Joseph Bonadeo from Edward Jones joins Parsippany Chamber

Frank L. Cahill
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Joseph Bonadeo from Edward Jones joins Parsippany Chamber

PARSIPPANY — Joseph Bonadeo, Financial Advisor, from Edward Jones joined Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Joseph said “After being a financial advisor for over 25 years and advising clients during both bull and bear markets, I have found that my clients really appreciate the time that I take to educate them. This in turn helps them feel more comfortable when making decisions.”

As an Edward Jones financial advisor who helps long-term investors achieve their financial dreams, Joseph applies our 5-step process so that he understand your goals and implement customized solutions for you. After developing your investment plan, he partners with you over your lifetime to keep you on track to achieve your goals by working with you and your CPA and/or estate planning attorney to execute the needed actions.

Bonadeo is am a native of New Jersey and lives in Randolph with his wife and our two sons.

Bonadeo earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Montclair State University in New Jersey and completed the American College of Financial Services Financial Planning Certificate Curriculum. Joseph holds his life, accident and health insurance agent licenses, and FINRA 7, 63, and 65 registrations.

“I would like to provide solutions for your goals involving planning for retirement, retirement income strategies, education savings for children or grandchildren and planning for the unexpected (insurance, annuities and long-term care insurance). In addition, I provide solutions for entrepreneurs, business owners and divorced couples,” said Joseph Bonadeo.

You can reach Joseph by calling (973) 267-6290. His office is located Two Sylvan Way, Suite 301, Parsippany.

Parsippany Hills High School Academic Decathlon Team Heading to Nationals

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Hills High School Academic Decathlon Team Heading to Nationals

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Hills High School Academic Decathlon (AcDec) Team and their Advisors, Jackie Forte and Jaclyn Bevacqua, have been invited to Alaska to represent New Jersey at the national level after taking third place in the State Competition held on Saturday, February 29 at Westwood Regional High School.

The team was comprised of eight members and seven alternates. Competitors who participated were: Cavin Anbuselvam, Hyun-Jung Kim, Amy Liu, Brandon Ng, Aarnav Patel, Dhruv Patel, Delia Ryerson, and Shoumik Vaddi. Alternate team members who participated were: Dylan Chiu, Akul Murundi, Jimmy Nguyen, Mann Pandya, Sebastian Stone, Adomas Vaitkus, and Victor Wang. Overall, the Parsippany Hills High School team took home almost 40 individual awards and honors for the state competition. The competitors will head to the Academic Decathlon National Competition in Anchorage, AK at the end of next month.

Academic Decathlon is a twn-event scholastic competition for high school students. The events include math, science, social science, language/literature, economics, art, music, speech, essay, and interview. This year’s theme is health and wellness. Team coaches are Jaclyn Bevacqua, Italian teacher, and Jacqueline Forte, Spanish teacher.

Two Morris County Vocational School District Students Receive President’s Volunteer Service Award

Frank L. Cahill
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Two Morris County Vocational School District Students Receive President’s Volunteer Service Award

MORRIS COUNTY — Siya Kulkarni and Arianna Gehan, students enrolled in the Academies of the Morris County Vocational School District, have been honored for their exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award.

The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country, was granted by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. Morris County School of Technology nominated Siya and Arianna for national honors this fall in recognition of their volunteer service.

In its 25th year, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), recognizes middle level and high school students across America for outstanding volunteer service.

Arianna Gehan pictured with Lynne Jackson, Principal of Morris County School of Technology

“Across the United States, young volunteers are doing remarkable things to contribute to the well-being of the people and communities around them,” said Prudential Chairman and CEO Charles Lowrey. “Prudential is honored to celebrate the contributions of these students, and we hope their stories inspire others to volunteer, too.”

“Demonstrating civic responsibility through volunteerism is an important part of life,” said NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti.  “These honorees practice a lesson we hope all young people, as well as adults, will emulate.”

Prudential Spirit of Community Award application details were distributed nationwide last September through middle level and high schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and Points of Light Global Network members.  These schools and officially-designated local organizations nominated Local Honorees, whose applications were advanced for state-level judging. In addition to granting President’s Volunteer Service Awards, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards selected State Honorees, Distinguished Finalists and Certificate of Excellence recipients. Volunteer activities were judged on criteria including initiative, effort, impact and personal growth.

Mayor Soriano’s Lake Parsippany Town Hall Meeting

Frank L. Cahill
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Mayor Soriano’s Lake Parsippany Town Hall Meeting

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano will hold another Parsippany Town Hall series at Lake Parsippany Elementary School, 225 Kingston Road, on Monday, March 9. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the Mayor and his panel will begin at 7:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please call the Mayor’s Action Center at (973) 263-4262.

Assemblywoman DeCroce Introduces ‘NJ Lake Aid for Algal Blooms’ Bill to Fund Clean-ups

Frank L. Cahill
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Assemblywoman DeCroce Introduces ‘NJ Lake Aid for Algal Blooms’ Bill to Fund Clean-ups

PARSIPPANY — Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce today announced her introduction of the “NJ Lake Aid for Algal Blooms” legislation, providing funding streams to lake communities devastated by harmful algal blooms (HABs), such as Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake, for prevention programs and dollars to satisfy matching-fund requirements.

“My bill will allow constitutionally dedicated corporate business tax (CBT) revenues in the “Watershed Management Fund” to be used for grants to local governments to fund sewer and stormwater infrastructure projects that reduce pollution pouring into waterways – a key cause of the HABs. The bill also will explicitly allow these grants to be used as matching funds for other state and federal grant programs designed to keep lakes clean.” said Assemblywoman DeCroce.

The NJ Lake Aid for Algal Blooms legislation, A-2864, also will allow constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues in the “Preserve New Jersey Green Acres Fund” to be used for grants to local governments to fund projects, for the development of lands for recreation and conservation purposes, undertaken for the management of and maintenance of lakes and reservoirs with the aim of preventing or mitigating HABs. The bill explicitly allows municipalities to use Green Acres funds for these purposes. The bill also allows these grants to be used as matching funds to secure grants from other state and federal sources.

HAB outbreaks that began last spring prompted state warnings against people entering dozens of New Jersey lakes, devastating local summer economies, particularly around Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake. In November, the state announced it will make available $13 million statewide for towns and counties to put toward HAB remedial efforts, but the program requires they pay 50 percent in matching funds, which is difficult for cash-strapped lake towns.

“A town like West Milford on Greenwood Lake is already capped at what they can generate from local taxes because the 2004 Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act has prevented any ratable expansion there,” said Assemblywoman DeCroce. “Even Lake Hopatcong communities are impacted by some Highlands restrictions, so satisfying matching-grant requirements is nearly impossible. This legislation provides direct grants for lake protection and clean-ups, as well as money to put up toward machining grants.”

The Assemblywoman warned that HABs are certain to re-emerge if action is not taken quickly.

“Our lake communities cannot suffer another summer like last year,” said Assemblywoman DeCroce. “I still believe the state must provide the millions of dollars in annual funding needed to keep state-owned lakes, such as Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake, clean and healthy. But until that happens, the “NJ Lake Aid for Algal Blooms” bill can offer some financial relief.”

Sherrill Announces Jewish Family Service to Receive $147,000 to Support Senior Volunteer Service

Frank L. Cahill
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Sherrill Announces Jewish Family Service to Receive $147,000 to Support Senior Volunteer Service

PARSIPPANY — Representative Sherrill (NJ-11) today announced that Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey will receive $147,000 in Senior Corps funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency for volunteering and service.

This award will support 215 local Senior Corps volunteers and will expand Senior Corps’ presence in the Northern New Jersey.

“Service Corps allows members of our community 55 and older the opportunity to give back, stay engaged, and make a difference in our towns,” said Representative Sherrill. “This federal funding will allow Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ to continue their excellent work engaging our community members of all ages and abilities in a way that brings meaning to their lives and the lives of those they serve.”

“This grant represents the continued commitment to the importance of giving back to the community,”said Stephanie Grove, RSVP Director, Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ. “We are so thankful for the opportunity to engage older adult members of the community in meaningful service.”

“Thank you Representative Sherrill for recognizing the important work that JFS is providing. This funding supports our agency’s mission and allows us to provide innovative and outstanding social services to enhance the independence and well-being of individuals and families throughout all stages of life,” said Diane K. Squadron, PsyD, Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ.

The funds were awarded as part of a Senior Corps grant competition to increase the impact of national service in new or specific geographic areas. Through Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey, Senior Corps volunteers will Increase literacy in elementary school children; provide Medicare counseling to Medicare beneficiaries; Decrease isolation in older adults in the community; and support the capacity of over 30 non-profits in Essex and Hudson counties.

Each year, Senior Corps engages approximately 220,000 Americans 55 and older through its Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and RSVP programs – all addressing some of the nation’s most pressing challenges – everything from fighting the opioid epidemic, reducing crime and reviving cities, connecting veterans to jobs and benefits, preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs, ensuring seniors age independently and with dignity, and helping Americans rebuild their lives following a disaster.

Senior Corps opens doors for Americans who might not otherwise have the opportunity to serve their community due to financial or other barriers. Open to adults age 55 and older with incomes up to 200% of the poverty line, Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions are unique among volunteer programs as it allows the women and men serving to earn a small stipend. As a result of the increased appropriations provided by Congress in Fiscal Year 2020, CNCS will be able to raise the stipend for the first time since 2002.

While serving, Senior Corps volunteers also improve their own lives, staying active and healthy through service. A growing body of research points to mental and physical health benefits associated with volunteering, including lower mortality rates, increased strength and energy, decreased rates of depression, and fewer physical limitations. Findings from a recent CNCS study show that Senior Corps volunteers serving with the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs report feeling significantly less depressed and isolated, along with higher health scores.

Senior Corps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which engages millions of Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service each year through its Senior Corps and AmeriCorps programs and leads volunteer and civic engagement initiatives for the nation. For more information click here.

Parsippany Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 Serves Dinner at Wrestling Fundraiser

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 Serves Dinner at Wrestling Fundraiser

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 were able to show off their culinary skills by providing and cooking up a great Italian dinner for approximately 250 attendees who came out to show their support at this year’s Parsippany Wrestling Pasta Fundraiser.

The guests were treated with All-You-Can-Eat Penne or Rigatoni (with either Lodge 2561’s delicious homemade tomato sauce or butter sauce, meatballs, salad, Italian bread, assorted desserts, coffee and/or soda.

Members of Parsippany Sons of Italy 2561 cooking the pasta

Parsippany is such a large town that its children’s wrestling programs are traditionally split into two teams – the Parsippany Redhawks and the Parsippany Hills Vikings. Both had long-established histories, successes, and victories. As strong as both teams functioned separately, coaches, wrestlers, and parents knew that if they joined forces to create one team Parsippany Wrestling would become a major squad.

Mayor Michael Soriano helping during the Wrestling Pasta Fundraiser

This became a reality in the spring of 2010. The Par-Troy Wrestling Club was formed with the motto, “One Town. One Team.”

PTWC registers children from grades kindergarten through eighth grade and participates in a number of competitive wrestling leagues. They function with a full Executive Board and Executive Committee Members. Their major annual fundraiser is a two-day Holiday Tournament with teams gathering from all over. Over the years PTWC boasts successes of all the kids, including:

  • New Jersey Kids State Qualifying Wrestlers, Place Winners and Champions
  • Participation and Great Success in Numerous Leagues: Grade School, Passaic County, Tri-County, Future Stars, Northwest NJ K-6, North Jersey, Northern NJ Gold and Silver Teams, and King of the Mat
  • Place Winners and Champions at Competitive Tournaments
  • Bronze Certified Coaches
  • Alumni who move on and are highly successful at Parsippany High School, Parsippany Hills High School, local private programs and college teams

For more information click here.

Members of Parsippany Sons of Italy 2561 serving the pasta

 

NJDOT Annual Statewide Pothole Repair Campaign

Frank L. Cahill
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NJDOT Annual Statewide Pothole Repair Campaign

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti today announced the annual statewide campaign to repair potholes across New Jersey will begin on Wednesday, March 4.

Potholes are created by water seeping into cracks in the asphalt and freezing. Although this winter has not seen much snow, we have experienced a significant amount of rain and freezing rain.  When combined with the fluctuating temperatures it has resulted in many potholes on state highways.

“NJDOT crews work year-round to repair potholes and keep our highways in good condition, but at this time of year it becomes our primary focus. We are launching the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s annual pothole campaign on Wednesday, March 4,” Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti said.

To deal with potholes in the most aggressive and efficient manner, the Department will be allowing crews throughout the state to close travel lanes where necessary during daytime hours.  Where possible, crews will limit their daytime work hours to 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will try to avoid working in travel lanes carrying traffic in the peak direction during peak times.

It is important to slow down in work zones so NJDOT crews can safely make repairs. New Jersey’s Move Over law requires motorists to move over if it is safe to do so when they approach an emergency or service vehicle stopped on the side of the road.

As the weather warms up and asphalt plants reopen, our crews will start to perform permanent patch operations on particularly problematic sections of roadway. This is more extensive work that includes milling and paving a small area of the road, and generally will be done overnight.

In the past five fiscal years (FY15 – FY19), NJDOT has repaired on average 217,645 potholes per year. So far in FY20 (July 1, 2019 – February 29, 2020), NJDOT has repaired about 116,025 potholes, with the busiest pothole repair season just starting.

NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs to alert motorists of the campaign and, to the extent possible, of lane closures that could result in temporary travel delays. Detailed current repair locations will be posted on a continual basis on www.511nj.org.

In addition to our crews monitoring and reporting potholes that need repair on state highways, we encourage motorists to report potholes as well.  Motorists may call 1-800-POTHOLE or click here  convenient form on our website to report potholes on state roads. To report potholes on county roads, contact the appropriate jurisdiction.  The Department responds quickly, especially to reports of potholes that create safety concerns based on their size and location.

Two Five-Story Buildings with 325 Apartments Approved by Planning Board

Frank L. Cahill
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Two Five-Story Buildings with 325 Apartments Approved by Planning Board

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board approved an application for Morris Corporate Center VI, L.L.C. for Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan. (To watch video of the meeting click here.)

The applicant will construct two five-story, 56,363-square foot apartment buildings. The buildings would hold a combined total of 325 dwelling units, with 162 dwelling units in one building and 163 in the other building. Twenty percent of the total units (or 65 units) would serve as affordable housing.

The Property is located in the Affordable Housing District 7 zone. In April 2019, the Township executed a settlement agreement with the Fair Share Housing Center, to resolve litigation regarding Parsippany’s Prior and Third Round fair share affordable housing obligations. The agreement, which was accepted by the Court at a fairness hearing on June 21, 2019, sets forth the extent of the Township’s obligations and describes the compliance plan components by which Parsippany proposes to address those obligations. Part of this obligation has already been achieved in prior rounds, while other housing plan components will be undertaken through July 1, 2025, the end of the Third Round.

The Applicant will install 608 parking spaces. Of those 608 parking spaces, 268 would be indoors, on the first floor of the two buildings, and the remaining 340 spaces would be uncovered, surface parking.

The property is located at 100 and 120 Cherry Hill Road and designated as Block 136, Lots 44 and 76 on the Tax Map of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Additionally proposed are ancillary site improvements, including but not limited to driveways connecting to Upper Pond Road, sidewalks, signs, landscaping, fences, and a retaining wall. Construction would also require minor demolition, including the removal of existing pavement, curbs, light poles, trees, parking lot islands, sidewalks, sanitary pipes, inlets, and manholes.

The existing parking lot on Upper Pond Road would also require minor demolition, including the removal of existing pavement, curbs, light poles, trees, parking lot islands, sidewalks, sanitary pipes, inlets, and manholes

Letter to the editor: Wake-Up Parsippany Taxpayers

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

February 7, 2020, Mayor Soriano gave a State of the Township Address and fortunately for the taxpayers of Parsippany it started the ball rolling for information that should have been publicly stated two years ago.

Mayor Soriano was sworn in January 2018, prior to running for mayor he spent no time at council meetings, budget hearings or expressed via written commentary his dissatisfaction with township policies. Yet after two years as mayor he finds it necessary to vet about the financial condition of the township.

Actually he has greatly contributed to the dismal financial condition of the township.

1) Transferred or fired the three previous mayor’s office personnel who worked with Democratic and Republican Mayors.

2) Mayor Soriano’s new office staff is substantially larger in body count and salaries with no prior experience. Chief of Staff title given to a staff member, question the legality of such title.

3) Filled a vacant Assist Business Administration (ABA), new title Director of Utilities with former democratic councilman with no experience at salary higher than previous ABA. This former councilman ran for mayor who lied on his resume about his college education and had at that time an unpaid judgement with State of NJ. In the non-political world (Corp. America) this individual would not have been hired. It was a holding position until Gov. Murphy could appoint him to an outrageous salary at NJ Transit.

(read Daily Record article Feb. 21, 2020 regarding political positions at NJ Transit)

4) Mayor Soriano expanded patronage payroll position salaries and benefits totally between $ 550,000 to $600,000.

Director of PAL: $120,000 for example

At the February 18, 2020 council meeting, Council President Michael dePierro expressed vehement response to the Mayor Soriano’s state of the town address and resident Bob Venezia as well. In summary both stated indisputable facts and hypocrisy of the mayor’s speech.

Former Mayor James Barberio spoke, his most cogent point was upon taking office did not make it a political “ free for all “ – keep staff in place. Though his eight years had drama moments and costly litigation. Former mayor at no time over extended utility surpluses to the general fund and he actually reduced sewer user rates by 15%.

Wake-Up Parsippany taxpayers, Mayor Soriano has brought Essex County politics to your township. What a disappointment!

Former Resident
Roy Messmer

Meet Phoebe!! Will you take her home?

Frank L. Cahill
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Meet Phoebe!! Will you take her home?

PARSIPPANY — Meet Phoebe!! We rescued this petite pocket Pittie from a local, municipal animal shelter. She is just about a year-and-a-half-old and is cute as a button! Phoebe is fun-sized, coming in at only forty pounds.

Phoebe is fun, playful, and super loving. She loves other dogs and making friends with them and their humans too! Phoebe is very affectionate and likes to show off her signature tail wag/wiggle combo while giving kisses whenever she can. After a long walk or game of fetch she loves to cuddle up with you for a nap. She also enjoys playing with toys but is respectful with them and will happily give them up to you. Phoebe is also a lady at her food bowl.

Want to know even more great things about her? Phoebe is potty-trained and knows “sit,” “paw,” and “down”!!! She pulls a bit on leash but does great in a harness. Phoebe can also live with children 10+ and would love to have some furry and human siblings to play with!!

When Phoebe gets excited in the yard, she does the cutest little bunny hop. Between her hops and her ears, you’re pretty much getting two animals in one with this adorable girl!

If you’re looking for a little ball of love and fun, apply to adopt Phoebe today!

If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.

Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.

Parsippany welcomes WrightLife Insurance

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany welcomes WrightLife Insurance

PARSIPPANY — WrightLife Insurance Group celebrated a “Ribbon Cutting Grand Opening” celebration of their new offices located at 90 East Halsey Road.

Attending the celebration with Jamel Wright and employees were Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Executive Board Member Frank Cahill, Board Member Ildiko Peluso, Ambassador Barbara Freda and Kristen Totaro; Boxer Properties Rosemarie Heldmann, Senior Property Manager; Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee Member Steve Mandel and Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano.

 Ana Zancope, Jonathan Gabriele, Kate Lopez, Jamel Wright and Jerome Whitaker
Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Board presents WrightLife Insurance with a plaque welcoming the new business to Parsippany

WrightLife Insurance Group is an insurance agency dedicated to providing affordable health coverage for everyone. Because healthcare in the United States is the most expensive in the world, it continues to be a topic of debate for everyone from laborers to politicians. We aim to change that one company and one person at a time.

We educate and empower people to take control of their healthcare costs. We’re all about providing innovative healthcare solutions with stellar customer service.

Health is wealth, not the other way around.

For more information call Jamel Wright at (866) 634-6766 or click here.

BSA members Scott and Charlie Sonzogni earned their “Communication Badge”

Frank L. Cahill
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BSA members Scott and Charlie Sonzogni earned their “Communication Badge”

PARSIPPANY — BSA members Scott and Charlie Sonzogni attended a recent Parsippany-Troy Hills Council meeting to earn their “Communication Badge.”

To earn a communication badge, the scout can select from a list of requirements.  The scout can choose to attend a public meeting (city council, school board, debate) where several points of view are given on a single issue.

Practice active listening skills and take careful notes of each point of view. Then the scout had to prepare an objective report that includes all points of view that were expressed, and share this with their counselor.

Communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media. The field of communication promotes the effective and ethical practice of human communication.

This badge is one of the many badges the scout must earn before earning Eagle Rank.

After the meeting was over, Scott and Charlie had an opportunity to speak to members of the Township Council and ask questions regarding the issues that were discussed during the meeting.

For over 60 Years Troop 72 has served the youth of the general Parsippany area, including Boonton, Denville, Parsippany, and Morris Plains. Boys and Girls from ages 11 to 17 are invited to join. For more information, click here.

 

Tony Award Winning Singer and Actress Grace Field to Perform Locally

Frank L. Cahill
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Tony Award Winning Singer and Actress Grace Field to Perform Locally

PARSIPPANY — A Night of Broadway with Grace Field, a Tony Award Winning Broadway Singer and Actress, will be performing at a fundraising event for Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany on Saturday, March 28.

The show will start at 7:00 p.m. at Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, 60 North Jefferson Road, Whippany. General Admission Tickets cost $40.00, children 12 and under $20.00. You can also order the VIP Experience for $60.00 which includes “Meet and Greet” and more. Unlimited Soda and Water. Cash bar. This show will sell-out. To purchase a ticket click here.

Ms. Field has sung at theatres including Broadway’s New Victory Theatre, the Barclay
Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Off Broadway’s New World Stages to name a few. Grace had the privilege to work with Broadway’s Alan Menken, Stephen Schwartz, Rebecca Luker, Seth Rudetsky, Anthony Rapp, and others.

Ms. Field has also sung with Multi Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald, Cynthia Elviro, Shoshana Bean and Hollywood walk of fame Billy Porter. She has an impressive resume of performances including Oklahoma, Les Miserables, South Pacific, Carousel, and more! She is also a solo artist at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

She is currently performing in Broadway Hamilton’s home The Public Theatre’s production of Disney’s Hercules! This event will feature some of Grace’s best performances from your Broadway favorites including Think of Me (Phantom of the Opera), Popular (Wicked), Seasons of Love (Rent), Some Enchanted Evening (South Pacific), Bring Him Home (Les Miserables), Go the Distance (Hercules), Can’t Help Lovin That Man (Show Boat), Let it Go (Frozen) and more!

Field has a huge heart for charity and helping the world through the arts, and has founded Dare to Dream Art Charity which encourages people to donate to local or global charities through the gift of art.

She recently released a Christmas CD, “Christmas with Grace” where 100 percent of the sales go to Operation Christmas Child which aids third world country children.

For more information visit her official website, www.gracefield.net. You can find her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thegracefield;
Twitter: www.twitter.com/thegracefield or
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thegracefield.

Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Our members, Kiwanians, are service-minded men and women who are united in their commitment and compassion for others. For more information call Nicolas Limanov at (917) 499-7299.

Parsippany Chamber launches “PACC Women in Business”

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Chamber launches “PACC Women in Business”

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce has formed a new committee, the PACC Women in Business.  The group was the brainstorm idea of Kristen Totaro of Ramblin’ Media and Jen Peel of M&T Bank back in November.  The women approached Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member with the idea, and Frank and fellow board member Alan Golub of Fein Such Kahn & Shepard P.C. put the idea into motion and the group was born.

The group held their first meeting in February with about 15 members attending.  The group plans to meet monthly on the first Friday of the month.

The main premise behind the group is to find ways to connect women business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees in the Parsippany area on a deeper level, so stronger business relationships can be built.  We’re looking for ways to find how our lives connect beyond just working in Parsippany – so maybe it’s through our kids, our hobbies, our volunteer efforts, or where we went to school or grew up. The PACC Women In Business will:

  • Help you develop a support system
  • Open up opportunities you might not have on your own
  • It is a great way to give back by sharing your knowledge and experience with other women
  • Professional and leadership development
  • Networking towards strategic business alliances
  • Develop business contacts and friends
  • Affiliations and business opportunities
  • Mentoring and support thereby improving self-esteem and leadership
  • Learn “secrets to success” from other women entrepreneurs
  • Be inspired by knowledgeable and fantastic speakers
  • Be mentored or become a mentor
At the first meeting of “PACC Women in Business” the members work on sharing their Linkedin contacts

The Women in Business group is a cohesive, strong group of professional and business women. It is open to anyone looking to connect with other women, network their business or just need a place to have a couple of hours of ‘me time’ each month. Meeting topics and activities are based on feedback from the group and will vary from health/wellness issues to building your business. The primary goal is to provide personal and professional development to area women.

As the group is in its infancy stage, we invite women who are Chamber Members to attend the monthly meetings so we can grow the group and form a strong network of women in the Parsippany area.  For more information contact Jen Peel, Committee Chair at jpeel@mtb.com, or the Chamber Office at (973) 492-6400.

Join PACC Women In Business on Friday, March 6 starting at 12:00. This meeting will be held at Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce office, 90 East Halsey Road, Conference Room 2, on the third floor. Click here to reserve your seat. Space is limited.

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce serves Parsippany, Lake Hiawatha, Mount Tabor, Lake Parsippany, Powdermill, Sedgefield, Glacier Hills, Hills of Troy, Boonton, Mountain Lakes, Boonton Township, Hanover, Florham Park and East Hanover. Click here to view their website.

Freeholders Unveil 2020 County Road and Bridge Projects

Frank L. Cahill
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Freeholders Unveil 2020 County Road and Bridge Projects

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders yesterday unveiled an aggressive 2020 infrastructure action plan for the county, which includes nearly 40-miles of road paving and upgrades, and 17 county bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects in more than two dozen Morris County towns.

The freeholders, in the county’s capital budget, are allocating $23 million for roads, bridges, railroads, and environmental cleanups, including 32.6 miles of resurfacing on county roads in 17 municipalities.

An additional eight miles of road work is scheduled this spring and summer as leftover projects from the 2019 paving season.

“Keeping our county road network in excellent shape is of great importance to county residents and businesses, and helps ensuring that Morris County’s place as a first class, top-rated county,’’ said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.

“Maintaining and improving our road network is a priority. Our infrastructure is important to our residents and the business community, and ensures that Morris County continues to lead the region as an economic engine and hub for jobs,’’ said Freeholder Stephen M. Shaw, the freeholder board’s liaison to public works projects. “Continually investing in county roads and bridges has made Morris County THE Infrastructure County in New Jersey,’’ Shaw added.

County Engineer Chris Vitz and his road and bridge team yesterday briefed the freeholders on this year’s projects.

Portions of county roads scheduled for paving this year are located in Parsippany, Chester Borough, Chester Township, Denville, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Long Hill, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, Mine Hill, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Mount Arlington, Netcong, Randolph, Rockaway Township, and Roxbury.

In particular, three roads that have been the focus of numerous requests from motorists and officials for resurfacing will be addressed this spring and summer:

• Kinnelon Road in Kinnelon, which stretches 4.4 miles from the Boonton Township border to Route 23, is scheduled for upgrading in the summer. In addition to repaving, the borough has requested a pedestrian improvement between Fayson Lakes Road and Ricker Road.

• Hilltop Road and Bernardsville Road in Mendham Borough and Mendham Township (a continuous road that changes name at the municipal border) is set for a spring or early summer upgrade. Utility work performed in 2019 resulted in uneven pavement. Resurfacing had to wait, however, until the area disturbed by the utility company project had completely settled.

• Quaker Church Road and Randolph Avenue in Randolph are set for spring resurfacing. They were expected to be the final projects of the county’s 2019 paving season but work was be delayed when the weather turned too cold to allow optimum quality paving.

Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo

“We know that residents in those towns have asked repeatedly about bringing those roads up to the standards we expect in Morris County,’’ said Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo, alternate liaison on public works projects. “We want to assure you that we will resurface those roads as soon possible in 2020.’’

The county work is in addition to local and state road-improvement projects.

The county already has begun its 2020 bridge infrastructure projects, which will include replacement or rehabilitation of 17 bridges in Butler, Denville, Dover, Jefferson, Mendham Township, Morris Township, Netcong/Stanhope, Randolph, Rockaway Township, Washington Township, and Wharton.

Ongoing projects include:

• East Blackwell Street Bridge in Dover: Work began on Jan. 27 to replace the deck on the bridge that crosses the Rockaway River. The span will be closed to motor vehicle traffic, with a 2.8-mile detour in place for up to ten months.

• Mill Road Bridge in Morris Township: Work began Feb. 10 on a six-month project to replace the heavily used span. The project requires a detour that will direct motorists to Lake Valley Road, Lake Road, and Burnham Road to Hanover Avenue.

• Waterloo Road Bridge in Netcong, Mount Olive, and Stanhope: Work started on Feb. 3 to replace the bi-county bridge, which is suffering from severe rusting of the beams and deterioration. A 2.5-mile detour will be in place for about nine months.
• Chestnut Terrace Bridge in Rockaway Township: The replacement project is in its final weeks. A precast structure is being installed, which could lead to its reopening in March, winter weather permitting.

To see the complete list of scheduled 2020 county road paving projects click here.

Student Sprays Pepper Spray in Classroom at Parsippany Hills

Frank L. Cahill
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Student Sprays Pepper Spray in Classroom at Parsippany Hills

PARSIPPANY — On Thursday, February 27 at 10:00 a.m. a fire alarm was activated at Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive.

The School Resource Officer (SRO) responded to one of the biology classrooms inside Parsippany Hills High School after the fire alarm was activated by school faculty due to numerous students and teachers reporting breathing issues due to an unknown irritant.

The Mount Tabor Fire Department along with Par-Troy EMS responded to the scene, along with Detective Sergeant L. Costigan to assist the SRO. After a brief investigation it was determined that pepper spray was sprayed inside the room by a student causing approximately eighteen students and staff to be evaluated by first responders. The room was ventilated and all students and faculty were allowed to reenter the building.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing at this time.

An open letter endorsing Laura Ali for Republican Chair

Frank L. Cahill
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An open letter endorsing Laura Ali for Republican Chair

During the recent campaign in Parsippany when the Republican Township Council Incumbents were challenged in the Primary and in the General election, we were fortunate to receive help from some prominent Republicans. Outstanding among those was Laura Ali.

Laura realized that Parsippany, being Morris County’s largest municipality, needed to keep strong Republican leadership on the Township Council. She supported us throughout the campaign and demonstrated the leadership that we know Morris County needs going forward.

We wholeheartedly endorse Laura! We know that we can count on her to continue her commitment, her leadership, and her resolve to keep Morris County a Republican stronghold.

Michael J. dePierro, Council President
Loretta Gragnani, Council Vice President
Dr. Louis Valori, Parsippany Republican Committee Chairman

Navigating Hope and Hope One – Coming to 13 Sites Across Morris County

Frank L. Cahill
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Navigating Hope and Hope One – Coming to 13 Sites Across Morris County

MORRIS COUNTY— Morris County’s mobile social-services-center-on-wheels, Navigating Hope, and the Sheriff’s Hope One addiction services vehicle will be traveling across Morris County over the next two months, making a combined 30 visits to 13 different site in 11 municipalities through April 9.

The mobile programs visit supermarkets, libraries, churches, soup kitchens, shopping malls, and many other locations to reach county residents in need of assistance.

Some of the planned stops include County College of Morris in Randolph, Parsippany Municipal Court, and the Trinity Soup Kitchen in Dover.

Stops are planned through April 9 in Hanover Township, Morris Plains, Morristown, Morris Township, Mount Olive, Parsippany, Randolph, Rockaway Borough, and Roxbury.

Navigating Hope’s runs frequently are coordinated with the Morris County Sheriff’s Hope One van.

Freeholder Kathy DeFillippo

“We are reaching out to residents of Morris County where they live, bringing Stigma-Free assistance, counseling, and treatment to county residents in need,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Kathy DeFillippo. “These residents may not be able to travel to county offices and may have fallen through the cracks of the system, so Navigating Hope and Hope One will come to them.”

Navigating Hope, financed by county tax dollars approved by the Freeholder Board, provides on-site benefits eligibility screenings and application assistance, plus links to community services.

Offerings include EITC (tax credits), WIC (nutritional assistance), plus aging, domestic violence, veterans, health & wellness, legal, and mental health services. and also transportation needs.

It is a partnership between the Morris County Department of Human Services and Family Promise of Morris County.

Navigating Hope through April 9, usually from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., include:

  • February 28: Landlord Tenant Court, Morris County Courthouse, 1 Court St., Morristown
  • March 2: Garden Chapel Church, 89 Washington Ave., Victory Gardens/Dover
  • March 4: County College of Morris, Student Center, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph
  • March 5: Parsippany Municipal Court, 3333 Route 45 East, Parsippany
  • March 6: Landlord Tenant Court, Morris County Courthouse, 1 Court St., Morristown
  • March 9: Stop & Shop, 245 Littleton Road, Morris Plains
  • March 13: Landlord Tenant Court, Morris County Courthouse, 1 Court St., Morristown
  • March 16: ShopRite of Flanders, 90 Bartley Road, Flanders (Mt. Olive Twp.)
  • March 19: Morris County Library, 30 East Hanover Ave., Whippany
  • March 20: Landlord Tenant Court, Morris County Courthouse, 1 Court St., Morristown
  • March 26: Trinity Soup Kitchen, 123 E. Blackwell St., Dover
  • March 27: Landlord Tenant Court, Morris County Courthouse, 1 Court St., Morristown
  • March 30: Nourish NJ Community Soup Kitchen, 36 South Street, Morristown
  • April 8: County College of Morris, Student Center, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph
  • April 9: ShopRite of Succasunna, 281 Route 10, Succasunna (Roxbury Twp.)

HOPE ONE

The Hope One mobile recovery access vehicle offers critical support for persons struggling with addiction, with the goals of preventing drug overdoses and deaths. Stops through April 9 include:

  • February 28: Trinity Soup Kitchen, 123 E. Blackwell St., Dover
  • February 29: Open Minds, 57 E. Park Place (Presbyterian Church), Morristown
  • March 1: Open Minds, 57 E. Park Place (Presbyterian Church), Morristown
  • March 2: Garden Chapel Church, 89 Washington Ave., Victory Gardens/Dover
  • March 5: Parsippany Municipal Court, 3333 Route 45 East, Parsippany
  • March 9: Stop & Shop, 245 Littleton Road, Morris Plains
  • March 13: Landlord Tenant Court, Morris County Courthouse, 1 Court St., Morristown
  • March 16: ShopRite of Flanders, 90 Bartley Road, Flanders (Mt. Olive Twp.)
  • March 19: Morris County Library, 30 East Hanover Ave., Whippany
  • March 20: Morris County Courthouse, 1 Court St., Morristown
  • March 23: Quick Chek Plaza, 25 West Main St,, Rockaway Boro
  • March 26: Trinity Soup Kitchen, 123 E. Blackwell St., Dover
  • March 30: Nourish NJ Community Soup Kitchen, 36 South Street, Morristown
  • April 3: College of St. Elizabeth, Dolan Hall, 2 Convent Road, Morris Township
  • April 9: ShopRite of Succasunna, 281 Route 10, Succasunna (Roxbury Twp.)

 Navigating Hope and Hope One are proud to support the Morris County Stigma-Free Communities Initiative.

Sherrill Testifies Before Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Frank L. Cahill
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Sherrill Testifies Before Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) testified before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to discuss the importance of moving forward with Army Corps projects to address chronic flooding in Northern New Jersey. She specifically referenced flooding in the communities along the Peckman and Passaic Rivers. Representative Sherrill also highlighted that the flood risks of low-lying and underserved communities go unaddressed and their mitigation needs often go unmet, and urged the committee to prioritize issues of equity.

Representative Sherrill’s testimony comes as Congress develops the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA). WRDA is legislation that is essential to the everyday lives of New Jerseyans and our economy. Nearly 80 percent of traded goods move through our nation’s ports, harbors, and inland waterways. Projects for flood damage reduction help protect both our rural and urban communities, benefiting millions of Americans. And, ecosystem restoration projects restore and maintain our vital natural resources. This important work, carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is made possible through the enactment of WRDA.

Representative Sherrill’s testimony will help to inform drafting of WRDA2020, which the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee expects to approve this year.

Below is a full transcript of Representative Sherrill’s Remarks:

Thank you, Chairwoman Napolitano, for the opportunity to testify today. I want to particularly recognize my New Jersey colleagues on the committee, Representatives Payne, Sires, and Malinowski, and Representative Malinowski particularly for his work on this subcommittee to advance New Jersey’s priorities.

I’m here because flooding has plagued North Jersey for generations. One of the first things I did after taking office was to convene a roundtable with my local mayors to get up to speed on their challenges. They need the federal government to be a dependable partner to make sure all local, state, and federal officials and stakeholders are working together to mitigate this flood risk.

Instead, their basic takeaway was their overwhelming frustration with federal inaction. These towns feel abandoned. They’ve had discussions for decades, but they deserve federal authorities that do more than talk. They deserve action.

I know many of you feel the same way. It’s our job in Congress to make the government work for the people that we represent. The Water Resources Development Act, or “WRDA,” which you will write is a tremendous opportunity to make long-overdue progress, and I urge you to consider a few key opportunities.

The first is the Peckman River Flood Risk Management Project. The Peckman River Basin has frequently flooded, and for more than a generation the towns of Little Falls and Woodland Park have faced these challenges largely on their own.

The House authorized a study in 2000. And there was a favorable reconnaissance report in 2001. But then nothing happened. These communities have waited twenty years while the study languished.

Fortunately, thanks to the hard work of the Army Corps New York District staff, the Peckman River Basin Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study was released last October, and we expect a Chiefs Report this April. I urge the Committee to consider that Chiefs Report and to provide authorization for the Peckman River project in the WRDA bill so that we can move this project forward.

I also represent the historically flood-prone Passaic River Basin. Flooding along the Passaic has caused eleven federal disaster declarations since 1968. The Corps of Engineers estimates that when viewed over time, the average annual flood damage in the basin is over $160,000,000.  Congress authorized a study in 1975, and then – after more than a decade – authorized a plan calling for a dual inlet diversion tunnel extending to Newark Bay. This plan was controversial, and there have been numerous concerns about its cost and environmental impact.

The Army Corps and the state of New Jersey have gone back and forth since that time. I respect that there are, and have always been, strong differences to resolve. But my communities are at risk. In fact, since Congress authorized the project in 1990, flooding from the Passaic River has caused over $3.5 billion in losses. We cannot afford to continue to argue without moving to action.

This is so important to my district that I convened a second meeting last October of mayors, NJDEP officials, and Army Corps staff from the New York District. There was broad consensus: we have to move forward, and the best place to start is to provide all necessary authority to bring those studies and plans up to date. I urge the Committee to work with me to overcome any legislative barriers that stand in the way, and to push the Corps to deliver. 

There are so many additional issues beyond these two projects. We need to do everything possible to improve resilience, because we know that greater weather variability and rising sea levels are already a threat to critical infrastructure. We should also promote the use of natural, nonstructural measures and improve the utilization of expertise from state and local officials.

In fact, as the Chairwoman of the Science, Space, and Technology Environment Subcommittee, I am chairing a hearing later this afternoon examining flood maps. It painfully clear that there is more we can do and must do to improve federal coordination so that we are listening and responding to local experts and community leaders on the ground. These communication breakdowns are costly. Better coordination will also ensure we utilize the best available science to more accurately assess flood risk, and then communicate that information more effectively to communities and homeowners.

Lastly, I encourage this Committee to prioritize issues of equity. Pastor Sidney Williams, Jr., leads the Bethel AME Church in Morristown, and in 2001 when Tropical Storm Irene caused the Whippany River to surge beyond its banks, it filled the basement of the Bethel A.M.E. Church with four feet of water. Too often, the flood risks of low-lying and underserved communities go unaddressed and their mitigation needs are never met. Many project ratings and determinations depend on economic assessments that favor richer neighborhoods and perpetuate an ongoing cycle of disinvestment. We can – and we should – revise non-federal cost shares and remove other barriers that disproportionately impact low-income, minority, and indigenous communities.

Thank you and I yield back.

 

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