CCM Holds Fourth Annual Photo Contest for High School Students

2015 winner by Lindsay Morrison of the Morris County School of Technology
2015 winner by Lindsay Morrison of the Morris County School of Technology

RANDOLPH — New Jersey high school students with a passion for photography and a talent for taking good photos have until April 16 to enter the County College of Morris Fourth Annual Photo Contest for the chance to win prizes and recognition.

The contest is conducted by the Photo Club at CCM. Again this year, the competition’s sponsor, Unique Photo Superstore in Fairfield, will provide first-, second- and third-prize gift certificates.

High-school-age photographers are being asked to submit photos on the theme of “Borderlands.”

Professor Hrvoje Slovenc, who teaches photography at CCM, explains, “By definition a borderland is an area of overlap between two things. We’re looking for images that visually define a line between two geographic locations, states of minds, emotions or between history and myth, or whatever else our photographers envision.”

Winning photographs, honorable mentions and finalists will be featured in an exhibition also including work by CCM photography students. The exhibit will take place in May in the CCM Art Gallery at the school’s Randolph campus. Winners will be required to submit high-resolution files for the exhibition and may need to show proof of ID and authorship.

Photo contest participants are encouraged to join the “CCM Photo Club Competition” Facebook page (http://tinyurl.com/ludm5al) to receive news, announcements and vote for the photo that will receive the “Popularity Award” for obtaining the most likes. Voting for the Popularity Award begins at midnight on April 30 and the winner will be announced at the opening of the exhibition.

Last year, the CCM Photo Club received more than 600 submissions from high school students. In the previous competitions, winners have come from Morris County School of Technology, Morris Knolls, Columbia, Bridgewater-Raritan, Sparta and Mount Olive high schools, as well as Blair Academy.

Photos can be submitted now through midnight April 16. To enter online, click here.

To enter by mail, send prints or digital files to County College of Morris, Photography Department, DH 201, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, NJ 07869-2086 with contact information included. There is no limit to the number of entries and finalists will be notified on April 30.

For additional information, contact ngruneiro@ccm.edu or hslovenc@ccm.edu.

Town Council votes out Engineering Firm tied to Democratic Super-PAC

PARSIPPANY — During the January 19, 2016 Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Council meeting, mixed between routine resolutions, was the confirmation for Mayor Barberio’s re-appointment of engineering firm Adams, Rehmann & Heggan Associates (ARH).  While most members of the public in attendance paid little attention to the vote, ARH was ousted by the Council by a vote of 2-2 with one abstention.

ARH came to prominence during the 2015 Republican Primary after Parsippany Focus uncovered that the firm had donated tens of thousands of dollars to the Super-PAC America’s Future First.  It was later learned that America’s Future First was created in order to try to oust Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., from office by spending nearly $200,000 on the June 2015 primary supporting Mike dePierro, Loretta Gragnani, and Vincent Ferrara.

Paul Carifi, Jr., came in first place in the race and Vincent Ferrara lost the primary.

Parsippany Focus made several unsuccessful attempts to contact ARH for comment.

Chuck F. Lee, manager for North Jersey Operations for ARH with Governor Chris Christie in Parsippany.
Chuck F. Lee, manager for North Jersey Operations for ARH with Governor Chris Christie in Parsippany.

Aarin Feliz Named to Springfield College Dean’s List

PARSIPPANY —  Springfield College has named Aarin Feliz of Lake Hiawatha to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the fall 2015 term. Feliz is studying Movement and Sport Studies. Aarin is a graduate of Parsippany High School Class of 2015.

Criteria for selection to the dean’s list are as follows: The student must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded coursework for the semester, exclusive of “P” grades; the student must not have any incompletes, missing grades or “CPs” in the designated semester; the student must have a minimum semester grade point average of 3.500 for the semester; and the student must not have been barred from the dean’s list due to a disciplinary action.

Founded in 1885, Springfield College is known worldwide for the guiding principles of its Humanics philosophyeducating students in spirit, mind and body for leadership in service to others. With its foundation of academic excellence and rich athletic heritage, Springfield College prepares students with real-world leadership skills for careers that transform lives and communities.

The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of health sciences, human and social services, sport management and movement studies, education, business, and the arts and sciences. It also offers doctoral programs in physical education, physical therapy, and counseling psychology.

The college is ranked in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges in the top tier of Best Regional Universities North Region by U.S.News & World Report, and is designated as a premier Leadership Development Center by the YMCA of the USA. More than 5,000 traditional, nontraditional and international students study at its main campus in Springfield, Mass., and at regional campuses throughout the country.

“Beetle” flips over on Route 10

PARSIPPANY — Mr. John Radassich, 54, Long Valley was stopped at the intersection of Powder Mill Road and Route 10 East at the traffic signal.   When the light turned green he proceeded to drive east on Route 10, when he was struck by a 2008 Red Volkswagen Beetle.

The driver of the Volkswagen, a 17-year old Parsippany Hills High School student, was driving north on South Powder Mill Road when she turned right on Route 10 on a red traffic signal.  When she entered onto Route 10 east she was unable to see due to the sun glare and struck Mr. Radassich’s 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee.   Then rolled the vehicle over when she lost control.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene by C & L Towing.

The driver and the passenger in the 2008 Volkswagen both escaped injuries.

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The 2008 Volkswagen Beetle landed on the roof of the vehicle
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A Parsippany police officer getting the girls books from the vehicle.
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An officer investigates the damage to the Jeep

Mexican Restaurant celebrates grand opening

PARSIPPANY — Las Leyendas De Mexico recently celebrated a ribbon cutting grand opening.

The new restaurant is located at 71 New Road, New Road Plaza.

They are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

For more information call (973) 287-6070

 

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Xceed Financial to award $10,000 through Scholarship Program

PARSIPPANY —  Becoming a credit union member can be a great way for a young person to get off on the right foot financially. With Xceed Financial Credit Union’s Romeo Doty Scholarship Program — which will award ten $1,000 scholarships to talented high school seniors this spring — it can also yield help paying for a college education. They are located at 22 Sylvan Way.

“The late Romeo Doty served on the Xceed Financial board for many years, and he was passionate about the importance of education,” said Xceed Financial President and Chief Executive Teresa Freeborn. “In recognition of his service to the Credit Union, Xceed created the Romeo Doty Scholarship program to help fulfill his dream of making higher education accessible for all students.”

To be considered for the scholarship, students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5, and supply copies of their transcripts. They must also complete an application, sharing details of their extracurricular activities, including community service, school service, and work. The last part of the application is a personal essay that demonstrates both their knowledge and creativity.

“With ApplePay, AndroidPay, and so many other payment methods now available, the essay question this year asks students to share their thoughts on what credit unions can do to ensure they stay competitive and their products remain a viable option for consumers,” said Freeborn. “Since today’s students are digital natives, we’re excited to get their opinions.”

A panel of judges within the Credit Union will evaluate the applications, and announce the ten recipients in June 2016.

Applicants need to be members of the Credit Union to be considered for the scholarships. Interested students, parents or guardians should video chat with an Xceed associate using the Xperience Center at xfcu.org or call Xceed Financial’s toll-free line at 800.XFCU.222 to learn more.

About Xceed Financial Credit Union
Headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., Xceed Financial is a full-service, federally chartered not-for-profit workplace credit union that focuses on meeting the needs of businesses and their employees throughout the United States. With roots going back 85 years, it now has over $1.2 billion in assets under management, nearly 65,000 members, and operates 11 Financial Centers in five states. Xceed Financial partners with more than 300 employers – also called “select employer groups” or SEGs – to deliver personal banking, wealth management services, and financial education to working adults and their families. The Credit Union has a four-star, excellent rating from BauerFinancial, and has been named one of CU Times’ “Best Credit Unions to Work For” for the past two years. Learn more at www.xfcu.org.

Clean those fire hydrants; sidewalks and handicapped parking areas

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department reminds residents of Ordinance 346-1: The owner, tenant or occupant of any lands abutting upon the public streets of the Township shall remove all snow and ice from abutting sidewalks and fire hydrants, and the owner or tenant or occupant of property containing handicapped parking spaces shall remove all snow and ice from the handicapped parking spaces within 12 hours of daylight after the snow falls or ice is formed thereon.firehydrant2

Parsippany closings – Saturday, January 23

PARSIPPANY FOCUS — As of Friday afternoon, The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning which will remain in effect from midnight tonight to 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. We still see a few varying opinions from the weather team with some of the current storm models having a lower than normal confidence forecast. Periods of snow will likely begin after midnight this evening with some models suggesting a snow start time of 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning and ending 12:00 Midnight to 2:00 a.m. on Sunday. Snowfall amounts of 4-11” are being forecasted along with potential wind gusts of 20-35mph.

A winter storm warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice are expected. Strong winds are also possible and travel may be hazardous.

Parsippany Focus, in the past, has kept the public aware of closings.  Our list is updated frequently, so we suggest you check back.  As of now the following events / buildings will be closed on Saturday, January 23.

New Jersey Transit has a temporary full shutdown of the system beginning at 2 a.m. Saturday morning

  • Bus, Rail and Light Rail: Bus and rail service will implement a full, temporary shutdown of all service at 2 a.m. Saturday with service resuming as weather conditions permit.
  • Access Link: Service suspended all day Saturday, resuming Sunday at 12 p.m.

Uber system will not be available until conditions improve.

Woman’s Club – Spelling Bee – scheduled for Saturday, January 23 has been reschedule to Saturday, January 30.

Parsippany PAL Building will be closed on Saturday, January 23.

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Library and its branches will be closed on Saturday, January 23.

Denville Dairy will be closed on Saturday, January 23 and reopen on Sunday, January 24

The Morris County Library will be closed on Saturday, January 23.

County Park Commission has cancelled its maple sugaring event at Great Swamp due to the incoming winter storm.

Parsippany Free Transit System has cancelled all service for Saturday, January 23.

Parsippany Recycling Center will be closed on Saturday, January 23.

Parsippany Board of Education  – All school buildings are closed.

New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles offices will be closed.

The Music Shop will be closed on Saturday, January 23.

If you group or organization would like to list a cancelled event here, please email Parsippany Focus at news@parsippanyfocus.com.

 

Woman’s Club supports the library with book donation

PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills has donated a book on mental illness to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the special state project for the member clubs in the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Club Chairman Claudia McCarthy presented the book, “Behind the Wall: The True Story of Mental Illness as Told by Parents” which offers an intimate look at parenting a child with serious mental illness, presenting stories that have the power to educate, advocate and heal.

This collection of seven true stories told by nine parents offers a perspective unique to parents, who witness the illness unfold, fight the lonely battles on their child’s behalf, and serve as fierce allies for the road to recovery.

The Parsippany Library has other great resources and books on mental illness.

For additional information on NAMI, click here.

For information on the Woman’s Club involvement with JBWS, call Claudia at (908) 489-2314.

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 about the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills, call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, email the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or visit them online by clicking here.