PARSIPPANY — Parsippany District 5 Fire Department held its 18th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner on Saturday, March 11 at the firehouse on Old Bloomfield Avenue.
The annual event attracted many residents, firemen, politicians and friends who enjoyed a delicious cooked corned beef, cabbage, boiled potatoes and carrots. There were even hot dogs for the kids, as well as homemade cupcakes and cookies.
Paddy Merrill stopped by to sing some Irish tunes!
PARSIPPANY — Members of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany recently donated winter coats to Homeless Solutions. In addition, Ms. Lisette Rivera of Morris County’s Homeless Solutions discussed how that organization helps homeless families. Kiwanis member and former Homeless Solutions employee Nicolas Limanov organized the collection of the coats for the residents at Homeless Solutions.
The Transitional Housing Program opened in 1996 in order to give homeless families more time to work towards their goals and become self-sufficient. The facility includes ten self-contained apartments where families are provided with everything necessary for independent living (furniture, full kitchen, dishes/cooking utensils, etc.). The program requires that all adults in each family work full time with a minimum 30 hours per week. Families can reside in the program for up to eighteen months and most families obtain permanent housing and leave in less than a year. During this time, families work closely with Case Managers who provide them with supportive counseling and help link them with community resources.
Volunteers provide assistance including credit counseling, financial coaching, career
counseling, life skills workshops, tutoring for children, parties and activities for children, yoga, and more.
The program has helped over 190 Morris County families since its inception. In the past two years, twenty families have moved to permanent, affordable housing and remain housed.
The Transitional Housing Program staff stays in contact with families for up to two years after they graduate and provide follow up Case Management services in order to prevent recidivism.
Volunteer opportunities include hosting activities for children, babysitting for children while parents attend life skills workshops/case management meetings, helping to turnover apartments between move outs/ins, providing tutoring and music lessons for children.
Current needs for donations include new towels and wash cloths, new or like new lamps, new pillows, and large sized diapers (5, 6, 7 only and pull ups 2T, 3T, 4T).
Today, Homeless Solutions provides shelter for 25 homeless men, 10 homeless women, 10 families and 20 Safe Haven guests. Our guests receive services including case management, transportation to work and necessary appointments, money management and employment assistance, housing search assistance and daily living skills training. Referral services for counseling, substance abuse intervention, and prevention are also provided.
Homeless Solutions employs 49 staff, 36 full time and 13 part time. Homeless Solutions, Inc. is governed by a Board of Trustees and is incorporated as a non-profit organization in the State of New Jersey.
For more information on Homeless Solutions click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Lincoln is about 14-16 weeks old, about 26 pounds, and he is a handsome with a beautiful chocolate coat and white on his 4 paws and chest. Lincoln also has an adorable wrinkly forehead! Lincoln is a playful, friendly puppy who was rescued from a high kill shelter in North Carolina and now living in a foster home in New Jersey.
Lincoln’s foster mom says…..’Lincoln is an awesome puppy! He is super friendly with everyone and he is all about having fun! Lincoln loves being outside running around, loves toys, loves to cuddle and loves playing with other dogs.
Lincoln listens well and he is smart and loyal. He sleeps through the night without having accidents and is getting the hang of house training by going to the door when he wants to go out. Squeaky toys, bones and rope toys he enjoys and he will even throw a ball in the air and play by himself.
The only thing Lincoln loves more than playing with toys is to cuddle and be with us. Lincoln will lay on the couch with us between our legs and he will put his head on our legs and falls asleep. Just before Lincoln falls asleep he makes these cute little sounds.
So even though Lincoln has a lot of energy, he knows how to chill out! Lincoln has the cutest floppy ears that perk right up when he hears something or when you are talking to him. Cute, cute, cute! We adore Lincoln!!’
Adopt Lincoln he is Awesome!! Please email FHDR@att.net for an adoption application.
To see more photos and a video clip of Lincoln, please go to www.fhdr.petfinder.com.
PARSIPPANY — Barbara Baxter, Auxiliary Member of the Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 2 is serving Fish and Chips at their annual fundraiser held on Friday, March 10. For those patrons not wanting the famous Fish and Chips, Chicken was also available.
Arglye’s served their famous original recipe Fish & Chips dish. They use fresh, all-natural fish that is delivered daily to their Kearny location.
Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District #2 provides fire protection to the Rainbow Lakes, Interpace Commercial Zone, Lower End of Park Road and the Parsippany Hills High School Area.
Recently Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Fireman Pete Deegan. The following members were recognized for their service at Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department: 10 years service – Corey Martin; 15 years service and now Life Member – Jim Murphy; 20 years service– Greg Robinson; 40 years service – Pete Deegan; 45 years service – Gene Caulfield, Tom O’Connor and BJ Bejarano.
Patriots awards was given to the following members recognizing their time as Veterans serving in the military: Chuck Iantoska, Gene Caulfield, George Appel, Pete Deegen, Matt Mead and Douglas Reighard.
Ken Baxter was recently recognized for his four years as company President.
Rainbow Lakes Fire Department is looking for more volunteers. Training, equipment and uniforms provided at no charge. Serve your community in a meaningful and fun way!
Contact membership@rlvfc.org or stop at the firehouse, One Rainbow Trail
Denville any Monday at 7:30 p.m.
PARSIPPANY — PJ, Michael and Justin have been wrestling together since they were six years old. As the three prepare for the State Tournament, they pose for one last time wearing Parsippany uniforms.
Out of 425 High Schools that participate in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJISAA) which make up the New Jersey State Wrestling Championship, Parsippany was well represented in this years 2017 tournament.
PJ Gohn placed sixth in the State of New Jersey. His teammate, Michael Ilic placed within the top 12 of the state. Both Gohn and Ilic wrestled for Parsippany High School Red hawks. Throughout their four-year career with the Red hawks, Gohn had a total of 85 wins while Michael Ilic had 107 wins.
Justin Carifi was the sole wrestler from Parsippany Hills High School who represented the Vikings at the state tournament. Carifi also placed within the top 12 of the state. Carifi had 39 wins this season and also finished his career with the Vikings with a total of 118 wins. Both of these accomplishments are now school records at Parsippany Hills High School according to Head Wrestling Coach Chris Wells.
Coach Dasti who is the Red hawks head wrestling coach, had this to say about Gohn and Ilic. “They’ll both be missed.” “Obviously with P.J., you’ll miss someone that talented. Now, it’s just a matter of replacing him and I hope we have guys who can do that. Hopefully, the younger guys see the success he had and I hope they understand it came from all of the offseason work. It didn’t just happen overnight.”
The same can be said of Ilic, who plans to wrestle at Worcester (Mass.) Polytechnic Institute.
“He’s a quality kid,” Dasti said. “He’ll be hard to replace, too. He’s another guy who worked his tail off in the offseason. The success that he and P.J. had didn’t just come. They had to work very hard in the offseason to get here.”
Coach Wells had this to say about Carifi. “Justin will be missed greatly next season as his contributions to the team helped propel us to 6 wins this season. I know that many kids on the team this season and even in the PTWC (Parsippany Recreation Wrestling Club) will look up to him and strive for the greatness he has attained in his four years at Parsippany Hills High School. I only had the privilege of coaching Justin for 1 season, this being my first year as head coach at PHHS. I was impressed by his determination to be the best he could be, pushing him to always wanting to improve. He faced many challenges throughout the season, even in the state tournament. But, in the face of adversity Justin stepped up and performed his best. I was happy to see that Justin was able to finish in the top 12 in the state. Though this was not his ultimate goal at the end of the season, I was proud to be in his corner for his final season as a high school wrestler. I wish I had 3 more years with him, but I wish him the best of luck and look forward to what he can do at the collegiate level.”
PARSIPPANY — A sanitation worker was injured Thursday morning when he was struck by a car as he tried to get back to the township garbage truck, police said. Police responded to Lake Shore Drive at about 11:31 a.m. and found a 63-year-old employee with the Parsippany Department of Sanitation had been hit by a car…
PARSIPPANY — Area women are invited to join members of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills (WCPTH) who will meet on Monday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. The club is a great group of women of all ages and walks of life committed to volunteerism and service to the community.
After a short business meeting, Sheriff James Gannon, the 77th Sheriff of Morris County, will be the guest Speaker. Sheriff Gannon will speak about his first term in office and what the Sheriff’s Department really does. He will also address current affairs and how his 33-year career in law enforcement and security helped prepare him for his position.
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.
For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or visit their website by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Enrollment for this summer’s highly competitive 2017 Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy has opened, with limited space available for the intensive week-long course for young Morris County women and men, entering grades 9-12 in the fall of 2017.
The fifth-annual, week-long academy will be held from Monday, July 31 to Friday, August 4 at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue.
It is run by the Morris County Department of Law & Public Safety/Office of Emergency Management, in partnership with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and Morris County Park Police, and funded by the Morris County Board of Freeholders.
The academy offers a five-day program that is open to all Morris County students who are enrolled in Grades 9-12 in the fall of 2017. It is completely free of charge to the cadets and their families.
The academy is a uniquely designed program which provides high school students exposure to and a better understanding of the various facets within the field of public safety. This program has been designed to target Morris County’s young adults at a time when they are making decisions regarding their future education and careers.
“They are in the process of making educational and life commitments that could potentially impact their careers, their character, and their communities,’ said Morris County Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “We want to give them a chance to see if public safety might be a way for them to go.’’
“This is an investment in the youth of our county, and a chance to interest some of the brightest young people who live in Morris County to consider being future leaders in our vitally important public safety team,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo, who is the county governing board’s liaison to the Department of Law and Public Safety.
The Youth Academy is a unique program that exposes cadets to all facets of the public safety profession.
This intensive program will provide cadets with specially designed training and hands-on experience in the fields of police, fire, EMS, emergency management, and more.
Class size is limited, and the summer 2017 class is expected to quickly fill to its capacity.
To get more information about this exciting program, or to apply for enrollment, click here.
PARSIPPANY — There are two videos for the Township meeting of Tuesday, March 7.
Here is part two
PARSIPPANY — “Developing A Successful Marketing Plan for the Small Business” was the topic presented at a Breakfast Networking Event held by the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday, March 10.
The Breakfast Networking Series is held at IHOP, 792 Route 46
This PACC Breakfast Presentation was presented by Ilene Greene and Ted Polmar, Principals of Marketshare Communications and BizCircles Entrepreneurs Business Network
A Marketing Plan offers a simple strategy or set of strategies, a marketing calendar, an evaluation system and a series of tactics that give you complete control of your marketing activities.
Topics discussed included “How to put your Marketing Plan together, Budgeting your plan, The initiatives you must take to make it happen and a good Marketing Plan conveys your company’s vision and mission to your target, markets, customers and employees.”
All participants was able to create a SWOT Analysis and discuss their Successes, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats that goes into planning your business’ future.
The next PACC Breakfast Presentation will be held on Tuesday, April 11 discussing “Email Marketing – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.”
To make a reservation for this event click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Council of Education Associations has named Dr. Denis Mulroony, Parsippany High School principal, as its 2017 administrator recipient of the MCCEA Friends of Education Award. The prize is bestowed annually on individuals who have made outstanding contributions to public education in Morris County. Winners are chosen from among community members, businesses, local leaders, parent organizations, administrators or others who have made significant, extraordinary contributions to public education.
In his letter of nomination, Dr. Mulroony was commended for “creating a supportive school community in which students, teachers, support staff and administrators alike have united to form an interactive team that has come to be the Parsippany High School family.” It went on to say, “Through his many service nights for students and the public, his pride in the school community and his tireless and motivating personal participation in nearly all aspects of school life, he has demonstrated time and again his impact on students, public employees, parents, and the community far above and beyond what his duties as principal entail.”
Dr. Mulroony, who is a graduate of Parsippany High School, began serving as principal in the fall of 2013 following a term as principal of Lake Parsippany elementary school. He was previously a vice principal of PHS, where he began his career in Parsippany as a teacher of English.
The MCCEA is a county wide organization comprised of the local education association chapters of the New Jersey Education Association, which includes the PTHEA. The award will be presented to Dr. Mulroony before educators from across the county at a formal dinner on March 29.
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills recently conducted its annual drive to collect new bras and children’s underwear to donate to women and their children living at Jersey Battered Women’s Service shelters.
JBWS provides a safe house and transitional living accommodations for victims of abuse, who are often forced to leave their homes with only the clothing they are wearing. The Woman’s Club collected 60 new bras and over 200 assorted pairs of new children’s underwear from club members and friends. This Mardi Bras Collection, conducted during the Mardi Gras season, is a project of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs and the Distributing Dignity Organization. To donate or for more information click here.
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, March 27 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 or click here for their website.
Meeting schedule is subject to change. Please contact Cathy (Membership Chairman) if interested in attending a meeting or to confirm date and time.
PARSIPPANY — According to documents revealed through an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request Ramona (Jackie) Ortiz was hired 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, passed on second reading on August 16, 2016 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.
Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., said “My concern is the Mayor is violating a town ordinance. In turn he’s breaking the law and it appears more than once. He’s hired people above the top salary allowed for those positions which clearly violates the town ordinance. We have hard working employees that have been working for the town for over 10 years in those positions and they are not even close to the top salary for their positions. Barberio seems to think it’s OK for him to bring in certain people and start them not only at the highest end of the salary range for those positions but he brings them in and starts them at a salary that exceeds the highest salary allowed therefore violating the town ordinance. What kind of message is he sending to the rest of our town employees and to the residents of our town. Again just another example of how Barberio thinks he is above the law.”
During a recent Council Meeting, Councilman Carifi questioned Business Administrator Ellen Sandman about the amount being paid and she said “Yes the Mayor is still paying certain employees more than the allowed amount for positions.” So to me, he (The Mayor) obviously doesn’t care.
Business Administrator Ellen Sandman said “As you know, we are going to be adopting the budget for 2017 hopefully by late April, at the very least early May, and you will then see the salary ordinance which will mark that which was approved through the budget by the Council in our new 2017 salary ordinance. It is then that we will have reviewed all the changes made after the August 16, 2016 ordinance. This new 2017 min/max ordinance will modify those changes that occurred after the 2016 salary ordinance and will also reflect adjustments made to individuals who exceed the current min/max. These changes may have occurred due to commitments made through classes, certifications, increased responsibilities. I’ve requested a Finance Committee meeting to review our practice of adopting a salary ordinance once a year and am contemplating perhaps a January salary ordinance to capture those changes that may have taken place after the previous ordinance but before the next budget adoption. It is important to note that the individual referred to was hired on December 5, 2016 and as of this date, has not exceeded the min/max ordinance. This will be addressed in the new 2017 min/max ordinance, as will all other titles that exceed the 2016 salary ordinance.”
“Although you are not asking about the Keyboarding Clerk I title specifically, I believe it is important to provide you with information as it relates to these outdated Civil Service titles. As I stated during the Council meeting, we have asked Civil Service to meet with us as well as the other nine Civil Service jurisdictions in Morris County to address this matter, said Ellen Sandman”
According to sources at Town Hall, Ms. Ortiz was hired to coordinate employee benefits. She was previously employed by Fairview Insurance. Fairview Insurance, a firm with close ties to the township donated approximately $50,000 to America’s Future First (AFF) and New Jersey’s Future First (NJFF) the political PACs that contributed indirectly to the reelection of Councilman Michael dePierro, and the election of Loretta Grangani. Vincent Ferrara was also a candidate but lost the election. Fairview Insurance is the Township’s Insurance Broker of Record.
In addition, the Director of Business Development for Fairview Insurance and liaison to the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, Ryan Graham, son of the founder of the firm, donated $12,000.00 to the Super PAC during this period.
This seems to be a normal event in Parsippany. This is not the first time Mayor James Barberio violated the white collar salary ordinance.
Earlier this year on January 9, 2017, Parsippany Focus reported Retired Police Sergeant Eugene Natoli was hired by Parsippany-Troy Hills Township 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. He was hired at $2,000 more than the maximum amount allowed by Township Ordinance. It is evident that Mayor Barberio hired Mr. Natoli in clear violation of the law.
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.
Business Administrator Ellen Sandman was hired in 2014, with $15,000 over the maximum salary guideline. When Mayor Barberio announced the hiring of Sandman, he revealed Sandman’s salary would be $140,000. Former Councilman Jonathan Nelson asked the Mayor in Public Session, “I don’t have the white collar salary ordinance in front of me but I believe this amount is over the salary cap,” The former CFO Joe Kovalcik stated that her pay was within the salary ordinance. Parsippany Focus filed an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request for the salary ordinance for white-collar workers at that time.
State Statute, 40:69A-40 states the duties of the Mayor shall enforce the charter and ordinances of the municipality and all general laws applicable thereto.
The salary ordinance indicated the white-collar workers, specifically Business Administrator, Ordinance 2013:16, passed on June 13, 2013 states the salary was a minimum of $75,000 with a maximum of $125,000. She was hired at $15,000 more than the Ordinance allowed. It is evident that Mayor Barberio hired the new Business Administrator in clear violation of the law. (Click here to read article)
Shortly after Parsippany Focus published the story, the Mayor introduced Ordinance 2014:15 to the Council requesting a change in the salary ordinance for two positions. The Chief Financial Officer’s pay maximum was increased to $150,000 and the Business Administrator’s maximum pay was increased to $150,000. This ordinance was read on first reading, and voted 5-0. The second reading and final passage of the ordinance was read and voted 4-1 on Tuesday, June 17, 2014. Council Vice President Robert Peluso voted against the salary change. That salary change was retroactive to January 1, 2014.
Parsippany Focus asked Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Michael dePierro, Council President Louis Valori, and Council Vice President Robert Peluso for comment, but didn’t respond to our requests.
PARSIPPANY — Don’t show up to IHOP, 792 Route 46 today without a big appetite! March 7 marks National Pancake Day 2017, which means a free stack of pancakes for all. That is, if you follow the below guidelines.
Those visiting Parsippany IHOP today, Tuesday, March 7 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. can get a free short stack of their famous Original Buttermilk Pancakes. Talk about a tasty deal!
While free pancake are available to all, there are some exceptions. This offer is limited to one stack per guest and is for dine-customers only. In other words, you can’t order your free pancakes to go.
While there’s no purchase necessary to participate in this offer, IHOP does suggest guests make a donation to one of their charitable partners in return. Donations made on National Pancake Day at IHOP restaurants benefits Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Shriners Hospitals for Children and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which fights blood cancers.
Since its start in 2006, National Pancake Day donations have raised more than $24 million for charity. IHOP hopes to raise $3.5 million for children battling life-threatening illnesses in 2017.
If you’re looking for another way to help IHOP’s cause, IHOP customers can purchase a “Wall Icon” to pledge their support.
All of the money raised on IHOP National Pancake Day is donated directly to local children in need.
“Year after year, we look forward to celebrating with our guests and fans, and are amazed by their generosity,” Mo Abdelhadi, Owner, IHOP Parsippany.
“Every pancake served on IHOP National Pancake Day has a purpose, and every penny raised goes a long way in making a meaningful, and lasting, impact on so many kids and families in our communities,” said Abdelhadi.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany are volunteering for IHOP’s National Pancake Day. Restaurant guests enjoy a free short stack of pancakes in exchange for a suggested donation to the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, a preferred charity of Kiwanis International.
Volunteers encourage guests to support the cause and fulfill Kiwanis’ mission to serve children.
PARSIPPANY – The Lake Hiawatha branch of TD Bank, 435 North Beverwcyk Road was robbed on Monday afternoon, at approximately 3:00 p.m. The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrived on the scene at approximately 5:50 p.m. Possible red Honda was used as a get away vehicle.
Morris County Prosecutors Office Major Crime Unit is on the scene investigating.
Signs on the door indicate the bank is closed and will reopen as normal on Tuesday, March 7.
Police would not confirm additional details on the investigation, which is ongoing, at this time, directing questions to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
On Saturday, March 3, another TD Bank on Eisenhower Parkway, Roseland was also robbed. Reports of a robbery at a bank in Roseland has police on the scene investigating. Police responded to a robbery in progress report at the TD Bank that’s located in the 40’s block of Eisenhower Parkway shortly before 1:45 p.m. where arriving officers began a search for 5’7″ tall male who was wearing a gray hoodie and black jacket when he ran from the bank. The man fled the scene with several hundred dollars according to reports. There were no reports of a weapon shown.
On Thursday, February 23, Police responded to the TD Bank on McBride Avenue in Woodland Park. It was a robbery and a suspect was arrested, said Detective Lt. John Uzzalino. Around 9:45 a.m., a man entered the bank and approached the teller, handing her a note that said “he has a gun, turn over the money or he will shoot.” She gave the man about $500 in cash, Uzzalino said. Officers stopped a vehicle and found that the driver, Jose Cruz, 30, matched the description of the bank robbery suspect, Uzzalino said. Cruz faces charges of terroristic threats and robbery, Uzzalino said.
In January, TD Bank in Little Ferry was also robed. A white male roughly 5 feet 10 inches tall and wearing a gray hooded sweat shirt, blue jeans, work boots and a dark gray wool hat entered the bank at 225 Main Street around 1:00 p.m. Sunday, January 15 police said. He had facial hair and appeared to be in his 20s.
On December 27, 2014 TD Bank in Denville was robbed, and the robber was captured.
On December 23, 2013 Santander Bank on Littleton Road was robbed and the robber was caught.
In August 2012, Provident Bank on Smith Road was robbed, and the robber is still at large.
Indus American Bank, was robbed July 20, 2012, and that robber was caught.
On September 5, 2012 the PNC Bank on Route 46 was robbed and the robber was caught a few hours later in Secaucus.
Parsippany Focus will update this article as soon as complete details are released.
PARSIPPANY — The February 27 meeting of Parsippany Library Board of Directors was packed with a standing-room only crowd of concerned Mount Tabor residents.
The residents attended to voice their concerns over the cutting of the hours, cutting of programs and rumors of closing the branch. Mount Tabor library is walkable for the many children who live in Mt Tabor. In a gesture for the Standing Room Only turnout for the Library Board meeting President Dr. Joseph Weisberg moved the public comments section of the meeting to the start of the meeting.
Library Director Jayne Beline assured the crowd the Mount Tabor Library was not closing. She also stated, “The Township has been very supportive of the Library.”
Board President Dr. Joseph Weisberg opened the meeting by addressing the audience. “The Library Board appreciates all of the interest in the Mount Tabor Library branch. All of our decisions that the Library Board made with regard to the six-hour cut were very well thought out. We made these decisions so that the Library branch could remain open,” said Dr. Weisberg.
He continued, “To clarify, we had to make additional cuts in services, not just the reduction in hours cut at Mount Tabor. At the main library, because our Sunday grant was reduced by 50%, we are now open only 26 Sundays a year instead of 37. We have been asked to postpone the needed renovations at the Lake Hiawatha branch. This project was slated at $1.5 million, (based on an estimate from 2010) but after the plans were drawn up the scope of the project changed and now the project cost is estimated at $3 million.’
The Mount Tabor branch hours went into effect February 6 are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m.
The Mount Tabor branch is open 34 hours per week now. That is a reduction in the schedule by six hours. The Lake Hiawatha branch is open for 58 hours per week. The Parsippany Main Library is open for 64 hours per week plus four extra hours on 26 Sundays.
Year round, the Library is responsible for covering 156 public service hours.
It was stated at Mount Tabor Library, there are full-timers using four of their 35 hours a week to cover the branch. The branch head at Lake Hiawatha works at Mount Tabor one day a week to oversee operations, meet with staff and assist with coverage. There are four part-time staff workers at the branch.
Total salary to operate the branch is $62,373; Heat costs are $652; Electric are $1194; Telephone is $950 for an estimated total of $65,169 yearly. To restore six hours it is estimated to cost between $7,500 and $9,000.
Mayor James Barberio said the Camp Meeting Association of Mount Tabor (CMA) offer of $1 per year rental with the Township maintaining the building was under review by Parsippany Township Attorney John Inglesino and he would follow up on the status and the CMA to finalize the agreement. CMA Board members reiterated that the Bethel was always available at no cost for Library special programs and had never been proposed to be available for rent. The Bethel is actually a value added to the Library for popular Children’s programs to use more space for free.
The discussion from residents included using volunteers. All volunteers would need to pay for a background check at an estimated cost of $30 to $40. The volunteers would have to be placed on the Library’s liability insurance policy. It is estimated it would cost between $500 and $600 more. All volunteers are required to be trained in the Library’s policies and procedures. Each volunteer would need to be paired with a staff member. It would require a volunteer coordinator to manage the volunteers. If a volunteer is the second person there and does not show up, the branch may need to be closed. Mayor Barberio pointed out that there are many volunteers working for various Parsippany departments (firefighters, ambulance, etc) who are already covered under the township liability insurance so this should not be an objection, and he would check into the liability.
It was noted the Library has a budget of $2.8 Million, and the cost to operate Mount Tabor Library (with the cuts) is approximately $70,000.
Resident Jim Lau swiftly calculated this is just 3.5% of the total Library budget for one of three Library branches.
Area resident Glenda Hasse stated “Reinstitute the Youth Programs – that encourages use of the different aspects of the Library. Children are encouraged through school programs to get their library card and make good use of it. There are class trips to the library to encourage and familiarize students with the library. Children use the Library as a resource for homework. Adults and students use the computers for access to the Internet. Research. Job Hunting, when funds are limited to have a private internet service.”
One resident brought up the cuts in Children programming at Mount Tabor. He said, currently Mount Tabor has no children programs, while Lake Hiawatha branch has 32 and the main library has 44. Dr. Weisberg said “If the Board determines that storytime should be offered at Mount Tabor, they could assign librarians from the other two location to conduct storytimes.
It was also suggested by an area resident, “Be creative with the hours. open from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. instead of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so everyone can use the library.”
The building has served as the community library since 1889, and then became a branch of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library.
The Main Library moved to its new headquarters in 2006. The library is conveniently located off route 202, at 449 Halsey Road. It is in walking distance of an elementary, middle and high school.
The Lake Hiawatha library was established in 1937, but has occupied the present site since 1968. In 1994 the interior was renovated and expanded so that the library Branch could better meet the needs of its neighborhood service area.
Nestled in the Mount Tabor section of Parsippany, the Mount Tabor branch building occupied its present site since 1889. It is the smallest branch but is located in a beautiful setting near Trinity Park.
For more information on Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Women’s Theater Company, a professional theater company in Parsippany, presents Musical of Musicals (The Musical), written by Joann Bogart and Eric Rockwell.
The Musical of Musicals (The Musical) is a hilarious satire of musical theatre. One story becomes five delightful musicals, each written in the distinctive style of a different master of the form, from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim. The basic plot: June is an ingenue who can’t pay the rent and is threatened by her evil landlord. Will the handsome leading man come to the rescue? The variations are: a Rodgers and Hammerstein version (set in Kansas in August, complete with a dream ballet), a Sondheim version (featuring the landlord as a tortured artistic genius who slashes the throats of his tenants in revenge for not appreciating his work), a Jerry Herman version; an Andrew Lloyd Webber version and a Kander & Ebb version 9set in a speakeasy in Chicago).
The Musical of Musicals (The Musical), starring Patricia Durante, Scott McGowan, Jenna Ravenda, Zach Mazouat. Producing Artistic Director Barbara Krajkowski, Director/Choreographer Lauren Moran Mills, Musical Director Deborah Martin.
The Musical of Musicals (The Musical) runs March 24 to April 2 Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 for adults and $20.00 for seniors. To purchase tickets online Click here or call (973) 335 -3038.
The Women’s Theater Company is located at the Parsippany Playhouse at 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. For GPS driving directions, please enter the town of Boonton, 07005.
ABOUT WOMEN’S THEATER COMPANY:
The Women’s Theater Company’s mission is to provide a fertile environment for the advancement of professional women theater artists and to provide quality theater for the community at large. Through their main stage, educational outreach, and new works development programs, the Women’s Theater Company supports the development of new women artists, promotes new works in the American theater, and provides entertaining and enriching productions for growing audiences. Women’s Theater Company is located at The Parsippany Playhouse, 1130 Knoll Road, Parsippany. For more information contact (973) 335-3038, or email info@womenstheater.org.
The Women’s Theater Company is proud to be a member of the New Jersey Theater Alliance. Funding for the Women’s Theater Company has been made possible in part by funds for the Morris Arts through the New Jersey State Council on the Art/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Women’s Theater is proud to be a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
PARSIPPANY — Temple Beth Am will celebrate Purim with a very special event featuring a carnival, reading of the Meggilah and a not to be missed Purim Shpiel featuring music adapted from Fiddler on the Roof, on Sunday, March 12.
The festivities, free and open to the public, begin at 9:45 am with the Purim Schpiel, “A Meggilah on the Roof”, followed by a reading of the Meggilah with spinning groggers and assorted noisemakers. At 11:00 a.m., the party continues with a carnival including food, fun, face-painting, games, prizes and the always popular Moon Bounce. Come and enjoy Temple Beth Am’s unique celebration of Purim.
For more information about the First Friday Speaker Series or Temple Beth Am please contact Debbie Lesser, Temple Administrator at (973) 887-0046.
Temple Beth Am is located at 879 South Beverwyck Road. You can visit their website by clicking here.
Celebrating our 51st year, Temple Beth Am is a Reform congregation with a diverse membership living throughout Morris County, including the towns of Parsippany, Boonton, Denville, Lake Hiawatha, Mountain Lakes, Montville, Randolph and Rockaway. We open our doors to adults and youth, singles and couples, Jews-by-birth and Jews-by-choice, and interfaith couples. Led by Rabbi Steven L. Mills and Rabbi/Cantor Inna Serebro-Litvak, Temple Beth Am is an inclusive, warm and welcoming place for personal and communal prayer, solace and comfort, joyous celebration, community service, education and sharing as a vibrant Jewish congregation.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills Players will be performing a production of “Bye Bye Birdie” on Thursday, March 16, Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18. The performance will be held at Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive at 7:00 p.m.
Cast members include: Albert performed by Lucas Folan; Rosie performed by Mia Macarella; Conrad performed by Anthony Paterno; Mr. MacAfeeperformed by Alexei Sepe; Mrs. MacAfee performed by Jackie Pascale; Kim MacAfee performed by Nicolette Kelly; Randolph MacAfee performed by Shoumik Vaddi and Hugo performed by Ky Yurchuk.
Revisit a simpler time in 1950s America, where you’ll follow Albert and Rosie’s journey as they accompany a swooning, hip-thrusting Conrad Birdie to small town Sweet Apple, Ohio! There you’ll see a patriotic, healthy, normal, typical American family, the MacAfees, and sweethearts Hugo and Kim!
Admission is $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for senior citizens and non-district students, and free for Parsippany-Troy Hills School District students.
Book by Michael Stewart; Music by Charles Strouse; Lyrics by Lee Adams and Originally Produced by Edward Padula.
BYE BYE BIRDIE is presented by arrangements
TAMS-WHITMARK MUSIC LIRRARY, INC.
560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022
PARSIPPANY — On a chilly Sunday morning, March 5, at approximately 10:15 a.m. Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department 6 and Lake Parsippany Fire District 3 were called to Carlstadt Road in Lake Parsippany.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police were first at the scene and reported there was no fire at the time of arrival.
Microwave ovens are in just about every home now, and in a lot of offices and other workplaces as well. They can make food preparation a lot easier but they can also be a fire hazard.
If you experience any abnormal activity with your microwave oven, you should unplug it and not use it until a repair person inspects it. Also, tell someone about your problem. Specifically, report it to the CPSC.
Consumers often wonder why a product has not been recalled. One reason is that the CPSC has to get a certain number of reports of a problem before it will take any action. There are other factors as well. CPSC works partly off of hospital records; unless a product defect has caused injuries, it may not be eligible for recall.
ConsumerAffairs warns consumers regarding microwave use and cleaning.
Recently Consumer Affairs received this alarming email from a reader named Anne.
“Our microwave, we believe it was a Samsung, started a fire in the middle of the night. Our house is totaled. No loss of life except our two cats. Can we do anything?”
A request to Anne for a follow-up interview about the accident went unanswered, so we decided to look into our database of consumer reviews to see if anyone else has had similar problems. They have.
“I bought this microwave and it starts sending out sparks and is an extreme fire hazard,” Emily, of Manteca, Calif., wrote about her Emerson microwave.
Emily said she called the company and was told the fire was probably because the inside of the unit needed cleaning. Emily isn’t buying it, especially after finding other consumers who have reported similar experiences.
“I and most of the reviewers on this site have had experience with many microwaves over the course of our lives and have not had sparks flying out of our microwave,” she wrote.
“Saturday the KitchenAid over the stove microwave/convection caught FIRE before my eyes,” Stephen, of Leawood, Kan., told us. “Serviceman yesterday said the magnatron had burned holes within the machine and was not replaceable.”Earlier this year ConsumerReports published an in-depth study of reported problems with KitchenAid microwaves. Some of those problems have also been reported to ConsumerAffairs.
There have also been a few reports of similar problems with GE microwaves.
“I purchased the model (PEM31SM1SS) GE Profile in November of 2008,” writes Pamela, of Duxbury, Mass. “Less than a year later it overheated and failed; since it was still under warranty, the repair was managed by the appliance vendor. The scorch mark on the rear wall of the oven was and is still there. During the past year, the paint on the interior roof began to bubble and peel. There is now a broad area of exposed metal and the paint around the interior door frame is also peeling.”
Consumers should report safety problems to the manufacturer. Use a civil, businesslike tone. The company needs to know the scope of the problem it has on its hands.
Finally, don’t forget to post a report on ConsumerAffairs. Other consumers can learn and benefit from your experience.
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.
Contact us: news@parsippanyfocus.com
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