PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will host the annual “Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks” on Saturday, July 4. Rain date Sunday, July 5. Come out and enjoy an evening of music by “The Trip” and fireworks at Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive.
The concert starts a 7:00 p.m. and fireworks start at dusk.
For updates and information on parking and traffic, Parsippany Focus will publish details later this week.
The Trip, winner of Gigmaster’s Top Cover Band Award three years in a row. Performing 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 00’s and the MOST CURRENT ROCK and TOP-40 HITS, The Trip is extremely versatile with a huge song list; authentic and energetic, with extremely talented musicians whose seasoned experience can cover any event. We do Concerts, Corporate Events, Clubs, Private Parties and Weddings! THE TRIP has ROCKED for Microsoft, Disney, IBM, HP, Budweiser, and many more Fortune 500 companies. Professional, Accommodating and Fun.
Chris Christie announced his New Jersey leadership teams made up of more than 200 Republican leaders and elected officials, as well as business leaders from across the state who are supporting his candidacy.
Local Morris County elected officials or business leaders include:
New Jersey Political Leadership Team
Rodney Frelinghuysen, Congressman, NJ-11
Members of the New Jersey State Senate:
Anthony R. Bucco, State Senator, District 25
Joseph Pennacchio, State Senator, District 26
Members of the New Jersey General Assembly
Anthony R. Bucco, Jr., Assemblyman, District 25
Jay Webber, Assemblyman, District 26
Betty Lou DeCroce, Assemblywoman, District 26
New Jersey Republican County Chair
John Sette, Chairman,Morris County
Members of the New Jersey Republican State Committee
Larry Casha, Committeeman, Morris County
Christina Ramirez, Committeewoman, Morris County
Morris County Republican Countywide Elected Officials
Edward Rochford, Sheriff
Ann Grossi, County Clerk
William Hank Lyon, Freeholder
Doug Cabana, Freeholder
Kathy DeFillippo, Freeholder
Tom Mastrangelo, Freeholder
John Cesaro, Freeholder
John Krickus, Freeholder
David Scapicchio, Freeholder
New Jersey Finance Leadership Team
Todd Christie, Ernst & Young, Mendham
Arthur Corwin, Arthur Corwin Civil Engineering, Morristown
Ed Deutsch, Mcelroy Deutsch Mulvaney & Carpenter, Morristown
Craig Domalewski, Dughi, Hewit & Domalewski, PC, Randolph
Michael Gilfillan, BCS Capital, Madison
Christine Gilfillan, Madison
John Inglesino, Inglesino, Pearlman, Wyciskala & Taylor, Parsippany
Jerry Langer, Langer Transport Company, Montville
John Sette, Lohman & Associates Inc, Morristown
While it became official only Tuesday, most people in New Jersey knew as much for months. What they don’t know is who is running New Jersey.
In 2014, Christie spent about a third of the year out of state campaigning for Republican gubernatorial candidates. This year, there has been hardly a week when the Governor has not spent some time out of New Jersey. After Tuesday’s announcement in Livingston, Christie was conducting an evening town-hall-style event in New Hampshire; He is scheduled to be in New Hampshire through Fourth of July.
Elected officials rarely give up office to run for another one. In the private sector, an employee who needed a year off to do something else would have to take an unpaid leave or resign. If you are a governor or U.S. senator, you keep your day job and its salary, benefits and prestige while pursuing something better. Taxpayers are not asked if they mind or if their interests are being served.
Editors Note: Individuals are serving in a personal capacity. Company names are provided for convenience only. Although not Morris County Former Gov. Tom Kean is not on the list; Neither is longtime Christie critic state Senator Mike Doherty (R-23) or Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll (R-25); Also missing areU.S. Rep. Scott Garrett, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, Assemblyman Chris Brown (R-2), Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi (R-39), state Senator Joe Kyrillos (R-13).
TRENTON — The New Jersey Foundation for Open Government (NJFOG) filed a lawsuit (Docket No. MER-L-11-15) against the Trenton Board of Education earlier this year. The suit involves multiple violations of the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA).
New Jersey Foundation For Open Government (NJFOG) previously announced that OPRA counts were decided in our favor, with a hearing on OPMA counts scheduled on Monday, June 29.
NJFOG announces that it has won its Open Public Meetings Act case against the Trenton School Board.
Mercer County Judge Mary C. Jacobson signed the Order on June 30. NJFOG has obtained two injunctions against the Board. Judge Jacobson’s June 30 order is available by clicking here. The case pleadings, including the motion for summary judgment and opposition, are available by clicking here.
This case is one of a growing number of lawsuits brought by NJFOG for the public’s benefit in order to give teeth and clarity to the OPMA and OPRA laws and to increase compliance by public agencies statewide
PARSIPPANY — The 2015 Par-Troy East Senior Little League All Stars beat Dover 10-0 in six innings on Monday at Gallo Field after a seven-run explosion in the fourth inning.
PTE scored in the fourth on an RBI single by Claudia Bennett, an RBI single by Nicole Ruggiero, an RBI single by Luisa Barone, a two-run double by Eliz Quigley, an RBI single by Alivia Mercuro, and an RBI single by Caitlin Brennan. PTE was led by a flawless day at the plate by Bennett, who went 3-3 against Dover’s pitching. PTE’s Brennan kept Dover off the scoreboard for all six innings she was on the rubber. She pitched a shutout, allowing no runs on two hits while striking out eight. PTE didn’t relinquish the lead after scoring two runs in the second inning when it scored on a two-run single by Ruggiero.
Game 2 of the best of 3 series will be on Gallo Field on Tuesday, June 30 at 6:00. If PTE wins on Tuesday they will capture the District 1 Senior Crown and move on to sectionals next week against Triboro.
TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie has been a lifelong Bruce Springsteen fan, and often enters his town hall meetings to the strains of his songs. But Tuesday morning, when Christie announced he is running for the 2016 Republican nomination for president, it was the music another New Jersey rock act that blared over the loudspeakers: Bon…
Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush’s reported effort to get a majority of New Jersey’s Republican senators behind him has apparently failed. Gov. Chris Christie on Monday rolled out his campaign for president with the support of 14 of the state’s 16 Republicans state senators, and 38 of 42 of its Assembly members. The Republican senators who…
PARSIPPANY — Were you stuck in Tuesday morning’s massive traffic on Route 10 in and around Parsippany? Police say Christos H. Kasolas of Succasunna is to blame. According to police, a bit after 6 a .m., the 74-year-old took his 2008 Jeep Liberty into the shoulder of Route 10 East to pass a line of vehicles…
PARSIPPANY — At the University of Rhode Island’s 129th Commencement on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, about 3,200 undergraduate and 660 graduate students became the University’s newest alumni.
The following students from Parsippany-Troy Hills were awarded undergraduate degrees from the University of Rhode Island:
Amanda Januszanis received a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Magna Cum Laude.
Shawn Vincent Volpe, a Parsippany Hills High School graduate, Class of 2011 received a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Minor in Computer Science.
Megan Januszanis, a Parsippany Hills High School graduate, Class of 2011, received a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders Magna Cum Laude.
Clayton Cerrato, a Parsippany High School graduate, Class of 2011, received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Minor in General Business.
The University of Rhode Island’s pioneering research extends the University’s influence well beyond its coastal borders, while its unique interdisciplinary courses provide its 16,637 undergraduate and graduate students with global opportunities in an intimate environment. The University now has more than 120,000 alumni worldwide.
PARSIPPANY —This year the Wifflemania teams raised approximately $1,600 which 100% is donated to The Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Valerie Fund and The Parsippany Food Pantry.
The games were played on Saturday, June 20 at Manor Park.
Recap of the games:
Congratulations to Greg Cleary, Vinnie “Veal” Marchese and Jeff Cleary from Two N’ Out on capturing their fifth and third consecutive Wifflemania Title in an epic, extra inning final over The Big Kahunas 13-6.
Down 3-2 going into the top of thefifth, Two N’ Out rallies back to take a 4-3 lead. The Kahunas tie it up in the bottom of the fifth, leaving the winning run at second to force extra innings. Two N’ Out explodes for nine runs in the top of the sixth. Kahunas only managed two runs in the bottom of thesixth as the record crowd of 85 fans mobbed the field.
Jeff Cleary was named the tournament’s MVP as he played solid defense and was the team’s most consistent hitter all day.
New Era’s, Austin DeCotiis wins the HR Title win 4 bombs.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Health Department offers free Podiatry Clinics to senior citizens.
This is particularly helpful to those with diabetes.
For more information and to obtain an application and appointment with the Podiatrist for Friday, July 24 clinic, please call (973) 263-7160 and ask for our nurse, Carmela.
As work continues on the demolition of the historic Kirkbride building at Greystone Hospital in Parsippany, this drone captures the progress from above. Preserve Greystone, the grassroots organization which has fought to save the building, plans a protest at Livingston High School on Tuesday when Governor Christie plans to announce his candidacy for President.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Freeholders have announced their strong support for a Drug-Free Action Alliance program aimed at curbing underage drinking, especially focusing on adults who may look the other way when it comes to alcohol use by older teens – sometimes to tragic effect.
The county governing board recently issued a proclamation in support of the “Parents Who Host Lose the Most’’ campaign, aimed at discouraging the use of alcohol by those below the legal age of consumption, 21, and to urge all county residents to refuse to provide alcohol to underage youth.
“Adults who provide alcohol to those below the legal drinking age of 21 are placing those youths at risk for health, safety and legal problems,’’ said a proclamation issued by the freeholders to the Municipal Alliances of Morris County. “Alcohol use by young people is dangerous, not only because of the risks associated with acute impairment, but also because of the threat to their long-term development and well-being.’’
“Adults have the authority and responsibility to our youth to deal with this issue responsibly,’’ said Freeholder Director Kathy DiFillippo.
The “Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking” public awareness campaign was developed by Drug Free Action Alliance in 2000 to educate parents about the health and safety risks of serving alcohol at teen parties and to increase awareness of and compliance with underage drinking laws.
Since the program began, it has been requested for replication in all 50 states, Canada, Japan, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. While laws vary from state to state, the campaign’s message is a universal one: It is illegal, unsafe and unhealthy for anyone under 21 to drink alcohol.
The countdown to July 4th weekend begins with a pleasant, sunny Monday across New Jersey. Highs will be mainly in the upper 70s and low 80s across the Garden State as clear, dry conditions will dominate, according to the National Weather Service. If you’re headed to the beach, the water temperature off Belmar will be about…
PARSIPPANY — Net Access, a leading provider of hybrid data center solutions, today announced that Lightower Fiber Networks, a premier provider of custom, high-capacity network services, has completed a build into their Parsippany II data center, located at 200 Webro Road. Net Access’s colocation, cloud and managed services customers located in that facility now have access to Lightower’s complete suite of all-fiber networking services and over 8,500 commercial service locations. Lightower’s customer base gains direct access to the Net Access platform of FLEX services.
The 120,000 square foot Net Access Parsippany II data center is located at 200 Webro Road, and features high-density colocation capabilities, diverse and redundant 2(N+1) electrical systems, innovative heat chimney cooling with three factor biometric security and 24×7 on-site support. The facility offers a 100% uptime SLA with a variety of space options, from private suites and cages to cabinets, and is fully compliant, meeting PCI DSS 3.0, SOC, SSAE and HIPAA requirements.
Lightower provides state-of-the-art networking solutions, including dark fiber, Ethernet and wavelengths to 100G, Internet access, video transport, and private networking. Their unique and diverse all-fiber network is comprised of than 20,000 route miles and is engineered for big bandwidth, performance, and reliability.
“Fast, high performance network services are the backbone of today’s data centers,” said Raul Martynek, CEO of Net Access. “We are seeing increasing demand from our customers for high bandwidth data center connectivity to support their colocation, cloud and managed service solutions, and bringing Lightower on-net at our Parsippany II center gives them even more options.”
“Combining the Lightower Network with Net Access’ Parsippany II data center offers customers a powerful and reliable data center networking option in the critical New York/New Jersey market,” stated Doug Turtz, SVP of Sales at Lightower, “Their next-generation facility offers mission-critical services to industry verticals which are closely aligned with Lightower’s customer base. We look forward to continuing to grow our partnership with Net Access.”
“The speed, diversity and resiliency of the Lightower network is a perfect match for our hybrid colocation and cloud services,” stated Scott Palsgrove, Net Access VP of Direct Sales. “We recently expanded the capacity of Parsippany II by 2,000 cabinets, so the timing of this build is ideal for both companies.”
ABOUT NET ACCESS: For enterprises and organizations who depend on the 24x7x365 availability of their vital IT infrastructure, Net Access provides a single-source for the highest-quality, most innovative and reliable technology services and solutions. Unlike traditional enterprise technology vendors, we are inherently curious and passionate about constantly identifying, proving and delivering better ways to help clients manage their evolving technology needs. Learn more about our company history, our people and just what makes us different… and better by visiting www.nac.net .
ABOUT LIGHTOWER: Lightower Fiber Networks is the premier, all-fiber provider of custom, high-capacity network services that ensure optimal application and business performance. Serving enterprise, government, carrier and data center customers, our comprehensive suite of fiber-based solutions is delivered across a robust, dense and highly-reliable network. The company offers over 20,000 route miles of network, providing access to over 8,500 service locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Chicago Metro with connectivity to critical international landing sites. Lightower Fiber Networks is headquartered in Boxborough, MA. For more information, please visit www.lightower.com or call 1.888.LT.FIBER
LIVINGSTON — The group hoping to save the closed Greystone Park Psychatric Hospital will protest outside Livingston High School on Tuesday morning as Gov. Chris Christie announces his presidential candidacy. Preserve Greystone will be joined by the Sierra Club, an environmental advocacy organization, both confirmed Monday. The groups said they hope to draw national attention to…
PARSIPPANY — The days of fire departments only responding to fires is a thing of the past. Today, fire departments are adapting to the community that they serve to ensure they are ready to respond to any emergency that may occur at a moment’s notice.
Fire District 4
Fire District 4 Firefighter Michael Ruggier
District 4 Fire Chief Brian Cleary
Members of District 5
Parsippany Group Shot
Parsippany District 5 BAT 5
Parsippany District 4 Special Ops 45
District 6
All six Parsippany Fire Districts have taken that challenge head on and are beginning to bring their plans to a reality.
After Hurricanne Irene and Superstorm Sandy, Parsippany-Troy Hills saw some of its worst flooding ever with numerous streets under feet of water. Immediately departments that were directly affected started the process of preparing themselves to respond at an even higher standard than they did then.
Districts 4 and 5 purchased Military Surplus vehicles that are now used as high water rescue vehicles. These vehicles can drive into flood waters to assist in performing rescues of flood victims. These vehicles staffed with trained personnel ensure the community that Parsippany firefighters are ready to respond to any emergency that is presented to them.
In addition to purchasing vehicles, members of Parsippany Districts 4, 5, and 6 have begun the process of certifying approximately 25 members to be trained in Swift Water Rescue. Many firefighters in Parsippany have received training to the awareness level. These 25 firefighters have attended the Operations level class during the past six months and will attend the Technician level training in September.
Plans are also in the works to certify additional firefighters from Parsippany in the upcoming year, as well creating a fire department swift water rescue team for oour community.
The Swift Water Operations class was a two day, 16 hour class that was broken up into two parts. Day one consisted of testing to ensure the participants were able to meet the requirements necessary for the class. The remainder of the first day was then utilized for classroom based lecture that covered all topics needed for this level of training and then a hands on portion that prepared the participants for the practical day that followed. On the second day, participants had the opportunity to put the skills they learned in the classroom portion to use in a day of hands of training in Southern New Jersey. Participants faced numerous stations that tested their swimming capabilities as well as potential life threatening scenarios for both responders and potential victims.
Our firefighters have committed to the residents of Parsippany to be able to respond to any emergency that may arise. The Swift Water Rescue Team is just one step to ensuring the continued safety to the residents that they serve. Parsippany firefighters will continue to train and work together to provide the highest level of service to the residents of Parsippany.
PARSIPPANY — A pair of self-professed legal experts on New Jersey’s Pot laws have been visiting local police departments this year. The duo video tape their encounter and try to make even seasoned officers appear silly; that is, until they met their match with Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Lieutenant Yvonne Christiano. According to those present, this clip was heavily edited from the actual verbal smackdown the Lieutenant gave these two stoner videographers.
Warning. This video contains language not appropriate for some viewers.
PARSIPPANY — Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company agency owner Ben Michalik on Parsippany Road, received the Agency Hands in the Community Award for his commitment to helping others. With this award came a $1,000 grant from The Allstate Foundation for the John Paul II Polish School in Parsippany.
Allstate New Jersey agents and employees have a proud history of putting their good hands to work in supporting New Jersey communities, promoting volunteerism and providing financial resources to enable local organizations to help others.
The Agency Hands in the Community Award celebrates the spirit of service. “Commitment to our communities is a part of what we do every day – protecting people and making their lives more secure,” said John Kane, President of Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company. “With support from The Allstate Foundation, Ben and John Paul II Polish School are making their communities stronger.”
John Paul II Polish School has a primary goal to teach the Polish language, as well as the traditions and culture of the Polish nation, to young people that live in a multilingual American society. They are also striving to reach the highest level in pedagogical work, by awakening and solidifying the national pride of the youth, and to prepare them to be loyal and creative members of Polish-American society.
The Allstate Foundation awards more than $1 million every year to nonprofit organizations across the country in honor of dedicated Allstate agency owners who give back. To be eligible for nomination, Allstate agency owners must volunteer, mentor or lead a nonprofit of their choice.
About The Allstate Foundation Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people’s well-being and prosperity. With a focus on teen safe driving and building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, The Allstate Foundation also promotes safe and vital communities; tolerance, inclusion, and diversity; and economic empowerment. For more information click here
About Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company services more than 450,000 households throughout New Jersey. Widely known by its slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®,” Allstate branded insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services are offered through Allstate New Jersey agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives. As part of Allstate’s commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation, and the corporation provided more than $370,000 in 2013 to local nonprofit organizations across New Jersey.
PARSIPPANY — Students from schools based in Parsippany, Dover, Pequannock, Jefferson Township, Kinnelon, Randolph and Chester were honored as Mayo Performing Arts Center May Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Guitarists — prior to the Thursday, June 25, 2015 performance by jazz guitarists Stanley Jordan and Kevin Eubanks.
The students were recognized for their achievements on stage prior to the concert and had the opportunity to meet the performers.
Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the Theatre’s Education Department based on their commitment to and excellence in the performing arts.
The 2014-2015 Music Student of the Month program is sponsored by The Provident Bank Foundation.
Music Students of the Month are:
Joshua Lustig – Grade 12, Parsippany High School – Nominated by Gregoy Dalakian
Josh has played guitar in the PHS Jazz Ensemble all four years of his high school career. He has played guitar in all the Pit Orchestras during his years at PHS, and has even played for the Parsippany High School Pit Orchestras as well. He is also the lead guitarist, composer and vocalist for the local teen favorite rock band “A Boy Name John,” and performs with them regularly all over the Tri-State area. They are currently working on releasing their second album. Josh is an excellent young musician and aspires to be a Music Teacher.
Christian Abarca – Grade 11, Dover High School – Nominated by Chris Wiseman
Christian is a student in Guitar 1 class at Dover High School. He has shown tremendous growth as a guitarist and exhibits an impressive work ethic. He practices every day and has developed significant technique in several styles including rock and blues. Some of his favorite guitarists are Eric Clapton, Slash and Phil Collen (Def Leppard).
Tyler Daniels – Grade 8, Pearl R. Miller School – Nominated by Brian Scanlon
Tyler has been a member of our schools Jazz-Rock Ensemble for each of his three years in middle school. As an electric guitar player, Tyler worked very hard to become familiar with the new demands of the Jazz based chords. Over the three years I have worked with Tyler he has taken this with stride and by 8th grade he has grown into a very competent player. He takes the time to build up his skills in a very methodical manner which leads to his high level of success. Tyler is also a percussionist in our concert band program and has a bit of experience on drum-set as well. So in closing, Tyler’s skills and work ethic are the reasons for me supporting him as a candidate for music student of the month.
Shane Dunn – Grade 6, Pequannock Valley Middle School- Nominated by Janelle Heise
Shane is a student in my sixth grade Music Fundamentals class, and we learn to play guitar as part of the course. Shane came into the class with several years of guitar lessons, but was very modest about his abilities. In class he has worked as my “assistant teacher,” circulating to help his classmates and check their fingers and chord positions. Outside of school he has performed in benefit concerts for cancer patients, and has a tradition of performing with an adult band every St. Patrick’s Day. In the classroom, he is an interested and helpful student who earns good grades. These are the reasons that I feel he deserves to be recognized.
Connor Halma – Grade 10, Jefferson Township High School – Nominated by James Wynne
Connor Halma is a gifted guitarist. Mr. Wynee had the pleasure of teaching Connor during his 9th grade year in Music Technology, which he took as a result of his beginning lessons on the guitar in the Middle School. It was there that he learned rudimentary chords and technique; something which prompted him to want to learn more about the instrument. He started to take private lessons on the guitar, focusing now on classical guitar technique and repertoire. I observed his progress in this regard over the course of the last year and, I must say, his musical growth has been nothing less than remarkable. He has now joined the cast of the ‘Olde English Feast,’ where he will portray a character very close to his musical tastes – the Troubador.
Joe Juliano – Grade 12, Randolph Township High School – Nominated by David Miller
I have had the pleasure of working with Joe Juliano since 2011. I have found him to be highly talented and motivated. My interactions with him have come in the setting of the Randolph Township High School Jazz Ensembles, in which Joe plays the guitar. The ensemble rehearsals focus primarily on working through the canon of the great jazz arrangers, as well as jazz improvisation. The improvisational concepts of Barry Harris and David Baker as well as the jazz canon are the crux of study. Joe has grasped these concepts and put them to use. As my student he has worked on assimilating the language of modern jazz guitar into his own playing. His guitar playing has many excellent qualities, but most importantly, Joe swings and plays with intensity and authority. Personally, I find Joe to be a fine young man of excellent character who is honest, forthright and intellectually inquisitive. It is his love of music that motivates him to achieve and it will be this same passion that will drive him to musical success.
Jason Monachello – Grade 8, Randolph Middle School – Nominated by Kristen Siebenhuhner
Jason is a guitarist in the 6-8th Grade Jazz Ensemble and a Cellist in the 7th and 8th Grade String Orchestra at Randolph Middle School. He has been playing both instruments for a number of years. This is Jason’s first year in the jazz program. He has proven to be an asset to the ensemble. He is a good melodic reader as well as having a good knowledge of chords and chord voicing. At our first concert in January he performed an improvised solo in one of our concert selections. He is a confident player and is always prepared for rehearsal thus making him a good role model for the others in the ensemble. He is a genuinely nice young man and seems to have the respect of his peers.
Skylar Vander Laan – Grade 10, West Morris Central High School – Nominated by Marget A. Schaefer
Sophomore guitarist Skylar Vander Laan has been a member of the West Morris Central High School Jazz Band for two years, and has also been playing guitar in local rock music programs. Her education in music theory, her skill at improvising, her innate sense of feel and style, and her excellent reading ability have made Skylar an indispensable part of the Jazz Band. Her duo, featuring Skylar on guitar and vocals, recently won the Acoustic Battle of the Bands at WMC. Skylar’s training on Bb Clarinet in band has provided her with the classical background which many high school guitar players lack, and her diverse taste in music has helped her to become a well-rounded musician.
Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2014-2015 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been designated a Major Presenting Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Tyler Daniels, Kevin Eubanks, Christian Abarca; Connor Halma, Joe Juliano, Stanley Jordan, Jason Monachello, Skylar Vander Laan. Not pictured: Shane Dunn; Joshua Lustig
NEWARK — The New Jersey chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists awarded Parsippany Focus and it’s publisher Frank Cahill the prestigious ‘Courage Under Fire’ award on Saturday, June 27 at the NJ Historical Society in downtown Newark.
Cahill successfully fought a subpoena issued by Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio and Township Attorney John Inglesino to reveal his sources for a then unpublished article involving Former Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Captain James Carifi.
The Courts found that Parsippany Focus, an online news site, was awarded the same “shield law” protection afforded to print media (see NJ.com). In his ruling, Judge Honigfeld stated that “newspersons are allowed to protect the confidentiality of sources and news or information gathered during the course of their work.” He went on to say that Frank Cahill “is a credentialed newsperson,” and “the record demonstrates that the Focus is dedicated to disseminating information regarding the political activities of the Township.”
In light of these facts, Judge Honigfeld concluded, “the Court is satisfied that Cahill has overcome the threshold issue of whether he and the Focus are parties that may be entitled to the protection of the Shield Law.”
NJ-SPJ 2015 AwardsFrank Cahill, Bob Shapiro, President of NJ-SPJ, Jana Winter, formerly of Fox News
After the event Cahill told reporters “I don’t need to tell you that the wherewithal to fight the almost unlimited funds of a large municipality are daunting. Even though I knew I was on firm ground fighting the subpoena to reveal my sources, I was confident I would prevail. The Township of Parsippany’s mayor and it’s township attorney, John Inglesino sought to bleed me dry in the courts with legal fees, and they nearly succeeded. The absurd argument they made was that Parsippany Focus was not a newspaper, and thus I was not afforded certain protections.”
In addition to Cahill, Jana Winter of Fox News and Andrew Flinchbuagh, a reporter for The Lacey Reporter who underwent arrest, rather than turn over his camera to police without a warrant earned the coveted award. All three ultimately won their cases.
Chris Christie announced his New Jersey leadership teams made up of more than 200 Republican leaders and elected officials, as well as business leaders from across the state who are supporting his candidacy.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Freeholders have announced their strong support for a Drug-Free Action Alliance program aimed at curbing underage drinking, especially focusing on adults who may look the other way when it comes to alcohol use by older teens – sometimes to tragic effect.
