PARSIPPANY — The rain was coming down hard on Friday evening, October 2, but that didn’t stop the ribbon cutting ceremonies for the new turf fields at Parsippany High School. The event was attended by many board of education members, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Mike dePierro and Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Principal Dr. Denis Mulroony.
Annual Rabies Immunization Clinic for Dogs and Cats
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Health Department announced its free rabies clinic for Parsippany residents.
The clinic will be held on Saturday, November 7, at Smith Field Park near the tennis courts. (Behind Empire Diner on Rt 46 east). Bring your Dog from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and your cat from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
If you have any questions or need more information contact the Health Department at (973) 263-7160.
Rabies immunizations usually last for three years. Check your certificate you received from the last vaccination for the expiration date.
You will need a current rabies immunization to renew your dog license in January 2016.
Mayor presents Town Council with controversial attorney in Council vs. Barberio case
PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, October 6, Mayor James Barberio presented the Township Council with an attorney to represent the Governing Body in a lawsuit they filed against Barberio per a Superior Court Judge’s order.
Michael Lavery, a partner with the firm, LAVERY, SELVAGGI, ABROMITIS & COHEN was chosen by Barberio, and even though some Council members indicated that the mayor’s selection was acceptable, the Council will still need to vote on whether or not to accept the mayor’s selection.
Lavery has worked for the Township as a ‘conflict attorney’ for several years but along with several other attorney appointees, he was not re-confirmed by the Council this past January.
Lavery, along with Township Labor Attorney Stephen E. Trimboli were not re-confirmed, but Township Attorney John Inglesino, a holdover himself, was able to unilaterally appoint Trimboli as ‘Special Counsel’ for the Township after Trimboli failed to garner enough votes for re-appointment.
During an August 2015 Council meeting Inglesino indicated that Lavery was not retained by his firm but some confusion ensued when Township Business Administrator Ellen Sandman stated that Lavery continued to represent the Township and recommended that Inglesino include Lavery as part of Inglesino’s list of ‘special counsel.’ (see video clip below)
At this past Tuesday’s Council meeting Inglesino again vehemently denied that Lavery had done any legal work for the Township until former Councilman Jonathan Nelson produced invoices from 2015 from Lavery which showed that Lavery billed the Township for various legal work he had performed, including corresponding with Inglesino himself.
Sandman confirmed Nelson’s assertion that Lavery is still working for the Township.
It remains unclear under whose authority Lavery now works. A Township Attorney may remain in his position as a holdover and he may also appoint attorneys as special counsel, even if not confirmed by township council resolution. But Inglesino has stated in at least two public meetings that Lavery was not working under his auspices.
Considering that Lavery continues to represent the Township raises additional issues over whether or not Lavery can even represent the Council in the lawsuit they filed against the mayor. Parsippany Focus emailed Lavery and asked whether or not he believes he would be in conflict and whether or not he would even accept to represent the Township Council.
Lavery did not respond for comment.
Mayor Barberio has retained Morristown attorney Vijayant Pawar to represent himself in the lawsuit. Pawar, no stranger to litigation in Parsippany, currently represents the Township in a least two current lawsuits against the Municipality. He also currently represents Barberio in a whistleblower lawsuit filed against the Township and himself by former Parsippany Police Captain James Carifi.
Parsippany Focus emailed Pawar and asked whether or not he believes he is in conflict from representing Barberio while simultaneously representing the Township in other lawsuits.
Pawar did not respond for comment.
Final stage in the demolition of Greystone begins (PHOTOS)
PARSIPPANY — Demolition of the old Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital has reached the final stage as a grapper began to tear into the back end of the building. The Central Main Building dates back to 1876 and was modeled after the beliefs of Dr. Thomas Story Kirkbride that the mentally ill should be cared for in…
Roads closed due to milling and paving
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps has issued a warning of certain roads being paved on Thursday, October 8 starting at 7:30 a.m.
Allerton Road will be paved starting at 7:30 a.m.
Troy Road will be closed from Mazdabrook to Carlton Road at 9:00 a.m. Residents will be able to access the neighborhoods by taking South Beverwyck Road to Troy Road. All Southbound traffic will be detoured to Smith Road to Reynolds Avenue and then South Beverwyck Road.
Hancock Street, along with a few adjoined streets will be closed for milling at 7:30 a.m.
An officer will be posted at the intersection with Reynolds Avenue to assist buses and residents.
Please plan alternate routes to help alleviate traffic congestion.
Detective Edward Conklin promoted to Sergeant
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio and Chief of Police Paul Philipps held the promotion to the rank of Sergeant for Detective Edward Conklin.
The promotion was held at Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Building in the Council Chambers on Wednesday, October 7.
Sergeant Conklin is a married 43 years old father of three children.
He began his law enforcement career with the Paterson Police Department in 1999, after graduating the Paterson Police Academy.
He was hired as a Patrol Officer by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department in 2002.
Sgt. Conklin began his career in the Patrol Division and was transferred to the Detective Bureau in March of 2006. Sgt. Conklin attained his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from William Paterson University and is currently pursuing his Masters Degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
He is an Arson Investigator, Crash Investigator, and a member of the Honor Guard for the department. Sgt. Conklin received the following awards and citations: World Trade Center Service Citation, Honor Legion citation, Life Saving Award, Meritorious Service Award, Command Citation, and Unit Citation. He is also a member of the NJ Italian Police Society, Police Honor Legion, and PBA Local 131.
Letter to the editor: Reveal the truth behind Schedulegate
Dear Editor:
The 2015 school year had a very rough start this year for an approximately 1,700 middle school children in Parsippany. In a nut shell, the District implemented a new scheduling system that failed spectacularly when the schedules were given to the students. While elementary and high school children began their curriculum on the first day of school, the middle school students participated in planned activities with educational ties to keep them busy while the district scrambled to come up with a schedule for the children. Our first school day was September 3rd. On September 28th, the district finally had middle school schedules for the children and they could begin their academic year.
At the September 25th Board of Education meeting, many people asked how this could have happened and demanded answers. While watching from the audience, it was baffling to see the many different views expressed by Board Members on how to conduct such an investigation. Most problematic was that at the end of the discussion, there was still no definitive answer as how they will proceed with providing the citizens of Parsippany with answers as to how this could have happened.
My prediction is that the Board of Education and District will not be able to come to terms on how to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into this matter. While I am sure there are resources out there that can conduct such an investigation, at what cost will this come to the citizens who are already fed up with property taxes. In my opinion, we do not need to pay any lawyers or special groups to investigate this matter. As it is, the scheduling fiasco has undoubtedly cost the district plenty as they attempted to fix this problem.
While I am sure some may debate my analysis of this matter, I would like to give my opinion on how this happened in an attempt to prevent this from happening in the future. Like many, I am frustrated by the rising tax bills and enraged when I see such wasteful spending of our tax dollars. There is no doubt this may be long-winded, but I encourage you to read from start to finish.
It is my belief that there is no single person to blame on what happened in Parsippany. What happened in Parsippany did not happen overnight and occurred over an extended period of time. With documented news reports, I hope to paint a clear picture as to how this happened in hopes of preventing this from happening further down the road.
Ultimately, the person responsible for the mess is Scott Rixford, Parsippany Superintendent. On March 24, 2014, The Parsippany Board of Education made the announcement that Mr. Rixford was going to be appointed Superintendent. In a press release issued by the Board of Education, they stated “The entire Board congratulates Scott on his appointment. We are confident that his vast experience, deep knowledge, unwavering dedication, and unquestionable character will bring further stability, integrity and academic growth to our district. We look forward to partnering with him, as we work collectively to address the challenges and to embrace the opportunities of continuing to provide the high quality of education that the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District has come to expect.” At face value, if this statement was followed, it may have led to a successful working relationship. However, the working relationship between the Board of Education and Mr. Rixford was far from a partnership and appeared to be a dictatorship in which full control of the district was relinquished to Mr. Rixford.
After his appointment he had the opportunity to earn extra money above his salary of $175,000. What many may not know that is despite salary caps, merit bonuses may be awarded if certain criteria are met. One such goal that Mr. Rixford thought needed to be changed was the structure of the middle school. The goal he presented to the Board was as follows. “The District has been chronologically plagued by its Middle School Programming of scheduling instruction. I will conduct a thorough review of this program and present a course of action to the Board for Implementation as a remedy.” As outlined in his goal, it was his belief that the middle school programming of scheduling was wrong for Parsippany. As a remedy, he reviewed the programming, and came up with “The Rixford Plan” to overhaul both Middle Schools.
On November 25, 2014, the Rixford Plan was presented and was met with great resistance by the public as well as the teachers. In fact over 30 people spoke against this plan that evening. Despite the fact that there was such great public opposition to this plan it moved forward and was pushed through all based on the recommendations of Mr. Rixford. In my opinion, with such a strong showing of opposition, the Board Should have taken a few steps back, took a deep breath, and listened to the concerns that were addressed from those who attended the meeting to slow down passage of the Rixford Plan. In fact, two such Board members had this thought process and attempted to hold off voting on this plan. Board members Timothy Berrios and Allison Cogan felt this was a lot to absorb and tried to table the vote so that a Special Meeting could be held by the Board the further review the plan. With no support from the other Board Members, they had no backing and the request to postpone the vote was shot down. Needless to say, Board Member Fran Orthwein pushed to have the Rixford Plan voted on and the plan was passed by a vote of 7-2. -Reference #1- Had the Board listened to the concerns from the crowd, this fiasco could have been avoided. However, the majority of the Board approved Mr. Rixford’s design plan without any questions, revisions, or other feedback from the audience. This was a complete overhaul to the middle school curriculum and it was left in the hands of Mr. Rixford to make all the changes he wanted with no questions or restrictions. While it was Mr. Rixford’s idea, the Board Members who gave him the green light to move forward on this should be held accountable for the poor decision that was made. Based on the audience participation and the fact that two Board Members had recommended postponing the vote, in my eyes this is where the mistakes were made and things began to further deteriorate in the district.
Let’s not forget that just prior to this meeting, the teachers in Parsippany had a rally over deteriorating working conditions that they were faced with. In a prepared statement, they union said “We have enjoyed a positive working relationship with the board, which we hope will continue as we make them aware of the deteriorating conditions and moral that the current administration has created”. Once again, the Board failed to recognize this as a serious concern from the teachers. Interestingly, in the past, the Teachers Union had a good working relationship with the Board yet under the Rixford regime, things were going downhill. Seems to me like Rixford had total control of the majority of the board and took control of the district. Despite the opposition of the teachers, Mr. Rixford continued to do whatever he wanted and to run the district as he saw fit, even if it meant creating unfavorable working environments for the Teachers of Parsippany.
If we look back even further, to the very 1st Board of Ed meeting that Mr. Rixford attended as Superintendent, he unveiled his cabinet which would be a total of six administrators that reported directly to him. Once again, this dream team that was created by him more than likely lightened his work load a great deal. The duties of Superintendent are great and for that they are compensated rather generously. However, rather take on the full responsibility of his job, he added more top administrators to the Board of Education Payroll. In his own words, when he created the dream team he stated “Frankly, my time can be either be spent signing my name to some very simple thing that really won’t have any profound effect on the kids, and not be in the schools, or we can delegate it as an administrative function.”
Once again, the Board at the time approved these new positions despite the fact that if asked, the vast majority of citizens would agree that there is no need for more administrators due to the fact the district already had a lot of top-level administrators.
These three major events occurring after Rixford took office, in my opinion, were huge mistakes that led the district in an uncontrolled nose dive that ultimately led to the crash of Schudulegate 2015. For reasons unknown to me, Mr. Rixford had complete and total control on how he felt the district should be run. I can’t recall any matter that he presented to the Board of Education that was rejected as a bad idea. In less than six months of office, he added more top administrators, created a hostile working environment for the teachers, and came up with his plan to reform the middle schools. Mr. Rixford was a bull in a china shop and there was no way of stopping him.
When the middle schools schedules were released in August of 2015, it was clear that many problems existed with “The Rixford Plan.” The first few days the Genesis Portal was open, schedules often changed on a daily basis until the system was shutdown all together. As the first day of school approached and there was no schedule, it was clear the district had a major dilemma that they were faced with. For the first two days of school, both middle schools had planned activities due to the fact they were without a schedule. Meanwhile, Mr. Rixford reported this as a computer glitch and also tried to blame Genesis for this epic failure. While I wish Mr. Rixford a speedy recovery for what ever caused him to take a medical leave, I find it odd that he would take a medical leave of absence at a time when the district needed him most. After all, this was his merit goal in which he was awarded $5,872.50 in May 2015 as a bonus for what was known as “The Rixford Plan.” With that, I guess you can call this a mixed blessing in that upon the start of his medical leave, Dr. Gigante was appointed the Interim Superintendent. It was at this point a switch was flipped and the district began to reveal the truth behind Schedulegate. As many expected, this was not a computer glitch or a problem with the Genesis. Dr. Gigante’s first order of business was to make it clear that it was not Genesis’s fault. With being in her new position for less than one week, the next major stepping stone was when she came to the conclusion that the Rixford Plan was not viable, and vowed to return to what has always worked in the past. While many may argue that she should have came forward to this conclusion a long time ago, it is really not that simple. As you all know, Mr. Rixford had a great deal of control on the entire district and ruled with an iron first. It is clear that the power that was given to him was much more than any such person should posses as a Board of Education Employee. Judging from the way the majority of the Board Members sided with Mr. Rixford, do you honestly think that Dr. Gigante would have been supported by the Board if she went against the plan?From the start, this was Rixford’s Plan and there was nothing that was going to stop him. After all, if a room full of irate parents, students, and teachers could not put a stop to it do you think that someone under him would have had the pull needed to stop this. Ultimately, Dr. Gigante’s hands were tied in that Mr. Rixford was her boss and she had to follow his rules. Just like any other job out there, while you may not agree with what your boss is telling you how to do your job, the fact remains that you have to follow your boss otherwise you will not have a job. With that, if your boss tells you to do something and you follow his instructions and something goes wrong, it falls on the bosses lap. In a corporate setting, If a boss fails miserably, he gets fired.
Unfortunately, with the lucrative contract that the Board signed that favors the Superintendent, it is very hard to bad mouth him. For reference, here are some of the highlights of his contract that offers him a great deal of shelter.
Article XI – Indemnification — “The Board shall defend, hold harmless, and indemnify the Superintendent in accordance with state law.”
Article X – …No material derogatory to the Superintendent’s conduct, service, character, or personality may be placed into his personnel file unless he had the opportunity to review the material…. Article V – Section D — The parties agree that the Board will not hold any discussion regarding the Superintendent’s employment unless the Superintendent is given written notice at least 48 hours in advance. In addition, the Board shall not hold any discussion with regard to the Superintendent’s performance, or that may adversely affect the Superintendent’s employment, in public session, unless the Superintendent requests that such discussion be held in public session, pursuant to the Open Public Meeting Act.
Article X – …No material derogatory to the Superintendent’s conduct, service, character, or personality may be placed into his personnel file unless he had the opportunity to review the material….
While I am far from being a contract / labor lawyer, I am guessing these articles is what will protect Mr. Rixford and allows him to walk away from this entire mess. Luckily, the public is not bound by any of the above listed articles and can speak freely and express their opinions on matters such as this and not be in violation of the contract.
As I warned from the beginning, yes, this is very long-winded, but it is my belief that the entire picture needs to be painted in order bring light to the issues at hand. While the new schedules were released, the problems that have evolved from this event will plague the school district for years to come. While many mistakes have been made, it is important to realize we need to learn from our mistakes and move forward. It is also important that someone should take the blame for this screw up. Our children are in school and are graded on test day. They are given the material and informed of when a test will take place. If they choose to study and know the material, they will excel on test day and get a good grade. If they choose to goof off and not prepare for the test, the will fail. The Rixford Plan was introduced in November 2014. Mr. Rixford has over 9 months to ensure that his middle school redesign would work. However, his design clearly failed and he offered no support when the district needed him most. Like the kid who failed the test, Mr. Rixford needs to accept the fact that he failed the district in so many ways. It started with creating a Cabinet filled with top administrators, to the deterioration of the working relationship with the teachers and ended up with Schedulgate 2015. In addition, the Board needs to come to the conclusion that they failed the residents in that they put too much faith in Mr. Rixford as an administrator. As elected officials, they need to realize that they need to listen to the very same people who elected them into their position. Had they done this, they may have all stepped away, analyzed, and realized that the Rixford Plan as presented was not right for Parsippany at the time. The Plan was rushed through so that Mr. Rixford could achieve his merit goal. Ultimately, this is what Schedule-gate comes down to. In order for him to get his bonus, he had a deadline to meet and if it was delayed, he would not have been entitled to a bonus. Of course, the vast majority of the Board wanted to see him succeed and get his bonus. Too bad they did not listen to the people who elected them into their position. Hopefully the district will be able to move forward and focus on what is important and that is enriching the educational experience of our children. I urge the board to bring back the partnership philosophy in that the board will listen to the people and not be so quick to dismiss what we are saying. Hopefully there are more board members who are not afraid to tell it is and not be afraid to go against the grain. If this partnership philosophy is enacted, I can guarantee that the Board of Education will be successful in the future as we work with a new superintendent.
Andy Sadowski
Resident of Parsippany
Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is offering preschool program
MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA has an opportunity for parents and their child to experience everything that the Early Childhood Learning Center has to offer.
Parents may come to the Y with their 18-month-old to 3-year-old on the first Wednesday of the month, October 7 through April, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., meet the teachers and witness the fun.
Singing, playing, stories, and art are included during this interactive environment. It is free. Non-members are welcome but pre-registration is required.
Click here (use code PLAYSCHOOL) or by calling April at (973) 334-2820.
CCM Fourth Annual Photo Contest for High School Students
RANDOLPH — New Jersey high school students with a passion for photography and a talent for taking good photos have until April 16, 2016 to enter the County College of Morris (CCM) 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 be providing 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 May 2016 in the CCM Art Gallery. 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 (click here) 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, 2016 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, 2016. To enter online, by clicking 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, 2016.
Trans-Options Honors Those Who Make a Difference
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo and Deena Leary, Director of the Morris County Department of Planning and Public Works, have been honored by the non-profit TransOptions mobility organization for support of efforts to improve transportation options and the quality of life in Morris County and Northwest Jersey.
They were among the recipients at TransOptions’ recent 2015 recognition event held at the Meadow Wood Manor, Randolph.
The awards highlighted the efforts of elected and government officials, businesses, teachers, municipalities, and individuals who made a positive difference in their communities during the past year in the areas of transportation, business, safety and community.
DeFillippo, a second-term freeholder and former mayor and councilwoman in Roxbury, was honored as 2015 Elected Official of the Year as an advocate for “smart transportation planning’’ through her role as a freeholder in serving on the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority’s Board of Trustees.
Leary was honored as 2015 Government Official of the Year for her long-standing efforts to improve transportation options for residents of Morris County, where she oversees six divisions, including transportation planning, road and bridge construction, and land preservation.
“There are so many deserving people and groups who were honored by TransOptions for their hard work and dedication to making our county and this region of New Jersey a better place to live and work,’’ said DeFillippo. “I congratulate them all, and also congratulate TransOptions, for their efforts to improve the quality of life for our communities.’’
TransOptions is a transportation-oriented non-profit organization that delivers programs and services that improve mobility, the environment and quality of life in northwestern New Jersey.
It helps find alternative commute options and offers programs in bicycle, pedestrian and teen driver safety, as well as environmental education and sustainability. The organization also provides commute options such as carpooling, vanpooling, mass transit, biking and walking.
For more information on TransOptions, visit: http://www.transoptions.org/
The full list of TransOptions 2015 “champions,’’ includes:
- Elected Official of the Year: Morris County Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo
- Volunteer of the Year: Lesa McGuiness, JCP&L
- Government Official of the Year: Deena Leary, Director of Morris County Department of Planning and Public Works
- Employer of the Year: Realogy
- Outstanding Media of the Year: WSUS Radio
- Teacher of the Year: Fred Fogle, Kitattinny Regional High School
- Cycling Advocate of the Year: Stephen Noble of REI
- Commuter of the Year: Hal Herbert, BASF
- Supporter of the Year: PSE&G
- Municipality of the Year: Hanover Township
- Safety Champion of the Year: Rose McCauley, Hanover Township Public Schools
Each of the “champions’’ also was awarded a citation of “commendations and praise’’ from the legislators of the 25th Legislative District –state Sen. Anthony Bucco and Assemblymen Michael Patrick Carroll and Anthony Bucco. Jr.
The following employers received 2015 recognition from TransOptions as New Jersey Smart Workplaces:
Platinum-level New Jersey Smart Workplaces: AAA, Alcoa, Atlantic Health System, BASF, Bayer Healthcare, Morris Plains Borough, County of Morris, Cycle Craft, Drew University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Marty’s Reliable Cycle, MetLife, NECA, Nestlé Nutrition, NJM Insurance Group, Pershing LLC, Realogy, REI, Thorlabs Inc., Tiffany & Co., Wyndham Worldwide
Gold-level: Avis Budget Group, Washington Borough, Fiserv, The Casey Group, GlaxoSmithKline; Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, Hanover Township, Washington Township (Warren County), TransOptions
Silver-level: Borough of Madison, County College of Morris, Hyatt Morristown, KYOCERA Document Solutions America, Inc., Maersk, Inc., Yukon Graphics
Bronze-level: DSM Nutritional Products, Morris County Chamber of Commerce, Hartshorn Group, New Bridge Services, ShopRite of Morristown, Sussex County Chamber of Commerce.
World War II history program offered in Mt. Tabor
PARSIPPANY — “The Last Air Battle of World War II: a Veteran Remembers” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 8, at the Bethel in Trinity Park, in Mount Tabor.
Bill Watkinson, a WWII veteran naval aviator who flew fighter aircraft from the carrier USS Yorktown, will speak about the very last missions flown over Japan during July and August 1945. Watkinson lives in Flemington, but still spends time in South Carolina serving as a docent aboard the USS Yorktown museum.
There will be photographs and a brief video.
“I’ll have copies of a magazine article I recently wrote about Bill and his squadron titled ‘The Last Waltz,'” said Mount Tabor author David Sears. “As you know, August/September marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. There are fewer and fewer chances now to hear directly from those who participated.”
There will be a magazine and book signing after the program, with proceeds going to the co-sponsors of the program, the Mount Tabor Historical Society and the Mount Tabor Branch of the Parsippany Public Library System.
Refreshments will be served at 7:00 p.m. and the program begins at 7:30 p.m. Attendees are advised to park at the Mount Tabor post office at 26 Simpson Avenue.
For directions, visit www.mounttabornj.org. For more information, call (973) 975-0001 or (973) 627-9508.
Congressman Frelinghuysen Honorary Chair at Stickley Museum Gala
PARSIPPANY —The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms will host the Crafting the Future Gala on Saturday, October 17, at the Mountain Lakes Club, 18 Lake Drive, Mountain Lakes. The event starts at 6:00 p.m.
This festive evening will feature cocktails, dinner, entertainment and live and silent auctions, all in support of the ongoing restoration and educational programs of the Stickley Museum.
Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen is serving as the event’s Honorary Chair. Congressman Frelinghuysen was an original Charter Member of the Craftsman Farms Foundation and has remained a stalwart supporter throughout the organization’s history. Ulysses Grant Dietz, Chief Curator and Curator of Decorative Arts at The Newark Museum, will be honored at the event for his role in elevating recognition of the Stickley Museum as a significant architectural and historical landmark, not only on a local but a national level.
Guests will have the opportunity to bid on an exciting array of packages in both silent and live auctions. Offerings include a 24-hour driving experience with a Tesla Model S, Tiffany & Co. cuff bracelets, vacation and staycation packages, unique decorative arts items and an original Stickley rocking chair. Absentee bidding will be available.
Barbara Weiskittel, President of the Board of Trustees, notes, “The gala is consistently one of the highlights of the year for the Stickley Museum. Not only do we rely upon the gala to raise approximately 25% of our annual operating costs, the evening is just a wonderful time for celebration. I never cease to be amazed by the overwhelming sense of warmth and camaraderie as our friends and supporters gather together for this special evening. We invite anyone who would like to enjoy a great night out in support of a worthwhile cause to join us.”
For more information or to purchase gala tickets, click here.
On days when there are no special programs, the museum’s regular hours are Thursday through Sunday, from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m. year round, with tours hourly from 12:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. The entrance is located at the intersection of Manor Lane and Route 10 West, Morris Plains. Standard admission is Free for Members; $10.00 for Adults; $7.00 for Seniors and Students; $4.00 for Children.
Craftsman Farms, the former home of noted designer Gustav Stickley, is owned by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and is operated by The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, Inc., (“SMCF”) (formerly known as The Craftsman Farms Foundation, Inc.). SMCF is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in the State of New Jersey. Restoration of the National Historic Landmark, Craftsman Farms, is made possible, in part, by a Save America’s Treasures Grant administered by the National Parks Service, Department of the Interior, and by support from Morris County Preservation Trust, The New Jersey Historic Trust, and individual members. SMCF received an operating grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission. SMCF gratefully acknowledges a grant from the New Jersey Cultural Trust. Educational programs are funded, in part, by grants from the Arts & Crafts Research Fund.
Joe Walsh returns to his high school for a rocking benefit
Joe Walsh performed at Montclair High School on Saturday. Note the MHS pennant in the lower right hand corner. “I never planned on living this long, but here I am,” said Joe Walsh on the stage of the auditorium of Montclair High School, Saturday night. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer – who graduated with…
Donate Your Electronics and Help Victims of Domestic Violence
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is collecting used smart phones, cell phones, IPADS and IPODS during October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.
All money earned by recycling these items will be donated to Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS) of Morris County.
- Collection boxes are located in
- Cerbo Lumber & Hardware, 1855 Route 46 Eastbound
- Atlanta Bread Company, 1711 Route 10 Eastbound in the Kohl’s Shopping Center
- Green Pond Dry Cleaners, 1 Baldwin Road in the Baldwin Shopping Center
- IHOP, 792 Route 46 Westbound, in the Arlington Plaza Shopping Center
For additional information on JBWS, please contact info@jbws.org.
For information on the Woman’s Club involvement with JBWS call Cathy Haney at (973) 335-9769.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at or click here to view website.
A Nightmare on Pigeon Hill Road…A ‘River Runs Through It’
PARSIPPANY — In May 2010, owners of a home on Pigeon Hill Road in the Powder Mill section of Parsippany, contacted Town Hall to report that water was flowing onto their property and flooding their backyard. When an employee of the Township’s Engineering Department came to their home to investigate their complaints, he performed a test strip on the water. The homeowner claims the test strip revealed the presence of chlorine.
After conducting the test strip, the Engineering Department ordered the Township’s Water Department to shut off the main water supply to Pigeon Hill Road and nearby Skyview Terrace. However, the Water Department identified no problems or breaks in the water lines and turned the main water line back on.
The following month, with flooding continuing onto their property, the homeowner once again contacted the Engineering Department but was advised that further testing revealed that in actuality, no chlorine was found in the water on the property and the water in the yard was ‘natural spring water’ and that ultimately the water problem was the homeowner’s responsibility.
Almost three years after registering their original concern about the water flooding their property, in March 2013, the homeowner once again returned to the Engineering Department to complain about the incessant flooding of their property that by now had continued for almost three years. That same month, they were told by a Sewer Department employee that the water appeared to be coming from a retaining wall on a neighboring property on Skyview Terrace but the surface water was still attributed to the natural groundwater.
Flooding continued throughout 2013 and into the following year and after one particularly heavy rainfall on April 30, 2014, the homeowner again contacted the township Engineering Department to request that someone come to the property to investigate the cause of flooding.
Two days later, an engineering department employee came to homeowners property and reiterated that the water was natural spring water.
However, on May 9, 2014, nearly four years after the flooding had begun, the water stopped flowing on the property and the flooding problem was completely resolved, as if someone had shut off a water valve.
The next day the homeowner learned that there were two township water main pipes that had been broken and were fixed on May 9, 2014, four years after first learning of the leak.
The homeowner has since filed a lawsuit seeking damages against the Township. Attorney Vijayant Pawar of Morristown is currently representing Parsippany and in court filings, denies the accusations the homeowner claim.
Parsippany Focus asked several members of the Township Council if they were aware of the lawsuit. All admitted they were not aware of nor ever told of the situation.
Mayor James Barberio did not answer a request for comment.
(Article was sourced through court documents filed in Morris County Superior Court)
Join Girl Scouts…Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to do something amazing
PARSIPPANY — It began over 100 years ago with one woman, Girl Scouts’ founder Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low, who believed in the power of every girl. She organized the first Girl Scout troop on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia, and every year since, made her vision a reality, helping girls discover their strengths, passions, and talents.
Today the Girl Scout mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
Girl Scout is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. And with programs for girls from coast to coast and across the globe, Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to do something amazing.
If you’re 5 to 17 years old, you can be part of the largest organization for girls on the planet!
At Girl Scouts, girls are always counting down to the next adventure we’ll go on together. Maybe it’s artistic. Maybe it’s an experiment. Maybe it’s getting outside or helping the community. With us, you’ll make a bunch of new friends and have a ton of new experiences that show you how exciting the world is, and how awesome you are, over and over again.
And you’ll do it with other girls and caring adults who just might become your friends forever.
Click here to join a local Parsippany Girl Scout group.
Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Girl Scout Promise
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
Girl Scout Law
I will do my best to be
honest and fair,
friendly and helpful,
considerate and caring,
courageous and strong, and
responsible for what I say and do,
and to
respect myself and others,
respect authority,
use resources wisely,
make the world a better place, and
be a sister to every Girl Scout.
Missing Dog from Cedar Knolls Mall was found
CEDAR KNOLLS — After we published this article, we were informed that Sargent returned back to Cedar Knolls Mall, and has been reunited with its owners.
Thank you for your support.
Lost Dog, urgent, please help. “Sargent” went missing from Cedar Knolls Mall. Please don’t chase, call (862) 219-1946.
Rhodesian Ridgeback/Lab Mix. Red, neutered rescue dog adopted from a shelter in Colorado.
He’s very fearful and barks at strangers; he’s anxious because he was abused and will run if approached. He had a beautiful collar stitched in primary colors and tags.
Our beloved dog escaped through a car window in the parking lot of the Cedar Knolls Mall, Ridgedale Avenue.
He’s a very fast runner and could be anywhere.
Please call us at (862) 219-1946 if you see him.
Thanks so much for your help!
PAL celebrates 50th Anniversary
PARSIPPANY — The PAL celebrated it’s 50th Anniversary on Wednesday, September 30 at Knoll Country Club West.
The dinner was in honor of the work by the volunteers who conceived, built, and operated the PAL organization over the last 50 years, and they honored specific PAL founders and supporters at the dinner in a brief ceremony.
This year’s honorees included Select – Morris County Building & Construction Trade Unions: Carpenters Local 254, Electricians IBEW Local 102, Laborers Local 3, Asbestos-Insulators Local 32, Bricklayers & Allied Crafts Local 4, Iron Workers Local 11, Operating Engineers Local 825, Painter Local 711, Pipefitters Local 274, Plumbers Local 24, Roofers Local 4, Sheet Metal Workers Local 22, Sheet Metal Workers Local 254, Sprinkler Fitters Local 696, Tile Marble & Terrazzo Local 7.
The current Board of Directors of the Parsippany PAL include: Dr. Joseph Weisberg, President; James Garrick, Vice President; Peggy Clayton, Secretary; Beth Tutty, Treasurer; James R, Barberio, Mayor; Paul Philipps, Chief of Police Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills; Brian Stanton, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Liaison; Frank Neglia, Board of Education Liaison; Tony Bonavitacola, Executive Director; Det. Dan Cicala, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department Liaison; Dr. Karl Alorbi; Rosemary Linder Day; Mike Whalen; Bob Wilhalme and Anthony Abrantes.
Honorary Directors include Joseph P Plescia, National PAL Board Member; Mike Pulsinelli, IBEW Local 102 and Steve Rosacha, TD Bank.
The Parsippany PAL is located at 33 Baldwin Road.
Eastlake PTA Fundraiser to be held at Houlihan’s
PARSIPPANY — The Eastlake Elementary School PTA is holding a fundraiser at Houlihans on Thursday, October 22 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Eastlake Elementary School PTA.
Valid on to-go orders. No coupon or discounts may be appied to the fundraiser events. No early bird menu. Flyer may not be distributed in our around Houlihan’s property.
Click here to download a flyer. Must present flyer to your server.
Houlihans is located at 1735 Route 46 East. Please RSVP by October 20 to silvan20@optonline.net.