PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany PTA held a Fun Fair and Tricky Tray on Saturday, March 23.
For the kids there was games, prizes, Airbrush Station, food and more. For the adults there was a Tricky Tray with about 150 baskets, 50/50 Raffle, and a Lottery Apron. An afternoon of fun for everyone!
MORRIS COUNTY — April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and for the second year, Deirdre’s House, the Center for Morris County’s child victims of abuse and or neglect, will be holding its Wine and Whiskey Tasting to raise funds to provide services to child victims of abuse and/or neglect and for children that have witnessed violence. The event will be held on Friday, April 5 at the Morristown Hyatt, 3 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown.
For the second year, Wine and Whiskey Country is the co-sponsor of the event, which will feature a wide variety Wine and Whiskies available for tasting, as well as a Wine and Spirit Pull, Silent Auction, and Buffet. Just some of the whiskies that will be available for tasting are Tommy Rotter Triple Barrel, Featherbone Bourbon, Slane Irish Whiskey, High West, Whistle Pig 12-Year-Old, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Four Roses Yellow Label, Old Forester 1870. There will also be a variety of gins and vodkas. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in the SHINE campaign, a national initiative with the goal of transforming the conversation around the issue of child sexual abuse. Event attendees will be able to have their photograph taken with special signs that feature encouraging messages for survivors of child sexual assault.
Sponsors, attendees, and silent auction donors are still needed to help raise funds to ensure that critical services provided by Deirdre’s House will continue to be available to child abuse victims and their families. In addition to Wine and Whiskey Country, lead sponsors already include Bressler, Amery and Ross, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, Charles Schwab Morristown Office, and several private donors. For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
Founded in 1994, Deirdre’s House, is the leading resource for children in Morris County who have suffered abuse, neglect or witnessed domestic violence. It is the only site in Morris County where a child victim can be interviewed and digitally recorded by law enforcement, medically examined and treated, and clinically counseled in English and Spanish, all free-of-charge and all under one roof.
Proceeds from the Wine and Whiskey event will be used to fund the Deirdre’s House Advocacy and Clinical Counseling Programs. Deirdre’s House Executive Director Maria Vinci Savettiere, Esq. explained, “By attending or sponsoring this event, members of our community can raise funds and awareness to ensure that though a child’s life may be altered by abuse, it does not have to be defined by that abuse.”
For more information on Deirdre’s House call (973) 631-5000, or click here.
PARSIPPANY — It’s back again, for the 17th consecutive year. The Ultimate Trivia Contest will be held on Friday, April 26. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., and Trivia starts at 7:00 p.m. Gather your friends, family, co-workers and come out for a night of fun. Each team can have up to eight people.
Bring your own food and BYOB. Soda, coffee, water, plates, cups, napkins, and utensils will be provided.
To play fair there are a few simple rules: The use of ANY electronic device whatsoever during competition will immediately disqualify the offending team. This includes but is not limited to I-Pod’s, PDA’s, ICBM’s, drones, etc. The use of printed material such as encyclopedias, almanacs, National Geographic, and the like, is strictly prohibited and of course no tweeting!
The fee is $20.00 per person. The event is held at Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road. Click here to download a registration form.
Please bring an extra, non-perishable food item to be donated to our community food bank.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany chooses their own service projects that they feel need their attention. They are all local people that volunteer their time and talents to make our community a better place to live. The members, like you, are busy with making a living, church, family, and many other activities. The members, however, have found that Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany not only gives a chance to give back to the community in a meaningful way, but they enjoy the fellowship, networking, and fun aspects as well.
If you are interested in Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, visit the group every Thursday at 7:15 a.m., Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. You can also find more information by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills (WCPTH) is hosting their 38th Annual Tee Off for Education Golf Classic & Luncheon Social on Tuesday, July 9 at the Knoll Country Club West. The event includes a Golf Classic, Game Social and Luncheon.
The fundraiser benefits WCPTH’S Scholarship and Education Fund. Contributions (for door prizes or Tricky Tray baskets) or sponsorships for the Fundraiser are greatly appreciated. All money raised goes back to Parsippany students (open to both male and female students) in educational programs such as Scholarships to graduating high school seniors, Citizenship Awards to graduating 8th graders, and 5th Grade Reading awards. If you would like to contribute or attend the event, please contact Marilyn Z. at (973) 539-3703 or WCPTH, Golf Outing, P.O. Box 98, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Click here for sponsorship form.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs, which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. For more information call Marilyn at (973) 539-3703, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — After years and millions of taxpayer dollars spent on investigating the President and his campaign for collusion of the 2016 Presidential Campaign, the Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller, found that neither the President, anyone in his campaign or any American, conspired with the Russians.
What is needed now is not a victory lap by President Trump, or continued and additional partisan investigations by Congress. Let us put our Country and it’s important pressing issues ahead of self serving political ones. Our greatness shines when we do so. Lincoln said as much when he said,” if destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be it’s author and finisher. As a nation of freemen we must live through all time or die by suicide”. Key word,”we”.
PARSIPPANY — This morning, Cori Herbig, Rob Kaminski and Judy Hernandez announced their 2019 campaign for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council. Herbig, Kaminski and Hernandez are running with the support of Mayor Michael Soriano, Morris County Democratic Committee Chair Chip Robinson and Parsippany Democratic Committee Chair Matt Clarkin.
“I am proud to support such a strong and dynamic slate of candidates in this year’s Council election,” stated Mayor Soriano. “Cori, Rob and Judy bring together a wealth of diverse professional experience and community volunteerism that will make our Council more representative of our township’s residents.”
All three candidates are making their first bids for public office.
Cori Herbig is a resident of Lake Hiawatha. Cori has dedicated her career to ensuring that elected leaders are held accountable to the will of the people. Currently, she works at Everytown for Gun Safety, which includes Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, where she works to pass lifesaving gun violence prevention policies and preserve public safety. Earlier in her career, she spent 13 years advocating for animal welfare at the ASPCA. Cori graduated from Rutgers College and Pace Law School. She grew up in Chester and moved to Lake Hiawatha in 2013, where she now lives with her husband and two children.
Rob Kaminski has lived in Parsippany for most of his life, and is a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School. A career electrician, he is an executive board member of IBEW Local 102, headquartered on Parsippany Road.
He holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from the County College of Morris, and is a Delegate to the Northwest Jersey Central Labor Council, AFL/CIO. Rob has dedicated countless hours of volunteer service to the community. He volunteers his time to help build and maintain Parsippany’s athletic facilities through the Parsippany PAL, volunteers electrical services to support the construction of homes through Habit for Humanity, and has volunteered as a basketball and baseball coach. Rob resides with his wife, a Parsippany High School graduate.
Judy Hernandez is a 19-year resident of Parsippany. As an engineer, she brings extensive experience in environmental consulting to the table. Judy volunteers her time with the Parsippany Planning Board, Environmental Committee and Glacier Hills Association. She holds a BECE from Manhattan College, and participated in the Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program. She resides in Glacier Hills with her husband and two children.
Herbig, Kaminski and Hernandez are running as a team in the June 4 Democratic primary election. The three stated jointly, “As people who have chosen to make this community our home, we are first and foremost a group of concerned residents looking to maintain our community’s status as a top place to live and raise a family. As we launch our campaign, we are making one simple pledge: We will always have the community’s best interest at heart. As members of the Council, we will welcome different ideas, encourage positive public discourse, and work toward our common goals of fiscal responsibility, integrity, and transparency in governing.”
PARSIPPANY — Casey (Kaushik) Parikh, Parsippany, was appointed to Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee for a term of two years, expiring on December 31, 2020.
The Morris County Open Space Committee reviews, prioritizes and makes recommendations to the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders on the funding or projects which fall into the municipal/qualified charitable conservancy category.
This fifteen (15) member Committee consists of one representative from each of the eight municipal regions in the county, plus representatives from the County Planning Board, County Agriculture Development Board, County Park Commission, County Municipal Utilities Authority, County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board, and two members at-large. The Committee members are appointed by the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders pursuant to the Rules and Regulations of the Morris County Preservation Trust Fund.
All meetings are held at 30 Schuyler Place (2nd Floor Conference Room), Morristown.
He is an active volunteer and provides selfless service to the Parsippany community. He mentors the younger generation and works with seniors to improve their quality of life. He always looks for the opportunity to serve the community. Casey has been a resident of Parsippany for over 30 years. He lives with his wife Rita. His daughter Coral lives with her husband Krishna in New York. His son Emil, also in NY, is an IT professional.
Casey graduated as an Electrical Engineer from the University of Bombay, India. He earned his Masters and MBA from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Casey worked at Kennedy Space Center, FL for NASA as a launch team member of the Space Shuttle. At Tyco International he served as Director and recently retired to dedicate his full attention to community service.
Casey served as chairman of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Planning Board for 24 years. He was a member of the Rotary Club and currently is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
Parikh is one of the founders of the Parsippany Indian Association. He has served on the Board of Education demographics committee; as board member of the Parsippany Child Day Care; and the Attorney Ethics Committee and as an advisor to Morris county seniors. He is always looking for opportunities to help others.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation has announced that the 2019 grant application for funding of open space projects under the Morris County Preservation Trust are now available online by clicking here.
Any of Morris County’s 39 municipalities and qualified charitable conservancies are eligible to apply for grant funding, said Barbara Murray, open space program coordinator. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 14.
Program rules recently were amended to include costs for demolition and restoration of a property (up to a maximum of 10 percent of the eligible land cost, or $50,000 whichever is less) as allowable costs under the program.
A workshop will be held on March 28from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Morris County Cultural Center to review program changes and answer questions regarding project eligibility.
Funding for the grants comes from the county’s Preservation Trust Fund, which generates revenues through a voter-approved special county tax.
The tax, set at 3/4 of a cent per $100 of tax assessment, should generate about $7.2 million this year. Of that money, the county allocates 1/4 of a cent to the Park Improvement Trust used by the Park Commission to restore facilities and 1/2 of a cent is allocated to the other Preservation Trust Programs.
In addition to open space projects, the county’s preservation fund also helps finance farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, recreational trails project, and the purchase of residential properties prone to flooding.
“The smart preservation of open space in Morris County is one of the keys to sustained economic development and the high quality of life that is enjoyed by residents in Morris County,’’ said Freeholder Stephen Shaw, who is the county governing board’s liaison to the Department of Planning and Preservation.
“Our parks and green open space, interconnected by a growing countywide trail system, offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities for our residents, making Morris County a special place to live, work and play,’’ he added.
The freeholders in 2018 approved funding for five preservation projects at a cost $1.93 million and totaling 47 acres in five Morris County towns. Included were projects in Boonton, Denville, Mendham Township, Morris Plains, and Roxbury.
They ranged from a 1.42-acre tract next to a new housing development in Morris Plains to a nearly 18-acre expansion of Lewis Morris County Park in Mendham Township.
About 14,400 acres of open space have been preserved with the assistance of grant funding from the county program since its inception in 1993, according to Murray.
The deadline for submitting 2019 open space applications and appraisals is Friday, June 14.
The Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee will visit proposed sites in September, with final presentations made in October, and recommendations made to the freeholder board in early November. You can obtain additional information by contacting the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation at (973) 829-8120.
For detailed information on the 2018 projects and grants click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Law Enforcement Against Drugs (LEAD) held its Annual Training Conference in Atlantic City with more than four hundred law enforcement officials and educators came together from as far as Hawaii.
At the Conference Awards Luncheon Rockaway Township resident and LEAD Executive Board Member William Schievella was presented with the “LEAD Director of the Year” Award.
Schievella was selected for his leadership in the field of drug and violence prevention for children.
“By partnering law enforcement and teachers together we can make a difference n the fight against our children becoming addicted to drugs. It’s all about the kids! ” said Schievella a retired Chief of Detectives from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and former Morris County Undersheriff.
LEAD is the largest growing evidence based drug prevention program in the nation which places law enforcement and educators together with the community to stop children from using Drugs. LEAD is glad to work closely with the National Drug Control Policy Office within the White House to be in the forefront of the fight against drugs.
PARSIPPANY — Your Dream Home NJ is excited to be a sponsor for the Brooklawn Color Run on Friday, April 5. Bring the entire family to walk, run or just to eat and hang out in the field with the DJ, Bounce Houses, cotton candy and so much more.
Going to be a blast so hurry up and sign up! Volunteers needed too. All of Morris County and beyond is welcome!
Click here to register online, or download a registration form by clicking here.
Online registration closes at 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26. The run starts at 6:00 p.m. Please plan to arrive between 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.
Entry fee includes race participation, t-shirt, goody bag, inflatables, one packet of color.
Runners (or walkers!) will do up to three laps around the cross country course for a total of 1.5 miles.
1. Add a meal $5.00 — choose from Pizza, Sub or Burger. Includes chips and water.
2. Add sunglasses (to protect eyes from color) $2.00
3. Add a bandana (to protect eyes from color) $2.00
4. Let us know if you are registering more than two runners. If you are registering three or more runners the price is 20% less or $15.00 per runner plus whatever add-ons you choose.
The color that is thrown on the runners and provided for the runners to throw on each other is made of corn starch. If you have allergies or other concerns you can read more about the product here.
DENVILLE — “Dogs Gone Wild” swimming party will be held on Saturday, May 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Cooks Pond Denville Recreation, 19 Entrance Way, Denville.
Off leash swimming and playing for your dogs enjoyment, picnic area and playground for your enjoyment the entire facility is fenced in and safe for your dogs. Entry Fee is $20.00 for family and two dogs.
Yappy Hour for Small dogs begins at 10:00 a.m. feel free to stay and play all day or just enjoy an hour of play free from the big boys.
Off leash swimming and playing for your dogs enjoyment, picnic area and playground for your enjoyment the entire facility is fenced in and safe for your dogs. Fee for the event is $20 all money goes to support the Denville Dog Park and Animal Shelter
Third annual Pup Wet tshirt contest $5.00 per entry dress your pup up in a fun decorated t-shirt and then we will meet on the beach for the wet down! Fun prizes to be won. Starts at 1:00 p.m. on the beach.
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Veggie Burgers and Drinks will be available for purchase.
Please no dogs in heat. All dogs must enter facility leashed and will be let off leash once inside. All dogs all shapes and sizes are invited.
PARSIPPANY — Payless ShoeSource expects the Parsippany store, located at 3085 Route 46, Morris Hills Shopping Center, to close by the end of the month.
Payless ShoeSource confirmed that it will close its 2,100 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and is in the process of liquidation in all locations. The company also shuttered its e-commerce operations.
The closings mark the biggest by a single chain this year and nearly doubles the number of retail stores set to close in 2019.
PARSIPPANY — The Friends of Parsippany Library is holding a “Spring Cleaning Bag Sale” at the Book Nook, located in the lower level of the Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. The Spring Cleaning Bag Sale will be held on Sunday, March 24 and Sunday, March 31 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fill the provided bag for just $5.00. This is Parsippany’s best kept secret for book lovers!
Make checks payable to Friends of the Parsippany Library. Cash also accepted. All proceeds go to the Friends of the Parsippany Library, a non-profit organization supporting our library system.
For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY — State Farm Insurance has sold 300 Kimball Drive, a class A trophy office asset of approximately 400,000 square feet. Holliday Fenoglio Fowler marketed the property on behalf of State Farm, which was advised by Transwestern Investment Group. HFF also procured the private buyer.
300 Kimball Drive occupies 9.29 acres site at the intersection of Interstates 80 and 287, within a four-building, 850,000-square-foot office park called The Center of Morris County.
Originally built in 2001, State Farm acquired the property in 2012, and occupied it entirely until it started to phase out in 2013 and did a full renovation to accommodate multiple tenancy. State Farm relocated from it’s Wayne Corporate headquarters to Parsippany in 2012.
The five-story office building is LEED Silver certified, a recipient of BOMA Building of the Year and offers tenants an outstanding amenity package, including a fitness center with locker rooms, full-service cafeteria, conference center, atrium lobby, walking trail, outdoor patio and covered parking.
The 78%-leased property is home to notable tenants, including FM Global, Fiserv, Langan Engineering and Western World Insurance.
MORRIS COUNTY — The royal family of the guitar, The Romeros, perform at Mayo Performing Arts Center on Friday, April 19, at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $29-$59.
Over half a century after walking onto the world stage as the first classical guitar quartet, The Romeros continue to be a veritable institution in the world of classical music, dazzling countless audiences and winning the raves of reviewers worldwide.
Known to millions as “The Royal Family of the Guitar,” the Romeros were founded by the legendary Celedonio Romero with his sons Celin, Pepe and Angel in 1958. The Quartet went through natural transformations, and today consists of the second (Celin & Pepe) and third generations (Lito & Celino). To have so many virtuosi of the same instrument in one family is unique in the world of musical performance, and in the realm of the classical guitar it is absolutely without precedent. The New York Times has said: “Collectively, they are the only classical guitar quartet of real stature in the world today; in fact, they virtually invented the format.”
In 1957, the family left Spain and immigrated to the United States, where three years later, “The Romeros” became the first guitar quartet while the boys were still in their teens. The Romero tradition of family and love for the guitar provided the fertile ground for the next generation of guitar virtuosos as Celino and Lito joined the quartet.
The Romeros have performed on multiple occasions at the White House and many other venerable institutions worldwide. In 1983, they appeared at the Vatican in a special concert for John Paul II, and in 1986, they gave a command performance for his Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. In 2000, His Royal Majesty King Juan Carlos I of Spain knighted Celin, Pepe and Angel into the Order of “Isabel la Católica”.
With a 55-year plus history, The Romeros have built an enviable discography and their achievements have not gone unnoticed. In February of 2007, The Romeros were granted The Recording Academy’s President’s Merit Award from the GRAMMYs© in honor of their artistic achievements. Television fans have seen and heard The Romeros many times on such shows as The Tonight Show and The Today Show, PBS’s Evening at the Boston Pops, the KPBS/PBS biographical documentary Los Romeros: The Royal Family of the Guitar, other PBS specials and the NDR documentary film Los Romeros: Die Gitarren-Dynastie.
Perhaps The Romero’s most lasting legacy is the creation of an entirely new repertoire for guitar quartet, both as a chamber ensemble and as a concerto soloist. For 55 years, The Romeros have inspired distinguished composers to either write new works or arrange existing ones, including Joaquín Rodrigo, Federico Moreno Torroba, Morton Gould, Francisco de Madina and Lorenzo Palomo. As Rodrigo has said, “The Romeros have developed the technique of the guitar by making what is difficult to be easy. They are, without a doubt, the grand masters of the guitar.”
For more information about The Romeros, click here or click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Hit Men, starring musicians and singers who performed and recorded with Elton John, Cat Stevens, Journey, Jim Croce, Three Dog Night, The Rascals, The Turtles, Carly Simon and more, perform music from the 60s and 70s at Mayo Performing Arts Center on Saturday, April 20, at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $39.00 to $59.00.
THE HIT MEN – a supergroup consisting of Lee Shapiro, Jimmy Ryan, Jeff Ganz, Russ Velazquez and Steve Murphy – either played, sang or performed on stage with one or more of these artists, creating or recreating live, some of the most memorable hits of the era, including “Who Loves You,” “Oh What a Night,” “You’re So Vain,” “The Loco-motion,” “Mony Mony,” “Joy to the World,” and many more, on which they used their musical alchemy to spin songs into gold and platinum.
Lee Shapiro is a producer, arranger, singer and musician who not only arranged some of the Four Seasons biggest hits as the Music Director of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, but also collaborated with artists ranging from Barry Manilow, Tony Orlando, and Tommy James.
Jimmy Ryan began his career in the 1960s as lead guitarist, singer and a songwriter for The Critters. He was Carly Simon’s music director for twenty-one years, and his guitar is heard on works by Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney and Elton John and many others.
Jeff Ganz is a bassist and singer who has worked with an eclectic array of artists including Blood Sweat & Tears, Johnny Winter, Cheap Trick, Lou Reed, Dr. John, Vanilla Fudge and jazz greats including Gerry Mulligan, Tito Puente and Larry Coryell.
Russ Velazquez is a singer, composer and arranger whose credits read like a musical Who’s Who. He has collaborated with everyone from Sting, The Ramones, and LL Cool J to Luther Vandross, Korn and Paula Abdul. He has earned four Emmy Award nominations for his songs on Sesame Street and his song “2BA Master” hit the top of the children’s music charts on Radio Disney.
Steve Murphy is a drummer, singer, who has toured with The Alan Parsons Project, Jack Bruce, Eric Burdon and the Animals, Chuck Negron (formerly of Three Dog Night), Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals), Dave Mason, Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross, Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad), The Turtles, Mickey Dolenz, Gary Puckett, Mitch Ryder and over a dozen more major artists from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
THE HIT MEN connect with audiences on a level rarely seen by today’s musical artists. From the classic songs we all know and love (such as “Oh What a Night” & “You’re So Vain”) to the backstage stories never told until today, a HIT MEN show is like no other, as they combine the music & the memories alongside exciting multimedia footage & visuals, evoking an unforgettable musical and visual experience. “We can say whatever we want about our legacy with complete legitimacy,” Lee Shapiro said. “We have an emotional connection with the audience that tribute bands and soundalike bands can’t have.
When we share our experiences and tell stories, we aren’t reciting a script. We were there. When we tell you how Warren Beatty got thrown out of Carly Simon’s dressing room at the Troubador in LA in 1971, we know it’s true because Jimmy Ryan was the one who did it!”
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.
PARSIPPANY — Dhaba Express held a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, March 21. The new Indian and Indo Chinese restaurant is located at 1521 Rt 46 East.
Owner, Ankush Punhani owns four other Indian restaurants in New York City and is excited to bring his expertise to Parsippany. Ankush is also an attorney.
Click here to download a complete menu from Dhaba Express.
MORRIS COUNTY — Students from Parsippany, Boonton, Randolph, Morristown, Mendham, Succasunna, and Roxbury were honored as Mayo Performing Arts Center’s February Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Percussionists — prior to the Thursday, March 14 performance by the Kodo Drummers of Japan.
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:
Ethan Chen
Grade 12, Parsippany High School; Parsippany; Nominated by Gregory Dalakian
Ethan Chen has been a dedicated member of our instrumental music program at PHS since his freshman year. He has participated in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Pit Orchestra. Ethan also served as our Drumline Section Leader and Snare Captain for the Marching Band this past year. Since his freshman year, Ethan has always been determined to become a true multi-percussionist, and through countless hours of dedicated practice and training he has achieved that goal. He is a great role model to his peers and always leads by example. Ethan is someone we can always count on whenever help is needed and always carries himself with pride, honor, and spirit in everything he does. It is my great pleasure to recommend Ethan Chen for the Outstanding Percussionist Student of the Month award.
Jack Liska
Grade 8, John Hill School; Boonton; Nominated by Yvonne Manca
Jack has been a part of the JHS band since 4th grade. He is in the advanced band and has no trouble reading any rhythms. He plays in the harmony band outside of school (which is the town band). Jack has taken private lessons outside of school because he has a passion for percussion. Jack is well rounded on all percussion instruments and can play any part at first sight. He truly is an asset to the band.
Dylan Curnow
Grade 10, Randolph High School; Randolph; Nominated by Carmine Fusaro
Dylan Curnow is in the 10th grade at Randolph High School. Dylan has participated in the Randolph music program since the 4th grade starting with chorus, and joining band in 5th grade. Dylan chose percussion and has been with it ever since. In 7th grade, he joined the schools percussion ensemble and continues with it today. In the 9th grade, he joined the Randolph High Schools Marching Rams marching band. He started off in the front ensemble playing bells and vibes and in 10th grade moved up to the drumline playing Bass Drum 4. Outside of school, Dylan participates in local groups. He helps his father at the local firehouse, Randolph Chemical Engine Co. 2 with Christmas Tree sales, cleanups, and renovations. Dylan also participated with the local cub scouts for 5 years. In school, he participated in the Model UN Club for 2 years, won 3rd place at the Stem Junior Solar Sprint, participated in sports including baseball, soccer, and track and field for multiple years, and won the schools citizenship award in 5th grade.
Colin Elgarten
Grade 12, West Morris Mendham High School; Mendham; Nominated by Timothy Beadle
Colin is the hardest-working student I have ever taught. He has transformed himself from the student who struggled the most as a freshman to the leader and most accomplished percussionist in our program. Whether he is working on jazz ensemble, concert band, pit orchestra, percussion ensemble, youth orchestra, or marching band music, you can find Colin in the band room doggedly working through tough licks and difficult passages. Colin has been a ubiquitous presence in the practice room for the past four years and this has given him unending credibility as a leader in the percussion section and band as a whole. He was the natural choice for drum captain in the marching band this year and is almost a co-teacher in the percussion section of our advanced wind ensemble. I cannot recommend Colin Elgarten enough for outstanding percussionist!
James Fourie
Grade 8, Mountain View School; Mendham; Nominated by Leigh Carpenter
In 5th grade, Jame Fourie started out as a trumpet player. He came in at every opportunity for extra help and to practice his instrument. He did very well and was my top trumpet of his grade. But he also longed to play the drums. I tried to discourage this as I had plenty enough percussionists, but James was persistent. He took up both instruments and I let him do both for a while hoping he would go back to the trumpet. But it was not to be. James really had it in his heart to play the percussion and there is not fighting the heart. I let him focus fully on his passion and I am glad I did. James has continued to improve as a percussionist. He has made unbelievable growth always challenging himself to get better and better. He asks for the difficult parts and challenges himself with mallet instruments for example, or the bass drum which the rest of the bucket solo drums rely on. James is a team player and works well with the other percussionists in our band; he shares his camaraderie and leadership as the drummers challenge each other to new heights. As a percussionist myself, I am inspired by James’ passion and drive for learning. I am fortunate to have such a wonderful musician and young man as my student.
Kent Hefele
Grade 12, Morristown High School; Morristown; Nominated by Michael Russo
I have known Kent for the last four years as his Band Director and I have enjoyed seeing him develop his skills as a musician at Morristown High School. He has been involved in many aspects of the Music Department and he has become a respected upperclassman to our younger members. Kent performs as a Percussionist in the Morristown HS Wind Ensemble and is a Section Leader in the Marching Band. He has also been a Drummer for the Morristown HS “Spectrum” Jazz Ensemble. Kent has also performed in a Side-By-Side Concert with the New Jersey Wind Symphony and represented Morristown HS in the Boys State Band sponsored by the American Legion. Kent possesses great desire and works very hard to achieve his goals. He is a very talented young man in many areas. His natural enthusiasm combined with his preparedness for his ensemble rehearsals make him a student I am eager to challenge in my teaching.
Jamie Kim
Grade 7, Eisenhower Middle School; Succasunna; Nominated by Shannon Perrone
Jamie Kim is a talented young percussionist! He works hard in band class, follows through with practice assignments, and has a positive outlook. At Eisenhower Middle School, Jamie also auditioned and placed into both of our extracurricular ensembles- Jazz Band and Honors Band. He’s willing to help out as needed throughout the section and plays an important role in our ensembles.
Nicholas Morris
Grade 10, Roxbury High School; Roxbury; Nominated by Jeffrey Conrad
Nicholas is an outstanding leader in our program despite only being a sophomore. He auditioned successfully into the NJ Region 1 Symphonic Band on mallets and is an active member of both our marching bands, indoor percussion and is a frequent participant in our chamber music concerts. Nicholas is not only a hard worker, but is also kind and funny. He has earned the admiration and respect of his peers as well as our band staff. He leads by example; always giving his best and always working to be prepared at the highest level. He is a true asset to the Roxbury Band Program.
Daniel Pinyan
Grade 8, Randolph Middle School; Randolph; Nominated by Carmine Fusaro
Dan has developed a passion for the variety of percussion instruments and a respect for the level of skill it takes to play all of them. He officially started playing percussion at the age of 11 in fifth grade on the snare drum. After continuing in the middle school with the marimba, timpani, bass drum, chimes and auxiliary percussion, he was nominated for the North Jersey Area Band for timpani. Dan had always enjoyed playing timpani because of the wide range of the drums and the occasional solo. He thought it was a great experience to play with so many other dedicated musicians and meet other fellow percussionists. Along with playing the timpani, Dan also played the marimba for the world premiere of the percussion ensemble piece “Octet for Percussion” composed by Matthew Blood. He is a well-rounded scholar and an active member of his community. He volunteers at his church as a vacation bible school counselor and is interested in many types of sports.
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.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that on March 20, a Morris County jury found Mr. Robert B. Wiggins, 33, Hamden, Connecticut, guilty of Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, and due to a previous conviction for burglary, he was also found guilty for being a Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon, both second degree crimes.
He was subsequently remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending sentencing.
At sentencing, the defendant may be subject to a discretionary extended term and thus, he could face up to a total of thirty years in New Jersey State Prison with up to fifteen years being served without the possibility of parole.
The incident occurred on October 19, 2017, when members of the Riverdale Borough Police Department conducted a motor vehicle stop on Wiggins’ vehicle on Interstate 287, North Exit 53. Officers smelled the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, and subsequently searched the vehicle.
They located a loaded Cobra Patriot 9mm handgun in the glove compartment. Marijuana was also located in the vehicle.
While interviewing Wiggins, he admitted to Officers that the handgun and marijuana belonged to him. Moreover, during the investigation, it was learned that he had a prior conviction for burglary, which barred him from possessing any weapons in the State of New Jersey.
Assistant Prosecutor Sean P. Gaynor, Esq. and Assistant Prosecutor Reema Kareer, Esq., who are both assigned to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office General Investigations Unit, represented the State during the trial. Law enforcement personnel from the Riverdale Borough Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Jersey State Police all testified during the trial.
The Honorable Donald G. Collester presided over the trial, and will sentence Wiggins in May 1.
Prosecutor Knapp extends his gratitude to all law enforcement personnel who contributed during the investigation and provided testimony in Court, and to the Assistant Prosecutors for their tenacity during the trial.
“From initial contact with the defendant to his conviction of the defendant at trial, this is an excellent display of cohesive teamwork demonstrated by Law Enforcement Officers and Assistant Prosecutors”, stated Prosecutor Knapp. “Justice was served”, he said.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to the Capital One Bank, 1295 Route 46, for an intoxicated male attempting to withdraw $5,800.00 from an account that was not his at 5:32 p.m. on Thursday, March 21.
Prior to the arrival of responding officers, the male fled the scene.
After a brief investigation by Patrol Officers D. Ross and L. Nicos, located Mr. Anthony Miller, 61, Bronx.
He was placed under arrest and transported to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Headquarters. and charged with one count of Third Degree Identity Theft-Impersonation; one count of Third Degree Knowingly Exhibiting a False Government Issued Driver’s License; one count of Third Degree Forgery and count of Fourth Degree Possession of a False Government Issued Identification.
He was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his first court appearance.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of 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.
Parsippany Focus is a digital news organization that provides news coverage of Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. The organization was founded in 1989 by Frank Cahill, who currently owns and operates the organization. Parsippany Focus covers local news, events, and community issues, and their content is primarily distributed through their website and social media channels. The organization has been serving as a trusted source of news and information for the Parsippany-Troy Hills community for over 30 years.
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