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…
Sunny, pleasant start to 4th of July week
Net Access Teams with Lightower to Deliver Carrier-Class Connectivity
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
Preserve Greystone plans protest at Christie presidential announcement
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 Fire Departments Expand Training to Encompass New Challenges
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.
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.
Potheads play gotcha with Parsippany Police and lose
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 Agent Ben Michalik Recognized for Outstanding Volunteerism
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.
MPAC Announces Music Students of June
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.
Parsippany Focus, publisher, awarded prestigious ‘Courage Under Fire’ award
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.”
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.
Mack-Cali Sells 14 Sylvan Way Commercial Office Property
PARSIPPANY — Mack-Cali Realty Corporation announced that it has sold its commercial office property located at 14 Sylvan Way, in Mack-Cali Business Campus, for approximately $81.4 million to Griffin Capital Essential Asset REIT II, Inc. In addition to the sales price, Griffin is assuming responsibility for approximately $2 million in future tenant improvement allowance.
14 Sylvan Way was developed in 2013 pursuant to a long-term, net lease to serve as the extension of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation’s headquarters. The three-story, 203,506-square-foot class A office building is fully leased to Wyndham.
Mack-Cali was represented in the transaction by Jose Cruz and Kevin O’Hearn, both of HFF.
Mitchell E. Rudin, chief executive officer of Mack-Cali, commented, “This was an excellent opportunity to monetize the value of this class A corporate headquarters. The proceeds will be reinvested into more strategic growth opportunities.”
Mack-Cali Realty Corporation is a fully integrated, self-administered, self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT) providing management, leasing, development, construction and other tenant-related services for its class A real estate portfolio. Mack-Cali owns or has interests in 279 properties, consisting of 260 office and office/flex properties totaling approximately 30.5 million square feet and 19 multi-family rental properties containing approximately 5,700 residential units, all located in the Northeast. The properties enable the Company to provide a full complement of real estate opportunities to its diverse base of commercial and residential tenants.
Congratulations to Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2015
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2015 celebrated their graduation on Thursday, June 25. The commencement was held at County College of Morris.
Among the students graduating were Mohamed Salam Abdulla, Humza Abid, Luis F. Abrajan, Mariah Michele Acree, Melissa Nicole Agostinho, Ryan Ahlberg, Muhammad Bilal, Ahmad Kazi, Fariha Ahmed, Saif Ahmed, Camila C. Albuquerque, Kimberly Michelle Aldana, Neena Andican, Angelo Gino Andrada, Talia Maria Antonacci, Olivia G. Arcilla, Saddaf Asghar, Lauren Elizabeth Astor, Anthony M. Azzizzo, Alexandra Irini Bakalis, Ashwin Balani, Pooja Hetal Banker, Anthony Vincent Barlotta, John Belote, Thomas Andrew Berardo, Arpan Bhavsar, Ryan Blake Gregory, William Bollman, Conan Bradley, Johnna Rae Brooks, Richard Michael Bruno III, DaiJanae Ajaih Bryant, Christian A. Buitrago, Nazier Lamar Ravon Burns, Morgan Elizabeth Burwell, Jason Sean Byrne, Vincent James Calabrese III, Sally Andrea Campuzano, Jessica Canales, Diego Carvajal, Vincent Michael Castellana, Guillermo Antonio Castillo, Eva Rose Cavanaugh, Alison Jeanne Cerri, Emily Ann Cerri, Catherine S. Chen, Kristen Chen, Jeevat Kaur Chhatwal, Earl Victor Christofferson III, Elliot W. Cocke, Carter Carsten Cooper, Eric Scott Courtney, Erin Maureen Crystal and Curtis M. Curio.
Also graduating were Christopher Da Costa, Brianna Michele Dance, Stephanie Marie Datri, Olivia Catherine Dauber, Amanda Kimberley Davis, Nicholas A. Davis, Caitlyn Marie De Vre, Matthew Ernest DeBenedette, Antonios Dedes, Margarita Dedes, Collin Thomas De Lade, Het Jitendra Desai, Rishi M. Desai, Samir D. Done, John F. DuBose, Jakub Samuel Duma, Sheikh Zeeshan Elahi-Siddiqui, Victoria Amy Eng, Caroline Nicole Ernst, Renzo Isaiah Trimaiiez Espinosa, Kaileigh Elisabeth Estler, Daniel Logan Eyerman, Cassandra Erin Fahy, Connor Andrew Fahy, Amanda Marie Farkas, Evan Favia, Andre’ Carlos Fernandes, Mitchell Adrian Folan, Amanda Laureen Foley, William Christopher Foote, Brett Eric Friedensohn, Benjamin Joseph Frigeri, Joceline Fuentes-Maya, Zachary Taylor Fyfe, Angelo Gallego, Shivam K. Gandhi, Yashsvi P. Gandhi, Carissa Joelle G. Ganihong, Michael Garcia, Christopher Thomas Gardner, Joseph Mark Gasbarro, Jasper Anton Gates, Alexandra A. Gilgorri, Michael Logan Ginsberg, Meredith Ann Giovanelli, Angela Carmen Giradelli, Andrew Cullen Goetschkes, Juan Jose Gomez, Sergio Gomez, Frederick Charles Green, Andrew M. Greenfield, Jordan Alexis Gross, Christian Javier Guevara-Rodriguez and Rohan Gupta.
Graduates included Samer E. Habib, Daniel George Haddad, Luke Anthony Haltigan, Maxime Hardouin, Ryan Thomas Hartmann, Zohair Hasan, Rennato Herrera, Ambar Esther Herrera Almestica Nicholas Ryan Hill, Rebecca Ho, Lauren Elizabeth Hopkins, Deanna Nicole lancu, Nina lndyke, James T. Jacob, William Jacobus, James Edward Joyce, John Edward Joyce II, Matthew John Joyce, Ariel Humberto Juarez, Sagar Kadakia, Shayne Kiley Kelly, Parker James Kerrigan, James David Keyes, Anthony Kfoury, Daniel Kinskey-Lebeda, Kevin Pereira Kocanaogullari, Gabriella Heidi Konke, Elizabeth Catherine, Kyle-LaBell Xavier, La Rosa, Francesca S. La Spina, Danelle Kelsey Lang, Tin Thanh Le, Grace Lee, Matthew Wai-Yin Lee, Allison Shea Leonard, Jonathan Enoch Leung, Ethan Levy, Alice V. Liang, Xiong Ying Liang, Annemarie Lillis, Julie Brice Litwinsky, Derek Liu, Justin D. Loder, Matthew Long, Nicholas Alfredo Lopez, Connor Lozaw, Nina Sarah Lyow, Richard J. Madison, Lindsey Anne Magbitang, Muhammad Afuan Malik, Meera J. Mansuria, Isabela Manzano, Bryan Marcus, Jason Andrew Marin, Vannesa Bridget Martinez, Ajanee I. McConnell, Sean Patrick McConnell, Kyle Aaron McGinley, Chelsea McKnight, Tracey C. Miller, Hamid Mir, Nil Mistry, Marina S. Mitrakos, Nicholas Molinaro, Thomas J. Molloy, Bishal Kumar Mondal, Daniel S. Mondschein, Jonathan A. Morales, Margaret Ann Moutis, Catherine Grace Mow, Karl Liang Mulligan, Kaitlyn Ann Murphy, Amrit Jeremy Nagendran, Vincent Anthony Natoli, Nicholas Steven Neglia, Uri Z. Nemirovsky, Luis Jose Neyra Liviapoma, ChanceLevie Ngnengone Mengara, Dang-Huy Francis Ngoc Nguyen, Sang Minh Nguyen, Gianna Rose Norelli-Cicerone, Mark Lowell Novak, Marilyn Margaret Ortiz, Reed S. Osterman, Gianna Nicole Pallis, Dominic Pasquale Paraan, Erin K. Paris, Juliette Parker, Archan Monil Patel, Chandni A. Patel, Dhruv A. Patel, Harshkumar Rajani Patel, Kishan Naren Patel, Krupa G. Patel, Meesha D. Patel, Neil A. Patel, Neil B. Patel, Niki D. Patel, Priyal T. Patel, Raj H. Patel, Yesh Y. Patel, Victoria Justine Paterson, Sneha Sachin Patwardhan, Sharon Penn, Gregory C. Persaud, Grace AnnMarie Petinakis, Genevieve Ann Pica, Nicholas Ricardo Pierson, Christopher David Pietrowicz, Nicole Elizabeth Poccia, James Christopher Pocelinko, Madeleine Hart Pochettino, Adam David Pollack, Anupama Ponukumati, Alyssa Marie Proietto and Cassandra Lace Przyhocki.
And Mary E. Rainero, Jose A. Reano, Christian Darrell N. Reyes, Justin Ricker, Sasha Rider, Thomas Clifford Riley, Matthew James Roca, Julia Marie Rodriguez, Rebecca Lynn Russell, Christina C. Russo, Simone Isabella Russo, Dikshant Sahay, Sonia Samantha Samtani, Madeline Sanchez, Eshan Saran, Shirley Saylor, Jasmine Schroeder, Brian Westley Schultz, Matthew Anthony Scopellito, Veronica N. Serkowska, Ashley E. Sgambati, Reema K. Shah, Brendan Patrick Shanahan, Ryan James Shaw, Madeline Haley Skovronek, Avyaktan Srinivasan, Brittney A. Stark, Brianna Tamara Starke, Ryan Nielsen Stensgaard, Jasmina Stojanoska, Edward Joseph Strocchia, Trevor Y S Tang, Cynthia L. Tello, Agni Kiran Thadikonda, Priya Thakar, Jeeba Thomas, Katharine Ann Thomasen, Sanjana Thorat, Laila Diane Tlack, Sebastian Torres, Tu Anh Tran, Robert Vincent Turner III, Parth V. Vachhani, Ronald M. Vasilik, Kaylie Vazquez, Krupa Vekaria Dinh Trong Vo, Vishwa Kalpesh Vyas, Shane Douglas Vyskocil, Alexandra Morgan Walek, Annie S. Wang, Ashley Wang, Tiffany Wei, Kira Emilie Welenc, Marion Elizabeth White, Teddi Renae White, Megan Elizabeth Willson, David Scott Wilton, Alezander Lin Wu, Michael Wu, Varshita R. Yerva, Neha Zahid, David Wu Zhong, Katelyn J. Zicker and Ryan Christopher Ziobro were among the graduates.
Class officers were Jebba Thomas, President; Shane Vyskocil, Vice Presidents, Alison Cerri, Secretary and Benjamin Frigeri, Treasurer.
Uprooting news: Tree down at Lake Parsippany School
PARSIPPANY — Heavy rain and winds caused a tree to uproot at Lake Parsippany School in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 28.
From the appearance, it looks like no major damage was caused to the school, other than some gutters may be damaged. The tree landed near Room 115.
Lake Parsippany School is located at 225 Kingston Road.
Social media explodes into rainbow colors
Within hours of Friday’s historic Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage, most social media websites changed their logos or homepage to celebrate. Parsippany Focus was able to take these screenshots:
Car overturns on Route 46; three car accident creates traffic jam
PARSIPPANY — Mr. Angelo Beneduce, 68, Parsippany, was traveling in the left lane on Route 46 West, approaching the Beverwyck Road intersection, when Mr. Joshi Neeraj, 32, was traveling parallel to Mr. Beneduce, in the right lane on Route 46 west. Beneduce stated put on his left hand signal to merge onto the stack lanes on Route 46 to turn onto South Beverwyck Road. He stated that Mr. Bobby Shizas, impacted his vehicle in the rear causing Mr. Shizas vehicle to overturn onto the passenger side, taking up the west bound lanes. The accident occurred on Friday, June 19 at approximately 3:00 p.m.
Mr. Shizas was entrapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated from the vehicle by Parsippany Rescue and Recovery and Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5. He was then transported by Parsippany Emergency Medical Services to St. Clares Hospital with minor injuries.
Police investigation revealed that Mr. Shizas was at fault for following too close and driver inattention.
All three vehicles were towed from the scene by Eagle Towing.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Gerit Tosh investigated the scene.
Parsippany Food Pantry needs your help
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Food Pantry, located at 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha is in dire need of restocking.
They distribute food all year-long to needy residents, not just on holidays. Donations of non-perishable food items are always needed. The most needed items are canned goods such as fruit, fruit juices, evaporated milk, vegetables, meat, sardines, tuna, salmon, chicken, turkey, soups and stews. Dry goods such as beans, cereal, pasta, rice, diced potatoes, peanut butter, jelly, prepared tomato sauce, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, powered milk, condiments such as salad dressing, mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup; household items such as toilet tissue and laundry detergent. Supermarket gift cards are also readily accepted.
Donations can be brought to the Community Center. The Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, except holidays.
Any resident in need of supplemental food are invited to call (973) 263-7163 or (973) 263-7351/52.
Ready-made bags of basic food staples such as canned goods, cereal and dried food, are available through donations from individuals, schools, scouts and churches.
Health Department offering free baby clinic
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Health Department is offering a Free Baby Clinic on Monday, August 24 for uninsured children five years old and under.
Your child will receive a wellness checkup and immunizations from our pediatrician.
Call (973) 263-7160 and ask for our nurse, Carmela to schedule an appointment.
Please remember to submit your child’s vaccination records to our nurse prior to
your appointment on August 24.
The Health Depatment is located at Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha.
Parsippany Boulevard road closure for paving postponed
PARSIPPANY — UPDATE TO PARSIPPANY BOULEVARD / LITTLETON ROAD CONSTRUCTION:
The paving project affecting Parsippany Boulevard Northbound lanes is postponed. The construction project at the Parsippany Boulevard and Littleton Road intersection is still ongoing as follows:
From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Littleton Road East of the Parsippany Boulevard intersection will be closed due to construction. The following access is affected:
1) Traffic traveling East from 202 will NOT be able to continue through the Parsippany Blvd. intersection.
2) Traffic traveling South on Parsippany Boulevard will NOT be able to make a left turn onto Littleton Rd.
3) Traffic traveling North on Parsippany Road will NOT be able to make a right turn onto Littleton Road.
DETOURS:
Please use Route 46 East to the Littleton Spur which is located between the gas stations prior to Smith Rd. This will direct you to the intersection at the District 6 Firehouse near the Rt. 287 North on-ramp. Thank you for your patience.
The mass transit mess, and Christie’s failure to lead | Editorials
Shuttling people from their homes to their jobs should be a milk run – an efficient, affordable, convenient experience – yet New Jersey Transit has managed to turn it into a bureaucratic abomination. Look at it pragmatically: What sense does it make to hike fares by 9 percent, which is the mugging it has planned for…
N.J. doctor gets 5 years for pain pill plot
TRENTON — A northern New Jersey doctor has been sentenced to five years in state prison for conspiring with a drug dealer and others to illegally distribute thousands of painkillers. State authorities say Eugene Evans Jr. wrote fraudulent prescriptions for people he never treated. The 56-year-old Roselle Park resident had pleaded guilty in April to distributing…
Greystone demolition continues; photos
PARSIPPANY — Demolition of the historic Kirkbride building continues at the former site of Greystone Hospital in the southwestern portion of the township.
USAMC donates $5,500 to Nick Taylor
PARSIPPANY — Uncle Sam’s Avengers Motorcycle Club (USAMC) recently held a Beefsteak Fundraiser, and the proceeds were donated to Nick Taylor. The fundraiser was held on Friday, June 19 at The Russian Hall, Little Falls.
On Saturday, June 27, USAMC President Dan Bendas and Vice President Ted Anderson presented Marine Nick Taylor with a check for $5,500. Nick’s girlfriend, Emily Ward and his sister Samantha Taylor looks on.
The 21-year-old Marine and Chester resident graduated from Mendham High School and attended Rutgers University for a year. Nick realized his career path was better suited to be clad in fatigues, and set off for Parris Island, South Carolina in May 2014.
He graduated in August 2014, then moved on to the School of Infantry at Camp Geiger in North Carolina for two months before graduating in November 2014 and becoming a Marine.
Taylor moved to the Twenty-Nine Palms Marine base in California to continue his new life when tragedy struck.
According to a recent GoFundMe page set up by Taylor’s family, three weeks after resuming his California training, Nick was in a major car crash with fellow Marines.
As a result of the rollover crash, Taylor’s injuries led him to be paralyzed from the waist down. Those injuries included a broken sternum, multiple broken ribs, a ruptured spleen, a broken hand, and a complete crush to his T4/T5 vertebra.
Taylor returned to New Jersey in mid-December and is continuing rehabilitation at Kessler Rehabilitation Center, Chester. He underwent another surgery in February to rectify the original spinal surgery that took place after the crash.
Taylor was able to spend a week at his parent’s home in March before returning for additional rehabilitation.
“Although Nick has the support of the entire Marine Corp behind him, as well as wonderful insurance, he and his family still have a lot of out-of-pocket expenses,” according to the GoFundMe page set up to help with expenses. “There is a lot of work underway to make the house a home for him and his “new normal” life. Expenses will include medical equipment, ADA home improvements, and car modifications.”
Uncle Sam’s Avengers Motorcycle Club (USAMC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 2009 in Morris County.
They support the communities in which they live and work, by organizing and participating in events that assist Active Duty Military, Veterans, Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and children or families in need of our help. USAMC rides for charity.
Uncle Sam’s Avengers is comprised of active and retired Law Enforcement Officers, U.S. Military, Firemen, and E.M.T.’s.
Their mission is to bring together a group of patriots who share an enthusiasm of motorcycles and promote this enthusiasm throughout the community with our camaraderie through group rides, and charitable events.
For more information on Uncle Sam’s Avengers, click here.