Parsippany Education Foundation Awards $13,057.64 in Grants to Parsippany Schools

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Education Foundation Awards $13,057.64 in Grants to Parsippany Schools

PARSIPPANY — Supporting educational enrichment in the township, the Parsippany Education Foundation has awarded $13,057.64 to fund ten innovative programs during the 18-19 school year.  Spanning robotics, life skills, storytelling, music and literature, proposals were developed by teachers approved by principals and evaluated by the Foundation based on their ability to contribute to a positive, dynamic learning environment.

Blending life and business skill development for middle school students with special learning needs at Brooklawn Middle School, the “Up All Knight Cafe” will be an ongoing snack and coffee concession run by students focused on interpersonal communication plus forecasting, inventory control, production and cash management.  “The Cafe is a wonderful program we will use to apply academic and social training to the real world challenges of running a small business.  We are delighted to bring this opportunity to our students through the generosity of the Parsippany Educational Foundation and their donors,” said Teacher Laura Bailliard.

“Through the Chipwrecks and Redbots grant, our new student robotics club will be able to design and build a robot to compete in the worldwide First Tech Challenge from the organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST).  Robotics challenges our students to solve problems across physics, computer science, mathematics, CAD engineering and more,” said Teacher Ellesa Effner of Parsippany Hills High School.

A check for $13,057.64 was presented to the Parsippany Board of Education by Parsippany Education Foundation President Stella Gizas, Recording Secretary Debbie Bogaert and ex officio member and Parsippany BOE member Joseph Cistaro, on November 15.  “Our Parsippany Education Foundation serves as Guardian Angels for our educators.  They work hard to fundraise and support our teachers and administrators in bringing innovative and meaningful learning opportunities that reflect our district’s Strategic Plan and enrich our students’ school lives,” said Dr. Barbara Sargent, Superintendent of the Parsippany Troy Hills School District.

The Parsippany Educational Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 1996 to enrich the opportunities and experiences of students in the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District. The Foundation has contributed over $350,000 in grants to the district raised through private donors, annual spring golf outing and events held through the year.  Its Board of Directors consists of volunteers committed to developing a community of learners.

Please visit their website by clicking here  for more information and like their Facebook page.

Knoll Golf Club Information Meeting

Frank L. Cahill
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Knoll Golf Club Information Meeting

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will be hosting an informative meeting on Wednesday, December 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Knoll West Grille Room.

They will be producing the long term vision, master place for both Knoll courses, going over 2019 membership and programming options, closing with an open question and answer seminar.

Click here to register, in an attempt to have a headcount to deliver to the caterer with ample time. We would love for you all to attend. Appetizers will be served.

Knoll Country Club West is located at 990 Greenbank Road Boonton, NJ 07005 (For GPS purposes).

What Happened After Once Upon a Time … The play by Alex Alfieri

Frank L. Cahill
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What Happened After Once Upon a Time … The play by Alex Alfieri

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Christian School Forensics class will be performing its first play of the school year this Friday night, December 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Parsippany Baptist Church at 1179 Littleton Road.

The play by Alex Alfieri is titled, What Happened After Once Upon a Time. According to Tara Marine, director and Forensics teacher, “It’s the story of some well known fairy tale characters including Cinderella, Snow White, and Jack and the Bean Stalk. We all think we know these characters pretty well, but in Alfieri’s humorous interpretation, their stories are not all that accurate. Cinderella is an OCD neat freak who really didn’t want to go to the ball. Snow White is a drill sergeant, and so it’s a humorous spin on some of your favorite fairy tale characters.”
 
The play is pure fun for all the actors who range in age from nine to eighteen. Some of the cast have been part of Parsippany Christian’s Forensics program for five years under Marine’s direction. 
 
Grace Reinke plays the lead role of the story teller. Marine says, “She has a very natural and sensitive understanding of the character whose emotions range from euphoria at meeting  her childhood fairy tale idols and then absolute chagrin when she learns what these characters are really like.”
 
The role of Rapunzel is played by Katheryn Jurado who won first place the last two years in state forensic competitions in both drama and poetry categories.
 
The role of Jack is played by Logan Marine who has also won first place two years in a row in the state forensics competition in Humorous Interpretation. The Big Bad Wolf is played by Matthew Rotondo, another state completion winner. Other members of Marine’s cast have been part of her award winning Readers’ Theatre and Acting groups. 
 
What Happened After Once Upon a Time opens on Friday, December 14 at 7:00 pm. Admission is free and the play is good, clean fun for any age group.

Bucco, DeCroce solution to Class III police officer shortage in schools advances in Assembly committee

Frank L. Cahill
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Bucco, DeCroce solution to Class III police officer shortage in schools advances in Assembly committee

MORRIS COUNTY — An Assembly panel advanced a measure requested by Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco and Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce to address a shortage of Class III police officers to protect our schools.  The bill (A1400) makes retired state and county corrections officers eligible for the classification.

State Assemblyman Anthony Bucco. (File Photo)

The program was initiated through legislation sponsored by Bucco and signed into law in 2016 by then-Governor Chris Christie. The law allows retired police officers to work in schools to help protect the community. Law enforcement experts have predicted a shortage of available officers because of the stringent hiring requirements and an increase in demand by municipalities and school districts.

“Schools have scrambled to find retired police officers for several years and we want to make sure that more trained officers are available before they have to hire private security guards with less experience and at a higher cost,” said Bucco (R-Morris). “More than ever before, schools across the state are looking for special police officers to help protect our school communities.  These officers are in demand because they often come from the community and are familiar with the local police department and the school system.”

The uniformed, armed officers work part time and get paid at a lower scale, making it the most affordable option for placing guards in schools.  The special officers are paid about $30 or $40 an hour and are not entitled to a pension or benefits for their service, but they still report to the local chief of police.

“Retired corrections officers are job tested and proven in high-pressure situations,” said DeCroce (R-Morris).  “Their experience calming tensions and resolving confrontation will make the halls, cafeterias and playgrounds safer, and they will be ready to immediately respond to emergencies.”

A version of the bill (A4451) passed the Assembly 75-0 in May 2017 but was not taken up in the state Senate.

Pennacchio Blasts Conagra for ‘Gutless’ Christmas Layoffs Announcement 

Frank L. Cahill
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Pennacchio Blasts Conagra for ‘Gutless’ Christmas Layoffs Announcement 

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio today blasted Conagra for announcing, two weeks before Christmas, that they will eliminate more than 500 jobs in New Jersey, including more than 300 positions in Parsippany, a town in the senator’s district.

Senator Joe Pennacchio

Senator Joe Pennacchio blasted Conagra for announcing, two weeks before Christmas, that they will eliminate more than 500 jobs in New Jersey, including more than 300 positions in Parsippany, a town in the senator’s district.

“I have one thing to say to Conagra – shame on you,” Senator Pennacchio said. “Announcing layoffs two weeks before Christmas is a gutless and soulless thing to do.”

Conagra announced that it will eliminate 308 jobs at Pinnacle Food’s former headquarters in Parsippany, and 196 jobs at the Woodcrest Road offices in Cherry Hill, according to a December 8, 2018 Parsippany Focus article (click here for full article).

“Conagra just purchased Pinnacle in October. They knew exactly what they were doing. They couldn’t care less about the hundreds of people who have spent years working in Parsippany,” Pennacchio added.

“I am a strong supporter of the business community, but I’ll always put my constituents first. There is no denying that Governor Murphy’s bad-for-business agenda is forcing companies out of state, but to be clear – that’s not what happened here. Conagra knew what they were getting into. It seems like they bought Pinnacle, just to make a quick buck. That is shameful.

“If any of the families who are coping with these layoffs are in need of toys for their children, or any other type of assistance in the wake of this upheaval, please reach out to my district office by calling (973) 227-4012. We will help you in any way we can.”

Zwigard to lead Morris County Republican Victory PAC

Frank L. Cahill
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Zwigard to lead Morris County Republican Victory PAC

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Republican Victory PAC (MRVP) has appointed Robert Zwigard as its new Chairman. According to Zwigard, former Executive Director of MRVP, “I am pleased to take over this organization that has a 14-year history supporting Republican success in Morris County”. I would also like to thank Tim Smith for his leadership of the PAC as Chair in 2018”. Smith resigned this November because he is moving to Florida.

MRVP has helped campaigns through financial, strategic and in-kind grass-roots support of municipal and other campaigns throughout Morris County. In 2018 MRVP opened a centrally located Morristown campaign office that hosted volunteers who made greater than 20,000 calls and distributed hundreds of signs and thousands of literature packets in support of the Republican ticket from the local to the county to the federal level. MRVP also gave support to local campaigns.

In 2019, MRVP plans to continue to work with fellow Republicans to broaden the party’s base and help increase Republican victories and turnout on the local level.

According to Zwigard, “We are ready to work hard to bring resources to key Morris municipalities to help them spread the Republican message of efficient and effective government leadership. We look forward to helping to increase economic success and quality of life of Morris County residents by promoting Republican principles.”

Morris County Young Republicans installs new officers

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Young Republicans installs new officers

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Young Republicans installed their 2019 officers at their annual Holiday Party. The officers are Sydney Ugalde, President; Brian Mulligan, Vice President; Julie Laptaka, Secretary; Joe Bock, Treasurer; Justin Musella – State Committeeman, Morris Township; and Tia Fritze, State Committeewoman, Roxbury.

This event, sponsored by Sheriff James Gannon was attended by Morris County Republicans, including numerous Elected Officials including Freeholders Tom Mastrangelo, Heather Darling and Kathryn A. DeFillippo.

Sydney Ugalde honored Morris Plains Mayor Frank Druetzler as honorary chair. Brielle Cook received a plaque for Volunteer of the Year.

The Morris County chapter of the Young Republicans is one of the most influential in the state, and is affiliated with the New Jersey Young Republican Federation and the Young Republican National Federation.

At Morris County Young Republicans Christmas Party & Installation at Lake Valhalla Country Club in Montville – Great new slate of officers sworn in by Sheriff James Gannon including Sydney Ugalde, President, Joe Bock, Brielle Cook and Justin Musella
Sydney Ugalde gives a tribute to retiring 32-year Morris Plains Mayor Frank Dreutzler
Justin Musella, Joe Bock, Sydney Ugalde and Brielle Cook, President Montville Republican Club
Sheriff James Gannon swearing in the officers for Morris County Young Republicans, while Ken Schwemmer holds the bible.

The Morris County Young Republicans are determined to grow our membership and build strong Republican networks in all of the 39 municipalities in Morris County. They encourage YOU and anyone you know to join their club by donating yearly dues of just $35.00. You may bring a check made payable to “Morris County Young Republicans” to their next meeting, or mail a check to our office at 26 Schuyler Place, Morristown, NJ 07960. You can also pay online by credit card by visiting the “Contribute” page on our website. Membership dues allow our club to grow and run events that benefit Republicans at all levels. For club voting rights, members must be registered Republicans between ages 18-40 and live in Morris County but they welcome any of their friends outside of those requirements to join as Associate Members and to attend all of the events.

For more information on Morris County Young Republicans, click here.

1 United MMA House celebrates First Anniversary

Frank L. Cahill
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1 United MMA House celebrates First Anniversary

PARSIPPANY — Recently, 1 United MMA House celebrated its “First Anniversary” with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Mayor Michael Soriano and Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member Ildiko Peluso, Nicolas Limanov, President Robert Peluso and Executive Board Member Frank Cahill attended the ceremony.

1 United Mixed Martial Arts House aims to create a positive atmosphere for their clients by upholding the highest levels of integrity and character. They are here to help our members reach their goals whether physical or mental.

Family members with Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Mayor Michael Soriano, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill with owners Yusuf Yoldas and Ibrahim Yoldas

Owner Yusuf Yoldas said “after over a decade of experience in both training in mixed martial arts, I pride myself on sharing the knowledge and skills I have attained with my students. I started training at the age of 13 and took a break along the way to dedicate my time to soccer. After becoming a top player in my high school and various club teams, I returned to martial arts and attained my black belt at the age of 18. In 2010 entered the world of strength and conditioning and became a professional MMA competitor. I have traveled the country and trained under dozens of professional athletes who offered me a great deal of information. This has allowed me to attend various conventions in which I advanced my skill level.  By learning a great deal about mixed martial arts and strength and conditioning I am able to better assist my students in reaching their fitness goals. Combining these two skills has allowed me to gain insights into two completely different forms of art that complement each other perfectly. Helping students of all ages has allowed me to gain a sense of self-fulfillment that I would not otherwise experience, allowing me to truly say that teaching has become my pride and joy.”

Owner Ibrahim Yoldas, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Mayor Michael Soriano, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill and Owner Yusuf Yoldas ready to cut the ribbon celebrating 1 United MMA House First Anniversary Celebration

His brother, Ibrahim Yoldas, said “Coming from a family having three siblings, I realized that setting the example for my younger brother Abdu was very important to me. I always followed in the footsteps of my older brother Yusuf and I wanted to instill the same values in my younger brother. Seeing my older brother train daily inspired me to start training by the age of 14. After a certain amount of time I grew to realize that it’s not all about fighting, it’s about discipline. Within four years of training, I prepared my mind and body to work at the same pace in order to obtain my black belt by the age of 18. Over the course of the next four years I apprenticed at a local personal training studio and health club where I learned how to cater to all age groups and with clients who had pre existing medical conditions and specific injuries. I value and appreciate all the people that contributed to my growth up to this point, which in turn lead my brothers and I to embark on this new journey.”

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano cuts the ribbon celebrating 1 United MMA House anniversary
Owner Ibrahim Yoldas, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Mayor Michael Soriano, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill and Owner Yusuf Yoldas celebrating 1 United MMA House First Anniversary Celebration

1 United MMA House  is located at 96 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha.

 

Applebees hosted Annual Breakfast with Santa

Frank L. Cahill
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Applebees hosted Annual Breakfast with Santa

PARSIPPANY — Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar® 1057 Route 46, Troy Hills Shopping Center, held its annual Breakfast with Santa fundraiser on Saturday, December 8.

The fundraiser supports the efforts of the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots program, which distributes new toys to underprivileged children to provide a tangible sign of hope to as many economically disadvantaged children as possible at Christmas.

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 was purchased in advance for $10.00 each.

Children under the age of two are admitted free of charge. Applebee’s raised additional funds by selling paper “gift tags” for $1.00 or $5.00 each, which were displayed at the restaurant. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the Breakfast with Santa events and “gift tag” purchases will be donated directly to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program to be distributed to local families.

Hennion & Walsh (located in Waterview Plaza, 2001 Route 46) donated over 100 toys for “Toys for tots” breakfast with Santa at Applebee’s. In addition, Sons of Italy #2561 Morris County donated toys for the event.

“It’s an honor to host our 20th annual Breakfast with Santa fundraiser in partnership with Toys for Tots,” said Tim Doherty, President and Chief Executive Officer of Doherty Enterprises. “We are thrilled to be able to support this amazing organization and all they do for the development of area children and our local communities, especially when we can make the holidays a little brighter. We look forward to spending the day with our employees and guests to celebrate the holidays and the season of giving.”

Heading into its 20th year, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises, which owns more than 100 Applebee’s restaurants across New Jersey, Long Island, Florida and Georgia, have raised over $4.3 million for the Toys for Tots initiative to date, helping to spread holiday cheer to over 230,000 deserving children.

“We are very pleased to continue our partnership with Doherty – Applebee’s, a national corporate sponsor of the 2018 Marine Toys for Tots Campaign,” said Lieutenant General Pete Osman, USMC (Ret), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Their community service goals certainly align with those the Marine Corps has promoted for over 70 years through our Toys for Tots Program.” Osman concluded, “With their generous support we will be able to fulfill the Christmas holiday dreams of thousands of less fortunate children who otherwise might be forgotten.”

Letter to the editor: When will Parsippany Accept What is Best for All?

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

At the Parsippany Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 4, Lisa Plevin (Highlands Council Executive Administrator) and two members of her staff presented information on the process and benefits of conformance with the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act.  Following their presentation a resolution was put forth to allow Parsippany to petition the Highlands to be in conformance with the regional master plan.  It was approved, but the vote was 3 to 2. Those in opposition indicated some lack of familiarity with the act and its associated regional planning benefits of conformance. The vote enabled a resolution to be placed on the agenda for the December 18 meeting which will formally petition the Highlands Council for participation in Highlands conformance.

As Parsippany is now moving to create a new master plan this is a perfect time to do what is best for all. The Highlands Council provides experts in the science of land use and natural resource protection and can help Parsippany manage its land and water resources in many ways as well as provide grants for these programs, minimizing the associated costs to the township. These new programs will also improve quality of life for residents by controlling flooding, improving the quality of lakes, ensuring the quantity of water needed and preserving open space, among other benefits.

The Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act was signed on August 10, 2004 and Parsippany has been involved in some fashion since 2009. This information is readily available and should be common knowledge to any elected official. Parsippany had been on the path to conformance when it was derailed by a false claim that participation would cause a year or more delay in remediating a sewage plant problem.  Unfortunately, this also made it impossible for Parsippany to use Highlands conformance protections in its fight against the Waterview project.  In hindsight, Parsippany has suffered and continues to suffer unnecessary problems and resident distress due to not being in conformance.

At the December 4th Council Meeting one member (who voted NO on the resolution) implied that if “conformance” cannot help us reduce our housing number, its other benefits, good land use practices and planning grants obtained from experts, are not worth having. While using good land and water management practices may have a side benefit of preventing unwanted housing construction this is not the main reason why Parsippany should conform.  The alternative would be to continue to allow private corporate developers to decide Parsippany’s fate as they have in the past, ignoring environmental and community concerns, in effect ignoring our own master plan in favor of developers immediate short term plans rather than long term comprehensive planning.

Defending our remaining environmentally sensitive areas and natural resources, especially our aquifer, is about all Parsippany can hope for and this should be a neutral and nonpartisan move forward in the creation of our new master plan. If community elected officials cannot agree on environmental issues of concern, then something is lost in our common humanity.

Parsippany has proven in the past to be an easy mark for corporate developer market schemes, that has left our town over-developed and now vulnerable under the illusion of home rule and developers lawsuits, which Parsippany tax payers have had to pay for. (Including the local open space fund scam of $3.5 million to RD for a buffer that could have been handled by proper zoning).

It can be argued that Regional Planning strengthens rather than weakens local government and the health of local communities. A new Parsippany master plan should be a full prioritization of human and environmental requirements in harmony with the Highlands Master Plan which should be a covenant between the Municipally and it’s residents, not silly putty in the hands of corporate developers. A vote against Highlands Conformance is a vote against Parsippany itself. Any who cannot see the benefits possible here are blind or being arbitrary and capricious.

We encourage all Parsippany residents who want to improve our ability to manage our resources using best scientific practices to come to the town council meeting on December 18th and ask the council to vote YES on conformance.

Nick Homyak
Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034
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