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Jan 28, 2016

PARSIPPANY — Jonathan Franchini a resident of Lake Hiawatha was honored for academic achievement by being named to the Dean’s List at Delaware Valley University for the Fall 2015 semester.

Delaware Valley University is an independent, comprehensive university with more than 1,000 acres in Bucks and Montgomery counties. Founded in 1896, DelVal emphasizes experiential and interdisciplinary learning and provides small class sizes where students learn on a first-name basis.

Through the innovative Experience360 Program, all DelVal students gain real world experience in their fields. Located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, DelVal combines the comfort of small-town living with the excitement of big-city access.

DelVal offers more than 25 undergraduate majors in the sciences, humanities and business, more than five master’s programs, a Doctor of Education and a variety of adult education courses.

Learn more at: delval.edu

Two Parsippany Residents victim of IRS phone scam

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Jan 28, 2016

PARSIPPANY — A female victim came to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department to report she was the victim of a IRS scam, at 7:25 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26. The female victim stated she was contacted by an IRS employee on her phone and was advised she owed $7,000 in taxes and needed to pay them immediately or be arrested. The victim went to a Western Union location in Parsippany and wired approximately $3,000.00, the maximum allowable limit per transfer, to “Martin Douglas.” The victim advised Patrol Officer J. Hughes she attempted to cancel the wire transfer after she became suspicious of the phone call and wire transfer. Unfortunately, the wire transfers were already completed and the victim lost her money.

Parsippany Police Officer E. Elston was investigating a report of a possible missing person when the victim contacted her daughter, who was at Parsippany Police Headquarters, and advised her she was home on Monday, January 21 at 9:21 p.m.

Prior to responding to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Headquarters to report the victim missing, the daughter was unable to reach her mother at work, received vague texts from her mother, and a male named “Brian” called her and advised her that he knew were the victim was, but would not divulge where.

Officers responded to the victim’s residence at which time she advised the Officers that she was on the phone continuously since 11:00 a.m. with the IRS who told her she owed $17,500. in back taxes.

She further advised that she was threatened with arrest if she did not immediately pay or hung up the phone. The Officers advised the victim that this was a phone scam and not the IRS calling to collect back taxes.

Upon further investigation the caller, “Melvin Harris”, instructed her to go to multiple MoneyGram locations and wire money to satisfy the taxes she owed. The victim unfortunately followed the instructions and sent the money.
These incident is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Investigative Division at (973) 263-4313.

While this incident is under investigation it is important to know the following pointers to avoid being a victim:

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The IRS does not ask payment via pre-paid debit cards or wire transfers.

The IRS will contact you via USPS mail first, then a possible phone call.

The IRS will not force you to immediately pay because you have the right to appeal.

Do not trust your caller ID. Scammers will spoof their caller ID to look like they are legitimately from the IRS or other agencies.

The IRS will not threaten you with immediate arrest or force you to stay on the phone.

If you suspect the call is fraudulent hang up and call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and they can assist you in determining if you do in fact owe money.

For more information click here.

Poodle escaped in Fairfield from Animal Hospital

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Jan 27, 2016

FAIRFIELD — You bring your animal to an animal hospital for treatment and your animal escapes and it has been five days and no sign of him.

A nurse was walking Pepper, a 17-pound, gray, male poodle, around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday morning when the snow was already coming down and the leash slipped from her grasp and the dog ran off.

The dog is missing from Animal Emergency and Referral Associates, 1237 Bloomfield Avenue, Fairfield, since Saturday morning.

Pepper crossed Bloomfield Avenue, zigging and zagging through more than six inches of snow, before running into dense woods along the Passaic River. He hasn’t been seen since.

Cambria brought Pepper to the animal hospital Friday, after he was hit by a car in front of her house and needed minor treatment.

The hospital said after the poodle ran away Saturday morning, hospital staff searched for him for six hours in the blizzard. When they stopped looking, they figured the dog had probably hidden in the snow.

Pepper is not wearing a collar but has a microchip under his chin with identifying information, Cambria said. She said he had an IV catheter banded to his front leg and was attached to a blue-white harness when he went missing.

The family is offering a $100.00 reward for Pepper’s safe return. His dog ID # is 481886.

If you seen him please call Cambria at (917) 449-8144 or call Dr. Palescandolo at (973) 226-3282.

Support Project Graduation at Houlihans

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Jan 26, 2016

dancefloor — Par Hills Class of 2014 celebrated Project Graduation at Met Life

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Hills High School Project Graduation fundraiser will be held on Thursday, February 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Houlihan’s, 1735 Route 46 East.

A portion of the proceeds goes to benefit Parsippany Hills High School Project Graduation. No coupons or discounts may be applied to Fundraiser Events. No early bird menu. Valid for to-go orders.

To get a gauge of seats needed, please RSVP before February 9 to Catherine Paraan at cparaan@optonine.net. Walk-ins still welcome on night of event.

For additional information, please call (973) 818-6437.

Click here to download a flyer and please bring it with you so PHHS Project Graduation

PHS Bands Fundraiser at Bedding Shoppe

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Jan 26, 2016

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Band will hold a fundraiser on Saturday, January 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 31 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Bedding Shoppe, 811 Route 46.

Bedding Shoppe, Parsippany’s trusted local mattress store for the last 28 years, is offering a private mattress sale to raise funds for PHS Bands. Bedding Shoppe will donate $25 to $150 to the PHS Bands for ever set sold during this event. Donations will help offset the cost of the trip to West Virginia in May and support other programs. Individual band members will also be given a $10.00 referral donation toward their cost of the trip for each person they refer who makes a purchase. Bedding Shoppe will also offer local delivery, removal of your old set, and no interest financing to qualified buyers. Treat yourself to that new mattress you’ve wanted and help a great cause. Please help get the word out.

Click here for a copy of the bands flyer.

WATCH: Christie response to flooding: Should I pick up a mop?

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Jan 26, 2016

HOOKSETT, N.H. –Criticism about Gov. Chris Christie’s return to New Hampshire after the weekend blizzard has followed him to New Hampshire. The governor was pressed by a questioner at his latest town hall, the same event he was forced to postpone when he cut his six-day campaign trip to the state short because of the snowstorm,…

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Hofstra Congratulates Fall 2015 Dean’s List Students

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Jan 25, 2016

PARSIPPANY — Hofstra University congratulates three Parsippany students named to the Fall 2015 Dean’s List for their outstanding academic achievement. Students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 during the semester to make the Dean’s List.

The local students who earned a spot on the Dean’s List include:

Nitigna Bhatt, a graduate Parsippany High School; Stephen Campana a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School and Jessica Ferguson a graduate of Parsippany High School.

Hofstra University is a nationally ranked private university just 25 miles from New York City and all its cultural, recreational and professional opportunities.

They offer small classes and personal attention with the resources, technology, and facilities of a large university. Students can chose from undergraduate and graduate offerings in liberal arts and sciences, business, engineering and applied science, communication, education, health professions and human services, honors studies, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law, the Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, and the Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine.

Named to the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, and one of only two schools chosen to host consecutive presidential debates, Hofstra University is a dynamic community of more than 11,000 students known for civic engagement and public service.

Morris County School of Technology PTO Comedy Night Fundraiser

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Jan 25, 2016

PARSIPPANY — Morris County School of Technology’s PTO will be holding a Comedy Night on Saturday, February 27 at the Parsippany PAL, 33 Baldwin Road, Parsippany, at 7:00 p.m.

Enjoy a night of laughter featuring professional comedians JOEY KOLA and TOM CALDORA. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Show begins at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25.00 each includes coffee and dessert. Bring your own food and drink.

Purchase tickets on-line by clicking here. To qualify for a special drawing, pruchase tickets by February 12. All seating is reserved. Purchase tickets soon for best seating. Tricky Tray tickets and 50/50 tickets available to purchase at event.

Extra parking will be available at Smith Field Park located next to Parsippany PAL. Only adults 21 and older will be permitted. All proceeds will benefit Morris County School of Technology PTO. Tickets are non-refundable. Call (862) 228-3430 with any questions.

Three Parsippany students are named to University of Rhode Island Dean’s List

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Jan 25, 2016

PARSIPPANY — The University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce that 4,986 undergraduates have qualified for the Fall 2015 Dean’s List. The students represent nearly all of Rhode Island’s cities and towns, all six New England states, New York and New Jersey, other states and 18 countries.

The following students from your area were named to the Dean’s List:

Dana M. Marxen, a 2013 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School; Victoria Michelle Bond and Amanda Nardella, both 2014 graduates of Parsippany High School.

To be included on the Dean’s List, students must have completed 12 or more credits during a semester for letter grades with at least a 3.30 quality point average qualify for the Dean’s list. Part-time students qualify with the accumulation of 12 credits with a 3.30 quality point average.

The University uses a national news distribution service, Merit, to publicize student accomplishments, like making the dean’s list. This service sends University student news to hometown newspapers, and publishes it on the Merit site to help URI students build a positive online profile.

View the the complete Dean’s List click here.

The University of Rhode Island’s pioneering research extends the University’s influence well beyond its coastal borders, while its unique interdisciplinary courses provide its 16,637 undergraduate and graduate students with global opportunities in an intimate environment. In May 2015, more than 3,200 undergraduate and about 660 graduate degrees were awarded. The University now has more than 120,000 alumni worldwide.

Morris County Jail is Reacredited for a Fifth Consecutive Time

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Jan 25, 2016

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Jail has received renewed accreditation this week from the America Correctional Association (ACA), getting high marks as one of the best run correctional facilities in the nation.

The ACA formally issued its accreditation on Sunday, giving the jail a nearly perfect score on its physical plant, programs and safety based on a report issued by a three-member team of the ACA, which spent three days in May 2015 at the jail in Morris Township to assess operations.

The Morris County correctional facility is one of only two jails in the state and one of only 145 county jails nationwide to be accredited. It has received accreditation every three years since first applying in 2003.

“This is a terrific achievement which reflects the dedication and professionalism of the management and staff at the county jail,’’ said Freeholder Doug Cabana, who is the county governing board’s liaison on law and public safety issues.

“I commend the men and women who work at the correctional facility for their dedication and hard work for the citizens of Morris County in keeping the facility one of the best in the nation,’’ added Morris County Sheriff Edward Rochford.

The ACA panel’s reaccreditation audit found few flaws in the jail’s operation. Among many findings, the report stated:

The facility employs a comprehensive, well-integrated and intelligently designed security system.
The facility provides a pleasant environment to live and work.
Sanitation is obviously given a high priority throughout the facility.
The entire dining operation was clean and well organized.
The medical staff should be commended for the incredible job they do in providing a very inmate centered healthcare program.

The accrediting agency also found that there have been no legal consent decrees, class action lawsuits or adverse legal judgments against the county jail over the past three years.

The report was authored by ACA panel members Wynnie Samuels, a corrections consultant from Florida; Frank Milano, a retired captain of the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office in Virginia; and Marmie Schuster-Walker, a corrections consultant from Arlington, Virginia.

Accepting the re-accreditation award for the county, at a session on Sunday in New Orleans were Morris County Sheriff Edward Rochford and Corrections Officer Michael Chereches.

The “new’’ Morris County Correctional Facility opened in May of 2000 at a site on John Street in Morris Township, near the borders of Hanover Township and Morristown. The six story building, considered to be one of the premier jails in the nation, includes eight housing pods totaling 277 cells with the capacity to house a total of 528 inmates.

The jail utilizes a direct supervision management style, a somewhat unique departure from traditional jails but one which has proven to be a safer method of managing inmate populations.

The direct supervision jail, through a combination of architectural design, classification philosophy, inmate ground rules and officer deployment, dispenses with physical boundaries and instead, uses behavioral boundaries to effectively control inmate behavior.

The result is significantly lower rates of assaults and lawsuits by inmates and allows for less expensive construction due to the improved behavior of inmates.

The jail’s eight housing pods are open, self-contained living units which house between 64 and 72 inmates. This architectural design enhances supervision, increases perimeter security and effectively divides inmates into manageable groups.

To read the ACA report, click here.

Dr. Edward J. Yaw, CCM President, Receives Huber Award

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Jan 25, 2016

Dr. Edward J. Yaw. Photo Credit: Farlekas Photography

RANDOLPH — The Morris County Chamber of Commerce on Friday, January 22, presented Dr. Edward J. Yaw, president of County College of Morris (CCM), with its William P. Huber Award in recognition of his many years of service and contributions to the community.

Yaw received the award at the chamber’s 95th Annual Meeting Luncheon held at the Hanover Marriott Hotel. The Huber Award is presented each year by the chamber for outstanding community leadership. William P. Huber was president of St. Claire’s Health System and an integral member of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition from the chamber, which plays such a central and instrumental role in shaping our community for the benefit of businesses and residents alike,” said Yaw. “This recognition also is particularly significant for me because I knew Bill Huber and always admired his involvement in the community. I have such fond recollections of him and his many contributions.”

Yaw has been with CCM since 1980 and has served as college president since 1986. Under his leadership, CCM has become one of the state’s leading community colleges. As a result of his vision and guidance, the college has one of the highest combined transfer and graduation rates among community colleges in New Jersey.

In addition, he has served on a variety of professional and educational councils and has played an instrumental role in shaping higher education in New Jersey. During his service as chair of the New Jersey Presidents Council, he led the effort to enact a statewide transfer agreement to ease the process for students seeking to pursue their educations beyond an associate degree. He also was a member of the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education and has led accreditation evaluation teams on behalf of the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association.

Yaw also is active in community affairs and currently serves on the boards of the Morris County Human Relations Commission, the Urban League of Morris County and the Morris-Sussex-Warren Counties Workforce Investment Board.

Under his leadership CCM also has become a valued partner of the local business community. Included among those efforts, the college’s Center for Business and Technology (CBT) since 2014 has been the statewide leader in providing no-cost business training for employees through a partnership developed by the New Jersey Department of Labor with the New Jersey Business and Industry Association and the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development. Over the last three years, the CBT, through its customized business solutions program, has served more than 900 area organizations, training 10,300 employees. Most of that training was completed on-site at company locations.

Driver avoids other vehicle; crashes into curb and guardrail

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Jan 25, 2016

PARSIPPANY — On Thursday, January 21 at approximately 7:00 p.m. Mr. Daniel Garafono, 53, Lake Hiawatha was traveling west on Vail Road and crossed the center line, then struck the curb and guardrail on the eastbound side of the road.

Mr. Garafono stated “That an unknown vehicle crossed the roadway in front of him and he swerved to avoid a collision.”

Parsippany-Troy Hills Officer Daniel Ross investigated the accident. Officer Jaime Mendez assisted at the scene.

Mr. Garafono was transported to Morristown Medical Center by Rockaway Neck Volunteer First Aid Squad, suffering from a laceration to his head over his right eye.

Police determined that Mr. Garafano was at fault. No summons were issued at the time of the report.

Powdermill Towing towed the 2014 Ford F-150 from the scene.

Driver crashes into curb and guardrail on Vail Road

Alfred J. Jones, 49, passed away

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Jan 24, 2016

SPARTA — Alfred J. Jones, 49, died on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at St. Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick. Born in Morristown to the late Alfred and Anna, he was raised in Parsippany and lived in Rockaway before moving to Sparta 10 years ago.

Al was born with cystic fibrosis and was the recipient of a double lung transplant which successfully added many years to his life. He was an avid bowler and a member of the Professional Bowlers Association.

He is survived by his brother, Michael P. Jones and his wife Mary; and his nephew Michael. Alfred will be loved and missed by his family and his many friends.

Services were private under the direction of Whitham-Kanapaux Funeral Home, Rockaway. Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.RockawayFuneral.com.

Memorial donations may be made in Al’s name to: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Free Tax Assistance by AARP-IRS Tax Aides available

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Jan 23, 2016

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Seniors, low-income and disabled persons are eligible for Tax Filing Assistance.

Free tax assistance will be available to Parsippany senior citizens, low-income, or disabled persons by experienced and trained AARP-IRS Tax Aides, at Parsippany Community Center and the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library.

At the Parsippany Community Center sessions will begin Tuesday, February 2 and will continue every Tuesday through April 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

At the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library sessions will begin on Friday, February 5 and will continue through April 15. The tax assistance is available every Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. German language is available on Friday, and Hindi is available on Saturday.

People who wish to use this service should bring the following documents:

Social Security Card for taxpayer, spouse and dependents
Picture ID (such as a valid driver’s license)
Documents related to Affordable Care Act.
Cost Basis information for securities sold in 2015
5. Last year’s tax return(s)
Copies of their completed 2014 Federal and State income tax returns
7. SSA-1099 form showing the total Social Security benefits paid to you for the year, or Form RRB-1099, Tier 1 Railroad Retirement benefits
1099 forms reporting interest (1099-INT), dividends (1099-DIV), proceeds from sales (1099-B), as well as documentation showing the original purchase price of your sold assets
1099-R form if you received a pension, annuity, or IRA distribution.
1099-Misc forms.
Charitable contributions.
Tenants should know the amount of rent paid in 2015.
If you receive the Property Tax Reimbursement booklet (PTR 1 or 2) from the state, bring the Homeowners Verification form to Town Hall Tax Department to be filled out and stamped, then bring the booklet and form for your tax appointment.

For an appointment at Parsippany Community Center call Gloria at (973) 263-7351.

For an appointment at the Parsippany Library call (973) 887-5150 ext. 209.

For additional locations and times, click here.

What a ‘state of emergency’ declaration really means

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Jan 23, 2016

TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie has just declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the blizzard due to blanket the state beginning Friday night. As ominous as it sounds, a state of emergency means more for the police, fire and other public safety officials responding to the event than it does for the average person.…

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How cold is ‘too cold’ to leave your dog outside?

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Jan 23, 2016

TRENTON — In response to the death of two New Jersey dogs who froze to death this past week, state lawmakers will introduce legislation on Monday requiring and defining proper shelter for dogs left outside in the cold. State Sen. Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Gregory McGuckin and David Wolfe (all R- Ocean) will introduce a bill…

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Fourth Annual Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy Enrollment Now Taking Place

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Jan 22, 2016

MORRIS COUNTY — It’s only January, but enrollment for this summer’s highly competitive 2016 Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy is beginning now, with limited space available for the intensive week-long course for young Morris County women and men in grades 9-12.

The fourth annual academy, which is run by the Morris County Department of Law & Public Safety and Office of Emergency Management, and funded by the Morris County Board of Freeholders, will be held during the week of August 15-19. Classes are held at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy in Parsippany.

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 2016.

It is completely free of charge to the cadets and their families.

The Academy is a uniquely designed program which provide 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 about their future education and careers.

“They are is the process of making educational and life commitments that could potentially impact their careers, their character, and their communities,’ said County OEM Director Jeff Paul. “We want to give them a chance to see if public safety might be a way for them to go.’’

“The Youth Academy is a unique program that exposes cadets to all facets of the public safety profession.“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 Freeholder Doug Cabana, who is the county governing board’s liaison on law and public safety issues.

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 2016 class is expected to quickly fill to capacity.

To find out more information about this exciting program, or to apply for enrollment, click here.

CCM Holds Fourth Annual Photo Contest for High School Students

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Jan 22, 2016

07.Erin-Weisgerber-02.Splash_16482147204_o — A 2015 winner by Erin Weisgerber of Ridge High School

2015 winner by Lindsay Morrison of the Morris County School of Technology

RANDOLPH — New Jersey high school students with a passion for photography and a talent for taking good photos have until April 16 to enter the County College of Morris Fourth Annual Photo Contest for the chance to win prizes and recognition.

The contest is conducted by the Photo Club at CCM. Again this year, the competition’s sponsor, Unique Photo Superstore in Fairfield, will provide first-, second- and third-prize gift certificates.

High-school-age photographers are being asked to submit photos on the theme of “Borderlands.”

Professor Hrvoje Slovenc, who teaches photography at CCM, explains, “By definition a borderland is an area of overlap between two things. We’re looking for images that visually define a line between two geographic locations, states of minds, emotions or between history and myth, or whatever else our photographers envision.”

Winning photographs, honorable mentions and finalists will be featured in an exhibition also including work by CCM photography students. The exhibit will take place in May in the CCM Art Gallery at the school’s Randolph campus. Winners will be required to submit high-resolution files for the exhibition and may need to show proof of ID and authorship.

Photo contest participants are encouraged to join the “CCM Photo Club Competition” Facebook page (http://tinyurl.com/ludm5al) to receive news, announcements and vote for the photo that will receive the “Popularity Award” for obtaining the most likes. Voting for the Popularity Award begins at midnight on April 30 and the winner will be announced at the opening of the exhibition.

Last year, the CCM Photo Club received more than 600 submissions from high school students. In the previous competitions, winners have come from Morris County School of Technology, Morris Knolls, Columbia, Bridgewater-Raritan, Sparta and Mount Olive high schools, as well as Blair Academy.

Photos can be submitted now through midnight April 16. To enter online, click here.

To enter by mail, send prints or digital files to County College of Morris, Photography Department, DH 201, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, NJ 07869-2086 with contact information included. There is no limit to the number of entries and finalists will be notified on April 30.

For additional information, contact ngruneiro@ccm.edu or hslovenc@ccm.edu.

Parsippany Town Council Regular Meeting 01/19/2016

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Jan 22, 2016