PARSIPPANY — The state approved plans to build a high-voltage transmission line through parts of Morris County by Jersey Central Power & Light, the latest in a series of projects aimed at enhancing the reliability of the power grid.
The seven-mile transmission line, running through Parsippany, Montville and East Hanover won approval from the New Jersey Board of Utilities. When originally proposed, the project was estimated to cost $35 million, according to the utility.
JCP&L and other utilities are being pressed to modernize an aging power grid by state regulators and operators of the regional power grid, PJM Interconnection.
The Morris project, however, faced minimal opposition, compared to other projects undertaken in other areas of the New Jersey Highlands, or the controversy enveloping JCP&L’s proposed 10-mile Monmouth County Reliability Line. The latter project is before an administrative law court judge.
“JCP&L is pleased that the Board of Public Utilities unanimously approved the Montville-Whippany Reinforcement project,’’ said Ron Morano, a spokesman for the state’s second-largest electric utility. “Significant infrastructure investments such as this enable JCP&L to deliver the safe and reliable service our customers deserve and expect.’’
Utilities have embraced proposals to build transmission projects in recent years, earning far more than on investments in maintaining their distribution system — the poles and wires delivering electricity to homes and businesses.
At the same time, however, the projects have come under increasing criticism from local communities and environmentalists, in part because of a declining growth in electricity load.
The new project, which follows along an existing power line, is expected to begin construction in the first quarter of 2018, according to Morano. The project was part of a $200 million, multiyear program of transmission upgrades planned by JCP&L, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy of Akron, OH.
JCP&L has been the target of much regulatory scrutiny from the state in recent years, largely over repeated power outages and criticism that it was not investing enough to maintain its power grid.
PARSIPPANY — B&G Foods, Inc. announced that it has appointed Kenneth G. Romanzi as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, a newly created position, effective December 4, 2017. Mr. Romanzi will serve on the Company’s executive management team, reporting to President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert C. Cantwell.
Some of B&G Food products include Accent, Bear Creek, Mrs. Dash, Ortega, LaPalmas, Green Giant and French’s. The company is located at Four Gatehall Road.
“After more than doubling the size of our business over the past two years, we believe now is an excellent time to supplement our already very strong executive management team with another highly talented executive,” said CEO and President Robert C. Cantwell. “Ken Romanzi is a proven leader with extensive experience in the food and beverage industry. We are very pleased to have Ken join our team. As chief operating officer, Ken will have a broad range of responsibilities as we continue to execute our growth strategy.”
Romanzi most recently served as president of fresh foods at WhiteWave Foods Corp., where he led Earthbound Farm Organic.
Before that, he was senior vice president and chief operating officer of global brands for Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc.
His previous jobs have also included president of Hasbro’s U.S. toys division. Romanzi started his career in marketing at Frito-Lay Inc.
“B&G Foods’ executive management team has done a tremendous job through the years transforming the company from a small, regional pickles and peppers business to one of the leading public-branded food companies in the nation,” Romanzi said. “I look forward to working with Bob and the entire team at B&G Foods to assist with the future growth of the company.”
MORRIS COUNTY — More than 750 law enforcement officials from all 21 New Jersey counties recently met in Atlantic City to stay abreast of ongoing issues and to continue their legal education.
The three-day training program at the Borgata Hotel & Casino was part of the 2017 Annual College of the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey and included an appearance by State Attorney General Christopher Porrino.
The college took place on November 18-20. The college included the installation of Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp as Association president.
Previously, he had been First Vice President. Knapp replaces Warren County Prosecutor Richard T. Burke as President. The new First Vice President will be Sussex County Prosecutor Francis A. Koch. The Second Vice President will be Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri. The secretary will be Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, the treasurer will be Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni and National District Attorneys Association delegate is Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes.
Prosecutor Knapp said, “I am honored and humbled to be elected as president of the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey. Serving as the head of this Association is a great responsibility, which I welcome enthusiastically.” Over three days, the state’s 21 county prosecutors, 700 assistant prosecutors, detectives and members of the state Attorney General’s Office took part in an array of breakout sessions focusing on varying legal issues. Topics included such things as “The Prosecutor’s Paradox: Understanding How Unconscious Bias Can Affect Behavior,” “Managing the Opioid Crisis in Your Jurisdiction: A Sample Approach,” “Taking a Byte Out of Crime: Using Technology to Find and Prosecute Crime,” and “Recanting Witness: Friend or Foe.” Ten hours of continuing legal education programs were presented for attendees. There were also general meetings involving the 21 County Prosecutors, First Assistant Prosecutors, Chiefs of Detectives, Forensic Nurses, Victim Witness Coordinators and the Narcotics Commanders Association of New Jersey.
A highlight of the college were awards given to three individuals, including Catherine Broderick, a Supervising Assistant Prosecutor in Morris County who was honored for Outstanding Advocacy Over a Career. A graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law, Broderick has prosecuted many different crimes, but has spent much of her career handling cases involving the most vulnerable of victims.
When Megan’s Law was enacted, Broderick created a unit to fully comply with the law, including the prosecution of offenders and community notification upon their release. Broderick most recently has served as the Supervising Assistant Prosecutor in charge of the Specialized Services Unit, which includes Megan’s Law, Missing Persons, Weapons Returns and several other office functions. In 2016, she was selected by the Morris County Bar Association as the Association’s Professional Lawyer of the Year.
Also honored were Brian C. Matthews, an Essex County Assistant Prosecutor who most recently helped secure a conviction in a case involving a murder and a carjacking at the Mall at Short Hills. He was honored for Outstanding Advocacy in a Single Case. A third honoree was Daniel Bornstein, who was cited for Outstanding Advocacy Over a Career in a Non-Trial Position. Bornstein has been a Deputy Attorney General in the Division of Criminal Justice since 1995, and he has served as Chief of the Division’s Appellate Bureau since September 2014. During his career as an appellate prosecutor, he has handled dozens of high-profile cases in the New Jersey Supreme Court and Appellate Division. Bornstein currently supervises 20 Deputy Attorneys General, one attorney assistant, and five administrative assistants in the Appellate Bureau, and he regularly provides trial assistance to trial prosecutors and appellate prosecutors across the state.
MORRIS COUNTY — First Night Morris is celebrating its 26th anniversary on Sunday, December 31, as one of New Jersey’s biggest and brightest First Night events — a New Year’s Eve family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration of the arts – with nearly 200 artists, 85 events in 24 venues – representing dance, theatre, music, world cultures, visual arts and children’s events.
For all 26 years, Morris Arts has been First Night Morris’ artistic programmer, securing topflight talents who attract thousands of people from Morris County and beyond.
More than half of the program features new artists, or artists returning after several years, many of whom have performed at top venues, such as the White House, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Metropolitan Opera, and who have won international recognition, performed on national radio/TV, in major films and/or collaborated with superstars of performing arts.
On December 31 in Morristown, you can experience everything from a Metropolitan Opera soprano to inflatable dinosaurs!
Rock/Bluegrass/Blues: The John Ginty Band showcasing Ginty, who toured/performed with the Dixie Chicks, Jewel, Santana. Silk City brings its blend of bluegrass, roots and honky-tonk music. For gutsy, full-throated blues with a touch of funk, R&B, country and jazz, don’t miss the Cobra Brothers.
Jazz and Swing: First Night would not be complete without jazz pianist, Rio Clemente and his inventive and sparkling improvisations. Mauricio de Souza’sband Bossa Brasil offers smooth, Brazilian-tinted jazz while James Langton takes it Nice & Easy, Swingin’ the Great American Songbook.
Broadway: A Night of Broadway Stars transports the Great White Way to First Night, featuring Broadway performers singing unforgettable songs from Phantom, Wicked, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and other great shows.
Folk Music: Catch the crystalline voice of singer/songwriter Christine DeLeon. If you prefer musical satire, don’t miss John Forster, whose works were recorded by Judy Collins and Roseanne Cash.
Classical Music: Don’t miss Metropolitan Opera Soprano, Jennifer Check, who has sung under the world’s top conductors (Levine, Maazel, Ozawa) and will be joined by award-winning pianist, Andrew Rosenblum. First Night also offers the New Jersey Festival Orchestra, the piano virtuosity of Laryssa Krupa (with her trio), the grand brass of Solid Brass Lite, and the Harmonium Choral Society. You can even meet “Beethoven” himself as Dennis Kobray’s Meet the Musicians shares the life and works by the great composer.
World Cultures: Includes the Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoor; exotic Music of the Middle East, which spotlights Armenian oud master Ara Dinkjian and Turkish kanun virtuoso Tamer Pinarbasi. Melanie Mitrano performs haunting songs of Portuguese Fado and Brazilian song traditions, while Irish (and other) eyes will be smiling at the music of Irish Fiddler Brian Conway (with guitarist John Walsh). Groove on good vibrations from The Didge Project which blends the sounds of the Australian aboriginal didgeridoo with world rhythms and tribal beats. And join in the salsa, merengue and tango with Daniel Herrera’s DREAMS dancers or infectious rhythms of Folk Music of Colombia with Viva Vallenato’s cumbia and vallenato.
Mayhem Poets blend poetry, hip hop, improv, stand-up comedy
Theater/Comedy? Laugh into the New Year with Comedian Moody McCarthy, Hypno Marc’s Comedy Hypnotism, and Master Magician and Illusionist Great Scott! with his feathered partner Thurston (a blue/gold macaw). Also Robert Costello becomes Abraham Lincoln; Lou Del Bianco tells the story of his grandfather, the Master Carver of Mt. Rushmore; The Mayhem Poets blend poetry, hip hop, improv and stand-up comedy; Kit’s Interactive Theater drafts the audience directly into the performance of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother; and Storyteller Extraordinaire, Julie Pasqual, shares stories from around the world.
Dance: First Nighters can savor dazzling routines of New Jersey Tap Ensemble soloists Maurice Chestnut and Jeffry Foote, delight in the elegant beauty of Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoori, enjoy Latin Dance with Daniel Herrera’s D.R.E.A.M.S. dancers, or try Square Dancing with Caller, Mary Moody.
Dinoman’s Dinosaurs will entertain kids
Children’s/ Family Programs: Who could resist Dinoman Dinosaurs or Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery? Catch the clowns, face painting balloons, and organ grinder at The Children’s Fun Festival or visit Transformations Facepainting. Perennial favorite and skilled circus performer, Mr. Fish will be back to amaze audiences with Phenomenal Physics.
Younger Children (4:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.): Hula hooping with Whirled Revolution, art making artist Samantha (“Sam”) Matthews’ Art 4 Kids, and Fun with LEGOs. New to this year’s early session is the Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoori, with dazzling costumes and choreography, and Square Dancing with Caller, Mary Moody.
Three visual arts exhibits (displaying over 300 artworks) and two sets of fireworks top off that magical evening known as First Night® Morris County. To check out the full lineup of artists, visit: www.firstnightmorris.com.
PARSIPPANY — Spencer Savings Bank participated in Jersey Cares’ Coat Drive from September 22 through November 16 to help distribute coats this upcoming winter season to residents in need. The bank collected new and “gently used” winter coats for all ages, and altogether collected over 400 coats for the cause. This is the first time Spencer Savings Bank has partnered with Jersey Cares. Spencer Savings Bank is located at 1699 Littleton Road.
“We are very excited to be partnering up with a new organization and one that does such great work.” said Janel Bazih, Vice President and Marketing Manager of Spencer Savings Bank. “Coats are expensive and not all families are able to afford them, so we are thankful for the generous amount of donations from our customers and employees.”
Established in 1993, Jersey Cares is a nonprofit organization whose focus is to increase civic engagement in New Jersey by coordinating volunteer opportunities to address community-identified needs. The organization provides hundreds of volunteer opportunities, ranging from tutoring children to painting new murals in schools, along with the Coat Drive. This year marks the 22nd Annual Jersey Cares Coat Drive. Last year, Jersey Cares collected and distributed over 30,000 coats throughout the state of New Jersey, and the plan is to exceed that number this year.
Spencer Savings Bank, a community bank headquartered in Elmwood Park, has been serving its local communities with integrity and pride for more than 75 years. The bank, serving consumers and businesses, operates 21 branches throughout New Jersey. For more information click here.
Jersey Cares, a nonprofit organization, expands meaningful volunteer engagement by creating and managing efficient, impactful projects to address critical community-identified needs. The organization partners with local nonprofits and implements volunteer projects to meet these needs. Individuals, families, corporate employees, and community groups are provided with a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that range from tutoring children to painting new murals in schools. Through the annual Coat Drive, Jersey Cares has collected, sorted, and distributed more than 500,000 coats for New Jersey residents over the past 21 years. Jersey Cares is an affiliate of the Hands on Network, an innovative alliance of volunteer catalysts throughout the world. For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY — On Thursday, November 16, Silvia Cooper, Branch Manager of Boiling Springs Savings Bank, 66 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha was inducted into Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. Club secretary Karen Gajewski presented Silvia with her Kiwanis membership pin and certificate.
“Kiwanis is something so good that each of us loves to share it. What better way to show our love for our club and our community than to welcome a new member into our club? Today we’re very pleased to welcome Silvia Cooper to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany,” said President Frank Cahill.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Secretary Karen Gajewski placed the Kiwanis pin on new member Silvia Cooper. Silva is the branch manager at Boiling Springs Savings Bank located on North Beverwyck Road
Cahill continued “We welcome you to this global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Would you, Karen Gajewski, please place the pin on Silvia’s lapel? Silvia, by presenting you with this certificate of membership, I welcome you, on behalf of the entire membership, into the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.”
A new member for our club means new ideas, new enthusiasm, greater fellowship—and greater service.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets at the Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46 every Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. If you are interested in joining our dedicated volunteers, join us for breakfast. For additional information you can email Frank Cahill at flcahill@parsippanykwianis.org.
PARSIPPANY — Lincoln Property Company announced a total of 45,000 square feet across two, three-story office buildings totaling 114,000 square feet. Lincoln worked on behalf of 8H9H Lanidex and Milelli Real Estate Partners. All of these leases were signed or renewed at 800-900 Lanidex Plaza.
The transactions include:
ENT & Allergy leased 9,792 square feet. Peter Rossi of Newmark Knight Frank worked on behalf of the tenant. They signed a ten year lease at 900 Lanidex Plaza.
Total Renal Care, a subsidiary of DaVita Inc., leased 7,552 square feet at 900 Lanidex Plaza. Robert Hoffmann and Christine Eberle of Cushman & Wakefield represented the tenant in the transaction. They signed a twelve year lease.
Unicom Systems leased 4,360 square feet at 800 Lanidex Plaza.
Pacific Healthcare Laboratories relocated from Matawan and leased 4,067 square feet at Lanidex Plaza.
Western Industries, Vertellus, Aquent, Marotta Gund, Adecco USA, Andrew Leicht, Beeline, DRV Holding, Armo & Hardwicke Capital extended their leases.
“We are honored to welcome such a distinguished group of new and existing companies that will greatly complement our other current tenants,” said Joseph Milelli Jr. of Milelli Real Estate Partners. “These leases are a reflection of our and Lincoln Property Company’s commitment to meeting the needs of prospective tenants in a timely and cost-effective manner and by providing them with a virtually new state-of- the-art facility in one of the most desirable locations in the region.”
PARSIPPANY — Tenants have signed leases for more than 60,000 square feet in new leases and renewals at Parsippany Commerce Center, 1639 Route 10 East, bringing the 152,000-square-foot property to 100 percent occupancy.
The deals included three new leases and three renewals, with Rick Genthe, senior vice president of LPC, representing ownership.
The transactions include:
Aerotek Inc., a global recruiting and staffing agency, relocated to the building and signed a long-term lease for 21,864 square feet.
Simon & Schuster, the CBS-owned consumer publisher, renewed its lease for 13,645 square feet.
CHA Inc., a full-service engineering and construction management firm, relocated to the building and signed a 5,995-square-foot lease.
Macro Consulting Group, a financial planning company, relocated and expanded within the building and now occupies 7,958 square feet.
One Legacy Financial relocated from Bridgewater to lease 4,650 square feet on the second floor.
Application Consulting Group, which provides business intelligence and performance management solutions to Fortune 500 companies, renewed its nearly 4,500-square-foot lease.
“We are honored to welcome Aerotek Inc., CHA Inc. and One Legacy Financial as new tenants and have Simon & Schuster, Macro Consulting Group and Application Consulting Group all elect to renew and extend their leases with us at Parsippany Commerce Center,” Genthe said. “These leases are a reflection of the ownership’s and Lincoln Property Company’s commitment to meeting the needs of prospective tenants in a timely manner and providing them with a state-of-the-art facility in one of the most desirable locations in the state.”
Charles Parmelli of Cushman & Wakefield represented Aerotek Inc. in its lease, while Chris Conklin and Jason Benson of JLL represented both CHA and Marco Consulting Group. The C&W team of Paul Giannone and Paul Hindes represented Simon & Schuster.
LPC also noted that Suzanne Kiall of Suzanne Kiall & Associates represented One Legacy Financial, while ACG was represented by Jack Feeney of Savills Studley.
Parsippany Commerce Center is a three-story, 152,261-square-foot office building. The property has benefited from several upgrades and improvements, LPC said, including new restrooms and a new full-service café with seating for more than 80 people.
The building also features an executive dining room and all new common areas and lobby finishes. Sitting on Route 10 East, the property is just a quarter-mile west of a four-way interchange of Interstate 287 and just a mile south of Interstate 80.
PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders and Morris County Park Commission held a groundbreaking in Parsippany for the new Central Park of Morris County main access road, which was named formally yesterday as Governor Chris Christie Drive.
Governor Christie, who is a former Morris County Freeholder, and New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie participated in the event held on the route of the new road in Central Park, along with the freeholders, park commissioners, legislators, and mayors from Parsippany and Morris Township, among others.
“We have a dual purpose today: We are marking the start of construction of a much needed new access road to Central Park of Morris County, and at the same time, we are marking the place in our county’s history of Governor Christie – who is a Morris County resident and one-time county freeholder,’’ said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana.
Freeholder Cabana detailed the assistance received by the county from the Christie Administration to move ahead on the much-needed road, and also detailed the Governor’s long-time role in Morris County government and its history.
Gov. Christie is one of a select group of just four persons from Morris County to serve as Governor of New Jersey, and only the second since the late 1800s.
The others are George Theodore Werts (1893-1896), Philemon Dickerson (1836-37), and Mahlon Dickerson (1815-1817) – for whom the Morris County Park Commission’s Mahlon Dickerson Reservation is named.
“As a two-term elected Governor, the United States Attorney for New Jersey appointed by President George Bush, a presidential candidate, and – of course –a Morris County Freeholder, Gov. Christie has earned his place in the state and county’s history books,’’ said Freeholder Cabana.
“We thank him for his service to our state, county, and nation as his second term nears an end, and wish him, the First Lady, and their family well in the future,’’ added Freeholder Cabana.
As part of the event, Governor Christie was presented with a ceremonial “Governor Chris Christie Drive’’ road sign by the freeholders and park commission.
“This is part of the reason why you want to raise your family here,’’ said Gov. Christie. “It’s places like this where you can bring your children for them to grow up in a surrounding that is as beautiful as this with the opportunities to compete and to share a special time with their family.
“That’s all a wonderful part of what it means to live in Morris County,’’ said the Governor.
The new Central Park of Morris County access road will be a one-third mile connector of Central Avenue in the county park to West Hanover Avenue, a short distance from downtown Morris Plains.
It will provide easier access to the park and alleviate much of the traffic that now cuts through residential neighborhoods in Parsippany, Morris Plains and Morris Township to get the soccer fields, skating rinks, dog park, and other popular features of the park.
Work on the $1.5 million project will start shortly and should be completed by mid-2018.
To build the new road across state land, the county had to obtain a 14-acre right of easement from the state and other approvals, and received support of the Christie Administration in those efforts.
Also earlier this year, in cooperation with the Christie Administration, the Park Commission worked out a long-term management agreement with the state for 106 undeveloped acres of state land on the former Greystone Hospital campus to add to the our Central Park venue.
The Morris County Freeholders hold a dedication ceremony of Chris Christie Drive, a new entry road into Central Park of Morris County from Hanover Avenue.The Morris County Freeholders hold a dedication ceremony of Chris Christie Drive, a new entry road into Central Park of Morris County from Hanover Avenue.The Morris County Freeholders hold a dedication ceremony of Chris Christie Drive, a new entry road into Central Park of Morris County from Hanover Avenue.Governor Chris Christie Drive
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders has proclaimed November 23 as Turkey Trot Day in Morris County, to highlight an annual fun, family event and the nonprofit beneficiaries of the event: the Interfaith Food Pantry and Literacy Volunteers of Morris County.
The 11th annual Turkey Trot in Morris Township will be held on Thanksgiving morning, starting and finishing at Ginty Field, just a short drive from the Morristown Green.
It is open to residents from throughout Morris County, and their visiting family and friends.
“This is a great family morning of activities and entertainment for people of all ages and abilities, which draws thousands of people from throughout the county to a Thanksgiving Day tradition,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Director Doug Cabana.
“Even more important, this event helps raise funds for community-based food distribution and adult learning,’’ he added.
The proclamation was presented to Rosemary Gilmartin and Carolyn Lake, the director and associate director of the Food Pantry, and to Debbie Leon, executive director of the Literacy Volunteers, at the county governing board’s Nov. 8 meeting in Morristown.
The 2017 Turkey Trot is a day of activities and entertainment for individuals and families of all ages and abilities that features a UATF-certified 5K race, a one-mile Fun Walk/Run and Kids’ Trot, and which draws thousands of people to the area to help raise funds for community-based food distribution and adult learning.
Proceeds from the Turkey Trot are shared between the Interfaith Food Pantry and Literacy Volunteers of Morris County to benefit many Morris County residents.
Interfaith Food Pantry, since its inception in 1994, has provided thousands of pounds of food and groceries to Morris County’s residents in need — currently serving 2,000 households monthly — and hours of nutrition education and counseling. For more information please click here.
Literacy Volunteers of Morris County, through its committed tutors, has provided to hundreds of adults free-of-cost learning and assistance in the areas of English as a Second Language, reading, basic math skills, GED and citizenship. For more information please click here.
Freeholder Director Doug Cabana, Literacy Volunteers of Morris County Executive Director Debbie Leon, and Interfaith Food Pantry Director Rosemary Gilmartin
