Ann Grossi Clinches Third Term as Morris County Clerk with Decisive Victory

Frank L. Cahill
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Ann Grossi Clinches Third Term as Morris County Clerk with Decisive Victory

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County County Clerk Ann Grossi, Esq. (Republican) secured re-election with 56% of the votes, amounting to 58,482 of the 103,633 total votes cast. Her opponent, Caroline O’Brien, (Democrat) received 44,994 votes, equivalent to 44% of the vote.

As a Constitutional Officer in New Jersey, the Morris County Clerk serves a term of five years. Ann Grossi has been in office since January 2014 and is at the end of her tenth year. This re-election would mark the start of her third term.

Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, a Parsippany native has already devoted ten years to the role. Her tenure as a Morris County freeholder and a councilwoman for Parsippany-Troy Hills has fortified her experience. Grossi’s campaign hinged on her dedication and her extensive legal and administrative background, which she believes are crucial to capably managing the County Clerk’s Office functions. She vows to tackle upcoming challenges with the same efficacy that has marked her past decade in office.

Grossi said she was also proud of the quality of services that her office provides.

“I receive compliments from the public all of the time, which reinforces my vision for the Clerk’s Office since it is a direct service provider to the public.

During her tenure, Ann Grossi has overseen the introduction of several programs and services aimed at enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of the Morris County Clerk’s Office.

Key initiatives include:

  1. The launch of a free mobile app designed to streamline services for residents.
  2. A property fraud alert system that offers free protection for property owners against fraudulent activities.
  3. The establishment of free email subscription alerts to keep the community informed.
  4. The maintenance of active social media platforms to engage with residents and provide timely updates.
  5. Operation Give Back, a discount book for veterans with more than 300 local merchants participating. or Veteran.

Furthermore, Grossi’s office has modernized the process for handling passport applications by:

Passport department does allow walk-ins, or to help with better planning, appointments are available

  1. Creating a comprehensive passport acceptance division, which also offers passport and visa photo services.
  2. Providing specialized county identification cards, catering to military veterans, Gold Star Families, and seniors.
  3. Offering Notary Public services to residents.

In addition to these services, her office has developed an election night reporting website, providing real-time updates and enhancing transparency around election results. These advancements reflect Grossi’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovative solutions to serve the residents of Morris County more effectively.

Editors Note: Results are unofficial. Early Voting and Initial Mail-In Ballots Counted and await Final Mail-In and Provisional Ballot Results.

NourishNJ Unveils New Facility to Combat Food Insecurity and Provide Essential Services

Frank L. Cahill
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NourishNJ Unveils New Facility to Combat Food Insecurity and Provide Essential Services

MORRIS COUNTY — nourish.NJ recently celebrated the inauguration of its latest facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 347 South Salem Street in Victory Gardens.

The new facility is an 8,000-square-foot facility aimed at addressing food insecurity by providing fresh food, stable housing, and critical mental health support. A community hub offering a variety of services to assist with case management, financial stability, mental and physical health, and more, in one of the most densely populated and impoverished municipalities in New Jersey.

The Kitchen Cocina: The newly established kitchen allows for the preparation of thousands of wholesome meals weekly, emphasizing the use of fresh ingredients.

For nearly 40 years, nourish.NJ has constantly adapted to create dynamic, lasting solutions to the problems of hunger, homelessness, and poverty in Morris County. Formerly known as the Community Soup Kitchen, the Morristown-native organization operates 365 days a year, offering supportive services and carrying out its mission with the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the heart of its work. Their unique approach to fostering and maintaining an environment that is accepting, affirming, and empowering to all who engage with their organization sets them apart and enables their ability to offer maximum assistance.

Terry Connolly delivers a speech to the gathered crowd at nourish.nj

The last three years in particular have served as a time of dramatic growth and transformation for nourish.NJ. Consequently, their geographic and programmatic reach, as well as their community impact, have increased significantly, culminating with the grand opening of their new Community Hub on South Salem Street in Victory Gardens.

Terry Connolly, Senator Anthony Bucco, and James Collins, the Chief Development Officer, discuss the introduction of nourish.nj as a significant public service to the community.

This additional location features a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, which will help the organization serve thousands more healthy, freshly prepared meals. Additionally, new office spaces for their Outreach Team will enable the offering of free, easily accessible case-management services for housing, mental and physical health, and financial stability support.

Mark Dinglasan, Executive Director Office of the Food Security Advocate. The Office of the Food Security Advocate coordinates the administration of the State’s food insecurity programs, advocates for the food insecure, and develops policy initiatives to combat hunger and facilitate greater access to food relief programs.
Nancy Rudgers leads Assemblywoman Aura Dunn on a tour of the new facility.
Gerardo Segovia showcases the contents of the Community Fridge, which offers a dependable source of nutritious food accessible to everyone daily, with no inquiries made.
Community Closet: A resource providing essential household items to anyone in need, no questions asked.

Lake Parsippany Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary Announcing Their Annual Pancake Breakfast

Frank L. Cahill
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Lake Parsippany Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary Announcing Their Annual Pancake Breakfast

PARSIPPANY — The Lake Parsippany Ladies Auxiliary is hosting its Annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, November 26, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Enjoy delicious homemade pancakes, sausage, bagels, and more, along with coffee, tea, and orange juice.

Cost:

  • Adults: $10.00
  • Seniors (60 and older): $7.00
  • Children aged 2 to 8: $5.00
  • Children under two years old eat for free.

Don’t miss the chance to participate in a 50/50 raffle and a basket raffle at the Lake Parsippany Fire Department, located at 255 Halsey Road.

Board of Education Candidate: Nicole DellaFave

Frank L. Cahill
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Board of Education Candidate: Nicole DellaFave

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Focus reached out to all Board of Education candidates for the upcoming election. Here’s what Nicole DellaFave had to say.

Q. What is the role of the school board of education? What is the role of the Superintendent of Schools? (Please answer both parts): 

A. The role of the board of education is to enforce current policies, be the voice of the constituents, and hold the school district accountable to represent the best interests of all students. They also hire the superintendent, which creates a domino effect for the rest of the district.

  • The superintendent is essentially the CEO of the school district. He or she sets the tone for how the district works. They hire and manage the administration, which effectively manages the rest of the staff. The superintendent is responsible for the direction in which the district trends.

    Q. If you have not previously served on, or run for election to the Board of Education in the past, what motivated you to run at this time?

    A. I was a teacher in Parsippany for 17 years. Being that I worked in the district I lived in, I could not run to be a board member. I have been out of the classroom for three years and would like to bring my voice – representing parents, teachers, and taxpayers, to the board. I see a need for fresh faces, new ideas, and positive energy!

    Q. Between April 30, 2022, and April 30, 2023, how many Board of Education meetings have you attended?

    A. I would say four meetings. I have two children whose activities often took me away – however, I always read the bulletins and minutes and corresponded with the board as I saw fit. I was also able to listen to meetings when they were conducted virtually – which was unfortunately taken away last year.

    Q. Attending Bi-monthly meetings is only a fraction of the commitment needed by an elected board member. If you have attended less than three meetings during this time, how will you assure voters that you have the time and dedication to serve on the Board of Education?

    A.  Being a board member is indeed a huge commitment. Being a teacher for so many years, it is easy for me to commit to serving a purpose larger than myself. My family knows my passion for public education and the need to make a difference in our community. Being around people and the decision-makers that shape our student’s lives is of utmost importance. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of this.

    Q. If elected to the Board of Education, what would be your three top priorities in detail?

    A. My priorities would be as follows:
  • Bring relevant and challenging educational programming to our schools. We should be actively researching initiatives throughout the state and country to see what inventive programs there are. We should look at all levels of our schooling and curriculum, survey the staff, see which areas are in need of a boost, and use that data to bring fresh programming.
  • Infrastructure. Our school buildings are old and in desperate need of updates and upkeep. I believe the board members need to go around to each and every building and take stock of major update priorities. This needs to be done in conjunction with expanding our schools and making sure we have the capacity needed for any and all new developments.
  • My third priority is to engage with the public – including our teachers, and to make the board a space free of any partisan feelings; a space that needs to be rational and logical. I would like to open the lines of communication and get down to the business of helping all of our students.

    Q. Describe your plan to balance the needs/wants of your constituents, state and federal mandates, and your personal beliefs to ensure that school district policies are appropriate to these sometimes competing priorities.

    A. My plan is simple. Think of the children first. As an educator, I am trained to think of that line first and foremost. No matter the policy – how will this affect the students? Will this be the best for the students? Does this meet the needs of all students? With those questions in mind, personal beliefs, federal and state mandates, needs, and wants of the constituents may fall away, because we can actually come together to serve the common goal.

    Q. Describe your comfort level with fiscal responsibility and your ability to make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions to maintain financial stability.

    A. This is always a tough question. We would all like to wave a magic wand and make everything affordable and all decisions would be easy. I don’t believe there is an easy answer to this question. I understand holding to the 2% threshold is important, but it is also limiting. Again, we look to the logic. What options do we have that make the most sense, and would also be responsible for the future, and the taxpayers? This may mean making a cut, but adding a program that eliminates the need for something else. I’m ok with that, as long as the purpose always comes back to the students.

    Q. As a publicly elected Board of Education member, you are a constant representation of the Parsippany Board of Education, including on social media platforms. Describe how you would balance your personal opinions with your sworn obligations to the board while using these platforms.

    A. A social media presence can be a blessing and a curse! Considering one of my main ideals is to take away personal/partisan beliefs, I feel that posts on those platforms should refrain from political beliefs or affiliations. That is not to say that personal opinions shouldn’t be expressed – however, the public is entrusting board members to make decisions based on the well-being of the students in the district, not following a specific ideology. This must be separate.

    Q. Having a family member employed by the school district or elected as a Board of Education Member creates a potential conflict of interest. If this situation pertains to you, how can you assure voters that, if elected, your decisions will be objective and in the best interest of the school district and not seen as nepotism?

    A. While I don’t believe this directly applies to me, my only family member employed by the district is my aunt, who is a paraprofessional at Lake Hiawatha Elementary. As always, the kids should be at the forefront of our discussions and decisions.

Morris County Clerk’s ‘Get Out To Vote’ Event Overflows with Unprecedented Support

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Clerk’s ‘Get Out To Vote’ Event Overflows with Unprecedented Support

MORRIS COUNTY — When an event garners an unexpectedly large turnout in support of a candidate, the situation at The Westin – Governor Morris Hotel’s ballroom is a prime example. It was bustling with attendees, prompting the hotel personnel to continually set up additional tables and chairs to seat the growing number of supporters.

The turnout for Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi’s 10th Annual “Get Out To Vote” campaign was a testament to its far-reaching support.

The turnout for Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi’s 10th Annual “Get Out To Vote” campaign was a testament to its far-reaching support. Distinguished guests included Senators, Assembly members, Commissioners, Mayors, Council members, Republican Committee Chairs and members, Republican Committee Club chairs and members, and candidates for various offices. The event drew not just a host of supporters but also representatives from all 39 municipalities of Morris County and even beyond, demonstrating a strong show of support for the County Clerk’s initiative.

County Clerk Ann Grossi, Esq., joined by Commissioner Tayfun Selen, demonstrates unity for the approaching election in Morris County.

Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, a Parsippany native, is campaigning for re-election, having already devoted ten years to the role. Her tenure as a Morris County freeholder and a councilwoman for Parsippany-Troy Hills has fortified her experience. Facing competition from Caroline O’Brien of Towaco in the November 7 general election, Grossi has expressed her unwavering commitment to the Clerk’s office and the citizens it serves. Grossi’s re-election campaign hinges on her dedication and her extensive legal and administrative background, which she believes are crucial to capably managing the County Clerk’s Office functions. She vows to tackle upcoming challenges with the same efficacy that has marked her past decade in office.


Mayor Mark Taylor of Florham Park Expresses Support for Ann Grossi’s Bid for Morris County Clerk

Grossi said she was also proud of the quality of services that her office provides.

“I receive compliments from the public all of the time, which reinforces my vision for the Clerk’s Office since it is a direct service provider to the public.

During her tenure, Ann Grossi has overseen the introduction of several programs and services aimed at enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of the Morris County Clerk’s Office.

Key initiatives include:

  1. The launch of a free mobile app designed to streamline services for residents.
  2. A property fraud alert system that offers free protection for property owners against fraudulent activities.
  3. The establishment of free email subscription alerts to keep the community informed.
  4. The maintenance of active social media platforms to engage with residents and provide timely updates.
  5. Operation Give Back, a discount book for veterans with more than 300 local merchants participating. or Veteran.

Furthermore, Grossi’s office has modernized the process for handling passport applications by:

Passport department does allow walk-ins, or to help with better planning, appointments are available

  1. Creating a comprehensive passport acceptance division, which also offers passport and visa photo services.
  2. Providing specialized county identification cards, catering to military veterans, Gold Star Families, and seniors.
  3. Offering Notary Public services to residents.

In addition to these services, her office has developed an election night reporting website, providing real-time updates and enhancing transparency around election results. These advancements reflect Grossi’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovative solutions to serve the residents of Morris County more effectively.

Morris County Young Republican Chairman Christopher Paz, Parsippany resident Mario Fiorini and Matt Malat, Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Christian Barranco
Nick Grossi with Robert Quinn
Assemblyman Christian Barranco and Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella
Mrs. Amy Bucco and Senator Anthony M. Bucco
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Frank Neglia, Parsippany Council Candidate Adam Kandil, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Parsippany Council Candidate Matt McGrath and Thomas Mooney
Parsippany Township Council Candidate Adam Kandil and Rockaway Borough Mayor Thomas Mulligan
Amanda and Matthew McGrath
Pat Munitillo with Morris County Sheriff James Gannon
Parsippany Council Candidate Adam Kandil, Senator Joseph Pennchio, and Parsippany Council Candidate Matt McGrath
Ann Marie Ferrara and Enzo Ferrara Join Throngs at Morris County Clerk’s ‘Get Out To Vote’ Rally, Echoing Community’s Strong Support

Cheers to Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany’s 27th Wine Tasting Gala a Toast-Worthy Triumph

Frank L. Cahill
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Cheers to Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany’s 27th Wine Tasting Gala a Toast-Worthy Triumph

PARSIPPANY — The 27th edition of the Kiwanis Club’s Wine Tasting Soirée was a magnificent gathering that attracted wine aficionados and community enthusiasts alike, offering a rich tapestry of fine vintages paired with Hanover Manor’s culinary delights.

The annual event held on Thursday, October 26 at the Hanover Manor, displayed over 40 wines and craft beers supplied by Joe Canal’s Discount Liquors, Parsippany.

The Hanover Manor buzzed with nearly 300 guests, all there to lend their support at the 27th Annual Wine Tasting extravaganza

The Hanover Manor buzzed with nearly 300 guests, all there to lend their support at the 27th Annual Wine Tasting extravaganza hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. The event was a vibrant affair, enhanced by the presence of the Sons of Italy and the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, adding layers of community engagement and shared passion for philanthropy.

Kiwanis member Frank Cahill and Unity Bank Vice President Area Manager Dhaval Bhatt (DJ).

Major sponsors of the event included Unity Bank, Morris Now APP, and Happy Daze Boutique.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany proudly announces Cassara Grasso and Shaun Astorga of Happy Daze Boutique as silver sponsors for their 27th Annual Wine Tasting event, set for Thursday, October 26 at Hanover Manor.

The live auctions included 2-Round Trip Airtickets provided by Jet Blue, A Porsche for a weekend provided by Paul Miller Porsche, a 55-inch TV provided by Mayor James Barberio and Parsippany Township Council Members, and a Zamboni ride along with Two Tickets to Devils vs. Flyers Wednesday, December 19 provided by Gordon Meth.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Wine Tasting Event Chairman Michael Mulhaul displays the Zamboni Ride during the live auction

The 50 silent auction items up for grabs at the event piqued the interest of the attendees, creating an atmosphere of friendly competition and excitement. The diverse array of items ensured that there was something to catch everyone’s eye, contributing to a lively bidding war that was both entertaining and beneficial for the Kiwanis Club’s fundraising efforts.

An impressive list of donors for the Silent Auction included Mayor James Barberio, Parsippany Township Council, Eccola Italian Restaurant, Earth Friendly Products, Gourmet Cafe, Rockaway Red Barn, Touchstone Crystal, Parsippany Deli, Parsippany Sheraton Hotel, Longevity Veterinary Center, Envy Sports Club, Cerbo Lumber, IHOP Parsippany, Paul’s Diner, The Spa Restaurant, The Wellness Gala, Kabob Paradise, Nest Chiropractic, Shear Creations, Doreen Brennan (Mary Kay Products), Longhorn Restaurant, Plaza Nails, Baldwin Pizza, Fitness Kickboxing, Sweet Expressions, Lake Hiawatha Dairy, Paul Miller Porsche, Social Hub, Nicolas Limanov, Frank Cahill, Morris Now, Gordon Meth, Anthony Thomas, Cathy Cerbo, Parsippany Focus, James Carifi, Unity Bank, Happy Daze Boutique, Flow State Massage and Bodywork, Catherine McCall – Psychic Medium, Hogwash Car Wash, Weis Markets and Joe Canal’s Discount Outlet.

Earth Friendly Products’ participation in the Kiwanis 27th Annual Wine Tasting event with items made in Parsippany underscores a strong community tie. Their locally manufactured, eco-friendly products likely foster a sense of pride among residents, while also contributing to the local economy and the event’s success. Supporting such events aligns with their ethos of community involvement and environmental stewardship, offering residents the chance to win products that are both beneficial to their homes and the environment, and that also support local manufacturing.
A 55-inch television was a sought-after item that would certainly help generate significant interest and competitive bidding at the event. Donations like this from Mayor James Barberio and the Township Council demonstrate their commitment to community events and causes, highlighting the support and dedication of local officials to raising funds for the Kiwanis Club’s charitable endeavors.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover President Sergio Rodriquez, Frank Cahill, Laura Mulhaul, and Michael Mulhaul during the 27th Annual Wine Tasting
Kiwanis Lt. Governor Division 9 Nicolas Limanov giving his support to the event
Jersey Girl Brewing augmented the wine-tasting event with a selection of their finest craft beers, offering guests the chance to indulge in a variety of bold flavors and artisanal brews.
The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests including Kiwanis Club of Greater Drover President Sergio Rodriquez; Thomas S. Russo, Jr., the Town Manager of Newton; Anthony Scandariato and Megan Scandariato; Courtney Musella; Councilman Justin Musella; and Louis Valori. Their attendance signifies the support and commitment from various community leaders for the Kiwanis Club’s mission and activities.

If you missed the 27th Annual event, you will have a chance to attend next year. The event will be held at Hanover Manor, on Thursday, October 19. For more information click here.

Letter to the Editor: Why no Debate?

Letters to the Editor
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Letter to the Editor: Why no Debate?

Dear Editor:

parsippany focus

With election day in Parsippany rapidly approaching, the stakes for Parsippany residents have never been higher. And yet Mr. Carifi, Mr. Kandil, and Mr. McGrath, as candidates for Town Council, refuse to go before the voters to share, debate, and defend their plans for Parsippany?

Why?

Is it because they do not have any plans other than to serve as rubber stamps for the wildly flailing and failing Mayor Barberio?

Is it because Carifi, Kandil, and McGrath hold Parsippany voters in such low esteem that they can’t be bothered to take the time to talk about their solutions to the financial and safety challenges facing Parsippany residents?

Is it because Carifi, Kendall, and McCarthy are simply afraid to debate Mr. Clarkin, Mr. Kavanaugh, and Ms. Hernandez?

Come on Paul, Adam, and Matt time is short and your silence is deafening…

Bob Crawford

Increase in Vehicle Theft Attempts and Home Break-Ins Alarms Parsippany Residents

Frank L. Cahill
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Increase in Vehicle Theft Attempts and Home Break-Ins Alarms Parsippany Residents

PARSIPPANY — The videos below display a statement addressing a pressing security issue in Parsippany. “Our community saw another break-in last night. After these criminals failed to steal parked cars, they turned to the residence and forcibly tried to enter. This is an issue that needs to be addressed strongly and I have spoken with the Mayor and Police Chief who assure me they are looking for solutions. Keeping residents safe is my number one priority – I will do everything in my power to support the police on this issue,” said Councilman Justin Musella.

The Powdermill homeowner said they first attempted to break into the car and when they failed, they attempted to enter the residence.

Dennis Letts stated “If I recall correctly, we offered solutions and they were ignored. The officers of the Parsippany Police Department are doing their best under challenging circumstances but the leadership coming from Town Hall is lacking. If anyone wants specifics, contact me and I’ll be happy to elaborate. The taxpayers of this town deserve better! And one more thing…there were THREE similar incidents over the past four nights, all occurring just before dawn. Two of those incidents involved attempts to break into homes after the perps failed to get into vehicles.”

Over the past few days, we have been notified of three separate break-ins in Parsippany, all occurring during the pre-dawn hours. Here’s a synopsis:
10/27        Glacier Hills        5:14 a.m.        Attempted vehicle theft
10/28        Dartford Rd        5:30 a.m.        Car/residence break-in
11/1          Powder Mill        5:00 a.m.        Attempted break-in

The Parsippany Police Department issued the following statement: Over the last two months, we have seen a decline in certain property crimes, such as vehicle burglaries, vehicle thefts, and in some instances, burglaries to residences where the criminals search for vehicle keys. While there has been a decline, they are still occurring in Parsippany and other towns. These incidents can occur at any time, but criminals favor the overnight hours where they can use the cover of darkness to assist in concealing themselves. There are steps you can take to help reduce the chances of becoming a victim:

•If you see something suspicious, report it immediately

•Lock your vehicle

•Remove garage door openers from vehicles

•Keep exterior lights on overnight, which includes lighting in the backyard

•Utilize an alarm system that not only has window/door sensors, but shock or glass brake sensors

•If you have a fence, make sure gates are locked to delay and/or deter criminals.

Patrols have been increased in residential areas and we are rolling out different techniques, tactics, and technology to help further reduce and hopefully eliminate these incidents.

Consider performing a Home Security Assessment which identifies vulnerabilities in your home’s security. Take advantage of Mayor Barberio’s new Home Security Self-Assessment booklet which contains tips & pointers of the best options to consider in various areas of home security. Download your copy here: https://tinyurl.com/ParHomeSecurityFillable or pick up a booklet at the following locations:

•Parsippany Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard
•Parsippany Police Headquarters, 3339 Route 46 East
•Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road
*Parsippany PAL, 33 Baldwin Road
•Parsippany Library, 449 Halsey Road

In an unrelated matter, Parsippany Focus was contacted by a resident on Katherine Drive. The resident was concerned regarding a suspicious vehicle, parked for an extended period.

She called the Parsippany Police Department on October 24 at 12:28 p.m. reporting the vehicle. Upon the arrival of Sergeant Mcginnis, Patrolman Cavaliere, and Patrol Seifert they observed the suspicious vehicle outside the residence. The officers made contact with the driver who stated he had pulled over to contact one of his friends who lives nearby. He was driving a 2019 Chevy 4-door black vehicle. The officers didn’t observe any criminal activity and were advised to leave the area. The homeowner was advised to continue to report anything suspicious or out of the ordinary.

If you observe any suspicious activity, it is crucial to report it to the police immediately. Quick reporting can help law enforcement respond effectively, possibly prevent a crime from occurring, and ensure the safety of our community. Remember to provide as much detail as possible without putting yourself at risk. You can reach the Parsippany Police Department by dialing 911 or (973)  263-4300 in nonemergency incidents.

Siya Patel Honored as November Music Student of the Month

Frank L. Cahill
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Siya Patel Honored as November Music Student of the Month

PARSIPPANY  — Students from Parsippany, Morristown, Randolph, Chatham, and Mendham schools were honored as Mayo Performing Arts Center’s November 2023 Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Orchestra Members — before the Thursday, November 2 performance by Pink Martini. Siya Patel a seventh-grade student from Central Middle School was among the honorees.

Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the Theatre’s Education Department based on their commitment to excellence in the performing arts. The students were honored on stage before the concert.  One honoree, Matthew Bozza of Morristown High School, had the opportunity to perform a solo with Pink Martini on one song in the concert.

The Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor.

The 2022-2023 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.

About the November Music Students of the Month (bio supplied by their instructors)

Siya Patel

Grade 7, Central Middle School; Parsippany; Nominated by Darby MacAdams

Siya is a smart, kind, and hardworking student who is beyond eager to learn. She is always pushing herself to learn new pieces and skills. Siya consistently participates in class by answering critical thinking questions and even demonstrating for her peers. Every day after class, she comes up to me asking for a lesson during her lunchtime, which speaks to her dedication to the violin, learning, and music. I am very lucky to teach Siya, and she is most certainly an outstanding orchestra member.

Matthew Bozza

Grade 12, Morristown High School; Morristown; Nominated by David Gallagher

Matthew is an incredibly talented trumpet player and puts forth his best effort in all of his ensembles. He is currently the Trumpet Captain for the Marching Band, Principal Player for the Wind Ensemble, and Lead Trumpet for the Spectrum Jazz Ensemble. Additionally, Matthew has played numerous times with our high school orchestra, and pit orchestras, and spent the summer performing with the Essex County Summer Players Orchestra. 

Hannah Cochran

Grade 12, Morristown High School; Morristown; Nominated by Norma Davis

Hanna Cochran is an outstanding senior member of the Morristown High School Orchestra, where she serves as cello section leader.  Hanna is an extraordinary student who is passionate about music.  She has been a dedicated member of the Orchestra for all four years at MHS, as well as performing with the Camerata, Pit Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Abbey Orchestra.  Hanna is an expressive performer who always strives to capture the style and the story in the music.  She is an excellent collaborator who works hard to help all of the other cello players develop expertise and confidence, voluntarily peer-teaching the cello lessons and sectionals each week.  Hanna’s cheerful personality and ability to share techniques, fingerings, rhythms, and sound production tips make her a great role model, cultivating camaraderie among the cellists in the orchestra and helping each player to thrive.  Hanna can always be relied upon to give her best effort in rehearsals and performances.  She is diligent, sensitive, adventurous, and kind, and all of these traits are evident in every stroke of her bow.  Hanna is naturally curious and loves to explore the many ways music can be expressed.  Hanna is a truly wonderful musician and natural leader who exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding orchestra member.

Jamie Eck

Grade 12, Delbarton School; Morristown; Nominated by Andrew Lyman

Jamie is the Delbarton Symphony Orchestra’s principal clarinetist and was a member of the 2023 Region 1 HS Band and NJ All-State Band. Jamie also serves as our Tri-M Music Honor Society President and performs in our school Pep Band. Without a doubt, Jamie is a terrific musician who has always been serious about music. His musicianship is of a high caliber and he stands out at school performances. Jamie is always willing and eager to help other musicians improve. I can always count on Jamie and he will have a bright future in music. 

Claire He

Grade 8, Randolph Middle School; Randolph; Nominated by Genevieve Sallemi

Claire He has set herself apart as an outstanding violinist, team member, and leader in the orchestra. Claire not only participates in the 8th grade orchestra but has also participated in the after-school honors orchestra club, Con Brio, for the past three years. Claire has attended every lesson, has come to practice during lunch, and is constantly trying out new music. She has auditioned for the NJSMA Regions orchestra regularly attends private lessons and performs outside of school in the greater community. While Claire excels in her musical abilities, the true reason I’d like to nominate her is because of her patience during class, her willingness to help her peers, her humbleness when it comes to her abilities, and the consistent kindness that she shows to everyone around her. Claire has worked so hard over the course in orchestra and in life and she certainly deserves to be recognized.

Santiago Montes

Grade 8, Frelinghuysen Middle School; Morristown; Nominated by Samantha Tomblin

Santi is a violist in the 8th-grade orchestra here at Frelinghuysen Middle School. He has been a member of the orchestra and Chamber Orchestra for all three years in this school and has also served as section leader during many of our concerts. Santi was one of 2 middle school orchestra students selected to play as part of the pit orchestra last year for our school’s production of Peter Pan. Santiago is a very hard-working, responsible, and dedicated student.  He is kind and collaborates wonderfully with other members of his section and the orchestra as a whole. Santi asks thoughtful questions and is excited to grow in his knowledge and love for music. Attending this concert would be a wonderful opportunity for Santi to see his instrument represented as part of a more unique ensemble and inspire him to continue with his studies as he enters high school next year.

Isabella Santucci

Grade 11, School District of the Chathams; Chatham; Nominated by Liam Keller

 Isabella is a highly organized and motivated musician, constantly striving to achieve her high standard for performance in everything she does. Isabella is a strong student leader and her peers and faculty respect her academic work and character.  As a member of the orchestra program and music peer mentoring program, Isabella was confident during rehearsals and consistently demonstrated excellence during many professional performances. Isabella has demonstrated leadership abilities time and time again being in charge of the 2nd Violin section for her Junior year in the Concert Orchestra, and taking on extra responsibilities to help the ensemble thrive.  Isabella has been a constant positive force of energy motivating her peers to excellence.  Always interested in the concerns of others, she was available to help students requesting assistance and offered to teach free lessons to younger students to foster their love of music. 

Allen Wu            

Grade 8, Mountain View Middle School; Mendham; Nominated by Leigh Carpenter

Allen is one of, if not THE most accelerated string student our school has seen in the seventeen years I’ve taught here.  He plays his violin at a very high level not only technically, but also MUSICALLY.  In addition, I am impressed by his thinking.  He understands musical concepts and relates all aspects of music including aesthetics, technique, and theory to his and our orchestra’s playing.  But being in an ensemble is about more than the individual and I am so grateful that Allen is so generous with his knowledge.  He peer-mentors classmates, sharing with them the knowledge he has acquired.   He does this thoughtfully and encouragingly. The motivation and playing levels of his classmates are rising because of him.  I am so very fortunate to have Allen as a student. He inspires me and is a joy to teach.  He is a huge asset to our music program and our orchestra.

Letter to the Editor: I Support Timothy Berrios, Andrew Choffo, and Matthew Devitto

Letters to the Editor
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Letter to the Editor: I Support Timothy Berrios, Andrew Choffo, and Matthew Devitto

Dear Editor:

I’d like to take the time to thank all the candidates who are running for this year’s Board of Education election.   Your commitment to service, the students of this district, and your time are appreciated.  I wish you all the best of luck. 

Having joined the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education just a couple of years ago myself, I have learned the responsibilities and commitment of serving on this board.  It truly is an amazing experience to serve our district and town in this capacity.   Many might think we just attend a couple of meetings a month but that’s not the case…board members are expected to attend committee meetings, executive sessions, and public meetings, act as liaisons both in and out of the district at times, and are encouraged to attend training, workshops, and county meetings as much as possible.  

Three of this year’s candidates have shown their dedication to doing all this and more.  When Timothy Berrios, Andrew Choffo, and Matthew Devitto have been on the PTH BOE, they have always worked hard, taken advantage of every opportunity to learn, proved their commitment to this district, and have maintained a keen sense of what the students of our district need.  Tim, Andy, and Matt have always been willing to help in any way they could to guide newer board members and help them “learn the ropes.” They also care very deeply for the families in our district and I have personally witnessed them offering up their time and experience to anyone in the community when needed.  

When I think of Tim, Andy, and Matt as board members, one of the most distinct advantages they have is their years of experience. Between the three of them, they have served for more than thirty years on the Parsippany – Troy Hills Board of Education.  The importance of these years cannot be overstated. All of them have served in numerous if not all, committees and chaired many of them. Tim and Andy have also served in leadership positions over the years. These gentlemen have each brought an immense amount of knowledge to the board table that has benefitted this district in many ways.  Over the years, they have been able to keep our district very fiscally responsible with the budget as well as highlight many of our excellent student achievements.  They have also been responsible for creating sound policies and achieving goals that have led to continued district success. Any decisions they made have always been deliberate and thoughtful with the best interest of the entire district in mind at all times.   Experienced candidates like Tim, Andy, and Matt bring trustworthy, steady, and reasonable voices to the board table.   Together, they have been part of the reason that Parsippany-Troy Hills continues to be an outstanding and desirable district.  

Tim, Andy, and Matt bring with them an impeccable amount of integrity, respect, and trust as well.  All three of them are very devoted to their families, are well-respected in the community, and have been trusted and chosen over and over by the citizens of our town to be on the Board of Education.  They lead with their morals and values above all else.  They do not take the role of a Board of Education member lightly and are always ready and willing to do what is right for all the students in the district. I have been very privileged to serve alongside them and I cannot think of any three people who would be a better fit on the PTH BOE than them.   They have, once again, without any hesitation, thrown their names into the ring to serve another term on the PTH BOE and are ready to hit the ground running!  Therefore, I enthusiastically endorse Tim Berrios, Andy Choffo, and Matt Devitto for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education.

Sheethal Abraham

Any statements made by Sheethal Abraham are her own opinion as a private citizen only and not the thoughts or positions of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education.    I do not speak in any way for the PTH BOE.   

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