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.
Mayor James Barberio and Santa lighting the tree
13-year old Davin, 10-year old Julia and Linda Budich with Santa
Councilman Louis Valori and Council Vice President Robert Peluso with Santa
3-year old Mason and 5-year old Andrew Macedo with Santa in 2015
Brenda and Jamie Barberio with Santa
Ruby Beg, Beg Niclaus, Lynda Palmer, Judy Larick and Donna Stratigis, the wives of Parsippany Rescue and Recovery hands out cookies to the children
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Robert Peluso, Jr., and Council Vice President Robert Peluso
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.
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.
The bicycle was part of the Tricky-Tray
Applebee’s was crowded during the Breakfast with Santa event
Kayla Leon, Rachael Gaida, Kim Leandry, Toni Bizarro and Murphy McDaniels gathered around the Christmas Tree
Children visiting Santa
Applebee’s Manager Rachael Gaida, David Gaida and Santa Claus
The Applebees staff volunteered their time for the fundraiser
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.
PARSIPPANY — Santa arrived on Sunday, December 6 at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5 to greet the many children. The children had the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas, as their parents took many pictures.
The volunteers also cooked up a delicious pancake, scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon breakfast.
Brandon Schweizer, David Cavaliere, Boston Bob Morrisson, Chief Robert Campbell, Jr. and Undersheriff William Schievella
Alex, Genny, James, 6, Kate, 4, Nielsen with Parsippany Council-elect Loretta Gragnani and Santa
Volunteer Firemen TJ and Adam Campbell serving breakfast
Former Councilman Jonathan Nelson, Lonnie Ruland posing with Santa
Edward Limanov sitting with Santa
Firefighters Patrick Fales and Ryan Scott were collecting the money at the door
PARSIPPANY — New Jersey State Police and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department responded to a two car head on collision on the exit ramp from Route 287 (Exit 42) onto Parsippany Boulevard, at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Saturday, December 5.
The vehicle crossed lanes and ended on the wrong side of the road
Vehicle hit in a head-on-collision
State Police investigating inside the vehicle
Initial reports indicate Parsippany Rescue and Recovery was called to the scene as reports indicated both drivers were trapped in their vehicles.
Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 6, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance and Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance were called to the scene.
Initial reports indicate two individuals were transported to Morristown Medical Center. At this time the condition of either individual in unknown.
Calls to New Jersey State Police for details went unanswered at the time of publishing this article. Parsippany Focus will update this article as details become available.
Jadon Hoyt erupted for four goals and two assists to power Parsippany Regional to a 10-0 victory over Gill St. Bernard’s at Mennen Ice Arena in Morris Township. Anthony Caccavale struck for the first of his two goals 2:21 into the opening period and the Vikings broke the game open with five goals in the first.…
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Education Foundation is excited to present a check in the amount of $27,264.86 to the Parsippany Board of Education. This check represents the total amount of grants awarded to the school district for the 2015-2016 school year.
The Parsippany Education Foundation is a non-profit organization established to enrich the opportunities and experiences of the students in the Parsippany-Troy School District. The Board of Directors consists of volunteers committed to developing a community of learners.
They are currently running a 50-50 cash raffle and we will be having a Golf Outing in the Spring. More information can be found on their Facebook or click here to visit their website by clicking here.
You can view their website for more information on grants donated in previous years and for a list of grants.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Focus has learned that Aurora Information Security & Risk, the computer firm hired by Township Attorney John Inglesino and which billed Parsippany nearly 1 million dollars for imaging the hard drive of a Parsippany Police Captain, was operating under a suspended business registration in the State of New Jersey from the period of January 16, 2014 through May 13, 2015.
During the period Aurora was suspended from doing business with government entities, they billed the Township of Parsippany via Inglesino’s firm, $564,697.88
It was during this timeframe that the Township entered into an ‘Accord and Satisfaction’ agreement with Aurora.
Click here to view official document from State of New Jersey.
N.J.S.A. 52:32-44 imposes certain requirements upon a business competing for, or entering into a contract with a State Agency. Chapter 57 expands the requirement of business registration to business organizations competing for, or entering into contract with the following public contracting agencies.
A contracting agency may not enter into a contract with a contractor unless it has received proof of business registration: (a) at the time of bid or proposal submission, in response to a request for bids or proposals; or (b) for all other transactions, prior to issuance of a purchase order or other contracting documents.
For any purchases of goods or services made by a contracting agency under a State of New Jersey Purchasing Contract, or any other authorized cooperative purchasing agreement, the contracting agency awarding the contract shall receive and hold the proof of registration.
For bids and request for proposals, the contracting agency must keep the proof of business registration in the file where documents relating to the contract are maintained.
On Monday Parsippany Focus emailed Mayor Barberio, Mr. Inglesino, Aurora founder Matthew Ferrante, Township Labor Attorney Stephen Trimboli, current and former Council members, Business Administrator Ellen Sandman, and Township Purchasing Agent Michael Hardie for a comment.
PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3 held their annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, November 29.
The volunteers served pancakes, sausages, bagels, donuts, coffee and orange juice to hundreds of guests.
The Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the following companies for their support: Annabella’s Restaurant, Anthony Francos Pizza, Atlanta Bread, Baldwin Bagels, Bangiola’s Sandwich Shoppe, Evonik, Fuddruckers, General Store, Great Wazu, Houlihan’s Restaurant, Longhorn Steakhouse, Marco’s Pizzeria, Marino’s Pizzeria, McDonalds, Outback Steak House, Pro-Haircutters, Quick Chek, Redstone Tavern, Shear Creations, Smash Burger and Zinburger.
And Barry Eckenthal, Birchwood Manor, Cain & Sons, Castle Printing, David Brask, Eagle Auto Body, Election Graphics, Fire & Safety Services, IBEW Local Union 102, Glatfelter Insurance, Mama Louisa’s Italian Deli, New Jersey Fire Equipment, Robert J. Iracane, CPA, Tri-State Technical Service.
Each year over 10,000 visitors come to The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township view more than 200 awe-inspiring edible gingerbread creations.
“Gingerbread Wonderland and Craft Show is a special event because it celebrates the imagination and creativity of individuals,” said Lesley Parness, Superintendent of Horticultural Education at the Morris County Park Commission.
Past creations have included, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Santa’s Workshop, Hanukah Menorahs, a grand piano, the nutcracker, and even the White House.
Gingerbread Wonderland is held from Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays until 7:30 p.m. at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 East Hanover Avenue, Morris Township.
The Holiday Craft Show is open weekends, December 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Artists and crafters offer a variety of unique handmade gifts. Different crafters setup displays each weekend to provide a wide selection of products.
In the mood for yummy treats after smelling the delicious candy? Head over to Matilda’s Café for seasonal delights. The Cafe is opened Monday-Thursday, 12:00 Noon to 8:00 pm.; Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Weekends 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission is $2.00 per person and children under two are free. Groups of eight or more must make a reservation by calling (973) 326-7601.
To submit an entry to the exhibit, registration materials can be found by clicking here. For more information, please call (973) 326-7601 or click here
The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 18,730 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!
Community Blood Services invites its volunteer blood, platelet and plasma donors to give the gift of life this holiday season to ensure there is enough blood on the shelves for local patients who might need it.
Donors who donate at the Parsippany Donor Center on Monday, December 21, or at the Paramus, Montvale or Lincoln Park donor centers on Tuesday, December 22 or Wednesday, December 23, will get Snowball the Holiday Bear as a thank you for their life-giving donations. Community Blood Services is located at 1259 Route 46 East, Building 4E, Suite 12.
Donors are asked to call (201) 251-3703 for locations and holiday hours and to make an appointment to donate. The centers will be closing early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Traditionally, there is an urgent need for more donations at this time of the year because there are fewer blood drives and donors are away on vacation. At the same time there is an increase in demand because it is a heavy travel time that can leads to more accidents requiring blood transfusions, said Karen Ferriday, community affairs director at Community Blood Services.
Platelets, which only have a shelf life of five days, are especially needed right before and after Christmas and New Year’s, as is Type O negative blood, the universal blood type that can be transfused to any patient during an emergency regardless of the patient’s blood type. AB male plasma is also needed to treat trauma patients and patients with blood disorders.
“One way we are trying to address the holiday shortfall is by increasing the number of donations made using our automated technology. By asking our donors to make automated donations we are able to collect more life-giving products during one donation and better target our hospitals’ needs,” Ferriday said.
Automated donations allow multiple products to be collected during one donation (double red cells, platelets and/or plasma), therefore helping even more patients who need transfusions, she explained.
There has been an ongoing shortage of Type O negative blood, the universal blood type that can be used for all other blood types during emergencies like car accidents and for premature babies. Fr this readon it is the blood type most in demand by hospitals. Only 7 percent of the population has Type O negative blood which means the supply must continuously be replenished. In addition platelet donors are urgently needed to treat cancer patients, as well as male plasma donors for trauma and burn patients.
To donate, donors must be healthy, 17-75 years old (16 and 17 year olds need parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds.
Community Blood Services is a not-for-profit organization that provides blood and blood products for patients in 20-plus hospitals in New Jersey and New York, including Atlantic Health System, HackensackUMC, St. Joseph’s Healthcare System in Paterson/Wayne and The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood.
Each year over 10,000 visitors come to The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township view more than 200 awe-inspiring edible gingerbread creations.