PARSIPPANY — On Friday, March 29, 2019 Officer Robert Smolen of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department visited Carousel of Learning Preschool. Officer Smolen spoke to the children about being an officer and showed them his police car.
PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company practices drawing water from a lake or pond and advanced pump operators training on Monday, April 22 as part of their weekly training program. Pictures taken at waterfront on Rainbow Lake.
PARSIPPANY — The Morris County of the Order of Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 President Louis Amato donated $750.00 to Valerie Fund in support of their upcoming event on Saturday, June 8 in Essex County’s Verona Park. Parsippany resident Bella Rocco, a Parsippany High School Senior, and former patient of Valerie Fund, accepted the donation on their behalf.
Bella has been attending the Walk since 2009 and each year her team, Bella’s Bunch has the distinction of fielding the most participants.
2008-the year it all changed-the diagnosis, Bella’s first surgery, the fear of the unknown. Fast forward to 2019. Bella had three surgeries and continue with MRIs and doctor visits, until anyone tells differently, Bella is a healthy teenager about to graduate Parsippany High School and go off to college in the fall. There were days that no one know if all of this would be possible. They have been blessed with an army of friends and family that have gone through it all. The Valerie Fund has been a part of that army. Team Bella’s Bunch is not so much about Bella although we have named the team after her and it reminds us of all she has been through. Team Bella’s Bunch is more about all the kids in the green shirts that are currently fighting the fight. It’s about their parents that have heard the words out of a doctor’s mouth that has forever changed them. We are all a part of this club that nobody signed up for and so we show up year after for them-the ones that are still fighting to let them know WE ARE WITH YOU! Walk with Bella! Run with Bella! Donate with Bella! Thank you for being a part of Bella’s Bunch 2019 and a part of something so much bigger than all of us.
To participate or donate to Bella’s team, Bella’s Bunch, click here.
Her father, Ralph Rocco is a member the Sons of Italy and recognizes President Lou Amato and the rest of the members of the Morris County Chapter Parsippany #2561’s ongoing commitment to his daughter and other children in their community. Their generous donations continue to help fulfill the vision of Valerie Fund founders Sue and Ed Goldstein.
Nearly 43 years ago, the Goldstein’s began The Valerie Fund to honor the memory of their nine-year old daughter. During the six years of her treatment, Valerie and her parents would often travel several hundred miles a week to a hospital in NYC and they wanted to spare other families with critically ill children the additional suffering of traveling to and from the city for treatment. Their dream was to help children receive high-quality care in a nurturing environment close to their homes.
Today, there are seven Valerie Fund Children’s Centers located in top pediatric hospitals in New York, New Jersey and metro Philadelphia and more than 4,000 patients are treated annually—one of the largest networks of healthcare facilities for children with cancer and blood disorders in the country.
For more information about The Valerie Fund & JAG Physical Therapy 5K Run, please visit TheValerieFund.org/walk.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s 2019 county road resurfacing effort will move to roads in Dover and Roxbury Township in early May, weather permitting.
Paving is scheduled to start during the first full week of May on South Morris Street in Dover, and a half-mile stretch of Mt. Arlington Blvd. in Roxbury. Highview Avenue in Hanover Township has a June paving date.
This follows the completion of resurfacing work on Powerville Road in Boonton Township and Boonton Turnpike in Lincoln Park.
Also pending is paving on already approved and contracted projects on a segment of Littleton Road in Parsippany, while a project that had been expected to start on James Street in Morris Township and Harding has been temporarily delayed and will be twinned with a Morristown paving project.
In addition, the Board of Freeholders, at recent meetings, passed resolutions to allocate funds to pave portions of the following roads (starting the bid and contract process):
“Our road crews are working across the county this spring to deal with the impacts of winter weather and the wear and tear of heavy use of our road network,’’ said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “Keeping that network in excellent shape is of key importance to our residents and businesses, and to ensuring Morris County’s place as a first class, top-rated county.’’
“We are moving as quickly as possible to bid and award these contracts so we can get the needed work going,’’ added Freeholder Stephen Shaw, who is the county governing board’s liaison on roads and bridges.
The county’s 2019 resurfacing effort will cover more than two-dozen county roads in 23 towns, totaling more than 25 miles of paving. Portions of county roads scheduled for paving this year are located in Boonton Township, Chatham Borough, Chester Borough, Chester Township, Dover, Florham Park, Hanover, Jefferson, Lincoln Park, Long Hill, Mendham Borough, Mine Hill, Morristown, Morris Township, Mount Arlington, Mount Olive, Parsippany, Pequannock, Randolph, Rockaway Township, Roxbury, Washington Township, and Wharton.
Some of the largest projects include a 4.4-mile stretch of North Road/Dover Chester Road in Chester Township and Randolph, 2.4 miles of Bernardsville Road/Hilltop Road in Mendham Borough, 2.2 miles of Howard Boulevard in Mount Arlington and Jefferson, 2 miles of Boonton Turnpike in Lincoln Park, and a 1.7-mile segment of Littleton Road in Parsippany.
Bids are expected to go out soon on four other anticipated projects:
To see the complete list of scheduled 2019 county paving projects click here.
The county work is in addition to local and state road-improvement projects.
Road closures and detours will be signed and coordinated with the local police. Motorists should expect delays. Bicyclists are urged to seek other routes.
Upcoming Projects
Completed Projects:
WEEHAWKEN — The 33rd annual Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K will be held this Sunday, April 28 in the south tube of the Lincoln Tunnel, starting and ending in Weehawken. The event is presented by AmeriHealth New Jersey and sponsored by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey. Academy Bus will also be supporting the event with shuttles back and forth from Manhattan.
“The Lincoln Tunnel Challenge has become an annual tradition that AmeriHealth New Jersey looks forward to each Spring,” said Mike Munoz, president of AmeriHealth New Jersey. “We are proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of this outstanding community event once again and applaud Special Olympics New Jersey for their tireless dedication to promoting the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle.”
Nearly 2,000 runners are expected to participate in this unique run, which starts at 8:00 a.m. for competitive runners and 8:45 a.m. for non-competitive runners and walkers.
As of Wednesday, April 24, more than $127,000 has been raised by those registered to run, and while the online pre-registration has closed, many are expected to register the morning of the race.
“Over the last 30 years we have received tremendous support from all of our sponsors, hosts and volunteers making this one of our most successful, long-standing events,” says Robert Belfiore, Director of the New Jersey Torch Run and Retired Chief of Port Authority Police of New York & New Jersey. “Because of events like this, the athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey are afforded opportunities to train and compete, develop physical fitness, and experience the joy of sport, completely free of charge.”
In addition to AmeriHealth New Jersey and the Law Enforcement Torch Run, this event is hosted by the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey and is made possible by the generous support of Academy Bus, UPS, NJ TRANSIT, WCBS News Radio 880, Taylor Management Company, M & M Sanitation, La Yogurt, Mendon Truck Leasing & Rental, Genpro, Modell’s, and Inserra Supermarkets/Shoprite Hoboken.
For the past 50 years, Special Olympics New Jersey has provided year-round sports training and athletic competition in 24 Olympic-type sports for more than 26,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, completely free of charge. Through the joy and power of sports, athletes are provided opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Visit www.sonj.org for more information.
PARSIPPANY — Frank Cahill, Vice Chairman, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Board presented the owners of Adyar Ananda Bhavan A2B Indian Vegetarian Restaurant with a plaque welcoming them to Parsippany and thanked them for choosing Parsippany.
They are located at 3159 Route 46.
Three Decades ago a small sweet shop started by Late K.S.Thirupathi Raja in the then Metropolis of Chennai, India, has now flowered into Ninety five branches covering the length and breadth of Chennai city, its neighbouring places such as Kanchipuram, Erode, Madurai, Trichy, Coimbatore ,Tripur and the states of Karnataka, Pondicherry and Delhi. M/s. Adyar Ananda Bhavan Sweets & Snacks is now well established and firmly in saddle as one of the leading and exclusive sweets and savouries manufacturer in South India . The driving force behind the concern now is the two brothers Mr. K.T. Venkatesan and Mr. K.T. Srinivasa Raja to whom the baton of rich sweet tradition has been passed on by their late father K.S.Thirupathi Raja.
PARSIPPANY — Magic is central to plot and key to the world depicted in William Shakespeare’s romantic fantasy The Tempest, being presented by East Stroudsburg University’s theatre department April 24-28.
At the opening of the play, Prospera, the rightful Duchess of Milan, conjures up a powerful storm to bring the usurping Duchess of Milan and other nobles to a magic-filled island which she controls, placing her in a position to extract revenge on the castaways for past wrongs.
“For me, the magic is connected to an educated person’s ability to control the forces-and, in this case, spirits of nature,” explained Stephanie Daventry French, professor of theatre and director of the production. “Prospera’s control is tenuous. Eventually nature’s wildness will burst the boundaries and erupt. This is the challenge Prospera is facing as the play opens.”
For the production French chose to make some non-traditional casting choices. “I felt it was more important to cast to the strengths of the casting pool,” she noted. “I cast a person in a role regardless of character’s original gender because I felt the actor had something strong and unique to inhabit that character.”
Abigail Smith, a 2017 graduate of Parsippany High School, is part of the production’s cast and crew.
Dianara Vazquez, a senior majoring in theatre from Bethlehem, Pa., knew immediately that she wanted to play Caliban. “When I first read the play, I wanted to play him because the role seemed like so much fun,” she said. “I’m drawn to quirky, weird characters and the acting challenges they pose.”
“Dianara had an immediate connection with the earthy quality of the character,” French said. “She has the movement ability to play the character close to the ground as I envisioned him.”
For Sarah Thatcher, a senior theatre major from Pen Argyl, Pa., who plays Prospera, it was chance to perform Shakespeare, rather than a particular role, that excited her. “From the English department’s Shakespeare class and the theatre department’s Advanced Acting class, I learned to understand what is being said in the play and how to break it down to basics and play the intentions and actions in the scene.
“Prospera’s main goal is to get her daughter into her rightful place,” Thatcher added. “To make that happen, Prospera needs to come to terms with the past, let it go, and move on. Only then can she get to where she wants to be.”
In addition to exploring “the text in performance where you discover the myriad of possibilities of the characters and situations,” French explained that the actors are working with ESU theatre alumna Tara Coyle, the production’s choreographer, to develop the appropriate movement for their characters. “Tara is an amazing dancer/mover who loves and understands Shakespeare with an infectious passion,” she said.
Because The Tempest includes a scene based on a masque – a Renaissance court entertainment which included music, dance, and elaborate sets and costumes – French recruited Brian Hodge, director of ESU bands, to compose music for that scene and to create an original score for the production.
Hodge, on a Yamaha X86 keyboard, and percussionist Abigail Smith, a sophomore majoring in hotel, restaurant and tourism management from Parsippany, N.J., will be performing his original music live at each performance.
“The music needs to be reflective of the aesthetic and vision on the stage, like a film score,” Hodge stated. For some characters he created a leitmotif – a musical theme tied to that character – which can be played in varied ways depending on the mood of the scene. The score also includes many sound effects like thunder, mosquitos and thorns.
To accompany Shakespeare’s lyrics, Hodge composed music reflecting the English madrigal style of the period and referencing the works of composers William Byrd and Henry Purcell.
“Sometimes the music is dissonant, sometimes it sounds like a rock concert, and sometimes it’s lyrical,” Hodge explained. “The score is evolving as we get deeper into the rehearsal process and add more technical elements like costumes and lights, to use a full range of sound to develop the texture of the show.”
“Creating the magic moments in the play has been a fun challenge that demands creativity from our full design team,” French noted. The team includes: Yoshinori Tanokura, associate professor of theatre, scenic, costume and make up design; Christopher Domanski, associate professor of theatre, lighting design and technical direction; Kevin Hsiao, a freshman theatre major from Montrose, Pa.; and Andre Austin, a junior art+design major from Philadelphia, Pa., projections design.
French added, “The original puppets designed and fabricated are cleverly solving some of the production’s scenic challenges.” The puppets were designed by students in Product Design I class, taught by James Weiler, adjunct professor of art+design.
“The Tempest begins with a world under tight control that is released for flights of magical fantasy,” French said. Beneath the magic, however, “the play is about betrayal, and the ways we limit ourselves and hurt those we love when we are in pain. More importantly it is about what we need to do to move to forgiveness and set ourselves free. It is a beautiful journey and the powerful, very human themes are revealed through supernatural comedy.”
Curtain times for The Tempest are 7:30 p.m. on April 24-27 (Wednesday – Saturday) and 2 p.m. on April 28 (Sunday). Two American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be performing the dialogue alongside the actors at the April 26 performance. All performances are in the Smith-McFarland Theatre of ESU’s Fine and Performing Arts Center, Normal and Marguerite streets, East Stroudsburg.
There also will be a special, low-stimulation performance of the play for a select audience. If this performance is of interest to individuals or groups, please email esuarts@esu.edu for more information.
General admission is $12; senior citizens, faculty and staff (with ID) are $10; students (with ID) are $7 and youth are $5.
Tickets are available online in advance at esu.edu/theatretickets (credit cards only online). Remaining tickets are available at the box office starting one hour before curtain on performance dates (cash and checks only at the box office).
For other information or reservations, please email esuarts@esu.edu or call 570-422-3483.
East Stroudsburg University, one of the 14 institutions in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, opened in 1893 as East Stroudsburg Normal School. Today, ESU is a comprehensive university in northeastern Pennsylvania offering 55 undergraduate programs, 22 master’s programs and one doctoral program. More than 6,800 students are enrolled for the high quality, affordable, and accessible education ESU provides. Nearly 30,000 ESU alumni live in Pennsylvania.
MORRIS COUNTY — On Saturday, May 4, from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., experience the phenomenon known as ‘ghost hunting,’ led by Island Paranormal Society at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township.
Join a spooky and fascinating investigation of the 1854 Gothic Revival, The Willows, which was once home to the elite Foster family. Learn about the different methods and equipment used during an investigation, and discover the groups’ findings.
The Island Paranormal Society is comprised of passionate researchers with over 20 years of paranormal experience who are dedicated to seeking the truth of the other side. Using scientific and skeptical methods, the team attempts to contact, confront, and communicate with paranormal entities.
Admission is $45.00 per person, and pre registration is required. This program is designed for ages 16 and up. To register click here.
For more information, please e-mail agizzi@morrisparks.net. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is located at 73 Kahdena Road in Morris Township. For directions click here.
The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 20,197 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!
PARSIPPANY — This senior is spunky, playful, and is happiest playing with toys and bones. He also LOVES being pet and is very affectionate, so much so that if you stop petting him, he will bark and wiggle until you start again!
Paul is potty-trained and not destructive when left alone. He does prefer when his person is home more often than not–he wants a companion all day. Paul is good with cats, dogs, and children 10+. He was also just given a clean bill of health by our vet!
If you’re looking for a happy, adorable little guy, apply to adopt Paul today!
If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — The “Friends” are holding their annual “dining out” event at Annabella’s in Parsippany once again. The dates of the event are Monday, May 20 and Tuesday, May 21 from 1:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Click here to download flyer.
Please present the flier to your server when ordering. If you should forget it, just say “I’m here for the Friends fundraiser”. All proceeds go towards additional library programs. Thank you for your continued support.
c is located at 329 Smith Road.
MORRIS COUNTY — A-1 Auto Transport, Inc., one of the nation’s largest car shipping companies with offices in New Jersey has announced they are offering their scholarship to local area students. The scholarship for $250, $500 and $1000 is open to students who are enrolled in an accredited college, high school, truck driving school or other logistics program either full or part time and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. There is no minimum age to enter for the scholarship.
The scholarship will be sent directly to the financial office of the student’s school.
To Enter students need to write an essay/article based on a topic shown on the company website by clicking here. Essays must be at least 1000 words and are required to be 100% original and not found published anywhere else online. All essays/articles entered will be published on the company website and attributed to the student.
The company is looking for original thoughts and ideas for topics including:
More ideas for topics can be found on the scholarship page of the A-1 Auto Transport website by clicking here.
Deadline for Entry isMarch 10, 2020 and all following years. For example March 10, 2021 will be the deadline for 2021.
Essays will be voted on by the public once they are published to the website and the Scholarship Committee will determine a winner based on the number of votes. The winner will be announced on the website and notified by email by the end of March 2020.
PARSIPPANY — Naval Support Activity Bahrain Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3) David Pace Jr., a Parsippany, native, to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Now, 26 years later and half a world away at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, Pace Jr. serves as the leading-edge of the Navy the Nation Needs.
Pace Jr., a 1987 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, is a quality assurance officer at NSA Bahrain, forward-deployed to the Arabian Gulf region in the Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet.
“I am a subject matter expert in the engineering department to guide and mentor junior and senior sailors in their daily tasks,” said Pace Jr..
Pace Jr. credits success in Bahrain, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Parsippany.
“I learned the value of hard work and determination,” said Pace Jr. “Help everyone out and make it better than you found it.”
U.S. 5th Fleet directs naval operations to ensure maritime security and stability in the Central Region, which connects the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean. They work with partner nations to ensure freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in international waterways.
NSA Bahrain enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. 5th Fleet and allied forces in support of Navy Region Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia’s mission to provide services to the fleet, warfighter and family.
The Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of ocean, and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 20 countries, includes three critical choke points; the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
Serving in the Navy means Pace Jr. is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“I’m incredibly proud to serve with each of our Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and Marines forward-deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations,” said Rear Admiral Paul Schlise, deputy commander for NAVCENT/ U.S. 5th Fleet. “They represent the very best of our country and serve as volunteers in a complex and dynamic region that’s vital to our security. I am honored to work alongside these warriors.”
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Pace Jr. is most proud of being advanced to Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) in 2013.
“With drive and determination no matter where you start you can achieve anything,” said Pace Jr.. “I came into the Navy at 23 years old in February 1993 as an undesignated fireman. I made it to Senior Chief Petty Officer at my 18 year mark, and then advanced to CWO. I went from an E-2 to a CWO3 in 23 years. My parents were very proud.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Pace Jr. and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing the Navy the nation needs.
“I am proud to serve my country and hope that I am making my family proud,” said Pace Jr. “I met my wife in 1998 when we both served on USS Supply stationed in New Jersey. We have been together for over 20 years and have three wonderful children. She retired in 2017 after 27 years of service and I have four years left to make 30 years and retire.”
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Water Department is continuing its annual Hydrant Inspection & Flushing Program Crews during the early morning hours and conclude each day at noon.
The program is expected to run until May 27. This program is essential to maintaining the water system which involves us systematically opening fire hydrants to increase water flows, therefore allowing to flush any minerals and deposits from the water mains. While flushing the system won’t interrupt your water service, when crews are working in your neighborhood you may notice a temporary drop in your water pressure or discolored water. This is normal and is not a health hazard. If this occurs, simply let your cold water tap run until it is clear. Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher.
If water pressure or water volume seems low after flushing has been completed, check your faucet screens for trapped particles. If you have any specific questions about the hydrant flushing in your area you may contact the Water Department at (973) 263-7099 Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
PARSIPPANY — Neil Katta, Grade 6, from Brooklawn Middle School was honored as Mayo Performing Arts Center’s April Music Students of the Month, prior to the Friday, April 19 performance by The Romeros.
There were also students from Mountain Lakes, Randolph and Morristown honored.
The students were recognized for their achievements on stage prior to the concert and had the opportunity to meet the performers.
Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the Theatre’s Education Department based on their commitment to and excellence in the performing arts. The Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor. Students will be invited to perform at a year-end recital in June.
The 2018-2019 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.
Music Students of the Month are:
Neil Katta
Grade 6, Brooklawn Middle School; Parsippany; Nominated by Joseph Stella
Neil is a talented musician in the 6th grade band at Brooklawn Middle School. During concert band he plays the alto saxophone, but in jazz band he is the guitarist. This is Neil’s first year in middle school and although he is relatively new to jazz, he is quickly showing off his guitar skills by navigating chords and melodies with ease. Aside from his musical talent, Neil is also a very mature, polite and respectful student.
Jared Hill: Grade 9, Mountain Lakes High School; Mountain Lakes; Nominated by Tom Matt Jardim Jared Hill has been involved in the guitar program since 4th grade. He has demonstrated an insatiable curiosity for learning the guitar in all its styles and techniques. As a student at the Wildwood Elementary School, he learned classical guitar technique and a good note reading foundation. At the Briarcliff Middle School, Jared continued his playing by being involved in our after school guitar club. As a freshman at Mountain Lakes High School, he is now enrolled in the guitar class elective and is clearly the most well-rounded and advanced player. He also volunteers to help the middle school guitar ensemble in an accompaniment role. The fact that Jared is the first person to be ready to play and the last person to leave demonstrates his love for the instrument and shows his desire to take maximum advantage of what my guitar program has to offer.
Ongshu Dutta
Grade 8, Randolph Middle School; Randolph; Nominated by Tom Davidson
Ongshu grew up surrounded by the arts, and he was inspired to begin to study music because of his family members knowing how to play a myriad of instruments. At age six, Ongshu started learning to play the piano. He was later inspired to study the guitar after listing to the song, “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd. So at the age nine, alongside the piano, he began to study the guitar. Ongshu also performed in the talent show in 5th grade at Fernbrook Elementary School. In 6th grade, he was able to perform his dream song, “Wish You Were Here” and “Love Potion Number 9” by The Searchers at Saint Francis Residential Living in Denville. He also enjoys playing music by The Eagles and Ed Sheeran. Although Ongshu’s loves performing pop and rock music, he believes that the best part of his music career thus far was being accepted into the Randolph Middle School Jazz Ensemble in 6th grade because it gave him the chance to perform in a band and have fun with friends who had similar music interests. Being involved in the jazz ensemble has taught him many things that he could have not learned by himself.
Julia Landi
Grade 12, Morristown High School; Morristown; Nominated by David Gallagher
I have had the pleasure of working with Julia over the past 3 years. She has been a member of the marching band for 2 years playing guitar in the front ensemble and playing a crucial role in our jazz themed show. Julia is also a member of the Spectrum Jazz Band, the top jazz band at the high school that competes in festivals throughout the school year. Julia has been playing in the pit orchestras for the high school musical since her sophomore year as well. That year she even pulled double duty volunteering to play for the middle school production of Shrek as well. Other musicals have included Legally Blonde and The Addams Family, which have some truly unique and complicated guitar parts and Julia handled them like a rockstar, playing as if she was a professional in the pit.
Dominick Tucci
Grade 12, Randolph High School; Randolph; Nominated by Michael Lichtenfeld
During his time at Randolph High School, Dominick consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and a dedication to success. His efforts have produced high quality results time and time again. Dominick demonstrates great integrity, enthusiasm, and energy as a student. He works diligently in his music courses to prepare himself for collegiate level classes and ensembles. His work is consistently through and punctual and he is also helpful with classmates. Dominick is a fine role model for other students and his philosophy of putting others first will serve him well as he begins the next step on what I’m sure will be a very successful journey. Many of his fellow students seek his advice and support and Dominick is always there for them. Dominick is also a very skilled guitar player and has successfully auditioned into and performed many concerts with our jazz program here at Randolph High School.
Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2018-2019 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been designated a Major Presenting Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.
Dear Editor:
This letter is a statement read at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting of April 16, 2019.
As outlined in a recent presentation by Ed Snieckus, Parsippany now has a plan for meeting its affordable housing obligation. The first project in the 8,000 plus affordable and market unit plan was the recently approved project at 1515 Route 10. Before the remainder of the projects get underway, it is important for the council to take steps to protect the taxpayers of Parsippany by making sure that the mistakes that were made on the 1515 project are not repeated.
Townships are at a distinct disadvantage when negotiating a PILOT (Payment in lieu of taxes) agreement. Every clause in the PILOT is drafted by the developer for the benefit of the developer. If you have any doubt of that, recall the instance where Parsippany wanted to include wording that would provide financial protection if educational costs exceeded predicted levels. That proposal was dismissed immediately by the simple statement that developers are unwilling to take on risks.
It is also important to understand that projects governed by PILOTs do not contribute to the ratables of a township. This characteristic has significant drawbacks for the taxpayer. For example,
• A township receives far less in taxes under a PILOT than it would receive under the standard taxation method involving ratables. In the case of the 1515 PILOT, that tax reduction is in the neighborhood of $2 million annually.
• Ratables decrease the tax rate for everyone. In contrast, PILOTs do not decrease the tax rate because they don’t count as ratables.
• None of the PILOT revenue is allocated to schools, the Open Space Fund, or interest and principal payments on bonds issued by the township.
• The affordable housing units associated with a PILOT expire after 30 years, whereas if the apartment complex was a conventionally taxed ratable, the affordable units would be permanent.
By the end of the public discussion on the project at 1515 Route 10, pitfalls such as the ones listed above were uncovered, and it became apparent that the taxpayers of Parsippany would take a financial beating if the agreement was approved. When the vote came up, every member of the council expressed their dislike for the PILOT. However, because of the affordable housing component of the project and the threat of a lawsuit from the developer, four of the five members reluctantly voted in favor of the agreement.
I’m sure that other developers have taken note of the highly favorable PILOT that was awarded to Stanbery, and will look to procure the same type of arrangement for their projects. Parsippany taxpayers need to be protected from developers looking to use a PILOT agreement as a weapon to maximize their profits, so the council must take steps now to ensure that such tax giveaways are never granted again. I am proposing that this can be accomplished by passing an ordinance that would prohibit the township of Parsippany from entering into a PILOT agreement with any project that contains residential units.
Bob Venezia
Parsippany
MORRIS COUNTY — Nine communication students from County College of Morris (CCM) recently travelled to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia to take part in the Business of Sports Media and Marketing night, hosted by the Phillies and Temple University’s Fox School of Business.
The students’ participation in the event was part of CCM’s growing initiative to provide students with experiential learning opportunities, including networking and hands-on experiences, internships and apprenticeships.
The night began with a moderated question and answer session that featured executives from the Phillies, NBC Sports, NBC10 and Telemundo62. Phillies pitcher, David Robertson, also made an appearance to discuss his college and major league experience. The floor was then open to the audience, and two CCM students took the opportunity to ask questions.
After introducing himself, Christian Didea, of Chester, asked Robertson what his experience was like pitching for the Phillies after having played for the Yankees for six years. Didea was able to interview the pitcher in a professional setting, exercising the skills he has learned in class.
Lloyd Wilson, of East Orange, directed a question to the panel, asking for advice for aspiring sports commentators. After the session was over, Michael Harris, vice president of Marketing and New Media for the Phillies, talked with Wilson about Wilson’s CCM-sports talk show, “Lounging with Lloyd.” Harris then offered to watch the show and provide Wilson with some advice for future episodes.
“It was a huge honor to be a part of the Business of Sports Media and Marketing night,” Wilson said. “Being able to share my information with Mr. Harris was a moment I will never forget, and I plan on networking with the organization in the future.”
Seven of the students on the fieldtrip were part of CCM’s Sports Journalism course –anew communication class, taught by Professor John Soltes, that teaches students how to report, write and edit sports-centered journalism articles.
During the networking hour, students were also able to hold the Phillies 1980 and 2008 World Series trophies, take a picture with Gary “Sarge” Matthews – the 1983 National League Championship Series MVP and Phillies Ambassador – and meet with personnel from various departments such as those who spearhead the Phillies intern program. After the networking session was finished, the students were able to watch the Phillies play against the New York Mets.
The Sports Journalism course will be offered again during the 2019-2020 academic year. To learn more about the Communication Program at CCM by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Austin Thomas Whiteman, a 2018 Graduate of Mountain Lakes High School, has been named to the Dean’s List at Lafayette College in recognition of superior academic work during the Fall 2018 semester. In addition, Austin, has earned the AP Scholar with Distinction Award for achieving an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of three on five or more exams.
While attending Mountain Lakes High School, Austin graduated with honors and was a member of the National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society, Platinum Athletic Award Recipient for Participation in sports for all four years for all three seasons. He received the MLHS Basketball Coaches Award and was Captain of MLHS XC State Championship Team.
Austin is studying a double major in Mathematics and Economics and will graduate in three years (instead of 4) due to AP credits. He is the starting member of Lafayette Club Basketball Team and Leopard for a day Lunch Host Ambassador.
Lafayette College is a private liberal arts college based in Easton, Pennsylvania, with a campus in New York City, New York. Founded in 1826 by James Madison Porter and the citizens of Easton, the school first held classes in 1832.
PARSIPPANY — The Layups 4 Life organization will be hosting its’ 5th Annual 3-on-3 Charity Basketball Tournament on Saturday, April 27, starting at 9:30 a.m., at the Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road. This is a fun event that helps raise funds for the fight against cancer.
It is open to teams of players ages 18 and up.
Since 2014 Layups 4 Life has raised over $76,000 for cancer research and clinical trials supporting one of the leaders in cancer research and innovation, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Led by cancer survivor Dan Exter and his wife, Dana Levine Exter, Layups 4 Life organizes one of the largest annual 3v3 charity basketball tournaments in New Jersey.
For more information on the tournament or to register your team, Click Here.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Retirees Education Association will hold its May meeting and luncheon on Wednesday, May 8 at The Birchwood Manor, 111 North Jefferson Road, Whippany.
The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. to be followed by the luncheon at noon.
The cost for members is $30.00 and guests is $35.00. The Association will also have elections for new officers at this meeting. Speaker will be Jamie Novak, author and humorist, to discuss downsizing.
Donations to the Interfaith Food Pantry, either food or monetary, will be collected at the meeting. For reservations call (973) 818-1353. For additional information click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County School of Technology’s Learning Center, located in Denville, has openings for preschool children to register for the morning session for the Fall 2019.
The morning program runs Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. School is in session from the end of September to the middle of June.The Learning Center is an on-site preschool program taught by students in the Academy for Education and Learning and supervised by two certified teachers. Lesson plans are developed using the New Jersey Department of Education’s Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards and address a plethora of topics, which infuse mathematics, literacy, language, social studies, and science concepts. Fine and gross motor skills are developed through a variety of daily activities.
Children must be three years old by October 1, 2019 and residents of Morris County. Enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. Tuition for the year is $1,425, which is broken into four equal payments. The first payment is non-refundable and due at the time of enrollment to secure a spot.
For more information on how to enroll a child in The Learning Center please call (973) 627-4600 ext. 276 and leave a message or click here. You can also download an application by clicking here.
The Morris County Vocational School District is a countywide public school district that provides vocational and technical education to public high school students in Morris County. This school prepares high school students for future careers, through its academy programs, each focusing on a particular trade as well as an advanced college preparatory program. Students apply to one of the 13 different academies in a process that starts with an application in 8th grade. The highly competitive process begins with a general admissions test and is followed by group interviews on an academy basis. The school has an overall acceptance rate of 30%.
The four-year academies focus on health-care science; visual and performing arts; education and learning; computer science; digital design; culinary arts; construction arts; finance and international business; animal science; math, science and engineering; law and public safety; and sports medicine. Several academies are located within area high schools and also partner with County College of Morris.
The school district also offers high school juniors entrance into the share-time and technical education programs, which allow students to attend their own high school for a half day. Students apply in 10th grade. Those programs include allied health; auto body and collision repair; auto service technology; carpentry; cosmetology; culinary arts and hospitality; cyber security and information protection; electrical trades; engineering, design and advanced manufacturing, fundamentals of building and grounds maintenance; fundamentals of food service; horticulture and landscape design; machining and welding technologies; and plumbing and pipe fitting.