Noah Balanoff Joins Colliers International

Noah Balanoff

PARSIPPANY —  Noah Balanoff, a leading executive in New Jersey industrial real estate, has joined Colliers International Group announced David A. Simon, SIOR, Executive Managing Director and New Jersey market leader. Balanoff will be Executive Managing Director, focusing on the industrial platform.

Colliers International is located 300 Interpace Parkway, Building C, Morris Corporate Center.

“We are thrilled to have Noah join our team and become an integral part of our expansion within the industrial sector,” said Simon.

Balanoff was formerly Senior Vice President of CBRE, representing institutional property owners, as well as national and regional companies, in their industrial and supply chain/logistics-related requirements. Prior to joining CBRE, he was an Associate Director with Cushman & Wakefield in New Jersey, where he was a member of the industrial transactions and Global Supply Chain Solutions practice groups. His specialty is the sales and leasing of warehouse and distribution facilities with a focus on the New Jersey Turnpike corridor, primarily in the Interchange 8A/7A, Port Newark/Elizabeth and Meadowlands submarkets. 

“One of Colliers’ key goals is to continue the growth of their robust industrial and supply chain platform,” said Balanoff. “I look forward to leveraging my background and experience in the industrial sector of New Jersey real estate to help deliver that next-level expansion. I am so confident because the opportunities in New Jersey, the third largest industrial market in the U.S., are unparalleled. The institutional community—investors, developers and corporate occupiers—not only want to be here but, in most cases, need to be here. And the Turnpike corridor, specifically, is a prime industrial hub, recognized nationally and globally.”

Balanoff, a resident of Ramsey, is a graduate of the University of Albany. He is a Certified Commercial Real Estate Investment Member (CCIM).

Checklist For Tax Identity Security

“There is no fool-proof way to stop identity theft,” said Kathy Pickering, executive director of The Tax Institute at H&R Block. “The good news is that the number of new reports of identity theft by individuals who filed 2015 federal tax returns has fallen by more than 50 percent thanks to the IRS and the tax industry partnering to combat tax fraud. But there is more to do, and it also takes vigilance and action on the part of consumers.”

For National Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, taxpayers can review this checklist of some simple ways they can protect their information, beware of scams and be vigilant with their taxes.

Protect personal information

  • Do not carry a Social Security card in a wallet.
  • Do not give out a Social Security Number (SSN) on the phone or in a public place.
  • Do not send a SSN or date of birth in an email or a text.
  • Do not share an online user ID, password or PIN with others. Do not leave this information anywhere someone else can easily see or gain access to it.
  • Avoid easily guessed or common names and numbers for passwords and PINs. Change passwords regularly and don’t use the same password for multiple accounts.
  • Close unused credit-card accounts and destroy the credit card.
  • Use a shredder for documents containing personal information.
  • Use firewalls, anti-spam/virus software, update security patches.
  • Look for the S in https which means the site uses secure encryption technology.
  • Do not shop online on public Wi-Fi where information can be intercepted.
  • Request a copy of a credit report and keep tabs on who might be accessing it.
  • Review financial statements like credit card bills and bank statements for suspicious activity.

 Beware of Scams

  • Be aware of phishing and social engineering scams. Be suspicious of emails that ask for credentials. Do not provide personal information over the phone, via text, through the mail or on the Internet.
  • The IRS will never email or connect on social media to request personal information.
  • The IRS will never call to demand immediate payment.
  • The IRS will never ask for credit or debit card information over the phone.
  • The IRS will never require specific payment methods.
  • The IRS will always contact taxpayers by mail first about taxes owed.
  • Report phone calls, emails or letters from IRS impersonators to the Treasury Department. Use its IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting Portal or call 800-366-4484.

Be Vigilant with Taxes

  • File early to lessen the window of opportunity for a criminal to file first.
  • If using a tax preparer, ask what they do to protect tax return information.
  • Apply for additional IRS protections like the identity protection PIN.
  • Consider a product like the Tax Identity Shield.

Taxpayers can help better protect themselves by practicing these simple measures. But these measures alone won’t always be enough. Criminals can get the information they need to file a return from company and government data breaches.

The IRS and tax industry may be able to stop the thieves after they have the taxpayer’s information. But when the worst happens, the Tax Identity Shield offers victims assistance restoring their identities and getting their refunds. 

Taxpayers can learn more about tax identity thefthow to spot it and what to do if they become a victim and what H&R Block is doing to protect taxpayers.

CCM Named National Center of Excellence for Cyber Security Education

RANDOLPH — County College of Morris (CCM) has become the first community college in New Jersey to gain designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE 2Y) through a program sponsored jointly by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.

The designation, offered through the National IA Education and Training Programs (NIETP), recognizes CCM as an institution with a proven track record for information security education and awareness. Only 41 community colleges across the country, or less than 3 percent, hold the same designation, according to the NIETP program office.

“We are deeply grateful to Professor Patricia Tamburelli, who with her husband and adjunct professor, Joseph Tamburelli, had the foresight and undertook the hard work to ensure CCM was able to obtain this designation,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, CCM president. “Their expertise, exceptional work and dedication to students are the reason CCM stands out in higher education. Students who choose CCM can expect to receive a high-quality education and opportunities that they will not find elsewhere.

 “The Department of Information Technologies and its chair, Professor Nancy Binowski, also need to be commended for gaining this recognition, which places CCM as a national leader in the area of cyber security, as does CCM’s Board of Trustees for its vision and ensuring the resources are in place for such programs to flourish. What the Tamburellis have accomplished not only is good for CCM but can also be expected to serve Morris County and New Jersey in many ways including helping people to obtain great jobs.” 

“Joe and I are so pleased and honored that CCM has earned this designation,” said Professor Patricia Tamburelli, who, along with her husband, teaches information technology at the college. “We also are deeply grateful to Nancy Binowski who has been a true champion for making this vision a reality.”

To obtain the designation, CCM needed to demonstrate that its cyber security curriculum is aligned with national standards, that the college contributes to providing a pipeline of professionals who can assist with protecting against cyber attacks, and that it is a resource for the community in the area of information security.

The college currently offers a certificate program in information security and an Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology with both a digital forensics and information security track. Also offered is an Associate in Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in computer forensics. 

In 2015, the Department of Information Technologies established the Center for Cyber Security at CCM to serve as a comprehensive resource for students, faculty, staff and the community in the area of cyber security. Also in 2015, the Tamburellis formed a cyber defense competition team at the college, the Cyber Centurions, which came in seventh place at its first competition at the Mid-Atlantic Regional College Cyber Defense program that year.  In addition, the department each semester offers cyber security workshops for the community, the most recent of which was a session for the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Along with recognizing the excellence of the college’s educational programs, the CAE-CDE 2Y designation means that CCM students now can apply for scholarships through the National Science Foundation to continue their cyber security education at four-year institutions.

The CAE designation was established to increase the nation’s understanding of cyber defense and to address the critical shortage of professionals in the information security field.

The other CAE institutions in New Jersey are Fairleigh Dickinson University, New Jersey City University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Rutgers University and Stevens Institute of Technology.

For more information on cyber security at CCM click here.

Parsippany Chamber Networking Meeting

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce is holding its monthly networking meeting on Friday, February 10 at 8:00 a.m. at IHOP, 792 Route 46.

“It’s no secret that people are attached to their cell phones and tablets and use them for much more than calls and text messages. We all email, make purchases, handle banking, comment on social media, and search everything wherever we are,” said Robert Peluso, President Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

It’s clear that mobile is here to stay and as a business executive, you need to be sure your website can be seen by prospects and clients on every size device.

You may say – “Why? What difference does it make?”

Join us at our next PACC breakfast and find out all the compelling reasons you need to have a responsive, i.e., mobile-friendly, website. We’ll also talk about marketing your small business in a mobile society.

Cost for this event, which includes breakfast is $10.00 for members and $15.00 for non-members. Bring plenty of business cards and brochures because there will be plenty of time for networking.

For more information click here for our website  or  contact Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400. Click here to register for the event.

General Meeting for Woman’s Club scheduled for February 27

PARSIPPANY — Area women are invited to join members of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills (WCPTH) who will meet on Monday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. The club is a great group of women of all ages and walks of life committed to volunteerism and service to the community.

Every two years, Women’s Clubs in the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC) support a State Special Project (SSP) with public awareness campaigns. Prevent Child Abuse; NJ (PCA-NJ) is the State Special Project for 2016-2017. The SSP offers the opportunity to educate all communities across the state with information about  PCA-NJ which promotes great childhoods, positive parenting and healthy child development.

After a short business meeting, PCA-NJ  Area Director, Karen Benjamin will provide information about the organization.  The PCA-NJ mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect, in all forms, for all New Jersey children. Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey is the only statewide non-profit dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect in all forms, for all New Jersey children.  For more information on PCA-NJ click here.

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.    For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or visit the website by clicking here.

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

Parsippany Express Youth Track and Field Team to Open Registration

PARSIPPANY — Did you know that the Parsippany Express Spring Youth Track & Field program has been ongoing in Parsippany for over 20 years?

The team is open to children turning eight by December 31, 2017. Sorry, no high school students.

The events offered are the 100 meter, 200 meter, 400 meter dashes, 800 meter and one mile runs, long jump and shot put.

Registration for the Spring Season opens on February 1 and the team will start practices (weather permitting) on March 7. The program runs through the end of May. Track meets are usually every Sunday during April and May.

We compete in the Lakeland League which is comprised of other teams from Morris County. The Parsippany Express Youth Track & Field Team is a fantastic opportunity for kids who play any sport but really excellent for those who have a love of running and field events and want a good base to continue on in middle school and high school. Click here to visit our website, if you would like to register. Click here to send an email.

Roger Williams University Announces Fall 2016 Dean’s List

PARSIPPANY — Select students have been named to the Fall 2016 Dean’s List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. Full-time students who complete 12 or more credits per semester and earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher are placed on the Dean’s List that semester. The local students include:

Nicholas Gaudio, a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, Class of 2014, currently majoring in Engineering.

Lauren Calabrese, is a graduate of Parsippany High School, Class of 2015, currently majoring in Creative Writing.

About RWU: With campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, R.I., Roger Williams University is a forward-thinking private university committed to strengthening society through engaged teaching and learning.

At RWU, small classes, direct access to faculty and guaranteed opportunity for real-world projects ensure that its nearly 4,000 undergraduates – along with hundreds of law students, graduate students and adult learners – graduate with the ability to think critically along with the practical skills that today’s employers demand.

Roger Williams is leading the way in American higher education, confronting the most pressing issues facing students and families – increasing costs, rising debt and job readiness.

Suraj Shah named to Dean’s List at George Washington University

George Washington University

PARSIPPANY — Suraj Shah a graduate of Parsippany High School Class of 2016 was named to Dean’s list at George Washington University in Washington, DC.

Suraj has resided in Parsippany for 13 years and attended Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Schools.

He is studying Computer Science.

He was a Team Leader/volunteer at Saint Clare’s Health from January 2013 to December 2015.

George Washington University attracts a wide range of students, faculty and staff from around the world with a wealth of viewpoints, perspectives, values and experiences. Understanding and celebrating the differences strengthens of their community and encourages problem solving from multiple perspectives.

Their efforts to ensure that everyone receives the support that they need is present throughout the university. From tutoring and disability accommodations to cultural events and volunteer activities, they work to reach and support community members of all interests and backgrounds.

George Washington University is located at 2121 Eye Street, NW, Washington, DC. For more information click here.

New play takes on Parsippany High’s controversial mascot name change

Soon after leaving her native California and settling in New Jersey, playwright Nikkole Salter noticed something unusual about her new home state: the abundance of strange-sounding place names. “Weehawken, Hoboken, I thought maybe they were Eastern European or something,” the Obie Award-winning actress and writer recalled in an interview with NJ Advance Media. “Then I found…

Top 6 finishers for each weight at the 2017 Morris County Wrestling Tournament

Below are the top six finishers in each weight class from the Morris County Tournament. The two-day tournament was held Friday and Saturday at Mount Olive High School. For full coverage from the tournament, follow this link and for results from the third- and fifth-place matches, follow this link. 106 1-Anthony Clark, Delbarton 2-Dom DiGena, Mendham…