Monday, November 11, 2024
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Fundraiser at Applebees for Emma

By
Frank L. Cahill
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The volunteers

PARSIPPANY — Friends, family, teachers, administrators and neighbors showed up at Applebee’s for a fundraiser to help Emma.

They enjoyed breakfast cooked by the staff at Applebee’s. The breakfast included pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs and a beverage.

The group held a 50/50 drawing and Christine Maytida was the lucky winner and donated all the money back to the fundraiser.

The Parsippany PBA and Buffalo Wild Wings will be holding another fundraiser on Saturday, November 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. For additional information please click here.

A wing-eating contest will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. The teams competing include Parsippany Police Officers, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Car 65, and the Parsippany Volunteer Fire District Six.

“Emma Marie Wyman is a happy, beautiful (one-year-old) baby girl undergoing at least one year’s worth of treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for a rare type of sarcoma. Her parents, AJ & Lindsey (Kmit) Wyman, who are lifelong residents of Parsippany, learned of Emma’s tumor in late May and have taken her to Philadelphia to be treated by internationally-recognized pediatric oncologists. As they await more in-depth results regarding the type of sarcoma Emma has and begin chemotherapy, AJ has begun to take time off from his job as a corrections officer, while Lindsey is on her unpaid summer break from teaching sixth grade social studies at Brooklawn Middle School. During this life-altering time, AJ and Lindsey will incur costs from medical to travel expenses, while keeping up with their regular monthly bills for their cars, home, etc.

Please know that even the smallest donation will go a long way to aid baby Emma and her loving parents during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for your love, support, and above all, your prayers.”

The Montville School of Rock presents a “Rock’s-Giving II” on Monday, November 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Montville Township High School. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students.  All of the proceeds will go toward Emma Marie’s expenses. To purchase tickets in advance click here.

You can donate directly to Emma Marie Wyman through GoFundMe, by clicking here.

Emma Marie Wyman
Emma Marie Wyman

Crunch Fitness to open in Parsippany

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — Construction is about to begin on the new 18,000 square feet Crunch Fitness at 2561 Route 10 East, Galleria 10 Mall, Parsippany. They plan to have a grand opening in the first quarter of 2016.

Their hours will be Monday through Friday 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Crunch Fitness will feature tons of weights, personal training, hydromassage, mind-bending yoga, tanning, shiny machines and classes.

THE CRUNCH PHILOSOPHY – There are no judgments at Crunch Fitness – No too much or not enough. No glares of disapproval. They keep open minds. They are nurturers. They seek only to encourage, empower and entertain. There is no one type. There is no one reason. There is no one way. They are a diverse community; what they have is a culture of fun; what there is, is room for everyone: all kinds of people with all kinds of goals who’ve chosen to come reach them with us. Crunch. No Judgments.

You can reach Crunch Fitness at (862) 260-9270 or click here for their website.

Dr. Frank A. Calabria Education Center Building Dedication

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Ryan Paterson, 5, Dr. Calabria's grandson

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education dedicated the Board of Education building on Thursday, November 12. The building, which in a way is the heart of our District, was renamed in recognition of the man who gave so much of his heart to the children of Parsippany, Dr. Frank A. Calabria.

Board President Fran Orthwein welcomed the Calabria Family, past and current board members, Mayor James Barberio, Council Vice President Robert Peluso and members of the public.

Mrs. Orthwein stated “Dr. Frank A Calabria was a teacher, administrator, board member, mentor, colleague, and friend. His love of education was shared not only through his professional life, but also through his 41 years of service on the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education. During those 41 years, his commitment never wavered to the thousands of Parsippany children whose lives he enriched with his wisdom, experience, and leadership. Dr. Calabria’s belief that ‘If you make a decision in the best interest of children, you will never be wrong’, guided him and the many board members with whom he served without fail. Dr. Calabria knew that education is the key to success. One of his most frequently asked questions was ‘teach me something.’  He wholeheartedly believed you were never too old to learn something new. As a Board member, he loved to share his knowledge and experience with his colleagues, helping them to better serve our children. In honor of Dr. Calabria’s service to the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District, and to inspire others to embrace education in their lives, the Board of Education Building located at 292 Parsippany Road, shall be known henceforth as the:

Dr. Frank A. Calabria Education Center – or CEC
because we are so fond of using acronyms in education

Ryan Paterson, 5, Dr. Calabria's grandson
Ryan Paterson, 5, Dr. Calabria’s grandson

Mr. Neglia and members of the Calabria Family then cut the ribbon.  Five year old Ryan Peterson had the honor of cutting the ribbon.

Brianne Partington, a student at Parsippany Hills High School lead the audience in “Salute to the Flag” then she song the “National Anthem.”

Acting Superintendent, Dr. Nancy Gigante delivered remarks to the audience.  She said “So many people could stand up here and talk about how Dr. Calabria touched their lives, both personally and professionally.  They could talk about what an upstanding citizen Dr. Calabria was, what an amazing family man Dr. Calabria was, what a compassionate educator Dr. Calabria was.  I am blessed to be one of those people.  I am honored to have called Dr. Calabria a mentor and a friend.  But most of all, I am honored to have called Dr. Calabria…Frank.  That’s who he really was.  He didn’t want or need any fancy titles.  He wouldn’t have needed to see his name in lights.  All he needed was to know that he was doing the right thing, which always seemed to come easy to Frank.  His wisdom, his stories, his insight were valuable to so many people in so many different ways.  But he never looked for the accolades for that.  He would be laughing and shaking his head at all of this pomp and circumstance.  And that’s what made Frank…Frank.  We all try to be the best people we can.  We try to do well in our jobs, love our families, and be good to our communities.  But to do it like Frank did…well, that is reserved for very few.  And those few deserve to see their names in lights as it were.  He deserves his name to be honored like it is now.  Frank was the principal of Sparta High School for a long time, and those here who knew him then will know what I mean when I say…it took a little more to be Frank Calabria.  And those of us left behind can only hope that this reminder—his name emblazoned on this building for years to come—will serve us well as we strive to be the best people we can be.  We miss you, Frank, and may God bless you.”

Former Board President Mrs. violet Schicke and then Mrs. Angela Calabria spoke on behalf of the Calabria family.

Parsippany Chamber of Commerce holds Wine and Cheese Networking

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Karen DeChristopher, Loren Manheimer Barefoot Rehabilitation Clinic, Ylka Padila and Mercedes Covert Muzio

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce held a “Wine and Cheese” Networking event at Provident Bank, 401 Smith Road, on Thursday, November 12.

The event which was free to all members attracted a diverse crowd, of current members, a number of new members as well as non-members seeking information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Networking is one of the most important activities to enjoy and participate in routinely. It enriches relationships and connects us to our community.

For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here.

PHS Marching Band placed first in National Championship

By
Nicolas Limanov
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PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Marching Band and Color Guard came in first place in Group IV of the 2015 National High School Band Championships held on Sunday, November 8 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. They also received the 2015 Espirit DeCorps Award.

They came home with a large first place trophy and with an impressive score of 96.36.

The PHS Marching Band Champions will be having an Applebees Fundraiser on Sunday, November 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The cost is $8.00 per person which includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage and one beverage (Juice, coffee, tea or soda). The proceeds go to support the PHS Bands general fund.

Parsippany Town Council Agenda Meeting 11/10/1015

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Dr. Seitz appointed Interim Superintendent of Parsippany Schools

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Former Parsippany-Troy Hills Superintendent of Schools Leroy Seitz
seitz
Dr. LeRoy Seitz

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education appointed Dr. LeRoy Seitz as interim superintendent.

Seitz was appointed effective December 1 through June 30, 2016, or sooner pending release from his current contract, at the rate of $682.00 per day, subject to the terms and conditions of his contract. (Click here to view contract).

Upon approving Dr. Seitz’s contract, the crowd full of teachers and parents, cheered loudly. Seitz is replacing Former Superintendent Scott Rixford, who took a 30-day medical leave of absence on September 4. Dr. Nancy Gigante has been acting Superintendent.

At the Board of Education meeting held on Thursday, September 24, 2015, the members of the Board of Education passed a resolution accepting the resignation of Scott Rixford, effective January 26, 2016.  The resolution states that it “Further approves the related agreement with Mr. Rixford in accordance with the terms and conditions therein, which the Board President is authorized on behalf of the Board.”

Board President Fran Orthwein stated “The Board of Education welcomes Dr. Seitz back to Parsippany. Dr. Seitz brings many years of experience as a Superintendent and proven leadership to our District. We look forward to working with him to serve the children of Parsippany.”

“I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Seitz while I was on the Board of Education he is an exceptional Superintendent. I’m very confident that he will get the school district back on track to perform at the highest academic standards. I welcome him back and wish him the best, said Dr. Louis Valori, Councilman and former Board of Education member.

“I am happy see the Dr. Seitz will be returning to the Parsippany School District.  Dr. Seitz did a lot for the district until he was pushed out the door by Christie’s Salary Cap requirements.  Back in 2010, The Board of Education realized that Dr. Seitz was a huge asset to the Parsippany School District and at the time, did what was in the best interest of the town.  Unfortunately, that decision created a great deal of controversy and he retired   Since his departure,  the district has not been able to secure a quality leader.  Regrettably, at the time I can say I was happy to see Dr. Seitz leave.  However, when the district began to fall apart, I realized I was wrong and the board of education members at the time knew that good leaders were hard to come by.  If one were to look at what we would have paid Dr. Seitz with his new contract verses what the District has paid Mr. Rixford and his expanded executive staff that he created to ease his workload, I can only assume that the district would have saved a lot of money if Dr. Seitz remained in the district.  Hopefully Dr. Seitz can restore order and rebuild the bridges between the teachers and the administration that have seemed to deteriorate in the past year and a half.  I wish him the best of luck and I am confident that he is the right person who can restore order in the district,” stated Andy Sadowski, a parent of student at Intervale School.

Seitz, who was originally hired by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education in 2006, received statewide attention in November 2010 after Governor Chris Christie introduced a pay cap for superintendents as part of a campaign to reduce state and school districts’ costs. During a town hall meeting, Christie dubbed Seitz “the poster boy for greed“ after learning the Parsippany school board had negotiated and approved a contract for the superintendent that exceeded the pay cap, which was not yet in effect.

Seitz’s base salary was $192,000 in 2006, which later ballooned up to $212,000 by the 2010-2011 school year.

Christie threatened to withhold up to $3.6 million in state aid payments to Parsippany-Troy Hills School District if the board refused to reduce Seitz’s salary.

The board eventually relented, cutting Seitz’s salary from $212,000 to then then-cap of $175,000. Seitz in 2013 requested an administrative hearing on the move and, later that year, an Administrative Law Judge dismissed his appeal, ruling that he had to repay the district $17,597 in overpayments.

At that time, Board member Anthony Mancuso said Seitz has been “an outstanding leader and superintendent.”

Dr. Seitz ended his controversial tenure as superintendent of the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District as of May 15, 2013.

Seitz then took over the helm of Franklin Board of Education, as Interim Superintendent,  on March 29, 2014. Seitz was also making $682.00 per day.

Morris County Vo-Tech speaks at Parsippany Kiwanis

By
Nicolas Limanov
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Gina Di Domenico with Kiwanis Club President Connie Keller

PARSIPPANY — Gina Di Domenico from Morris County Vocational School was a guest speaker at the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany on Thursday, November 12.

The Morris County School of Technology is a vocational magnet public high school located in Denville Township, operating as part of the Morris County Vocational School District.

Morris County Vocational School is located at 400 East Main Street, Denville.

Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Our members, Kiwanians, are service-minded men and women who are united in their commitment and compassion for others.

Any community need can become a Kiwanis service project, especially the needs of children. Kiwanis service projects range from efforts that help local communities to Kiwanis International’s Worldwide Service Project for the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders.

Kiwanis members dedicate more than 6 million volunteer hours and invest more than $100 million in service projects that strengthen communities and serve children every year.

At the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, they want to ensure that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives. They believe that by helping one child, you help the world.

For more information Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, click here.

 

Kali Cipkins and Shannon Murphy organized a donation campaign

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Kali Cipkins and Shannon Murphy with the items they collected

PARSIPPANY — Kali Cipkins and Shannon Murphy, from Girl Scout Troop 1635, organized a donation campaign for the Parsippany Animal Shelter to earn their Girl Scout Silver Award. The requirements to garner this honor were: identify and issue you care about, build your team, explore your community, chose your project, develop your project and then implement it.

The girls created a list of items that the shelter needs on a daily basis such as food, cleaning supplies, pet toys and pet carriers. They canvassed their respective neighborhoods, Intervale Heights and Rainbow Lakes, dropping off suggested items with donation bags which they collected several days later and then personally delivered.

In addition, they manned a booth at the PetSmart at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall where they collected additional items. In total they collected over a year’s worth of supplies for the Parsippany Animal Shelter. 

“We spent a lot of time deciding on a project that we both felt strongly about. We both love animals, big and small, and they require not only care and attention but many supplies,” states Kali Cipkins and Shannon Murphy. “The support and generosity from the community was incredible. It an experience we will never forget.”

Photo credit Len Cipkins

 

George T. Hanley Esq. received Person of the Year Award

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — George T. Hanley Esq., a partner in the firm of Weiner Lesniak, received the Annual Person of the Year Award from the New Jersey Bar Association’s Military Law Section at their annual Military Law Symposium.

The award was presented by Colonel Sanford Rader, Esq., to George T. Hanley Esq. for his work as Founder and Chair of Welcome Home Vets of New Jersey, a non-profit formed to assist Veterans of all eras with respect to the many obstacles and issues they face, including employment, legal, social, family, economic and others – in transitioning back to civilian society, and as many continue to serve actively or remain on call or have suffered injury and deprivation as a result of such service.

Weiner Lesniak is located at 629 Parsippany Road. 

Assault outside of Towne Tavern; Three suspects fled scene

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY  — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Headquarters was advised by Morristown Police Department that a male at the Morristown Medical Center was being treated for a puncture wound to his lip which occurred during an assault outside of the Mount Holleran Towne Tavern.

Patrol Sgt. R Cooper, R. Carrozzino along with Patrol Officer C. Silva and C. DeLoatch responded to Mount Holleran Towne Tavern, 450 North Beverwyck Road to investigate the incident at 2:22 a.m. on Sunday, November 8.

After speaking to the victim and witnesses it was determined that the victim had a verbal altercation with 4-5 unknown actors at the Towne Tavern.

The verbal altercation turned physical outside of the Towne Tavern at which time one of the unknown actors punctured the victims lip with a box cutter type knife.

The victim also received bruising and abrasions to his face during the assault.

The victim was able to describe three of the unknown suspects:

Suspect #1 was described as a white male 5’06-5’07, bald, stocky build, clean shaven, and wearing a pink shirt.
Suspect #2 was described as a white male 5’05-5’06, brown hair, stocky build, clean shaven, and wearing a blue sweater.
Suspect #3 was described as a white male, 5’11-6’00, unshaven face, and wearing a backwards hat.

Morris County Sheriff’s Office CID responded and processed the scene.

This incident is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Investigative Division at (973) 263-4313.

Statement of Pride Outlawed in Parsippany Schools

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Sign Removal 1PARSIPPANY — “Pride in Parsippany”, boasts the great township sign at the intersection of Route 46 and Vail Road.

The teachers of Parsippany’s public school children however, are not to be afforded the opportunity to exhibit that pride according to an edict issued  by the school district’s chief administrator.

Teachers have been ordered to remove a simple black and white sign that says only “I am Proud to be a Teacher” in plain block letters, followed by a smaller tag line, “Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association”.

The message, uniformly printed on standard white printer paper, had been posted on classroom doors in all district school buildings for several weeks before acting superintendent Nancy Gigante issued a directive that they be taken down.  Gigante cited Board of Education policy forbidding political actions or statements on building premises as the reason for ordering the removal of the signs.

“We view this statement as a positive message to both students and parents”, said Joe Kyle, PTHEA president.  “We have always been proud of our role as teacher, coach, counselor and guide to the children of Parsippany, and we never intended for the sign to be anything other than a declaration of that pride.”

Kyle went on to say that the PTHEA would be challenging the validity of Gigante’s interpretation of the Board policy in question.  “Our members were proud to go out of our way to willingly bail out the Board after the recent Middle School disaster, and so we are astounded that a printed declaration of that pride is deemed a political action statement”.  PTHEA members worked diligently to restore a workable schedule in both Central and Brooklawn Middle Schools, going above and beyond their contracted duties.

Sign-Removal-3
Teacher removing the sign from her classroom door

Indian-American Seniors Association held Annual Diwali Function

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Lalitya Munshaw, the evening's dance performer

PARSIPPANY — The Indian-American Seniors Association of Morris County held their Annual Diwali Function at Parsippany Hills High School on Saturday, November 7.

Master Event Sponsors were Parsippany Pharmacy and Param Adult Day Care.

The event featured “Live in Concert by Lalitya Munshaw.

The Indian­ American Seniors Association of Morris County (IASA of Morris County) was formed by Mr. Rajni Patel and late Shri Shashikant Bhai in 2013. They are located at 43 Warren Drive.

Their organization is the bigger senior’s family. The goals are to meet your required information for health, immigration, citizenship, social welfare etc. Not only that, social activities, cultural programs, temple visits, foreign and local tours etc. are equally important.

The staff consists of Rajnikant Patel, President; Arun Yagnik, Sr. Vice President; Manubhai N. Patel, Vice President; Naresh Chinai, Secretary; Ambalal H. Patel, Joint Secretary; Ambalal K. Patel, Treasurer; Bhupendra Parikh, Joint Treasurer; Jayendra Patel, Executive Committee Member; Pravin Sutaria, Member and Vishnu Patel, Event Manager.

For more information, click here.

Lalitya Munshaw was born to connoisseur parents with strong values and ethics embedded deep in her family.

Education has played an essential role in building her personality, in making her the person who she is today.

Lalitya joined the C.N. Vidyavihar from ninth standard where she got the opportunity to grow and flourish.

She was elected as the President of the Students Council, and it was truly a great experience as it gave her a new challenge to discover entirely new aspects of herself which were responsibility and leadership. Lalitya’s  hard work was rewarded when she topped the 12th standard Gujarat state board exams and later she did her Bachelors and Master in English Literature from St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad.  She concurrently pursued Master in Hindustani Classical Music from Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya.

She always took pride in participating and excelling and all extracurricular cultural activities held in her school and participated in various national as well as international student exchange programs, where she would not just learn about different cultures of the world, but also got a chance to see the world with a different perspective.

For more information on Lalitya, click here.

Applebee’s invited vets and active duty military to come have a free meal

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Applebee's Employee Lee Howley

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Applebee’s invited vets and active duty military to come have a free meal on Veterans Day, November 11.

Every Veterans Day, Applebee’s invites vets and active duty military to come have a meal on Applebee’s. It’s their way of saying thanks for their service. But, really, every day is an opportunity to say thank you. So, join Applebee’s in our Thank You Movement to personally show your gratitude for those who have served, or are currently serving, in our military.

Applebee’s serves their free meals on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, from when they open to when they close.

Parsippany honors those who served on Veterans Day

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Third Graders, led by Mrs. Danielle Hazel, Troy Hills Elementary School

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s American Legion Posts 249 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10184 held their annual Veterans Day Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11 (eleventh month, eleventh day, eleventh hour) at Veterans Memorial Park, Parsippany. Bruce Michels, Commander of Post 249, led the ceremony.

The Presentation of the Colors by the Brooklawn Middle School 8th Grade Concert Band, led by Mr. Joshua Jenkins performed “Fairest of the Fair,” during the opening of the Veterans Day ceremony held at Veterans Memorial Park, Route 46, followed by the Invocation by Rev. Msgr. Herbert K. Tillyer, from Saint Peter the Apostle Church.

The ceremony was presented by American Legion Post 249 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10184.

The National Anthem was performed by Mrs. Michelle Musolino-Roberts and the Brooklawn Middle School 8th Grade Concert Band, led by Mr. Joshua Jenkins.

The Honorable James R. Barberio, Mayor Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills welcomed the guests, said a few words to recognize the importance of this day and extended gratitude to all veterans. Honored guest was Mr. Harry Ettlinger, Educator, Advocate and Famous Monuments Men Member.

The Meaning of Veterans Day was explained by Bill DeGrosky, Past State Chaplain.

Business Administrator Ellen Sandman, CFO Ann Cucci and Jenna Collins performed an Andrew Sisters Medley.

The Veterans Day Poem, written by Cheryl Dyson was read by Eileen M. White, Daughters of American Revolution. “America” was performed by Troy Hills Elementary School third graders.

“A Patriotic Festival was performed by Brooklawn Middle School 8th Grade Concert Band, lead by Mr. Joseph Stella, Band Director. Prayer of Remembrance was by Rabbi Lubin, Congregation Shaya Ahavat Torah.

Laying of the Wreaths was by Mr. Bernard McElwee, Commander VFW Post 10184 with honored Veterans Joe Minsavage, American Legion Post 249, Gary Erdman, VFW Post 10184 and Harry L. Ettliner, Monuments Men. Taps were presented by Anthony Paterno, Brooklawn Middle School 8th Grade Student and Mr. Joseph Stella, Band Director. “God Bless The USA” was performed by Third Graders at All Saints Academy, and led by Mrs. Lisa Gomez. Michelle Musolino-Roberts sang “God Bless America.”

The Benediction was by Rev. Dr. Stacie Turk, First Baptist Community Church. Commander, American Legion Post 249 Bruce Michels concluded the service.

Even though there are special days during the year that commemorate these brave men and women, most other times people don’t give much thought to the sacrifices and dangers that are faced by our troops on a daily basis.

We, as Americans, should always remember that freedom does not come free and that when our liberty is at stake there are brave men and women at the front lines defending our inalienable rights that our forefathers fought so valiantly for.

We all need to love our country and live with pride and always remember that without our veterans our country would not be the great nation it is today. Everyday is a day of remembrance; and should you see a soldier in uniform or a veteran, take the time to tell them thanks for their service, it’s the least we can do.

Veterans Memorial Park is located at intersection of Route 46 and Vail Road.

Parsippany Council inks deal with Waterview Developer; Whole Foods coming to town

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — After years of hearings, votes, and heated negotiations, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to permit a 151,000 square foot shopping center, including a Whole Foods Market on the last vacant lot in the Waterview Office Complex off of Route 46.

Barberio said the urgency of the decision was affected by recent negotiations in which representatives of Whole Foods took part. Those representatives said if the retail development was not approved, they would instead look to occupy the 64,209 square feet Parsippany Pathmark, which is slated to close before Thanksgiving
Barberio said the urgency of the decision was affected by recent negotiations in which representatives of Whole Foods took part. They said if the development was not approved, they would instead look to occupy the 64,209 square feet Parsippany Pathmark, which will close before Thanksgiving

In addition to the nearly 49,000 square foot Whole Foods, the agreement will permit RD Realty, the contract purchaser of the Waterview site, to build a maximum of five buildings, consisting of two partially attached structures and one pad site, which will be a bank.

The rear and western side of the property which totals 10.63 acres will be sold to the Township for $3.5 million. Parsippany will use funds from its Open Space Trust Account to make the purchase.  The area of land the Township will purchase will forever be deed restricted from ever being developed.

“I have fought against that area being developed right from the beginning,” said Council President Paul Carifi Jr., who voted down the proposal in 2013. “Do I like our options? No. I don’t like this being forced down our throat, kind-of. But in talking to a lot of residents in town, if you had the option A or B, which way would you rather go, I don’t think anyone wants 500-plus, 450-minimum, possibly up to 660 apartments, and the strain that would put on our town.”

Township Planner Edward Snieckus, who presented drawn plans for both the retail and housing propoals, noted that the housing could result in a net annual loss of more than $1 million to taxpayers
Township Planner Edward Snieckus, who presented drawn plans for both the retail and housing propoals, noted that the housing could result in a net annual loss of more than $1 million to taxpayers

The resolution included negotiations increasing the size of the buffer. In addition to the 49,000-square-foot Whole Foods, the shopping center would include an additional 100,000 square feet of retail space, plus a detached bank pad. It would also restrict tenant sizes to no more than 20,000 square feet in order to restrict “big-box” tenants. In a previous application a 137,000-square-foot “big box” department store (rumored to be Target).

About 70 residents appeared at Tuesdays Council meeting.

Letter to the editor: Last of the Hills of Troy Stolen; Taxpayers win nothing

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Letters to the Editor
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MailboxsmallDear Editor:

Don’t believe what Mayor James Barberio said about the money for the “open space”; that if certain parties did not protest open space money would have come from the County. 1) It was not appropriate for such funds under the circumstance; remember it was RD’s buffer and did not meet criteria for open space requirements under the County. The County official even remarked it was one of the worse proposals ever put forth. 2) the group that protested also petitioned the County to help us in their power to buy the whole landscape as open space because of the character inherent in the landscape, ground water recharge, and neighborhood and regional enhancement.

If for example the whole landscape of the waterview was intact as an ecosystem with its natural assets undisturbed; not fragmented by the developer if may have stood a chance; under Highlands Conformance which Parsippany has rejected without public consent or transparency the landscape could of been considered “community-environmentally constrained sub-zone” and given legal protections as such, perhaps even considered rezoned off the market ,recognized in the light of so important as to be taken off-market for its long term benefits in the water cycle and community enhancement, especially to the immediate neighborhood Under conformance Belle Meade would of received their fair share market value for the land.

One good citizen also brought light to the fact when the POD zone was established these landscapes were zoned as an area with their buffer landscapes already build into the zone. Waterview was left that way for environmental and ecological reasons being in the Troy Brook Watershed, and giving balance and biodiversity, nature’s stormwater, water cycle quality and quantity cycle back to the aquifer at no costs to anyone. This original arrangement was subverted and forgotten. The Earth a natural resource in itself turned back into real estate.

Morris County does not conform to regional planning itself. So by not being in conformance to the Regional Plan Parsippany became its own worst enemy. Instead of science and law; including legal protections available under conformance, we left ourselves purposely vulnerable to gangster developers like RD.

It is time to ask; why are we being denied regional conformance? Why is the public not encourage to learn more and the administration transparent and truthful about the advances and benefits concerned in Regional Planning? By completing an environmental resource inventory and identifying unique environmentally sensitive areas, as our own master plan contends waterview could have been saved. Instead we paid for a lawsuit for an issue that was moot at the time, RD trying to rezone the land without Parsippany in their equation, knowing that all such lawsuits were inappropriate at the time because the Courts were in the process of settling the affordable housing issue. Now we have the three and one half million dollars of our tax dollars going for what still amounts to a buffer. In that area of the Troy Brook are steep slopes and slopes galore a buffer of the type we are calling open space; would of been necessary no matter. The area is also in a flood prone area, as any land use capability map would show. Its consolidated soils the best kind for water recharge and filtering will now be polluted by runoff and impervious surface.

The terrain feature known as Doremus Ridge the last of the hills of Troy will certainly, slowly but surely implode and erode. The Trees will lose their vitality, the stormwater engineering will not be maintained properly, and will not be capable of the same natural process by waterview’s consolidated soils of glacial till, further injuring our recharge, and water quality.

Replacing science with politics and politicians who think little of public environmental values, but only private economic concerns and tax dollars do not deserve our support. The continuation of their salaries is more important than the long term health of our water and quality of life. Progress in a myth science and good land use is not. Our master plan is a worthless piece of paper; as it changes continuously with every new corporate scheme of the big landowners. It is against a great moral law to be unjustly enriched at the costs of other. That is what just occurred on Tuesday, November 10 at Town Hall.

Loss of a valuable beyond money asset, and robbery of our open space funds; RD cleaned up real good. Who will be left with the real mess? Our well heads are protected in theory, but not really so, as groundwater recharge areas in Parsippany are not protected. Without these recharge areas the well will go dry and the water quality will degrade. Add the UPS new development; called redevelopment, waterview and other already developed places most vacant an idle all in the same extended landscape all Route 46 and we can look forward to more traffic, litter, floods and loss of the sense of home; America the beautiful? No it’s their country right or wrongs certainly not ours.

RD and our officials allowed; turned a civic obligation COAH that Parsippany may not have even had to adhere to. (254 affordable housing units in 2010 into 666 then thousands) The chorus sang higher, higher numbers even while COAH does not exist, but builder’s remedy, into a threat, because our Town is not our own and RD and Belle Mead have their property rights. Parsippany’s answer, scorched earth; develop all the open land so public housing can’t come here. Is not that a deliberate evasion and purpose exclusion for the alleged housing responsibility that if true will have to be built somewhere anyway? Let us save tax-dollars by abolishing our master plan expense and discontinue the environmental and open space committee, they are a waste of money. Under the present NJDEP you can rest assured this site plan will be streamlined and fast tracked, into construction as the present administration in Trenton does not protect the environment, health, safety or welfare of its citizens. Money can’t buy love, but love can be bought for money.

Nicholas Homyak

NJ Transit Salutes Veterans

By
Frank L. Cahill
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NEWARK — In recognition of our customers who have served in the Armed Forces, New Jersey TRANSIT is inviting all active and retired military personnel to ride as guests of honor on our system on Veterans Day.

Whether going to the country’s largest Veteran’s Day parade in New York City, heading to ceremonies around New Jersey or simply commuting to work or school, veterans and active members (in or out of uniform) can utilize any portion of the bus, rail and light rail network all day on Wednesday, November 11 by simply showing a valid military ID.

“Opening our doors to these brave men and women who have sacrificed for the country is just a small token of our appreciation,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim.  “It is a privilege to salute our nation’s veterans and active members and to honor their service by offering a ride on our transit system.”

NJ TRANSIT’s policy year-round allows dependents of military personnel to purchase tickets at reduced fares using the senior citizen/passenger with disabilities option upon showing a military dependent ID card.  When purchasing a ticket from a ticket vending machine or through MyTix, select Senior/Disabled to obtain the discounted fare.

About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation’s largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 915,900 weekday trips on 257 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 165 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.

PHS Marching Band Motorcade

By
Frank L. Cahill
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0

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Marching Band received a motorcade send off to Allentown on Sunday, November 8, to particpate in the Group IV 2015 National Champions.

The students arrived at the high school, had lunch and then enjoyed a celebration cake before getting ready to leave on the school buses.

Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Department District 1, Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 2, Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire Department District 4, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Parsippany Office of Emergency Management, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Mayor James Barberio, Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad all lined up in the high school parking lot and participated in the motorcade that started on Vail Road, made a right onto North Beverwyck Road, crossed over Route 46, and then turned on Route 80 West, as the students packed in three yellow school buses with two trucks carrying their equipment to Allentown.

Hiawatha Pharmacy to hold Customer Appreciation Event

By
Nicolas Limanov
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0

PARSIPPANY – When Atta Rehman, owner of Hiawatha Pharmacy decided to open his own business, there was no doubt in his mind that it would be in Parsippany.

This November celebrates Hiawatha Pharmacy’s Fourth Anniversary in its current location.

Atta opened his pharmacy in a store front on North Beverwyck Road in March 2010. He realized the business was struggling due to poor visibility and limited street parking on the busy section of North Beverwyck Road making potential customers not realize a local run pharmacy existed.

In November of 2011 Hiawatha Pharmacy shifted less than a mile, over to the Foodtown. Since the location change the business has shown steady improvement because of improved visibility, more foot traffic, better parking, a friendly atmosphere and an overall higher level of convenience for customers.

Atta moved to Parsippany from Queens in 1990 and graduated from Parsippany High School in 1993.

“Parsippany is home, there is no other place I would rather be.” Atta explained how much opportunity the township has given to him. “Parsippany has given me a great place to live, a great education and a place where my children can already call home”

Atta attended Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy at Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY where he achieved Doctor of Pharmacy while working part-time as a delivery driver for Domino’s Pizza in Parsippany.

Atta was very excited when he was hired for his first pharmacy job at Rite Aid in 1999, later becoming a pharmacy intern at Drug Fair.  Several years later, he became a pharmacist with Drug Fair.

Recently customers voted Hiawatha Pharmacy the best Pharmacy in Morris County in a survey conducted by the Daily Record.

Atta emphasized that it is all about his customers and taking care of the residents of a town that gave him so much. Atta is tailored toward the people, their needs, medical and emotional and willing to do anything to bring a smile to his customers’ face. Atta takes the time to speak and more importantly listen to each and every customer and get to know them because “You never know what people are going through, whether it’s depression, financial strains, chemo treatment, or a sick child at home.  An integral part of a pharmacist’s job is getting to know the customer story,”  Atta explained.

When asked Atta who is your competition he said that Rite Aid, Walgreens, Shop Rite are the biggest competitors in the area because they have the ability to market and promote on a bigger scale. They have a big advantage in prescription insurance negotiation which takes away the opportunity from independent pharmacies.  But even bigger, is the challenge to stay motivated as an entrepreneur, to continue staying focused when things aren’t going well.  Atta says, “My customers help me with that!”

Atta’s biggest goal is to build his own brand and he set up a Customer Appreciation event to kick it off.

Hiawatha Pharmacy is inviting everybody to their Customer Appreciation Weekend, Friday November 13 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  He will serving food and refreshments, blood pressure checks, giveaways and the opportunity to get to know Hiawatha Pharmacy.

Hiawatha Pharmacy offers a very competitive discount plan called RXCARE, and will be rolling out our new $4.00 Generic drug program to coincide with the 4 year anniversary at Foodtown.

Hiawatha Pharmacy is located inside the Foodtown, 435 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. Business Hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (break between 1:00 p.m to 2:30 p.m.) and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

“I have an opportunity to grow my business, in a tough economy with stern competition, by taking charge.  I have always been, still am and will always be ready for that challenge. Customers are number one. It’s not the product or price or the convenient location, it’s all about the customer’s total experience.”

Visit Hiawatha Pharmacy on Facebook, where you can find more information on Hiawatha Pharmacy and contact information. You can reach Atta by calling (973) 794-4909.

Hiawatha Pharmacy is ready to serve Pathmark Pharmacy customers, to ease their transition and to reduce any anxiety and concerns when it comes to changing pharmacies. Transferring your prescriptions is easy, just bring in your pharmacy bottles and they will do the rest.

Hiawatha Pharmacy is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

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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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