Lake Hiawatha passenger charged with assault by auto

FORT LEE — Two cars collided on the George Washington Bridge after a passenger grabbed the steering wheel of one of them during an argument with a female driver, according to an article published on Fort Lee Daily Voice.

Both Johengny Tavares, 28, of Lake Hiawatha and the driver, also 28, were taken with facial injuries to Englewood Hospital and Medical Center after the 11:00 p.m. crash Sunday on the bridge’s upper level near New Jersey, the Port Authority’s Joseph Pentangelo said.

A judge later granted the woman a restraining order against Tavares, Pentangelo told the publication.

The driver of the other car, a 2008 Toyota sedan, was treated at the scene for an ankle injury, he said.

Tavares was arguing with the Chrysler driver — described by police as an aquaintance — when he “seized the steering wheel and turned it, sending the Chrysler into the Toyota,” Pentangelo said.

Tavares was later released pending a November 3 first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack on charges of assault by auto, harassment and criminal mischief.

Both the Chrysler and the Toyota were towed from the scene.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Update on Route 80 accident killing Pennsylvania man

PARSIPPANY — Jonathan Santiago, 27, was fatally struck after exiting his 2014 Honda Accord on Interstate 80 near mile marker 46.8. On Sunday morning, around 3:24 am, the pedestrian accident occurred, which involved Santiago from West Lawn, Pennsylvania who slammed into a guardrail and exited his vehicle to examine the damage.

Once he came out of his vehicle a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder driven by a 59-year-old Mayer Dudinsky from Hackettstown fatally struck the victim. The SUV driver and his 14-year-old passenger sustained no injuries although the 15-year-old boy sitting in the back of the SUV incurred personal injuries and was treated at the Morristown Medical Center.

Parsippany Christian Patriots boys’ varsity soccer team defeated Madison Avenue Baptist

PARSIPPANY — On Monday, October 23, the 3rd seeded Parsippany Christian Patriots boys’ varsity soccer team defeated 6th seeded Madison Avenue Baptist of Paterson 5-0 in the first round of the Metro Christian Athletic Association conference tournament. Freshman Will Dieppa scored three goals and contributed one assist and senior striker and leading goal scorer, Michael Jetton added two goals and three assists for the Patriots.

Parsippany Christian boys’ soccer team is looking for their first conference tournament championship since 2002. The Patriots will play the winner of the No. 2 seed Veritas Christian and No. 7 seed Abundant Life Academy of Nutley game on Thursday, October 26 in the semifinals.

 

Michael L. Strumolo passed away

PARSIPPANY — Michael L. Strumolo, 65, longtime resident of Lake Hiawatha passed away on Saturday, October 21 at St. Clares Hospital in Denville.

Mike was born in Orange and moved to Lake Hiawatha in 1956 where he has lived all of his life.

He owned and operated Hiawatha Towing in Lake Hiawatha for many years.

Mike was a councilman in Parsippany for many years as well as past chairman of the Parsippany Republican County Committee and a former member of the Parsippany Board of Education.

He was a member of Saint Peter the Apostle R.C. Church in Parsippany.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, John Sr. and Anna Marie (nee-DeJohn) Strumolo.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy (nee-Passalaqua ); his son, Matthew; his brothers: John Jr., Louis P. and his wife, Debbie; his sister, Anna Marie Ocascio and her husband, Julio; his nephews: Joey and Louie; Michael is also survived by his 3 sister-in-laws, brother-in-law and their families.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 26 from the Par-Troy Funeral Home. 95 Parsippany Road. With the Liturgy of Christian Burial to be offered at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, 179 Baldwin Road. Entombment: Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

GlaxoSmithKline property has been purchased by the Wilf organization

PARSIPPANY — GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) property located at 1500 Littleton Road was sold on October 6, for $8,500,000.00. The deed was recorded at the Morris County Recording Office on October 18.

The sign leading onto the property has the name taped over in white tape
The main entrance of the building. The sign has white tape covering the lettering
The orange barricades were at the entrance to block off visitors last week, then removed and put in the back of the building not to draw attention to the sale of the property

The buyer is listed as Parsippany Littleton, LLC.  The office address is listed as 820 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills. (click here to view corporate formation)

The property consists of all the land together with the appurtenances thereto, being known as Block 181, Lot 19 on the Tax Map of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

According to property tax information (as of January 10, 2016) listed with the State of New Jersey Transparency Center, the land is listed as 25.950 acres, with a property class of Commercial. The land value was listed at $10,435,000 and the building value was listed at $12,713,200 for a total of $23,148,200. The annual property tax $665,000.00 is listed on the Parsippany-Troy Hills website.

Zygi Wilf

Also listed at the address of 820 Morris Avenue is Garden Homes.  Garden Homes is owned in part or wholly by Zygi Wilf. Zygi Wilf is the Owner/Chairman of the Minnesota Vikings (click here for additional details).

Wilf joined the family business and became head of one of the company’s affiliates, Garden Commercial Properties. Wilf has grown the company from four shopping centers in Northern New Jersey to over a hundred properties, including several large malls. In addition to the commercial properties, the Garden companies also own and manages 90,000 apartment units around the country. In Parsippany, Garden Communities consists of Powdermill Heights, Knoll Gardens, Mill Run at Parsippany, Redstone Gardens, Ridgeview Gardens, Redstone Apartments, Vail Gardens and Westgate Apartments.

Garden Homes is also involved with Forge Pond, a new townhouse development with a price tag ranging from $435,000 to $535,000; Puddingstone Ridge, single family homes with a price tag of approximately $825,000; In Budd Lake, Lakeview Homes, single family homes with a price tag of approximately $600,000; In Fairfield, The Reserve at Fairfield, with homes ranging from $829,000 to $1,014,000. Mazdabrook Commons is listed as one of their past projects.

Other projects of Garden Homes is located in Bergen, Essex, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset, Warren Counties and Hartford Connecticut.

Garden Communities offers apartment rentals throughout New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. They offer 1, 2 or 3 bedroom units, studios, townhouses/duplexes, luxury apartment rentals, affordable housing or 55+ active adult communities. Their properties offer residents access to extensive shopping, entertainment, the best schools in the area and recreational activities for all ages.

Garden Commercial Properties also is listed at 820 Morris Avenue. Some of the properties in that portfolio include Parsippany’s Arlington Plaza, among over a dozen other shopping centers in New Jersey. Rutgers Village, Powder Mill East Shopping Center, and Powder Mill West Shopping Centers are part of Pineview Homes, which is a subsidiary of the Wilf empire.

The Carriage House’s structure was saved by former Mayor Michael Luther and Mimi Letts

This former GSK site, located at 1500 Littleton Road in Parsippany-Troy Hills, was originally the site of a country estate called Spring Side built in 1877 by Peter H. Ballantine. Ballantine descended from the owners of a successful brewery in Newark, which was known for its famous Ballantine beer.

During the latter half of the nineteenth century, this area housed country homes for many of the wealthiest families in New York and New Jersey.

At this time, it was common practice amongst the wealthy to have a summer residence in the country to escape the heat and dirt of the big cities. According to reports, Isabelle Ballantine, Peter’s widow, was the last member of her family to use the mansion as a residence.

When she died in 1946, the estate passed to her nephew, Congressman Peter Frelinghuysen, who then sold it to a developer and used a portion of the property to build the Sedgefield neighborhood. These are the residential properties that now border the GSK site.

The Texas-US Chemical Company purchased 26 acres of the property in the late 50s, and used the mansion as office space while they built a new research and development building. The mansion was demolished in 1962. The original office building, now called Building A, housed GSK’s main reception lobby.

In 2010, the Carriage House’s structure was in disrepair and in danger of collapsing. GSK conducted a study to determine the feasibility of repairing and restoring the structure. Following the study, approval to convert the building into a training center was granted, and Phase 1— the structural stabilization of the building— began in 2011. The interior renovation was completed in 2013, and the Carriage House Training Center officially opened on July 15, 2013.

The Carriage House, gazebo and stone wall running along Littleton Road are all that remain from the Ballantine estate. The original carriage house door location was converted into the new main entrance, which includes a steel and glass vestibule enclosed behind reproduction barn doors. A timber found in the first floor framing had the scribed date of “1803”. As a tribute to the original historical elements of the building, the “1803” barn beam was re-used above the entry to the main training space. The original wood from the Carriage House was removed, refinished and re-installed where possible throughout the building. The Carriage House’s old stables serve as accessible toilet facilities. The toilet stalls are in the location of the original horse stalls. The exposed trusses of the main training space are the original structure of the Carriage House. They remain exposed to capture the historical essence of the space.

The future of the property remains in the developer’s hands.

In 2016, Parsippany Focus reported Mack-Cali is repurposing office buildings in the Mack-Cali Office Complex, which is located diagonally across the street. Focus was told by a representative of Mack-Cali, “Apparently, 1633 Littleton is being repurposed.  Nothing on the other property.” (Editors note: The other property in question is Two Campus Drive, which is vacant and directly behind 1633 Littleton Road.) Roseland Residential Trust, Mack-Cali’s multi-family subsidiary, acquired Two Campus Drive in Mack-Cali’s Business Campus for approximately $5.5 million.  The strategic acquisition will pave the way for the execution of the mixed-use master plan for the Campus in Parsippany. Click here to read full story.

Trunk or Treat returns to Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills announced the annual “Trunk or Treat” will be held on Tuesday, October 31 at Veteran’s Memorial Park from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

They are providing a safe and fun place for Parsippany children to “Trick or Treat.” The children will go trunk to trunk instead of door to door!

Decorate your vehicle and join in the fun!

For admission and registration information:

• Admission is NOT FREE. No registration needed: You MUST bring at least 1 bag of candy per child with at least 50 individually factory sealed treats to the event.  Candy donations will be used to resupply vehicle registrants with candy so all children participating will receive candy.
• Due to the high demand of participants in 2016, any participants that arrive without the candy admission fee will be asked to leave and come back once they have the candy.
• Parking: Behind Houlihan’s ONLY.  There will be no “Trick or Treater’s” parking within Veterans Park. Please follow “Event Parking” Signs.
• Handicap Parking:  Handicap Parking will be provided at Veterans Park. Please proceed to the entrance of the Park and have your State Issued Handicap Parking Placard visible and staff will direct you to the correct lot.
• Trick or Treater’s will walk down the path from the event parking lot, cross the bridge into the park and hand in candy to receive their wristband and walk to the lot to participate. Follow Signs.

If you are participating with your vehicle:

• No Fee.
• MUST register online at pthreconline.com or at the Recreation Department Office by Thursday, October 26 by 4:30 p.m..
• Event Check in – 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. only.
• Vehicles will NOT be allowed in after 3:45 p.m.
• Vehicles MUST remain until the end of the event.  Once the Police notify us of the all clear, vehicles will be allowed to leave.
• Be sure to decorate your vehicle as much as possible!
• Reminder: If your child is participating, you must have at least ONE bag of at least 50 individually factory sealed treats per child.
• During the event, staff will be distributing treats to replenish your supply of candy with the donations from the trick or treaters.

For additional information, click here to email.

Letter to the editor: Don’t let this administration continue to rob you

parsippany focusDear Editor:

To my former neighbors and commercial property owners, the biggest scam perpetrated by Mayor Barbiero has been the transfer of monies from the sewer surplus ($7,000,000 to $8,000,000) to the Township General Operating Fund. 

As you know for seven years I have expressed my consternation about this theft. I held a petition signing at town hall in April 2011 and I contacted state officials, because clearly Mayor Barbiero is circumventing the 2% tax cap.

Remember 11 years ago, there was a 52% increase in sewer charges and a $25,000,000 bond issuance? When Barbiero ran for mayor three years after that increase went into effect his campaign flyer “Light At the End of the Tunnel” referenced that 52% sewer rate increase by the previous administration and implied he would offer relief. Since then the Mayor saw the pot of gold and could not stop from helping himself to it.

Well, two months ago I had an epiphany, “What about starting a class action lawsuit?” The case would hinge on the fact that the invoices sent to sewer ratepayers does not state that the payments would be used for sewer charges AND the general operating fund! I believe there is a real case there.

We, the users, have been scammed for seven years and no matter how Mayor Barbiero spins it this transfer is wrong.

What happens 5-10 years from now when the sewer treatment plant needs an upgrade or major repairs, where will the money be?  It is the equivalent of someone saving over time to pay for house repairs but instead taking all the money to Atlantic City and gambling it away, then having to get a bank loan to pay for the repairs. You’re too smart for that right? Well apparently Barberio isn’t. Or maybe he’s doing what he needs to do to feed the bloated government he’s created while still conning residents into believing he hasn’t increased their taxes.

Oh by the way, the problems Barberio has created are already starting to cost residents money. In the 2017 Budget, the mayor bonded (took out a long-term loan) for $10,000,000 money you’ll be paying back.

Wake-up Parsippany! You’ve been fleeced. Montville, which uses Parsippany sewer treatment services is threatening OR has filed a lawsuit to be reimbursed for the money diverted from the sewer fund. Don’t let this administration continue to rob you. Get out on November 7 and vote.

Roy Messemer

Crash on Route 46 and Baldwin Road sends two drivers to area hospital

PARSIPPANY — Mr. Roberto Peon, 86, Parsippany, was traveling on Route 46 and entered the intersection of Baldwin Road (on either a green/amber signal) when it struck a vehicle driven by Mr. Fabian Martinez, 36, Parsippany, who was traveling on Baldwin Road and crossing over Route 46.

Witnesses at the scene state that Mr. Martinez failed to observe the traffic light and the collision occurred due to driver inattention.

Both drivers were transported to area hospitals, and both vehicles were towed from the scene by Eagle Towing.

Mr. Peon was driving a 2003 Hyundai Elantra, and Mr. Martinez was driving a 1997 Mercedes E32.

No summons were issued at the time of the report.

The 2003 Hyundai Elantra was towed from the scene by Eagle Towing.
The 1997 Mercedes E32 was towed from the scene by Eagle Towing.

Letter to the editor: Parsippany plummets on best places to live list

parsippany focusDear Editor:

In September, Money Magazine came out with its “Best Places to Live in America” list.  Shockingly, Parsippany has lost significant ground, going from #5 to #33 in just one short year.  Having been on the Money Magazine list at least five times going back to 2008, this is the worst rating the township ever has been given. 

Some of the factors used to judge the best places to live are fixed and do not change from year to year.  Parsippany is fortunate to be located at the crossroads of three major interstate highways, giving residents easy access to jobs, and as the largest municipality in Morris County, Parsippany contains an abundance of parks, golf courses, local theaters, restaurants, shopping options and recreation.

Other factors, however, vary from year to year. So where has Parsippany lost ground? It’s hard to pinpoint given the data provided. 

According to Money Magazine, this year the greatest weight was put on economic health, cost of living factors, and public school performance.  In order to understand Parsippany from a resident’s point of view, the magazine sent reporters out to neighborhoods to interview people about quality of life issues that can’t be determined by statistics.  Perhaps the burden of ongoing lawsuits, which could effect not only the cost of living but an overall feeling of unrest in the township contributed to its crashing numbers.

“All I ever see in the paper and online is lawsuits and fighting within our local government, employees suing the town, development, like Waterview that nobody seems to want.  I don’t feel that anyone is steering the town in a direction that residents want.”

Lorraine Sola

The weather was perfect for Rockaway Meadow Fall Festival

PARSIPPANY — Rockaway Meadow School hosted a “Fall Festival” on Saturday, October 21.

The event started at 11:00 a.m. and ended at 3:00 p.m. at Rockaway Meadow School. There was a few dozen vendors, food, face painting and glitter tattoos, games crafts and inflatables.

It’s that time of the year: Candidates out canvassing

PARSIPPANY — With only 16 days away to the General Election, you will have many visitors ringing your doorbell. On this warm Indian Summer day, The Petersons, were seen roaming around Lake Parsippany ringing the doorbells of area residents. Emily Peterson is a candidate for Township Council.

Peterson is on the Democratic ticket along with Janice McCarthy for Council and Michael Soriano for Mayor.

Get out and vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 7.

Glass breaks at M&T Bank

PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, October 11 at approximately 8:45 p.m. Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department was dispatched to M & T Bank, 240 Baldwin Road on a burglar alarm. Upon arrival they discovered the big glass window was shattered.

Parsippany Rescue and Recovery was dispatched to the scene to board up the window. The premises were all secure.

Parsippany Rescue and Recovery was dispatched to M&T, 240 Baldwin Road to board up the window

Northvail’s Fifth Grade Girls Scouts Get Political

PARSIPPANY — Northvail Elementary Girl Scout Troop 96713 has been very busy learning about politics and our local government in preparation for their work in earning their Bronze awards.

On Sunday, October 14, a number of the girls participated in Camp United Nations for Girls, a program sponsored by Girls in Politics in NYC. At this camp, the girls spent the day immersed in the work of the United Nations. There they learned about the history of the United Nations; its purpose, structure, leadership and rules of procedure. As part of the program, each girl was assigned a country, conducted research and wrote a position paper regarding issues relevant to their assigned country. They wrapped up the day with the General Assembly convening delegates presenting speeches, negotiating with the other delegates, caucus and proposing resolutions along with amendments.

Then, on Wednesday, October 18, Mayor James Barberio met with the entire troop to share his own experiences regarding what it is like to be Mayor. The girls were excited to hear about his interest in helping the community in which he grew up, the challenges the position entails; as well as, issues for which the troop might consider providing aid. At the end of the evening, the girls left feeling inspired to get to work on their project.

parsippany focus
Mayor James Barberio met with the Girl Scout Troop

One dead in early morning accident on Route 80

PARSIPPANY — New Jersey State police say one person is dead following an accident on the I-80 Sunday morning, October 22.

The incident happened on the westbound side near mile marker 46 in Parsippany-Troy Hills around 3:30 a.m.

A Honda Accord collided with a Nissan Pathfinder, according to state police.

One of the passengers in the Honda Accord was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other injuries have been reported.

Fire in air conditioning unit on Vail Road causes damage

PARSIPPANY — A fire at 474 Vail Road occurred on Saturday, October 21 at approximately 5:45 p.m. Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire Department District 4 and Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Department District 6 were on the scene. Boonton Rapid Intervention Crew also responded, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire District 5 was on standby for District 4.  Parsippany Rescue and Recovery was dispatched to board up the home.

According to sources a young couple with a baby recently purchased the home, and the new family was planning on staying at the home this evening. No one was home when the fire started. The fire was believed to start in the air conditioning unit at the front of the house.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Firemen on the scene of a house fire at 474 Vail Road

Photo by Andrew Mohammed

Lake Hiawatha School is collecting boxtops

PARSIPPANY — If you have BoxTops from products you’ve purchased, and do not have a local school to send them to, please consider sending them to Lake Hiawatha School.

They are coordinating BoxTops and can ensure they are included in the October submission. Our goal this year is to collect $1,000 in BoxTops. They earn 10 cents per valid clipping (dates cannot be expired), and they really add up!

Earnings go to support activities for kids in our community, including field trips and educational assemblies.

Please don’t let good BoxTops go to waste! If you have some and would like to donate, feel free to email so arrangements to get them can be made. Email by clicking here.

BoxTops are submitted twice yearly, and the end of October will be the first submission.

BoxTops Products include:

BAKING
• Annie’s® Baking Mixes
• Fiber One™ Mixes
• Reynolds® Genuine Parchment Paper
• Reynolds® Non-Stick Baking Pans
• Reynolds® Staybright Baking Cups

CEREAL
• Annie’s®
• Apple Cinnamon Toast Crunch™
• Batman™ Chocolate Strawberry
• Basic 4™
• Blueberry Chex™
• Blueberry Toast Crunch™
• Cascadian Farm™
• Cascadian Farm™ Farm Stand Harvest Granola
• Cheerios™
• Chex™
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch™
• Cocoa Puffs™
• Cookie Crisp™
• Fiber One™
• French Toast Crunch™
• Girl Scouts Thin Mint® Cereal
• Girl Scouts Caramel Crunch® Cereal
• Golden Grahams™
• Kix™
• Lucky Charms™
• Nature Valley™ Oat Cereals
• Nature Valley™ Protein Crunchy Granola
• Oatmeal Crisp™
• Raisin Nut Bran
• Reese’s Puffs®
• Strawberry Toast Crunch™
• Total™
• Trix™
• Wheaties™

FOOD STORAGE
• Ziploc® brand Big Bags XL (4 ct.)
• Ziploc® brand Freezer Bags
• Ziploc® brand Smart Snap Containers
• Ziploc® brand Storage Bags
• Ziploc® brand Twist ‘n Loc® Containers
• Ziploc® brand VersaGlass® Containers
• Ziploc® brand Vacuum Freezer System
• Ziploc® brand Zip ‘n Steam™ Bags

FROZEN FOOD
• Annie’s® Frozen Snacks
• Green Giant™ Vegetables
• Pillsbury™ Toaster Strudel™
• Totino’s™ Party Pizza® & Pizza Rolls® Snacks

HOUSEHOLD CLEANING
• Finish® Dishwashing Detergent
• Lysol® Bathroom Cleaners
• Lysol® Disinfectant Spray & Wipes

MEALS & SIDES
• Annie’s® Mac & Cheese
• Annie’s® Microwaveable Mac & Cheese Cups
• Annie’s® Soups
• Betty Crocker™ Specialty Potatoes & Potato Buds
• Betty Crocker™ Suddenly Salad
• Green Giant™ Canned Vegetables
• Hamburger Helper™
• Old El Paso™ Bold Stand n’ Stuff Shells
• Old El Paso™ Dinner Kits
• Old El Paso™ Rice & Beans
• Old El Paso™ Shells & Seasonings
• Old El Paso™ Soft Tortilla Taco Boats
• Old El Paso™ Stand n’ Stuff Shells

PAPER PRODUCTS
• Select Kleenex® Tissue bundles
• Scott® Bath Tissue
• Scott ® Paper Towels
• Scott Naturals™ Flushable Cleansing Cloths

PRODUCE & FRUIT
• Green Giant™ Fresh Herbs
• Green Giant™ Fresh Vegetables

REFRIGERATED DAIRY
• Annie’s® Refrigerated Dough
• Annie’s® Yogurt Tubes
• Go-Gurt® Multipacks
• Land O’Lakes® Cheese Products
• Land O’Lakes® Fresh Buttery Taste® Spread (Sticks and Tubs)
• Land O’Lakes® Margarine (Sticks and Tubs)
• Land O’Lakes® Sauté Express® Sauté Starter
• Land O’Lakes® Stick Butter or Spreadable

BUTTER PRODUCTS
• Pillsbury™ Refrigerated Cookies
• Yoplait® Original and Yoplait® Light Fridge Packs

SCHOOL & OFFICE SUPPLIES
• Boise POLARIS® Premium Paper
• Boise® FIREWORX® Premium Colored Paper

SNACKS
• Annie’s® Cookies
• Annie’s® Crackers
• Annie’s® Fruit Snacks
• Annie’s® Granola Bars
• Annie’s® Organic Popcorn
• Annie’s® Organic Puffs
• Annie’s® Snack Mix
• Betty Crocker™ Fruit Flavored Snacks
• Bugles™
• Cascadian Farm™ Granola Bars
• Cereal Treat Bars
• Chex Mix™
• Fiber One™ Bars, Brownies, Cookies, and Streusel
• Food Should Taste Good™ Snacks
• Gardetto’s™ Snacks
• LARABAR™ (multipacks)
• Larabar™ RENOLA Grain Free Granola
• Mott’s® Medleys Fruit Flavored Snacks
• Nature Valley™ Backpacker Chewy Oatmeal Bites
• Nature Valley™ Baked Oat Bites
• Nature Valley™ Bars
• Nature Valley™ Biscuit Sandwiches
• Nature Valley™ Clusters
• Nature Valley™ Granola Bites
• Nature Valley™ Granola Cups
• Nature Valley™ Protein Soft Baked Granola Bites
• Nature Valley™ XL Sweet & Salty Bars

TABLEWARE
• Hefty® Deluxe™ Plates and Platters
• Hefty® Easy Grip® Cups
• Hefty® Everyday™ Cups
• Hefty® Everyday™ Soak Proof Plates and Bowls
• Hefty® Printed Cups
• Hefty® Style Plates
• Kleenex® Dinner Napkins (50 ct.)

WASTE BAGS
• Hefty® Blackout Tall Kitchen Drawstring Bags
• Hefty® Cinch Sak Large Trash Bags and Lawn & Leaf Bags
• Hefty® Easy Flaps® Tall Kitchen Bags and Large Trash Bags
• Hefty® OdorBlock® Tall Kitchen Drawstring Bags
• Hefty® Renew® Tall Kitchen Bags and Trash Bags
• Hefty® SteelSak® Trash Bags
• Hefty® Twist Tie Tall Kitchen Bags and Trash and Lawn & Leaf Bags
• Hefty® Ultimate
• Hefty® Ultra Flex® Trash Bags

Michael L Strumolo passed away Friday evening

PARSIPPANY — Michael L. Strumolo, 65, longtime resident of Lake Hiawatha and owner of Hiawatha Towing passed away on Friday evening, October 20.

Strumolo served on the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education for many years and also as a Councilman.

He leaves his wife, Dorothy and son Matthew.

Former Mayor Mimi Letts said “He was kind and generous to many people in need. He knew so much about Parsippany and really cared about it.

The family will receive friends at Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road on Wednesday, October 25 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 26 at 10:00 .m. at Par-Troy Funeral Home, and 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s the Apostle Church.

Parsippany Focus sends it deepest condolences to the family.

Valley National Bank holds Shred-It event

PARSIPPANY — Valley National Bank hosted a free Shredding Event on Saturday, October 7, at the Parsippany branch, located at 800 Route 46 West.

This event was partnered with USA SHRED, which provided an on-site truck to shred personal and confidential documents, at no cost, to help customers avoid becoming victims of identity theft.

Val and Lee with Edward Limanov
Elizabeth Haywood, Branch Service Manager, Val, Lee, Ildiko Peluso, Territory Sales Manager and Oliya Sultani
Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fireman Brian Ricci, Michael Lambert, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Robert Peluso (and son), Freeholder Director Doug Cabana and Ildiko Peluso
Elizabeth Haywood, branch service manager, Val, Lee, Ildiko Peluso, territory sales manager and Ari and Levi Robbins

Canned and dried nonperishable food items were collected to benefit the Parsippany Food Pantry and the Parsippany-Troy Hills District 5 Fire Department had a fire truck on-site for kids to explore.

Residents from the community were encouraged to bring documents such as old bank statements, checks, income tax returns, credit card statements, etc., that can be shredded on-site, for free. Staff members discussed effective measures that can be used to reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft.

Valley National Bancorp is a regional bank holding company headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey with over $23 billion in assets. Its principal subsidiary, Valley National Bank, currently operates over 200 branch locations in northern and central New Jersey, the New York City boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, and Florida. Valley National Bank is one of the largest commercial banks headquartered in New Jersey with Executive Offices in Manhattan and West Palm Beach. For more information about Valley National Bank and its products and services, please visit a convenient branch location, valleynationalbank.com or call our Customer Service Team at 800-522-4100.

Breaking news: Minor Electrical Fire at Baldwin Oaks

PARSIPPANY — Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire Department District 4, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5 were dispatched to Baldwin Oaks Apartments, 299 Baldwin Road, at approximately 8:30 p.m. for a fire alarm. The building was quickly evacuated with no injuries reported.

Sources at the scene reported a minor electrical fire with smoke in the basement.

Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance and Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance was also on the scene.

Once the fire was extinguished the residents were allowed back into the building.

Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance was called to the scene
Residents waiting outside to regain entry at Baldwin Oaks
Residents waiting outside to regain entry at Baldwin Oaks
There were no injuries reported
Residents waiting outside to regain entry at Baldwin Oaks
Council Vice President Robert Peluso at the scene making sure everyone is safe
Emergency workers on standby
Eric Hubner, Office of Emergency Management was on the scene
Emergency workers on standby

Baldwin Oaks Apartments is a 251 unit affordable housing community. The community is located in the 11th Congressional District of New Jersey.

Since this property has a Project-Based Section 8 contract with HUD, some or all of the rents at this property are based on tenant incomes. Tenants will make a monthly contribution toward rent equal to 30% of their adjusted income. There is a minimum tenant contribution of $25 for all rents at this property regardless of tenant income.

Kiwanis Club holds 21st Annual Grand Tasting event

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation hosted its 21st Annual “Grand Tasting” benefitting Camp Nejeda, serving children with Type 1 Diabetes since 1958, and New Jersey Sharing Network, a non-profit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for those in need of a life-saving transplant, and other charitable projects. The event was held Thursday, October 12 at the Hanover Manor, 16 Eagle Rock Avenue, East Hanover. The Wines, Spirits and Beers were provided by Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor, 799 Route 46.

Grand Tasting Chairman Michael Mulhaul said “We raised over $300,000 in the past twenty one years, in which Kiwanis Club was able to donate to other non-profit organizations, including Camp Nejeda, New Jersey Sharing Network, Lake Drive Program – Mountain Lakes School District, Morristown Memorial Hospital, Eliminate and Autism.

Cost for the fun-filled event was only $60.00 per person and included a Dinner Buffet, Hors d’oeuvres, Fine Wines, Craft Beers, Single Malts, Select Spirits, Silent Auction and much more.

Kiwanis Club President presented Chairman Michael Mulhaul with a plaque and honored him for 21 years of a successful event. The plaque read “On behalf of The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, we congratulate you for 21 Successful Years as Chairman of “Grand Tasting Committee.” Your Volunteerism Brightens our Community; With your leadership Kiwanis Club has raised over $300,000 to help one child, one community at time.

Camp Nejeda has been in continuous operation since 1958 and at our present location since 1960. They are funded by the Camp Nejeda Foundation, Inc, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Camp Nejeda is located at 910 Saddleback Road, Stillwater, New Jersey.

At Camp Nejeda youth with diabetes are given the opportunity to live, if only for one or two weeks, in a world where having diabetes is the norm and where there is no need to explain blood sugar testing, finger pricks, insulin injections, ketones, ‘lows’ (insulin reactions), boluses or ‘carb’ counting because everyone here already understands.

Camp Nejeda is fully licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and accredited by the American Camp Association. ACA accredited camps meet up to 300 standards for health, food service, safety, and program quality.

New Jersey Sharing Network is the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for those in need of a life-saving transplant. Over 4,000 New Jersey residents are currently awaiting transplantation. They are also part of the national recovery system, which is in place for the more than 120,000 people on waiting lists.

They operate 24/7/365 with a team of over 150 highly trained and dedicated members on staff. Their Governing and Foundation Boards are made up of a diverse group of individuals from both public and private sectors, across a variety of disciplines, and many of whom have been touched by donation including donor families and recipients. They bring great experience and insight to the important and life-saving work that we do.

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.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets at the Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46, each Thursday at 7:15 a.m. for breakfast.

For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, click here.