PARSIPPANY — John Stahr, a senior major at Grove City College, has been named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2018 semester. John is a 2014 graduate of Homeschool and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Stahr Sr. (Sandra).
Students eligible for the Dean’s List have a GPA of 3.40 to 3.59; for the Dean’s List with Distinction a GPA of 3.60 to 3.84 and for the Dean’s List with High Distinction a GPA of 3.85 to 4.0.
Grove City College is a highly ranked, national Christian liberal arts and sciences college that equips students to pursue their unique callings through an academically excellent and Christ-centered learning and living experience distinguished by a commitment to affordability and promotion of the Christian worldview, the foundations of a free society and the love of neighbor.
Established in 1876, the College is a pioneer in independent private education and accepts no federal funds. It offers students degrees in more than 60 majors on a picturesque 180-acre campus north of Pittsburgh, Pa. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Grove City College is routinely ranked as one of the country’s top colleges by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and others based on academic quality and superior outcomes.
PARSIPPANY — Temple Beth Am will welcome Rabbi Andrew Sklarz as the spiritual leader beginning July 1, 2018.
Rabbi Sklarz comes from Greenwich Reform Synagogue, Greenwich CT where he served as rabbi from 2008 through 2017.
He also served as Pastoral Chaplain at Norwalk Hospital. He holds degrees as an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Hebrew Union College, a Master of Social Work from Fordham University, Master of School Psychology from Fairfield University and a Bachelor of Arts in Judaic Studies from Clark University.
Rabbi Sklarz also has a beautiful baritone singing voice and will be the solo clergy. He joins with his wife Susan and his two children, Daniella who recently graduated from college and Alexander who is off to college this coming year.
Please join in welcoming Rabbi Sklarz to the Temple Beth Am community.
Temple Beth Am is located at 879 South Beverwyck Road.
PARSIPPANY — Fireworks exploded at the June 1 and June 13 budget hearings with Township CFO Ann Cucci and Business Administrator Ellen Sandman blasting their former boss, James Barberio with words like ‘irresponsible’ and ‘horrible’ when referring to the 2017 budget and it’s 0% tax increase. During his eight years in office, Barberio was able to show no increase in taxes twice; 2013 and 2017, years he was up for re-election. Taxes increased substantially in the years following his flatted-lined budgets.
On June 1, when asked by Council Vice President McCarthy why there is a 3.5% proposed increase for 2018, when zero was attained in 2017, CFO Cucci stated “I’ll say this about last year [2017] now. It was the most irresponsible, horrible budget I’ve ever done. I rest my case…There was no such thing as zero. I fought. Ellen [Sandman] fought. We did not want it. I know the council didn’t want it. I know Mr Carifi. He didn’t want it as well. Some people voted for it because they felt it was the right thing to do. Did I? No. And did Ellen? No.”
Sandman followed Cucci by adding “I said there is no such thing as a zero and I thank you council president [Carifi] for voting no. I’m sorry, I’m so emotional about this because now the exponential effect of this is, is to the moon. We have cut things, revenue sources. One source is where you try to keep them there for that rainy day. They’re gone…” (Editors Note: To view video and recording from June 1 meeting, click here. These quotes can be found at approximately 49 minutes into the tape).
The proposed 3.5% increase only affects the municipal portion of your tax bill, which is approximately 20% of the total real estate tax.
With the 2017 budget remaining flat, and 2017 expenses, including hefty medical and legal bills deferred to this current year, municipal taxes are expected to increase 3.5% or $64.38 for the average homeowner. In 2016, under Mayor Barberio, taxes were raised 4.2% or $74.21 for the average homeowner. (Click here to view the 2016 budget).
Former Council President Louis Valori
Former Councilman Louis Valori, who voted in favor of the budget in 2016 and 2017 attended the June 13 budget hearing and questioned the current proposed hike by stating “We’re at a 3.5% which I think is unheard of, probably historical in this town” forgetting that as Council President in 2016 he lauded the 4.2% increase as a responsible budget. (Click here to read related article –
Council VP Indicates Budget is Smoke and Mirrors Presented by Mayor Barberio).
(Editors Note: Mr. Valori denies the 2016 budget increase was 4.2%. He has attacked this author on various social media outlets. Here is a clipping from the budget that shows the increase of 4.2% and the effect it has on the average residential tax payment).
Copied from Page 2 of the official budget posted on parsippany.net
While former township attorney John Inglesino once coined the term “Louie the Liar” when referring to Mr. Valori, several officers in Town Hall today when this author was in attendance of police promotions in the Council Chambers referred to Mr. Valori as “4 point two Lou.”
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., said “When the finance committee consisting of myself and Councilwoman McCarthy first met with Business Administrator Ellen Sandman andCFO Mrs. Cucci, we were advised of the horrible situation former Mayor Barberio and Former Councilman President Valori left us in with their so-called zero budget that they came up with last year. Barberio also used over 3 million dollars from the sewer and water utility surplus which was over $1 million more than the previous year. By him not planning ahead for mandatory pension and insurance payments for our employees, as per Mrs. Sandman and Mrs. Cucci, for this year which totals $900,000, taxes need to be raised by just over 2% just to cover those costs let alone other cost of living increases. I knew this was going to happen and that is why I voted no for last year’s budget. With that being said myself along with councilwoman McCarthy and Mayor Soriano came up with hundreds of thousands of dollars in reductions from the original budget which reduced the current budget to where it is now which our Township Auditor, Mr. Raymond Sarinelli, Mrs. Sandman and Mrs. Cucci have all stated it is trimmed to the bare bone. At our last budget meeting I questioned our auditor Mr. Sarinelli as well as Mrs. Cucci and Mrs. Sandman and asked them point-blank are we in this situation where we need to increase the budget 3.5% because of what former Mayor Barberio’s budget did to our finances and all three agreed that yes it has. I also asked Sandman and Cucci if it is true that we would have to cut services to our residents and eliminate a substantial number of employees to get the budget under 2% and they said yes. I am strongly opposed to reducing essential services to our residents which also could include our police protection in our schools because former Mayor Barberio mismanaged the town’s budget. You can not put a price on the protection of our children and our residents in addition to the services we offer our residents. I am certainly not happy about the current increase, but unfortunately because of this situation we were left in we don’t have much of a choice.”
When asked after the officer promotion ceremony, Mayor Soriano stated, “Some, including those who voted for a 4.2% tax increase just two years ago, will oppose this budget purely for political gain. The fact is that this bipartisan budget is the first major step in repairing the damage done to our finances by consecutive election years of raising spending without raising revenue.”
RANDOLPH — Hercules is about 7-8 months old. He is confident, but obedient dog. Perky and affectionate-best describes his personality. Hercules thrives with human attention, loves playing with other dogs, large and small. He does well with humans of all ages, loves to cuddle, and does not mind small children laying right on top of him.
Hercules was found in a business parking lot in Houston, Texas along with his sibling and was picked up by kind strangers who took him to a shelter. He was enrolled in foster rescue program that the shelter had from the age of about two months.
He has been in foster home since, living with two large dogs, two cats, toddler age and school age children. He gets along with everyone. He does great on walks and would make a perfect running partner. He stays close to his human even off the leash. If he ventures out to explore and his name is called he runs back with huge smile on his face.
Stern calling of his name is enough to interrupt any unwanted behavior. Overall I think he is a gentle, good, family dog that would like to live with another playful dog.
Hercules is energetic, but settles quickly after exercise and loves his naps. He is smart, curious boy – take him on your adventures with you!
Hercules is now living in New Jersey in a wonderful foster home and he is waiting for his furever home!
If interested in adopting Hercules, please email FHDR@att.net for an adoption application. To see more photos of Hercules or to see our other adoptable pups, please go to www.fhd.petfinder.com
PARSIPPANY — The fifth grade students at Mt. Tabor Elementary School had their “Give Back Day” on June 11th, 2018. With the assistance of teachers and helpers, Mrs. Sensale, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. McCotter, Mrs. Staples, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Patankar and Mr. Idrobo, they worked together to help clean up and make their school beautiful. Not only were they sprucing up their surroundings, but they were helping Mount Tabor School to receive a grant from The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority.
Abby Spindler, Kiara Toribio, Dylan Hovden, Vansh Patel, Sam Lou
They did many jobs in and around the school such as litter removal, repainting the United States map and 4 Square on the blacktop, gardening, assisting teachers, and general clean up. They put a lot of sweat and dedication into making sure Mt. Tabor looked perfect on the inside and out! Before embarking on this clean up adventure, a number of students participated in a poster contest about littering, recycling and keeping Morris County clean sponsored by the MCMUA. Others gave presentations about poison ivy to the 70 students in fifth grade.
This was the second annual Give Back Day, a tradition that started last year. Most of the students have been at Mt.Tabor for six years and this was their opportunity to say thank you and to leave the school in perfect form. In the words of one fifth grader, “This is our home and our community, and we strive to make it the best!”
The grant from the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority will enable Mount Tabor School to purchase litter receptacles to help “Keep Morris County Litter Free,” as well as to instill a sense of community and responsibility in the students.
PARSIPPANY — MCYD Forward, a slate of candidates running for the executive committee of the Morris County Young Democrats, announced their candidacies.
Matt Clarkin, 26, is the MCYD Forward candidate for President. Clarkin has been the Chairman of the Parsippany Democratic Committee since 2016 and Chief of Staff to Parsippany Mayor Michael Soriano since his November victory. He previously served as the full time Political Director of the Morris County Democratic Committee (MCDC) from 2015 – 2018. During his time at MCDC, the party picked up 21 seats from the GOP without losing a single Democratic-held seat. This pushed Morris Democrats from 34 to 55 elected officials.
Ore Obiwumi, 22, is the MCYD Forward candidate for Vice President. Obiwumi is the current full time Political Director of the MCDC. Beginning with MCDC as an intern, she previously served as Field Director for Michael Soriano in 2017 and Field Director for the MCDC in 2016. Obiwumi graduated summa cum laude from Farleigh Dickinson University in 2018 with a degree in political science & communications. She resides in Mount Olive.
Erin Byrnes, 23, is the MCYD Forward candidate for Secretary. Byrnes is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a degree in political science, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in accounting. Byrnes works in the financial industry. She served as a Field Organizer for the MCDC in 2016, leading the successful GOTV effort for the Boonton Democrats the same year. She resides in Morris Plains.
Hait Leuva, 24, is the MCYD Forward candidate for Treasurer. Leuva graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in economics, and currently works for a boutique consulting firm. He is currently pursuing his CFA charter designation. He was formerly President of the Young Democrats club at Parsippany Hills High School. He resides in Parsippany.
MCYD Forward is running on a platform to increase youth involvement in Democratic campaigns throughout Morris County, and increase the dwindling membership of the Morris County Young Democrats. Young people, from high school to the working world, need bridges of opportunity to get involved in the political process. The MCYD Forward slate is a collection of young leaders and operatives in the party who rose through the ranks and want to see others do the same.
NEW JERSEY — Pro Bono Partnership announced it was awarded a $2,500 grant from Investors Foundation. These funds will support the Partnership’s mission to strengthen and empower nonprofits and communities by providing free legal services to nonprofit organizations in New Jersey, Long Island, and the New York metropolitan region.
Investors Foundation’s generous grant will directly support the Partnership’s educational initiatives like webinars, workshops, and web-based publications that are designed to help nonprofit leadership, staff, and board members proactively identify pertinent legal issues and adopt best practices. By providing accessible and affordable legal resources, the Partnership helps nonprofits comply with applicable laws, and avoid risk.
“We’re so pleased to have Investors Foundation’s support for the important training the Partnership provides to nonprofits,” said Pro Bono Partnership Executive Director, Nancy Eberhardt. “Every nonprofit benefits from expert legal advice, and with the financial backing of partners like Investors Foundation, we can continue to provide those services free of charge to charities so they can focus their resources on building capacity and enhancing programming for their constituents,” Eberhardt continued.
Educational topics range from forming a nonprofit and determining a board’s leadership role, to navigating employment issues and complying with fundraising or advocacy laws. The Partnership is committed to making these resources as accessible as possible, so many are available on the Partnership’s website by clicking here through remote learning or on-demand webinars, or in-person training workshops.
Each year demand for the Partnership’s services increases, and last year was the busiest in the Partnership’s 20-year history. In 2017, Pro Bono Partnership assisted 800 nonprofits in the tristate area, providing 22,000 hours of free legal services valued at more than $9.5 million to the nonprofit sector. As one nonprofit executive recently said of Pro Bono Partnership, “The financial support that we receive is almost completely dedicated to our programs and services, so getting pro bono legal services is such a godsend!”
For 20 years, Pro Bono Partnership (probonopartner.org) has provided free transactional legal services to nonprofits in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. The Partnership annually recruits and mobilizes hundreds of attorneys from major corporations and law firms to donate their time and talent on behalf of its nonprofit clients. Access to expert, free legal counsel enables those nonprofit clients to more efficiently feed the hungry, house the homeless, promote the arts, protect the environment, and provide essential programs to our communities.
Investors Bank, headquartered in Short Hills, is a full-service community bank that has been serving customers since 1926. With over $25 billion in assets and a network of more than 150 retail branches, Investors delivers personalized services and products tailored to the needs of its customers. Investors’ banking services include complete deposit, loan and cash management products for consumers and businesses. Investors Bank. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.
Investors Bank created the Investors Foundation in 2005 to support the communities Investors Bank serves. Investors Foundation supports initiatives in the arts, youth development, health and human services, education and affordable housing. Investors Foundation works to improve the lives of its customers and neighbors. For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY — Eddie is an eight-week old Pit mix! He is extremely sweet and affectionate! He will cover your face with kisses and when that gets too tiring, he will keep you trapped in a too-good-to-be-true cuddle session!
He is a spunky and playful boy who is always eager to run around and explore! Eddie enjoys playing with his two doggy foster siblings. They will wrestle and chase each other around the yard! After playtime, Eddie is more than happy to snuggle up next to you on the couch and take a nice, long nap.He is still a young puppy and trying his best to learn how house training works. With patience and positive reinforcement, he will learn in no time! He sleeps in his crate at night and is working on his leash training.
Eddie does fantastic with other dogs and would even love to have a buddy to go home to! Because Eddie is teething and still learning basic puppy manners, it would be best he went home with kids above the age of thirteen.
Eddie will make a wonderful companion to a family who will provide him with lots of love in return!
If you are interested in adopting Eddie, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Like Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
The flag flies high at Central Middle School, thanks to Josh Knowle
PARSIPPANY — Today being June 14, Flag Day, Central Middle School recognized the accomplishments and hard work of Josh Knowle as he completes the requirements towards earning his Eagle Scout Award.
When Josh was in seventh grade he must have heard, the Principal Mr. Grey, complaining to someone about the fact that there was a need for a pathway to the flagpole.
The path created by Josh to the bottom of the flag pole
Soon thereafter, Josh approached Mr. Grey and told that for his Eagle Scout Project he wanted to install a walkway to and around the flagpole.
After a few rough drafts, lots of conversations and clearing Boys Scouts of America approval and Board of Education approval, the Board of Education, Boy Scouts, Parents and Mayor Michael Soriano dedicated the project to the Students and Staff of Central Middle School.
Two months ago, the flagpole was very rusty and discolored. It had an old flag topper that was ready to fall off. Students and staff that tended to the flag each day had to do so in all weather conditions. In the winter, they would climb over mounds of plowed snow to get to the flagpole. After rain, students and custodians walked out into a muddy quagmire to tend to the flag only to come back into the building with wet shoes and soggy socks.
Josh Knowle with Principal Mr. Gray
Josh’s project included the complete renovation of the flagpole. Completely sanding and repainting the pole. The installation of a new flagpole topper which is a proud American Eagle. The installation of new pulley, rope and fasteners to last for years to come. The installation of a solar powered light to illuminate the flag in the evening. The digging of a pathway to and around the flagpole, the installation of weed block and gravel that make access to the flagpole area much easier.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano, Josh Knowle and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Sargent
The new flag that we raised today was donated by Former Parsippany Mayor Mr. Jamie Barberio.
It is the flag that we raise for days to come here at Central. This project would not have been possible had it not been for the efforts of Josh. He was organized and diligent in his preparation. He raised the money to fund this project from private donors as well as donations from local businesses. To commemorate this day and the completion of this project we will install a plaque so that students, staff and all visitors to Central Middle School will be able to recognize his accomplishments.
Josh with his parents Sandra and Ronald
The plaque will be displayed at the base of the flagpole and will read …. “On behalf of Central Middle School, we want to thank the Parsippany BOE for their support, the Central Custodial staff and the District maintenance department. Most of all we want to thank Josh, Mr. and Mrs. Knowle and Troop 72 for this great project.”
Central Middle School student, Nellie Castro, volunteered to raise the flag everyday this year.
Student Nellie Castro volunteered to raise the flag at Central Middle School everyday
Hercules was found in a business parking lot in Houston, Texas along with his sibling and was picked up by kind strangers who took him to a shelter. He was enrolled in foster rescue program that the shelter had from the age of about two months.
He is still a young puppy and trying his best to learn how house training works. With patience and positive reinforcement, he will learn in no time! He sleeps in his crate at night and is working on his leash training.
