PARSIPPANY — Jason Marin, a 2015 graduate of Parsippany Hills high School and currently a sophomore Public Relations major at York College of Pennsylvania, has been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2016 semester.
To be eligible for this honor, a student must be registered for at least 12 academic credit hours and earn a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher.
A private college located in South Central Pennsylvania, York College offers more than 50 baccalaureate majors in professional programs, the sciences and humanities to its 4,600 undergraduate students. The College also offers master’s programs in business, education and nursing, and a doctorate in nursing practice. York College students enjoy a high-quality education that emphasizes practical application and a community invested in their success. The College provides a personal plan to help students focus their passions and attain their goals so they are prepared for a lifetime of meaningful careers – ready to meet the challenges of their profession and feeling confident and proud of their achievements.
PARSIPPANY — Temple Beth Am in Parsippany’s popular Third Friday Speaker Series continues on Friday, January 20 at 7:30 p.m. with Betsy Teusch, Author of 100 Under $100: Tools for Empowering Global Women.
Ms. Teusch will provide powerful and vital insight into “Global Tikkun Olam: Expanding Our Impact to the Planet’s Poorest”.
In her book and presentation, Ms. Teusch explains the challenges faced by the world’s billion plus most impoverished women. These women work extremely hard, held back by a dearth of resources and education, little access to health care, and discriminatory legal and financial services. Ms. Teusch will emphasize the point that with better tools and expanded access, women’s hard work will be more productive, yielding better outcomes for them, their families and their communities. Tools will be highlighted that can be used to help provide women a toe-hold to climb the ladder out of extreme poverty.
Betsy Teutsch is passionate about mobilizing resources for the world’s poorest women. She has pursued Encore Careers as blogger, columnist, community organizer and eco-activist. In addition to her profession as a Judaica artist, she served as Communications Director of GreenMicrofinance, promoting affordable paths out of rural poverty. She is a founding Board Member of the award-winning Shining Hope for Communities and the Kibera School for Girls. Ms. Teutsch launched three local chapters of Dining For Women, a national network of giving circles supporting women’s grassroots initiatives. Ms. Teutsch contributed extensively, based on research from her book, to the Atlantic’s series What Works: Straightforward Solutions to Complex Problems. Married to Dr. David Teutsch, their first grandchild, Shulamit, arrived before the book’s publication. A Fargo, ND, native, she lives in Philadelphia, PA.
Temple Beth Am is located at 879 South Beverwyck Road.
PARSIPPANY — Jersey Mikes Subs,known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, is introducing gluten free sub rolls in its New Jersey, New York Metro and Philadelphia restaurants beginning today. Responding to customer requests, Jersey Mikes is testing the concept in select sites across the country.
Jersey Mikes Subs is located at 317 Smith Road.
Jersey Mikes Subs is located at 317 Smith Road
Currently, Wild Flour Bakery brand gluten free subs rolls are available as an option for customers in more than 63 Jersey Mikes locations throughout New Jersey and the metro New York area, as well as six in Philadelphia.
The proof and bake sub rolls, with a delicious Tuscan Herb flavor, come from Wild Flour Bakery LLC of Boulder, Colo. Just like Jersey Mikes original sub rolls, this gluten free version arrives as dough and is baked fresh in-store each day.
The restaurants have dedicated pans for baking the gluten free rolls, reducing the risk of cross contamination with other subs. Additionally, Jersey Mikes team members wear new gloves when handling the rolls and use knives and other utensils that havent touched other bread products when slicing the gluten free rolls.
Gluten free living appeals to a growing number of Americans, said Jersey Mikes President Hoyt Jones. We hear from former sub lovers who are now gluten free that they miss their Jersey Mikes subs as well as from those who have never eaten a sub sandwich. Were happy we can now say: welcome to the juice!
Wild Flour sells the industry’s only purely yeast-raised, artisan, gluten-free pizza dough ball and sandwich roll portions that bake and taste just like wheat. Wild Four sub roll can be used as a substitute for any hot or cold subs on Jersey Mikes menu and can be made Mikes Way® with the freshest vegetables onions, lettuce and tomatoes topped off with an exquisite zing of the juice red wine vinegar and olive oil blended to perfection.
In 2016, for the third year in a row, Jersey Mikes was named the #1 fastest growing chain in the Nations Restaurant News Top 100. The company placed #5 in the 25 Best Fast-Food Chains in America (2016) ranking by Business Insider and Restaurant Business. Additionally, Jersey Mikes was voted the best sandwich chain in America, with more than 10,000 votes cast, in a 2016 poll by Ranker.
Since 2010, Jersey Mikes locations throughout the country have raised nearly $18 million for worthy local charities and have distributed more than 1.5 million free sub sandwiches to help numerous causes. In 2016, the companys 6th Annual Jersey Mikes Month of Giving in March raised more than $4 million for 180 charities throughout the country.
Jersey Mikes Parsippany is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
PARSIPPANY — Kaitlyn Partington, Mount Tabor, is one of more than 650 Lebanon Valley College students named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester. Dean’s list students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.4 out of 4.0.
Partington, a 2013 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, is pursuing a bachelor of science in business administration and digital communications at The Valley and won the ACBSP/Rudd Awards.
Lebanon Valley College is a private, coeducational college founded in 1866 and dedicated to the liberal arts. The College offers 40 undergraduate majors plus self-designed majors and a range of minors, concentrations, and pre-professional options, as well as graduate degree programs in athletic training, business administration, music education, physical therapy, science in STEM education, and speech-language pathology.
The College has 1,608 full-time undergraduate students and 108 full-time faculty. Students can choose from more than 90 clubs and organizations, and 12 study abroad programs. LVC awards generous academic scholarships to those whose high school records demonstrate a commitment to challenge and achievement. Learn more by clicking here.
Annville is 15 minutes east of Hershey and 35 minutes east of Harrisburg; Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore are within two hours.
PARSIPPANY — Adath Shalom, a synagogue at 841 Mountain Way, is sponsoring a party for people with special needs on Saturday, February 4. This “Half-Time Havdalah”, the night before the Super Bowl, is part of the synagogue’s outreach to adults with developmental disabilities and their families.
The synagogue, a conservative temple, also holds an “Open Door Minyan” for special needs individuals on the first Saturday morning of each month. There is also a committee working on inclusion and outreach to people with physical and other disabilities.
The party will begin at 5:0 p.m. with a modified Havdalah service, followed by a dinner party, dancing and games. Guests are encouraged to wear the jersey of their favorite football team. The cost of the program is $8.00 per person or $18:00 per family.
PARSIPPANY — Retired Police Sergeant Eugene Natoli was rehired by Parsippany-Troy Hills Township on December 19, 2016 at an annual salary of $50,000. The “Request for Personnel Action” report indicates he works in the “Administration Department” as a “Keyboarding Clerk 1.” The position is a full time, permanent position.
The Personnel Action form was signed by Business Administrator Ellen Sandman.
Parsippany Focus questioned several Council Members and was told they knew nothing about the appointment, and he must have been hired by Mayor James Barberio.
Upon retirement from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department in October 2015 Natoli accumulated $221,295.00 in unused sick and vacation time. Natoli received $115,475.00 in 2016 and is owed another $105,820.00.
In December 2013 a vacant lieutenant’s spot in the Police Department opened up and Sergeant Eugene Natoli was assigned the role as “acting lieutenant” with a permanent lieutenant’s salary, according to a lawsuit filed by Daniel Bendas. According to the records, Natoli didn’t take the required examination. But Bendas had taken the exam for lieutenant in October 2011 and placed third, but he was first on the list after the sergeants in the first and second spots were promoted. Bendas is a Navy Veteran, and according to Civil Service guidelines, you can’t skip over a Veteran.
Since December 3, 2013, Bendas has continuously complained to the department that he should be promoted because he is first on the lieutenant’s promotional list, has veteran’s preference and there is a vacancy in the rank of lieutenant being filled improperly with an acting lieutenant for the purpose of denying Bendas the promotion to lieutenant.
Sergeant Daniel Bendas was promoted to Lieutenant on Wednesday, October 29, 2014.
Eugene J. Natoli was born in 1966 and retired from Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Police Department on October 2015 after being employed for 25 years. Natoli collects an annual pension of $91,560.00, based off a salary of $139,642.00, that is funded by the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System. Natoli’s monthly pension payment is $7,630.00.
Natoli’s annual pension payment is 3.4 times greater than the average pension for retirees from Parsippany-Troy Hills Township and 3.5 times greater than the average pension in New Jersey ($25,983).
Pensioners from Parsippany Troy Hills Township have retired, on average, with a salary of $53,988 and annual pension of $27,079 after 25 years of service.
Email request for comments to Business Administrator Ellen Sandman, CFO Ann Cucci, Council President Louis Valori, Councilman Michael dePierro, Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Paul Carifi and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani went unanswered.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education invites all employees and local residents attend one of the two forums which are dedicated to establishing criteria for the selection of the district’s next Superintendent of Schools. The Board seeks to solicit opinions about the strengths and leadership qualities the successful candidate should possess in order to lead our district beginning in July 2017.
The forums will be held on Thursday, January 12 at 4:00 p.m. at Brooklawn Middle School, 250 Beachwood Drive and at 6:30 p.m. at the Dr. Frank A. Calabria Education Center, 292 Parsippany Road.
In addition to the forums, community members, employees, and students are invited to provide confidential, anonymous input via an online survey by clicking here and click on Superintendent Search Survey.
The search process is being facilitated by Judith Wilson, LLC.
PARSIPPANY — Newcomer to the Board of Education member Nick Kumburis was sworn in by Board Attorney Mrs. Katherine Gilfillan, Esq., along with returning members Joseph Cistaro and Alison Cogan.
Other Board members include Frank Neglia, President; Andrew Choffo, Vice-President; Timothy Berrios, George Blair, Susy Golderer and Mrs. Judy Mayer.
Kumburis, 43, currently resides in the Intervale section of Parsippany, recently moved there from Lake Parsippany in August. He lived in Lake Parsippany twelve years. Nick is married to Sue Martin, and they have two children Olivia, 9, and Matthew, 7. Both children attends Intervale Elementary. he is a graduate of Montclair State University, BS Biology/Chemistry and has aMBA Pharmaceutical Management from Rutgers University. He is a certified Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt and a Master Certificate in Project Management.
Parsippany Focus asked Nick, “Parsippany will be hiring a new Superintendent. What qualities will you look for in the new super? What would you do different this search?” He said “I want a high performer with a passion for our children’s education. Someone who has a proven track record of increasing scores while maintaining a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Last search was conducted by a search firm who may or may not have had our best interest at heart. I feel the search needs to be organic, with input from teachers and parents. Teams of all of the stake holders should have input on the hiring criteria. Once established, we should use these criteria to target high caliber candidates. With the superintendent salary cap, there highly qualified candidates who have their growth and earning potential limited by the size of their district. Parsippany is a large high performing district without many of the issues which plague some of the more urban schools. This would be an ideal landing spot for the right candidate.”
See related story on the hiring of a new Superintendent.
PARSIPPANY — An Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held on Saturday, January 7 at St. Christopher’s Church for Daniel Vincent Metcalf for achieving the highest rank by the Boy Scouts of America, that of Eagle Scout.
The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks, the highest being that of Eagle Scout. Officially, the trail starts with the Tenderfoot rank and continues through Second and First Class ranks. Then, the mountain climbing begins. The path is marked with merit badges, leadership responsibilities, service projects, and the practice of Scouting skills and ideals. The first peak reached is that of Star Scout, the second is Life Scout, and, finally, Eagle Scout.
Pat Foley recited the Eagle Charge:
The Honor, Loyalty, Courage Charge
YOU ARE CHARGED TO BE HONORABLE. Honor is sacred and is the foundation of all character. To show honor you must be trustworthy, the very first point of the Scout Law and for good reason. From this day forward you will be held to a higher code of honor and ethics than most your peers. Honor is truly the measure of a man. Honor is represented by the white of the Eagle badge,
YOU ARE CHARGED TO BE LOYAL, to family, self, Scouting, friends, community and nation. Be also loyal to the ideals of Scouting. The blue of your new rank is to inspire Loyalty.
YOU ARE CHARGED TO BE COURAGEOUS. Courage gives all character force and strength. Have the courage to stand up for what is right and the ideals of scouting. Face each day unafraid and seek your share of the world’s work to do. Let the red on your badge remind you always to have courage.
Danny began his Scouting experience in Cub Scout Pack 175 where he earned the Arrow of Light award; he also earned the Light of Christ award from his church. He joined Troop 173 in fifth grade and quickly advanced through the first few ranks with the help of his patrol leader, Michael Ludwig and Scoutmaster, Ken Galley.
The Eagle Scout Award is Scouting’s highest rank and among its most familiar icons. Men who have earned it count it among their most treasured possessions. Those who missed it by a whisker remember exactly which requirement they didn’t complete. Americans from all walks of life know that being an Eagle Scout is a great honor. The award is more than a badge. It’s a state of being. The Eagle Scout may have received the badge as a boy, but you earn it every day as a man. In the words of the Eagle Scout Promise, they do your best each day to make their training and example, their rank and their influence count strongly for better Scouting and for better citizenship in the troop, in their community, and in their contacts with other people. And to this they pledge their sacred honor.
Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million young men. Only 4% of the Boy Scouts actually earn this rank.
Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges, although Daniel earned 29 merit badges, and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout.
Dabid Albin, Senior Patrol Leader
Bob Roberti, Vice President of Sedgefield Civic Association congratulating Daniel
Mayor James Barberio presenting Dan with a Proclamation and American Flag
Councilman Michael dePierro presenting certificates on behalf of Assemblywoman Betty Lou DeCroce
Daniel Vincent Metcalf
Council Vice President Robert Peluso congratulating Daniel
Parsippany Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso presenting a certificate of achievement
Bob Moravsik, Advancement Chair, certifying the eagle candidate
Keith Porcelli, Parsippany Elks Lodge #2078 making a presentation to Daniel
Karen DeChristopher, Daniel and Greg Elbin presenting from Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany
Bruce Michels, Senior Vice Commander, American Legion Post #249
His mother pinned the Eagle badge over his
heart
Daniel pinning his father, Bill, in recognition of the wisdom and guidance
In recognition of the many hours of patient guidance given by
his mom, Cathy, Dan placed the mother’s pin on her
Dan’s mentor was Ken Galley. Dan is hugging Ken’s wife, Eileen Galley
Proud new Eagle, Daniel Vincent Metcalf
Pat Foley reciting the Eagle Charge
Eagle: Daniel, Juan J Correa and Rishi Konkesa
Bill Metcalf, Daniel, Robert Peluso and Cathy Metcalf
He became active in other activities in and out of Scouting, such as coordinating Vacation Bible School at Saint Christopher’s Church, playing travel baseball and CYO basketball. Once he earned First Class rank, he became a patrol leader. Being a patrol leader helped Dan to grow as a person and as a leader over the next two years; which included his completion of National Youth Leadership Training.
At age fourteen he became the Troop’s Senior Patrol Leader where he learned about planning, leading others and it also improved his communication skills. He has also served as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Den Chief (Pack 142) and Historian. He was elected by his fellow Scouts as an Ordeal member of the Order of Arrow. Also at age 14, Dan became a Counselor in Training at Winnebago Scout Reservation, working there for two summers in the Dan Beard Program area which was set up to introduce new Scouts to many outdoor skills. Dan earned the BSA National Outdoor Award for Camping having spent over 140 days and nights camping during his Scouting career.
For his Eagle Project, Danny upgraded the 9/11 Memorial at St. Christopher Church, which included the installation of lighting and a flagpole. Unfortunately his Eagle Project Coach and Mentor Ken Galley passed away while Danny was in the process of completing his Eagle Rank, but he knows that Ken would have insisted that he complete his Eagle and he did so with the encouragement of the Galley family, the Troop, other friends, and family. Danny graduated from Seton Hall Prep High School in West Orange (SHP) where he ran cross country for two years, was a member of the Wounded Warriors’ Club and Knights of Setonia Club.
He was manager for the baseball team in 2016 when they won a state championship. He participated in a Kairos retreat in both junior and senior years. During Dan’s junior year, a close friend passed away from brain cancer at the age of twelve. After her passing he became involved in promoting cancer awareness. As the leader of the Pirates Against Cancer Club at SHP, he organized two “Buzz Offs” with the help of an advisor, in which students and faculty would shave their heads for cancer awareness and raised over $3500 each time to help with cancer treatment. Dan has completed his first semester at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, majoring in Counseling and Human Services. Because of his passion to help people who have cancer, he’d like to be a Child Life specialist after college; planning also to give back to the community by staying active in his church community and in Scouting.
Daniel earned 29 Merit Badges: Art, Camping, Canoeing, Citizenship In the Community, Citizenship In the Nation, Citizenship In the World, Collections, Communication, Cooking, Disability Awareness, *Environmental Science,Family Life, Fingerprinting, First Aid, Geocaching, Kayaking, *Leatherwork Lifesaving, Mammal Study, *Personal Fitness, *Personal Management, Public Speaking, Rifle Shooting, Small Boat Sailing, Space Exploration, Sports,Swimming, Wilderness Survival and Wood Carving. (*Eagle Requirement)
Scouting makes a direct and positive impact on your community by teaching positive values and leadership skills to your son. With over 50 Scouts, they are a very active and fun filled troop. Troop 173 offers a wide range of activities and learning experiences for your child that focus on their continued growth as they progress through the program. They strive to incorporate education, character building, growth, teamwork, and primarily FUN for our Scouts. They are a “Family Friendly” troop that encourages Moms or Dads to attend our meetings, special events, and camping trips so that everyone can experience the fun, together.
Troop 173 was chartered by the Sedgefield Civic Association in 1957. Yet from its beginning, Troop 173 has included boys from all over Morris County in its programs. While most of our members come from the area of Parsippany from Lake Parsippany to Powder Mill, we have had members as far away as Succasunna and Randolph.
Troop 173 consists of boys primarily from Parsippany. Due to the strength as a Troop and their family centered focus, they also draw from other nearby towns as well.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department is reporting a number of burglaries over the holidays.
Wallets, purses and drain cleaning machines were stolen out of Parsippany cars during a recent rash of car burglaries.
The burglaries happened between December 22 and December 29, and were all after dark. In total, six cars were burglarized on four occasions.
• Between 4:40 p.m. on December 22 and 12:00 a.m. on December 23, an unknown suspect(s) forced entry into two separate vehicles by tampering with the locking mechanism on the vehicle’s doors that were parked at 1900 Route 10.
Vehicle #1 was a 2002 GMC Envoy and a purse containing various personal items was stolen.
Vehicle #2 was a 1998 Honda Civic and a purse containing various personal items was stolen.
• Between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. on December 23 an unknown suspect(s) gained entry into a 2010 Ford Econoline F350 that was parked on New Road and stole two drain cleaning machines.
• Between 6:00 p.m. and 6:51 p.m. on December 23 an unknown suspect(s) gained entry into the victim’s vehicle at 1159 Route 46 by tampering with the locking mechanism. Once inside the victim’s vehicle the suspect(s) stole the victim’s wallet, which contained various personal items, along with credit cards. The victim’s credit cards were then used by the unknown suspect(s) at various retailers before being reported stolen and deactivated.
• A victim reported on December 23 at approximately 5:48 p.m. an unknown suspect(s) gained entry into her unlocked vehicle that was parked at 1159 Route 46 and stole her purse which contained various personal items, along with credit cards. The victim’s credit cards were then used by the unknown suspect(s) at various retailers before being reported stolen and deactivated.
• Between 6:30 p.m. on December 28 and 10:58 a.m. on December 29 an unknown suspect(s) gained entry into the victim’s 2014 Audi A4 that was parked on Cedar Crest Road. After further investigation it was determined that the vehicle was left unlocked which allowed the unknown suspect(s) to gain entry and remove various personal items.
The Parsippany incidents are still under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to call the Parsippany Police Department’s Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
Auto Burglary is a Crime of Opportunity
Most thefts occur when valuables are left unattended. The thief normally seeks privacy to commit his/her act. Virtually any article left in plain view is apt to be stolen. Most property that is stolen is left unattended or unlocked.
Who provides the burglar with the opportunity? The victim provides the burglar with the opportunity by leaving their vehicle unlocked or their window open. Most property stolen is left in plain view where anyone walking by the car can see it lying there.
What are their favorite targets? Anything of value. The property most preferred is cash or loose change that is left in the console or ashtray of the vehicle. They also like CD’s, wallets, purses, cellular phones, radar detectors, radios, speakers, and cassette tapes.
When do auto burglaries occur? Most auto burglaries occur at night while the vehicle is parked outside the victim’s residence. Some burglars also target vehicles that are parked in parking lots while their owners are at work, in class, or shopping. They know it’s going to be a long time before the owner returns to their car and the likelihood of being caught is low.
What can I do to keep from being the victim of an auto burglary? Park your car in a garage or parking lot that is supervised by an attendant. Park your car in well-lit areas away from places of concealment, such as alleys and behind bushes. Close your windows and lock your doors. Never hide a key in one of those magnetic key boxes, because if you can find it, so can a burglar. Take your valuables with you when you leave your car or lock them in the trunk out of sight.
What should I do if I find my car has been burglarized? Report anyone that is seen trying door handles, looking in cars or loitering in the parking lot. If the burglary is in progress Call 911. They call taker will ask you who you are and where you are calling from. Then they will ask you to describe the suspect (race, sex, height, weight and clothing description). If the burglary has already occurred.
Call non-emergency number at (973) 263-4300. Do not get inside of the car to see what’s missing because you may be destroying evidence needed to catch the burglar.
Auto Burglary Prevention Tips
Remove visible items from your vehicle – If you leave items visible in your car, you are a target. Be aware that someone may be watching as you put a wallet, purse, or cell phone under your seat, especially at a gym. Take these with you or secure them in your trunk.
Lock Up!
Lock your vehicle and take your keys, even for quick errands.
Lock the trunk, hatchback or tailgate to block access into the vehicle.
Close all windows, including vent or wing windows and sunroofs.
Vehicle alarms – Buy an alarm and use it! Many people believe that alarms no longer make a difference, however, they do remain an effective deterrent to a burglar. Remember criminals are looking for the easy target.
Vehicle Registration – Black out the address on your registration and photocopy it. Keep the copy, not the original, in your car. You must have the registration available to present to a police officer upon request.
Do not attach personal information to your keys – If your keys are stolen, having your personal information or vehicle license number attached only compounds the problem. A criminal now may have access to your home, automobile or office.
Mail – Do not leave outgoing or incoming mail in your car, especially where visible. This has your name and address on it.
Garage Door Opener – Avoid leaving this in your car if possible.
Park Safely!
At home, park in your garage if you have one. Lock your car and all garage doors.
Park in a well-lit area.
Check to see that your vehicle is visible from pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Remember, only you can prevent auto burglaries by removing your valuables from your vehicle and locking them in a safe place. Help us to protect your property.
Parsippany Focus asked Nick, “Parsippany will be hiring a new Superintendent. What qualities will you look for in the new super? What would you do different this search?” He said “I want a high performer with a passion for our children’s education. Someone who has a proven track record of increasing scores while maintaining a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Last search was conducted by a search firm who may or may not have had our best interest at heart. I feel the search needs to be organic, with input from teachers and parents. Teams of all of the stake holders should have input on the hiring criteria. Once established, we should use these criteria to target high caliber candidates. With the superintendent salary cap, there highly qualified candidates who have their growth and earning potential limited by the size of their district. Parsippany is a large high performing district without many of the issues which plague some of the more urban schools. This would be an ideal landing spot for the right candidate.”
