United Way of Northern New Jersey Announces New Board Members

MORRIS COUNTY — United Way of Northern New Jersey is pleased to welcome Mark Romanski of Turner Construction and Pete Schlicksup of PricewaterhouseCoopers to its Board of Trustees. 

Both join a team of eighteen community members who share their insights, perspectives and expertise with United Way, helping the organization achieve its mission. 

As vice president and general manager of Turner Construction’s New Jersey office, Romanski manages 160 employees and more than $400 million of project volume. Under his guidance, the group has successfully completed a diverse range of projects and is recognized as a leader in its area of construction. 

Romanski began his 28-year career with the company as a field engineer before advancing through various roles in estimating, cost control, project management and operations. During his time at Turner Construction, Romanski has taken on challenging and specialized projects including health care facilities, lab and research space, aviation facilities, hotels and conference centers, data centers and large corporate fit-outs and renovations. Clients have included BASF, Boston Properties, Memorial Sloan Kettering, NJIT, Normandy, Novartis, Princeton University, UBS and Verizon Wireless. Along with serving as a board member, Romanski is the current chairman and a long-time volunteer of United Way’s Commercial Real Estate Committee. 

Schlicksup is a partner in the Products and Services sector at PricewaterhouseCoopers where he has served the firm’s largest public and private manufacturing and consumer products clients.  With more than 25 years of experience working in both the U.S. and Asia, Schlicksup has expertise in planning and executing complex multinational engagements as well as advising clients on intricate issues including due diligence, acquisitions and business reorganizations, mergers and IT system transformations.

“We are fortunate to have the insight and experience that Mark and Pete bring to our board,” said United Way of Northern New Jersey CEO John Franklin. “Our board members are passionate about serving in their communities and helping all residents achieve their greatest potential.”

Serving Morris, Somerset, Suburban Essex, Sussex and Warren counties, United Way is working to improve lives of struggling residents. According to the United Way ALICE Report, 37 percent of New Jersey households are low- or moderate-income and living paycheck to paycheck.

“We look forward to working with all of our board members as we continue to improve the lives of those throughout our region,” Franklin said.

For more information about United Way of Northern New Jersey click here.

 

 

Dennis Rodriguez made the Spring 2017 Dean’s List at University of Akron

PARSIPPANY — Congratulations to Dennis Rodriguez of Lake Hiawatha, for making The University of Akron’s spring 2017 Dean’s List. Dennis is a graduate of Parsippany High School, Class of 2012.

To be eligible, Rodriguez, majoring in Sport Studies-Coach Education, maintained a semester GPA of 3.500 – 3.999, and was enrolled in twelve or more credit hours. Go Zips!

The University of Akron (UA) is the region’s most influential public research university, contributing to the resurgence of the local economy, providing a highly skilled workforce, and known for an innovative approach to higher education.

With nearly 26,000 students and more than 300 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate and law degree programs, UA offers career-focused and experiential learning that defines the polytechnic approach to education.

From polymers and psychology, to engineering and integrated marketing communications, to education and choreography, UA brings together various disciplines in ways that provide students with life-long skills, internships and co-ops, opportunities for academic research, study abroad, on-campus student employment and service projects designed for diverse groups of learners, including full-time, part-time and on-line students, veterans, and adults returning to the classroom.

Danielle Flanagan named to the University of New Hampshire’s Dean’s List

PARSIPPANY — Danielle Flanagan, a 2014 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, has been named to the Dean’s List at the University of New Hampshire for earning Honors for the spring 2017 semester. Flanagan is majoring in Psychology.

Students named to the Dean’s List at the University of New Hampshire are students who have earned recognition through their superior scholastic performance during a semester enrolled in a full-time course load (12 or more graded credits). Highest honors are awarded to students who earn a semester grade point average of 3.85 or better out of a possible 4.0. Students with a 3.65 to 3.84 average are awarded high honors and students whose grade point average is 3.5 through 3.64 are awarded honors.

The University of New Hampshire is a flagship research university that inspires innovation and transforms lives in our state, nation and world. More than 16,000 students from all 50 states and 71 countries engage with an award-winning faculty in top ranked programs in business, engineering, law, liberal arts and the sciences across more than 200 programs of study. UNH’s research portfolio includes partnerships with NASA, NOAA, NSF and NIH, receiving more than $100 million in competitive external funding every year to further explore and define the frontiers of land, sea and space.

To learn more about the opportunities at the University of New Hampshire click here.

Emily Shannon graduates from Stevenson University

Emily Shannon
Emily Shannon

PARSIPPANY — Emily Elizabeth Shannon recently graduated Cum Laude from Stevenson University with a BA in Business Communications. She was a 2013 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School.

Stevenson University is a coeducational, independent institution widely known for its unique synthesis of traditional liberal arts education and exceptional career preparation. The 4,200 students receive an innovative education from the six academic schools- Business and Leadership, Design, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Sciences, and Graduate & Professional Studies. Each student experiences individual attention from faculty members and extensive career preparation gained through real-world training. Two ideal locations just north of Baltimore, Maryland, in Stevenson and Owings Mills, make the University truly unique.

Stevenson University is a coeducational, independent institution widely known for its unique synthesis of traditional liberal arts education and exceptional career preparation. The 4,200 students receive an innovative education from the six academic schools- Business and Leadership, Design, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Sciences, and Graduate and Professional Studies. Each student experiences individual attention from faculty members and extensive career preparation gained through real-world training. Two ideal locations just north of Baltimore, Maryland, in Stevenson and Owings Mills, make the University truly unique.

Four former PHHS students named to Dean’s List at University of Rhode Island

PARSIPPANY — The University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce that more than 5,290 undergraduates have qualified for the Spring 2017 Dean’s List. The students represent nearly all of Rhode Island’s cities and towns, all six New England states, New York and New Jersey, many other states and countries.

The following Parsippany Hills High School graduates were named to the Dean’s List:

Annie Zitelli, Class of 2016

Danielle Nicole Taylor, Class of 2016

Victoria Michelle Bond, Class of 2014

Amanda Nardella, Class of 2014

To be included on the Dean’s List, full-time students must have completed twelve or more credits for letter grades during a semester and achieved at least a 3.30 quality point average. Part-time students qualify with the accumulation of twelve or more credits for letter grades earning at least a 3.30 quality point average.

University of Rhode Island recently named #3 in Best Value College’s list of the 30 Most Beautiful Coastal College Campuses—the ocean is a big part of the history, culture, and everyday life. Combine the unique location with the welcoming community and you’ll find the small, beautiful place you will call home.

Chris Shargay named to President’s List at Clemson

PARSIPPANY — Christopher James Shargay has been named to the President’s List at Clemson University for the spring 2017 semester. Chris is a 2016 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School.

Shargay is majoring in General Engineering.

To be named to the President’s List, a student must achieve a 4.0 (all As) grade-point average.

One of the country’s most selective public research universities, Clemson University serves a uniquely driven and highly accomplished student body.

Ranked as the 23rd best national public university by U.S.News & World Report, Clemson is a science- and engineering-oriented college dedicated to teaching, research and service. Founded in 1889, we remain committed both to world-class research and a high quality of life. In fact, 92 percent of our seniors say they’d pick Clemson again if they had it to do over.

Clemson’s retention and graduation rates rank among the highest in the country for public universities. We’ve been named among the best values by Kiplinger magazine in 2013, and SmartMoney in 2012 ranked us No. 7 in student return on investment.

Our beautiful college campus sits on 1,400 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along the shores of Hartwell Lake. But we also have research facilities and economic development hubs throughout the state of South Carolina — in Greenville, Greenwood, Columbia and Charleston.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Residents Can View New Exhibition for Only $1 

PARSIPPANY — For over 25 years, the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms has enjoyed a unique partnership with the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. To celebrate this partnership, we are happy to announce the fourth consecutive year of our “Summer Thursdays” promotion. Residents of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township are invited to enjoy $1.00 museum admission (adult admission is regularly $10.00) on Thursdays in July and August.

Craftsman Farms is the former home of Gustav Stickley, a visionary who built a home furnishings empire in the early 20th century and became the voice of the American Arts and Crafts movement. The site, a National Historic Landmark owned by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, was rescued from development in 1989 through the joint efforts of dedicated individuals, local community groups, and the Township. The only home designed and built by Stickley for his own use, the Log House and 30-acre site is operated today as the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, which oversees its preservation and interpretation.

As a special bonus, all visitors this summer will see the new exhibition Original: Gustav Stickley Furnishes His Log House. The exhibition, which commemorates the 100th anniversary of Stickley’s 1917 sale of the property, celebrates his achievement at Craftsman Farms. Incorporated throughout the Log House, the exhibition focuses on important original items on loan to the museum during this commemorative year, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s generous loan of a green-stained elm cabinet. Visitors will see furniture, home furnishings, and cherished family belongings known to be original to Stickley’s home. These offer insights into the Log House’s interior aesthetic—a blend of special commissions, English and French decorative arts, and furnishings with sentimental value—and into Stickley’s personal taste and style.

This special admission offer is valid for Parsippany-Troy Hills residents on any tour of the Log House on Thursdays in July and August. Tours depart from the Museum Shop at 12:15, 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. To get this great deal, residents should tell the Shopkeeper they live in Parsippany-Troy Hills.

The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms is open year round Thursday through Sunday, with tours of the Log House leaving at 12:15, 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. from the Museum Shop, which is located in the original kitchen of the Log House and opens at 12:00 p.m. The entrance to the campus is located at the intersection of Manor Lane and Route 10 West in Morris Plains, New Jersey. The Log House is just a short walk from the parking lot, with handicapped-accessible parking directly adjacent to the Log House. Standard admission is Free for Members; $10.00 for Adults; $7.00 for Seniors and Students; $4.00 for Children.

For more information, call (973) 540-0311, email info@stickleymuseum.org or click here to view museum’s website.

 

Pet Valu and U.S. War Dogs Team Up to Help Military Dogs Return Home from Overseas

War Dogs Doggles

PARSIPPANY — Pet Valu, a premium pet supplies and accessories chain, and The United States War Dogs Association are pairing up once again for their 7th annual Patriotic Pets campaign to support military service dogs. The fundraiser – which kicks off on the Fourth of July and runs through September 11 – invites Pet Valu customers to purchase an American flag bandana for five dollars or a Paper Paw to hang in the store’s window for an amount of their choosing. Pet Valu is located at 3053 Route 46, Morris Hills Shopping Center.

Proceeds from the fundraiser help U.S. War Dogs cover the costs of transporting veteran war dogs back to the U.S. after service and finding them forever homes, memorializing fallen four-legged soldiers, and providing dogs with state-of-the-art equipment to support them overseas and back home. They have also led to the creation of the organization’s Rainbow Bridge Assistance Program, which funds the euthanasia and cremation of retired military, contractor, TSA and Secret Service working dogs, and its free prescription drug program, which provides families of adopted veteran dogs expensive medications crucial for the dogs’ health at no cost.

Pet Valu’s campaign also supports services to reunite military service dogs with their handlers, including Mission K9 Rescue, a Chapter 6 organization of U.S. War Dogs that facilitates reunions at no cost to the military service members. To date, they’ve reunited more than 60 K9 and handler teams, including U.S. Marine Sgt. Seth Hill and his dog Bbazy after their 2011-2012 tour together in Afghanistan.

“If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have been able to give Bbazy the retirement she deserves after all she has done for me. She saved my life and many other Marines,” said Sgt. Hill.

The annual fundraiser has become one of Pet Valu’s most popular customer events, raising more than $1.2 million for U.S. War Dogs since it started in 2010.

“Most of the fundraisers we do throughout the year go toward supporting the pets in need in our local communities. With Patriotic Pets, our customers have a chance to contribute toward our four-legged heroes all over the world,” said Joe Dent, vice president and U.S. general manager for Pet Valu. “Every special bandana purchased at Pet Valu stores through September 11 helps the dogs that have served our country overseas and would not otherwise have the opportunity to return home to the U.S.”

War Dogs Troops

The U.S. War Dogs fundraiser kicks off during one of Pet Valu’s most successful years in raising money for important animal causes, including some of the highest amounts ever recorded in the company’s philanthropic history.

A glance at the 2017 cumulative totals for Pet Valu’s fundraising events show:

·      2,764 homeless cat and dog adoptions facilitated with local shelters

·      36,157 bags (a value of $211,148) of kitty litter donated to local shelters

·      $171,215 raised for America’s VetDogs

·      $164,584 raised for local animal cruelty prevention groups by 2017 calendar sales

·      $56,407 raised for Animal Cancer Foundation Dog Wash Fund

·      $478,763 raised for local animal shelters during Pet Appreciation Month in April

For more information about Pet Valu click here.

About Pet Valu
Pet Valu is a specialty retailer of premium pet food, treats, toys and accessories. Their pet-friendly stores offer over 7,000 products including holistic and premium brands of pet foods and treats as well as a wide selection of essential and innovative pet supplies to suit every budget. Chain-wide, Pet Valu is dedicated to helping local pets in need and by partnering with local shelters, rescues and charities through national donation drives and fundraising campaigns. Pet Valu employees are Pet Experts and pet lovers, too.

About The United States War Dogs Association
The United States War Dogs Association, Inc. is a nonprofit organization of former and current U.S. Military Dog Handlers and supporting members committed to promoting the long history of the Military Service Dogs, establishing permanent War Dog Memorials and educating the public about the invaluable service of these canines to the United States.

Provident Bank makes donation to Summer Concert Series

PARSIPPANY — Provident Bank made a donation of $4,000 to the Parsippany Concert Series Donation. Provident Bank is sponsoring “Time Machine” which performs on August 24, 2017 at Veterans Memorial Park.

The crowd enjoying the Time Machine

Morris County Sheriff offers Summer Safety Tips

MORRIS COUNTY — As the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaches, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office wants the public to have a safe Independence Day and has provided several safety tips for residents.

“School is out, the weather is warm, families go away on vacation and enjoy outdoor recreational activities.  However, a vacation can sometimes turn into a bad experience.  Houses can be burglarized and accidents can occur while trying to have fun.  The Sheriff’s Office has specialized units that see these unfortunate situations and we would like to help prevent them,” said Sheriff James M. Gannon.

Burglary Prevention

In 2016, the Morris County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Section responded to 213 residential burglaries, 104 commercial burglaries and 175 motor vehicle burglaries.  If you plan to travel, the Criminal Investigation Section suggests using the following tips:

  • Contact your local police department to inquire about property checks.
  • Be aware of what you post on social media, including photos and where you “check-in.” This alerts followers you are on vacation.
  • Make sure all doors and windows are locked.
  • Make your residence look occupied in your absence. Set indoor and outdoor lights on timers, use motion sensors and have your mail and newspapers collected.
  • Do not have any home improvements done on your house while you are away.
  • Invest in a camera system or alarm company for home surveillance. There are reasonably priced systems available.
  • If vehicles will be in the driveway, make sure they are locked and the garage door opener is not in the vehicle.
  • Lock valuable and important items in a safe place only you would know.
  • Consider having a friend or family member check on the house.

Fireworks Safety

Governor Chris Christie recently signed a bill legalizing “non explosive, non aerial” fireworks such as sparklers, party poppers and smoke devices in New Jersey.  These now legal items can be possessed or sold to persons 16 years of age or older.  Explosive fireworks are still illegal.

Morris County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad Commander, Det/Corporal Doug Meyer said, “Any fireworks are dangerous and should not be handled recklessly.  Although non explosive items are legal, there is still a harmful factor in using them.”

  • A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities.
  • Wear safety glasses when using fireworks.
  • Use the legal fireworks in a clear outdoor area, away from people, buildings and bushes.
  • Never try to make your own fireworks.
  • Be careful with sparklers! They burn at approximately 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt glass. They can ignite clothing and burn hands and feet.  A fun alternative is to use glow sticks instead.

Be prepared for accidents:

  • Have a bucket of water and/or fire extinguisher accessible.
  • If injury occurs, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. Do not touch or rub an eye injury as this may cause more damage.
  • Dispose spent fireworks by wetting them and placing in a metal trash can away from a building until the next day.

Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals!

  • Do not pick up pieces of fireworks after an event.
  • Do not bring pets to a fireworks display to avoid exposure to the sound.
  • Make sure your pet has an identification tag in case it runs away.

Safe Boating Tips

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit works in conjunction with the New Jersey State Police patrolling the waters of Lake Hopatcong from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year.  Boating accidents can be prevented by following these safety rules:

  • The operator must have an operator license, valid registration and boating safety certificate in possession.
  • Have personal flotation devices (PFD) available for all passengers on board. Children 12 and under must be wearing PFDs while the vessel is moving.
  • A throwable seat cushion or ring buoy must be available.
  • The vessel must be equipped with an adequate horn or whistle and approved fire extinguisher.
  • Navigation lights must be on between sunset and sunrise.
  • Be aware of your swimming capability.
  • Avoid alcohol.
  • Check local weather conditions before departure.
  • Use common sense – operate at a safe speed, stay alert and be respectful of navigational aids and other boaters.

For more information on the Morris County Sheriff’s Office click here.