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.
Emma is such a happy and friendly pup. She is about is about one year old and weights about 40 pounds. Emma has a stunning coat with beautiful reddish brown and black stripes and white on her chest. The fur around her neck is soft and velvety. She is just beautiful!
Emma was rescued from a high kill shelter in North Carolina and now living in a foster home in New Jersey. Emma is altered and utd with vetting.
This is what Emma’s foster mom says about her…. “Emma is super friendly….she Loves other dogs, Loves kids, Loves everyone she meets. She is even ok with cats. Emma has the cutest face. When she looks up at you with her dark brown eyes with the white showing underneath, you will melt. Emma is very loving and affectionate. She is a happy go luckly girl who will do whatever we want to …. go for a walks, hang out, play all is ok with her. Emma enjoys playing with balls and will run after the ball and bring it back to you. She is an active pup yet she enjoys cuddling with us at night while we watch tv. Emma has one of the sweetest personalities ever.”
Emma is looking for a active family who will take her on walks. Can you look into her beautiful eyes and promise to be her furever family? If so, please e-mail FHDR@att.net and request an adoption application. To see more photos and a video of Emma or to see our other rescue pups, please go to www.fhdr.petfinder.com.
MORRIS COUNTY —The Morris County Improvement Authority (MCIA) has voted unanimously to hire Matthew Jessup, of McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, as its new general counsel, bond counsel and energy counsel, effective June 1.
Jessup, who had served as a special MCIA consultant on its solar projects, replaces longtime counsel Stephen Pearlman, who recently resigned. The MCIA moved expeditiously to find a highly qualified replacement to ensure a smooth transition to handle key, ongoing projects.
“Matt Jessup is a well-qualified attorney with great integrity, and who also has experience with the MCIA and its solar projects, so he is an exceptional choice,’’ said Morris County Administrator John Bonanni, who is the chairman of the MCIA.
The Improvement Authority also is seeking a replacement for its energy consultant Gabel Associates, which also offered its resignation effective June 1. But Gabel has agreed to stay on for a short time until the MCIA finds a replacement.
Jessup received his law degree from the Villanova University School of Law, an M.B.A. from Villanova University and his B.B.A. degree in finance from George Washington University. He works primarily on a broad array of public finance transactions and redevelopment projects, representing many municipalities, counties, and utility and sewerage authority clients.
He was hired by the MCIA in 2014 to do a detailed review of the Authority’s solar/renewable energy projects.
Since the Improvement Authority was established by the Morris County Freeholders, it has been providing municipalities, school districts and the county itself with innovative and cost effective methods of funding projects and saving tax dollars at the same time. By using the MCIA and the county’s AAA Bond rating to finance projects, such as equipment and vehicle purchases and school and municipal construction, local officials have been able to cut costs and thereby and help reduce the property tax burden on residents.
Pictured are club members Lois Pres White and Cathy Haney
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany Troy Hills (WCPTH) just participated in the Staples Small Business Showcase organized by the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Staples Inc. The club had a table at the Arlington Plaza Parsippany store to promote membership awareness, their upcoming Tee Off for Education Golf Classic on July 14 and information on several community programs, including National Alliance on Mental Illness. domestic violence awareness and support of area food banks. In spite of the rain, several area women came and signed up to receive additional information on WCPTH and all of its ongoing community programs.
During the summer months anyone interested in membership is encouraged to attend the Tee Off for Education Golf Classic or follow WCPTH at www.parsippanywomansclub.org for club updates. The Woman’s Club of Parsippany Troy Hills is also planning another membership event for late summer/early fall. The next General Club meeting is Monday, September 28.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or click here to view their website.
For more information on “Staples Small Business Showcase” please contact Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400 or email flcahill@parsippanychamber.org.
PARSIPPANY — Erika Jones, a Senior majoring in Management has made the President’s List at Coastal Carolina University for the Spring 2015 semester.
To qualify for the President’s List for high academic achievement, students must earn a 4.0 grade point average and must be enrolled full time.
Coastal Carolina University is a dynamic, public comprehensive liberal arts institution located in Conway, just minutes from the resort area of Myrtle Beach, S.C. The University offers 67 areas of study toward the baccalaureate degree and seven master’s degree programs. CCU started offering its first Ph.D. program, in marine science, in fall 2014.
More than 9,900 students from across the country and the world interact with a world-class faculty, and enjoy a nationally competitive NCAA I athletic program, an inspiring cultural calendar, and a tradition of community interaction that is fueled by more than 180 student clubs and organizations.
Coastal Carolina University was founded in 1954 as Coastal Carolina Junior College and became an independent state university in 1993.
Any car that was previously repaired because of a previous Takata airbag recall will need brought in again for service, CNN Money reports. The Japanese manufacturer responsible for the world’s largest automotive recall will address U.S. lawmakers Tuesday for a scheduled hearing, where a Takata Corp executive is expected to identify the cause believed to be…
PARSIPPPANY — Voter turnout is very low in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township.
At 5:00 p.m. District 2 (Powdermill Section) had only 45 Republican and 7 Democratic voters, former Councilman Jonathan Nelson stated.
Earlier in the day, at approximately 4:00 p.m. Lake Parsippany District 10 only had only 34 votes showing up.
Parsippany Focus will be covering the elections, by posting updates continuously starting at 8:00 p.m. this evening, until al districts are reported. Of course, the results are unoffical until confirmed by Morris County Board of Elections.
MORRISTOWN — Anthony A. Novellino of Parisppany — whose mother, Judith Novellino, died after being stabbed 84 times by his father, Anthony F. Novellino of Denville — has been indicted on a charge that he attacked an officer at the Morris County jail. The younger Novellino was being held in the jail in connection with an…
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Mental Health Substance Abuse Advisory Board and Board of Chosen Freeholders will hold a free public forum on mental health, addictions, and human services that are locally available to citizens.
Titled “The Many Faces of Recovery: Creative Expressions,” the program is open to individuals and their families who have been involved with or who want to learn more about Morris County’s publicly-funded human services. This year’s theme is creativity in recovery; art and song will be a part of the evening.
The program will take place on Tuesday, June 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Haggerty Center, 353 East Hanover Avenue, Morristown.
According to Laurie Becker, Morris County Mental Health Administrator, the Freeholder-appointed Mental Health Substance Abuse Advisory Board is seeking input and public comment on services and unmet needs in order to strengthen the county’s services, and agency and government officials will be on hand to address the public’s questions and comments. Information gathered at the forum will help the advisory board focus its planning efforts on the areas of greatest need.
The advisory board is also interested in hearing from individuals recovering from mental illness, substance abuse or both, regarding the services that were most helpful or least helpful in the person’s recovery.
The forum will consist of a sharing of community resources, and networking and a light supper will be served. Further information may be obtained by calling the Morris County Mental Health Administrator, Laurie Becker at (973) 285-6852.
The Morris County Mental Health Substance Abuse Advisory Board reviews, monitors and recommends areas of improvement for many of the county’s mental health and substance abuse treatment and prevention programs.
The board also makes funding recommendations for publicly funded programs that serve these populations.
I have been following the Town Council race very closely. I should, I am in it. My name is Nick Kumburis and like many residents of Parsippany, I am sick of the negativity and infighting going on between the Council and the Mayor’s office. I prefer a more positive approach. I want to make a positive impact on the economy of Parsippany with minimal impact to our open spaces.
I was brought up in Hudson County and registered as a Democrat at the age of 18. My views are my own regardless of the letter after my name. Some have changed over the years and some have stayed the same. I don’t let my party define me, nor should you. I am not one who plays the “which republican is more liberal” game that has blighted many of the Morris Republican races. My wife is a Republican, so I get all the mail, when they ask “can you reach across the table?” It is usually the dinner table. I am a veteran who served his country honorably. I took an oath to support the Constitution. I am a loyal family man. I am active in my church and I have a Master’s in Business Administration from Rutgers University.
I am both Fiscally Responsible and Socially Responsible. I worked full time while going to school at night and raising a family. I worked hard for every penny I earned. I know the impact of taxes on a family (I pay them too). I will work hard to keep them low. My MBA included graduate courses in negotiation and urban entrepreneurship; which I will use to develop strategies to bring businesses both big and small to fill our commercial and retail vacancies before we consider destroying another acre of open space. I live in Parsippany and I want it to look like Parsippany, not Paterson.
I come in with a clean slate. I have no personal issues with Mayor Barberio or the current Council. I will work in the best interest of the citizens of Parsippany without taking political sides.
Thank you and God bless,
Nick Kumburis
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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.’’
Dear Editor: