Garage catches fire in early morning hours

PARSIPPANY — Lake Hiawatha Fire Department District 4 was called to the scene of a working fire at 43 Chesapeake Drive, at approximately 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.

The fire started and gutted the detached garage where ammunition was stored. Lake Hiawatha Chief Brian Cleary had Command while Deputy Chief Chris Cleary was assigned Operations.

Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 5 responded along with the Boonton Township Rapid Intervention Crew.

Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad was also at the scene. There were no injuries reported.

Cause of the fire is under investigation.  Fire Inspectors David Cavaliere and Detective M. Czajka are investigating the incident.

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PACC membership directory is published

GreaterParsippany2016coverPARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) is pleased to announce the release of its latest “Membership Directory” titled “Discover Greater Parsippany.”

The new directory, which will be mailed to Parsippany residents this week inside Parsippany Life has been updated to include all of our current members.  Please remember to Shop Local, Shop Parsippany.

PACC is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents, and volunteers that provides education, information, and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area. They work with our local and county governments and stand ready to pursue any matter that can make our community a better place in which to live, conduct business, and make a living. PACC promotes a healthy and more prosperous economic climate.

“At the heart of the local economy and the backbone of the nation’s economy, you will find a Chamber of Commerce.  The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce focuses on a broad range of activities to support its businesses and the community rather than narrowly focus on one particular industry, issue, cause, or activity.  When you are looking for information or a way to be connected in the Parsippany Area, look no further, because the Chamber has something for everyone,” said President Robert Peluso.

Started in 1956 as a non-profit organization, the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce has been providing Parsippany and Morris County residents and visitors information through our local offices, the Parsippany Area Visitor Center, our print media, and our informative websites.  Together with talented volunteers from our Chamber membership, the Chamber supports economic development in our community through effective programs and services that result in business attraction, creation, retention, expansion, and transition.  The Chamber is the primary economic developer in the Parsippany Area and responsible for marketing the community to recruit new businesses to the area in order to fill vacant offices and retail spaces.  The Morris County Economic Development Corporation, the NJ Small Business Development Center, and the Small Business Administration as a Regional Resource Center support these initiatives.  In addition to marketing our communities to business entities, we are also the primary tourism bureau for the Parsippany Area and responsible for marketing the community to tourists along with our partner, the Morris Tourism Bureau.

Business owners look to the Chamber for a venue to network and highlight their business from sole proprietors to the largest companies and employers in the Parsippany Area.  We provide information for starting a business as well as business-building programs, trade shows, employment outreach programs, and custom research for our chamber members.  We encourage you to join our affiliates and us in order to create a strong dynamic community that benefits everyone.   As you can see, the Chamber has something for everyone; all you need to do is take the first step. We welcome new members and volunteers and invite you to contact us at www.parsippanychamber.org or (973) 402-6400.  We also provide information through our websites: www.visitparsippany.org, www.employmentoutreach.org , and greaterparsippanyrewards.com.

All members of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce will receive the new directory in early January in the mail.  The directory is also available at every networking meeting, as well as available in select locations throughout Parsippany. You can also download our directory by clicking here.

As new businesses move into Parsippany, PACC will supply each new Parsippany employee with a directory and advertisements from local members.  If you are a new Parsippany business, contact Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400 to participate in this promotion.

For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here.

This new directory is just another member benefit of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Friday night’s boxing event at PAL postponed

PARSIPPANY — This Friday night’s boxing event at the Parsippany PAL has been postponed due to a logistical emergency.

Fans who have purchased tickets may refund them at the point of purchase.

The new date will be announced by GH3 Promotions shortly.

GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Hector Frometa, Jerrell Harris & Keenan Smith, Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell, Jr. Lightweight O’Shanique Foster & Super Middleweight Andrew Hernandez to the GH3 Promotions stable.

The Perfect Summation of Parsippany Waterview Property

Dear Editor:                                                                                   

Mr. Dave Kaplan, I want to memorialize my appreciation to the Citizens For Health, Safety and Welfare for the many arduous hours and years your organization committed to the development of this 16 acre parcel and your well written summation of said development printed November 18, 2015 in Parsippany Life, Letters to the Editor. Though we will see the last wooded area along Route 46 in Parsippany be developed (I’ll miss seeing the turkeys) your group did a yeoman’s job.

Please fellow residents, keep abreast, get involved, attend town meetings or watch tape on Parsippany-Troy Hills website or on Parsippany Focus.

Happy Holidays and have a Healthy, Safe New Year.

Roy Messmer

Christopher Conzola Sentenced to Six Years in State Prison

MONTVILLE — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces the sentencing of Christopher T. Conzola, 39, of Montville, which occurred on December 8, 2015, before the Honorable Catherine Enright, J.S.C.

Judge Enright sentenced Conzola to an aggregate sentence of six-years in New Jersey State Prison.  Conzola was sentenced to three-years New Jersey State Prison on the charge of Criminal Restraint, three-years New Jersey State Prison on the charge of Endangering the Welfare of Children (Possession of Child Pornography), and three-years New Jersey State Prison on Possession of Methamphetamine.

Judge Enright also sentenced Conzola to pay various fines for the offense of Failure to Make Lawful Disposition of CDS.  The aggregate sentence on all three indictable offenses is six-years.  The charge of Endangering the Welfare of Children (Possession of Child Pornography) was run consecutive to the charge of Criminal Restraint, and the remaining charge of Possession of Methamphetamine was run concurrent.

On October 19, 2015, Conzola entered guilty pleas before the Honorable William J. McGovern, III, J.S.C., to these crimes and offenses.  The guilty pleas represented charges against Conzola from three separate dates in April 2014, March 2015, and April 2015.

The State was represented at sentencing by Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Montville Police Department, members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes and Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Units, members of the Morris County S.E.R.T., and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigation Section (CIS), whose efforts contributed to Conzola’s arrests and conviction.

Santa To Visit Lake Parsippany Firehouse

PARSIPPANY — Santa Claus will make his annual visit to the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company at 255 Halsey Road, Lake Parsippany on Saturday, December 12, from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 p.m.

Santa stays in the firehouse rather than going around on the fire trucks because it’s safer for the children and gives him the opportunity to talk with each child to hear those special Christmas wishes.  Be sure to bring your camera and take lots of pictures to catch that special time you spend on Santa’s lap!

Parking is available at the rear of the firehouse.

Fundraiser set for Local Boy Needing Generator for Feeding Tube

ROCKAWAY — As other 7 year old children shred wrapping paper and pretty ribbons off toys this Christmas, Christian Portuguez will receive a gift often more suited to a builder or contractor.

You see, aside from autism and epilepsy, Christian is G-tube dependent and power has gone out on his street three times in less than a month leaving him without the electricity needed to run his equipment.

“The power has gone out about 10 times in the last year or so,” said Danielle Portuguez, “if it is out for too long we sometimes have to call the fire department…” She continued.

This Christmas, with the help of promoter Dan Glenn and club owner Bobby Scerbo, the Portuguez family will receive the gift of “peace of mind” in the form of money to purchase a generator and other equipment necessary for Christian’s challenging future.

“I found out about Christian through a friend and decided to put together a benefit concert to help his situation” said Glenn, “several bands and volunteers stepped forward to help out.’ he said.

The show will take place at The Main Street Exchange in Rockaway, and is scheduled for Wednesday, December 23 at 7:00 p.m. featuring Buddy Sparrow and Friends, The Jake & Dan Duo and Bubba Grouch. Guitar raffle donated by Richie’s Music Center and admission is $5.00 at the door which includes a free download of Sparrow’s latest album.

To help directly you can find Christian Portuguez on GoFundMe.com and make a contribution online. For more information on the show contact Dan Glenn at (908) 723-3118.

 

Moe’s Southwest Grill will reopen in Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — Moe’s Southwest Grill will be reopening in Parsippany on Route 46 East in the Harbor Freight Shopping Center, 745 Route 46.

On Wednesday, December 2, The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Adjustment approved an “Application for Restaurant with Dining of 1305 square feet, front of house 614 square feet for a total of 1,919 square feet.  There will be seating for 80.

Moe’s Southwest Grill previously was located in the Troy Hills Shopping Center, 1131 Route 46 and closed for business in April 2014.

Moe’s Southwest Grill, referred to informally as Moe’s, was founded in Atlanta, Georgia, in December 2000, by Raving Brands. In August 2007, the brand was purchased by FOCUS Brands. As of July 14, 2014 the number of Moe’s locations increased to over 550 in the US after signing 120 new franchises in six months.

There is also another local location at 16 West Main Street, Denville.

Chipotle Mexican Grill opened in the location previously occupied by Moes in the Troy Hills Shopping Center in November 2014.

There is no date set for the grand opening of the new Moe’s Southwest Grill.

Stores that are available in the Harbor Freight Shopping Center
Stores that are available in the Harbor Freight Shopping Center

 

Santa arrives in Parsippany in time to light the Tree at Town Hall

Mayor James Barberio and Santa lite the tree at Town Hall
Mayor James Barberio and Santa lite the tree at Town Hall

PARSIPPANY — Santa arrived in Parsippany-Troy Hills just in time to light the tree at Town Hall on Sunday, December 6.

Santa arrived with a police escort sitting on a fire truck from Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6 just in time to help Mayor James Barberio light the Christmas tree at Town Hall.

Immediately following the tree lighting Santa met with children, and wanted to know what each child wanted him to bring to their home on Christmas eve. The children also received candy canes from Santa.

Refreshments of hot chocolate and cookies were served to all the children by the Wives of Parsippany-Troy Hills Rescue and Recovery afterwards.

Have you been good girls and boys? Do you want to know what Santa Claus has in store for you for Christmas? Do you want to know when Santa and his sleigh will be getting to your house?

We can’t answer the first two questions. Only you can answer the first one. Only Santa can answer the second one.

But thanks to the wonders of the NORAD we can give you an idea where Santa is on Christmas Eve. Children can track Santa Claus on Christmas Eve by clicking here.

Breakfast with Santa at Applebees was a huge success

PARSIPPANY — Applebees, 1057 Route 46, celebrated its annual “Breakfast with Santa” fundraiser on Saturday, December 5.  Over 195 people attended the event, and Parsippany Applebees raised $3,150, in which Doherty Enterprises matches the amount raised and donates to the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots program.

The fundraiser supports the efforts of the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots program, currently in its 67th year, which distributes new toys to underprivileged children to brighten the holidays, unify local communities and deliver a message of hope. 

Guests enjoyed breakfast compliments of Applebee’s along with goodies, raffle tickets for door prizes and the opportunity to take a photo with Santa Claus.

Tickets to Breakfast with Santa were $10.00 each.

Applebee’s raised additional funds by selling paper “gift packages” for $1.00 each, which were displayed in the restaurant. 100% of the proceeds from the Breakfast with Santa events and “gift package” purchases will be donated directly to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program to be distributed to local families. 

“We are proud to once again partner with Toys for Tots for the 2015 holiday season, said Ed Doherty, founder and CEO of Doherty Enterprises.  “Charitable giving is a focus within our company and the restaurants we operate, and our employees go above and beyond to do all they can to raise awareness and funds. As is it the season of giving, we are proud to be able to support this fantastic organization and its efforts within our local communities.”

Heading into its 17th year, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises, which owns 107 Applebee’s restaurants across New Jersey, New York, Florida and Georgia, have raised over $3.6 million for the Toys for Tots initiative to date, helping to spread holiday cheer to over 230,000 deserving children.

“We are grateful to Doherty Enterprises and their continued support over the last sixteen years as a corporate sponsor,” said retired Marine General Pete Osman, the President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.  “Ed Doherty and everyone on his team work extremely hard to make this program a success year after year, and we are fortunate to have them as a partner, as their generous contributions help us continue toward our goal of building better communities by providing support and hope.”

In addition to Toys for Toys, Doherty-owned Applebee’s restaurants provide support for charitable causes in the communities they serve year-round under the leadership of CEO Ed Doherty. To date, Applebee’s has raised and donated over $1.9 million for local charities through 1,350 events and sponsorships.

Just in time for the holidays, for every $50.00 gift card purchase, guests will receive a mystery bonus card, containing a value of up to $25.00. Offer valid now through December 31. Bonus cards valid from next visit through February 28.

About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.
Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises, Inc. is recognized as the 68th largest privately-held business in the New York Metro area by Crain’s Business and the 10th  largest franchisee in the United States as ranked in the Restaurant Finance Monitor, operating eight restaurant concepts including: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, Quaker Steak & Lube, Noodles & Company, IHOP, and two of its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas. In 2015, Nation’s Restaurant News ranked Doherty Enterprises as the 78th largest U.S. Foodservice revenue company, up from 85 in 2014. To date, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates over 160 restaurants in northern, southern and central New Jersey, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Florida and Georgia – including newly acquired locations in the Miami area. The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow Our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.” (www.DohertyInc.com).

Toys for Tots, a 66 year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each Christmas holiday season.  The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime.  It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community.  Last year the Marine Corps fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 6.8 million less fortunate children in 762 communities nationwide.  Since 1947 over 222 million children have been assisted. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.