MORRIS COUNTY — Harmonium Choral Society will hold selective auditions for a limited number of openings in all voice parts for experienced singers with good sight-reading ability for the 2023-2024 concert season. Auditions will be held on select dates between August 26 and September 5 at Grace Church in Madison, 4 Madison Avenue at Kings Rd. Click here to learn more and sign up:
Rehearsals for the acclaimed 100-voice chorus begin September 10 and will be held at Grace Church in Madison on Sunday nights. Harmonium schedules three major concerts per season – December, March, and June – as well as a Chamber Singers concert and special appearances throughout the year. This year’s concerts are December 8 at 7:30 pm. and December 10 at 3:00 p.m., at the Presbyterian Church in Morristown; March 9 at 7:30 p.m. and March 10 at 3:00 p.m. at Morristown United Methodist Church and June 1 at 7:30 p.m. and June 2 at 3:00 p.m., also at, Morristown United Methodist Church.
Harmonium concert soloists are usually selected from the chorus’s members, over one-third of whom are professional musicians and/or music educators. Members are also invited to audition for the Harmonium Chamber Singers, a 20-voice ensemble selected from the full Harmonium chorus. This year’s repertoire ranges from Mozart’s Vespers to a world premiere by Dale Trumbore, with works from the Renaissance to the present.
Harmonium Choral Society, based in Morris County, is one of New Jersey’s leading choral arts organizations. The 100-voice choral society, directed by Dr. Anne Matlack of Madison, has been recognized for its eclectic programming, choral excellence, and community spirit, and sponsors commissions and musicianship workshops. Harmonium’s composers-in-residence are Mark Miller and Martin Sedek; the chorus has also commissioned and premiered works by Amanda Harberg, Matthew Harris, Elliot Z. Levine, Dale Trumbore, and many more. The chorus also sponsors an annual High School Student Choral Composition Contest, which celebrates its 27th anniversary in 2024. This innovative program won the prestigious Chorus America Education and Outreach Award.
PARSIPPANY — Pack your lawn chair and your hunger as more than 15 food vendors descend on Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, September 9 from 12:00 Noon to 7:00 p.m. This grand event marks the farewell to summer 2023 and supports fundraising efforts for The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
The festival will feature many local craft vendors
Expect not only a smorgasbord of delicious food and live music featuring Naughty Humphrey and Twisted Charm but also a variety of activities! Explore local craft vendors, try your hand at airsoft rifles, bounce on a bungee trampoline, get adorned with a henna tattoo, craft with sand art, and much more!
Pretty Good Pizza was one of the food vendors at the 2022 Food Truck Festival
For attendees aged 21 and above, our bar will serve chilled beer, wine, or hard seltzer.
Entry is set at $6.00 for everyone older than six years. Avoid the lines by getting your FastPass tickets online by clicking here.
This event welcomes pets!
Please note: Bringing outside food, drinks, or coolers is not permitted.
MORRIS COUNTY — The weather held off for nine holes at Hamilton Farm Golf Club’s Highlands Course in Gladstone Monday, June 26, when 108 golfers raised a record $180,000 for Preschool Advantage, enough to send 30 kids to preschool this fall.
“We are so grateful for the support we received from all our sponsors and attendees,” said Matt Mirett, event chair and Preschool Advantage trustee.
“We’d specifically like to recognize our Presenting Sponsor, Provident Bank, and our Tournament Sponsor, Open Road Auto Group, who provided foundational support for our event. Despite the weather, it was a great day for all involved and most importantly for the families we serve.”
Preschool Advantage is a Morristown-based non-profit organization that has provided more than 1,500 families with financial assistance for high-quality preschool education since 1995. The golf outing is one of its primary fund-raisers.
The organization will fund preschool tuition for 100 children for the 2023-24 school year and is still accepting applications for September.
PARSIPPANY — Recognize an exceptional senior Parsippany resident by nominating them for the “2023 Socolowski Senior Citizen of the Year Award.”
The award, initiated by Parsippany Township’s Office on Aging, is designed to honor two elderly volunteers, aged 60 and over, for their selfless commitment to projects, causes, or activities that positively impact the community. Although nominees can be employed, the award will only take into consideration their volunteer contributions. The award, financially supported by the Estate of Jean D. Socolowski, will present monetary prizes to the winning volunteers.
Click here to download the application, or request them by calling (973) 263-7163, or visiting the Office on Aging at the Parsippany Senior Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. After completion, applications can be submitted via fax to (973) 299-1349, email to mpicone@parsippany.net, or handed in or sent by mail to the above address. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2023.
Please note that Parsippany Township employees, previous winners, and elected officials are not eligible to apply. However, applicants from previous years who did not win are strongly encouraged to reapply.
For additional details, please contact the Office on Aging at (973) 263-7163.
MORRIS COUNTY — 2023 marks a significant year for YMCA Swimming, as it celebrates the 100th anniversary of its Short Course Swimming and Diving. This Centennial event honors the countless individuals who have pushed the boundaries of their aquatic abilities over the past century!
Similarly, the Lakeland Hills YMCA Competitive Swim Team is commemorating half a century of nurturing swimming champions. More crucially, it has played a pivotal role in molding athletes into resilient and competent individuals who embody the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. The team has been a platform for people of diverse ages, backgrounds, and life experiences to unlock their full potential in an environment that promotes dignity and respect.
All current and past swimmers, parents, coaches, officials, and friends are invited to be part of the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Competitive Swim Team on Friday, August 11, and Saturday, August 12. Here is the current schedule for the weekend:
On Friday, August 11, there is an evening meet-up for some fun and laughter at a local venue to be determined.
Saturday afternoon, August 12 all swimmers will return to their “water roots” as a Blue Green White Alumni Meet is held at Lakeland Hills Y from 1:00-3:00 pm with beers in the Pavilion at the Y.
Saturday evening, August 12, come join the celebration from 6:30-10:30 pm at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes with a full bar, dinner, and dancing. Currently, a Flash Sale is being offered as the event deadline nears. It is just $115 for each guest for the Celebration at The Mansion!
Come and celebrate as the Lakeland Hills Swim Team cheers to 50 Years!
The YMCA is a nonprofit community organization that aims to build community, develop youth, and create a safe experience for all. The Y strives to strengthen individuals, families, and communities through various programs and services by promoting wellness, mental health, and enrichment. Lakeland Hills Family YMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. As a result of their dedication to these three areas, the Y impacts the community by providing quality services to everyone. The Y doesn’t just focus on physical fitness; it also strives to improve mental and emotional health by offering programs and resources that promote overall well-being. The Y is building relationships, celebrating achievements, and inspiring a healthier community. For over 100 years Lakeland Hills Family YMCA has been the leading community organization serving thousands of people.
For more information on Lakeland Hills Family YMCA please visit their website at www.lakelandhillsymca.com or email Rosemary Linder Day, Vice President of Marketing and Membership, at rosemaryl@lhymca.com. No one serves the community as powerfully as the Y does every day.
PARSIPPANY — Video On The Go filmed the 2023 Teacher Staff Awards, Retirees, and 25 Years of Service.
Recognizing the hard work of educators is essential, and celebrating milestones such as retirements and 25 years of service makes these moments even more special. Being able to document these events ensures that they can be remembered and appreciated for years to come.
MORRIS COUNTY — In a fruitful partnership, the Morris County Nutrition Program and Ort Farms have joined forces for a third consecutive year to ensure fresh produce reaches the senior residents of Butler Senior Housing and Jefferson Chase this summer. This farm-to-table initiative gives seniors the choice to order prepackaged fresh fruits and vegetables from the Long Valley-based farm, subsequently delivered by the Nutrition Program staff.
The federally-funded Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) plays a key role in making this possible, providing vouchers to eligible seniors. These vouchers can be exchanged for fresh produce from participating farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture.
The Morris County Division on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming’s Nutrition Program manages the initiative in Morris County. Christine Hellyer, the division’s director, explained that while the SFMNP has been operational for many years, the farm-to-table initiative began in 2021 due to the pandemic limiting seniors’ mobility. The pilot program, in partnership with Ort Farms, was successful and continues with some enhancements introduced in 2023.
One of the improvements made in 2023 was digitizing the voucher system with QR codes on plastic cards attached to lanyards for seniors to wear at participating farmer’s markets. This change mitigates the risk of voucher loss. Moreover, the amount distributed to each individual in a household has increased from $30 to $50, which corresponds to two deliveries of produce worth $25 each.
This year, a total of 72 bags of produce will be delivered to seniors across two housing units. The first set of deliveries, which took place on July 18 and 19, were welcomed by seniors, who received an assortment of seasonal fruits and vegetables. A second delivery is planned for September.
To further encourage participation, each senior who registered for a produce bag also received an indoor sprout blossom kit. The kit, containing mixed herbs that can grow in sunlight and stick to windows and walls, came as a bonus with the produce.
Director Rhea Young, who personally delivers the bags with the help of a community service worker and two interns, stated, “We’ll keep delivering until the need is met.” For more details and income guidelines for the SFMNP, interested parties can visit the Official Website of Morris County.
Ort Farms, a family-run business now in its sixth generation, operates a 400-acre farm and offers produce throughout the year. The farm also provides recreational activities for visitors.
PARSIPPANY — The owner of Tawfig Halal Meat, Victor, welcomed a visit from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee, accompanied by Video on the Go.
Tawfig Halal Meat is located at 88 North Beverwcyk Road, Lake Hiawatha.
In conjunction with Video on The Go Producer, Cinematographer, and Director Brian Satch, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill began working with local businesses within Parsippany to help publicize their business.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor said, “Parsippany businesses create job opportunities here in Parsippany. And add to the Township character. They also contribute to our charitable organizations. As Mayor of the Township Parsippany-Troy Hills, I ask you to #SHOP LOCAL, #SHOP PARSIPPANY.
The video will be aired on Public Access Channel 21 and included on the Township’s social media posts. In addition, Parsippany Focus will promote the videos as a free service to the Parsippany business community.
“In addition to working with the Administration on attracting new business to Parsippany, our committee is committed to working with current businesses and helping promote business within Parsippany,” said Cahill.
The service is free to any Parsippany business. Contact Frank Cahill at (973) 559-6000 for scheduling.
PARSIPPANY — On a warm and sunny Sunday afternoon in Parsippany, the bustling Veteran Park became the vibrant setting for a lively picnic event that brought together the Democratic candidates and the local community. The aroma of freshly cooked empanadas filled the air, enticing participants and passersby to join the festivities.
Matt Clarkin served as the Master of Ceremonies (MC) during the gathering at Veterans Park.
Judy Hernandez, Bernard Clarkin, and Matt Kavanagh, the Democratic candidates running for Parsippany Council, eagerly mingled with the diverse crowd at the park. Excitement and camaraderie were palpable as people from different walks of life engaged in conversations and shared their hopes and aspirations for the community.
Amalia Duarte, Chair of the Morris County Democratic Committee, was seen holding a door hanger from the Hernandez, Kavanagh, Clarkin campaign while addressing the diverse crowd at Veterans Park.
Also joining were Jonathan Sackett for Morris County Commissioner; John Von Achen and Walter Mielarczyk for Assembly, Caroline O’Brien for Morris County Clerk and Amalia Duarte Chair of Morris County Democratic Committee.
The event’s main attraction, the empanadas, was a delightful conversation starter. Attendees flocked to the food truck, indulging in the mouthwatering variety of empanadas offered. As they savored the delicious treats, conversations flowed effortlessly, breaking down barriers and creating a sense of unity among all present.
John Von Achen, a candidate running for Assembly in Morris County, was also present at the gathering at Veterans Park.Jonathan Sackett, who is running for the position of Morris County Commissioner, was among the attendees at the event at Veterans Park.Caroline O’Brien, who is running for the position of Morris County Clerk, was also present at the Veterans Park gathering.
With her warm and approachable demeanor, Judy Hernandez connected effortlessly with the residents, listening attentively to their concerns and promising to advocate for their needs strongly. Matt Kavanagh, known for his passion for community development, discussed his vision for a more sustainable and inclusive Parsippany. Bernard Clarkin, a charismatic and experienced leader, shared his ideas on enhancing education and public services.
Judy Hernandez, a Parsippany-Troy Hills Council candidate, took the stage to address the audience during the gathering at Veterans Park.
“Hope is contagious. I want to communicate the hope that if every one of us is inspired to act collectively, we can positively impact our future,” said Hernandez.
Judy Hernandez, a respected community member with a strong service track record, was gearing up for a significant role in the town’s future. Having lived in Parsippany for 24 years, she had already left a positive impact through her involvement on the Parsippany Planning Board, the Environmental Advisory Committee, co-founder and co-leader of the Parsippany Green Team, and the board for the Parsippany Child Day Care Center. Her experience and dedication made her a formidable candidate for the upcoming council elections.
Bernard Clark, another candidate for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council, was also part of the gathering at Veterans Park.
Another candidate, Bernard Clark, had deep roots in Parsippany, having called it home for 35 years. Although new to township politics, he possessed valuable expertise from running his small business for the past decade. As recognized by the election committee, his financial acumen and budgeting experience promised to be assets in managing the town’s affairs effectively.
Bernard Clarkin said, “Our team will win this council election! Win it by working harder and having a much better message than our opponents as we start knocking on doors in Parsippany this week. There will be no more massive 18% municipal tax increases or anything like that. I promise to bring my extensive financial background to the council to challenge the mayor and improve transparency. The green energy initiatives we will fight for will save the township money while improving our environment. I ask that you help us win by volunteering any time you can spare to help our campaign and get out the voters.”
Matt Kavanagh, a candidate for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council, also addressed the crowd during the gathering at Veterans Park.
Lastly, Matt Kavanagh, with a decade-long residence in Parsippany, was eager to contribute his passion for sustainability and environmental consciousness to the council. He had already demonstrated leadership as the co-founder and co-leader of the Parsippany Green Team. He held a significant role as the chief operating officer of an energy services company. His experience in the energy sector made him an advocate for smart and eco-friendly policies, making him an appealing choice for voters concerned about the town’s future. Matt’s qualifications extended beyond his role as the co-leader of the Parsippany Green Team and chief operating officer of an energy services company. His experience includes managing large corporate budgets similar in scale to that of Parsippany’s municipal budget. This additional expertise positioned him well to address the financial complexities and challenges the town might face, gaining further support from voters who valued his comprehensive skill set.
“A sustainable community is environmentally conscious, but also diverse, resilient, responsible with resources, financially savvy, and plans for the long run. That is absent in our township government right now, so I’ll focus on this for Parsippany’s long-term future,” commented Matt.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Former Council Member Janice McCarthy and John Von Achen
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council voted unanimously to declare 30 and 20 Lanidex Plaza West “an area in need of redevelopment.”
30 Lanidex Plaza was constructed in 1987. The building is 56,230 square feet and is 100% vacant. The building stands three stories and is a Class B office space. A typical floor is 17,119 square feet. The property contains 200 surface parking spaces.
On May 1, 2023, there was a public hearing and the Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board concurred and agreed with the reasons in the Preliminary Investigation that the property constitutes and meets the criteria under the LRHL supporting the recommendations that the property be determined and declared a non-condemnation in need of redevelopment.
Since the Township Council approved Ordinance 2023:09, adopting 20-30 Lanidex Plaza West Redevelopment Plan, the matter will be heard at the Planning Board, once the development submits an application.
Public Records show that on April 16, 2019, the property was purchased for $4,700,000 and is owned by 20-30 LANIDEX LLC SIGNATURE ACQ.
The land was originally part of a dairy farm owned and operated by Rudolf Olsen. The property next to 30 Lanidex contains a protected National Register house, the Livingston House.
Mr. Olsen proposed selling the land to Lanidex West, which was a ROL zone. These zones were promoted to increase ratables, without impacting the surrounding residential area. Some of the conditions set forth were the congruent design of buildings and the use of landscaping to minimize impacts. An additional requirement was that these zones could not be subdivided into smaller parcels.
Julia Peterson’s parents, in an effort to preserve the Governor Livingston House, sold the acreage used for 10 Lanidex. It was their hope that this would allow the area to remain relatively in line with the historic nature of their home. The adjacent Eastlake School property was donated to the town by Julia’s grandmother.
30 Lanidex was developed in 1987. The second building, 20 Lanidex, was proposed but never developed. 30 Lanidex was leased to Solix Corporation and over $2 million dollars of renovations were added to the building approximately fifteen years ago. Solix had over 400 employees working in the building and was required to provide additional parking, thus the second (20 Lanidex) was never developed.
In the course of the pandemic, Solix relocated to 10 Lanidex West. However, the developer/owner has struggled to secure tenants for the 30 Lanidex property. As a result, 30 Lanidex is currently unoccupied.
