant surrendered to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office on March 21. As part of the plea agreement, the defendant agreed to immediately resign her position with the County of Morris and is barred from seeking any future law enforcement, juvenile corrections or adult corrections position in the State of New Jersey.

The sentencing date is April 28, 2017.

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