PARSIPPANY — The spirit of giving takes many forms and should pervade all year round. This was a common sentiment as individuals gathered at the BAPS Charities Blood Donation Drive on Sunday, May 31.
A staggering rise in the number of individuals requiring blood and an existing shortage of it coupled with recent natural calamities has escalated the need for donors now more than ever before. According to the American Red Cross, currently only 3 out of every 100 people in America donate blood but this falls short of the more than 38,000 donations that are needed daily.
Recognizing this need, BAPS Charities organized its 7th annual blood drive with this year’s drive in partnership with the Red cross and other blood banks nationwide. Often commended as the “gift of life,” blood donation is a great way for individuals to give back to their communities. BAPS Charities sincerely believes in this cause and actively organizes blood donation drives for the benefit of one and all. Just one unit of blood can save up to three lives!
At the blood drive held in Parsippany, over 30 donated nearly 27 pints of blood and gained satisfaction of possibly saving someone’s life.
“You have to donate. If you don’t think of it as helping someone, think of it as ensuring a future supply for you and your loved ones. What if you were to need blood tomorrow? Wouldn’t you be thankful that someone had donated theirs?” Dr. Hiren Makwana, a long time blood donor from the area said. “BAPS Charities is doing a tremendous service by organizing these drives and encouraging people to donate.”
Many like Dr. Hiren Makwana at BAPS Charities consider blood donation their duty rather than an optional choice.
“The fate between life and death of millions in the U.S. depends upon blood availability, and if BAPS Charities can inspire even one more individual to donate blood then these drives can be considered an incredible success,” said Tejas Patel, a BAPS Charities spokesperson.
In the last 5 years BAPS Charities Blood Drives were organized at 113 centers collecting over 5000 pints of blood helping to save up to 15000 lives. This year too, BAPS Charities will continue their commitment to helping save lives by organizing blood drives across the nation.
BAPS Charities has treated over 2 million patients worldwide. Through various activities such as, health fairs, bone marrow and blood drives, nationwide walkathons, and disaster relief operations, BAPS Charities sincerely serves the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities.
About BAPS Charities
BAPS Charities is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit international charity organization committed to sincerely serving the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities. It is affiliated with BAPS as an independent charity and social services arm. The 55,000 BAPS volunteers networked in over 3,300 centers around the world provide over 12 million volunteer-hours of service annually.
Among social service charities, BAPS Charities is a well-respected and trusted name. It has amassed over 50 years of firsthand experience in initiating, managing, and sustaining 160 humanitarian operations throughout the world in such diverse fields as: medical services, environmental services, community services, tribal services, and disaster relief services.
For additional information on BAPS Charities and its international and local philanthropic activities, click here.
PARSIPPANY — Anna Rose Detaranto, 86, passed away Wednesday afternoon, June 4, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida, following a long battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).
Born and raised in Boonton, she had been a resident of Parsippany for over 55 years, living briefly in Cedar Knolls, followed by 6 years in Denville at Franciscan Oaks retirement community.
Anna had relocated to the Desoto Palms Assisted Living Community in Sarasota, Florida in March.
Born on September 4, 1928, the daughter of Salvatore and Stefanina (Perrotta) Cerbo, sister of the late Filomena Cerbo, the late Rocco A. Cerbo, and Nicolas J. Cerbo,.
Anna married Joseph R. Detaranto, Jr. of Morristown on June 5, 1948.
Loving mother of five, and devoted wife of 60 years, Anna was predeceased by Joseph on May 6, 2009.
Survivors include brother, Nicolas Cerbo of Parsippany; five children, Joe Detaranto of Rockaway, Nina Martinelli of Sarasota, FL, Frank Detaranto (Peggy) of Sterling, VA, Mary Rose Younghouse, and Stephanie Eckert; nine grandchildren, Steve and Mark Younghouse, Nicole, Laura and Dan Martinelli, Tina and Michael Detaranto, Kevin and Julia Eckert; four great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Evelyn, Liliana and Giada Younghouse; and Maureen Detaranto and Frank Martinelli, her “forever” daughter-in-law and son-in law.
Anna was a graduate of Boonton High School and attended The College of St. Elizabeth. A dedicated homemaker, she was also active in the PTA and Golden Age Society. Anna worked part-time in her family’s business and enjoyed her volunteer time at Cheshire House in Madison. Her warm and loving nature earned her the name “mom” from many of her children’s friends. Her natural, subtle sense of humor was appreciated by all who knew her.
Relatives and friends are invited to call Friday, June 12, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at S.J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service, 60 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 13, 9:00 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church Church. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Boonton.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Click here to make a donation).
Community Blood Services is encouraging all eligible donors to donate blood to help save lives in their community in recognition of World Blood Donor Day, which will be celebrated this year by countries around the world on Sunday, June 14.
“Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, yet a very small percentage of those who are eligible to give actually donate on an annual basis,” said Karen Ferriday, community affairs director at Community Blood Services. She said Community Blood Services hopes to raise awareness about the need to donate during the upcoming summer months and to thank its volunteer donors for their life-giving donations.
World Blood Donor Day comes at an important time each year. During the summer months, the nation’s blood supply is strained due to fewer donations because of increased vacation schedules and other seasonal distractions. World Blood Donor Day reminds people around the world to donate and enables them to help make an impact in ensuring an adequate blood supply during this time of year.
Donors who help the blood center celebrate by giving the gift of life during the week of June 8 through June 14 will be able to wear a colorful limited-edition Nexcare bandage as their badge of honor for making a difference to patients in their community. Ferriday is asking that donors consider making an automated blood donation during which they can donate multiple products and help save even more patients in one sitting.
Call (201) 251-3703 or click here to learn more about the “Divide and Multiply” automated donation program, for hours/locations of our Paramus, Lincoln Park, Montvale and Parsippany donor centers in New Jersey or a mobile blood drive, and to schedule your next donation appointment.
Community Blood Services, whose headquarters is in Montvale, has been serving the community for more than 60 years. The not-for-profit organization provides blood and blood products for patients in 20-plus hospitals, including HackensackUMC, St. Joseph’s Healthcare System in Paterson/Wayne, The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood and Atlantic Health System hospitals in New Jersey and Orange Regional Medical Center in New York.
RANDOLPH — 43 teams and 314 participants have raised $68,621.38 for Relay for Life of Central Morris County. In the fight against cancer, silence is the last thing we need. This year, Relay for Life was held at Community College of Morris on Saturday, June 6 through Sunday, June 7.
Saint Clare’s Health Systems was a Gold sponsor and Western Pest Services was a Bronze sponsor.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement symbolizes hope and our shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people we love. If cancer has touched your life, participating in Relay For Life of Central Morris County encompassing Parsippany, Denville, Dover, Mt. Lakes, Randolph, Rockaway Borough, and Rockaway Township is a great way to take action and help finish the fight. This is your opportunity to honor cancer survivors, remember those we have lost, and raise funds and awareness to fight back and help end cancer forever.
At Relay For Life events, communities across the globe come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much. The funds raised truly make a difference in the fight against cancer just ask one of the nearly 14 million cancer survivors who will celebrate another birthday this year!
Relay For Life teams camp out overnight and take turns walking or running around a track or path at a local high school, park, or fairground. Relay for Life Central Morris County is 14 hours long because cancer never sleeps, each team is asked to have at least one participant on the track at all times.
Members of Parsippany CERT
Ralph DeChristopher, with grandson Frankie
CURE
The Empty Table
One of the most inspiring moments during a Relay For Life event is the Luminaria Ceremony. Honor or remember someone you love who has been touched by cancer through the dedication of a luminaria.
HOPE
PHHS Key Club member Tara Srinivasan placing the Luminaria bags
PHHS Key Club members helping in the event were Vanesssa Ting, Vaishman Guddeti, Michael Tran and Tara Srinivasan.
Frank Cahill, Publisher of Parsippany Focus, placed PHS Megan Barry in jail until someone bailed her out. Megan Barry is the PHS Key Club Advisor,
PHS Key Club members participated in the days events. Some of the members included Yang Fu, Amanda Chen, Astha Singhal, Adam Wlech, Stephanie Shen, Samantha Lee, Anthony Martucci, Rohan Khajuria, Eric Lai, Eric Schlosser, Thomas Mercado, Aran Pasumpadiyar and Ran Chothani.
Parsippany residents Robert and Tammy Whiteman
Teams were walking throughout the day
Parsippany Boy Scout Carlo Pecoraro donated his time to Relay for Life
PHS Key Club was serving the suvivors dinner. Pictured is Christina Xu, Spencer Chen, Anne Cheng, Marine-Ayan Ibrzahim Aido
Lakers for Life. The team raised a total of $5,437.34. They also won first prize for best sign.
Donna Martone, a cancer suvivor wiith Parsippany Boy Scout Matthew Sonzogni
Andrea Martone and Karen DeChristopher
Andrea Martone and her mom, Donna
IHOP Parsippany was one of the many vendors that purchased a sign.
Western Pest Services was a Bronze sponsor
The Caregivers Walk
Karen DeChristopher during the Suvivors Walk
The Survivor Walk
Dr. Andy was one of the many businesses that purchased a sign.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce was one of the many businesses that purchased a sign.
Andrea Martone and Paul Cristelli was one of the many businesses that purchased a sign.
Caregiver Margie Forman addressing the audience
Assemblyman Anthony Bucco addressing the audience
Parsippany Hills High School has 11 team members and raised $1,174.00
The Mayors or Councilmen of the communities showing their support
Hundreds of people showed up to participate in Relay for Life
Country Singer, Nikki Briar
Members of Parsippany’s CERT team
Parsippany Boy Scout Troop 72 entering the field
Rhianna Lees and Josh Vergara, Walking for Angels. The team raised $900.00
Contestants of the Mr. Relay contest
Boyden of NJ was one of the many businesses that purchased a sign.
30th Anniversary of Relay for Life. Betty Boyer, Margie Forman and Karen DeChristopher cutting the celebration cake.
Luminary Bag for German Restrepo
The Luminaria Ceremony occurs at every Relay For Life event. As the sun sets, luminaria lining the track light up the night. A hush falls over the crowd that had been overflowing with celebration. Relay For Life participants, survivors, and caregivers then gather to remember loved ones lost to cancer and to honor those whose fight continues.
Karen DeChristopher explained “The Empty Table.” She said “We call your attention to the small table that occupies a place of dignity and honor. It is set for one, symbolizing the fact that some of our loved ones are missing from this gathering. They have been diagnosed with cancer, and they are some of the names and faces behind luminaries.
The chair is empty. Many of those who fought the battle with cancer are no longer with us, but rather than mourning their loss, we choose to celebrate their life.
These people are unable to be with their loved ones and families now, so let us join together to recognize and honor them, and to bear witness to their struggle and their memory.
The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of a single patient, sometimes alone in the fight against his or her disease.
The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the medical profession: doctors, nurses, and researchers who help fight the battle for life.
The single rose in the vase signifies the enduring love of their families and friends and the strength of a patients’ will to fight the disease that ultimately claimed many of them.
The pink ribbon on the vase represents the ribbons worn on the lapels of millions who support a continued search for a cure not only for breast cancer, but for other cancers as well — cancers that are expected to kill over half a million people in the United States this year.
A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of the bitter battle against a deadly disease, a battle fought by more than 1.3 million new patients each year.
The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless tears of personal anguish shed by the patient and those shed by family members and friends who have lost a loved one.
The glass is inverted in memory of those people who are not here to join our celebration of successes.
But, the lantern represents the light of hope that lives in the hearts of all of us — hope represented by cancer survivors and the hope for a cure discovered as a result of the detailed work of the medical profession made able through funds generated through events such as Relay For Life.”
It’s not too late to donate. Click here to make your donation to the Relay For Life Central Morris team.
PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association (LPPOA) held its annual open house and giant flea market on Saturday, June 6.
The day was full of events including dragon boat, swimming, face painting, food, playing in the sand, live music and a flea market offering many items. Lake Parsippany Fire Department, CERT, R.A.C.E.S., Rescue and Recovery, Parsippany Police Department and many organizations were present educating residents, and distributing literature.
Womans Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills. Members Lois Preis-White, Marilyn Marion, Diane Monaco and Lois Brown
Claus Finke and Pradip Trivedi, members of Parsippany CERT
Joyce Garrow participated in the Flea Market
Parsippany Police Officer Remo D’Alsessando and Sgt. Thomas Pomroy giving out literature and explaining the operations of the Police Department
Six year-old Alex Nicita inside the police car
Parsippany Focus was greeting residents and distributing literature
OEM Deputy Coordinator Jay Geiger, Pradip Trivedi, Claus Finke, Mark Adubato and Martin Ward members of Parsippany CERT
Girl Scouts selling cookies
Isaac Bielinski “upside” down
Christina Gillespie painting the face of six year-old Rohan Rajgopal
Winnie Marone, LPPOA Fishing Club
LPPOA Ladies Club
Mark Eisenberg, from “They’re Playing Our Song” was keeping the crowds entertained
The flea market was very busy with bargain seekers
Children were swimming
Vice President Bill Sempier dots the eye on the dragon boat
Boat rides on Lake Parsippany
The flea market was very busy with bargain seekers
You can join the LPPOA Ladies Club for fun and community involvement. Interested individuals should contact Diane at (973) 887-1268. The fishing club meets once a month and holds fishing contests during the season.Thru their Trout Stocking Program, they host a “Stocking Day” event where the lake is stocked with trout one week before the season opens. Young anglers get the oportunity to learn about our program and release trout into the lake. Interested in joining the fishing club call Winnie Marone at (973) 887-3087.
Lake Parsippany is a private lake community quietly nestled in the center of Parsippany-Troy Hills, in Morris County,NJ. This 168 acre lake and grounds is fully funded and maintained by membership fees and member volunteers. We receive no State, County or Township funding. Our Community welcomes everyone to join our association, regardles of where you live and enjoy a piece of the lake.
The Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association members maintain and manage all operations of the lake throughout the year. The membership preserves this beautiful natural resource through its fees and through active volunteer participation in the community.
Membership is required to participate in its many activities that include fishing in a trout stocked lake, sailing, swimming, sunbathing, competitive sports, concerts, dances, family fun nights and much more.
Membership in the Association is not limited to Lake Parsippany Property Owners. Renters and residents from outside of the Lake Parsippany area are also welcome to join. The Association is a not for profit organization.
In addition to all of the activities available with membership, the Association also supports various Clubs and Committees.
For more information on Lake Parsippany, click here.
PARSIPPANY — Students from Parsippany Hills High School were at the IHOP on Saturday, June 6 washing cars to raise funds for Project Graduation.
The seniors participating were Jeevat Chhatwal, Jeeba Thomas, Isabela Manzano, Ambar Herrera, Nicholas Lopez, Anthony Kfoury, Talia Antonacci, Madeline Sanchez, Xavier La Rosa and Curtis Curlo.
Nicholas Lopez a student at PHHS and an employee at IHOP, arranged the fundraiser with IHOP owner Mo Abdelhadi.
The students charged $5.00 for each car wash, and IHOP gave each participant a $5.00 gift certificate to be used at the Parsippany location.
IHOP Parsippany has been involved with many community fundraisers.
PHHS Senior Jeevat Chatwal amd IHOP Owner Mo Abdelhadi
Parsippany IHOP owner Mo Abdelhadi and Nicolas Lopez
The seniors participating were Jeevat Chhatwal, Jeeba Thomas, Isabela Manzano, Ambar Herrera, Nicholas Lopez, Anthony Kfoury, Talia Antonacci, Madeline Sanchez, Xavier La Rosa and Curtis Curlo
Isabela Manzano drying off one of the cars
The seniors washing cars
Anthony Kfoury washing the cars during the fundraiser
If you are interested in any of the fundraising opportunities at IHOP, contact Mo Abdelhadi at (973) 396-8629.
International House of Pancakes (IHOP) is located at 792 Route 46 in the Arlington Plaza Shopping Center.
The primary goal of Project Graduation activities are to increase awareness of the dangers of drinking, drugging and driving and to reduce the number of youth involved in alcohol and other drug-related highway crashes. Across the country, Project Graduation and the chemical-free celebrations it inspired are the new tradition for graduating seniors.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Little League West ended up a very successful season and celebrated with a barbecue on Sunday, June 7.
The children had the opportunity to play on the water slide, in the bounce house, ride on the ponies or take a train ride.
The event was catered by All American BBQ and the menu included, salad, hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken, potatoes, pasta salad and corn on the cob.
Peggy Skennion and her six year old son Liam enjoy the train rides
Train Rides
Tyler Kaplan on the water slide
The children had fun in the bounce house
Eight year-old Yuvraj Ramani enjoying a pony ride
Four year-old Shriraj Ramani enjoying a pony ride
Frank A. Neglia President, Par-Troy Little League West and Parsippany Board of Education President Fran Orthwein
All American BBQ Company catered the picnic. Staff members included Xavier Campuzano, Michael Kays, Candi Balderas, Joan Briones and Dan Cohen
For more information on the Par-Troy Little League West contact Frank Neglia at (973) 326-1694. or email by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Recently students from Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School received MCSSADA (Morris County Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association) Scholar-Athlete Awards.
MCSSADA Scholar Athlete Award recipients from Parsippany High School Gabriella Rachmaciej and Joshua Crawford with Norman Francis, Jr., Ed.D.NJSIAA Scholar-Athlete recipient Meredith Giovanelli
MeWe Art Spring Art Exhibition at Parsippany Library
MeWe Art is hosting a spring art exhibition
PARSIPPANY — MeWe Art is hosting a Spring Art Exhibition to celebrate the spring art exhibition. To celebrate the spring season, they share the beauty of art and the joy of creating art.
MeWe Art’s Third Spring Exhibition is now showing at the Parsippany Library, 449 Halsey Road.
There are 32 amazing pieces of art work, from artists ranging from four years old to adult. Although several of the artists are quite young and have only attended a few classes in MeWe Art, the results are incredible.
Mewe Art was founded in 2011, with a business model focused on art education for most ages and levels. They have also instituted art collection and art and culture exchange programs. “Art is not only about skill and technique but it also offers an interesting perspective on how people observe and translate their own surroundings and experiences. In my eyes, everything could be related to art in many ways. It is fun to explore and share art with others.” Said Leeann Yang, the founder of MeWe Art.
PARSIPPANY — Cushman & Wakefield has completed the sale of Waterview Plaza, a 130,000-square-foot class A office building situated at 2001 Route 46 East. The firm’s Metropolitan Area Capital Markets Group (CMG) team of David Bernhaut, Andy Merin, Andy Schwartz and Nick Karali represented seller Waterview Plaza Associates LLC, which developed the property in 1981. New owner Marcus Partners of Norwalk, Conn. has retained Bill Brown and Jason Tenenbaum of Cushman & Wakefield as leasing agents for the property.
“This transaction highlights the fact that the market has seen an uptick in office investment deals,” said Bernhaut. “Indeed, the highly liquid Morris County market, which benefits from a resilient and diverse business community, has accounted for 25 percent of all Northern New Jersey office building sales in the past 10 years, and that trend is continuing.
Cushman & Wakefield’s Metropolitan Area Capital Markets Group recently won its seventh NAIOP NJ Deal of the Year award. “As a team, we have a number of pending transactions that should close in the next 60 days—including announcements we will be making shortly,” said Bernhaut.
The five-story Waterview Plaza is situated on seven acres near the intersection of I-80 and I-287, just minutes from Routes 202, 10 and 24, with expansive water views of the 775-acre Boonton Reservoir. Morristown and Newark Liberty airports are 15 and 35 minutes away respectively. Key tenants include Hennion & Walsh (23,200 square feet), and HQ Global Workplaces, LLC/Regus Corp. (20,000 square feet), both with long-term leases.
New owner Marcus Partners is set to launch a $2.6 million capital improvement program at Waterview Plaza. The program will include the renovation of the building’s lobbies and common areas, interior and exterior entryways, parking area, landscaping, restrooms and HVAC systems, as well as adding a high-end café on-site.
Based in East Rutherford, Cushman & Wakefield’s Metropolitan Area Capital Markets Group specializes exclusively in investment sales of office, industrial, multifamily and retail properties throughout New Jersey, New York, Fairfield County, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The team has completed more than $20 billion worth of transactions since 2000.
PARSIPPANY — Juniata College has named 401 students to the dean’s list for the 2015 fall semester.
Each student must have at least a 3.6 grade average out of a possible 4.0.
Samantha Nicole Steinberg, the daughter of Andrew and Susan Steinberg, and a 2013 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, was named to the 2015 spring dean’s list.
Juniata College is a national liberal arts college located in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. With an enrollment of 1650, Juniata is a community dedicated to providing the highest quality liberal arts education.
Katy Zicker, Parsippany and Priyanka Yalamanchili, Morris Plains recently completed their Girl Scout Gold Awards by completing their own leadership projects benefiting the community.
The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award a Girl Scout can earn and requires the completion of a leadership project of at least 80 hours. Each girl must discover an issue in the community, connect with experts and community members, and take action to effect positive change.
For her leadership project, Priyanka focused on helping children who are experiencing major difficulties, including illness, neglect, abuse, or homelessness, or who are displaced due to fires or weather emergencies. She set up a program at Sri Venkateswara Temple for children and families to record audio books for children in need. More than 50 CD recordings were made. She also collected more than 140 items of children’s clothing, books, and stuffed animals to provide comfort for the children. She spread the word about her project through her Web site (click here).
“I really enjoy anything that has to do with helping children,” Priyanka said. “I love babysitting and hope to someday work in pediatrics. I am also an avid reader so this project incorporated my passions and interests.”
For her own leadership project, Katy created a Web site (click here) for adopted teens ages 12-18 so they could share their experiences with adoption. She hoped to create a safe environment for teens to share their stories. As an adopted child herself, Katy shared her own story on the Web site as well. She’s had more than 300 visitors to the Web site since its creation.
“When I was 18 months old, I was adopted from an orphanage in Wanzai, China. I was fortunate enough to be adopted by my two amazing parents who have always supported me no matter what. They are also the most caring, loving, and understanding parents anyone could ask for and I was lucky enough to become a part of their family,” Katy said. “Although I never struggled with my adoption, I know other kids who do. I want adolescents to read stories from kids their age and learn more about themselves in the process.”
Both Priyanka and Katy have been Girl Scouts in Troop No. 2185 since the first grade. They say their years in the program have taught them valuable leadership skills and prepared them for the future.
“Girl Scouting has taught me so many important values, such as being considerate and respecting others,” Priyanka said. “My 12 years in Girl Scouts have taught me how to lead others with my passion and my voice in making the world a better place for all. I am lucky to have been in such a supportive and welcoming troop all these years.”
Katy says earning her Girl Scout Gold Award in particular has been a great experience.
“In completing my Girl Scout Gold Award, I learned that a lot of people are willing to help if you just ask,” Katy said.
Priyanka Yalamanchili
Katy is a senior at Parsippany Hills High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and National Society of High School Scholars. She also participates in pit band and soccer. She plans to major in marine biology in college so that she can work with marine mammal rescue and rehab. She would also like to continue her love of photography.
Priyanka is a senior at the Academy for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at Morris Hills High School in Rockaway. She is co-captain of the varsity tennis team, member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society, History Honor Society, English Honor Society, and World Language Honor Society, and was a 2014 semi-finalist for the Coca-Cola Scholars. This fall she will be attending Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy. She hopes to have a career in pediatric pharmacology so she can continue helping children.
The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn, combines leadership development, career exploration and community service. It culminates in an 80-hour leadership project that each girl plans and executes according to her own interests and passions. Within Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, 12 percent of eligible girls earn their Girl Scout Gold Award, compared to the national average of six percent.
Girl Scouts is the premier leadership development program for girls. In Girl Scouts, girls discover themselves, connect with others, and take action to create positive change in their own communities. For more information about Girl Scouts, call Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey at (973) 248-8200. Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey serves 20.5 percent of girls ages 5-18 in 160 municipalities including all of Bergen, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties and the northern half of Warren County. There are currently 30,150 members and 16,293 adult members.
BOONTON — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Antionette Stephen, 30, has been sentenced to thirty (30) years in prison in connection with the 2011 murder of Nazish Noorani.
On May 15, 2013, Antionette Stephen pleaded guilty to the crimes of Murder (a crime of the first degree), Conspiracy to Commit Murder (a crime of the first degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (a crime of the second degree), and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (a crime of the second degree).
In exchange for her guilty plea, Stephen agreed to cooperate with the State during the prosecution of her co-defendant, Kashif Parvaiz. Stephen testified throughout the proceedings, including as a State’s witness during the trial of State v. Kashif Parvaiz. Parvaiz was ultimately convicted for his role in the murder of his wife, Nazish Noorani. He was sentenced on May 28, 2015 to Life in Prison.
This prosecution stemmed from the arrest of Antionette Stephen and Kashif Parvaiz for their role in the shooting death of Nazish Noorani on Cedar Street in the Town of Boonton on the night of August 16, 2011.
Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Troiano and Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan represented the State during the prosecution of this matter.
The Honorable Robert J. Gilson, J.S.C. sentenced Stephen to thirty years in New Jersey State Prison, with thirty years of parole ineligibility. All other charges were run concurrent and/merged as required by law.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to specifically thank the members of the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as the Town of Boonton Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigation Section, and the Billerica (MA) Police Department.
Prosecutor Knapp stated:
“We wish to thank the family of Nazish Noorani for their patience and perseverance throughout this ordeal. Without their participation this prosecution would not have been possible. A special word of gratitude must go to her brother Kaleem who spoke so eloquently on behalf of all who loved Nazish. “
The PHHS Concert Band performed in the beginning of the ceremony
Members of the PHHS Choir singing the National Anthem
Principal Michael DiSanto congragulating the students on their achievements
The Sons of Italy presenting Nick Davis with a scholarship
The Sons of Italy presenting Nick Neglia with a scholarship
Councilman Louis Valori presents Mitchell Folan with a scholarship
Angela Calabria presented Kaileigh Estler a scholarship
Mr. Matthew Wolkofsky presents the “Abe Wolkofsky Scholarship Award” to Tin Le
Davey Williams presenting the Kiwanis Sholarship
Karen Kinsey presenting the Eastlake Scchool PTA Scholarship
Sam Poff, President Blue Collar Union, presenting a scholarship
Ms. Mary Ann Coyne presented on behalf of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills
Luke Haltigan received numerous Scholarship Awards
Talia Antonacci
Kaileigh Estler
Kaileigh Estler received the Roraty Scholarship from Peggy Mader
Mr. Mickey D’Addato presented a Scholarship on behalf of the UNICO Montville Chapter
Administrator Todd Ricker presenting the Athletic Scholarships
James Keyes was presented with the Vincent Lorenzo Male Athlete Award by Mr. Todd Ricker
Catherine Chen was presented with the Vincent Lorenzo Female Athlete Award by Mr. Todd Ricker
David Lowe, Parsippany Soccer Club Scholarships were presented to Andre Fernandes,
Thomas Molloy and
Gianna Pallis.
Mrs. Amanda Jusino presented Scholarships for Par-Troy West Little League
Mr. Sergio Ferrante presenting the PHHS Men’s Soccer Parents’ Association Scholarship Award to Nicolas Davis
Mrs. Laura Delgdo presents the PHHS Volleyball Parents’ Association Scholarship to Laila Tlack
Choir Teacher Mathew Lee presenting scholarships
William Kogen Community Service Award was presented to Alezander Wu by Mrs. Kimberly Wall
Mrs. Rhonda Pritchard presenting awards for the Asian American Club
Counselor Fred Douglas presenting the David J. Moore Golf Scholarship to Matthew Long. The scholarship includes name recognition on a plaque in the school
Alezander Wu receiving William Kogen Community Service Award from Mrs. Joanne Barkauskas
Councilman Louis Valori presents Mitchell Folan with a scholarship
Elyse Levy, PACC Board Member Nicolas Limanov, PACC President Robert Peluso with Scholarship Honoree Ethan Levy
Jasper Gates, honored with the US Marine Corp Sempier Fidelis Band Award
Stephanie Datri was presented with a Scholarship for Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. Davey Willans presented her with the Scholarship
Superintendent Scott Rixford, Nicolas Neglia and Frank Neglia
Veronica Senkowska, Matt Joyce and Cassie Fahy
Councilman Louis Valori presents Neha Zahid with a scholarship
Neha Zahid and Eva Cavanaugh, two of the PHHS Top 25 Students
Principal Michael DiSanto with JD Keyes
Michael Wu, Kaitlhn Murphy, Allison Leonard and Trevor Tang
Meredith Giovanelli, Mariah Acree and Alexander Wi receipients of Scholarship Awards
Principal Michael DiSanto honored the Top 25 students. The students included Lauren Astor, Arpan Bhavsar, Eva Cavanaugh, Emily Cerri, Catherine Chen, Kristin Chen, Jeevat Chhatwal, Amanda Farkas, Carissa Ganihong, Meredith Giovanelli, Jordon Gross, Rohan Gupta, Derek Liu, Lindsey Magbitang, Tracey Miller, Daniel Mondschein, Karl Mulligan, Chandni Patel, Jeeba Thomas, Shane Vyskocil, Annie Wang, Tiffany Wei, Alezander Wu, Neha Zahid, David Zhong.
Parsippany Hills High School Swim Team Boosters honorees were Matt DeBenedette, Het Desai, Kaleigh Estler, Michael Ginsberg, Meredith Giovanelli, Allison Leonard, Caroline Nelson, Shreya Pathre, Sonia Samtani, Brendan Shanahan, Ryan Stensgaard and Michael Wu.
Parent Teacher Student Association Scholarship Awards were given to Melissa Agostinho, Talia Antonacci, Collin Delade, Mitchell Folan, Meredith Giovanelli, Luke Haltigan, Kaitlyn Murphy, Nicholas Neglia and Neha Zahid.
Victoria Eng was presented with the Principal’s Award by Michel DiSanto for perfect attendance for the entire four years of her high school journey.
Parsippany Hills High School Choir Scholarships were presented by Mr. Matthew Lee to Mariah Acree, Renzo Espinosa, Daniel Eyerman, Mitchell Folan, Grace Lee, Tracey Miller, Nicole Poccia, and Jeeba Thomas.
Ms. Mary Ann Coyne, on behalf of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills Scholarships were presented to Kimberly Aldana, Kaileigh Estler, Joseph Gasbarro, Luke Haltigan, Elizabeth Kyle-LaBell,
and Tin Le.
Parsippany Hills High School Girls’ Basketball Booster Club Scholarship Awards were presented to Talia Antonacci, Brianna Dance, Cassandra Fahy, Alice Liang, Gianna Pallis, Christina Russo and Veronia Serkowska.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany presented Scholarships to Stephanie Datri and Rebecca Ho.
The scholarships were presented by Davey Willans.
National Merit Scholarship – Commended honorees were Rohan Gupta, Grace Lee, Derek Liu, Lindsey Magbitang, Tracey Miller, Chandni Patel, and David Zhong; National Merit Scholarship – Finalists honorees were Kristin Chen, Karl Mulligan and Annie Wang. The National Merit Scholarships were presented by Mr. Michael DiSanto.
Ethan Levy was presented with the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship. Board Member Nicolas Limanov and PACC President Robert Peluso made the presentation on behalf of the Board of Directors.
Councilman Dr. Louis Valori presented Mitchell Folan and Neha Zahid with the “The Valori Family” Scholarship Award.
Luke Haltigan was presented with the Coaches’ Award for Football; Michael Wu was presented with the Coaches’ Award for Marching Band and Simone Russo was presented with the Coaches’ Award for Cheerleading.
African American Cultural Club Service Awards were presented to Ajanee McConnell, and Teddi White.
Bernard Packin Valedictoria Scholarship was awarded to Neha Zahid.
Asian American Club Awards were presented to Emily Cerri, Carissa Ganihong, Matthew Lee, Michael Wu and David Zhong by Mrs. Rhonda Pritchard.
Coccia Foundation Scholarships were Cassandra Fahy, Mitchell Folan and Alezander Wu. The presented was made by Mrs. Vita Morales.
Sons of Italy Basil Ricci Memorial Scholarships were presented to Talia Antonacci, Nicholas Davis and Nicholas Neglia. The presentation was made by Sons of Italy President Joseph Jannarone and Councilman Michael J. dePierro.
Indian Cultural Club Service Awards were presented to Pooja Banker, Neil A. Patel, Niki Patel, Reema Shah by Mr. Carl Ordway.
Other organizations presenting students with Awards or Scholarships were:
Aaron Lief/American Legion Post #249 Scholarship: Amrit Nagendran; Abe Wolkofsky Scholarship: Tin Le; ADK/Dora B. Stolfi Memorial Scholarship: Stephanie Datri;
Blue Collar Workers of Parsippany Troy Hills Scholarships Academics: Catherine Mow; and Blue Collar Workers of Parsippany Troy Hills Scholarships Athletic: Matthew Joyce; Matthew Lang received the David Moore Scholarship; Eastlake School PTA Scholarship was presented to Talia Antonacci, by Mrs. Karen Kinsey; Elk National Foundation Most Valuable Student was presented toLindsay Magbitang;
The Emil Johnson Vocation Awards were presented to Robert Turner and Parth Vachhani; Catherine Chen received the Female Athlete Award; Alezander Wu received the Habitat for Humanity Service Award for his many hours of volunteering; Djanelle Lang received the Hills of Troy Neighborhood Association Scholarship;
Brendan Shanahan was honored with the Intervale Leadership for the Future Scholarship;
Intervale School/Dorothy Davies Memorial Scholarship and Joe Windish/Parsippany Education Foundation Award.
John Phillip Sousa Award was presented to Michael Wu; Kate Russell Memorial Scholarship Award was presented to Meredith Giovanelli.
Mt. Tabor Betty and Thomas Kay Memorial Award was presented to Tracey Miller by Mr. Michael Iapicca.
Lake Parsippany School PTA Scholarship was presented to Ashley Wang by Ms. Kerry Krauss.
Ms. Tricia Morsilla presentd the Lew Ludwig Memorial Scholarship to Vincent Castellana.
Little Viking Football Award was received by Luke Haltigan.
Littleton School Alumni Scholarships were presented to Kaileigh Estler and Allison Leonard. The scholarships were presented by Ms. Maxine Smith.
Madeline L. Loftus Memorial Scholarship was presented to Shane Vyskocil by Mrs. Anna Marie Russo. Madeline was a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School.
Maria Theresa C. Santillan ’92 Memorial Scholarship was presented to Tin Le.
Mary Coppola Patrick Award for Public Service and Excellence in Italian were presented to Talia Antonacci, and StephanieDatri. The presentation was made by Mrs. Vita Morales.
Morris Country College Fair Committee Scholarship two year to Luis Jose Neyra Liviapoma and four year to Melissa Agostinho.
Parsippany Soccer Club Scholarships were honored three individuals were Andre Fernandes, Thomas Molloy and Gianna Pallis.
Morris County Retirees Education Association was presented to Stephanie Datri by Ms. Tricia Morsillo.
Mt. Tabor Band Award was presented to Kristin Chen; and Neha Zahid received the Mt. Tabor PTA Scholarship.
NJAC Outstanding Scholars – Athelete – Female was received by Veronia Serkowska and Kyle McGinley received the NJAC Outstanding Scholar – Athlete – Male.
Northern New Jersey Chinese Association Award was given to Kristen Chen; Parents of the Gifted and Talented Scholarship Award was given to Karl Mulligan; Parsippany Policemen’s Benevolent Association was Christian Guevara-Rodriguez. The Parsippany Republican Club was given to Joseph Gasbarro.
Ms. Peggy Mader presented the Parsippany Troy Hills Rotary Scholarship to Kaileigh Estler;
Parsippany-Troy Hills Senior Citizen Scholarship was presented to Isabela Manzano.
Par-Troy West Little League Scholarship (Baseball) to Nicholas Neglia, and Softball to Brittany Stark.
Sonia Samtani was awarded the Patricia Ann Behnke Memorial Scholarship by Mrs. Judy Kret and Mrs. Carmella Foehner.
Paul & Phyllis Chu – Biology Award to Annie Wang; English to Vanessa Martinez; Music Award Chelsea Mcknight was presented by Mrs. Joanne Barkauskas.
PHHS Field Hockey Booaster Club: Caitlyn De Vre; PHHS Football Parent Association: Luke Haltigan;
PHHS Men’s Soccer Parent Association: Nicholas Davis; PHHS Men’s Soccer Parent Association: Thomas Molloy; PHHS Men’s Soccer Parent Association: Adam Pollack; PHHS Volleyball Parents’ Association Scholarship: Laila Tlack; PHHS Wresting Scholarship: Tin Le; PTHEA “Cap”: Victoria Eng,
Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company: Fred Green; Rocco Cerbo Memorial Scholarship: Zohar Hasan,
Salutatorian Award: Arpan Bhavsar; Salvatore Peragine Memorial Scholarships to Melissa Agostinho,
and Grace Petinakis;
Service Award Band Award was presented to Arpan Bhavsar, Emily Cerri, and Trevor Tang.
Spencer Savings Bank Scholarship Award was presented to Priyal Patel by Mrs. Afoza Patel.
Student Council Awards were presented to Olivia Arcilla, Jeevat Chhatwal and Meredith Giovanelli. The presentation was made by Mrs. Danielle Nicosia.
SunRise/ShopRite Education Grant/ShopRite STARS was presented to Mitchell Folan by Ms. Denna Ashton.
The Andrew Quinn Scholalrship was presented to Karl Mulligan.
The Dr. Frank A. Calabria Memorial Scholarship was presented to Kaileigh Estler by Angela Calabria.
The Paul Piccoli Memorial Scholarships were presented to Erin Crystal, Luke Haltigan and Gianna Pallis were presented by Olivia Piccoli.
Tin Le and Gianna Pallis was presented with the Tom Ladas Memorial Scholarships by Mr. Andrew Ladas.
UNICO Montville Chapter Scholarship was presented to Talia Antonacci by Mr. Mickey D’Addato.
US Marine Corp Distinguisehd Athletic Award was presented to Angelo Gallego and Catherine Mow.
US Marine Corp Patriotism Award was presented to Archan Patel; US Marine Corp Scholastic Excellence was presented to Arpan Bhavsar; US Marine Corp Sempier Fidelis Band Award was presented to Jasper Gates. The presentation was made by Staff Sgt. Bocchinfuso.
James Keyes was presented with the Vincent Lorenzo Male Athlete Award by Mr. Todd Ricker.
Alezander Wu received the William Kogen Community Service Award; Kaileigh Estler and Sneha Patwardhan was honored with the William Lu Class of 1977 Educator Awards in Honor of Claire Pompei and Edmund Heilmeier. Mr. Carl Ordway made the presentation.
Collin McMaster, Brianna D'Alessio, Kait Pinero, Emily Davis, Christopher Zapata, Kathy DeMarco and TJ Reckenbach
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Class of 2015 is celebrating its “Senior Prom” at The Venetian in Garfield, on Thursday, June 4.
Aarin Feliz and Rachel Gundlach entering the ballroom during the Senior Prom
Collin McMaster and Brianna D’Alessio arriving at the Senior Prom
Collin McMaster, Brianna D’Alessio, Kait Pinero, Emily Davis, Christopher Zapata, Kathy DeMarco and TJ Reckenbach
Ross Matuswicz and Kelly Devlin arriving at the Venetian for the Senior Prom
Tom Rizk and Lynn Burek arriving at The Venetian
Angela Minichiello, Shelley Liu, Adam Starr and Rosebella Lopes
John Bucciarelli and Kayla Rodriguez
Sasha Ramnarine and Martin Poblete
Taneiyah Rodman and Joshua Crawford
Malik Francis and Gianna Arnaldy
Hayden Cerrato and Salena LeDonne
Kim Kibildis and Jack Lips
Christopher Aldana and Antonia Muro
Xue Ting and Joshua Lustig
Ashley Shandra and Nicholas Neglia
Danielle Jannarone and Nick Grinvalds
Maria Gloduk and Andrew Massefski
John Loaiza and Rebecca Steinel
Mike Cavallaro and Kasey Hart
D’Angelo Rivera and Emily Carlos
Justina Avent and Nicolas Galvis
Seniors entering the ballroom
Maria Gloduk and Andrew Massefski entering the ballroom
Seniors entering the ballroom
Christopher Aldana and Antonia Muro entering the ballroom
Seniors entering the ballroom
Seniors entering the ballroom
Seniors entering the ballroom
Joshua Lustig and Xue Ting entering the ballroom
Seniors entering the ballroom
Seniors entering the ballroom
Seniors entering the ballroom
Seniors entering the ballroom
Emily Carlos and D’Angelo Rivera entering the ballroom
Seniors entering the ballroom
Seniors entering the ballroom
Skylar Gohn and Jen Smith
Caitlyn Hodierne and Adam Campbell entering the Venetian to celebrate the Senior Prom
Seniors enjoying the cocktail hour
Seniors outside on the patio during “cocktail hour”
Seniors outside on the patio during “cocktail hour”
Dr. Mulroony taking pictures, as usual
Jack Lips, Angela Minichiello and Kim Kibildis
Angela Minichiello, Adam Starr and Rosabella Lopes
Rachel Gundlach and Aaron Feliz
Seniors arriving to the prom by limo
Billy Leys and Lindsey Tess
Enzo Gaya and Jennifer Mazo
Ryan Homier, Veronica Shaw, Giancarlo Colasuanno, Victoria Rossi, VJ Pandey, Sonia Yagoda, Donna Herbst, David Patracuolla, Danielle Iuspa and Evvan Shoshan
Xue Ting, Joshua Lustig, Jimmy Groczyk and Alex Rodriguez
Katie Lau, Sarah Ghen, Volodymyr Busko, Emily Wang and Chris Tang
Seniors arriving to the prom by limo
Dr. Denis Mulroony
Seniors arriving to the prom by limo
Justina Avent and Nicolas Galvis
Joe Kloss and Kristina Ollo
Seniors arriving to the prom by limo
Emily Davis and Christopher Zapata
Seniors entering the ballroom
Students inside the ballroom preparing to eat dinner
Jean Marsicovete with PHS Marching Band Director Greg Dalakian
PARSIPPANY — More than 1,700 students have been named to the Spring 2015 Dean’s List at Kutztown University. To be eligible for Dean’s List, an undergraduate student must be registered for at least 12 credits and have a minimum grade point average of 3.60.
Students from Parsippany include Cara A Kohaut and Jean Marie Marsicovete.
Founded in 1866, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education located on 289 acres nestled in the beautiful East Penn Valley in Berks County, between Reading and Allentown, Pennsylvania. KU is just two hours from New York City; 90 minutes from Philadelphia. As the region’s center for excellence in academics, culture and public engagement, KU’s programs and reputation for quality offer students the opportunity to discover lifelong avenues of learning and discovery. KU students select from more than 100 areas of study within four colleges in a diverse liberal arts academic environment. To complement their studies, KU’s NCAA Division II athletics program with 21 varsity sports joins the more than 160 student clubs and organizations providing students with a variety of activities for learning and discovery. For more information, please visit us at www.kutztown.edu.
PARSIPPANY — Mount St. Dominic Academy has announced that the following Parsippany residents have attained first honors for the third marking period: Gianna Bevacqua’16, Marchella Bevacqua’17, Ina Gonzales’17, Katrina Hospes’18, Giuliana Iuso’15, Anne McDonnell’15, Marina Metcalf’15, Arianna Piscitelli’17, Emma Przyhocki’17, and Nicole Wilson’17. Michelle Pathil’16 and Jaqueline Smith’17 attained second honors.
First honors qualifications are comprised of the following: a total weighted average 92 or higher for major courses, all grades for major courses in the marking period must be 85 or higher, including all exam marks in the second and fourth marking periods and a passing grade is necessary in all other courses. Second honors qualifications are: a total weighted average for major courses 87 or higher, all grades for major courses in the marking period must be 80 or higher, including all exam marks in the second and fourth marking periods and a passing grade is necessary in all other courses.
Mount Saint Dominic Academy, established by the Sisters of St. Dominic in Caldwell, New Jersey, is a Catholic college preparatory school, dedicated to the education of young women from a variety of ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. Since 1892, The Mount has been empowering young women in the Dominican tradition. For more information about Mount Saint Dominic Academy, visit www.msdacademy.org.
PARSIPPANY — CBRE Group Inc., New Jersey’s largest commercial real estate brokerage firm, announced it has arranged a lease for York Risk Services Group Inc. at Morris Corporate Center II, part of the six-pod office campus located at 1 Upper Pond Road and 300 Interpace Parkway. York Risk Services has signed a 33,000-square-foot lease for a 10-year term at the property.
The CBRE team of Leo Paytas and Greg Barkan, senior vice presidents; Garrett Rioux, senior associate, and Erin Wenzler, client services specialist, lead marketing efforts and secured the lease on behalf of the property’s owner, an affiliate of Brookwood Financial Partners, LLC. In addition, the CBRE team of Neil Kurtz, managing director; Helen Samuelson, director of asset services, and Ria Di Popolo, senior manager, oversee management of the office campus. York Risk Services was represented by Ben Onderdonk, associate director of portfolio account management, and George Grace, managing partner of Mohr Partners, Inc.
“York Risk Services is relocating its corporate headquarters to this Class A, state-of-the-art facility,” said Mr. Paytas. “The move will not only facilitate the company’s growth, but also reflects its market-leading image. Morris Corporate Center is widely recognized in the market for its world-class office space and its top-of-the-line roster of amenities. The on-going capital improvements at the office park will reinforce its status as a great space for York’s employees and their customers.”
Brookwood is investing approximately $3 million in capital improvements to Morris Corporate Center 1&2, which it expects will be completed in mid-2015. The improvements, led by the architectural firm Kimmerle Newman, include renovations to the two existing full-service cafeterias in Buildings 1 and 2; renovations to the existing fitness center in Building 1; the creation of a new conference center in Building 2; improvements to the signage at the property, and renovations to the lobby areas of Buildings 1 and 2.
The Morris Corporate Center I & II campus consists of 521,000 total square feet and offers superb access and high visibility for corporate tenants. The complex, which is three-quarters occupied, is just one mile from the four-way interchange of interstate routes 80 and 287, offering easy access to routes 46 and 202. The office park itself provides the quality and features that are fully consistent with a true corporate headquarters environment and its onsite property management ensures superb maintenance and immediately accessible building staff.
About CBRE Group, Inc. CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (in terms of 2014 revenue). The Company has more than 52,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate owners, investors and occupiers through more than 370 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CBRE offers strategic advice and execution for property sales and leasing; corporate services; property, facilities and project management; mortgage banking; appraisal and valuation; development services; investment management; and research and consulting. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.
About Brookwood Financial Partners, LLC Brookwood is a Massachusetts-based private investment firm founded in 1993 that specializes in acquiring and managing commercial real estate and corporate securities on behalf of a select group of institutional and high net worth investors, family offices and trusts. Since its inception, Brookwood has invested over $740 million of equity to acquire a portfolio of 149 assets with a realized and unrealized value in excess of $1.9 billion that has spanned multiple asset classes, geographical markets and industries across the United States.
PARSIPPANY — The consolidation of GlaxoSmithKline’s and Novartis’ consumer health care businesses have cut 350 jobs of GlaxoSmithKline at their Littleton Road and Kimball Road locations.
The jobs were cut last month, the notice said, as part of a consolidation of the two operations:
GlaxoSmithKline CEO Andrew Witty
“In March 2015, GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis combined their consumer health care businesses into a joint venture,” the notice specifies. “The need to meet established financial and synergy targets and eliminate duplication is critical to the success of the joint venture and will necessitate a reduction in headcount at the Parsippany locations.”
Workers at two Parsippany facilities, 1500 Littleton Road and 200 Kimball Drive were affected. According to the WARN notice, workers were eligible for severance and benefits.
Affected positions include managers and employees in marketing and medical affairs, sales and operations, finance, information technology, consumer relations and regulatory affairs
WARN notices normally cover mass layoffs or facility closings as part of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1989.
Meanwhile, the company has been slashing jobs in other areas. Last year GSK announced plans to whittle down its Research Triangle Park, NC-based operations by 900 jobs–a decision affecting chemists, engineers, biologists, clinical development scientists, statisticians and others. And in March, the pharma giant said it would ratchet up that total, shedding 180 sales, managerial, operations, marketing and support staff roles–both in the field and in-house.
CHATHAM — The official public opening of the spectacular new Giralda Farms Preserve at Loantaka Brook Reservation in Chatham Township, a 136-acre natural area purchased and permanently preserved for public use with the assistance of a $10 million Morris County Open Space grant, will take place on Saturday, June 6, as part of a National Trails Day event in Morris County.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony, jointly sponsored by Chatham Township and the Morris County Park Commission, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the trail head off Woodland Avenue in Chatham Township, a short distance from St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center.
This joint effort preserves one of the largest remaining tracts of open space in southeastern Morris County. For the first time in more than a century, the public will be able to walk freely on what was already a private estate when Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge purchased it in 1916. After her death in 1973, the property became part of the Giralda Farms Corporate Park, off limits to the public behind a fence and guarded gatehouse.
But starting Saturday, the public will be invited to wander a current 1.2 mile network of hiking and off-road biking trails (which could be expanded in the future), which connects to the existing trail system at Loantaka Brook Reservation via Woodland Road.
In addition to the county open space grant, funding for the total $14.1 million preservation deal was provided by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program, Chatham Township Open Space Trust Fund, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, F.M. Kirby Foundation, Normandy Real Estate Partners, the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority and the Morris County Park Commission.
“This is a spectacular addition to the county’s existing network of natural lands and trails, which improves the quality of life for all residents of our county,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo. “It is testament to the continued importance of the county’s open space trust fund, which helps to make such important preservation projects possible.’’
“This project connects greenways and enhances the recreational opportunities for all residents of our county,’’ said Freeholder John Cesaro, county governing board liaison on preservation issues. “We thank all of the partners who worked to make this happen.’’
“This is a wonderful resource for Chatham Township as well as all of southeastern Morris County, which will be forever protected and open to the public,” said Chatham Township Mayor Kevin Sullivan.
The Giralda tract features a stunning combination of meadows and hardwood wetlands and uplands, as well as lawns, winding carriage trails, majestic specimen trees, and a pond. In addition to recreational potential as a resource for hiking, biking and cross country skiing, the new preserve offers key environmental protections.
“The purchase provides an important wildlife corridor and opportunity for passive recreation while helping to protect water quality in the region leading into the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge,” said Sally Rubin, executive director of the Great Swamp Watershed Association.
For more than a century, public access to the property was allowed only for invited guests and, more recently, for special events, such as the Giralda Music & Arts Festival. Future plans for Giralda Farms Preserve at Loantaka Brook Reservation will include an extended walking trail, an entry kiosk, benches, and informational signs marking specimen trees and historic vistas. The tract is expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors a year.
The vast majority of the Giralda tract is owned by Chatham Township but the trail network and property will be maintained by the Park Commission.
“The Morris County Park Commission’s role as a partner on this project reinforces the commitment to protect Loantaka Brook and provide for recreational opportunities in the region,” said Morris County Park Commission Executive Director David Helmer. “The Park Commission and Chatham Township have worked collaboratively on a number of significant open space preservation projects over the years and this project is another example of the importance of teamwork when it comes to protecting our environmental, cultural, and recreational resources.”
To begin the celebration on National Trails Day, the Morris County Park Commission will hold a walk and bike ride starting at 9:30am at the Kitchell Pond portion of Loantaka Brook Reservation, at Kitchell Road between Spring Valley Road and Woodland Avenue on the border of Morris Township and Harding.
Participants will proceed south to the trail head of the new Giralda tract, where there will be a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Maps of the new Giralda Farms Park will be provided at the event.
CHATHAM — The official public opening of the spectacular new Giralda Farms Preserve at Loantaka Brook Reservation in Chatham Township, a 136-acre natural area purchased and permanently preserved for public use with the assistance of a $10 million Morris County Open Space grant, will take place on Saturday, June 6, as part of a National Trails Day event in Morris County.
“This is a spectacular addition to the county’s existing network of natural lands and trails, which improves the quality of life for all residents of our county,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo. “It is testament to the continued importance of the county’s open space trust fund, which helps to make such important preservation projects possible.’’