Morris Habitat for Humanity Accepting Applications Homes to be Built
BUDD LAKE — Morris Habitat for Humanity is now accepting applications for two affordable homes being built on Wallman Way in the Budd Lake section of Mount Olive, Morris County. These two-story homes will features three bedrooms, two baths, kitchen, living and dining rooms. The homes will be handicap accessible with an adaptable bedroom and bath on the first floor. The maximum sale price for these homes will be $155,000 and is based on selected applicant’s income.
Besides income qualifications, applicants must be able to afford normal monthly payments for utilities, taxes and an interest-free mortgage. Other qualifications include a clean credit history and that their current housing is inadequate for their needs.
The most important part, as far as Morris Habitat is concerned, is the willingness of the family or individual to complete the full Habitat Application Process. This process includes full personal disclosure and attendance and participation in home buyer education and willingness to contribute “sweat equity” in the amount of at least three hundred (300) hours helping to build their home.
Carolyn Haraksin, the Director of Homeowner Relations for Morris Habitat, handles the application and selection process, which includes a special orientation, home visits and interviews. Recently she stated that, “working with prospective families has been the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had,” and went on to say that, “helping them to become active members of their new community brings me in contact with hundreds of people that make this program so special.” Once the homeowners are selected through a lottery system, a Morris Habitat family partner to guide the future homeowners is assigned and workshops are scheduled to prepare the families for home ownership.
Anyone interested in applying must attend one of the mandatory one-hour Orientation Meetings at the Morris Habitat office the following dates:
Morris Habitat for Humanity, 274 South Salem Street, Randolph
Wednesday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30 p.m.
To register for one of these orientation sessions, email info@morrishabitat.org with a subject line “Homeownership – Budd Lake”. The e-mail should include name, telephone number and which session you will attend. The sessions start right on time, with no one will be admitted late. We love kids but space is limited. Please leave your children at home if possible.
To find out more about the program and application process check the Morris Habitat website or contact Carolyn Haraksin, Director of Homeowner Relations, at carolyn.haraksin@morrishabitat.org or by calling at (973) 891-1934, extension 107
Caption: Cute and tidy 2-story homes to be built in the Wallman Way area of Budd Lake for low to moderate income housing.
About Morris Habitat for Humanity
Morris Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles by building homes, communities and hope. Morris Habitat is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; advocating for fair and just housing policies; and providing training and access to resources to help families improve their living conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. Morris Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion.
Since 1985 Morris Habitat has served 305 families though home ownership opportunities, home preservation, and international home building programs. During the past year Morris Habitat has completing 5 units, with 15 under construction, and finished 10 home repair projects. Thirty eight projects are in the pipeline for 2015-2017. In addition, proceeds from the ReStore, opened May 2007, have built 14 homes and diverted 4,400 tons of useable material out of landfills. Located at 274 South Salem Street, Randolph. Store hours: Tues 12 – 8 p.m., Wed & Fri 10 – 6 p.m., Thurs. 10 – 8 p.m., sat 10 – 5 p.m.
Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks
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.
Christie campaign rolls out his leadership team; Morris County leaders on list
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).
NJFOG wins its OPMA case against the Trenton Board of Education
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
PTE All Star Senior Softball beats Dover 10-0 in District Finals
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.
Christie takes the stage to Bon Jovi music
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…
N.J. Republicans who are not backing Christie in 2016 — yet
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…
Were you stuck in Tuesday’s Route 10 traffic jam? Here’s why
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…
University of Rhode Island awards about 3,200 undergraduate degrees at commencement
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.
Wifflemania XXXI raises $1,600 for local charities
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.
Wifflemania XXXI Official Records:
| Two N’ Out | 5-0 |
| Big Kahunas | 4-1 |
| Ballbusters | 3-1 |
| Wrestlers | 5-2 |
| Perforated Punishers | 4-2 |
| Mudhens | 3-2 |
| Misfits | 3-2 |
| Beer Nuts | 3-2 |
| Bangers | 2-2 |
| Wise Guys | 2-2 |
| The Colonials | 2-2 |
| War Pigs | 2-2 |
| New Era | 2-2 |
| Manginas | 2-2 |
| Boobi’s Bombers | 1-2 |
| Billy Batts | 1-2 |
| Home Plate Bullies | 1-2 |
| Bad News Beesr | 1-2 |
| Gardenhosers | 0-2 |
| God Speed | 0-2 |
| Blaster Plastic | 0-2 |
| All Day | 0-2 |
| Jager Bombers | 0-2 |
| Stictly Business | 0-2 |
| Barnyard Bombers | 0-2 |
Free Podiatry Clinic for Senior Citizens
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.
Space is limited.
Greystone demolition as seen by a drone high above
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.
Freeholders Support “Parents Who Host The Most Lose The Most” Campaign
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.
Sunny, pleasant start to 4th of July week
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…
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.