Ogilvy CommonHealth renews lease at Morris Corporate Center III

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Ogilvy CommonHealth renews lease at Morris Corporate Center III

PARSIPPANY — JLL has completed a renewal transaction for the institutional ownership of Morris Corporate Center III, 400 Interpace Parkway with Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide. The healthcare marketing services firm signed for 83,497 square feet within Building C at the Class A, 530,000-square-foot office property.

The building owner was represented by Jonathan Meisel, managing director; Fred Hyatt and Daniel Spero, vice presidents, all with JLL. The tenant, Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide, was represented by Jeffrey Babakian, executive vice president, and Nicholas Savage, senior vice president, with CBRE Inc.

“Ogilvy CommonHealth truly appreciated Morris Corporate Center III and preferred to remain within the complex,” said Meisel. “Ownership continues to make many improvements to the property, which was honored by the Building Owners and Managers Association with an Outstanding Building of the Year Award in each of the past three years. The attention to detail from ownership and JLL’s management team had a great deal to do with helping keep Ogilvy CommonHealth at the complex.”

Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide signed an 11-year lease for 83,497 square feet and will occupy the entire fourth floor along with a portion of the second floor and third floor of Building C at Morris Corporate Center III, 400 Interpace Parkway, which is located between Walsh Drive and Upper Pond Road. The healthcare marketing services firm relocated most of its space from Building B within Morris Corporate Center III.

JLL has served as property manager and exclusive leasing agent at Morris Corporate Center III since December 2007. The property was selected by the Building Owner and Managers Association of New Jersey to receive its Outstanding Building of the Year Award in 2014, and then went on to receive the BOMA Middle Atlantic Conference TOBY in 2015. This year, the property achieved a BOMA NJ TOBY Award. All three BOMA TOBY awards were in the Suburban Low Rise Category. Property management services at the complex are overseen by Dana Getz, JLL group manager and senior vice president; Brian Finnerty, chief engineer; and Shayonne Jefferson, assistant general manager. JLL also serves as exclusive leasing agent for the building, with Meisel, Hyatt and Spero overseeing marketing and transaction services.

Building improvements were overseen through a partnership between JLL’s Property Management and Project and Development Services groups, with the effort led by Getz; Jerry Sullivan, senior vice president; and Susan Pady, senior project manager. Ownership has made a significant investment, with completed work including new white reflective roofs; heating, ventilation and air conditioning infrastructure mechanical improvements; a fiber-optic backbone to support a campus-wide energy management system; a renovated four-story atrium with energy-efficient LED, light-emitting diode lighting; a new fitness center; electric vehicle charging station; upgrades to the café server area; enhancements to the café seating area and common area soft seating.

In addition, the property’s common corridors are being upgraded with new carpet, wall covering, ceiling system and energy-efficient LED lighting; and the complex’s common-area restrooms are being renovated with a new decorative accent tile in the vanity area, as well as new subway wall tile, porcelain floor tile, LED light fixtures, and quartz-infused counter tops. Future building improvement plans, which are in the design and development phase, include enhancements to the interior and exterior of the property.

Morris Corporate Center III is a Class A, 530,000-square-foot commercial office complex comprised of four four-story buildings connected by a grand atrium. The property is situated on a 182-acre master planned corporate campus in Parsippany and was constructed in 1988. The superbly landscaped setting includes fountains and pedestrian seating areas. The building has a three-story parking garage in addition to surface parking options. The property hosts a diversified tenant profile, as evidenced by the varied cross-section of business including communications and marketing, pharmaceutical, real estate and other professional services. The property is located within three-quarters of a mile of Exit 42B of Interstate 80 and can be accessed via Cherry Hill Road to Interpace Parkway from the east and from Route 46 via Walsh Drive from the north.

JLL is a leader in the northern/central New Jersey commercial real estate market, with more than 1,000 professionals and support staff providing agency leasing and property marketing, tenant representation, industrial services, strategic consulting, occupancy planning, workplace strategies, project and development services, property and facility management, and investment sales/capital markets services to New Jersey’s leading corporate tenants, investors and landlords. The firm, which assists clients from three full-service offices in Parsippany, Iselin (Metropark) and East Rutherford, also acts as a local service provider for JLL’s global and national corporate clients in need of real estate assistance in New Jersey. JLL’s New Jersey operations were honored by NJBiz magazine as one of its 2015 Best Places to Work in New Jersey.

Fundraiser for Visokas family displaced by fire

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Fundraiser for Visokas family displaced by fire

PARSIPPANY — Buffalo Wild Wings, 1540 Route 46, Parsippany and 343 Mount Hope Avenue Rockaway is raising funds for the Visokas family, according to K.D. “Murph” Murphy, Assistant General Manager Rockaway location.

Parsippany and Rockaway Buffalo Wild Wings is inviting the community to “eat wings and raise funds” for the Visokas family

Ten percent of each bill will be donated to the Visokas family, according to Murph.

The family lost everything in a devastating house fire last night, Monday, November 14. Their home was the place family and friends gathered for holidays, parties, Sunday afternoon football and many happy occasions for two generations.

They lost everything except the clothes on their backs. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the road to get back on their feet will be a long one and insurance won’t cover a lot of what they will need.

The fundraiser will take place at the Parsippany location at 1540 Route 46 West, on Wednesday, December 14 from 11:00 a.m. to closing at 1:00 a.m. and from 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 12 until closing at 1:00 a.m. at the Rockaway location.

“Tickets must be presented at the time of dining,” Murph said. “This can be dine in or take out.”

As of December 2 a GoFundMe campaign has raised $29,600 in 17 days by 321 people.

Click on the flyers below and present it to your server at the appropriate days and location.

ewrf_event_half_page-1-1-16

ewrf_event_half_page-1-1-15

Brooklawn Builders Club made Thanksgiving Placemats for Homeless Solutions

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Brooklawn Builders Club made Thanksgiving Placemats for Homeless Solutions

PARSIPPANY — Thanksgiving day placemats made by Kiwanis Club Brooklawn Middle School Builders Club were used at Homeless Solutions for this holiday.

The current advisors are Ms. Elena Gerber and Mrs. Christina DeStefano. They have been leading the Brooklawn Builders Club for the past four years.

kiwanis-builders-club-logoThis years service projects have included so far making Thanksgiving Day placemats for Homeless Solutions and last month, they decorated pumpkins with anti-bullying themes and put them around the Brooklawn Court Yard.

The Builders Club will be making Christmas placements for Homeless Solutions too.

Last year their big project was to sell gold links on a paper chain to raise money for baby Emma that supplied meals for the family when the baby was in the hospital.

Every year the Brooklawn Builders Club hosts a Teacher for a Day contest. It is always very popular as it gives students the opportunity to see what their favorite teachers do and to spend the day with them! Last year over $600 was raised and toys were purchased and  donated to Toys for Tots.

The Builders club meets every other Thursday. They will be meeting next Thursday, December 8.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany has been sponsoring the Brooklawn Builders Club for the past 25 years.

Builders Club is an international student-led organization providing members with opportunities to perform service, build character and develop leadership.

The Builders Club Pledge:  “I pledge on my honor to uphold the objects of Builders Club. To better my school, my community, my nation, and myself. To aid those in need while enhancing leadership capabilities, and to encourage the fellowship of all mankind.”

The Kiwanis family is bigger than just a club. It has clubs for every age and ability: adult Kiwanis clubs, Circle K clubs for university students, Aktion Clubs for adults with disabilities, Key Clubs for high school students, Builders Clubs for middle school students and K-Kids for elementary school students.

Volunteers from Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany prepares meals for Homeless Solutions once a month.

For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, click here.  You are invited to join the Kiwanis Club for a meeting. They meet every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46.

Parsippany Business Wins State Award as a Recycling Leader 

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Parsippany Business Wins State Award as a Recycling Leader 

PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders congratulates Earth Friendly Products, 50 Lackawanna Avenue, for being named as one of the top business recyclers in the state by the Department of Environmental Protection at the annual Association of New Jersey Recyclers (ANJR) symposium and awards event.

earth-friendlyEarth Friendly was one of three New Jersey businesses winners, along with Benjamin Moore’s Distribution Center in Clifton and Cox Printers in Linden.

“The Christie Administration is proud of these recycling leaders for their efforts and stewardship in recycling, which is a vital component of protecting New Jersey’s environment,” said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. “Recycling is a civic duty that gets everyone actively involved in safeguarding and conserving our natural resources.”

“I was proud to welcome Earth Friendly Products to Parsippany several years ago and when we toured their facility there was no doubt that they had an effective recycling program. Their company and employees commitment to an effective recycling program is a testimony to the quality companies that are located in Parsippany,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Robert Peluso.

“We salute Earth Friendly as an environmental and business leader in Morris County,’’ said Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo. “They’re a model of a successful business and good neighbor to their community.’’

Earth Friendly manufactures “green” cleaning products at its five U.S. plants, including a facility in Parsippany. The company recycles a variety of materials, has established “zero waste” as a company-wide goal, and has integrated sustainability into all business operations.

It welcomes employee suggestions for waste reduction, and has conducted waste audits that led to further cuts in waste generation at the company. Significant cuts to the company’s trash stream resulted in recycling revenue totaling more than $180,000.

The company also uses solar power and has achieved carbon neutrality since 2013.

In 1987, New Jersey became the first state to require recycling, by passing the New Jersey Statewide Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act.

recycling-awardsSome 30 years later, the state continues to develop policies to further increase recycling rates and adapt recycling strategies to match current lifestyles. As part of that effort, DEP requires counties to meet recycling tonnage targets and, with help from local and county partners, promote public participation in recycling.

Earth Friendly Products is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Also recognized by DEP from across New Jersey for their recycling efforts were the following businesses, institutions and individuals:

BUSINESS: Cox Printers
In addition to recycling numerous materials and offering customers recycled products as part of its print jobs, Cox Printers has installed a 36kW solar system and two wind turbines on the roof of its building. A partial roof garden, which reduces rainwater runoff, has also been installed on the roof, as well as a number of honeybee hives. The business also follows carbon neutral shipment of goods.

BUSINESS: Benjamin Moore and Company
Benjamin Moore’s Distribution Center in Clifton has recycled hundreds of tons of wooden pallets and unwanted paint, corrugated cardboard and shrink wrap. It now has a paint can crusher to recycle steel paint cans. Employees also are educated about the key part environmental programs play in segregating the waste stream, labeling and handling materials safely.

LEADERSHIP: Learn Your ABC’s BYOBag
A collaborative effort by Princeton Borough, the Princeton Merchant’s Association, McCaffrey’s Grocery Store and Sustainable Princeton that follows the waste reduction cycle of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is the focus of The Learn Your ABCs BYOBag Campaign. The effort also has expanded existing programs and provides a solution for recycling non-mandated materials including plastic packaging films, which are difficult to recycle.

INSTITUTION: The Valley Hospital
The Valley Hospital, in Ridgewood, Bergen County, continues adding new materials to an already extensive list of materials for its recycling program. The hospital also uses eco-friendly building products whenever possible and has installed rooftop beehives.

INSTITUTION: Chairville Elementary School
Chairville Elementary School in Medford, Burlington County, recycles a variety of materials and has composting containers for food waste. Recycling is an important part of the curriculum, and the school’s “Green Team” works to promote various environmental programs including waste reduction. The 400-student school is in the process of constructing an Outdoor Classroom, to extend the school’s environmental curriculum.

RISING STAR: Patricia Totaro
Since becoming Brick Township’s recycling coordinator in 2012, Totaro’s efforts have resulted in many  improvements to the township’s recycling program. Changing the culture of her department, township employees, residents and businesses has taken several years. Totaro also was instrumental in convincing the governing body to invest in new recycling equipment to improve the program and marketability of materials.

To learn more about recycling in New Jersey, click here.

To learn more about recycling in Morris County, click here.

 

Parsippany Hills vs. Morris Hills: Everything you need for the N2G3 final (with video)

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Parsippany Hills vs. Morris Hills: Everything you need for the N2G3 final (with video)

NORTH 2, GROUP 3 BRACKET Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford 4-Parsippany Hills (7-4) vs. 3-Morris Hills (8-3) Tickets: $9 for adults and $3 for senior citizens/students. Parking is $12. LIVE GAME COVERAGE • LIVE UPDATES and in-game chat (to come) ABOUT THE TEAMS • 10 things to know about Parsippany Hills…

Continue

Parsippany Police holds second “Coffee with a Cop” event

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Parsippany Police holds second “Coffee with a Cop” event

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department held their second “Coffee with a Cop” event.

This event helps the police to continue to build upon their current community policing efforts and foster stronger relationships with the residents of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Office of Emergency Management member Al Goldberg and Officer Remo D'Alessandro
Office of Emergency Management member Al Goldberg and Officer Remo D’Alessandro

With the large turnout during the event they addressed topics from simple hellos and introductions to more pressing issues such as traffic concerns and crime around town.

The Parsippany Police Department would like to thank the Parsippany Library for coordinating the event, along with Mayor Barberio and Council President Louis Valori for attending and their continued support of the Police Department.

Police Chief Paul Philipps and Morris County Prosecutor Fred Knapp with Parsippany residents
Police Chief Paul Philipps and Morris County Prosecutor Frederic Knapp with Parsippany residents

Also in attendance today was Morris County Prosecutor Frederic Knapp and Parsippany Police Chief Paul Philipps.

Plans to re-develop Lake Parsippany General Store

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Plans to re-develop Lake Parsippany General Store

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Adjustment will be hearing an application for Kingston Commons, 171 Kingston Road, Block: 245 Lot: 18.1 Zone: B-4. The location is the current site of Lake Parsippany General Store.

The applicant is seeking a “C” and ”D” variance along with Preliminary and Final Site plan to construct a mixed use consisting of two buildings, five units in each and a retail store.

Case#16:44 will be heard on Wednesday, December 7 at the Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.  The meeting will start at 7:30 p.m.

Morris County Sheriff’s Office collecting toys for patients

Nicolas Limanov
-
0
Morris County Sheriff’s Office collecting toys for patients

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office is collecting new donated toys for Zufall patients in need.

Please drop off new toys at Morris County Records and Administration Building, 10 Court Street, Morristown or Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Legal Services Section, 560 West Hanover Avenue, Morristown by December 13.

Any questions please contact Undersheriff William Schievella at (973) 285-6672 or email by clicking here.

Zufall Health is the medical and dental home for the underserved with sites in north, west, and central New Jersey. As a fully licensed, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), they provide high-quality, affordable, compassionate medical and dental care to patients in Morris, Sussex, Hunterdon, Warren, Somerset, and Essex counties. Zufall Health welcome patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors, regardless of income or insurance status. They offer a broad range of primary care and support services delivered in the comfortable, healing environments of our eight offices as well as on the Highlands Health Van, our eco-friendly mobile medical unit. Recognized as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) by the National Center for Quality Assurance (NCQA), Zufall is committed to working closely with patients to coordinate their care so they have direct access to all the services they need for optimum health and well being.

For more information on Zufall Health visit 85 Washington Street, Morristown or call (973) 998-7310. To visit their website, click here.

Julia Bruggeman: “The Ghost Phone” winner in our Halloween Story Contest

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Julia Bruggeman: “The Ghost Phone” winner in our Halloween Story Contest

PARSIPPANY — The staff at Parsippany Focus has chosen three winners in our “Halloween Story Contest” for young readers.

Mrs. Vittorio's, Julia Bruggeman and Frank Cahill
Mrs. Vittorio’s, Julia Bruggeman and Frank Cahill

The first winner is a student at Knollwood Elementary School; Julia Bruggeman, 11 years old, in the fifth grade. Julia received a plaque from Parsippany Focus, lunch for Julia, her parents and her teacher and a $25.00 VISA gift card.

Frank Cahill, Publisher and Nicolas Limanov, Photographer, visited Knollwood Elementary School and congratulated Julia.

The Ghost Phone

by Julia Bruggeman

Natalie was in her house, ready for school. She closed the door and hurried out, but she heard a voice. “Come with me to the Lost Woods. Come with me to the Lost Woods.” Natalie stopped, turned around, and screamed her head off. There wasn’t anything there. So, she walked into what seemed to be the woods that her parents wouldn’t let her into. When she walked in, it wasn’t a normal forest. There was a blast of light and everything changed. Instead of light shining down through the trees, the trees were covered with gigantic cobwebs. It smelled like dust and mold. Natalie, who was filled with fright, looked around. She was lost, but she was in luck. A small payphone that looked like it was from a million years ago was right in front of her. She called her mom, but it sounded like someone else.

“Hi the voice said. “To request this caller, press one.”

Natalie thought this person must be very famous to have a great voicemail like that, so she pressed one. “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH” Natalie screamed. “Don’t yell. It’s okay,” said a ghost figure that slowly began to appear. “Hi, fm Marcie!” Natalie was surprised about this.

“How do I get home?” she asked.

“Just come with me and you will see.”‘ So, Natalie followed Marcie into an immense stone castle that seemed bigger inside. “This,”‘ Marcie said “This is the Castle of Ghosts! Natalie thought this was crazy. Inside, was a golden throne, surrounded by terrifying ghosts. Soon, a ghost with a gold crown with rubies on it came out. “I am King Ghost,”‘ he said “If you want to go home, you have to defeat me in a battle. Marcie, you know what to do.”‘ Marcie went through Natalie’s ear and into her body to give her powers. ZAP! ZAP! ZAP! Natalie and King Ghost battled until Natalie had one blast left inside her. ZAP! She did it! Marcie· can now show Natalie the way out, but Marcie told her something important. “I’m your sister, Natalie. I died when you were little.”‘ Natalie’s jaw dropped, but she didn’t have time to think because Marcie already blasted her back home, where she belongs.

Alexa Strain: “Who was in the basement?” winner in our Halloween Story Contest

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Alexa Strain: “Who was in the basement?” winner in our Halloween Story Contest

PARSIPPANY — The staff at Parsippany Focus has chosen three winners in our “Halloween Story Contest” for young readers.

The second winner is a student at Knollwood Elementary School; Alexa Strain. Alexa received a plaque from Parsippany Focus, lunch for Alexa, her parents and her teacher and a $25.00 VISA gift card.

Frank Cahill, Alexa Strain and Mrs. Seib
Frank Cahill, Alexa Strain and Mrs. Seib

Publisher Frank Cahill and School Photographer Nicolas Limanov visited Mrs. Seib’s fifth grade class and announced the winner to the students.

What was in the basement?

by Alexa Strain

Behind the door Kacy heard a voice. One dark and gloomy night, Kacy was home alone. Her parents had to take her little brother to his soccer game. Kacy was watching T.V. when she heard a noise come from the basement. In Kacy’s house she had a frightening basement that nobody ever used. She wondered who could have been down there.

SLAM! Kacy got scared. What was that Kacy thought. It could have been just the wind so she ignored it. Stomp, Stomp! “Who is that”? Kacy screamed! Kacy called the police and they found nothing.  That night she went downstairs to see if anybody was there.

All of a sudden, she saw something. She called her parents immediately., and right when they got down there, it was gone. She stayed in the basement because she knew something was down there. She saw it again. “Who are you?” Kacy said. “I am a ghost and I want to kill your whole family.” “Why?” Kacy yelled. “Every Halloween I like to kill one family, so I decided to kill yours this year” said the ghost. “That’s not nice” Kacy said. Finally after an hour of talking Kacy convinced the ghost never to bother them again and become a nice ghost. That night she told her parents. They didn’t believe her but she knew that she saved her family and that’s all that mattered.

 

 

Sapana Dhakal: “Scary Story” winner in our Halloween Story Contest

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Sapana Dhakal: “Scary Story” winner in our Halloween Story Contest

PARSIPPANY — The staff at Parsippany Focus has chosen three winners in our “Halloween Story Contest” for young readers.

Frank Cahill, Sapana Dhakal and Ms. Wrightson
Frank Cahill, Sapana Dhakal and Ms. Wrightson

The third winner is a student at Knollwood Elementary School: Sapana Dhakal. Sapana received a plaque from Parsippany Focus, lunch for Sapana, her parents and her teacher and a $25.00 VISA gift card. Publisher Frank Cahill and photographer Nicolas Limanov visited the class and awarded Sapana with her winnings.

Scary Story

by Sapana Dhakal

Sally strolled down the dusty dirt path, her hands clamped to her dog’s leash. Her dog, Cookie, trotted beside her, wagging her tail. The shadowy trees leaned into them, their coarse branches reaching for their heads. Wet grass poked through the mud, and crickets chirped. It was getting dark, and Sally was heading home. Suddenly, Sally slipped into a mud puddle, her arms flailing. She slid past her dog and let go of the leash in panic. Sally was drenched in wet mud and water. There was chunks of the mud in her hair and it was smothered on her clothes.

“Woof!” Cookie leaped into the dark forest after a squirrel, barking excitedly. Sally gasped, jumping to her feet. She swiped at her brown hair, letting the mud drip onto the floor.
“Cookie!” Sally cried. Without a second thought, she sprinted into the woods. Sally breathed hard, sprinting past trees. She lost her balance, and tripped over a branch. Her body fell to the ground. Sally lay still, stifling her whimpers. She heard the sound of snapping twigs and crunching leaves. She lay still. “Cookie?” There was only silence. Sally leaped to her feet, turning around.

In between two trees, there stood a monster. The monster had black fur, and was almost melting in the shadows. It’s eyes were red, with repulsive yellow pupils. Sally’s heart stopped in her chest. She was paralyzed with fear. Boom! Thunder shook the sky, sending buckets of rain, piercing her skin like daggers.

Sally stumbled through the trees, weeping. The rain stopped, along with Sally. She dropped to her knees, whimpering in fear. A chill tingled through her spine as she looked in horror at the sight behind her. She could smell the putrid scent of rotting meat as the entity breathed over her. Yellow saliva dripped onto the ground. Sally let her tears run down her face, unable to move. Slowly, it let its arms wrap around her, lifting her off the air. “No!” Sally screamed. She wrestled her way out of the monster’s grip, shrieking and shouting. She escaped, crying furiously as she stumbled through the forest. Sally swiveled around just as the monster arrived. Sally took a stick and whacked the monster with fierce strength. The monster responded in shock, but soon anger. It swiped back angrily, hissing. Sally threw a punch on the monster’s stomach. In a flash of light, everything melted into darkness.

Sally’s eyelids fluttered open as she sat up, dazed and afraid. Everything was just a dream. The dog, the monster, everything. Just then, she heard the snapping of leaves and twigs, and a low growl from behind her …

sopana-dhakai

Robbery at Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Robbery at Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department’s Communication Center received a 911 call reporting a robbery that had just occurred at 799 Route 46 East, Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet on Sunday, November 27 at 4:47 p.m.

Multiple officers responded to the scene and spoke to the victim. They were advised by the victim that an unknown male entered the establishment and proceeded to the register where he passed the cashier a note demanding the money in the register.

After receiving the money the male fled the area on foot. Parsippany Police Department Detective Ted Anderson, Morris County Sheriff’s Department K9 and CIS units responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.

The surrounding area was check for the suspect, but he was not located. No weapons were displayed during the incident and no injuries were reported. The male is described as a white male, wearing a mask, dark sweatshirt, dark baseball cap, gloves, blue jeans, and a red undershirt.

This incident is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.

Tailgating banned during high school football title games this week at MetLife

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Tailgating banned during high school football title games this week at MetLife

ROBBINSVILLE — Don’t even think about tailgating at any of the 23 high school football sectional finals that will be played this weekend around New Jersey. The New Jersey State Interstate Athletic Association issued a ban on parking lot festivities at the four sites hosting championship games Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In a statement issued Monday…

Continue

Parsippany’s Expert: Aurora Information Security & Risk Found Liable for Fraud UPHELD

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Parsippany’s Expert: Aurora Information Security & Risk Found Liable for Fraud UPHELD

PARSIPPANY — On November 7, 2016, United States Court of Appeals found Mayor James Barberio and Township Attorney John Inglesino’s expert witness, (in the Captain James Carifi lawsuit), Matthew Ferrante “Not Credible” and ordered to pay Douglas Ferguson $371,594.34. This particular lawsuit was between Aurora (Matthew Ferrante) and a former business partner named Douglas Ferguson.

The three Judges for the second circuit Court of Appeals, Pierre N. Leval, Robert D. Sack and Reena Raggi all ruled in favor to uphold New York Southern District Court Judge Valerie Caproni’s decision finding Aurora Information Security & Risk and Matthew Ferrante liable for fraud.

Aurora Information and Security Risk founder Matthew Ferrante
Aurora Information and Security Risk founder Matthew Ferrante

As listed in the Judges’ “Summary Order” under “Liable for Fraud” they stated “By contrast, the District Court found much of Ferrante’s testimony not credible.  See e.g. id at 19 (Observing that Ferrante was “Largely not credible” in that he adhered to “An implausible narrative,” and his demeanor “Bespoke a witness who had predetermined what testimony he thought would be favorable and was resolved to provide it, without regard to whether it was true”).

The District Court ultimately concluded that “Ferrante” told Ferguson whatever Ferrante thought he wanted to hear in order to persuade him.”

3daycalendarAurora Information Security & Risk and Matthew Ferrante were hired by Township Attorney John Inglesino with Mayor Barberio’s approval to investigate Captain James Carifi the day after his brother, Paul Carifi Jr. announced his candidacy for Mayor in January 2013.

This was also, two days after Councilman Louis Valori secretly tape recorded (click here to listen to audio) a Sunday night (January 13, 2013) meeting at Parsippany Municipal Building where Valori accused Mayor Barberio and John Inglesino of bribing him with a job offer for $50,000 a year. The matter was investigated by Somerset County Prosecutors Office and no charges were filed.

Parsippany Focus previously reported that Aurora Information Security & Risk was suspended by the State of New Jersey and was not allowed to do business with any municipality while suspended.  (Read previous article by clicking here)

However, Mayor Barberio and John Inglesino continued to work with and pay Aurora during this suspension time.  The suspension time for Aurora Information Security & Risk as per the State of New Jersey was from January 16, 2014 to May 13, 2015. (Click here to view State of New Jersey official document.) It was also reported that none of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council members approved the services Aurora Information Security & Risk.

Township Attorney John Inglesino has billed Parsippany over one million dollars alone in fees Aurora Information Security & Risk has charged for investigating Captain Carifi.

To view the published opinion of the Court of appeals No: 15-3323-cv (2d Cir. Nov. 7. 2016) click here.

Family Promise Serves Record Number of People Impacted by Homelessness

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Family Promise Serves Record Number of People Impacted by Homelessness

MORRIS COUNTY — Family Promise of Morris County (FPMC), is closing out November Homelessness Awareness Month by receiving a Proclamation from Assemblyman Bucco acknowledging its work to end homelessness in the county.

Ally on the floor reading with child
Ally on the floor reading with child

At the request of Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, the proclamation is bestowed to commemorate Homeless Awareness month, raise awareness of the issue and to recognize FPMC for their positive contributions to the County of Morris and it’s residents.  Assemblyman Bucco urged all citizens to recognize and raise awareness of the issue of homelessness in our community.

Baby Boy
Baby Boy

“The recognition of National Homeless Awareness month provides an opportunity for us to tell the story of each and every person we help and the impact that has on our community,” said Joann Bjornson, Executive Director, Family Promise of Morris County.

“Regardless of age, race or religion, we work to ensure dignity and a path to self-sufficiency is provided to all those who seek it. I have to thank our volunteers and community members who give their time, talent and resources to support our shared mission of ending homelessness.”

In 2015 Family Promise of Morris County mobilized a volunteer workforce of over 1600 from 87 congregations to provide services to the county’s most vulnerable citizens with funding from grants, foundations and primarily private donors. 93% of FPMC donations go directly to support families in programs.

Last year, The Family Promise of Morris County organization provided:

  • 4,438 bed nights
  • A 94% Success rate of emergency shelter clients getting and keeping housing
  • Over 6,000 hours of Case management to this in shelter and community
  • Through Our Promise Drop In center (opened July 21, 2015), provided clinical case management in 1-on-1 private sessions, having served 18,000 face to face meetings and organized and managed over 6,000 pieces of mail for over 500 individuals.

About Family Promise of Morris County
Family Promise of Morris County is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit organization dedicated to ending the crisis of homelessness faced by Morris County residents by partnering with other public and private agencies, religious congregations and community volunteers to provide shelter, case management and mentoring services leading to self-sufficiency.

In 2015, FPMC had a 94% success rate of shelter clients getting and maintaining housing. 93% of every dollar FPMC receives directly supports children and their families. FPMC is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To donate or support FPMC click here.

Arrest for Hindering Apprehension

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Arrest for Hindering Apprehension

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Park Patrolman Timothy Drake executed a motor-vehicle stop for a moving violation in Parsippany on Wednesday, November 23

An investigation revealed Kristina M. Seybold, 20, Port Charlotte, Florida, to have an N.C.I.C. warrant from the Charlotte County, FL. Sheriff’s Office.

She was also charged with Hindering Apprehension and lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending extradition to Florida.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

Arrest for Narcotics and Driving while Intoxicated

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Arrest for Narcotics and Driving while Intoxicated

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Park Patrolman Anthony Brunone executed a motor-vehicle stop for a moving violation in Parsippany on Friday, November 25.

An investigation led to Daniel J. Wilets, 26, Morris Plains, to be charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Being Under the Influence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Driving While Intoxicated, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and several motor-vehicle violations.

He was eventually released with a court date pending.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

New York Jets Surprise U.S. Military Members with Custom-Made Jerseys

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
New York Jets Surprise U.S. Military Members with Custom-Made Jerseys

FLORHAM PARK — The New York Jets in partnership with the USO helped transform a seemingly ordinary afternoon into a friendly, but competitive, Turkey Bowl event at the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, the largest U.S. military base in the region. The action-packed event took place near the Pat Tillman USO Center, named for the former Army Ranger and Arizona Cardinals safety, as nearly 50 U.S. military members suited up for the game donning custom-made jerseys provided by the Jets.

1000w_q103

The Blue Star Mothers of America, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the military through service, fueled military members with over 100 “Humvee Gate” care packages.  New footballs, flag belts and award balls were also sent over to support the Turkey Bowl.

“We thank all of our NFL teams that support our troopers, particularly the New York Jets for their support of the Turkey Bowl in Afghanistan this Thanksgiving weekend,” said Lieutenant General Joseph Anderson. “Most of our soldiers are athletes who cherish the opportunity for a little competition and team building while deployed or at home.  Playing sports such as football while overseas in a combat zone is a huge distraction and the game makes everyone feel a little closer to home while they are away from their loved ones. We cannot do what we do without the support of our fellow Americans.”

For the day, the First Cavalry Division and USFOR-A were pitted against each other. Ultimately, Team First Cavalry Division prevailed, winning 79 to 62. SPC Keffer, quarterback for the First Cavalry, earned MVP honors. Before the game began, military members spoke with Jets center Nick Mangold via Skype for a pre-game talk before being treated to music and food outside of the Pat Tillman USO Center.

“It was an incredible honor to speak with the men and women of our military who every day serve to protect our country,” said Mangold. “Today was just a small token of our gratitude for their dedication and sacrifice.”

Wednesday’s game marked the second time the New York Jets and the USO have collaborated to host a flag football game. In August, the Jets sent custom-made jerseys, footballs, flag belts and more to the Bagram Air Base, where members from the 10th Mountain Division, 518th Resolute Support Sustainment Brigade and the 25th Signal Battalion of the U.S. Army played a handful of games.

“The men and women of the First Cavalry Division and U.S. Forces Afghanistan are deeply appreciative of the tremendous love and support you’ve shown from home, especially during the holiday season,” said Maj. Gen. John C. Thomson III, 1st Cavalry Division Commanding General. “This is a wonderful opportunity to engage in All-American turkey and football and I could not be more proud of the competitive spirit shown by our outstanding troopers.”

Eight soldiers, who participated in a Jets-themed flag football game earlier in the year while they were deployed to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, led the Jets out of the tunnel during introductions in Week 10. The group also presented Jets owner Woody Johnson with a signed game ball from the August event.

Mt. Tabor Paraprofessional Nominated for National LifeChanger Award

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Mt. Tabor Paraprofessional Nominated for National LifeChanger Award

PARSIPPANY —Sharon Dickerson, an instructional paraprofessional at Mt. Tabor Elementary School, has been nominated for the 2016-17 national LifeChanger of the Year Award.

Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, the national LifeChanger of the Year program recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 public and private school educators and employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Sharon Dickerson
Sharon Dickerson, an instructional paraprofessional at Mt. Tabor Elementary School, has been nominated for the 2016-17 national LifeChanger of the Year Award.

Dickerson was nominated by a colleague, Jacqueline DeMarco. According to DeMarco, Dickerson and her family held a major role in re-opening Mount Tabor Elementary School in 1998. She has supported the school with numerous donations ever since, the largest of which was funding an outdoor classroom for all students to enjoy.

“Mrs. Dickerson is a LifeChanger due to her exceptional integrity, capability and sense of responsibility,” said DeMarco. “Many of our students’ parents say that she has made their children feel more comfortable and confident in their abilities.

Through all she has done, and all that she is, she has changed the lives of our students, colleagues and community.”

Dickerson is known for doing various acts of kindness at Mt. Tabor School. These acts include birthday cards for each staff member, hand crocheted afghans for every new baby born in the Mt. Tabor community and special items for those leaving the school. Most recently, Dickerson has made hundreds of smiley faces with inspirational messages on them for each and every staff member. Everything that she does helps her colleagues smile larger, work harder and make a larger difference in all of their students’ lives.

Dickerson is also known throughout the community for her generosity. She volunteers at the United Methodist Church in Mt. Tabor through teaching Sunday School and running their Thrift Shop. Additionally, she and her family have traveled to Guatemala each year for the past five years to build houses for families in need.

Each school year, the LifeChanger of the Year program receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For 2016-2017, there will be a total of 15 individual LifeChanger of the Year awards. In addition, a sixteenth prize, the “National Spirit Award,” is given to the school and nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. Each winner will receive a cash award that is split between the individual winner and their school. The national Grand Prize award is $10,000. Winners are announced via surprise award ceremonies held at their schools. The top five winners will also be honored at a national awards ceremony in Naples, Florida. Winners will be announced in Spring 2017.

Winners will be chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals. Nominees must be school district employees. Award winners are selected based on the following criteria:

  • A proven ability to make a beneficial difference in the lives of students
  • An ability to positively add to the development of the school’s atmosphere
  • Is involved in leadership activities at the school and/or community level
  • A demonstrative record of excellent performance at the professional level
  • A commitment to producing a nurturing atmosphere
  • Adherence to high moral and ethical standards

To view Ms. Dickerson’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile click here.

Explosive Beer Can on Allentown Road

Frank L. Cahill
-
0
Explosive Beer Can on Allentown Road

PARSIPPANY — Multiple callers contacted the Parsippany Police Department’s Communication Center to report hearing a possible explosion in the area of Allentown Road and Marmora Road at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Sunday evening, November 27.

Police set up a "Do Not Cross" barricade
Police set up a “Do Not Cross” barricade (c) Parsippany Focus

Paul Merkler, a spokesman for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, said the prosecutor’s office was notified of an explosion in the area of Allentown Road.

Multiple units responded to the scene and found the remnants of a small rudimentary device located in the roadway.

Parsippany Detective Ted Anderson, along with the Morris County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad, Morris County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Section and K-9 responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.

Parsippany Rescue and Recovery was called to the scene to provide lighting in the area.

Merkler stated investigators determined a beer can with an explosive substance was detonated in the street but more information on the explosive used wasn’t available.

No injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311 or to make an anonymous crime tip contact Morris County Crime Stoppers at 973-COPCALL.

1...451452453...570Page 452 of 570