A group photo of most of the participating chefs from the evening
CEDAR KNOLLS — Libations Sponsor Solix, Inc. and Culinary Sponsors Birds Eye, Crystal Plaza, FirstEnergy Foundation, and Mandelbaum Salsburg, P.C. partnered with chefs from area restaurants and businesses for a “Taste of Spring” to raise money for Employment Horizons’ Culinary Arts Training Program on April 5.
The event was again held at the Smoke Rise Village Inn, Kinnelon, and featured small plates from restaurants including Morris Tap & Grill, Ava’s Cupcakes, Birds Eye, Dolce Basking Ridge, Ninety Acres, Piattino, Pig & Prince, Smoke Rise Village Inn, and south+pine. My Limo of East Hanover served as the Transportation Sponsor for the evening, providing a bus to and from the event. In addition to delicious food, the evening included a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, giveaways, and music provided by Entertainment Sponsor WMTR Radio.
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Attendees from Libations Sponsor, Solix Inc
One of the dishes from Morris Tap & Grill
Board Member Howard Gogel and his wife, Rosa (pink jacket), entertaining guests
Cupcake display from Ava’s Cupcakes
Chef Eric LeVine of Morris Tap & Grill and Paragon Tap & Table – our lead chef for the event
A group photo of most of the participating chefs from the evening
A sheet cake provided by Palermo’s Bakery recognized Employment Horizons’ Diamond Jubilee and 60 years of service.
Employment Horizons is the premier not-for-profit agency providing comprehensive employment, training, and job placement services to persons with disabilities and other disadvantages in the greater Morris County, NJ area.
To obtain more information about Employment Horizons and the Culinary Arts Training Program, click here or contact Maria Verducci-Florio at (973) 538-8822 ext. 240 or mariaflorio@ehorizons.org. Photos by courtesy of Good Night Productions.
Coffee House event committee members (l-r) Diane Gangemi of Randolph, Mary Gangemi of Randolph, Dawn Gabriel of Morris Plains, and Mindy Turner of Randolph, review the terrific inventory of donated auction items, including a 32” Vizio television
MORRIS COUNTY — The Friends of JBWS Fundraising Committee is gearing up to host its 9th annual Coffee House and tricky tray to benefit Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS) in Morris County. The fun-filled event takes place Saturday, April 22, 6:30 p.m., at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center in Whippany. Tickets can be purchased for $35.00 in advance by clicking here or $40.00 at the door.
Guests will enjoy the wonderful acoustic music of Cast of Strangers, while bidding on tricky tray baskets valued at more than $3,000. A bonus this year is a chance to win the Disney Raffle Grand Prize of two nights at any Wyndham Rewards Properties, four Disney one-day hopper passes, luggage and designer Sunglasses. Additional raffles and a 50/50 drawing will add to the excitement.
A buffet, desserts, tea and coffee are included in the ticket price; Beer and wine are available for purchase. Guests must be 21 or over to attend.
All proceeds from the event benefit JBWS, a nonprofit domestic violence prevention agency serving more than 27,000 people last year through its’ 24-hour helpline (973-267-4763), counseling, safe house, transitional living, children’s services, life skills education, vocational counseling, batterer’s intervention, legal assistance, teen dating violence services, professional training, and education programs for youth and adults. Our dedicated volunteers provided 10,000 hours of service.
For more information about JBWS and this and all of our events, call (973) 267-7520 or click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Find treasures, great bargains, unique antiques, sought-after collectibles, and gifts to share. Don’t miss your opportunity to uncover something exceptional and wonderful. It is a one-day shopper’s paradise.
The All-County Garage Sale returns by popular demand to Mennen Sports Arena on Saturday, April 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., 161 Hanover Avenue, Morris Township.
“Last year, thousands traveled from near and far to hunt personal treasures,” said Mark Sutherland, Manager of Historic Sites for the Morris County Park Commission.
“Customers purchased mint-condition baseball cards, a wide variety of musical records, classic jewelry, kitchen appliances, vintage postcards and artwork, novelties, and so much more. You never know what you’re going to find.”
All proceeds from the All-County Garage Sale benefit the educational programming and historic preservation projects of Morristown’s Historic Speedwell.
Known as the ‘Birthplace of the Telegraph,’ Historic Speedwell’s Factory Building, is a National Historic Landmark that features a brand new, hands-on, interactive exhibit on the telegraph and the development of modern communications.
Admission to the All County Garage Sale is $3.00 per adult, $2.00 per senior and student. Children 12 and under are admitted FREE. For more information, call (973) 285-6550 or click here for more information.
FLORHAM PARK — Cornerstone Family Programs’ gathers over 300 of our community’s most philanthropic individuals to raise funds at its annual spring gala.
This year’s event, themed Smoke & Mirrors, was held on Saturday, April 1, at Park Avenue Club. Community members arrived in style, dressed in black and white, to celebrate the continued success of the non-profit organization.
The Gala, which is Cornerstone Family Programs’ largest fundraising event of the year, honored former Mayor of Harding Township, Nic Platt, MACRO Consulting Group of Parsippany, and Marjorie and Ivory Herbert as Cornerstone of the Community Honorees.
Marjorie Herbert, a thirty-year employee of Morristown Neighborhood House, Cornerstone Family Programs’ subsidiary, expressed her gratitude for the organization’s strong support at the event in a heartfelt speech.
“I invite you to come to the Neighborhood House and see what our kids do every day, and would be more than happy to show you around,” Herbert stated as she described the growth of the organization over the past three decades of working there, emphasizing that the children of the Neighborhood House thrive as competitive students thanks to the funds that help its programming.
Patrice Picard, CEO of Cornerstone Family Programs, emphasized the importance of programs at Morristown Neighborhood House. “It’s through our programs and dedication to our children that they grow into our community’s leaders, and it all begins with giving them a chance.”
Encouraging active philanthropy and service, Cornerstone Family Programs’ President of the Board, Hector Mislavsky, noted that 100 percent of Cornerstone’s Board of Directors was in attendance Saturday night. Full board participation contributed greatly to the event’s success, which garnered a nearly $300,000 profit, which will help fund Morristown Neighborhood House’s summer camp and STEM Lab Center programs.
Morristown Neighborhood House’s summer camp provides subsidized care costs for families, and a safe haven for children in the community during the summer months. The program provides activities, healthy meals, and opportunities for trips that ensure positive educational, character, and social development over the summer. A camp for children of all ages, Morristown Neighborhood House encourages active adolescent participation, as its Teen Tutors and Mentors serve as paid camp counselors during the summer, introducing a workforce preparedness aspect to the program.
Each of Morristown Neighborhood House’s classrooms features a STEM Lab Center, encouraging exploration and education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Accompanied with new curriculum for teachers at Morristown Neighborhood House, the STEM Lab Centers were designed with a goal to increase interest and improve performance in these areas of education.
Cornerstone Family Programs and Morristown Neighborhood House joined forces in 2013 to strengthen communities by helping people build better lives. Cornerstone Family Programs helps nearly 10,000 including children, adults, families, seniors and veterans. Cornerstone Family Programs is a private, non-profit organization. For more information about Cornerstone Family Programs, call (973) 538-5260 or click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is pleased to announce the 2017 winners of the annual YMCA Citizen of the Year Awards from their ten service area towns: Karen DeChristopher, Parsippany; Carolyn Micheletti Dobies, Boonton; Ron Quade, Boonton Township; Thomas Dean, Denville; Scott Akin, Kinnelon-Butler; Lauren Curiotto, Lincoln Park; Mark and Anna Landgrebe, Montville; Thomas “Mac” McElduff, Mountain Lakes; Russ Hall, Pequannock and Sgt. Greg Bogert, Riverdale.
Karen DeChristopher is the Division Marketing and Customer Relations Administrator for Western Pest Services.
Diane Rudolph and Karen DeChristopher. Karen is also Vice President of Family Promise
Among many other volunteer organizations, Karen DeChristopher is Vice President of Family Promise, is Vice President of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and Co-Director and Committee Chair of Kiwanis Club’s Young Children Priority One (YCPO) service projects. In January, Karen was given one of the highest honors in the Kiwanis Club, the George F. Hixon Fellowship Award. George F. Hixon Fellowship Awards are given to Kiwanians who have contributed to the betterment of the club. The club is eligible to award a Hixon for each donation of $1,000 to the Kiwanis International Foundation. The Hixon award is named in honor of the first Kiwanis International president.
Frank Cahill presenting Karen DeChristopher with the Hixon award
These individuals have demonstrated outstanding community service and volunteerism. “The selflessness exhibited by these volunteers is consistent with social responsibility, which is one of the key underpinnings of our YMCA mission and we are looking forward to honoring them,”says Lakeland Hills YMCA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Viktor Joganow.
The winners will be recognized at the Y’s Annual Dinner that will take place on Wednesday, May 17 at the Knoll Country Club West. Tickets for the dinner (at $50.00 each) are available through May 10 and everyone is welcome to attend, so come out and meet the people who have made a difference in your community! For tickets, call Nancy Dunham at the Y, (973) 334-2820, or email: nancyd@lhymca.com
PARSIPPANY — On Monday, April 10, Council Vice President was on his way to IHOP, 792 Route 46, Arlington Shopping Plaza to a Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Upon entering the parking lot he seen a distressed dog running around aimlessly heading towards Route 46.
He immediately got out of his vehicle and approached the dog. The dog continued his path towards Route 46. This was about 6:00 p.m. and the traffic on Route 46 was heavy at the time. He was able to call the dog and the dog actually listened and came back to Mr. Peluso. Mr. Peluso was able to catch the dog and hold and pet the dog and make him feel comfortable. The dog was scared and lost at the same time.
He then approached someone in the parking lot, who obtained water for the dog, which was thirsty from running and trying to find his way home. He then read the name on the dog tag, and “Jake” had a telephone number which he called and the call went to voice mail. He then texted the individual letting them know he had the dog. A few minutes later someone called back and he explained where the dog was. The family was excited and said they were out searching for the dog for some time now, and would meet Mr. Peluso in the parking lot.
The family arrived, mom and three youngsters who was happy to be reunited with their dog and took the dog home.
The family resides in Huntington Ridge Condo off of Route 46 and North Beverwyck Road.
The family was grateful and thanked Mr. Peluso for saving the dog.
FLORHAM PARK — Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-11, will speak at the Morris County Chamber of Commerce’s Washington Update Breakfast on Friday, May 12.
The event will be held at the Wyndham Hamilton Park hotel, 175 Park Avenue, Florham Park, costs $55.00 for members and $75.00 for nonmembers.
The congressman has been criticized for not holding a town-hall meeting to talk with constituents face to face since 2013. He does attend community events in the district, and he holds telephone town-hall meetings, for which residents can sign up.
At the chamber meeting, Frelinghuysen is expected to “discuss his work in Congress, including efforts regarding health care, tax policy, security and defense, the federal budget and other critical issues,” according to a chamber announcement.
Frelinghuysen became chairman of the House Appropriations Committee in January.
The breakfast and program will be from 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. with networking and registration beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Business people joining Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce during a breakfast meeting at IHOP
PARSIPPANY — Recently, the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a morning networking event titled “Email Marketing – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.”
Ilene Greene and Ted Polmar, Principals of MarketShare Communications and BizCircles Entrepreneurs Business Network, presented this PACC Breakfast Program. Their firm specializes in marketing strategy, website development, and branding for small and middle market companies.
Everyone uses email these days – but the question is, does it really work? We are all inundated with tens or hundreds of emails every day and every week. Which ones get opened and why?
The attendees received first hand knowledge of the 10 Facts You Need to Know About Email Marketing. Some of the topics included:
Best subject lines to get opened
How good is your list
How you can use email to grow your social media following
Best times to send emails – it’s changing all the time
Is your email template responsive and why it must be
Best and most cost-effective way to reach your target audience
Ilene Greene and Ted Polmar, Principals of MarketShare Communications and BizCircles Entrepreneurs Business Network, will present this PACC Breakfast Program. Their firm specializes in marketing strategy, website development, and branding for small and middle market companies.
You can join Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, May 9 when Ilene Greene and Ted Polmar presents “Social Media & Why We All Need to Engage.”
There was a time when social media was considered by some as a passing fad. Something that “the kids” were using, that businesses could never really benefit from. Today roughly eight-in-ten online Americans (79%) now use Facebook, a 7-percentage-point increase from a survey conducted about one year ago.
Popular social platforms have become marketing giants, offering businesses valuable data about their customers and a (mostly) free way to reach them. Social media for business is no longer optional.
Come to our next breakfast on Tuesday, May 9, and learn the 10 Benefits of Social Media and why you MUST be engaged – from Main Street to the Board Room. Find out who is using social media, how often they engage and which ones. Social Media helps you get: Exposure • Brand Awareness • Customer Loyalty and more!
This event is held at IHOP, 792 Route 46. $10.00 for members, and $15.00 for non-member and includes breakfast. Click here to register.
Children Reed Patel, 3, and Libby Patel, 1, with their parents visiting the Easter Bunny at IHOP
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, April 15, the Easter Bunny, hopped into IHOP, to visit the children having breakfast. Children had the opportunity to take pictures with the Easter Bunny and the Easter Bunny gave out candy to everyone.
IHOP waiter Daniel Arguelles with the Easter BunnyCommittee Chair of YCPO of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Karen DeChristopher visits with the Easter Bunny11 month old Lucas Amaral meeting the Easter Bunny for the first time at IHOP on SaturdayIHOP employees Cara David and Kathy Jovel and Kiwanis member Karen DeChristopher visits with the Easter Bunny
Winners. A gold egg was placed in each age group area and these three children were the winners. Lana Goldberg, 6, Joseph Gencarelli, 1, and William Irwin, 12, took home the grand prize
PARSIPPANY — Sedgefield Civic Association held their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 15. The children, in age groups went into Grafton Park to collect Easter eggs.
The children at the starting line waiting for hunt for the eggs in Grafton Park
Each age group had an opportunity to find a golden egg with a silver dollar, to win a grand prize. There were over 1,200 eggs hidden in the park.
Mayor James Barberio attended and gave each child an Easter bunny and some candy. The Easter Bunny hung out for pictures with the children, then took off to IHOP, 792 Route 46 to enjoy Breakfast with the children. (Click here to read related story)
For more information on Sedgefield Civic Association, click here.
Council Vice President Robert Peluso with his son who was ready to find the Easter Eggs
David Church, Librarian, Korin Rosenkrans, Branch Manager, Netta Aragona, Head of Children’s Services Jean Detlefsen, Library Assistant and Barbara Brinkman, Library Assistant all enjoyed the treats the WCPTH club members brought to the Lake Hiawatha Library Branch to celebrate National Library Workers’ Day. Photo by Stephanie LiCausi
PARSIPPANY — Librarians and Staff Members at Parsippany’s three libraries; Main Library, Mount Tabor Branch and Lake Hiawatha Branch were treated to refreshments on Tuesday, April 11 by members of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills (WCPTH) to celebrate National Library Workers’ Day. Club members treated the staff at all three branches to desserts, chips, candy and drinks to thank them for their dedication to the Parsippany library system. Club Members were on hand to chat with the staff and thank them in-person.
National Library Workers’ Day was established in 2003 to ‘recognize the hard work, dedication, and expertise of library support staff and librarians.’
This is the third year WCPTH has supported National Library Workers’ Day. The club has a special relationship with the library, being one of its first donors in the 1960’s when the township library was established. Nationally, Women’s Clubs are credited with establishing three quarters of the nation’s libraries.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC, which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. The next General Meeting is Monday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, visit their website by click here.
Meeting schedule is subject to change. Please contact Cathy, Membership Chairman, if interested in attending a meeting or to confirm date and time.
PARSIPPANY — Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook are in a statistical deadhead when it comes to college and high school students and the social media networks they use, but Snapchat and Instagram jump to a solid lead when it comes to how often they use them.
According to an online survey of 333 college and high school students conducted by SCG, a Parsippany based advertising and public relations agency, about 95 percent of students say they use the three major social media platforms, but 88 percent say they use Instagram and Snapchat often, versus 81 percent for Facebook. Twitter trails on all fronts with only 66.6 percent reporting use and fewer than 50 percent using it often. Students report lower usage of Tumblr, YouTube, and Pinterest.
Snapchat wins the battle for daily use, with 78 percent saying they use the service daily, as compared to 76 percent for Instagram, and 66 percent for Facebook. Seventy-one percent say they use Snapchat more than six times per day, and 51 percent says they are on Snapchat more than 11 times per day.
To access the full white paper on the results, click here.
“Students – mostly GenZ – are spending about 11 hours per day in front of up to five different screens. So it should be of no surprise that they are not married to just one platform,” said Michael Cherenson, SCG’s executive vice president for public relations. “Marketers and brands must be agnostic when it comes to platform. This means being open to use of several social media networks, often in unique ways.”
When it comes to Snapchat, respondents say they are most interested in keeping in touch with friends (89.5 percent) and sharing and creating videos, images and stories (56.8 percent). A whopping 49.2 percent say they return to Snapchat daily simply to maintain a Snapchat streak.
“More than half of Snapchat users say they would feel disconnected from friends if not for Snapchat, which speaks volumes about the relationship students have with the platform and their peer networks,” Cherenson said. “Almost 25 percent indicated Snapchat is essential to their relationships.”
Almost 90 percent of Snapchat users say they enjoy the GeoFilters, while 85 percent say they like the Snapchat Lenses. Students report little to no interest in ads that appear in stories.
There also is a high degree of interest in content, including “Real Stories or day-in-the-life,” “Behind-scenes videos,” and How-To videos. When asked about what brands or companies use Snapchat well, Cosmo, Buzzfeed and the Kardashians were cited most frequently.
“Brands would be wise to use the platform for storytelling, providing new and interesting perspectives, and for engaging in a thoughtful, interesting and meaningful way with students,” said Cherenson. “Cookie cutter content will be pushed aside quickly.”
About SCG Founded more than half a century ago, SCG (Success Communications Group) provides 21st century communication services highlighted by creativity, passion, and innovation. With specific expertise in public relations, advertising, marketing, social media, digital marketing, and recruitment, SCG is headquartered at26 Eastmans Road, Parsippany with regional offices in the metro areas of Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Diego, and Tampa.
As the Trump Administration’s new federal budget moves forward, I have been heartened to hear Representative Frelinghuysen’s positive statements on the importance of foreign assistance programming and these programs’ demonstrated value in improving American security and prosperity. Using only less than one percent of the federal budget, these programs comprise a critical piece of our country’s foreign policy.
We know all too well that violent extremists do not only wage their campaigns in their hometowns, their movements and attacks are global and present a clear threat to the security of Americans. While there is still much work to be done in defeating these groups, American foreign assistance investments in education and licit livelihoods have played a major role in reducing local support in other countries for extremism. Reducing this programming at this point would certainly move this effort backwards.
Foreign assistance also opens foreign markets for American business and export, both by building foreign markets for American goods and services as well as serving as a key negotiation point in discussions around taxation and regulation. In a world with increasing global competition, American businesses cannot afford to lose the benefits provided by foreign assistance programming. This is especially true as American competitors, particularly Chinese businesses, are realizing the returns from their own governments’ investments in foreign assistance.
Finally, American foreign assistance fights the spread of diseases that, through international flights and shipping connections, could easily reach the United States within days and do immeasurable damage to American lives and livelihoods. All totaled, foreign assistance is an investment that is extremely important to the security and prosperity of Americans, as well as those abroad that we reach with programming. Representative Frelinghuysen is right to question the Trump Administration’s proposed cuts to USAID and the State Department’s foreign assistance budgets.
Local Beat is the NJ News Commons’ weekly roundup of the best reporting by community news sources. THREE CRDA BOARD MEMBERS TAKE THOUSANDS IN BACK PAY, STIPENDS As many in Atlantic City are facing pay cuts and layoffs under the state’s takeover, one state authority has paid its own board members thousands of dollars in back…
Former Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Dr. Louis Valori and Former Mayor James Barberio (File photo)
PARSIPPANY — Four days after Democratic activist and candidate for governor Bill Brennan filed a citizen’s complaint against Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio and Business Administrator Ellen Sandman in Parsippany Municipal Court, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Louis Valori called a special meeting to introduce an ordinance establishing White Collar Salary Ranges.
Both defendants must appear in Morris County Superior Court on Wednesday, April 19 at 11:30 a.m.
This is clearly a salary ordinance, and not a payment ordinance.
The Ordinance, #2017:05, shall be retroactive to January 1, 2017 for all employees active on the date of introduction of this ordinance. The salary in this ordinance for Keyboarding Clerk 1 will have a minimum starting salary of $17,000 annually to $55,000 annually. (Note: A copy of the Ordinance was not available to the public during the special meeting, Parsippany Focus obtained a copy through Open Public Records Act (OPRA). Click here to see the complete White Collar Salary ranges.
Retired Police Sergeant Eugene Natoli
According to New Jersey Civil Service Commission, the definition of a Keyboarding Clerk I is “Under close supervision, performs routine, repetitive clerical work involving the processing of documents in a variety of functions; formats and key enters/types correspondence, documents, reports, charts and other materials on a computer console, typewriter, or other key entry device used by the agency; does other related duties as required. Keyboarding clerks typically spend a majority of their work time (more than 50%) typing or operating keyboard equipment. Speed and accuracy are essential for all keyboarding positions.
The complaints stem from a series of articles published in Parsippany Focus earlier this year. Barberio authorized the hiring of Retired Police Sergeant Eugene Natoli on December 19, 2016 at an annual salary of $50,000. The “Request for Personnel Action” report indicates he works in the “Administration Department” as a “Keyboarding Clerk 1.” The position is a full time, permanent position. It is evident that Mayor Barberio hired Mr. Natoli in clear violation of the law.(click here to read article).
The Personnel Action form was signed by Business Administrator Ellen Sandman.
Natoli’s Request for Personnel Action form obtained through an OPRA requestRamona (Jackie) Ortiz
Then in an article published in Parsippany Focus on March 7, “Barberio Breaks Township Ordinances Elected to Enforce, Again,” a source inside Town Hall told Parsippany Focus that Barberio hired Ramona (Jackie) Ortiz effective December 5, 2016 as a Keyboarding Clerk I, at an annual salary of $54,000.
The salary ordinance for white-collar workers, specifically Keyboarding Clerk 1, Ordinance 2016:22 states the salary is a minimum of $17,000 with a maximum of $48,000. She was hired at $6,000 more than the maximum amount allowed by Township Ordinance. It is evident that Mayor Barberio hired Ms. Ortiz in clear violation of the law. (click here to read complete Personnel Action form)
The Personnel Action form was signed by Business Administrator Ellen Sandman.
Ortiz’s Request for Personnel Action form obtained through an OPRA request
Both individuals were hired as a “Keyboarding Clerk I.” At the time they were hired the salary ordinance for white-collar workers, specifically Keyboarding Clerk 1, Ordinance 2016:22 states the salary is a minimum of $17,000 with a maximum of $48,000. Natoli was paid $2,000 over the ordinance while Ortiz was paid $6,000 over the ordinance.
Ordinance 2017:05, read on first reading on Tuesday, April 12 was voted 3-2. Council President Louis Valori and Michael dePierro voted in favor of the ordinance. In addition, Concilwoman Loretta Gragnani voted in favor of the Ordinance by telephone since she was not present at the meeting. The first reading passed 3 – 2.
Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr. voted against the passage of this Ordinance.
“I find it kind-of comical that we had to have this special meeting, at the last second, right after this gentlemen who you claim files this bogus claim,” Councilman Paul Carifi told Parsippany Focus. “Again, the mayor hired these people at a higher rate than what the salary ordinance allows. That is a fact. This is a knee-jerk reaction, as usual, by the mayor.”
“I’m voting with my conscience, no,” Council Vice President Robert Peluso said.
It was reported that Brennan and Barberio did not attend the special 5:00 p.m. meeting, during which Township Attorney John Inglesino read a statement accusing Brennan of politicizing township business and criticizing Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill.
“Mr. Inglesino appears to be speaking out of both sides of his mouth. On one hand he claims there is no salary cap violation but on the other, he’s recommending that the ordinance be changed now with an unscheduled, last minute special meeting. If Mr. Brennan’s complaint is bogus, why is Mr. Inglesino in such a hurry?” stated Democratic Mayoral Candidate Michael Soriano.
Bill Brennan told the Daily Record, “I am beginning a legal campaign against these lawless abusers. Inglesino is my ultimate target. I investigated the perpetrators and started with Inglesino’s cronies, and am working my way up.”
The meeting drew a small public audience including Michael Soriano, who is running for mayor in the June Democratic primary. Barberio is running for re-election in the June GOP primary against Peluso. The audience also included former Councilman Jonathan Nelson, Former Mayor Mimi Letts and Current Council Candidate Janice McCarthy.
“These salary ordinances should be reviewed in October or November of the previous year, and adjusted at that time, not after the mayor goes and hires people above the salary ordinance,” Paul Carifi said. “He continues to do this. But in the past, for certain people that he’s hired for certain positions, we’ve been told that the promises and/or the negotiations the mayor has engaged in, that if we did not give them those salaries, we could be sued. And at that point, we had no choice. That’s why we did it in the past.”
The ordinance will be further considered for second reading and final passage on Tuesday, April 25.
RANDOLPH — County College of Morris (CCM) will be holding its Spring Open House on Saturday, April 22, for high school students and their parents, students attending other colleges who are looking to transfer, and adults interested in returning to school.
The Open House takes place in the Student Community Center on CCM’s Randolph campus, 214 Center Grove Road. Two sessions will be offered at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Those who attend and apply for admission will have the $30 application fee waived.
The Open House features academic breakout sessions so students can explore the areas of study they are most interested in pursuing.
Faculty and representatives from admissions, financial aid, career services and student life will be on hand to answer questions. Participants also can take a self-guided tour of the campus.
The Open House offers the opportunity to learn about CCM’s more than 50 associate degree programs, athletics and student organizations.
Registration is requested and can be easily completed online by clicking here. Remember to select the session you want to attend.
Open House visitors can park in Lots 6 or 7 (a campus map can be found by clicking here). For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY — Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Joseph Pennacchio will join with local officials, educators, advocates and parents in a community forum in Parsippany to discuss the importance of acting to reform the state’s school funding practices, including full funding of the School Funding Reform Act, the law that was intended to distribute state aid fairly and equitably but has not been fully funded and has been hobbled by add-on provisions.
Senator Joe Pennacchio
With thirteen school districts in Morris County funded under 50 percent of the formula, the county has some of the lowest funded districts by percentage in the state.
With the growth cap and adjustment aid removed and SFRA and Extraordinary Special Education Aid fully funded, Morris County schools stand to gain $57 million.
The Parsippany SFRA Fair Funding Roundtable will be held on Monday, April 17, at 11:00 a.m. in Parsippany Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
Flames coming from the attic of the home on Lord Stirling Drive
PARSIPPANY — At approximately 8:45 a.m. Friday morning, April14, Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Department 5 and 6 and Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire Department 4 responded to a working house fire on Lord Stirling Drive.
Boonton RIC also responded to the scene. According to sources at the scene no one was injured. American Red Cross was called to help the five residents who are displaced by the fire.
Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, Par-Troy Emergency Services, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Rehab Trailer were all called to the scene.
Jersey Central Power and Light was also called to the scene to turn off the electric to the home.
Parsippany Police’s Fire Investigator and Det. Marcin Czajka continued to investigate the fire at about 10:30 a.m.
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Firemen were in the home on the second floor by the window
The top floor sustained the most damage
The top floor sustained the most damage
The top floor sustained the most damage
Firemen entering through the front door
Firemen were in the home on the second floor by the window
Firemen were in the home on the second floor by the window
Flames coming from the attic of the home on Lord Stirling Drive
Fire hoses were run from area hydrants
Flames coming from the attic of the home
Flames were shooting out of the roof of he home
The ladder on the roof of the house
The smoke coming from the home on Lord Stirling Drive
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, President Earth Friendly Products Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks and State Senator Joseph Pennacchio
PARSIPPANY — Earth Friendly Products, the maker of ECOS™ environmentally friendly cleaning products, is celebrating 50 years of green cleaning innovation, a significant achievement in the cleaning products industry. Earth Friendly Products is located at 50 Lackawanna Avenue.
2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the family-owned and –operated company, and it will celebrate this important milestone with gala celebrations at its four sustainable manufacturing facilities across the U.S.
The celebrations will occur throughout the month of April in conjunction with global Earth Day celebrations, in honor of the company’s long-standing commitment to environmental protection. Earth Friendly Products has achieved many firsts in developing safer cleaning products. The company has received many awards for its advances in safer green chemistry, including the U.S. EPA’s coveted Safer Choice Partner of the Year.
In 2016, Earth Friendly Products was the first cleaning products company to use the safer ethylhexylglycerin as a preservative in its formulations, partnering with the U.S. EPA to establish it as a Safer Choice–recognized chemical.
Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks
“I’m proud to continue our company’s legacy as an eco-pioneer while making Earth Friendly Products a model for green business practices,” says Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, president and CEO of Earth Friendly Products. “It’s important to me that we continue to lead as an American manufacturer, creating green jobs and supporting local economies. Since the beginning, our mission has been to make plant-powered cleaners that are safer for people, pets and the planet, and to do that for 50 years while supporting our employees and our communities is very rewarding.” Earth Friendly Products is also a nationally recognized leader in corporate social responsibility, paying one of the highest minimum wages in the nation and supporting its employees with numerous family-friendly benefits such as paid healthcare, sick time, and maternity and paternity leave. The company also offers its employees financial incentives to adopt green lifestyle choices, such as purchasing a low-emissions vehicle, installing solar panels, and relocating close to its facilities to reduce carbon emissions and long commutes.
The company was started in 1967 by Eftychios Vlahakis known as Van Vlahakis.
Eric Hanks unveils a Bronze Custom Portrait Sculpture of Kelly’s father, Van Vlahakis
The Greek-born Mr. Vlahakis founded Venus Laboratories in the garage of his Chicago home in 1967. A decade later, he changed the name to Earth Friendly Products and opened a headquarters and factory in Garden Grove, California. He died on April 6, 2014 at his home in Key Largo, Florida. He was 79.
With 300 employees and four manufacturing plants in the United States, the company topped $100 million in sales last year with biodegradable, chemical-free products sold online and in supermarkets and big-box stores such as Wal-Mart and Costco.
Born in Crete on January 14, 1935, Mr. Vlahakis immigrated to the United States at 18; he had $22 in his pocket. He lived in homeless shelters and supported himself with odd jobs at bars and restaurants while attending Roosevelt University in Chicago. After earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1958, he found work in the cleaning products industry.
“Earth Friendly Products is a model for manufacturers across the U.S. that shows you can do the right thing for customers, employees, and the planet and be successful,” says David Levine, co-founder and CEO of American Sustainable Business Council. “Their 50 years of continued growth is a testament to the fact that companies can do good and do well.” Founded in 1967, Earth Friendly Products was launched at the dawn of the environmental movement in the same year that saw the passage of the Air Quality Act and the founding of the Environmental Defense Fund. The company was an early supporter of Earth Day, which traces its roots back to 1970.
Parsippany is home to one of four manufacturing plants nationwide which was welcomed with a Ribbon Cutting hosted by the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce on Earth Day 2015. The Parsippany facility is carbon neutral, water natural, and Zero Waste Platinum certified, saving more than 53 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually and diverting more than 95 percent of all waste from landfills.
In addition to the celebration in Parsippany on April 13, other anniversary events will be held at Earth Friendly Products’ facilities in Lacey, Washington, on April 18; Addison, Illinois, on April 21; and the company’s headquarters in Cypress, California, on April 28.
Guests enjoyed an exciting program featuring a locally sourced organic lunch, VIP guest speakers, and the world premiere of videos honoring the company’s legacy in the green movement and its unprecedented achievements in sustainable manufacturing. Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Vice-President Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Robert Peluso was the emcee of the event.
VIP speakers included Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey, Senator Joe Pennacchio, Gary Williams, Projects Specialist and Outreach Coordinator and George Helmy, both from Senator Cory A. Booker’s office, Representatives from Rodney Frelinghuysen’s office, Mayor James Barberio and local representatives and employees of the Parsippany facility.
Menendez and a representative for Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) both presented CEO Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks with American flags that had flown outside the Capitol building in Washington to commemorate the occasion.
Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks presented a check for $50,000 to American Sustainable Business Council. CFO Michael Palmatier and David Levine
During its Parsippany anniversary celebration, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks presented a donation to its key non-profit partners at each facility, including American Sustainable Business Council in New Jersey. At celebrations in other locations, a donation will also be presented to Seattle Children’s Hospital in Washington, the Discovery Cube Museums in California, and the Roosevelt University in Illinois.
“We’re honored to have so many federal and state dignitaries, non-profit partners, and community members join us to celebrate this important milestone in our company’s history,” says Vlahakis-Hanks.
After the celebration and awards CEO Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks provided a tour of the facility so people could see first-hand how the eco-friendly cleaning products are produced. Her fahter’s life story was the basis for “A Green Story,” a 2013 feature film with a cast that included Malcolm McDowell as a villain who tries to force Mr. Vlahakis to sell his company. A short video was shown to the guests at the end of the tour hosted by Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks.
ECOS™ cleaners are produced in the U.S. in carbon neutral, water neutral, and Platinum Zero Waste-certified facilities. ECOS™ laundry detergents are among the over 100 Safer Choice-certified products made by Earth Friendly Products. The U.S. EPA’s Safer Choice program is designed to help consumer find products that are safer for human health and the environment and have superior performance. Earth Friendly Products has more Safer Choice-certified products than any other manufacturer.
For more information about Earth Friendly Products and ECOS™ products, click here.
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Andy Manatos
Nicolas Limanov, President Earth Friendly Products Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks and State Senator Joseph Pennacchio
The Proud Employees of Earth Friendly Products
Chef Mary Geaver who prepared the "Farm to Table" luncheon
Emcee Parsippany-Troy Hills Vice President Robert Peluso
Vivan Panou welcoming the audience
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Robert Peluso with employees of Earth Friendly Products
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, President Earth Friendly Products Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks and State Senator Joseph Pennacchio
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill at the 50th Anniversary of Earth Friendly Products
The sign on the wall says it all
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member Nicolas Limanov at the 50th Anniversary of Earth Friendly Products
Jim Keefe on the organ
"Farm to Table" Luncheon prepared by The Cleaver Company
Vivian Panou, Robert Peluso and John Pellington
The ECOS products for pets
The story of Van Vlahakis is on the wall in the conference room
Nadereh Afsharmaneshh, Vice President Sustainable and Education
General Manager Kenneth J. Teich
Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks explaining the products on the assembly line to Robert Peluso
Director of Public Affairs of New Jersey Food Council Gary La Spisa with President Earth Friendly Products Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks
Tito packing the bottles for shipment
Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks showing products being packaged for Sams Club
ECOS Disney products
The assembly line
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso and President Earth Friendly Products Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks
Jenna explaining the Quality Control procedures
ECOS Dish Detergent is one of the over hundred products produced
Kelly and Eric Hanks listening as the speakers talk about the success of Earth Friendly Products
President Earth Friendly Products Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks with Parsippany Area Chamber Board Member Nicolas Limanov
MORRIS COUNTY — Find treasures, great bargains, unique antiques, sought-after collectibles, and gifts to share. Don’t miss your opportunity to uncover something exceptional and wonderful. It is a one-day shopper’s paradise.
PARSIPPANY — Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook are in a statistical deadhead when it comes to college and high school students and the social media networks they use, but Snapchat and Instagram jump to a solid lead when it comes to how often they use them.
Snapchat wins the battle for daily use, with 78 percent saying they use the service daily, as compared to 76 percent for Instagram, and 66 percent for Facebook. Seventy-one percent say they use Snapchat more than six times per day, and 51 percent says they are on Snapchat more than 11 times per day.
