MORRIS COUNTY — The 11th Annual Highlands Juried Art Exhibit Opening Reception will be held on Sunday, September 29, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the newly restored Maxfield Engine House, located at 713 Main Street. This event will showcase a variety of original photography, paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces, all inspired by the landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage of the Highlands region, with a special emphasis on the New Jersey Highlands.

Cash prizes totaling $1,200 will be awarded during the reception for first, second, and third places in both the Fine Art and Photography categories. Honorable mentions and youth awards will also be announced. The Fine Art winners will be selected by Hal Bromm, curator and founder of Hal Bromm Gallery in New York City. Dwight Hiscano, founder of the Highlands Juried Art Exhibits, will choose the Photography winners, and Paul Jach and Kristy Brucale Jach, of Speakeasy Art Gallery in Boonton, will select the Youth Award winners.

The artwork displayed in the exhibit was selected by a panel of jurists including Hiscano, Elliott Ruga, policy and communications director at the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, and an award-winning photographer and filmmaker, Donna Compton, the current curator of the Highlands Juried Art Exhibit and director and founder of Compton Gallery in Boonton, Paul and Kristy Brucale Jach, curators and co-founders of Speakeasy Art Gallery in Boonton, Mitchell Rosenzweig, award-winning painter, photographer, and filmmaker, and John Castronovo, fine art and photography printer and founder of Tech Photo in Boonton. The exhibit will run until December 29.

Visitors can attend during regular visiting hours, found on the website by clicking here. Exhibited artwork is available for purchase, with some proceeds benefiting the New Jersey Highlands Coalition.

For further information about the exhibit, call (973) 910-2400 or email Highlandsart@gmail.com.

The exhibit will feature works by fifty artists, including Linda Aldrich, Peter Aldrich, George Aronson, Jane Biron, Mitchell Brozinsky, Linda Calvet, Jessica Cavaliere, Denise Cocchiaro, Rob Creteau, Debra Oliver Dewing, Charles Dexter, Todd Doney, Doris Ettlinger, Edward Fausty, Patricia Gear, Rafal Goraczniak, Eric Gustavsen, Robin Gutkin, David Henderson, Paul Jach, Marv Kaminsky, Joe Kazimierczyk, Andrea Kelly, Paul Koalchuk, Justine Kovacs, Judith Lieberman, Chris Lind, Lisa Madson, Dennis Maida, Angelo Marcialis, Michael McFadden, Rich McGuigan, Allison Miskulin, Patricia Mueller, Elaine Norman, Kim Parker, Erica Engfer Pizza, Ewa Pokora, Dennis Romano, Martha Romano, Ken Ross, Seth Ruggles Hiler, Christopher Smith, Jeremy Travers, Miroslav Vrzala, Debra Wallace, Mary Waltham, J. Michael Williams, Leslie Wisniewski, and Barry Zawacki.

MORRIS COUNTY — Monarch butterflies migrate to New Jersey each summer and fall, and now New Jersey gardeners and enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate:  October 2024 is officially Monarch Butterflies Month thanks to Governor Murphy’s new proclamation.

The Monarch Butterflies Month proclamation is the first issued by a U.S. state. Elizabeth Gillen of Mountain Lakes researched and submitted her proclamation request to Governor Murphy earlier this year as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award with Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey. Gillen has advocated for Monarchs for several years.  Gillen’s Gold Award, Mountain Lakes Wildlife, focuses on protecting native wildlife, including pollinators like the Monarch that rely on New Jersey pollinator gardens.

Approximately four generations of monarchs are born each year as they fly from Mexico toward the U.S. East Coast. By late summer and early fall, Monarchs have reached New Jersey, and lay eggs on milkweed they find across the state. Once the last generation of black and yellow Monarch caterpillars transform into glorious orange and black butterflies, they complete the annual cycle. In September and October, they leave New Jersey for hibernation and overwintering in Mexico. New Jersey’s ecosystem is a critical step in the lifecycle of pollinators like monarch butterflies. Journey North, a non-profit focused on conservation, has created a useful visual explaining the monarch’s unique migration cycle.

Since 2020, Gillen has promoted monarch conservation. During the pandemic, she and her friends mailed free milkweed seeds, the Monarch butterfly’s food of choice, to anyone in New Jersey who requested seeds from their Morris Monarchs Facebook page. The students expected about 100 responses and received over 1,000 requests. During the past year, Gillen has worked with Mountain Lakes Borough leadership to connect the lake community to two National Wildlife Federation programs:  Mayors’ Monarch Pledge and Certified Wildlife Communities. Mountain Lakes has several private and public spaces that are certified wildlife habitats, including the Thorleif Fiflet Bird Sanctuary, and The Craig School, which maintains a pesticide-free student garden. Morris Focus reported on the garden in November 2023.

New Jersey Audubon’s annual Monarch Festival at the Cape May Nature Center occurs in September this year. You still have time to see Monarchs up close before they fly back to Mexico for the winter. More information about the Monarch Festival can be found by clicking here 

Everyone who lives in New Jersey can help monarch butterflies by planting milkweed and other native flowers and plants in their yards, gardens, and patio flowerpots. The ideal time to plant each year is in the fall, before the first winter freeze. Milkweed grows best in sunny locations. Limited amounts of free milkweed are available by emailing girlscoutgold7707@gmail.com. Learn more about helping monarch butterflies and native New Jersey wildlife at Mountain Lakes Wildlife and Morris Monarchs on Facebook.

MORRIS COUNTY — On Sunday, October 13, Family Promise of Morris County is hosting its fourth annual Steven Hammond Homebound Hustle 5K & 1 Mile Walk.

Family Promise of Morris County’s Homebound Hustle is back for its fourth year, bringing all ages together for a day of fun, fitness, and making an impact. The event is more than just a race. It’s a community effort to spread awareness and raise funds to support families and individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Morris County.

“It is truly incredible to witness our community come together year after year for the Steve Hammond Homebound Hustle 5K,” said Family Promise CEO Joann Bjornson, LSW.

She continues, “This event not only showcases the strength and unity of our community but also highlights the profound impact of the work we do at Family Promise of Morris County. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of families and individuals experiencing homelessness, providing them with the support and resources they need to achieve lasting stability and independence.”

Family Promise of Morris County has supported our community for over three decades through Shelter, Housing, and Outreach Programs designed to ensure long-term housing stability and positive health, wellness, and economic outcomes for those served.

Participants can register to run or walk Central Park of Morris County’s scenic cross-country trail or join the race virtually. A new option this year, participants can also register as a team. On race day, check-in and on-site registration will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. The 5K Run will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the 1 Mile Walk will begin at 10:15 a.m., to be followed by an awards ceremony with light refreshments. There is a $35.00 registration fee; the agency is offering an early-bird rate of $30.00 until September 21.

To register or for more details click here.

Those who are unable to attend are encouraged to show their support by donating to Family Promise by clicking here.

Presented by Greenberg Traurig LLP
This year marks the 19th consecutive year of multinational law firm Greenberg Traurig LLP’s support of the human services agency and the fourth as a naming event sponsor.
“Family Promise is my passion and incredibly near and dear to my heart,” noted Barry Schindler, Co-Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Global Patents and Innovation Strategies Group. “I am very grateful to GT for supporting this wonderful cause for 19 years and together we WILL end the homelessness and housing insecurity crisis in Morris County.”

In Honor of Steven Hammond
The Steve Hammond Homebound Hustle 5K & 1 Mile Walk honors the legacy of Stephen W. Hammond, Morris County’s longtime Director of Public Works and County Engineer and later Board of Trustees President for Family Promise of Morris County. The event serves as a reminder of his leadership and positive impact on our community.

Family Promise of Morris County is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit organization dedicated to ending the crisis of homelessness and housing insecurity faced by Morris County families and individuals by partnering with other public and private agencies, religious congregations, and community volunteers to provide shelter, affordable housing, case management, and mentoring services leading to independence. Areas of service include Shelter, Housing, and Outreach through programs such as Our Promise Drop-In Resource Center, Landlord Support Program, Promising Solutions Women’s Housing Campus, and the Navigating Hope Mobile Outreach Unit. For more information click here or follow @familypromisemorris on social media.

About Greenberg Traurig:
Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 2750 attorneys in 48 locations in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is a 2022 BTI “Highly Recommended Law Firm” for superior client service and is consistently among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100 and NLJ 500. Greenberg Traurig is Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certified Plus by The Diversity Lab. The firm is recognized for powering its U.S. offices with 100% renewable energy as certified by the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e® Energy program and is a member of the U.S. EPA’s Green Power Partnership Program. The firm is known for its philanthropic giving, innovation, diversity, and pro bono.

Running a successful construction company these days isn’t difficult. With an increase in demand, there’s more than enough work for all companies out there, but that shouldn’t stop you from wanting to do more.

Attracting more clients requires work, meaning you’ll need to figure out how to achieve that. Apart from the usual advice you’ll find online, there’s one that doesn’t get mentioned a lot – eco-friendly company.

Eco-conscious people are taking this into consideration, so making your construction company eco-friendly can be a good way to attract them as potential customers.

Use Eco-Friendly Materials

Even though there is a rising trend toward making sustainable materials the industry norm, there are still companies that rely on old-fashioned ones. If you want to be a company owner who wants to move into a greener area, eco-friendly materials are a great start.

There are lots of possibilities here, even more than you can imagine. You can go for non-toxic materials for insulation, adhesive, paint, solvents and many more. There’s also an eco-friendly concrete called hempcrete. You can also use recycled plastic or bamboo for certain structures.

Recycle Materials

Owning a construction company isn’t just about constructing. Sometimes, it means demolishing existing objects, which is where this next suggestion comes into play. Rather than loading up the rubble and discarding it, you can sort part of it and take it for recycling.

Materials like drywall, concrete, wood, or plastic are common options for getting new aggregate materials. As for the rest of the materials, like plastic or cardboard, they can go through the standard recycling process and help make new materials out of them.

Some materials aren’t recyclable, but that doesn’t mean you can throw them away. Unless you’re demolishing a very old building, the chances of finding materials that you can reuse. This can help cut down on costs and reduce waste.

Energy-Efficient Tools and Equipment

As you’re well aware, power tools are running on electricity, but as technology progresses, you’re getting a lot more energy-efficient ones. Despite being energy-efficient equipment, modern ones still consume a considerable amount of power.

Migrating to cordless tools means you’ll be working with more efficient ones. In addition to that, for some of those, utilizing solar panels can help you keep them charged without using electricity.

Another good use for solar panels is lighting. You won’t always work in sunny and well-lit conditions, meaning you’ll need some light. Combining solar panels with energy storage solutions can help you illuminate the construction site without using electricity.

Heavy machinery follows a similar trend. You can either choose options that don’t consume too much fuel or go electric. For example, you can find electric forklifts for sale, which help bring your company one step closer to being eco-friendly.

Minimize Transport Distances

As a construction company, you rely on materials for any project, and this is where you can change some habits. Sourcing materials locally helps keep the transport distance as short as possible, which offers multiple advantages.

The first one is the most obvious – reducing your carbon footprint. A transport vehicle will need to travel a shorter distance to deliver your materials, so the vehicle will emit less CO2. Apart from the obvious reduction in emissions, you’re also cutting down on delivery time and costs.

Use Water Efficiently

Another excellent approach that should help make your construction company more eco-friendly is to use water as efficiently as possible. This doesn’t mean to stop using water entirely. This is about using as little as possible without disrupting your company’s workflow.

There are multiple ways to approach this, and graywater seems to be quite popular these days. This lightly used water makes a perfect replacement for the one you commonly use.

A rainwater collection system can also make sense if you’re in an area with enough rain. Collecting as much as possible means you have more water to use, and the best part is that it’s eco-friendly.

Eliminate Some Materials

Being eco-conscious means you’ll need to start using alternatives or entirely stop using some of them. The best example of this is paper usage.

Going paperless is much easier than you may think. The wonders of modern technology allow us to have a smart device in the palm of our hands. As long as your employees are willing to take the step, you won’t notice any drops in productivity or errors in management.

Everything you’d normally print can be found on a phone, including making list, printing reports, and many other documents, which often end on a piece of paper. In 2024, things are digital, so you probably won’t need the paper at all. In most cases, the printed reports will end up in the trash can, leaving you with unnecessary waste, which isn’t eco-friendly.

Most people think there’s no way to combine construction and eco-friendliness, but that’s not true. There are several steps you can take to ensure your construction company is as sustainable as possible.

The outside of your home is essential for style, value, and aesthetics. Despite that, it’s often overlooked when renovations are being done. It can often be an afterthought until repairs are needed.

If you really want to enjoy your home and make it look and feel amazing, then renovating the outside of your house is always a great choice. There are countless ways to invest in this. Focusing on the best exterior home renovations is recommended, as they’ll have the largest impact.

This doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. Instead, some are more affordable than you’d expect.

Why Renovate Your Home Exterior?

Before taking a look, it’s worth diving into why you should get exterior home renovations done in the first place. No matter which ones you go for, they’ll offer more than a few benefits. These include:

• Enhancing safety and security
• Improving your home value
• Addressing any problems
• Making your home more energy efficient
• Adding to the property’s curb appeal and value

These can all be convincing, but it doesn’t mean going for any upgrade you can think of. Instead, it’s worth focusing on the best exterior home renovations you can find. Five of these stand out.

Best Exterior Home Renovations: 5 Top Picks

1. Installing Exterior Lighting

How well-lit your home is at night affects several areas. One of the more notable is that it makes your home look nicer, as it’ll help illuminate the areas you’re most proud of. Then there’s the fact that it enhances the safety element, making your house noticeably safer.

You’re much less likely to be the victim of a home burglary if the exterior lights are on outside your house. Adding some exterior lighting is a cost-effective way of doing this. You’ll even find lights that look amazing and actually add to your home’s curb appeal.

2. Updating the Driveway

The driveway is one of the more overlooked parts of your home, despite the wear and tear it goes through. Giving it an update every so often is always a great step to take. This doesn’t even need to take a lot of work, and it could just mean carrying out a few repairs.

If your driveway is sinking or uneven in some areas, then Googling ‘foam concrete lifting near me,’ and hiring someone to look after it is recommended. Even the small updates and fixes to your driveway can make more of a difference than you’d think. Don’t forget the cracks while you’re at it.

3. Replacing Garage Doors

If you’re lucky enough to have a garage, then it’s worth taking the time to look after it. When it comes to the best exterior home renovations, replacing your garage doors can be recommended. It has more of an impact than you’d think. Firstly, it affects how the outside of your house looks.

Then there’s the fact newer garage doors can be more functional and energy-efficient than their older counterparts. These come in multiple styles and even come with remotes to let you open and close them from your car. If your current garage doors already have some issues, there’s no reason not to replace them.

4. Adding Accent Sections

When the outside walls of a home are all the same color and texture, it can look a little plain, no matter what color they are. Breaking this up makes your house look nicer, with accent sections being a great way to address this. These are sections designed to stand out and enhance the rest of the exterior.

You have multiple options with this, with decorative trims and siding being two of the more notable. Use them to draw attention to parts of your home you’re most proud of. Even mixing and matching different accent sections can add a lot more curb appeal, while adding a little extra weather protection to your home.

5. Refreshing the Roof

A roof can often be one of the more neglected parts of a house. This is despite how important it is to your home’s functionality and curb appeal. When it’s not properly looked after, it’ll suffer from wear and tear, which can then lead to repairs needing to be done.

Refreshing the roof makes sure you don’t need to deal with leaks and similar problems, and it’ll make your roof look a lot nicer. Even something as simple as upgrading the slates on your roof can be recommended. You’ll have a functional and stylish roof before you know it.

Best Exterior Home Renovations: Wrapping Up

By focusing on the best exterior home renovations, you can make your home look and feel amazing. They offer multiple benefits, helping to turn your property into a house you’ll love. With how affordable some of them are, there’s no reason not to invest in them. What’s stopping you from having your dream home?

If you want to work in the freight and supply chain industries, then you might envision yourself driving down the highway in a big green truck. But the truth is that this is only one type of job in these segments. You don’t even need a driver’s license or a car to work in the industry. Let us dispel myths and share with you the most in-demand vacancies in the sector — from developing a transportation plan to analyzing the supply chain. So keep reading and find the position that matches your qualifications, interests, and ambitions.

Working in the Freight & Supply Chain Industries — Key Benefits

Apart from the high demand for specialists in the freight and supply chain industries, there is a whole pack of other benefits that you can count on. Here are some of the most prominent ones:

• No limits on career advancement — There are more ways to move up and make more money at an air freight company than at most other jobs.
• The business climate is getting better — International trade is growing, which means the shipping business is rising. This makes it easy for companies to reach countries that make items that are cheaper.
• A range of possible future jobs — If you work in air freight delivery services, you can go into a lot of different fields and jobs. You can look into businesses that import or export, produce items, run shipping lines, or offer supply-chain advice.
• Not many academic qualifications are needed – To work in these industries, you don’t need a lot of schooling. A desire to learn and gain new skills is just as important as knowledge when it comes to being successful.

Apart from that, the market is expected to grow a lot over the next few years, mostly because more things need to be shipped — from consumer electronics, retail, third-party logistics, food and drinks to pharmaceuticals and healthcare items, etc. The market for air cargo is projected to grow by a huge amount each year, thus, opening more and more employment opportunities to job seekers. Let’s see what vacancies truly deserve your attention.

Top In-Demand Vacancies in the Industry

There are many entry-level jobs in the transportation business for people who just graduated from college and have a range of skills and hobbies. So if you are at the beginning of your career journey, here are the best entry-level vacancies that can lay a good foundation for your professional future.

Coordinator of Logistics

Logistics managers help move raw materials (and other items) from wholesalers to manufacturers, stores, and users by keeping an eye on all the different parts of the supply chain. Among their duties are keeping track of orders, replacing supplies, and talking to customers.

Transportation Planner

Transportation managers help build, review, and run the roads, subways, and other forms of public transportation in a city, county, or state. They have to think about everything from land use to environmental impact in order to develop optimized transportation plans.

Freight Agent

People who need to ship or move things can get in touch with shipping and logistics companies through freight agents. They help customers find freight providers, book goods, and keep track of the items.

Supply Chain Analyst

Supply chain experts look for ways to make the supply chain more efficient and cut costs by gathering and analyzing data about it. Working with the transportation and supply chain teams, they may also be in charge of putting suggested changes into action.

Customer Support Manager

In the transportation business, customer service reps are the first line of defense because they help customers and transportation companies talk to each other. One job they might have is with a shipping or transport company.

Load Planner

Loadmasters are in charge of making sure that the plane is properly loaded with goods. For them to do their jobs well, they need to know both how to fly and the rules of the air. Load planners are in charge of making sure that resources are used efficiently and that freight is moved quickly. They also make sure that safety standards for handling are followed.

Fleet Coordinator

Fleet managers are in charge of motor vehicles and the people who work with them, such as drivers and workers. Their job is to organize the fleet’s activities and make sure that cars are kept in good shape to meet safety standards.

Also, most careers in logistics replicate the movement of products from one area to another. For example, transport drivers are critical in the delivery of recreational vehicles to their intended areas of use. This could be a fulfilling job for individuals who have the opportunity to drive across the country transporting products that require logistics. If you’re interested in exploring a position like this, there are plenty of RV transport driver vacancies available in the industry right now.

Skills Required to Work in the Industry

There is no works-for-all qualification to be hired for a position in the transportation industry. For some jobs, you only need to have finished high school, while for others, a special certificate in air cargo transportation is required. Some higher-level jobs may require college degrees in certain subjects, like management, pallet jack driving, etc. For some air freight transport jobs, you need to be physically strong and have a lot of energy to do the work. However, being very aware of safety and managing your time well are skills that are needed in every job in the business.

The air cargo, freight, and supply chain industries offer a wealth of opportunities across various fields, from logistics coordination to cargo ship operations. As international trade continues to expand, so too will the demand for professionals who can manage the flow of goods across the globe. Whether you’re interested in a hands-on role at sea, a data-driven position as a supply chain analyst, or overseeing the safe loading of freight, the industry offers a multitude of pathways for career growth. Now is the time to explore these opportunities and find a position that aligns with your skills and career aspirations.

PARSIPPANY — On Friday, September 6, Robert C. Knott, 61, of Newfoundland, was arrested for driving while intoxicated near Knoll Road and River Road. According to a police report from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 8:36 p.m. when Knott was stopped by officers for erratic driving.

Officers on the scene identified Knott as the driver of a blue 2021 Chevrolet pickup truck. Following the stop, it was determined that Knott was under the influence of alcohol. He was charged with violating the following New Jersey statutes:
•1429 E24 009598 39:4-50 — Driving while intoxicated
•1429 E24 009599 39:4-50.2 — Failure to Consent to take samples of breath
•1429 E24 009601 39:4-97 — Careless Driving
•1429 E24 009602 39:4-88 — Unsafe Lane Change

Knott’s vehicle was subsequently towed by Ron and Sons Towing after being declared a disabled motor vehicle at the scene.

The arresting officer, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Kenneth Hawthorne, initiated the traffic stop after observing Knott’s vehicle and called for backup from several units, including officers from Montville and other surrounding areas. Knott was processed, and no injuries or further incidents were reported.

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department is reminding drivers of the dangers and severe consequences of driving under the influence.

Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

MORRISTOWN — The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, in collaboration with local organizations and community leaders, is gearing up for a special event aimed at fostering unity and promoting inclusion. On Saturday, October 12th, the 4th Annual Morris County “National Coming Out” Day and 3rd Annual Community Unity Festival will take place at Pioneer Park Plaza, located at 3 Speedwell Avenue in Morristown, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Combat Bias, Hate & Violence,” and the event seeks to create a space for open dialogue, education, and celebration. Organizers are bringing together law enforcement officials, local government representatives, and community leaders to discuss key topics such as bias crimes, hate crime prevention, and violence reduction within Morris County. Additionally, the event aims to highlight the importance of trust and positive relationships with the LGBTQ+ community.

“This event is about more than just awareness—it’s about action,” said a spokesperson from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. “We want to equip our community with the tools to stand against hate and bias while celebrating the strength that comes from diversity.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in discussions on the impact of bias and violence in their communities. These sessions will help attendees better understand the law surrounding bias crimes and provide strategies for fostering a more inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, race, or identity.

In addition to the informative sessions, the event will feature free food provided by local favorites Colonial Grill and Rita’s Italian Ice, along with vendors and live music to create a festival-like atmosphere for all attendees.

Organizers are hoping the event will not only bring awareness to critical issues but also create a welcoming space where the LGBTQ+ community and allies can come together to celebrate National Coming Out Day, showing support for those on their journey to self-acceptance.

“This festival is about more than just combating bias and hate; it’s about coming together as a community, lifting each other up, and ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and respected,” said one of the event organizers.

The Community Unity Festival is free and open to the public. Everyone is invited to join in for a day of education, celebration, and unity in Morristown. Don’t miss the chance to learn, connect, and enjoy some great food and entertainment—all while supporting the fight against hate and violence.4o

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Focus has received information from an anonymous source that Parsippany’s CFO, Leonard Ho, has submitted his resignation.

Upon receiving this information, Parsippany Focus has confirmed a job posting on New Jersey’s League of Municipalities website entitled “DIRECTOR OF FINANCE / CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO) – PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS TOWNSHIP.” (Click here to read job posting). The job was posted on September 13.

“Len’s been an exceptional member of the team, and we are grateful for his contributions. We wish him the best.” Jamie Cryan, Business Administrator.

Parsippany Focus filed an OPRA (Open Public Records Act) requesting additional information.

Ho has a long professional history in government. He was a Certified Municipal Finance Officer and Certified Tax Collector in both the Township of Tewksbury from 2019 until he took the position in Parsippany.  Mayor James Barberio also served as Business Administrator in Tewksbury.

He also served as a Certified Municipal Finance Officer,  Certified Tax Collector, and Qualified Purchasing Agent in the Township of Long Hill from 2014 to 2018. He was also Assistant Treasurer in the Township of Harding from 2009 to 2014.

He holds a B.A. in Economics from the City University of New York – Queens College, graduating in 2002.

He served as an Enlisted Soldier in the United States Army from 1995 to 1998.

Leonard is a State of New Jersey Certified Tax Collector, and State of New Jersey Certified Municipal Finance Officer with strong analytical, accounting, and process implementation skills; He is very familiar with municipal finance, tax collection, and other related statutory requirements.

He currently resides in Bridgewater.

PARSIPPANY — Nick Ferro, a rising young actor from Parsippany, has been on a journey many aspiring actors can relate to. His passion for the stage began when he was just eight years old, attending classes at Barbizon, a renowned modeling and acting school. While his acting endeavors paused for a while, his passion never faded. After rediscovering his love for acting, Nick began to focus seriously on pursuing it as a career.

Graduating from the County College of Morris (CCM), Nick initially felt uncertain about his path. He spent time applying for different jobs and even considered opportunities in casting directing. However, acting remained his true calling. His decision to train at LaGuardia Acting School under Joshua Nelson marked a pivotal moment in his career. Through dedication and hard work, Nick gained the skills needed to transition from student to professional actor.

In November 2023, Nick landed his first role in the movie Focus. The film centers on a young man trying to break away from street life to pursue an acting career, and while Nick didn’t play the lead, he took on the supporting role of Matt, a drug dealer, showcasing his versatility as an actor. The experience of working on a professional film set was invaluable and deepened his commitment to the craft.

Despite facing setbacks with management earlier in his career, Nick’s persistence paid off when he signed with Brenda Fisher as his manager. Fisher has helped him secure new opportunities and continues to guide his career in the right direction. Nick is now fully focused on auditioning and booking more roles, with a bright future ahead in the entertainment industry.

To support his journey to the top, Nick is currently preparing for one of his most significant career opportunities to date: attending the prestigious International Modeling and Talent Association (IMTA) convention in Los Angeles in January 2025. The IMTA event is a renowned platform where emerging talents showcase their abilities in front of top agents, casting directors, and managers. It serves as a launching pad for actors, models, singers, and dancers, providing participants with unparalleled opportunities for representation and career advancement​​.

However, attending such a high-profile event requires financial support. To help cover his expenses, Nick is hosting a Flapjack Fundraiser breakfast at Applebee’s in Parsippany on Sunday, October 6, 2024. From 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., community members can enjoy a delicious breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs, and a beverage while supporting Nick’s IMTA journey. Tickets for the event are $20.00, and all proceeds will go toward helping Nick showcase his talent at IMTA​. Tickets can be bought by emailing iamnickferro@gmail.com or texting (201) 247-0841.

Nick’s story is a testament to perseverance and passion. From his early days at Barbizon to his upcoming appearance at IMTA, Nick Ferro is determined to make a name for himself in the acting world.

PARSIPPANY — High school is a whirlwind of emotions, achievements, and setbacks. For a student at Parsippany High School, every day is a study in conformity and teen drama. Let’s follow a student through an ordinary day at school and witness the mundane and the unexpected that shape the high school experience into a challenging but rewarding journey.

Morning Rush and First Period

An alarm sounds – usually at 6:30 AM – and a student jerks awake, hitting the snooze button a couple of times before dragging themselves out of bed. Breakfast might be a bagel or a bowl of cereal gobbled down in a hurry, and soon, our student throws themselves into the car or a bus as they rush to school. The school building is starting to buzz with activity, kids pouring in through the doors, meeting friends and teachers. The first period might be Math or English, setting the serious tone of the academic day. Some learners hastily finish up their essay assignments before their class arrives, while others needn’t worry about their papers due to the best online essay writing services they have hired well in advance. Of course, there are always those who were burning the midnight oil and are now ready for any school challenge.

Navigating the Academic Landscape

Later comes anatomy, where some students might cut open a frog or a class about how to mix chemicals for an experiment in a science lab. Then comes a history class that seems like a roller-coaster ride through the past. Students listen to lectures, talk, and work in groups, and then they move on to the next class. In the hallway, a keen observer can hear the sound of scuffling shoes and the whispers of students planning their weekends or discussing their next football game.

Lunchtime – Social Hour

Lunchtime is about much more than just eating – it’s a key social hour of the day. In the frantic atmosphere of the cafeteria, students can take a breather and grab a bite. They share pizzas and secrets, make friends, or discuss their feelings about the new Netflix series. Others might opt for a more solitary lunch, perhaps somewhere on the grounds, which gives them the space to catch up on schoolwork or read a favorite book.

Afternoon Sessions and Extracurriculars

At Parsippany High, lunch is followed by a range of courses and programs where students can learn about and hone their interests. These can be elective courses in art, music, or computer programming, providing an artistic or technical outlet. Fun courses are like a breath of fresh air, giving learners a nice break from the morning’s classes. Parsippany High students also partake in after-school activities. Various clubs and sports include drama, robotics, and athletics. 

These activities help students develop core character and social skills such as:

• Communication skills.
• Creativity.
• Leadership. 
• Cooperation.

This is the time of day when students are most likely to grow and experience a healthy balance between academic rigor and personal growth.

Homeward Bound and Beyond

The school day ends in the afternoon, but the day of a Parsippany High student might not end even then. When learners go home, they face the final challenge of the day: homework. They have some study time before indulging in leisure time filled with, possibly, online gaming or social media. Then comes dinner with the family and downtime.

The Balancing Act

One of the greatest challenges of adolescence is balancing academic responsibilities with personal interests. Students at Parsippany High must learn to manage the demands of coursework with extracurriculars and social lives, and so they do via the conducive atmosphere of this educational institution. The skills they pick up along the way will serve them well long after high school. 

More Than Just Books and Bells

Being a high schooler at Parsippany High goes far beyond the confines of books and bells. It means growing up, entering a new phase of life, becoming more of an adult, learning to take on more responsibility, and learning to navigate the wider world. Day by day, students of Parsippany High become more autonomous. A mosaic of everyday experiences is shaping their academic career, character, and worldview. From tumultuous morning chaos to the tranquility of a quiet evening, each moment at Parsippany High School is just one brick in the decades-long construction project that will be their lives. The students here aren’t just preparing for college or for a career; they’re getting ready and mastering the tools for a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.