New Jersey Governor Chris Christie refuted the testimony of former Port Authority executive David Wildstein, who testified on Tuesday that Christie knew about the lane closings all along. Christie said, “I knew nothing about the lane reassignments before they happened, as they were happening. I had nothing to do with the planning.” Gov. Christie made these…
Gov. Chris Christie: ‘I Knew Nothing About Lane Re-Alignments’
NJ Transit train crash: At least 1 dead, 100 injured at Hoboken station
HOBOKEN — A New Jersey Transit train crashed into the Hoboken station Thursday morning killing at least one and injuring more than 100. TV footage shows the crash caused serious damage to both the train and station. Witnesses reported scores of injuries, including one woman who was trapped under concrete and many people bleeding. The train…
Six runners at Parsippany Express Cross County Team get top place ribbons
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Express Cross Country Team had six runners get top twenty place Ribbons at the September 18 running at Central Park of Morris County,
(Back row left to right:) Amanda Hoffman 2nd place Girls 11/12 3210 Meter Run, Kira Chebishev 11th place Girls 9/10 2260 Meter Run, Angelina Fernandez 18th Girls 9/10 2260 Meter Run, bottom row left to right: Chase Kosovich 14th place Boys 7/8 1730 Meter Run, Callie Sisco 11th Place Girls 7/8 1730 Meter run and Madison Richardson 5th Place Girls 7/8 1730 Meter Run.
Celebrates the Feast of Saint Francis with a “Blessing of Animals”
PARSIPPANY — Furry, fluffy, feathered, or fuzzy – all are welcome to join the congregation of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, October 2 at 5:00 p.m. for the annual blessing of Animals Liturgy celebrating the life of St. Francis who is remembered as having a deep appreciation for all of creation and a special bond with animals.
All God’s creatures are welcome, however for safety concerns, participants are asked to bring their pets leashed or caged. Following the liturgy, refreshments are provided as an opportunity for people and pets socialize.
To support the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter donations of dog or cat food, paper towels and cleaning supplies are requested. (For more information about Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, you can email them by clicking here.)
St. Gregory’s is a progressive, inclusive and affirming, community of faith joyfully sharing the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ with all God’s Children, we are located at 480 South Beverwyck Road. Please call the church at (973) 887-5879 or click here for additional information.
Three PHHS Graduates Recognized on Deans List Students at Stevenson
PARSIPPANY — The Dean’s List recognizes full-time undergraduate students whose academic achievement is outstanding in each semester. To qualify, a student must earn a grade point average of 3.50 or better and must have completed 12 credits or more during that semester.
Business Communication major Emily Shannon, a 2013 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, was named to the Dean’s List for the Stevenson University Spring 2016 Semester. Students who earn the Dean’s List honor must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a grade point average of a 3.50 or better.
Also recognized were Molly Hoyt and Jacqueline Wolf. Molly is a 2012 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School and Jacqueline is a 2014 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School.
Stevenson University is a coeducational, independent institution widely known for its unique synthesis of traditional liberal arts education and exceptional career preparation.
The 4,200 students receive an innovative education from the six academic schools- Business and Leadership, Design, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Sciences, and Graduate and Professional Studies.
Each student experiences individual attention from faculty members and extensive career preparation gained through real-world training. Two ideal locations just north of Baltimore, Maryland, in Stevenson and Owings Mills, make the University truly unique.
Stevenson University has recognized Emily Shannon for earning a spot on the Dean’s List during Summer 2016. Emily is part of the Class of 2017.
The Dean’s List recognizes full-time undergraduate students whose academic achievement is outstanding in each semester. To qualify, a student must earn a grade point average of 3.50 or better and must have completed 12 credits or more during that semester.
Morristown Historic District tour from Macculloch Hall
MORRIS COUNTY — Macculloch Hall Historical Museum will present “A Walk through Time,” a Historic District house tour from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 9 from the museum at 45 Macculloch Avenue.
The event is sponsored by Millea Bros. Auctions+Appraisals.
This walking house tour features seven homes, including Macculloch Hall, in the heart of Morristown’s landmarked historic district.
Visitors will how old meets new by viewing historic architecture and design in modernized spaces. Featured homes, most never open to the public, have been kept and appointed so that they maintain their old world charm and appeal while offering the comforts of home for 21st century living.
Each home, whether a private residence or historic house museum, retains its unique characteristics designed long ago, while incorporating personal touches added by residents over time.
Tickets are $40.00 in advance or $45.00 on the day of the event. They are available online by clicking here, at MHHM during public hours, and at the following local retailers in Morristown: Lauren b., 55 South Street, Suzi’s Salon, Spa & Wellness, 126 South Street, Just Jersey, 163 South Street; and in Madison: British Home Emporium, 91 Main Street.
Funds raised by the tour – the musem’s only fundraiser of 2016 -support the museum’s educational programs, the preservation of its historic building and grounds and day-to-day operations.
Featured House Tour residences have been sponsored by Fania Roofing Co., Development Committee and Macculloch Hall Historical Museum Board of Trustees, Morris County Tourism Bureau, RegentAtlantic and Sterling Horticultural Services.
For more information, call (973) 538-2404 or click here.
Rockaway Borough Resident Indicted on Attempted Kidnapping and Sexual Assault Charges
ROCKAWAY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Rockaway Township Police Chief Martin McParland, Jr. announce that Kyriakos Serghides, 35, Rockaway Borough was indicted on multiple charges related to incidents that are alleged to have occurred in August and September of 2015 in Rockaway Township.
It is alleged that on August 28, 2015 while at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall, Serghides touched the genitals of two separate boys in restrooms at the Mall. It is also alleged that on September 10, 2015, Serghides threatened and then attempted to leave the Target Store in Rockaway Township with an unrelated five year old boy. He was arrested on September 11, 2015 on charges related to these three incidents.
Defendant was indicted on two Counts of Second Degree Sexual Assault; three Counts of Third Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child; one Count of Second Degree Attempted Kidnapping; one Count of Second Degree Luring; one Count of Second Degree Attempted Sexual Assault; one Count of Third Degree Terroristic Threats; one Count of Third Degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes; and one Count of Fourth Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.
The State is represented by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Meg Rodriguez in this matter.
Anyone with information relating to these charges is urged to contact Detective Supervisor Marshall Wang of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes / Child Endangerment Unit at (973) 285-6200, or Detective Thomas Takacs of the Rockaway Township Police Department at (973) 625-4000.
Prosecutor Knapp thanks the Rockaway Township Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit for their continuing efforts in this investigation and prosecution.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Morris County marks Arts and Humanities Month with Proclamation
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Freeholders issued a Proclamation urging citizens to “explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives, and to begin a lifelong participation in the arts.” The Proclamation notes that the “arts and humanities embody much of the accumulated wisdom, intellect and imagination of humankind and allow us to explore ideas, express emotions and better appreciate cultures from around the world…” adding “beauty and balance to our lives…” and “contribute to a strong and healthy economic climate by stimulating economic activity and creating jobs.”
The Proclamation further recognizes Morris Arts’s efforts toward that goal “by developing, supporting and advocating on behalf of artists, arts organizations, and arts experiences through programming such as First Night Morris County, Music Beyond Borders, 3rd Saturdays at Morris View, Meet Me in Morristown, exhibits at the Atrium Gallery and Gallery at 14 Maple, Arts in Education programs and artist residencies, Pumpkin Illumination, the Gateway Totem Project, and many others,” and it calls attention to “Morris County’s diverse cultural community [which] offers a wide range of music, theater, dance, visual arts, and is blessed with an abundance of outstanding arts organizations, historical sites, museums and other cultural venues – which make life in Morris County so vibrant, stimulating and inspiring….”
Kathryn A. DeFillippo, Director of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, announced that October 2016 would be Arts and Humanities Month in Morris County, “to raise public awareness and of the many fine arts and cultural organizations that call Morris County home, and I ask all county residents to promote, support, and participate in the arts and cultural opportunities that Morris County has to offer.”
Representatives from Morris County’s arts and cultural community gathered in support of the Proclamation which also coordinates with National Arts and Humanities Month, a coast-to-coast collective celebration of culture in America organized every October by the national organization, Americans for the Arts, and comprising the largest annual celebration of the arts and humanities in the nation. From arts open houses to governmental proclamations, curtain speeches and special events, communities across the United States join together this month to recognize and celebrate the importance of the arts and culture in our daily lives.
Freeholder Director Katheryn A. DeFillippo presented the Proclamation to Tom Werder, Executive Director of Morris Arts, on behalf of the larger arts and humanities community in
Morris County and she noted the importance of the arts, citing her own personal appreciation of the Atrium Gallery exhibits in the freeholder’s workplace and the enormous impact the arts have in our area, making it a cultural mecca for the region. “I am honored to receive this proclamation on behalf of Morris County’s vibrant arts and humanities community. In today’s world, the arts are more important than ever, enabling us to build communities and to attract people to live, work and play in Morris County,” said Werder.
During October, Morris Arts will be featuring the numerous cultural and arts events in Morris County on its website cultural calendar by clicking here. Additionally, Morris Arts has made the Proclamation available for arts and cultural organizations to read or post in order to highlight the month and educate patrons about the arts in our communities.
Morris Arts, located in Morristown, is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1973 dedicated to building community through the arts. Using the arts to inspire, connect and engage, Morris Arts serves as a resource for Morris County with a special focus on arts programming in the community and schools, arts advocacy, and support of the Morris Area community of artists and arts organizations.
Bridgegate: Wildstein bragged to Christie about ‘tremendous amount of traffic in Fort Lee’
NEWARK_The prosecution’s star witness on Tuesday detailed how Gov. Chris Christie was told of the traffic jams at the George Washington Bridge in the midst of the gridlock. David Wildstein, who pleaded guilty to federal crimes associated with the Bridgegate scandal and turned government information, testified he and Bill Baroni, Christie’s top appointee at the Port…
Colliers International Arranges Parsippany Office Lease for Marks Paneth
PARSIPPANY — Accounting and advisory firm Marks Paneth LLP has signed a long-term lease for 13,823 square feet at 8 Campus Drive, located at Mack-Cali Business Campus announced Colliers International Group Inc.. The global commercial real estate services firm represented Marks Paneth in the transaction, which signifies the company’s operational expansion into New Jersey.
John Cunningham of Colliers’ Parsippany office headed the assignment with Michael Cohen and Andy Roos. Based in New York, Cohen and Roos represent Marks Paneth regionally. Brian Decillis served as in-house representative for Mack-Cali, which owns the award winning 215,265-square-foot, LEED-Silver-certified office property.
Headquartered in New York City, Marks Paneth offers a range of accounting, auditing, tax, consulting, restructuring, bankruptcy and financial advisory services to domestic and international clients. The firm employs more than 600 people, including over 80 partners and principals, with revenues in excess of $112 million. With roots dating back to 1907, it is the 34th largest accounting firm in the nation and the eighth largest in the Mid-Atlantic region, according to Accounting Today.
“Marks Paneth’s business in New Jersey is growing,” Cunningham said. “The firm’s senior management wanted to establish a presence in Morris County, at a well-amenitized, high-profile property. This building offers a great look and feel, and it is part of the Mack-Cali Business Campus, which is emerging as a true ‘downtown’ environment, with onsite hotels, daycare, restaurants, fitness centers and shuttle service to the Morris Plains train station. Future improvements on the Campus will include a Wegmans Supermarket, upgraded food services, expanded and upgraded fitness centers, jogging paths and walking trails, improved outdoor spaces, new restaurants, and new signage.
According to Cunningham, the Marks Paneth lease reflects an ongoing trend of flight to quality among Morris County office users. “Tenants in the local market are being drawn to properties that provide a first-class image and quality accommodations for servicing clients, and attracting and retaining top talent,” he said. “In the case of Marks Paneth, the company appreciated the opportunity to partner with a quality landlord at a property that can accommodate its continued growth.”
“We’re delighted about the prospects for future growth this new office facility presents for our firm,” said Harry Moehringer, managing partner at Marks Paneth. “Over the years, Colliers has been a key partner in our expansion across the mid-Atlantic region – and, once again, with their assistance, we have secured world-class office space in Parsippany in which to work and serve our clients.”
About Colliers International Group
Colliers International Group Inc. is an industry leading global real estate services company with more than 16,000 skilled professionals operating in 66 countries. With an enterprising culture and significant employee ownership, Colliers professionals provide a full range of services to real estate occupiers, owners and investors worldwide. Services include strategic advice and execution for property sales, leasing and finance; global corporate solutions; property, facility and project management; workplace solutions; appraisal, valuation and tax consulting; customized research; and thought leadership consulting.
Colliers professionals think differently, share great ideas and offer thoughtful and innovative advice that help clients accelerate their success. Colliers has been ranked among the top 100 outsourcing firms by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals’ Global Outsourcing for eleven consecutive years, more than any other real estate services firm.
For the latest news from Colliers, visit Colliers.com or follow us on Twitter: @Colliers and LinkedIn. To see the latest news on Colliers International in New York, follow @Colliers_NYC and Twitter.
Couple killed in motorcycle crash recalled as ‘dynamic duo’ married 28 years
PARSIPPANY – The couple killed in a motorcycle crash Sunday on I-287 were married for 28 years and regularly rode together on weekends as one of their favorite things to do together, according to their daughter. James and Denise Ruggiero were “amazing parents and friends” and “had that unconditional love you only come across once” in…
United Way Needs Volunteers to Meet Demand for Free Tax Prep
MORRIS COUNTY — United Way of Northern New Jersey is seeking volunteers to meet the growing demand for its free tax preparation program, which helps those living paycheck to paycheck avoid the high cost of preparation fees during the upcoming tax season.
Last year, United Way teamed up with the IRS, community partners and local volunteers to file more than 5,800 free tax returns across the region, putting $5.7 million in returns back into residents’ pockets and the local economy.
“We saw a 25 percent increase in the number of families coming to us for help from the previous year,” said United Way CEO John Franklin. “Without the help of committed volunteers, we cannot address this need.”
To learn about the program and speak with current volunteer tax preparers, residents are invited to a breakfast on Saturday, October 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills, 200 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge.
For those committing to volunteer, the first step involves watching a one hour webinar that provides an overview of the tax program and the volunteer opportunities available. Three sessions of the webinar are scheduled for:
· October 20 at 5:00 p.m.
· November 1 at 12:00 noon
· November 30 at 5:00 p.m.
“Our volunteers tell us that they actually look forward to tax season because the experience is so rewarding,” Franklin said. “This is a great way to get involved and give back to your community.”
For more information or to register for the webinar or breakfast, email by clicking here, call (973) 993-1160 ext. 529 or visit here.
About United Way of Northern New Jersey
United Way of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization working to improve people’s lives and strengthen communities by focusing on Education, Income, and Health. These are the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job; the tools needed to achieve financial stability; and good health. We lead caring communities to create long-lasting changes that transform people’s lives. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. United Way of Northern New Jersey serves Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties as well as portions of suburban Essex County, including the Caldwells, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Millburn-Short Hills, Montclair, Roseland, and Verona. Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED. To learn more, call (973) 993-1160 or visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.org.
Update: Identity Released on Two Deaths in Motorcycle Crash
PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, September 25 at 11:11 a.m., Netcong Station personnel responded to a double fatal motorcycle accident that occurred on Interstate 287 Southbound at milepost 41.2, approximately half mile south of Route 80.
A 1994 Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling southbound on I-287 when it ran off the road to the right, struck a guardrail, and ejected both riders.
The driver, James Ruggiero Jr., 56, and the passenger, Denise Hannon, 53, both of Hamburg, suffered fatal injuries.
Parisppany Police Department and Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 6 were on scene assisting with the partial lane closures of the local lanes for approximately three hours.
CCM Professors Promote the Value of Community Colleges
RANDOLPH — Dr. Charles Selengut and Dr. Jill Schennum, professors from the Department of Sociology, Economics and Anthropology at County College of Morris (CCM), along with their former colleague Dr. Olivia Hetzler, are on a mission to promote the value of community colleges.
Most recently, the three authored an article on “Sociology, Stigma and Community Colleges” for the American Sociological Association (ASA) newsletter. In that article, they noted, “It is highly important today to recognize the significant role of community colleges in the public higher education system and to make them visible and avoid negative labeling.”
Two years ago they also led a panel discussion at the ASA annual conference on the contributions of community college professors.
“We plan to continue our efforts,” says Selengut, the author of two nationally recognized books on religious violence. “People need to realize the quality of the faculty that can be found at community colleges.”
His books are “Our Promised Land: Faith and Militant Zionism in Israeli Settlements” (Rowman & Littlefield) and “Sacred Fury: Understanding Religious Violence” (AltaMira Press).
Prompting the professors’ efforts is the resistance each has encountered as a community college faculty member. For one, it was a publisher who did not want to include a community college affiliation in the author’s bio because it felt it would limit the book’s acceptance as a scholarly work. For another, it was being rejected by a prestigious academic publisher because of the lack of affiliation with a selective liberal arts college or research university. And for another, it was being told as a Ph.D. student that teaching at a community college was an “invisible option.”
Yet, all three value their experience as community college faculty. And while Hetzler recently left her position at CCM to relocate back to the Midwest, she continues to serve on the ASA’s community college task force.
Schennum, who has authored a book on the economic disparities that resulted from the loss of union jobs following the closing of Bethlehem Steel, says she particularly values being a teacher at a community college. Her book is due to be published in early 2017.
“I love teaching at a community college where you can really focus on your students, rather than teaching in a large lecture format,” she says. “Community colleges also attract a very diverse student body, and what we offer is a high quality education that is affordable and accessible so people can realize their potential.”
“The quality of the work experience at a community college is something to really appreciate,” says Selengut. “It’s friendly and intimate.”
If Selengut and Schennum have their way, awareness about the quality of the faculty and learning experience at community colleges will continue to grow.
As they note in their article, “We must overcome the status and prestige distinctions that separate faculty across the United States.” Central to that, they add, “is making community colleges more visible.”
Fire District 6 Frenzy Car Show
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District held a “Frenzy Car Show” in Lanidex Plaza.
All car enthusiasts came together and supported one another.
The money profited from this event will be used by Parsippany District 6 to buy new equipment for the firehouse.
Lami Kim, organizer for the event said “Thanks to Parsippany District 6 for giving me an opportunity to set up this event for all of you guys … I want to give a BIG THANK YOU and my biggest appreciation to everyone that came out to support me and the fire department. Without you guys we wouldn’t had a successful event like we did today. I had a blast hanging out with all of you, hope you guys did too… and can’t forget about our chef killing it on the grill.”
Edward J. Brzostowski, 88; long time Parsippany resident passes
PARSIPPANY — Edward J. Brzostowski, 88, passed away on Thursday, September 22, at his home.
He was born and raised in Bayonne and came to Parsippany in 1957.
Edward proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Corporal during the Korean Conflict from 1/9/1952 until being honorably discharged on December 9, 1953.
He was an electrical maintenance worker at Hoffman LaRoche in Nutley for 34 years before retiring in 1991.
Edward was a former member of the Parsippany Elks #2078.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Rachel (nee-Taggart) on July 21, 2016.
Survivors include his sons Edward, Michael, and James; his sister, Estelle Pustay; and his cherished grandson, Justin.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Liturgy of Christian Burial to be offered on Tuesday, September 27 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Christopher RC Church, 1050 Littleton Road, Parsippany. Entombment: Gate of Heaven Cemetery, E. Hanover. Visiting hours will be on Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road.
Parsippany Fall Festival draws large crowds
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills held it’s 15th Annual Fall Festival on Sunday, September 18.
The town-wide celebration not only provided an opportunity to highlight township programs, services, organizations and businesses, but encouraged community spirit.
The generosity of the business community has played a large role in the success of this festivals. The event included numerous food and craft vendors, non-profit community groups, including the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, Rotary of Parsippany-Troy Hills, Woman’s Club of Parsippany, rides for the kiddies, entertainment and live music.
Rockaway Meadow School Celebrates 50 Years
PARSIPPANY — Students, Teachers, Former Students, Former Teachers all gathered on Friday, September 23 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Rockaway Meadow School. Also in attendance was Mayor James Barberio, Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Councilman Michael dePierro, Dr. LeRoy Seitz, Interim Superintendent, School Board Member Joseph Cistaro and Judy Mayer.
The school opened in February 1966 and placed a time capsule which was opened for their 25th Anniversary, and then resealed and opened again for their 50th Anniversary. Memories from students were placed in the time capsule and were made available to the public to view what the students wrote in both time periods.
The time capsule was planted in the wall as you enter the school, behind the “1966” plaque.
Current Principal, Mr. Keith Cortright, opened the ceremony discussing Rockaway Meadow School, from past to current.
Former Student and Current Teacher Melissa Schneider spoke about her days as a child at Rockaway Meadow and her dreams of becoming a teacher.
Mr. James Caulfield wrote the “50th Birthday Song” which was song by all current students. Parsippany Focus has included a video of the “50th Birthday Song.”
Mayor James Barberio presented Principal Mr. Keith Cortright with a proclamation from the township.
Some of the former teachers included Karen Huppert with 19 years of service, Judy Mayer with 22 years of service and Judy Eckhard with 32 years of service attended the ceremony.
Rockaway Meadow School is strongly committed to the goals of academic excellence, positive social interactions, and responsible behavior. They foster a caring atmosphere where staff, students, parents, and the community work in together to create an enriching educational program. They stress the importance of mutual respect, acceptance, and appreciation of all our differences and similarities.
Rockaway Meadow School is located at 160 Edwards Road.
Accident involving motorcycle on Route 287 with Two Fatalities
PARSIPPANY — At approximately 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, September 25, Police received a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle.
Two people were killed in an accident according to New Jersey State Police. The crash took place in the southbound lanes and involved a motorcycle.
Only the left lane of the local highway is open. Authorities are on scene investigating.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers, NJ State Police, Parsippany Emergency Medical Services and Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance is on the scene.
The crash occurred on Route 287 south, approximately 1/4 south of Route 80, mile marker 41.3.
As details become available, Parsippany Focus will update this story.
More than 1,000 to Attend Community Hope Gala to Honor Merck Chairman and CEO
PARSIPPANY — More than 1,000 guests are slated to attend Community Hope’s 20th Annual Sparkle of Hope Dinner Auction on Wednesday, October 19, to honor Kenneth C. Frazier, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Merck. The gala is one of the largest fundraising events in New Jersey and benefits Community Hope’s programs to rescue more than 1,000 veterans and veteran families annually from homelessness. The gala also supports Community Hope’s residential programs serving more than 100 individuals daily in recovery from mental illness. This year’s gala will be held at the Venetian in Garfield.
This will be Community Hope’s largest gala in the 20 years since pharmaceutical leader Fred Hassan, then-Chief Executive Officer of Pharmacia & Upjohn, founded the gala to ensure sufficient community-based services to coincide with the pharmaceutical advancements in mental health treatment. Since 1997, the Sparkle of Hope event has raised more than $8.5 Million and continues to grow into an event that brings together the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in support of a common cause.
Community Hope is recognizing Mr. Frazier and acknowledging Merck’s support of our veterans by their spearheading of the Veterans Justice Initiative, established in 2011 to provide legal aid to the homeless veterans Community Hope serves.
Previously, Mr. Frazier served as president of Merck with responsibility for the company’s three major divisions, Mr. Frazier has held a broad range of senior management positions since joining Merck in 1992 as vice president, general counsel and secretary of the Astra Merck Group. He was elected vice president of Public Affairs in 1994, and, in 1997, assumed the additional responsibilities of assistant general counsel, corporate staff. Mr. Frazier was promoted to vice president and deputy general counsel in January 1999. In December 1999, he became senior vice president and general counsel. In this role, he oversaw Merck’s legal and public affairs functions and The Merck Company Foundation. In November 2006, he was promoted to executive vice president and general counsel. Mr. Frazier served as executive vice president and president, Global Human Health, from 2007 to May 2010, when he became Merck president. Mr. Frazier became CEO and member of the board of directors January 1, 2011, and became chairman of the board on December 1, 2011.
Prior to joining Merck, Mr. Frazier was a partner with the Philadelphia law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath. He sits on the boards of PhRMA, Weill Cornell Medical College and Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Exxon Mobil Corporation and Cornerstone Christian Academy in Philadelphia, PA. He also is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the President’s Export Council, The Business Council, the Council of the American Law Institute and the American Bar Association. Mr. Frazier received his bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University and holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School.
Sponsorships and tickets can be reserved online by clicking here. Table Prices range from $2,500.00 to $50,000.00 and individual tickets are $175.00 per person. For more information on the Sparkle of Hope Dinner Auction, visit the events section of Community Hope’s website or contact the Office at (973) 463-9600, extension 308.