Karen DeChristopher Named Outstanding Citizen by the YMCA

Frank L. Cahill
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Karen DeChristopher Named Outstanding Citizen by the YMCA
Karen DeChristopher

PARSIPPANY — The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is pleased to announce the 2017 winners of the annual YMCA Citizen of the Year Awards from their ten service area towns: Karen DeChristopher, Parsippany; Carolyn Micheletti Dobies, Boonton; Ron Quade, Boonton Township; Thomas Dean, Denville; Scott Akin, Kinnelon-Butler; Lauren Curiotto, Lincoln Park; Mark and Anna Landgrebe, Montville; Thomas “Mac” McElduff, Mountain Lakes; Russ Hall, Pequannock and Sgt. Greg Bogert, Riverdale.

Karen DeChristopher is the Division Marketing and Customer Relations Administrator for Western Pest Services.

Diane Rudolph and Karen DeChristopher. Karen is also Vice President of Family Promise

Among many other volunteer organizations, Karen DeChristopher is Vice President of Family Promise, is Vice President of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and Co-Director and Committee Chair of Kiwanis Club’s Young Children Priority One (YCPO) service projects. In January, Karen was given one of the highest honors in the Kiwanis Club,  the George F. Hixon Fellowship Award. George F. Hixon Fellowship Awards are given to Kiwanians who have contributed to the betterment of the club. The club is eligible to award a Hixon for each donation of $1,000 to the Kiwanis International Foundation. The Hixon award is named in honor of the first Kiwanis International president.

Frank Cahill presenting Karen DeChristopher with the Hixon award

These individuals have demonstrated outstanding community service and volunteerism. “The selflessness exhibited by these volunteers is consistent with social responsibility, which is one of the key underpinnings of our YMCA mission and we are looking forward to honoring them,”says Lakeland Hills YMCA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Viktor Joganow.

The winners will be recognized at the Y’s Annual Dinner that will take place on Wednesday, May 17 at the Knoll Country Club West. Tickets for the dinner (at $50.00 each) are available through May 10 and everyone is welcome to attend, so come out and meet the people who have made a difference in your community!  For tickets, call Nancy Dunham at the Y, (973) 334-2820, or email: nancyd@lhymca.com

Council Vice President Peluso captures runaway dog

Frank L. Cahill
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Council Vice President Peluso captures runaway dog

PARSIPPANY — On Monday, April 10, Council Vice President was on his way to IHOP, 792 Route 46, Arlington Shopping Plaza to a Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Upon entering the parking lot he seen a distressed dog running around aimlessly heading towards Route 46.

He immediately got out of his vehicle and approached the dog.  The dog continued his path towards Route 46. This was about 6:00 p.m. and the traffic on Route 46 was heavy at the time. He was able to call the dog and the dog actually listened and came back to Mr. Peluso. Mr. Peluso was able to catch the dog and hold and pet the dog and make him feel comfortable. The dog was scared and lost at the same time.

He then approached someone in the parking lot, who obtained water for the dog, which was thirsty from running and trying to find his way home.  He then read the name on the dog tag, and “Jake” had a telephone number which he called and the call went to voice mail. He then texted the individual letting them know he had the dog.  A few minutes later someone called back and he explained where the dog was.  The family was excited and said they were out searching for the dog for some time now, and would meet Mr. Peluso in the parking lot.

The family arrived, mom and three youngsters who was happy to be reunited with their dog and took the dog home.

The family resides in Huntington Ridge Condo off of Route 46 and North Beverwyck Road.

The family was grateful and thanked Mr. Peluso for saving the dog.

Frelinghuysen to speak at Morris County Chamber meeting

Frank L. Cahill
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Frelinghuysen to speak at Morris County Chamber meeting

FLORHAM PARK — Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-11, will speak at the Morris County Chamber of Commerce’s Washington Update Breakfast on Friday, May 12.

The event will be held at the Wyndham Hamilton Park hotel, 175 Park Avenue, Florham Park, costs $55.00 for members and $75.00 for nonmembers.

The congressman has been criticized for not holding a town-hall meeting to talk with constituents face to face since 2013. He does attend community events in the district, and he holds telephone town-hall meetings, for which residents can sign up.

At the chamber meeting, Frelinghuysen is expected to “discuss his work in Congress, including efforts regarding health care, tax policy, security and defense, the federal budget and other critical issues,” according to a chamber announcement.

Frelinghuysen became chairman of the House Appropriations Committee in January.

The breakfast and program will be from 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. with networking and registration beginning at 7:30 a.m.

To register online, go to events.morrischamber.org.

PACC sponsors another successful Breakfast Networking Event

Frank L. Cahill
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PACC sponsors another successful Breakfast Networking Event

PARSIPPANY — Recently, the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a morning networking event titled “Email Marketing – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.”

Ilene Greene and Ted Polmar, Principals of MarketShare Communications and BizCircles Entrepreneurs Business Network, presented this PACC Breakfast Program. Their firm specializes in marketing strategy, website development, and branding for small and middle market companies.

Everyone uses email these days – but the question is, does it really work? We are all inundated with tens or hundreds of emails every day and every week. Which ones get opened and why?

The attendees received first hand knowledge of the 10 Facts You Need to Know About Email Marketing. Some of the topics included:

  • Best subject lines to get opened
  • How good is your list
  • How you can use email to grow your social media following
  • Best times to send emails – it’s changing all the time
  • Is your email template responsive and why it must be
  • Best and most cost-effective way to reach your target audience

Ilene Greene and Ted Polmar, Principals of MarketShare Communications and BizCircles Entrepreneurs Business Network, will present this PACC Breakfast Program. Their firm specializes in marketing strategy, website development, and branding for small and middle market companies.

You can join Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, May 9 when Ilene Greene and Ted Polmar presents “Social Media & Why We All Need to Engage.”

There was a time when social media was considered by some as a passing fad. Something that “the kids” were using, that businesses could never really benefit from. Today roughly eight-in-ten online Americans (79%) now use Facebook, a 7-percentage-point increase from a survey conducted about one year ago.

Popular social platforms have become marketing giants, offering businesses valuable data about their customers and a (mostly) free way to reach them. Social media for business is no longer optional.

Come to our next breakfast on Tuesday, May 9, and learn the 10 Benefits of Social Media and why you MUST be engaged – from Main Street to the Board Room. Find out who is using social media, how often they engage and which ones. Social Media helps you get:  Exposure • Brand Awareness • Customer Loyalty and more!

This event is held at IHOP, 792 Route 46. $10.00 for members, and $15.00 for non-member and includes breakfast. Click here to register.

 

Easter Bunny hops into IHOP and distributes candy

Frank L. Cahill
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Easter Bunny hops into IHOP and distributes candy

PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, April 15, the Easter Bunny, hopped into IHOP, to visit the children having breakfast. Children had the opportunity to take pictures with the Easter Bunny and the Easter Bunny gave out candy to everyone.

IHOP waiter Daniel Arguelles with the Easter Bunny
Committee Chair of YCPO of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Karen DeChristopher visits with the Easter Bunny
11 month old Lucas Amaral meeting the Easter Bunny for the first time at IHOP on Saturday
IHOP employees Cara David and Kathy Jovel and Kiwanis member Karen DeChristopher visits with the Easter Bunny

Easter Bunny visits Sedgefield; Children found eggs during Easter Egg Hunt

Frank L. Cahill
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Easter Bunny visits Sedgefield; Children found eggs during Easter Egg Hunt

PARSIPPANY — Sedgefield Civic Association held their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 15. The children, in age groups went into Grafton Park to collect Easter eggs.

The children at the starting line waiting for hunt for the eggs in Grafton Park

Each age group had an opportunity to find a golden egg with a silver dollar, to win a grand prize. There were over 1,200 eggs hidden in the park.

Mayor James Barberio attended and gave each child an Easter bunny and some candy. The Easter Bunny hung out for pictures with the children, then took off to IHOP, 792 Route 46 to enjoy Breakfast with the children. (Click here to read related story)

For more information on Sedgefield Civic Association, click here.

Council Vice President Robert Peluso with his son who was ready to find the Easter Eggs

Woman’s Club Celebrate National Library Workers’ Day

Frank L. Cahill
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Woman’s Club Celebrate National Library Workers’ Day

PARSIPPANY — Librarians and Staff Members at Parsippany’s three libraries;  Main Library, Mount Tabor Branch and Lake Hiawatha Branch were treated to refreshments on Tuesday, April 11 by members of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills (WCPTH) to celebrate National Library Workers’ Day.  Club members treated the staff at all three branches to desserts, chips, candy and drinks to thank them for their dedication to the Parsippany library system.  Club Members were on hand to chat with the staff and thank them in-person.

National Library Workers’ Day was established in 2003 to ‘recognize the hard work, dedication, and expertise of library support staff and librarians.’

This is the third year WCPTH has supported National Library Workers’ Day.  The club has a special relationship with the library, being one of its first donors in the 1960’s when the township library was established.  Nationally, Women’s Clubs are credited with establishing three quarters of the nation’s libraries.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC, which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.   The next General Meeting is Monday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, visit their website by click here.

Meeting schedule is subject to change.  Please contact Cathy, Membership Chairman, if interested in attending a meeting or to confirm date and time.

Survey: Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook in dead heat for student use

Frank L. Cahill
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Survey: Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook in dead heat for student use

PARSIPPANY — Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook are in a statistical deadhead when it comes to college and high school students and the social media networks they use, but Snapchat and Instagram jump to a solid lead when it comes to how often they use them.

According to an online survey of 333 college and high school students conducted by SCG, a Parsippany based advertising and public relations agency, about 95 percent of students say they use the three major social media platforms, but 88 percent say they use Instagram and Snapchat often, versus  81 percent for Facebook.  Twitter trails on all fronts with only 66.6 percent reporting use and fewer than 50 percent using it often. Students report lower usage of Tumblr, YouTube, and Pinterest.

Snapchat wins the battle for daily use, with 78 percent saying they use the service daily, as compared to 76 percent for Instagram, and 66 percent for Facebook. Seventy-one percent say they use Snapchat more than six times per day, and 51 percent says they are on Snapchat more than 11 times per day.

To access the full white paper on the results, click here.

“Students – mostly GenZ – are spending about 11 hours per day in front of up to five different screens. So it should be of no surprise that they are not married to just one platform,” said Michael Cherenson, SCG’s executive vice president for public relations. “Marketers and brands must be agnostic when it comes to platform. This means being open to use of several social media networks, often in unique ways.”

When it comes to Snapchat, respondents say they are most interested in keeping in touch with friends (89.5 percent) and sharing and creating videos, images and stories (56.8 percent). A whopping 49.2 percent say they return to Snapchat daily simply to maintain a Snapchat streak.

“More than half of Snapchat users say they would feel disconnected from friends if not for Snapchat, which speaks volumes about the relationship students have with the platform and their peer networks,” Cherenson said.  “Almost 25 percent indicated Snapchat is essential to their relationships.”

Almost 90 percent of Snapchat users say they enjoy the GeoFilters, while 85 percent say they like the Snapchat Lenses.  Students report little to no interest in ads that appear in stories.

There also is a high degree of interest in content, including “Real Stories or day-in-the-life,” “Behind-scenes videos,” and How-To videos.  When asked about what brands or companies use Snapchat well, Cosmo, Buzzfeed and the Kardashians were cited most frequently.

“Brands would be wise to use the platform for storytelling, providing new and interesting perspectives, and for engaging in a thoughtful, interesting and meaningful way with students,” said Cherenson. “Cookie cutter content will be pushed aside quickly.”

About SCG
Founded more than half a century ago, SCG (Success Communications Group) provides 21st century communication services highlighted by creativity, passion, and innovation. With specific expertise in public relations, advertising, marketing, social media, digital marketing, and recruitment, SCG is headquartered at26 Eastmans Road, Parsippany with regional offices in the metro areas of Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Diego, and Tampa.

Letter to the editor: Trump Administration’s new federal budget

Frank L. Cahill
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Letter to the editor: Trump Administration’s new federal budget

To the Editor,

As the Trump Administration’s new federal budget moves forward, I have been heartened to hear Representative Frelinghuysen’s positive statements on the importance of foreign assistance programming and these programs’ demonstrated value in improving American security and prosperity. Using only less than one percent of the federal budget, these programs comprise a critical piece of our country’s foreign policy.

We know all too well that violent extremists do not only wage their campaigns in their hometowns, their movements and attacks are global and present a clear threat to the security of Americans. While there is still much work to be done in defeating these groups, American foreign assistance investments in education and licit livelihoods have played a major role in reducing local support in other countries for extremism. Reducing this programming at this point would certainly move this effort backwards.

Foreign assistance also opens foreign markets for American business and export, both by building foreign markets for American goods and services as well as serving as a key negotiation point in discussions around taxation and regulation. In a world with increasing global competition, American businesses cannot afford to lose the benefits provided by foreign assistance programming. This is especially true as American competitors, particularly Chinese businesses, are realizing the returns from their own governments’ investments in foreign assistance.

Finally, American foreign assistance fights the spread of diseases that, through international flights and shipping connections, could easily reach the United States within days and do immeasurable damage to American lives and livelihoods. All totaled, foreign assistance is an investment that is extremely important to the security and prosperity of Americans, as well as those abroad that we reach with programming. Representative Frelinghuysen is right to question the Trump Administration’s proposed cuts to USAID and the State Department’s foreign assistance budgets.

Maria G. D’Andrea
Morristown

Local Beat: Three CRDA board members take thousands in back pay, stipends

Frank L. Cahill
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Local Beat: Three CRDA board members take thousands in back pay, stipends

Local Beat is the NJ News Commons’ weekly roundup of the best reporting by community news sources. THREE CRDA BOARD MEMBERS TAKE THOUSANDS IN BACK PAY, STIPENDS As many in Atlantic City are facing pay cuts and layoffs under the state’s takeover, one state authority has paid its own board members thousands of dollars in back…

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