MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes held a “Local Chamber of Commerce Networking Night” on Wednesday, October 7.
The event was sponsored by Titan Energy New England.
The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, Boonton Main Street, Denville Chamber of Commerce and Montville Chamber of Commerce members and guests were invited to this free event.
Community Relations Director, Rosemary Linder Day, introduced the members of the audience and explained the event purpose. YMCA CEO Vik Joganow also spoke about the efforts and programs offered at the YMCA.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso spoke to the group about the progress of the chamber, our events and programs offered. Among his discussion was the “Greater Parsippany Rewards Program” (GPR) which is offered free to Parsippany merchants to participate. The GPR is a discount card for residents and chamber members to be used at Parsippany merchants such as Gourmet Cafe, Baldwin Pizza, Pure Restaurant, Kabab Paradise, Jersey Mike’s Subs to name a few. He also discuss the “Staples Small Business Showcase” which is a program for PACC members to have a display table inside Staples to promote their business.
Interested PACC members should contact Executive Board Member Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400 for additional details.
In addition to Peluso speaking, the other chambers had an opportunity to discuss the happening in their town.
For more information on Lakeland Hills YMCA, click here.
PARSIPPANY — Trick-or-treating is less than a month away and that means it’s time for Parsippany Focus’ Halloween story contest for young writers.
Here’s how it works: The contest is open to students throughout Parsippany in kindergarten through grade 12. Young authors will provide their own original halloween story. Students are encouraged to include an illustration for their stories.
A team of Focus editors will select the winners. Winning writers will receive a $25.00 gift card, have their stories printed in Parsippany Focus on October 31 and have the chance to read their story for a video on parsippanyfocus.com and receive a lunch for you the winner and his/her parents at a local Parsippany restaurant.
Teachers are encouraged to use the contest as a class writing assignment. Be sure to include your contact information (email and phone number) so we can notify winners.
The deadline for submissions in 5:00 p.m. Saturday, October 23.
All stories must be submitted typed with photos attached including name, email address and phone number and sent to news@parsippanyfocus.com. Include “Halloween Story” in the subject line.
Halloween contest official rules
1. The contest is open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
2. All entries must be the original work of the student and no longer than 300 words.
4. Students are encouraged to submit illustrations with their stories. While the artwork will not be judged, some drawings will appear in an online gallery. Illustrations should be submitted on a separate piece of paper.
5. All entries and pictures should include the student’s name, age, school and grade.
6. Deadline for entries is 5:00 p.m. Saturday, October 23.
7. All stories must be submitted typed with photos attached including Name, email address and phone number and sent to news@parsippanyfocus.com. Include“Halloween Story” in the subject line. If drawing can’t be attached they can be mailed separately to Parsippany Focus, Post Office Box 6245, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.
8. Stories or artwork cannot be returned.
9. Winners will be selected at the sole discretion of the Parsippany Focus staff.
PARSIPPANY — Students at Northvail Elementary School recently had the opportunity to participate in a Junior Achievement Day. The program included kindergarten through fifth grade classes. According to Junior Achievement, the program is a partnership between business and educators to bring the real world to students, opening their minds to their potential and preparing them for the world of work.
At Northvail, approximately 34 volunteers from New Jersey Manufacturer’s Insurance Company spent the day teaching JA lessons and engaging students. The lessons included: Ourselves, Our Families, Our Community, Our City, Our Region and Our Nation. Each grade level received different age-specific curriculum lessons that were fun and interactive and allowed volunteers to share their experiences with students giving them a first-hand perspective of today’s business world. The dynamic class discussion promoted stronger critical thinking, decision-making and communication skills in students.
Principal Jeff Martens at Northvail, helped organize the event along with Alicia Fusco, Senior Director of the Junior Achievement program, and Cindy Berger and Pat Hartpence, Lead Coordinators from NJM.
Junior Achievement Day in a 4th grade class at Northvail
PARSIPPANY — On Friday, September 18 at 11:18 p.m. Ms. Lisa Karnacewicz, 35, Succasuanna was travelling west on Greenbank Road, when she drove a 2008 Black Honda Civic off the road, through a fence and struck several large rocks.
The fence was owned by Jersey City Reservoir.
Ms. Karnacewicz refused an alcohol/drug test and was charged with multiple motor vehicle charges.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrolman Michael Sprung investigated the accident.
The Black 2008 Honda Civic was towed from the scene by Eagle Towing, Parsippany.
The car landed on the property of Jersey City ReservoirThe vehicle was towed from the scene by Eagle Towing
PARSIPPANY — Antoine Amay, a West Orange resident, recently began a fall internship with SCG (Success Communications Group), a full-service communications firm based in Parsippany. Amay, a graduate student at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, is pursuing a master’s degree in corporate & organizational communications. He is a Montclair State University alumnus with a B.A. in broadcasting/communications.
“I know that by interning at SCG, I will be prepared to enter the public relations field,” says Amay. “I am thankful to be given this opportunity to obtain important insights on how things work in the communication sector.”
Since January 2003, more than 200 college students from approximately 50 different colleges and universities have participated in SCG’s continuing public relations internship program. These student have earned significant professional experience and, in many cases, college credit as well.
About SCG
Founded more than half a century ago, SCG (Success Communications Group) provides 21st century communication services highlighted by creativity, passion, and innovation. With specific expertise in advertising, marketing, public relations, social media, digital marketing, and recruitment, SCG is headquartered in Parsippany, with regional offices in the metro areas of Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Diego, and Tampa.
PARSIPPANY — Do you have children’s costumes you no longer need? Are you looking for a costume for your child? Participate in the Costume Swap at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, 449 Halsey Road.
If you have costumes for children that are in good condition, drop them off at the Library’s Children’s Department during regular library hours. Costumes must be brought in by Thursday, October 15.
If you need costumes for children, register to pick them up on Tuesday, October 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. or Wednesday, October 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Fore more information call (973) 887-5150 ext. 233 or click here.
PARSIPPANY — The officers and members of Parsippany Fire Department District No. 5 would like your support in helping a brother firefighter and his family with the sudden onset of medical expenses for his wife, not covered by medical insurance.
Their brother firefighter is one of our most dedicated members, always willing to help anyone, anytime.
He is the backbone of the department and they are hoping you can help him, so that he can continue to help the fire department with his mind free from this burden.
Also, Parsippany District 5 Fire Department is holding a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, November 7, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to help support a brother firefighter and their family due to recent and sudden medical bills.
The Spaghetti Dinner will be held at Station 2 located at 200 South Beverwyck Road.
Tickets will be sold at the door for $15.00 Adults, $10.00 Senior Citizens and $5.00 for children.
Support t-shirts will also be available for sale the day of the event for $20.00 each.
This event is Bring Your Own Beer or Wine. Also available will be a cigar smoking area.
For information please contact Dave Cavaliere at (973) 390-0982, or visit their Facebook page by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Mr. James Vanni, 67, Hackettstown, was travelling east on Long Ridge Road when he fell asleep, drove off roadway to the right and impacted a utility pole. Mr. Vanni, sustained moderate injury to his right lower arm. Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance arrived at the scene and treated Mr. Vanni on scene.
The taxi owned by Ensling, LLC, Morristown, was towed from the scene by Powder Mill Towing.
The accident occurred at 1:10 p.m. on Thursday, August 27.
The driver fell asleep and crashed into a utility pole
PARSIPPANY — Mr. William Woytkin, Pine Island, New York, was travelling east on Route 46, on a 2009 Green Honda Motorcycle, when a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by Ms. Maryann Bajwa, Saddle Brook, made a right turn into the parking lot of 149 Route 46. She stated at the time she was making the right turn, Mr. Woytkin, made contact with the rear passenger side of her vehicle. Mr. Woytkin stated he had to slam on his brakes causing him to flip over the handle bars of his motorcycle, making contact with Ms. Bajwa’s vehicle.
There were no injuries and no summons were issued.
The incident happen at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 27.
The motorcycle lays on the shoulder of Route 46The 2014 Jeep operated by Ms. Bajwa was making a right turn into 149 Route 46.
PARSIPPANY — The Office of the Morris County Prosecutor announces that James Masker, 30, of Mine Hill, pleaded guilty today to Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition in violation of N.J.S. 2C:20-3(a), a Disorderly Persons Offense, in relation to his unauthorized taking of six (6) radios that belonged to the County of Morris.
The investigation revealed that the defendant, an employee with the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, removed the radios from a storage area to which he had access, and then he distributed them to private individuals. All of the radios have been recovered. The investigation did not discover any evidence that any public safety agency or any public safety transmissions were compromised by the theft.
The defendant surrendered and pleaded guilty before the Honorable James M. DeMarzo, J.S.C. He was sentenced to one year probation with a condition that he complete 25 hours of community service. As part of the negotiated plea, the defendant resigned his position and was barred from any future public employment.
The Office of the Morris County Prosecutor would like to thank the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, whose leadership and diligence first detected the theft.
PARSIPPANY — The Lake Hiawatha School PTA organized their first 3K Rainbow Run on Friday, September 25 at Veteran’s Memorial Park on Route 46, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of 350 including students, family and friends, along with teachers and administrators.
Lake Hiawatha School PTA’s elected President, Paola Rodriguez, was one of the principal organizers. She said, “We are thrilled with the turnout. It was such a fun event! I really think this exemplifies the role of the PTA—building community connections and promoting wholesome, family friendly activities.” She went on to note her appreciation for the parent volunteers who assisted in planning and executing the event, extending special thanks to the event organizers, Bernadette Kopec and Tara Voto.
The event began with a ribbon-cutting performed by Mayor James Barberio. Volunteers staffed stations along the perimeter of the paved path, liberally dousing runners and walkers with colors that showed vividly against the white t-shirts provided to participants. Each walker also received a string bag that included coupons and a bottle of water.
The event was not timed, but winners emerged in the form of kids’ smiling faces and their multicolored hair and clothes, which they showed off like trophies. Refreshments were available onsite and the Kona Ice Truck was very popular among the students. A DJ was on hand, who helped pump up the crowd with upbeat music throughout the evening.
Funds raised go directly to support student programs. The Lake Hiawatha PTA finances all of the school’s assembly programs and the K-5 field trips. Beyond individual donations, the following local companies supported the school: Applebee’s, Bow Tie Cinemas, Caggiano Orthodontics, Cifaldi Construction, Councilman Michael dePierro, D&B Chinese Restaurant, DDV Mechanical, Houlihan’s, IHOP, Jeremiah’s, John Christian Entertainment, Lavorgna Electric, Rauchberg Dental, Sushi Kuu Restaurant, Stop & Shop, Towne Tavern and Valentino’s Pizza.
PARSIPPANY — Parisppany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps advised that Mazdabrook Road is being paved on Saturday, October 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will be closed from Baldwin Road at Troy Road to Smith Road. Detours will be posted.
Also on Saturday, October 10 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. expect traffic delays in the area of Parsippany Hills High School (Route 202 and Rita Drive) and St. Christopher’s Church on Route 202 due to the town-wide Soccer Tournament and Parsippany Hills Hig School Homecoming football game.
Late last week the NBC Evening News with Lester Holt provided an update on the story it had run earlier about the potential health hazards associated with the use of ground up car and truck rubber tires in the construction of crumb turf fields. After watching the NBC reports, the one conclusion that can be reached is that people on all sides of the issue, including the companies that create and install the turf fields, regulatory bodies of the Federal government, and schools, parents and student athletes do not know if the rubber crumb turf fields are actually safe or unsafe to play on.
What is known from the NBC reports is the following:
That the number of girl soccer goalies, known to Amy Griffin, a Washington State soccer coach who was featured in the NBC story, has increased from 44 to 63 with 15 of those soccer players dying from cancer including lymphoma and leukemia.
That Federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency continue to refuse to investigate potential safety issues relating to tire crumb fields and continue to refuse to comment on the potential risks stating that field safety, unlike cigarette warnings and seat belt regulations, is a local and not a Federal issue. Simply put the EPA refuses to declare turf fields safe or unsafe.
That Montgomery County, Maryland which is a suburban county with one million residents has banned the construction of new rubber crumb fields and 50 cities in 17 states have conducted or are conducting in depth studies to try to determine whether or not to proceed with the construction of new turf fields and/or rip up existing turf fields.
That rubber tires used in crumb fields contain a number of carcinogens. What is unknown is whether or not those carcinogens are released during the rubber grinding process and if they are do they exist in the tiny black dots that serve as a cushion among the artificial blades of grass on a crumb turf field?
That non toxic alternatives to rubber crumb fields readily exist including turf fields that are constructed using cork and coconut fibers instead of pulverized rubber tires
What is not known is the following:
What, if any independent studies the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education conducted prior to approving the construction of tire crumb turf fields at PHS and PHHS?
Which facts derived from those independent studies convinced the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education that student athletes would be absolutely safe playing on tire crumb turf fields?
What discussions the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education had in Open and/or Closed sessions regarding the potential health risks associated with constructing tire crumb fields and what information was presented at those sessions to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education and by whom?
The turf fields at PHS and PHHS have been constructed but questions remain regarding how safe it is to play on those multi million dollar crumb rubber fields and those questions need to be answered immediately. Hopefully BOE President Orthwein and/or BOE Vice President Neglia will provide the answers. If they do not then their silence will tell parents all they need to know.
PARSIPPANY — 5th Annual Zumba for a Cure event will raise funds for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Sunday, October 11 starting at 11:00 a.m. This event will be held at Parsippany PAL, 33 Baldwin Road.
Zumba Fitness Partners Mary Massey and Lisa Engersgaard will treat participants to 90 minutes of heart-pumping dance moves.
This year, they will also have Jennifer DeLorenzi, Magda Santiago, Kevin Garcia and Jeanette Thomas.
No pre-registration is required. Just show up with a water bottle and towel. They will provide water as well and will have giveaways and raffles. Minimum donation of $20.00, cash or checks payable to American Cancer Society (ACS).
The current line up of instructors include Mary Massey; Lisa Engersgaard; Jennifer DeLorenzi; Leah Bank; Jeanette Thomas; Kevin Garcia; Deepa Gaitonde; Kelly Falcone; Magda Santiago and Maria Calabrese.
Thanks to the generosity of some companies, all donations will be matched 100 percent.
For more information, contact Joan Donahue Van Soest via email at vansoest@optonline.net or call (201) 310-7081.
PARSIPPANY — The recent resignation of Parsippany Schools Superintendent Scott Rixford has created a vacancy for the school system’s top position. Rixford, embroiled in a Middle School scheduling controversy will be on medical leave through December with his resignation becoming final in January.
At Thursday’s Board of Education meeting, several sources told Parsippany Focus that former Superintendent Leroy Seitz was seen leaving the building shortly before the evening’s meeting began. Seitz, no stranger to controversy himself, became the target of Chris Christie in 2010 when the board approved a new contract for Seitz which was rescinded more than a year later under pressure from the state Department of Education.
As Parsippany Patch reported at the time, “the brouhaha that grew to a fever pitch over the disputed pact, which violated a superintendents’ salary cap imposed by Gov. Chris Christie in Feb. 2011, media were awash in stories of BOE squabbles, lawsuits and Christie’s labeling of Seitz as a “poster boy of greed.”
A source not authorized to speak on the record told Parsippany Focus that Seitz interviewed to become the next interim Superintendent.
DENVILLE — The Morris County Young Republican Committee held their month meeting on Thursday, October 8, at Charlie Browns Fresh Grill, 67 West Main Street, Denville.
They inivted Republican Candidates for elective office in Morris County to the meeting to give a presentation and answer questions from and network with our members.
Candidate Christine Myers
Freeholder Candidate Deborah Smith
Michael Celler, Director of Headquarters Christie 2016, Emma O’Connor and Salvatore Lobiondo
Tom Strowe representing Assemblyman Jay Webber
The Morris County Young Republicans are one of the most active chapters in the State of New Jersey. With their increased membership and fundraising this past year, including for charity, the Young Republicans take pride in improving their community and working on key races.
The current board consists of Chairman: Will Felegi, Riverdale; Vice Chairman: Jordan Chester, Kinnelon; Secretary: Bill Delaney, Morristown; Treasurer: Julie Lapatka; General Counsel: David J. Bruno, Morris Plains; State Committeeman: Joe Bock, Mt. Olive; and State Committeewoman: Sue Driscoll, Madison.
Morris County Young Republicans (MCYR) are individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 that are interested in taking an active role in Morris County Republican Party politics. We are organized as a special group because, as young people, having different opportunities and situations to incorporate into our political activity.
PARSIPPANY — Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar, the upscale burger restaurant which offers gourmet burgers combined with perfectly paired wine selections, opened its fourth New Jersey location – and the brand’s largest – at 1900 State Route 10, Parsippany.
The Parsippany location features Zinburger’s first test kitchen where executive chefs will work on menu development, test new technology, create training videos and hold conferences for General Managers and chefs.
The location also features a private dining room, which seats up to 32 and an additional 21 on the private patio. The private dining room and patio will allow Zinburger to host holiday parties, sporting event parties, weddings and business lunches for larger groups.
The new Zinburger is doing incredible business. As a result, they are still looking for additional employees, specifically line cooks and bartenders who have experience working in a high-volume, full-service restaurant.
Interested applicants can apply online by clicking here.
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.
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.
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.
Michael Lavery
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.
John Inglesino
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.
Vij Pawar
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.