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Kick off Annual Giving Campaign for Kids

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — You may have noticed some TV ads that the YMCA of the USA launched a month or so ago, featuring a little tot named Zoe. Being an election year, the unique and fun idea was to advertise “Zoe for President” even though she is only a one-year old. The concept being that all kids have the potential to grow up and change the world if they’re nurtured properly and supported along the way.

With that always being integral to their mission and being a not-for-profit organization, the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA will kick off their annual GIVE A KID THE Y campaign on April 1 for the same reasons. This annual effort primarily supports financial aid scholarships for childcare, after school care, and summer day camp, providing dollars of financial assistance to those in the local area who are less fortunate. The Y invites you to become a part of this important initiative by supporting this vital cause. Your gift will provide programs and services that give all kids what they need to succeed from childhood and beyond – regardless of their financial circumstances.

Please pledge (payable by December 31, 2016) your support when one of their volunteers contacts you or pledge/donate online by clicking here.

Walmart honors Parsippany’s Kent International with 2016 “Supplier of the Year” award

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Kent International is located at 60 East Halsey Road

PARSIPPANY ─ Walmart’s prestigious, annual “Supplier of the Year” award once again has been presented to Kent International. The bicycle company, with 85 employees at its Bicycle Corporation of America (BCA) plant in Manning South Carolinakentinternational, and 70 more at its Parsippany headquarters, received the same award in 2015.

Kent, currently producing 6,000 bikes per week in South Carolina, has expansion plans that will shift its focus from assembly to direct manufacturing. This significant broadening of operations is projected to result in the creation of about 100 additional jobs in Manning SC, for a total of 175-200 jobs.

“Our company is a stellar example of what U.S. based production can achieve,” explains Scott Kamler, President of Kent International, which has supplied bicycles to Walmart since 1997. “Bikes made overseas simply cannot match our level of engineering refinement, which enables Walmart customers to assemble them in only about five minutes. Providing this degree of convenience is part of what’s enabling us to plan for future growth. We’re extremely proud of our successes, products, and of once again being recognized by Walmart.” 

Kent’s South Carolina facility makes five different bicycle models, all under its BCA brand, which it ships to 2,500 Walmart stores nationwide.   

“Walmart’s January 2013 U.S. Manufacturing Commitment to buy an additional $250 billion is U.S. products over 10 years is helping create additional jobs not just in New Jersey and South Carolina, but throughout the United States, and that’s good for American businesses and our local communities,” said Walmart spokesman, Scott Markley. “With changes in energy costs and labor costs overseas, it is increasingly cost effective and efficient to manufacture closest to the point of consumption, helping Walmart respond to trends and customer demand. Our customers tell us that where products are made is most important second only to price.”

About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, nearly 260 million customers and members visit our 11,535 stores under 72 banners in 28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries. With fiscal year 2016 revenue of $482.1 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found clicking here.

Morris Habitat for Humanity Holds Successful 11th Annual Gala Fundraiser

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Travelers Insurance receives the Corporate Partner award at the Morris Habitat annual Gala. Pictured left to right are Jeannie Tsukamoto, MHfH Board President, Joseph Longo, Longo Electric, Ricky Jones - Travelers, and Blair Bravo, MHfH CEO
Akirah Farrell, who recently moved into a Morris Habitat home in Morristown, shared her experiences of working with Morris Habitat with the attendees at the Hearts & Hammers Gala
Akirah Farrell, who recently moved into a Morris Habitat home in Morristown, shared her experiences of working with Morris Habitat with the attendees at the Hearts & Hammers Gala

MORRIS COUNTY — At this year’s Morris Habitat for Humanity Hearts & Hammers Gala almost 300 people mingled, ate very well and rocked to music from the band, Escapade, where the bass player, Robert Rosenberger, is a future Morris Habitat homeowner (Carlton Street, Morris Township).

The evening activities began with digital “red carpet” photos and ended with a delicious dessert buffet and a cigar rolling demonstration.  Other highlights of the evening included “Build it Now!,” a digital home that was “built” as guests donated funds to Morris Habitat.

The always popular Silent Auction included some unique and special items, such as original artwork by Morris Habitat Homeowner and professional artist, David Gavasheli, tickets to Dancing with the Stars, and a scenic flight donated by the Morris Aero Club.

Every year Morris Habitat honors several people and corporations. This year awards were presented to three members of the Morris Habitat family who have given generously of their time and expertise:

Founders Award: Peter Wentworth, Wentworth Associates

Corporate Partnership Award: Travelers Insurance

Beth Everett Award: Jim Mullen, Esquire

Premier Sponsor – Bayer

Platinum Sponsors – Investors Bank and the Morris Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors

Gold Sponsors – GAF, Kraus Marketing, Lakeland Bank, Provident Bank, PWC and Travelers

Silver Sponsors – Atlantic Health System, Fox Rothschild LLP, G4S, Donald & Teeny Kuhn, NCJAR, New Jersey Natural Gas, Nisivoccia LLP, Sophie & Rickard Palla, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, Ruth Ryan, Stage It 123, Jeannie & Andrew Tsukamoto, Esq., Wentworth Associates, LLC, Wilson Elser, and Withum Tax Audit Advisory

At one of the crowded tables, employees of Premier Sponsor, Bayer Health Care, share in the evening’s fun at the Morris Habitat’s Eleventh annual Gala
At one of the crowded tables, employees of Premier Sponsor, Bayer Health Care, share in the evening’s fun at the Morris Habitat’s Eleventh annual Gala

Akirah Farrell, and her seven-year-old daughter, recently moved into a Morris Habitat home in Morristown and shared her experiences with the attendees to put the evening’s purpose into perspective. She gave a very heartfelt speech telling everyone about her life and desire to do better for herself and her daughter.

While working full time, Akirah went to school for an advanced degree.  However, despite all her efforts she has not been able to afford a place of her own. That is until she applied for and was selected to be a Morris Habitat homeowner. Akirah said, “thank you all for supporting Morris Habitat. With your help, I purchased a home I can afford, which provides independence, stability and peace of mind. With your help, my daughter has a home where she can stretch out, ride her bike and be a kid.”

Raising funds for safe, decent affordable housing is what the Hearts & Hammers Gala is all about. The funds raised from this event will help Morris Habitat meet the 2016 goal of starting twelve homes. The success of the Gala depends on the involvement of many people. Morris Habitat can’t thank all the sponsors, donors, and attendees enough. The planning for and logistics of the evening were flawless, thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers, many of whom help out year after year!

For more information on Morris Habitat and its activities, click here or call (973) 891-1934.

About Morris Habitat for Humanity:
Morris Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles by building homes, communities and hope. Morris Habitat is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; advocating for fair and just housing policies; and providing training and access to resources to help families improve their living conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. Morris Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion.

Since 1985 Morris Habitat has served 400 households though home ownership opportunities, home preservation, and international home building programs. Of these 62 home were home repair projects and 74 new homes were built as well.  Morris Habitat has set a goal of twelve housing starts for 2016, completing nine homes during the year. In addition, proceeds from the ReStore, opened May 2007, have funded 18 homes and diverted almost 5,100 tons of useable material out of landfills. Located at 274 South Salem Street, Randolph. Store hours: Tuesday & Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thousands Attend Morristown’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

By
Frank L. Cahill
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2016 Grand Marshal John P. Hyland

MORRISTOWN — The streets of Morristown was flooded with green on Saturday, March 12 as thousands of individuals gathered in attendance of the 38th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Under sunny skies and warm temperatures, spectators began their migration to the green to scope the best parade view and enjoy the acts and activities, including a performance by The Blarney Sessions and a chalking of the shamrocks. The parade started at 12 Noon and ended shortly before 2:00 p.m.

Droves of green clad families, swelled around the green and bagpipes echoed through the streets as the parade began its route, starting just before Elm Street and marching down South Street and around the green before looping back to the finishing line at Morristown High School.

For the second year in a row, the Trustees of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Morris County have selected John Hyland to lead the 2016 parade as Grand Marshal. John was originally selected as grand marshal for the 2015 parade, but regretfully decided to withdraw for health reasons. His battle with blood cancer years ago evolved into another form of bone marrow cancer and had to prepare for a bone marrow transplant, which was completed successfully on Good Friday, 2015. The trustees unanimously voted to make him 2016 Grand Marshal of 2016 Morris St. Patrick’s Parade, understanding that his health comes first.

John’s strong Irish roots, commitment to enhancing awareness of Irish culture, and his strong commitment to the Morris County community make him a most deserving choice. When informed of trustees’ selection, he said he was humbled by it. “I am honored and delighted that I am able to accept this honor and fulfill the requirements this year,” said John. With the full support of his family, friends and colleagues he is ready to lead the 2016 Parade.
A long-time supporter of the Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Irish community, John has been Treasurer for the parade organization for more than a decade. He was also finance chairman in 1999 and 2000 and has remained a member of Finance Committee since then. His late father, Patric Hyland, was one of the founding members and a past president of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Morris County.

The army of shamrocks and step dancers were lead by grand marshal John P. Hyland. A Morristown native, Hyland  was nominated to lead the parade in 2015, but had to withdraw due to bone marrow transplant, which was successfully completed last year.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Morris County functions as a nonprofit organization. Following the expenses of each year’s parade, they provide contributions to various organizations and charities, totaling approximately $300,000 over the last 37 years. In 2014 alone they donated $40,000 to charities.

PHHS graduate Teddy Comora to perform at Kafe Mozart during Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Teddy Comora

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School graduate Teddy Comora will be performing at Kafe Mozart on Thursday, March 31.

Also Kafe Mozart will be holding its Ribbon Cutting Grand Opening Celebration starting at 6:00 p.m. with Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Mayor James Barberio, Council President Louis Valori, Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., and Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo. Other officials have been invited. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. The public is invited.

Teddy Comora will be performing in the dining room starting at 6:00 p.m. and reservations are suggested.

Teddy has spent his life as a Parsippany resident, graduating from Parsippany Hills High School in 2014. He comes from a musical family. His Grandmother, Betty Comora, of Sarasota, Florida is an accomplished Jazz vocalist, pianist and washboard player.

Teddy began taking formal piano lessons as the age of seven, studying classical music, until he entered middle school and discovered Jazz.

He began taking lessons in Jazz piano, studying under local piano great, Regan Ryzuk, and saxophone lessons with Parsippany’s own Sax Legend, Frank Elmo.

Grover Kemble
Grover Kemble

In middle school he met Grover Kemble, who would become a Jazz mentor and would feature Teddy in the 2012 Mount Tabor Christmas Show on piano with Regan Ryzuk and in a Saxophone duet with his idol, Mark Rivera, of the Billy Joel Band.

In 2013, Grover produced Teddy’s first album, “Ready Teddy” which featured Teddy’s Jazz piano skills, accompanied by several local jazz musicians. Over the years, Teddy has had the opportunity to sit in with a number of Jazz musicians, including Sax legend, Jerry Vivino, of the Conan Obrien’s Basic Cable Band. He’s also been featured on piano, accompanying renowned Jazz artist, Joshua Redman.

He is currently studying at Cornell University, where he majors in Economics and minors in Music. At Cornell he is a member of the Jazz Band as well as the keyboard player in an R&B band and a Blues band.

Teddy will be performing at Kafe Mozart’s Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 31, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen will join the owners of Kafe Mozart in cutting the red ribbon, along with Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso.

Kafe Mozart is located at 2900 Route 10, in the Powder Mill West Shopping Center. Reservations are suggested for this event and can be made by calling (973) 998-7788.

Kafe Mozart has a large selection of delicious menu items such as panini’s, sandwiches, burgers, savory crepes, sweet crepes, dinner entrees and well as an espresso bar. For more information, click here.

In addition to Teddy, Grover Kemble will be performing on Thursday, April 14, 21 and 28. Grover is a musician, singer, and songwriter, well known for his spontaneous and daring approach to jazz, fun-loving personality, and classic showmanship.

Parsippany Warriors One Day Basketball Clinic

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Warriors will host a one day Basketball Clinic on April 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Parsippany PAL, 33 Baldwin Road. Cost is $50.00 and only $40.00 for Parsippany Warriors Players. Make checks payable to Parsippany Basketball Academy, LLC.

This clinic is open to boys and girls attending fourth through eighth grade.

A day full of Shooting Off The Dribble, Catch & Shoot, Finishing, At The Rim, Court Vision and Contests.

Please Provide Drink and Snack – Snack Break 10:50 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.

Click here to download a registration form.

Warmer, dryer on Tuesday in Parsippany

By
Letters to the Editor
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After a wet day in which temperatures didn’t get out of the 40s in most of New Jersey, dryer, milder day conditions return later Tuesday. In the meantime there’s was a chance of rain for most of the morning, and some areas could experience fog during the morning commute, according to the National Weather Service. Currently the temperature in Parsippany is 50 degrees. As of…

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Today is Free Cone Day: How to get a free cone at Dairy Queen

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Forget that spring diet — at least for a day — because March 15 is Free Cone Day at Dairy Queen. At non-mall locations throughout the Garden State, the ice-cream chain will give away a free small vanilla ice cream cone. There’s a catch, however. As with free pancake day last week at IHOP, DQ visitors…

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Detective says Parsippany driver in fatal crash was visibly drunk

By
Frank L. Cahill
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MORRISTOWN — The trial of a Parsippany woman charged with killing East Hanover community leader Ralph Politi Jr. in a 2012 DWI crash entered its third week Monday with the lead detective returning to the stand in a courtroom packed with Politi’s family and friends. East Hanover Police Sgt. Jack Ambrose, who was friends with Politi…

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Freeholders Declare March as Red Cross Month in Morris County

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Freeholders John Cesaro, Doug Cabana, Deborah Smith, Christy Hodde of the American Red Cross, and Freeholders Kathy DeFillippo, Christine Myers and Hank Lyon

MORRIS COUNTY  — The Morris County Freeholders have proclaimed March, 2016, as American Red Cross Month in Morris County, asking residents to recognize and thank our “Everyday Heroes’’ – the selfless Red Cross volunteers and donors who give of their time and resources to help the community.

“The Red Cross responds to disasters big and small; and, in fact, every eight minutes the organization responds to a community disaster by providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected,’’ said Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo.

Christy Hodde of the American Red Cross, and Freeholders Kathy DeFillippo, and Hank Lyon
Christy Hodde of the American Red Cross, and Freeholders
Kathy DeFillippo, and Hank Lyon

The proclamation was issued at the March 9 freeholder meeting in Morristown to Christy Hodde, Executive Director of the New Jersey Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross.

“Morris County is full of every day heroes. They are our compassionate Red Cross volunteers, selfless blood donors and generous supporters who help their neighbors when they need it most,” said Hodde. “We thank the Morris County Freeholders for honoring them during Red Cross Month for their outstanding service in our community.”

The New Jersey Crossroads Chapter serves a population of 1.1 million people in Morris, Union and Warren Counties, and Millburn and Short Hills in Essex County. Here are some statistics for the Red Cross in N.J. in 2015:

  • Responded to 889 local disasters, helping 1,820 families displaced by fires.
  • Collected 89,000 units of blood through blood drives and donation centers.
  • Trained 117,000 people with life-saving skills, such as CPR.
  • Provided assistance to 4,000 military families.

This was made possible by the generous contribution of time by 5,800 volunteers, including many in Morris County.

Hodde explained that Red Cross volunteers help families find shelter after a home fire, give blood to help trauma victims and cancer patients, deliver comfort items to military members in the hospital, use lifesaving skills to save someone from a heart attack, drowning, or choking; and enable children to be vaccinated from measles and rubella, among many of their contributions.

“Whereas, the American Red Cross depends on local heroes to deliver help and hope during a disaster, we applaud our heroes here in Morris County who give of themselves to assist their neighbors,’’ stated the freeholders’ resolution.

For more information on the American Red Cross visit the Crossroads Chapter click here.

 

Parsippany Dems celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Julia and Bob Peterson

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Democratic Committee held its 17th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Lunch on Sunday, March 13 at Kafe Mozart. The event was standing room only with special guest speaker Jersey City Mayor and a 2017 gubernatorial hopeful, Steven M. Fulop.

Michael Soriano, Steven Fulop, Chip Robinson, Matt Clarkin and Parth Parikh
Michael Soriano, Steven Fulop, Chip Robinson, Matt Clarkin and Parth Parikh. Photos by Joanne Rich

Fulop was elected the 49th Mayor of Jersey City on May 14, 2013.

During his time as Mayor, he has shown what smart, progressive leadership can accomplish – and opened a new chapter for Jersey City.

Under his leadership, Jersey City became the first city in the state – and the sixth city in the country – to ensure paid sick leave. Steve has pioneered new ideas for helping prisoners re-enter society; he’s passed legislation to protect small businesses; encouraged more to open shop; made Jersey City one of the greenest towns in the nation. He’s undertaken sweeping public safety reform; the JCPD is now seen as a model for diversity around the nation. And he’s led the city to record economic development that’s benefited families of all income levels. All without raising taxes.

Steve is a first-generation American, a lifelong New Jerseyan, a Marine, and a triathlete.  He grew up in a Jewish family in Edison, New Jersey, the son of Romanian immigrants. His mother was the daughter of Holocaust survivors and worked in an immigration services office helping others gain citizenship. His father owned a delicatessen nearby in Newark, where Steve worked behind the counter as a teenager.

stevefulop
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop

Steve graduated from Binghamton University in 1999 and spent time abroad studying at Oxford University in the UK. After college, he joined Goldman Sachs, the investment banking firm, working in Chicago and later in Manhattan and Jersey City.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Steve was working in lower Manhattan when he saw the first plane strike the Twin Towers. A few weeks later, he decided to put his career at Goldman Sachs on hold and join the United States Marine Corps.

Steve’s Reserve Unit deployed to Iraq in January 2003. There, Steve served as part of the 6th Engineer Support Battalion. He traveled into Baghdad during the early weeks of the war.

In 2006, Steve completed his service to the Marine Corps Reserve with the rank of Corporal.

Greg Elbin, Former Mayor Mimi Letts and Howard Letts (standing)
Greg Elbin, Former Mayor Mimi Letts and Howard Letts (standing)

After his service in Iraq, Steve returned to Goldman Sachs, leaving in early 2006 to take a position at Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. That year, he also completed both his Masters in Business Administration at the New York University Stern School of Business and his Masters in Public Administration at Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs.

Steve first tried his hand at politics, running for Congress in 2004. He lost.

But the next year, Steve ran for the Jersey City Council, and the result was different. He served as a councilman for eight years before becoming Mayor.

Matt Clarkin
Parsippany Democratic Committee Chairman Matt Clarkin

Also during the luncheon, the committee honored, Julia and Robert Peterson.

Brooklyn-born Bob and Parsippany born Julia met while working in a Rochester, Federally-funded Follow Through program. They lived there for over thirty years, bought a house and raised Jessica and Mark. They served on board of the Unitarian Church and Delphi (Bob) and the League of Women Voters and various (PTA’s). Bob worked for twenty-one of those years as a pre-shcool diagnostic psychologist with the City School District. Julie earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in printmaking and papermaking and worked as a program directory linking performances and teaching artists with teachers.

Julia Peterson with her grandson Mark
Julia Peterson with her grandson Mark

They moved to Parsippany in 2004 to main the Livingston Benedict House, a national register property which has been in Julia’s family since 1857.

Bob serves on the board of Preschool Advantage, which gives scholarships to pre-school to families that cannot afford the cost. Julie servers on the board of Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms and is a member of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Their ten years on the executive committee of the Democratic Committee have been filled with friendship and hard work. Thanks to all who have volunteered, run, canvassed and phoned. They have met and come to know a group of wonderful people, and will keep working to get good candidates elected.

Committee member MaryAnn Fisher said “Such a wonderful celebration of the Democratic spirit and of the most amazing couple that ignites that spirit. Thank you Bob and Julia Dutton Peterson for all that you do and all that you are!”

For more information on Parsippany Democratic Committee, click here.

Photos by Joanne Rich.

Parsippany Town Council Agenda Meeting 03/01/2016

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Letters to the Editor
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Letter to the editor: No Loss of Services, but Service Lost. BOE Property a Disgrace

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Dear Editor:

Our township administrations speaks of no tax raises and no loss of services. These photos show perhaps a service that does not function as it should, which means paying for something your not getting, or service lost.

These three photos are the Lake Hiawatha Elementary School property, the above photo shows an on-going address that fails to put out the garbage and recycles properly on a regular basis.

DSCF7628

The Sanitation crew here March 11 simply tagged the bag and left the debris in the street and right over a storm drain. How much effort would it have taken to simply collect the recycles? The fact that it could be left in this condition is revealing, in the lack of conscience discipline, employer expectations of duties and responsibilities and “Pride in Parsippany” which alledegly invest the town. 

DSCF7629No fines or penalities are forthcoming, instead we have businesses and property owners along North Beverwyck that use municipal trash and recycle container (always mixed) for their private use, at tax-payers expense. No effort by this administration has been forthcoming in remedying this obvious and on-going condition. The North Beverwyck business district is a disgrace and will continue to be as long as the Mayor accepts this behavior and lacks the will to enforce ordinances.

In fact at Town Council meetings it has been stated ordinances are not law, and are only DSCF7616guidelines. This citizen conjectures there is more to it than that, that the lack of will to uphold ordinances is political in nature, in that if they were enforced financial contributions may not be forthcoming, so businesses and certain property owners are allowed to inflict costs on the average tax payers by using municipal receptacles for their businesses. Businesses should be made to provide their own recycle containers, and pay for their own waste collection service, not use town or common property. Their lack of discipline costs us all in accumulative effects at the tipping stations for mixed trash. This must already be occuring in relation to the situation on North Beverwyck . It was food waste that brought the rats.

Recycle laws have been in existence for a long time and recycling predates even the actual law. What excuses can continually be used not to force the ordinances? It has been mentioned that education is required. I give you the school yard where subconsciously children are impressed with the surrounding norms of condition and example. The other explanation about sanitation is the other cultures; true perhaps to a degree, but what culture exactly; the culture of garbage, convenience and disrespect allowed and tolerated, with apathy and corporate irresponsibility? The BOE claimed that it was the first time anyone ever complained about the school property, which says much. 

All parents, teachers and citizens need to take a look around, community is the people who make that community, if there is trash in front of your street, or the conditions of where you go are unaccepatable or ongoing take action yourself or at least notice it, complain but do something about it. Citizens also need to make their sanitation crews held responsible while performing their duties; if they spill something and don’t clean up they should be reported. This town has one Sanitation Enforcement officer, not enough, and he is not being allowed to fine offenders but only give notice. It is pure nonesense that certain locations along North Beverwyck are constantly dumped on and the culprits identified by mail and other obvious evidence ,can not be given summons unless they are actually seen, Singas Pizza for one. This is a tactic used for political purposes only. The Lake Hiawatha Business district is costing all Parsippany tax payers. 

When becoming a citizen it must be taught to be respecttful in keeping common places trash free, including daily cleaning in immediate spaces, including the gutters and stormdrains. Without making this an issue of concern the Mayor is not doing his job and is putting business over community in hopes of gaining favor. No code of conduct would condone this apathy, at the same time alleging pride in Parsippany or patriotism of any sort. 

Recently the County and local Police began advocating for three addition jobs to baby sit and spy on our school children in the name of possible terrorism, fear mongering. Two 50K one 75K a year with benefits. This is absurd. It would be better to hire sanitation inspectors that do their job and enforce ordinances by combing the whole town and keeping up with on-going offenders. This is what the times call for. This would also bring revenue and come to grips with those who place their own convenince above the responsibility of community and the collective. There are others ways to safe guard our children. We cannot live in constant fear encouraged by those whom stand to benefit from creating the very conditions that brought us to this state of social decay. 

We need litter free school zones and sanitation crews that aren’t lazy; not police in schools that sanction fear while all things around us demise our quality of life and are passed on as norms. 

Nick Homyak

Former State Pensions Director Agrees with Sierchio

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Sheriff Candidate John Sierchio

In a story in the Daily Record, on Sunday, March 13, Former Director of State Pensions Fred Beaver confirmed what the taxpayers of Morris County already know: while there may be two candidates running for Morris County Sheriff, only John Sierchio has a plan that will result in actual tax savings.

The Daily Record compared the salary and pension plans of John Sierchio and James Gannon.  Upon being elected, Sierchio will accept only the minimum Sheriff’s salary of $113,000, as required by law.  Conversely, Gannon will “accept a sheriff’s salary that the Morris County freeholders deem appropriate” – which could be as high as $160,000 – and plans to freeze his state pension. 

“While ‘freezing a pension’ may result in a good sound byte, it doesn’t result in any tax savings,” noted Sierchio.  “I’m the only fiscal conservative in this campaign, and that’s why I pledge to accept only the minimum Sheriff’s salary as required by law.  My plan is the only plan that will return dollars where they belong – back to the taxpayer.”

Don’t take it from us – listen to Fred Beaver, who served as Director of State Pensions and Benefits for eight years, in yesterday’s Daily Record:

“Fred Beaver, a past director of the state Division of Pension and Benefits, agreed with Sierchio that a candidate’s freezing of a pension would result in no savings to taxpayers because his pension already has been funded, with contributions no longer being given by the governmental employer.”

“The former Director of State Pensions said it himself: Jim Gannon’s pension plan will not save any tax dollars,” said Sierchio, who served as Chairman of the state’s Police and Fireman’s Retirement System.  “Candidates like to call themselves ‘fiscal conservatives,’ but I’m the only one with a proven record of saving tax dollars, and the only one with a plan to do it again as Sheriff.”

John Sierchio served 27 years in the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, the Essex County Police Department, and as Detective Sergeant on the Bloomfield Police Department.  John served as Chairman of the state’s Police and Fireman’s Retirement System, where he was called a “crusader” by the Star-Ledger for saving millions of dollars for taxpayers by exposing fraudulent pension claims.  John is a Member of the Boonton Township Board of Education and is a Life Member of the National Rifle Association.

 

Morris County 2016 Open Space Grant Applications Now Being Accepted

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Moris Canal Greenway, Boonton

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Department of Planning and Public Works, Division of Planning and Preservation, has announced that the 2016 grant application for funding of open space projects under the Morris County Preservation Trust are now available online on the Planning & Public Works – Open Space Preservation by clicking here. In 2014, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills submitted an Open Space Trust Fund Application with Morris County requesting funds to purchase the rear property of the controversial Waterview tract, but the committee did not approve the application.

The Township submitted an application for purchase of nine acres of the Waterview Tract for $3.5 million dollars.  The Township appraised the property at $4 million, and the county appraised the property for $3 million. At the Council meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 Township Attorney John Inglesino explained to the approximately 40 people in attendance that an Open Space Grant application submitted to the Morris County Freeholders would need to be amended due to the fact that the County’s appraisal of a portion of the Waterview tract was substantially lower than the Township’s. As part of a proposed settlement with RD Management, Mayor Barberio’s administration had requested $3.5 million from the County to purchase a little over nine acres of mostly steep slopes and an area in which approximately two thirds of it was already protected as a buffer zone in the current master plan.

Any of Morris County’s 39 municipalities and qualified charitable conservancies are eligible to apply for grant funding, said Barbara Murray, open space program coordinator.

The 2016 application process begins as the freeholders on Wednesday approved continued funding for the county’s Preservation Trust Fund, which generates revenues through a voter-approved special county tax.

The tax, set at 7/8 of a cent per $100 of tax assessment, should generate about $8 million this year. Of that money, the county allocates 2/8 of a cent to the Park Improvement Trust used by the Park Commission to restore facilities and 5/8 of a cent is allocated to the other Preservation Trust Programs.

In addition to open space projects, the county’s preservation fund also is used to help finance farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, and the purchase of residential properties prone to flooding.

“Preserving our open spaces to create parks, connect trails, offer recreational opportunities for our residents, or just to make sure we have green spaces in each of our towns, is vitally important to maintaining our great quality of life in Morris County,’’ said Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo.

The freeholders in 2015 approved funding for six open space preservation projects, at a cost of nearly $1 million and totaling more than 113 acres in five Morris County towns. Included were two projects in Washington Township and one each in the town of Boonton, Hanover, Jefferson and Mendham Borough.

More than 13,500 acres of open space have been preserved with the assistance of grant funding from the county program since its inception in 1993, according to Murray.

The deadline for submitting 2016 open space applications and appraisals is Friday, June 17.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Morris County Division of Planning and Preservation at (973) 829-8120.

 

 

Opinion: Trumping Freedom of Speech

By
Focus contributor
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Donald Trump

Whether you like Donald Trump or not doesn’t give you the right to obstruct his right to free speech. The Chicago mob that shut down Donald Trump’s campaign speech last week should have been put in jail. Trump’s campaign was hosting the rally. This was Trump’s party. Your right to free speech does not Trump someone else’s right to free speech.

Ronald Reagan’s most famous line may be, “I am paying for this microphone Mr. Green.” The statement was made in Nassau, New Hampshire leading up to that state’s primary. Reagan was trying to explain to the crowd why the debate was being delayed when the Nassau Telegraph newspaper editor told the soundman to turn off Reagan’s microphone. Only he and George H.W. Bush had been invited to debate but Reagan thought that was unfair not to include the other candidates and insisted that Bob Dole and the others running at the time be on the platform.  Dole had previously complained to the Federal Election Commission about the debate stating the Telegraph was making an unfair campaign contribution to the Bush and Reagan campaigns.  The Commission agreed and hence Reagan’s campaign agreed to foot the bill. The Nassau Telegraph newspaper editor whose name was Jon Bren and not Green asked that Reagan’s microphone be turned off when Reagan began to say something.  Reagan responded with the famous statement.

When Lyndon Johnson paraded through Inez, Kentucky in 1964 nobody dreamed of trying to yell down the President.  I was there. When Barack Obama came to Indiana I stood in line for three hours to hear the Senator speak to almost 13,000 people. Everyone was courteous. No one yelled out or tried to interrupt Obama. My son and I went to hear Hillary Clinton a few years back. We went down and shook hands with her. No one tried to disrupt her speech. In each scenario it was Johnson’s, Obama’s or Clinton’s party, people were invited to listen and not to make buffoons of themselves. 

If you have something to say free speech gives you the permission to say it. Rent your own convention space. Announce you have something to say and then stand up and say it. Have a party at your house, subdivision or stand in front of your courthouse or state house and say what you want to say. People should listen without interrupting you if they are interested in what you want to say.

Freedom of speech does not mean forgoing all civility. If you are having a hamburger party in your backyard and want to espouse all your reasons for smoking Cuban cigars then so be it. You don’t expect people to show up and shout you down.

There are many ways to foster your first Amendment right. However, trying to Trump someone else’s speech with your speech is out of line especially when that person is paying for the microphone.

Glenn Mollette is an American Syndicated Columnist and Author. He is the author of eleven books and read in all fifty states.

Parsippany PAL Girls Compete in All-Star Game

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — After clinching the PAL Girls 7,8,9 Division Championship, the girls played in an All-Star game. Pictured with their medals: Back row standing left to right: Coach Pete Hernandez, Coach  Laurie Howell, Alexandra Bond, Neha Deshpande, Stephanie Hernandez, Alena Tran, Coach Jeff Levine. Front row kneeling left to right: Jordana Levine, Kiersten Koch, Anjali Ramesh, and Lauren Hernandez.    

Joyce M. Gibbons, 88, passed away

By
Frank L. Cahill
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candle

PARSIPPANY — Joyce M. (nee-Holbrook) Gibbons, 88, passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at her home in Parsippany. Joyce was born and raised in Providence, RI before moving to Parsippany in 1964. She worked at Epstein’s Department Store in Morristown as the Head of the Sales Audit for over 30 years before retiring in 2004.

Joyce was predeceased by her husband, J. Joseph, who passed away May 20, 1983 and her daughter, Linda C. Badalamenti, who passed away on April 30, 2010. Survivors include her granddaughter, Karen L. Kinsey and her husband, Earl of Parsippany; her sister, Carol M. Barnhart and her husband, Brian of Shrewsbury, Mass.; her beloved two nieces and two nephews; and her three great-grandchildren, Riley, Liam and Owen.

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend her Funeral Service at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 12 at Restland Memorial Park Chapel. 77 De Forest Avenue, East Hanover. Interment to follow. Visiting hours will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Restland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers please make donations in her memory to the Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad. 397 Parsippany Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Par-Troy Funeral Home. 95 Parsippany Road, Parsippany.

Students have two additional days off for Easter Vacation

By
Frank L. Cahill
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The new sign on Parsippany Road

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills School District voted on Thursday, March 10 to give the students and teachers two of its unused inclement weather days by closing for an extra long weekend at the end of March.

The district was already scheduled to be off Friday, March 25 for Good Friday. That weekend will now be extended to include Monday, March 28 and Tuesday, March 29.

The school district allotted five inclement weather days for the calendar year, and none of them were used thanks to a mild winter.

Other dates may be announced for later in the year if the school is able to escape additional inclement weather days. According to the district’s calendar, unused inclement weather days will be added to the three-day Memorial Day weekend in May.

Thursday, June 23 is the last day of school for students, and Friday, June 24 is the last day of school for teachers, according to the 2015-2016 calendar. Both Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School will hold graduation ceremonies on Thursday, June 23.

Former Attorney Sentenced To State Prison

By
Frank L. Cahill
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parsippany police
File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Neil Gross, 47, Livingston, has been sentenced on charges of Theft (second degree), Unauthorized Practice of Law (third degree) and Bad Checks (third degree).

Gross is a former partner in the Mount Olive law firm of Ward & Gross.

Gross was sentenced by the Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr. to three years in State Prison on the charge of Theft (second degree) with concurrent three year sentences on the charges of Unauthorized Practice of Law (third degree) and Bad Checks (third degree).

This matter was referred to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office from the New Jersey Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection. An investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit disclosed that while Gross was suspended from the practice of law, he conducted real estate transactions for clients. In one transaction, Gross received $150,000.00 into his Trust account to hold pending receipt of a Tax Clearance Certificate. Gross immediately began to withdraw those funds and convert them to his own personal use.

Gross was suspended from practicing law in October 2012 and subsequently disbarred in October 2014 for a series of violations of professional conduct.

Criminal charges against Gross were signed on October 23, 2015, by Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Joseph Soulias and the matter was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Michael Rappa.

Prosecutor Knapp thanks the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit, whose efforts contributed to this result.

Gross was admitted to the New Jersey bar in 1994. He was also temporarily suspended on February 28, 2011, for failure to cooperate with a disciplinary investigation.

You can read more on a Disciplinary Review Board decision, by clicking here.

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Parsippany Focus is a digital news organization that provides news coverage of Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. The organization was founded in 1989 by Frank Cahill, who currently owns and operates the organization. Parsippany Focus covers local news, events, and community issues, and their content is primarily distributed through their website and social media channels. The organization has been serving as a trusted source of news and information for the Parsippany-Troy Hills community for over 30 years.

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