State Board of Education Members Visit Morris County School of Technology

DENVILLE — Members of the New Jersey State Board of Education, New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) and the New Jersey Council of County Vocational Technical Schools (NJCCVTS) recently visited the Morris County School of Technology in Denville, spending an afternoon with students and staff.

State Board Members, Mary Beth Gazi of Somerset County, Kathy Goldenberg of Morris County and Jack Fornaro of Warren County along with Andrew Musick of NJBIA, Roger Jinks, Interim Morris County Executive Superintendent of Schools, Judy Savage and Jackie Burke of NJCCVTS received a firsthand look at how career and technical education programs enhance the high school experience.

After a lunch prepared by students in the Food Services Program, the State Board members toured the school speaking with teachers about their programs, and students who spoke enthusiastically about their hands-on experiences.     

The State Board members wrapped up their afternoon by discussing state policy issues related to career and technical education with the district administration, NJBIA and NJCCVTS.

Pictured first row from left to right: Kathy Goldenberg, NJ State Board of Education; Mary Beth Gazi, NJ State Board of Education; Shari Castelli, Assistant Superintendent Morris County Vocational School District; Jack Fornaro, NJ State Board of Education. Second Row: Jackie Burke, Assistant Executive Director NJCCVTS; Scott Moffitt, Superintendent Morris County Vocational School District; Andrew Musick, NJBIA; Judy Savage, Executive Director NJCCVTS; and Roger Jinks, Interim Morris County Executive Superintendent of Schools.

The Morris County Vocational School District (www.mcvts.org) provides vocational and enrichment programs that inspire and prepare students to succeed in today’s world and pursue tomorrow’s opportunities. The District offers fourteen full-time, four-year high school Academies and fourteen Share Time programs for high school juniors and seniors. Also available are Continuing Adult Education classes.

For additional information, call the Morris County School of Technology at (973) 627-4600 ext. 277, located on 400 East Main St., Denville.

Dwipi Patel was Inducted into Rho Chi, the Academic Honor Society in Pharmacy

PARSIPPANY — Dwipi Patel was among the newest members from University of the Sciences inducted into the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy Alpha Tau Chapter of Rho Chi, the Academic Honor Society in Pharmacy, on April 21. The Rho Chi Honor Society recognizes and encourages academic excellence.

Patel is a doctor of pharmacy student and a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, Class of 2014.

To be nominated for membership in Rho Chi, a student must rank among the top 20 percent of his or her class and have completed at least the fall semester of their fourth year. The society also accepts membership for graduate students, faculty, alumni, as well as an honorary membership. New members are inducted into Rho Chi during the spring semester of each year.

University of the Sciences has prepared students to be leaders and practitioners in the healthcare and science fields for nearly 200 years. Key to its distinctive education is a tradition of hands-on research and experiential learning that is evident in every graduate who has walked its campus. Since its founding in 1821 as Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, the first college of pharmacy in North America, USciences has grown to more than 30 degree-granting programs from bachelor’s through doctoral degrees in the health sciences, bench sciences, and healthcare business and policy fields. Discover how USciences students are proven everywhere they go at usciences.edu.

Arcadian Capital Group purchases 35 Waterview Boulevard

PARSIPPANY — Arcadian Capital Group purchased 35 Waterview Boulevard from Mack-Cali Realty Corp for $29 million.

The 172,490-square-foot 35 Waterview Boulevard is located on approximately 12.9 acres of land and features 600 parking spaces. The building was constructed in 1990. The four-story office building had 15 tenants and was 95.7 percent occupied when bought by Arcadian Capital Group.

The Waterview Corporate Center is a six-building, Class A office complex totaling approximately one million square feet. The center is located at the intersection of Route 46, Route 202 and Interstate 287 and is less than a half-mile from I-80. The stretch of Route 46 three miles east and west of Waterview Corporate Center is one of northern Morris County’s most active retail corridors, including numerous restaurants, grocery stores, major retailers, hotels, bank branches and more.

Jones Lang LaSalle, (JLL), also arranged a joint venture partnership between PGIM Real Estate and developers JMF Properties, RD Management LLC and Ripco Real Estate Corp. for the development of Waterview Marketplace, a 150,150-square-foot shopping center that will be anchored by a 47,558-square-foot Whole Foods supermarket.

Vision Real Estate Partners Acquires 226,317 square feet in Waterview

PARSIPPANY — Vision Real Estate Partners continues the expansion of its northern New Jersey office footprint with the acquisition of a 226,317-square-foot, Class A office building. The four-story property at 20 Waterview Boulevard is situated within the Waterview Corporate Center. The building was purchased for $13 million from Mack-Cali Realty Corp.

20 Waterview Boulevard, which is the largest of the premier office park’s buildings, and is suitable for small and large users alike, features flexible floor plates that allow for contiguous suites from 10,000 to 100,000 square feet.

Morris County’s central location and extensive transportation network continue to play an important role in the continued growth and development of the region’s office market as does its deep, educated talented pool. The Parsippany submarket is one of the largest Class A submarkets in New Jersey.

“20 Waterview Boulevard was particularly attractive to us and will undergo extensive redevelopment and rebranding as it combines future core-plus stability with a current value-add component on the leasing side,” said Vision Real Estate Partners’ Sam Morreale, founder and managing partner. A full-service real estate owner/operator, Vision Real Estate Partners is recognized for accommodating the needs of corporate space users of all sizes in the Garden State.

JLL served as the exclusive sales agent in the transaction. Colliers International will be handling the leasing.

“We are planning extensive renovation projects to transform 20 Waterview Boulevard into a fully-amenitized building, providing current and future tenants with an enhanced corporate environment,” added Morreale. Renovations will include an updated lobby with collaborative space and exterior upgrades as well as creative amenity facilities.

Waterview Marketplace

20 Waterview Boulevard is immediately adjacent to the complex, Waterview Marketplace, a Whole Foods-anchored retail center, including a Shake Shack and other retail amenities that is under construction, and is nearby one of the area’s most active retail corridors with a variety of retail and dining options. It is ideally situated at the intersection of Route 46, Route 202 and Interstate 287 and is within less than one mile of Interstate 80.

The Waterview Corporate Center is a six-building office complex totaling approximately one million square feet, at the intersection of Route 46, Route 202 and Interstate 287 and less than a half-mile from I-80. The stretch of Route 46 three miles east and west of Waterview Corporate Center is one of northern Morris County’s most active retail corridors, including numerous restaurants, grocery stores, major retailers, hotels, bank branches and more.

Constructed in 1988, the 225,550-square-foot 20 Waterview Boulevard occupies about 16.8 acres of land and features 778 parking spaces. The four-story office building had five tenants and was 43.9-percent occupied when acquired by Vision Real Estate Partners.

Vision Real Estate Partners is well known for its deep roots and experience in the New Jersey/New York regional marketplace, and for its pioneering creation of “experiential” suburban campus environments combining work, play, well-being and sustainability – designed for today’s cross-generational workforce. The company currently operates, is constructing or redeveloping more than 5 million square feet of space in its local market. Vision Real Estate Partners has over 150 acres of land parcels available for mixed-use and build-to-suit opportunities. Vision’s in house property management team also oversees property management, financial reporting and overall operational supervision for nearly 1.5 million square feet of office space on behalf of multiple strategic partners.

First Cub Scout Pack in Parsippany to Accept Girls

PARSIPPANY — Cub Scout Pack 14 ran a Veggie Derby on Monday, May 7, as its first recruitment for boys and girls who will enter grades K-5 at Eastlake or Lake Parsippany schools next fall.

Cub Scout packs are now permitted to accept girls as members.  When they join, children are places in Cub Scout “dens” with other children who are in the same grade. The dens will be all-girl or all-boy so there is still time for “just us girls” or for guys to hang out together.

A Veggie Derby is a silly version of the famous Pinewood Derby races. Boys and girls were given carrots, celery or cucumber and told to be creative. The assortment of eyes, wings, fins and spikes that they added to their veggies was amazing.

Pack 14 is a new Cub Scout pack and will be chartered to the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company. The pack invites families with children at Eastlake or Lake Parsippany schools to join. Next events will be Stomp Rockets at the Eastlake school gym on Monday, May 14 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  and on Monday, May 21, boys and girls will learn Pickleball at the Lake Parsippany school gym, also from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Pickleball is game like indoor tennis that is perfect for young children).

Pack 14 will have fun events throughout the summer and begin den meetings in the fall.  Boys and girls can also attend Cub Scout day camp at Camp Wheeler in Stanhope or a STEM camp in Cedar Knolls.

For more information about Pack 14, or to learn about Cub Scouts at other Parsippany schools, contact Al Thomas, al.thomas@scouting.org, (973) 765-9322 x229.

Looking to ‘spark’ up your life? Sparky sure can help!

PARSIPPANY — Looking to ‘spark’ up your life? Sparky sure can help! He is ten years young and quite the attention grabber! Between his mushy, squeezable face and adorable snorty noises, he is irresistible! He has never met a person he hasn’t liked and vise-versa!

Sparky was surrendered with his two siblings after his owner could no longer properly care for them. They are all house trained, leash trained, and nondestructive when left alone. Sparky does well with other dogs, cats, and kids above the age of ten.

He is a couch potato but also happy to go wherever you go! Sparky is a very sweet boy who would love a family to spoil him!

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

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

Freeholders to Appeal Historic Preservation Case to the U.S. Supreme Court

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders has approved an agreement to have the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty file an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court regarding a recent N.J. Supreme Court ruling that banned the county from issuing historic preservation trust fund grants to religious institutions.

The freeholders, in a unanimous vote at their meeting Butler on May 7, 2018, approved a resolution that calls for Washington D.C. based Beckett to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court at no cost to county taxpayers.

Beckett, as part of the agreement, will pick up all costs associated with the case.

Beckett is a non-profit, public-interest legal and educational institute with a stated mission to protect the free expression of all faiths. The firm has extensive experience in matters regarding religious freedom.

The State Supreme Court last month ruled against the county in a case entitled, “Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders.’’  The ruling banned the county from continuing to allow the owners of religious institutions from applying for grants for historic renovations or restorations.

The county’s historic preservation trust fund program had allowed churches or religious institutions to seek grants for historic projects for buildings eligible for or listed on the State and/or National Registers of Historic Places, with specific historic criteria in place for all applicants.

The county’s preservation program was created for a secular purpose: to preserve historic landmarks.

The Board of Freeholders are retaining Beckett because the board believes the State Supreme Court made the wrong decision. It believes the historic churches in Morris County are critical to the county community, the county’s economy, and to the county’s history.

Since the case is in litigation, the Freeholder Board will not have further comment about the matter.

For additional information, click here.

Parsippany Historical Society Exhibit: Here and Now

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Historical Society Exhibit: Here and Now will be held on Sunday, May 13 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and each Sunday in May and June at the Smith/Baldwin House, 460 South Beverwyck Road.

PHHS Boys Baseball wins Mayor’s Trophy

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills Vikings Boys Baseball team beat Parsippany High Redhawks during the Mayor’s Trophy game held in Jannarone Park. The final score was 4-2.

Nick Verducci holding the Mayor’s Trophy

The Cogan family works with Seeing Eye Dogs

PARSIPPANY — Congratulations to the Cogan family for their successful training of Seeing Eye working dog, Kerry.

The Seeing Eye’s mission is to enhance the independence, dignity and self-confidence of people who are blind, through the use of specially trained Seeing Eye® dogs.

The Seeing Eye breeds and raises puppies to become Seeing Eye dogs, trains Seeing Eye dogs to guide blind people, instructs blind people in the proper use, handling, and care of the dogs and conducts and supports research on canine health and development.

The Seeing Eye, Inc., serves an average of 260 people who are blind and visually impaired each year. Individuals in training with a Seeing Eye® dog are referred to as students. Once the students complete training and return home with their dogs, they are referred to as graduates.

  • Over 17,000 partnerships between individuals and dogs have been created since 1922
  • 1,770 is the approximate number of current Seeing Eye dog users in the United States and Canada
  • Approximately one-third of graduates are first time students at The Seeing Eye each year
  • 25 days is the length of training for first time students; 18 days for returning students
  • 12-13 classes with a maximum of 24 students are held annually
  • Approximately 300 educational presentations are made by The Seeing Eye to public groups each year

The Seeing Eye is supported by contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations, and bequests and other planned gifts. The Seeing Eye does not qualify for government funding.

For more information click here.

We wish Kerry all the best in her future career.

Mikie Sherrill Announces Week Focused on Gun Violence

MORRIS COUNTY — In wake of the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, the need for federal action on the issue of gun violence is more urgent than ever. Students in New Jersey have taken the lead in calling for leadership on this issue, organizing walkouts, marches, and town halls across the state. The New Jersey Assembly passed six bills to improve our state laws. We are still waiting for Congress to act. Over the course of the next week, the Mikie Sherrill for Congress campaign will address the issue of gun violence in the United States.

Mikie Sherrill said: “Across the country, students, parents, and law enforcement are standing up to demand action in addressing the crisis of gun violence.

But in Washington, Congress remains silent. Now is a time for courage: We deserve new leaders who will enact common-sense reforms that will make our country safer. I look forward to traveling around our community over the next week to listen to our residents, talk about my ideas, and work to change the culture of gun violence in America.”

Mikie Sherrill is a former Navy helicopter pilot, a former federal prosecutor, and a mother of four. Mikie spent nearly 10 years on active duty flying missions throughout Europe and the Middle East. She eventually joined the U.S Attorney’s Office in New Jersey where she worked to help keep illegal guns off our streets.

Mikie Sherrill will attend the following events over the next week:

Saturday, May 5
Team 26 Rally
Town Hall, 200 South Street, Morristown
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Monday, May 7

Student Roundtable on Gun Violence with Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and Captain Mark Kelly
West Orange High School, West Orange
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 8

Assembly with the Civics & Government Institute Program Students
Montclair High School, Montclair
8:50 a.m. to 9:40 a.m.

Brooklawn Middle School production of “The Little Mermaid”

PARSIPPANY —  Brooklawn Middle School production of “The Little Mermaid.”

The Little Mermaid is a 1989 American animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Based on the Danish fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen, The Little Mermaid tells the story of a Ariel, a mermaid princess who dreams of becoming human.

The 28th Disney animated feature film, The Little Mermaid was released to theaters on November 17, 1989 to largely positive reviews, garnering $84 million at the domestic box office during its initial release, and $211 million in total lifetime gross worldwide.

Members of VFW are distributing poppies

PARSIPPANY — Commander Richard Kunz VFW Post #10184 was at Quick Check, 170 Parsippany Road offering VFW Buddy Poppies to the public, hoping for a small donation.

The VFW Buddy Poppy program provides compensation to the veterans who assemble the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home For Children.

Before Memorial Day in 1922, the VFW conducted the first poppy distribution, becoming the first veterans’ organization to organize a nationwide distribution. The poppy soon was adopted as the official memorial flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, as it remains today.

During our 1923 encampment, we decided that VFW “Buddy”® Poppies would be assembled by disabled and needy veterans who would be paid for their work to provide them with financial assistance. The next year, disabled veterans at the Buddy Poppy factory in Pittsburgh assembled VFW Buddy Poppies. The designation “Buddy Poppy” was adopted at that time.

In February 1924, we registered the name Buddy Poppy with the U.S. Patent Office. A certificate was issued on May 20, 1924, granting our organization all trademark rights in the name of Buddy under the classification of artificial flowers. We’ve made that trademark a guarantee that all poppies bearing that name and the VFW label are genuine products of the work of disabled and needy veterans. No other organization, firm or individual can legally use the name Buddy Poppy.

Today, Buddy Poppies are still assembled by disabled and needy veterans in VA Hospitals.

 

Funnybooks to hold Free Comic Day

PARSIPPANY — Funnybooks Comics & Stuff, located at 98 North Beverwyck Road,  Lake Hiawatha, will host the annual Free Comic Book Day, on Saturday, May 5 (Cinco De Mayo) from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Everyone who stops by will receive a selection of free comics produced especially for Free Comic Book Day 2018.

Funnybooks, “The Family-Friendly Comic Shop,” will once again focus on ALL-AGES comics for this year’s event, including comics featuring, Captain America and the Avengers, Spider-Man, Star Wars, Power Rangers, Spongebob, the Simpsons, and DC’s Superhero girls! There are also plenty of free Comics for older fans.

Funnybooks’ owner, Steve Conte, has also created a special free comic book day edition of his own comic book series, Action Figure Kingdom, which will be a Free Comic Book Day Exclusive at Funnybooks. The Special afk free comic book day edition, will introduce a new character, Rapido — a speedster from Mexico City — who arrives just in time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Free Comic Book Day.

Anyone headed to Free Comic Book Day at Funnybooks is welcome to wear their favorite costume or superhero accessories, and Funnybooks will also have a storewide sale to go along with the free comics.

“This is always our biggest day of the year.” Said Conte “And this year there are really great Free Comic Book Day titles! We have over 3,000 comics to give away and we can’t wait!” For more information on Free Comic Book Day at Funnybooks click here.

Francisco, a three-year-old Chihuahua needs a new home

Francisco lays on the couch and wants someone to love him!

PARSIPPANY — Francisco is ready to conquer your world! I mean, be a part of your world. Unlike his explorer name inspiration, there is no other place he would be than by your side. Francisco is a three-year-old Chihuahua who is a shy guy with a gentle disposition.

Francisco LOVES to give kisses!! He follows his foster mom all around the house. He is a quiet, laid back boy who doesn’t ask for much, just a couch to lay on and someone to love him!

Francisco was rescued from a hoarding situation. He received very little socialization until he went into foster care. Now, Francisco has been making strides and is blossoming into the most loving dog. He has ways to go until he reaches his full potential but will get there with patience.

Francisco is working on his potty training and leash training. He sleeps through the night in his crate without making a peep! He does well with other dogs, cats, and kids above the age of thirteen.

Francisco is looking for a home that will properly socialize him and teach him how to be an actual dog. Once he comes out of his shell and warms up to you, he will be your buddy for life! He can’t wait to explore what will be in store for him. Family Ahoy?

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

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

Wise Animal Rescue’s (W.A.R.) goal is to find the perfect family dynamic and place our dogs in a loving, safe and permanent home. All of our dogs available for adoption are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on shots and microchipped.

Our adoption process starts with filling an application, home visit, meet and greet and then finalizing with an adoption contract and fee.

Adoption fees range from about $300.00 to $600.00. These fees help defray costs of veterinary and foster care and are tax deductible.

If you are interested in adopting Francisco, please fill out an application.

Two Acre Brush Fire in Jannarone Park

PARSIPPANY — An approximate two acre brush fire was reported in Jannarone Park on Thursday, May 3. Initial reports state Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department District 1, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire District 6 are on scene along with New Jersey Forest Fire. Kinnelon Fire Department was dispatched to the scene. The smoke was very heavy.

Mountain Lakes and Denville requested to expedite to Clairview Road for fire protection.

The fire is approximately 30 feet from a residence structure.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Rescue And Recovery with the Rehabilitation Trailer was called to the scene. Rockaway Neck Ambulance Squad was also on the scene.

Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3 is standing by at their fire station to cover districts 1,3, and 6. Morris Plains engine requested to standby at Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department District 1. Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5 requested to standby at Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire District 2 with one engine and one ladder.  Rainbow Lakes Chief requesting Lake Hiawatha District 4 to standby at their fire station.

According to a source at the scene the fire was contained at approximately 5:10 p.m.

When more information becomes available Parsippany Focus will update this article.

The heavy smoke can be seen through the trees, while the firemen were putting out the fire
Fireman spraying water on a hot spot
Kinnelon Fire Department was dispatched to the scene.
Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Department in the office building parking lot, connected to a hydrant pumping water up the hill in the woods to the firemen
Firemen in the woods putting out the fire

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Bonnie needs a new home; Housebroken and very healthly

PARSIPPANY — Hello, I’m Bonnie.  I am approximately six years young and I am a Rhodesian Ridgeback/Lab Mix. My family rescued me from a shelter, five years ago, where I came from an abusive home.

I have lived with and loved my family for the past five years but lately I get jealous of my new little family member and the newest one is due in four weeks.  I’ve been making Mommy and Daddy nervous when I let out a little growl so we all feel it’s best to find me a home where I can get the love and attention I deserve.

I like to play and look out the window

I love to snuggle, cuddle and wrap my body around yours for kisses. I am completely housebroken and am very healthy. I am up to date on all my shots and I weigh 55 pounds. I sit and will give my paw on command. I love all of my toys and I take good care of them.  I even put them back where they belong when I am done playing with them. I love to go for walks and sit in the sun.

My family thinks I would do best in a household with older children/no children and no other dogs. If you would like to meet me please contact my family. I can’t wait to meet you!  XO

For more information about me please send an email to: sjj425@yahoo.com or call  (201) 741-3985.

Can I come and lay with you?

Daniel J. Blank; Parsippany Sewer Department Plant Operation Supervisor passed away

PARSIPPANY — Daniel J. Blank, 60, passed away on Tuesday May 1, at his home in Rockaway.

He was born in Hackensack and grew up in Teaneck. Daniel moved to Parsippany in 1972 before moving to Rockaway in 1992.

Daniel worked in the Parsippany Sewer Department as a plant operation supervisor for over 30 years.

He was avid golfer and a member of A.F.S.C.M Nation Wide where he was a past officer.

Daniel is pre-deceased by his mother, Geraldine P. (nee-Kujawski) who passed away on September 12, 1997 and his brother Scott R. who passed away on July 15, 1993.

Survivors include his son: Isaac S.; his father: Daniel E.; his brothers: Stephen D. and his wife Dody, and Richard T. and his wife Darlene; his sister: Cathleen Pipi and her husband James; his nephew: Stephen D. Blank. Jr. and his wife Stephanie; his three nieces: Callan Schaffer and her husband Matthew; Amberlyn Blank; and Rebecca La Porte. Daniel is also survived by his three great-nieces and three great-nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service at Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road on Thursday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. Cremation: Private. Visitation will be 5:00 – 8:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.

Mayor Soriano presents Nicolas Limanov with a proclamation

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano presented Nicolas Limanov with a proclamation on Tuesday, May 1.

Nicolas Limanov has provided volunteer services for residents all across the Township, most importantly to those who need them most and over each storm that has occurred during this year Nicolas has provided aid in clearing numerous sidewalks and driveways of those unable to do so themselves.

Parsippany residents Laurie Altman, (Maggie Altman, dog), Jan Altman and Harvey Altman came to Town Hall to thank Nick for all of his hard work during the storms.

Nicolas has dedicated a significant portion of his free time in dedication to bettering our community through volunteer work.

Parsippany residents Laurie Altman, (Maggie Altman, dog), Jan Altman and Harvey Altman came to thank Nick for all of his hard work during the storms