Snow predictions for New Jersey have dropped yet again as forecasters for the National Weather Service track a nor’easter that is expected to move up the coast this weekend but push out more quickly. Forecasters are now saying the most snow New Jersey may see out of this approaching storm is an inch or two, compared…
3.14159 celebrated at Mathnasium
PARSIPPANY — Mathnasium of Northeast Parsippany celebrated Pi Day where the students performed pi-related activities in place of their normal session and held a pi memorization contest again.
“Pi Day” was named because the irrational number representing the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter will show up in 10 sequential digits as opposed to the typical three.
The difference from last year being… the students performed activities every hour!
The top winner memorized and recited 155 digits this year as opposed to a still impressive 83 digits last year, where second place memorized 102 digits and there was a tie for third place at 101 digits – talk about close!
They had some good shots of instructors getting pied in the face (where the winner of each contest would be able to pie any instructor they wanted), including some good short videos.
This Pi Day was arguably even more special than last year in the sense that 3.14.16 is actually much closer to pi because pi is 3.14159… as well as it being Albert Einstein’s 137th birthday!
Mathnasium of Northeast Parsippany is located at 450 North Beverwyck Road. For more information, click here.
Mathnasium help children in grades 2-12 understand math by teaching the way that makes sense to them.
Intervale School PTA hosts very successful “Wine, Dine and Win” fundraiser
PARSIPPANY — The Intervale School PTA held a “Wine, Dine and Win” fundraiser at the Knoll West Country Club on Wednesday, March 16. The wine tasting was sponsored by Eldorado Winehouse, 346 Route 46 East, Mountain Lakes.
The event committee worked tirelessly to put the event together. The members included Anya Sheiffele and Jill Cerullo, Event Co-chairs; Jennifer Garcia, Dawn Filippone, Diana McElroy, Marci Souza, Lisa Reilly, Alyson Bavas, Lori Wright, Fay Widdowson, Carie Morgan, Lisa LacLachlan, Tina Murphy, Daniela DiLauri and Andy Sadowski.
Some of the local merchants donating were Montville Diner, Outback Steakhouse, Gourmet Cafe, Bagel City Grill, Applebee’s, Riviera Maya, Eccola, Hapgoods, Gencarelli and Kafe Mozart.
Also Interval Junior Girl Scout Troop 5090, Montville Inn, Intervale Second Grade Brownie Troop 6175, Pelican Ski Shop, Little Vikings Cheer, Photography by Elizabeth, Paper Mill Play Mill Playhouse, Intervale PTA, Little Vikings Football, Parsippany Lacrosse Club, Atlantis Fitness Club, Lakeland Hills YMCA, Monster Mini Golf, Great Wolf Lodge, New York Jets, New Horizons Day Camp and many others.
Some of the level three prizes included a New Horizons Day Camp, valued at $1,795.00, a $1,400.00 membership at Atlantis Fitness Club, A $300.00 value Bobby Brown Basket, A New York Jets Football valued at $300.00, a Great Wolf Lodge Getaway valued at $300.00, a Lakeland Hills YMCA membership valued at $975.00, a Tiffany basket valued at $1,025.00 and a Tiffany Shadowbox valued at $600.00.
When will snow start and how much will fall? The latest predictions
Two big questions are on lots of minds this morning: How much snow are we going to get? And when will it arrive? The answers depend on who you rely on for weather information. Most meteorologists in our region agree a strong storm will form in the southeastern United States and drift north and east along…
Morris County Narcotics Task Force Dismantles Drug Trafficking Network
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces the arrests of several drug traffickers following a three-month investigation into the importation and distribution of heroin and cocaine in Morris County.
Between December 2015 and March 2016, members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit and Detectives with the Morristown Bureau of Police received information regarding cocaine and heroin distribution by multiple members of the Washington family.
An investigation commenced and intelligence was developed by members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Special Enforcement Unit/Narcotics Task Force, that Ronald G. Washington and his brother George Washington were obtaining a significant supply of heroin and cocaine from a source in Passaic County. The cocaine and heroin was imported into Morris County and sold throughout Morristown, Victory Gardens, Dover and surrounding areas.
On March 13 and 14 several court-ordered search and arrest warrants were executed throughout Morris and Passaic Counties by members of the Narcotics Task Force, Morris County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT), Passaic County Sheriff’s Department SWAT and the New Jersey State Police TEAMS Unit.
The investigation resulted in Court authorization for 25 arrests, the seizure of more than 1400 individual folds of heroin, approximately 55 grams of cocaine, various packaging and drug distribution related material, more than $33,500 in United States currency, and handgun ammunition. Additionally, eleven motor vehicles were seized.
The following is a list of individuals charged in the investigation. The charges specific to each individual are included on the attached table:
- Prentice Melton (aka “Prince”), 47, of Clifton (arrested)
- Ronald G. Washington (aka “Trank”), 56, of Dover (arrested)
- George R. Washington (aka “GW”), 51, of Morristown (arrested)
- Michael A. Washington (aka “Raheem”), 54, of Dover (arrested)
- Robert L. Washington (aka “Robbie”), 49, of Morristown (arrested)
- Deborah A. Jones (aka “Auntie”), 61, of Dover (arrested)
- Derrell A. Jones, 31, of Dover (arrested)
- David W. Jones (aka “Bones”), 58, of Dover (arrested)
- Randy Gwaltney (aka “Pee Wee”), 44, of Dover (arrested)
- William A. Bryant, Jr., 50, of Morristown (arrested)
- Gregory Blayer, 34, of Flanders (arrested)
- Otis L. Davis, 57, of Morristown (arrested)
- Andrew W. Mistkowski, 50, of Randolph (arrested)
- Jennie E. Maccario, 36, of Hopatcong (arrested)
- Jessica L. Debonis, 30, of Flanders (at large)
- Melissa A. Lapinski, 36, of Budd Lake (arrested)
- Richard J. Hillabrant, 45, of Rockaway (arrested)
- Korey E. Holloway, 41, of Morristown (arrested)
- Carla J. Forgione, 44, of Rockaway (arrested)
- Sheyne V. Jordan, 45, of Rockaway (arrested)
- Marcelo Fabian, 44, of Dover (arrested)
- Stephen Rudolph, 59, of Glen Gardner (arrested)
- Lauren M. Ellis-White, 52, of Dover (arrested)
- Brandon L. White, 22, Dover (arrested)
- Ashon J. Hackett-Taylor, 22, of Morristown (arrested)
The Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr. authorized the warrant complaints and set the bails for most of the defendants. The Honorable Ira Cohen, J.M.C. set bail on Derrell Jones.
Prosecutor Knapp stated: “This investigation uncovered a prolific drug trafficking network that distributed cocaine and heroin on the streets of Morris County. The widespread distribution of heroin has a detrimental impact on the lives of all citizens of Morris County. It remains a priority of this Office to target those offenders responsible for spreading this deadly narcotic drug throughout our communities. The cooperation of numerous state, county and local law enforcement agencies throughout northern New Jersey made this hugely successful operation possible.”
Prosecutor Knapp wishes to thank the following agencies for their invaluable assistance and commitment to the Task Force: Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit, Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Morris County Park Police, New Jersey State Police, Morristown Bureau of Police, Florham Park Police Department, Dover Police Department, Roxbury Township Police Department, Morris Township Police Department, Mendham Township Police Department, Chester Township Police Department, Madison Borough Police Department, Chatham Township Police Department, Chatham Borough Police Department, Chester Borough Police Department, Fairfield Police Department, Randolph Township Police Department, Butler Police Department, Mt. Arlington Police Department, Lincoln Park Police Department, Harding Township Police Department, Wharton Borough Police Department, Jefferson Township Police Department, Hopatcong Police Department, Hanover Township Police Department, Rockaway Township Police Department, Morris Plains Police Department, and the Clifton Police Department.
The investigation and prosecution is being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division. Task Force Officer Edward Zienowicz of the Morris County Narcotics Task Force and Detective Scott Pino of the Morristown Bureau of Police were the lead investigators. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
“Legally Blonde” continues at PHHS
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills Players is performing “Legally Blonde” The Musical at Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive. The show opened last night, and will continue today, Friday, March 18 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m.
The show is based on a book by Heather Hach. Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Neil Benjamin, based on a novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn Mayer Motion Picture.
When a blonde sorority queen is dumped by her boyfriend, she decides to follow him to law school to get him back and, once there, learns she has more legal savvy than she ever imagined.
Admission is $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for senior citizens and non district students. Parsippany-Troy Hills School District students are free with student ID.
It was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture: Musical or Comedy and was ranked 29th on Bravo’s 2007 list of “100 Funniest Movies”.
For her performance, Witherspoon received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and the 2002 MTV Movie Award for Best Female Performance.
Jury learns Parsippany woman charged in fatal crash
MORRISTOWN — The jury hearing the case of Vanessa Brown, who’s accused of killing an East Hanover man in a DWI crash, learned Wednesday she was convicted of DWI in 2009, the Daily Record reported. Superior Court Judge Salem Vincent Ahto read to the jury a stipulation — an undisputed statement of facts agreed to by…
Jonathan Franchini earns degree from Delaware Valley University
PARSIPPANY — Dr. Bashar Hanna, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty at Delaware Valley University, announced that Jonathan Franchini of Lake Hiawatha earned a degree (B.S., Food Science and Management) from Delaware Valley University in December 2015.
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.
Police charge motorist with driving while intoxicated
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Dispatchers were contacted by a citizen reporting a male yelling in the parking lot of 300 Parsippany Road and revving a vehicle’s engine at 11:06 p.m. on Sunday, March 13.
Upon arrival of multiple Patrol Units they made contact with Daniel Henry, 41, Parsippany, who was observed operating a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix.
After a short investigation Mr. Henry was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated. He was then transported to Parsippany Police Headquarters where he was processed and issued summons for Driving While Intoxicated and Possession of an open/unsealed container of an Alcoholic Beverage in the Passenger compartment of a Motor Vehicle. Mr. Henry was released on his own recognizance into the custody of a friend pending his court date.
Driver with fictitious license plates charged with numerous violations
PARSIPPANY — While patrolling the area of Route 46 East and Edwards Road, on Thursday, March 10 at 12:05 a.m. Patrol Officer D. Ross observed a 1992 Buick Century fail to signal a right turn onto Edwards Road and then straddle the double yellow line.
Patrol Officer D. Ross attempted to check the vehicle’s registration, but it came back invalid. At this time he conducted a motor vehicle stop of the vehicle on Edwards Road and spoke to the driver, Pete Petrosino, 55, Morris Plains.
After a brief investigation Mr. Petrosino was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated and for an active warrant issued by Paterson Municipal Court with a bail amount of $405.00.
Mr. Petrosino was processed and issued summonses for Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Driving While Suspended, Fictitious Plates, and Failure to Signal a Turn. Mr. Petrosino was released on his own recognizance to a friend pending his court date for his Parsippany charges.
Paterson Municipal Court also released Mr. Petrosino on his own recognizance pending his court date in Paterson for their charges.
RB Announces Durex Condom Donation to Combat Spread of the Zika Virus
PARSIPPANY — As recently announced the CDC Foundation, RB is donating more than 225,000 Durex condoms to the CDC Foundation for inclusion in their Zika prevention kits being distributed in the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to combat the spread of Zika virus. This donation follows RB’s creation of a $1 million Zika relief package. The three U.S. territories have reported local spread of the virus from mosquitoes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All Zika cases reported to date in the continental United States have been associated with travel to areas where Zika virus is active. RB is located at 399 Interpace Parkway.
“RB is committed to helping people live healthier lives, and I’m proud that RB can help the CDC Foundation and private individuals take action to prevent the spread of the Zika virus in the United States and abroad,” said Alexander Lacik, president of North America at RB. “We hope that this donation of Durex condoms and our continued partnership with organizations such as the CDC Foundation will help combat the spread of the Zika virus.”
The CDC Foundation connects CDC with private-sector organizations and individuals to build public health programs to make the world a healthier and safer. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared Zika virus disease and its association with severe birth defects a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on February 1, 2016. The CDC Foundation activated its Global Disaster Response Fund and the U.S. Emergency Response Fund in early February to help control the outbreak.
Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito and, according to the CDC, usually causes few to no symptoms in people. However, when a pregnant woman is infected, the virus can spread to her fetus, potentially causing birth defects such as microcephaly, a condition that causes babies to be born with underdeveloped brains. Zika virus also can be spread by infected men to their sex partners. Until more information is known about the virus, CDC is recommending that people (who live in or have sex with people) who have visited at-risk areas use a condom when having sex.
“We are extremely grateful for RB’s generous contribution,” said Dr. Judith Monroe, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation. “Their donation of condoms for the Zika prevention kits will help in protecting people and saving lives.”
“For more than 80 years, Durex has played a leading role in sexual health and bringing people together safely,” said Karen Chisholm of Durex at RB. “Each of our condoms goes through a rigorous process to ensure only the highest quality of product reaches our consumers, ensuring that we meet the best international standards as well as our own.”
About RB
RB* is the world’s leading consumer health and hygiene company. The company has operations in over 60 countries, with headquarters in London, Dubai and Amsterdam, and sales in most countries across the globe. The company employs approximately 37,000 people worldwide.
Inspired by a purpose to deliver innovative solutions for healthier lives and happier homes, RB is in the top 20 of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. We are the global No. 1 or No. 2 in the majority of our fast-growing categories, driven by an exceptional rate of innovation. Our health, hygiene and home portfolio is led by our global Powerbrands including: Nurofen, Strepsils, Gaviscon, Mucinex, Durex, Scholl, Clearasil, Lysol, Dettol, Veet, Harpic, Cillit Bang, Mortein, Finish, Vanish, Calgon, AirWick, Woolite and French’s. Our Powerbrands represent 80% of our net revenue.
RB is redefining the world of consumer health and hygiene. Our people and unique culture are at the heart of our success. We have a drive for achievement and a passion to outperform wherever we focus, including sustainability where we are targeting a 1/3 reduction in water impact, 1/3 reduction in carbon and 1/3 of net revenue from more sustainable products. We are proud to be Save the Children’s largest global partner, with a new vision to radically reduce one of the world’s largest killer of children under 5, diarrhea.
For more information visit www.rb.com.
*RB is the trading name of Reckitt Benckiser group of companies
Parsippany resident arrested for Possession of Marijuana
PARSIPPANY — While patrolling the area of Knoll Country Club at 8:37 p.m. on March 12, Patrol Officer Ernest Elston and Michael Sprung observed a 2003 Chevy Malibu parked in the Amphitheater parking lot after the park had closed for the night.
The vehicle was found to be unoccupied, so the Officers began to check the surrounding area. A short time later they made contact with a 19 year old Parsippany resident, along with another male from Boonton.
After a brief investigation the resident was placed under arrest and transported to Parsippany Police Headquarters were he was charged with Possession of Under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.
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.
Osmun arrested for DWI and four other charges
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Dispatchers were advised of a two vehicle motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Route 46 West and Baldwin Road, on March 1 at 10:23 p.m.
Upon arrival of Patrol Sergeant Ross Cooper and Patrol Officers J. Domiciano and E. Ebanks, they found a 2010 Chevy Traverse and a 2003 Volkswagen Beetle that were involved in a motor vehicle crash.
The three occupants in the Chevy Traverse and the sole occupant/driver of the Volkswagen Beetle were all uninjured. Patrol Sergeant R. Cooper and Patrol Officer J. Domiciano spoke to Christopher Osmun, 23, Parsippany, who was driving the Volkswagen Beetle.
After a brief investigation Mr. Osmun was advised that he was under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated. As Officers attempted to handcuff Mr. Osmun he began flailing his arms and resist the Officers attempt to handcuff him.
After a brief struggle Mr. Osmun was handcuffed and transported back to Parsippany Police Headquarters. While at Parsippany Police Department he was charged with Resisting Arrest, Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While Intoxicated in a School Zone, Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test, and Reckless Driving.
He was released on his own recognizance into the custody of a family member pending his court date.
Preliminary investigation by Patrol Officer E. Ebanks revealed that the Chevy Traverse was stopped at the red light on Route 46 West at Baldwin Road when the Volkswagen Beetle failed to stop and crashed into the rear of the Chevy Traverse.
Officer Stone arrested two males with stolen vehicle
PARSIPPANY — While patrolling New Road, Patrol Officer William Stone observed an improperly parked 1998 Nissan Altima on the shoulder of the road near Interstate 280.
As he passed the vehicle he conducted a check of the registration and also observed a male sitting inside the vehicle and another male standing outside it.
He quickly received a response that the vehicle was reported stolen, at which time he conducted a U-Turn to further investigate the vehicle and the two males.
While conducting the U-Turn he observed the two males crossing the roadway heading towards Wawa. Patrol Officer Stone made contact with Xaquai Green, 18, East Orange, and a 17 year old juvenile male from East Orange in front of Wawa and inquired about the vehicle.
Other patrol units arrived on scene to assist. After a brief investigation it was determined that the vehicle was reported stolen from Newark on February 24, at which time Mr. Green was placed under arrest and the juvenile male was taken into custody.
Both individuals were transported to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department and charged with receiving stolen property.
Mr. Green’s charge had a bail amount of $2000.00 with a 10% option which he was able to post. He was released pending his court appearance. The juvenile was released to the custody of his parents pending his court date.
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.
Iacono Selected as Third President of CCM
RANDOLPH – Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, an accomplished administrator with more than 20 years of experience in higher education and community colleges, has been selected by the County College of Morris (CCM) Board of Trustees to serve as the college’s third president. The trustees passed a resolution to appoint Iacono as CCM’s next president with a unanimous vote at its monthly meeting Wednesday night, March 16.
Iacono, who is a community college graduate, is currently Vice President of Academic Affairs at Indian River State College (IRSC) in Fort Pierce, FL. He will join CCM as presidential nominee on August 15 and then will be named president on September 1 after Dr. Edward J. Yaw retires as the college’s second president at the end of August.
“Dr. Iacono brings a notable passion for student success and a comprehensive understanding of the important roles that community colleges play,” said Dr. Joseph L. Ricca, chair of the Board of Trustees. “His expertise in creating innovative approaches to teaching and learning, developing community partnerships and securing grants and other funding provides a distinct advantage as CCM seeks to build upon its record of success for offering high-quality academic programs and career, transfer and professional development programs to serve the community and region.”
Iacono will be leaving IRSC after 17 years, having also held the positions of Associate Dean for Developmental Education and full-time professor of history. His accomplishments include serving as a core member of the team that helped IRSC earn recognition by the Aspen Award Committee as one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation based on exceptional student success; leading a team of faculty, administrators and staff in supporting IRSC for admission into the Achieving the Dream network; and supporting faculty in the creation of IRSC’s Institute for Academic Excellence, an innovative research and professional development center. Along with his administrative responsibilities, he has served as an advisor to the United States Department of Education, the Florida Department of Education and various national think tanks and educational reform organizations. He is also one of the four founders of Florida’s Institute for the Professional Development of Adult Educators. He is the recipient of numerous teaching and leadership awards and is a nationally recognized speaker on the topics of leadership, educational innovation, literacy and career pathways.
Prior to joining IRSC, Iacono held teaching positions at the University of Central Florida and Mississippi State University.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected as the next president of County College of Morris and I greatly appreciate the confidence that the search committee and the Board of Trustees have entrusted in me,” said Iacono. “CCM is an exceptional institution that has achieved significant success since its creation in 1968. For more than 30 years, it has benefited enormously from the vision and leadership of Dr. Edward Yaw, its Board of Trustees, its administrative team, talented faculty and staff, as well as members of the community who have dedicated themselves to creating a college that has changed countless lives. As an individual who is passionate about helping people improve their future through education, strengthening communities through partnerships, economic growth and cultural enrichment, and pioneering innovative approaches to learning, I look forward to leading CCM and working with a talented team of people who share that passion. As an educator, my greatest focus is student success and CCM is well positioned to support its students today and for generations to come.”
A first-generation college student, Iacono received his Ph.D. in American history from Mississippi State University, his M.A. and B.A. in American history from the University of Central Florida, and his Associate in Arts in general studies from Indian River Community College. IRSC was formed in 1965 when Indian River Community College and Lincoln Junior College merged.
Ricca said the selection of Iacono concludes a seven-month search conducted by a 10-member committee comprised of trustees and representatives from the college’s unions, administration, student body and the CCM Foundation. The committee, assisted by the search firm Isaacson, Miller, interviewed seven people and selected four finalists to take part in informational sessions with the college community in late January and early February. Feedback from those sessions was considered by the Board of Trustees in making the final selection, said Ricca.
“The search committee did an outstanding job of understanding the level of leadership the college is seeking and in selecting candidates for consideration,” said Ricca. “They established high standards, asked insightful questions, and diligently reviewed and discussed the merits of the applicants to select the best candidates. My fellow trustees and I are extremely grateful for the time and dedication the committee devoted to this process and for the input of the college community.”
District 5 holds successful 17th Annual Corned Beef Dinner
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5 held their 17th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner fundraiser on Saturday, March 12 at their Old Bloomfield Ave Firehouse. The Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner was cooked and served by the members.
CCM Fine Art Students Showcase Their Talent at MPAC Gallery
RANDOLPH – Students in the Fine Arts Program at County College of Morris (CCM) once again are displaying their artwork in the Art Upstairs gallery at the MAYO Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown.
Approximately 50 pieces of student artwork are included in the “CCM at the Mayo” juried exhibition running through April 11. A reception, free and open to the public, will be held in the gallery on Wednesday, March 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. The gallery is located at 100 South Street, Morristown.
Gift certificates, sponsored by Dick Blick Art Materials, will be awarded to the artists of the top six works selected as winners. MPAC’s Programming Consultant Charles Miller will be judging the artwork and providing feedback.
This is the third consecutive year MPAC is providing CCM students with this opportunity to exhibit their work to the community.
The gallery is open two hours before scheduled performances or by appointment.
To contact the gallery, please call 973-539-0345, ext. 8.
For information on the CCM Department of Art and Design, click here.
Kick off Annual Giving Campaign for Kids
PARSIPPANY — You may have noticed some TV ads that the YMCA of the USA launched a month or so ago, featuring a little tot named Zoe. Being an election year, the unique and fun idea was to advertise “Zoe for President” even though she is only a one-year old. The concept being that all kids have the potential to grow up and change the world if they’re nurtured properly and supported along the way.
With that always being integral to their mission and being a not-for-profit organization, the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA will kick off their annual GIVE A KID THE Y campaign on April 1 for the same reasons. This annual effort primarily supports financial aid scholarships for childcare, after school care, and summer day camp, providing dollars of financial assistance to those in the local area who are less fortunate. The Y invites you to become a part of this important initiative by supporting this vital cause. Your gift will provide programs and services that give all kids what they need to succeed from childhood and beyond – regardless of their financial circumstances.
Please pledge (payable by December 31, 2016) your support when one of their volunteers contacts you or pledge/donate online by clicking here.
Walmart honors Parsippany’s Kent International with 2016 “Supplier of the Year” award
PARSIPPANY ─ Walmart’s prestigious, annual “Supplier of the Year” award once again has been presented to Kent International. The bicycle company, with 85 employees at its Bicycle Corporation of America (BCA) plant in Manning South Carolina
, and 70 more at its Parsippany headquarters, received the same award in 2015.
Kent, currently producing 6,000 bikes per week in South Carolina, has expansion plans that will shift its focus from assembly to direct manufacturing. This significant broadening of operations is projected to result in the creation of about 100 additional jobs in Manning SC, for a total of 175-200 jobs.
“Our company is a stellar example of what U.S. based production can achieve,” explains Scott Kamler, President of Kent International, which has supplied bicycles to Walmart since 1997. “Bikes made overseas simply cannot match our level of engineering refinement, which enables Walmart customers to assemble them in only about five minutes. Providing this degree of convenience is part of what’s enabling us to plan for future growth. We’re extremely proud of our successes, products, and of once again being recognized by Walmart.”
Kent’s South Carolina facility makes five different bicycle models, all under its BCA brand, which it ships to 2,500 Walmart stores nationwide.
“Walmart’s January 2013 U.S. Manufacturing Commitment to buy an additional $250 billion is U.S. products over 10 years is helping create additional jobs not just in New Jersey and South Carolina, but throughout the United States, and that’s good for American businesses and our local communities,” said Walmart spokesman, Scott Markley. “With changes in energy costs and labor costs overseas, it is increasingly cost effective and efficient to manufacture closest to the point of consumption, helping Walmart respond to trends and customer demand. Our customers tell us that where products are made is most important second only to price.”
About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, nearly 260 million customers and members visit our 11,535 stores under 72 banners in 28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries. With fiscal year 2016 revenue of $482.1 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found clicking here.
Morris Habitat for Humanity Holds Successful 11th Annual Gala Fundraiser
MORRIS COUNTY — At this year’s Morris Habitat for Humanity Hearts & Hammers Gala almost 300 people mingled, ate very well and rocked to music from the band, Escapade, where the bass player, Robert Rosenberger, is a future Morris Habitat homeowner (Carlton Street, Morris Township).
The evening activities began with digital “red carpet” photos and ended with a delicious dessert buffet and a cigar rolling demonstration. Other highlights of the evening included “Build it Now!,” a digital home that was “built” as guests donated funds to Morris Habitat.
The always popular Silent Auction included some unique and special items, such as original artwork by Morris Habitat Homeowner and professional artist, David Gavasheli, tickets to Dancing with the Stars, and a scenic flight donated by the Morris Aero Club.
Every year Morris Habitat honors several people and corporations. This year awards were presented to three members of the Morris Habitat family who have given generously of their time and expertise:
Founders Award: Peter Wentworth, Wentworth Associates
Corporate Partnership Award: Travelers Insurance
Beth Everett Award: Jim Mullen, Esquire
Premier Sponsor – Bayer
Platinum Sponsors – Investors Bank and the Morris Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors
Gold Sponsors – GAF, Kraus Marketing, Lakeland Bank, Provident Bank, PWC and Travelers
Silver Sponsors – Atlantic Health System, Fox Rothschild LLP, G4S, Donald & Teeny Kuhn, NCJAR, New Jersey Natural Gas, Nisivoccia LLP, Sophie & Rickard Palla, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, Ruth Ryan, Stage It 123, Jeannie & Andrew Tsukamoto, Esq., Wentworth Associates, LLC, Wilson Elser, and Withum Tax Audit Advisory
Akirah Farrell, and her seven-year-old daughter, recently moved into a Morris Habitat home in Morristown and shared her experiences with the attendees to put the evening’s purpose into perspective. She gave a very heartfelt speech telling everyone about her life and desire to do better for herself and her daughter.
While working full time, Akirah went to school for an advanced degree. However, despite all her efforts she has not been able to afford a place of her own. That is until she applied for and was selected to be a Morris Habitat homeowner. Akirah said, “thank you all for supporting Morris Habitat. With your help, I purchased a home I can afford, which provides independence, stability and peace of mind. With your help, my daughter has a home where she can stretch out, ride her bike and be a kid.”
Raising funds for safe, decent affordable housing is what the Hearts & Hammers Gala is all about. The funds raised from this event will help Morris Habitat meet the 2016 goal of starting twelve homes. The success of the Gala depends on the involvement of many people. Morris Habitat can’t thank all the sponsors, donors, and attendees enough. The planning for and logistics of the evening were flawless, thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers, many of whom help out year after year!
For more information on Morris Habitat and its activities, click here or call (973) 891-1934.
About Morris Habitat for Humanity:
Morris Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles by building homes, communities and hope. Morris Habitat is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; advocating for fair and just housing policies; and providing training and access to resources to help families improve their living conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. Morris Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion.
Since 1985 Morris Habitat has served 400 households though home ownership opportunities, home preservation, and international home building programs. Of these 62 home were home repair projects and 74 new homes were built as well. Morris Habitat has set a goal of twelve housing starts for 2016, completing nine homes during the year. In addition, proceeds from the ReStore, opened May 2007, have funded 18 homes and diverted almost 5,100 tons of useable material out of landfills. Located at 274 South Salem Street, Randolph. Store hours: Tuesday & Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.