JCP&L Launches Web App for customers

Frank L. Cahill
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JCP&L customers will find it easier to use their phones to get important information about outages and their accounts, the electric utility’s parent company said Tuesday.

FirstEnergy Corp. has launched a new mobile website and free smartphone app for the customers of its electric utility companies in New Jersey.  The new tools make it even easier for customers to access important information and services related to their electric accounts.

Features of the website and app include:

  • A simple power outage reporting process and access to the company’s 24/7 Power Center outage maps;
  • Secure and convenient account access to review and pay monthly electric bills, analyze electric usage and enroll in electronic billing;
  • A click-to-call feature to reach customer service and links to the company’s social media sites;
  • One-click access to the full company website from each page of the mobile site.

The mobile website is automatically enabled when customers use a smartphone to visit www.firstenergycorp.com.  There’s an app for each of FirstEnergy’s 10 electric operating companies, and they’re available for Apple® iPhone® and Android™ smartphones.  Customers can use the keyword “FirstEnergy” to locate the apps in the online store.

“Our new smartphone app and mobile website make it easier for our customers to stay in touch with us and conduct every-day transactions when they’re on the go, whether it’s reporting a power outage or paying a bill,” said Ronald I. Green, vice president, Customer Service.  “The new tools also make our simple and secure online bill payment programs even more convenient.”

The app and mobile website are part of FirstEnergy’s ongoing effort to enhance service to its utility customers.  Additional projects in development include two-way text messaging and text message and email alerts for outage and bill communications, enhancements to the 24/7 Power Center, and greater functionality on the mobile website and app.

Visit www.firstenergycorp.com/connect for more information about the company’s communication tools.

Matthew Santana wants to make a difference

Frank L. Cahill
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Matthew Santana wants to make a difference

santana

Matthew Santana from Lake Intervale is doing something more amazing than the average eight year old.

There’s a little 19 month old girl named Peyton Zitelli in his Lake Intervale neighborhood who is suffering from a very rare form of cancer. She has been going through weekly radiation and chemotherapy treatments, and has begun to lose her hair. Matthew overheard the adults talking about her losing her hair, and how difficult it must be for her family emotionally and financially with all the travel to Philadelphia every week – and he decides he wants to make a difference and help out.

Matthew decided he wants to support her by shaving his own head, and asked if people would sponsor him so he could give the money to the family for travel expenses and medical bills.

His uncle, Jason Santana decided to pitch in and help spread the word even further. He asked all of his Facebook Friends, and asked if anyone wanted to step up and send Matthew some pledges for shaving his head. The response has been overwhelming and frankly a miracle. What started out as a little boy’s wish to make a difference in this family’s lives has turned into a community-wide event.

The Blackthorn Restaurant in Parsippany asked if they could host the event. Donations are pouring in from everywhere.

Matthew will shave his head on Saturday, February 9 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please come out and support him. The Blackthorn Restaurant is located at 1735 Route 46.

Please visit the Facebook page by clicking here, Prayers & Pledges for Peyton.

Taming the Frenzy: How to incorporate daily habits to optimize brain functioning

Frank L. Cahill
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NJAWBO Lunch Meeting

Neurophysiology is proving what we have known intuitively all along; when you take care of yourself physically and emotionally, your brain functions optimally leading to greater focus, productivity and energy. Learn the daily habits that will lead less stress, overwhelm and fatigue, allowing you to thrive professionally and personally.  This event will be held on Friday March 1, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Parsippany Sheraton Hotel, in Jestor’s Court, 199 Smith Road.

About the Speaker

Ellen Goldman

Ellen Goldman created EnerGcoaching, LLC, to help overextended business professionals and entrepreneurs who are worried about their health and happiness, and are either exhausted, burnt out, out of shape, overweight, or all of the above! She shows clients how to integrate health into their busy lifestyles with simple, small steps that lead to massive change, resulting in greater energy, focus, productivity and happiness every day. Ellen is a Certified Wellness Coach and Certified Personal Trainer. She holds a BS and Masters in Physical Education, and is certified by American College of Sports Medicine, Aerobic and Fitness Association of America, and Wellcoaches Corporation. To learn more about Ellen and her wellness programs, visit www.EnerGcoaching.com

Ellen G. Goldman, M.Ed.     EnerGcoaching, LLC

Certified Wellness Coach      www.EnerGcoaching.com
973.535.8891                         ellen@EnerGcoaching.com

Pre-registration pricing: Members: $25.00;  Non-members: $35.00

At the Door pricing: Members: $30.00; Non-members: $35 .00

For more information contact Carolyn Curtis, NJAWBO Region 3, marketing@njawboregion3.org  or call (973) 267-6156.

6th Annual Natural High Ice Skating Event

Frank L. Cahill
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The Morris County Partners in Substance Abuse Prevention continues the Natural High Initiative it began six years ago with an evening of free family ice skating at the Mennen Arena, 161 East Hanover Avenue, Morris Township on Thursday, March 21, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Steve Nebesni, Morris County Municipal Alliance Coordinator, said the event is intended to demonstrate to young people that they can achieve highs naturally, without the aid of drugs or alcohol, by engaging in fun, uplifting activities such as the Natural High Skating event or a family movie or game night at home complete with popcorn and soft drinks.

Resource tables will be available, and the evening’s MC will be Josh Drean, a former mascot of Brigham Young University who is now an entertaining youth speaker.

While he was the BYU mascot, Drean said he witnessed many acts of bullying in the schools and organizations he entertained. He said he was devastated by these acts of violence and has since devoted himself to helping create a “positive, safe and moral school climate.” He said his aim is to engage and reach students on a deeper level by drawing on the exciting and unique experiences he gained as a mascot.

Admission to the event and skate rentals are free, and children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

Capacity is limited and pre-registration is required by calling (973) 285-6860 or by registering online at https://morriscountynj.wufoo.com/forms/natural-high-2013/ .

Additional information is also available online at the Morris County Department of Human Services website, www.morrishumanservices.org.

The family skating night is supported by the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders and is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Morris County Department of Human Services, the Morris County Partners in Substance Abuse Prevention, Morris County Prevention Is Key, the Morris County Park Commission, Atlantic Health and the United Way of Northern New Jersey.

The Morris County Partners in Substance Abuse Prevention is composed of Municipal Alliances, law enforcement, human services providers, schools and community organizations.

According to Nebesni, the group is committed to strengthening communities and empowering youth and defines a natural high as an excited or elevated state brought on by a non-drug related life event.

The coalition was formed after a community forum was held in August 2006 in response to the Operation Painkiller arrests and the rash of overdose deaths in the county.

The thrust of the group’s efforts is to address substance abuse issues from a strength-based perspective, focusing on how to build resiliency in our youth and improve the health and well-being of our communities through advocacy and education.

Library Selected for Pilot Program to Assist Blind and Physically Handicapped Residents

Frank L. Cahill
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The Morris County Library is one of 11 New Jersey libraries selected to participate in a pilot project initiated by the New Jersey State Library Talking Book & Braille Center to assist eligible residents with accessing and downloading audio books and magazines from the Braille and Audio Reading Download website.

This national database is made available by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, a division of the U.S. Library of Congress.

The goal of the project is to allow public libraries to provide local assistance to TBBC members and their caretakers with the complicated BARD downloading process.

Morris County residents who are affected by a physical impairment, a reading disability, or a visual impairment may be eligible.

“We have been working with the Talking Book and Braille Center for many years, providing tapes, machines, and digital books for local residents. We welcome this opportunity to acquaint TBBC users with the new BARD services,” said Lynne Olver, Morris County Library director.

A number of free services are available to registered TBBC members, including digital audiobook players and audiobook cartridges, Braille books, downloadable audiobooks and audio magazines. Users also have access to news reading services such as Audiovision, TBBC’s own NJ newspaper reading service, and the National Federation for the Blind’s Newsline, which offers over 300 newspapers, magazines and wire services.

“This initiative will help us expand the services of the Talking Book and Braille Center to new, underserved populations in New Jersey,” said Adam Szczepaniak, director of TBBC. “It will help to make a difference for those who, for whatever reason, have difficulty reading printed material. This is an important partnership for TBBC.”

For more information about the Morris County Library’s services for the print disabled, contact Book Information at 973-285-6970 or email rsbi1@yahoo.com or visit www.mclib.info. For more information about the New Jersey State Library Talking Book & Braille Center, visit www.njstatelib.org.

The Morris County Library is at 30 E. Hanover Avenue in Whippany.

Freeholders Seek Public Input on County Budget

Frank L. Cahill
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Freeholders Seek Public Input on County Budget

As the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders continues to work on the 2013 County budget, they are inviting municipal officials, as well as the public, to share their views with the Budget Subcommittee members on Wednesday, February 13.
Hank Lynon
The budget session will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Knox Room on the fifth floor of the County Administration and Records building on Court Street in Morristown.

The freeholder Budget Subcommittee has been meeting on a regular basis for nearly a year and is now in the process of formulating the final spending plan for introduction in the next few weeks.

Budget Subcommittee Chairman Freeholder Hank Lyon (pictured), Freeholder Director Thomas Mastrangelo and committee member Freeholder John Krickus will all be available on Feb. 13 prior to the regular public freeholder meeting to meet informally with any county resident, mayor or member of any local governing body who would like to share his or her ideas about county government spending this year.

“We think it’s important that citizens have a better understanding of the county’s budget process,” said Freeholder Lyon, chairman of the Budget Subcommittee. “The freeholders once again are wrestling with some very difficult budget decisions. We continue to thoroughly examine all county government programs, and we welcome any thoughts the public and municipal officials may have about county spending.”

“The freeholder board is also committed to transparency during this budget process,” said Freeholder Director Mastrangelo. “We hope that residents interested in how the county services are funded will come out, ask questions, and share their views with the Budget Subcommittee members.”

Individuals who are unable to attend the informal session may send their written comments to the Morris County Administrator’s Office, PO Box 900, Morristown, N.J., 07963-0900.

Comments may also be emailed to the freeholders in care of the county public information office at jgarifo@co.morris.nj.us.

Northvail School Participates in King Arthur’s Life Skills Program

Frank L. Cahill
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Fourth and fifth grade students at Northvail Elementary were recently selected to participate in the Life Skills Bread Baking Assembly Program presented by King Arthur Flour.

During the assembly, a video camera projected a close-up of what was happening on the presentation table to ensure that everyone could see the step-by-step process.  After the bread baking demonstration, each child was given ingredients including King Arthur Flour to bake two loaves of bread at their home. One was for their family to enjoy and the other to return to school for a donation to Eva’s Kitchen located in Paterson.

Eva’s Kitchen serves a hot lunch for up to 400 homeless and working poor every day of the year.  It was estimated that 108 loaves were donated!

The Life Skills Program aims to help children to learn, bake and share by providing students with a real world application of skills they’re learning in school- math, science, reading, problem solving and of course giving back to the community.

King Arthur Flour was founded in 1790, and is America’s oldest flour company.  More than 190,000 students all over the country have participated in the Life Skills Program since its inception in 1992.  The students at Northvail would like to give a special thanks to the PTA and Mr. Martens, Principal.

Pictured above are the  4th and 5th Grade Students at Northvail.

Parsippany Police Blotter

Letters to the Editor
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Parsippany Resident Arrested for Warrants; Suspended Driver’s License

While on patrol on Route 53 at 12:19 a.m. on Friday, February 15, Officer Michael Kimble conducted a random registration check on a passing vehicle and discovered that the registered owner of the vehicle had a suspended driver’s license. A motor vehicle stop was conducted and Gregg S. Pekmezian, 46, Parsippany, was discovered to also have active warrants for his arrest. Pekmezian was arrested on a New York City warrant for Possession of Stolen Property and an additional warrant from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office. He was transported to headquarters for processing and turned over to the custody of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office.

Possession of Marijuana on Three Parsippany Juveniles

While on patrol at 7:19 p.m. on February 16, Officer Matthew LaManna observed an occupied vehicle with no lights on parked in a secluded area of the Skyview Manor Pool and Clubhouse on Meadowbluff Road near Old Dover Road. As the officer drove toward the vehicle, it attempted to leave the parking lot. A motor vehicle stop was conducted and the odor of burnt marijuana was noted from the vehicle’s interior. The vehicle occupants were three juvenile females, age 15, 16 and 17. A small bag of suspect marijuana was turned over to Officer LaManna. The juveniles were taken into custody and transported to headquarters, and a parent of two of the females took custody of all three girls. The matter will be further investigated by the Parsippany Investigative Division Youth Services Section.

Residential Burglary at Sweetwood Court home

Parsippany Officer Ross Cooper and others along with officers from Montville responded to a Sweetwood Court home at 7:12 p.m. on Friday, February 1 on report of a burglary in progress. On arrival, a male resident reported that he returned home, and finding the front door locked, went to the back door where he reported hearing footsteps and voices. Upon spotting the resident, two male suspects wearing gray hooded sweatshirts left the scene on foot, one fleeing south behind the home and the other running north toward Vail Road. A second resident was inside the home with her boyfriend during the incident and heard her brother outside yelling to “call the police”. Officer Marcin Czajka located one suspect on Vail Road at Stafford Road, and the victim was able to identify him as one of the actors spotted outside his home. An investigation revealed that the victim’s boyfriend, Raymond Jaquez, 18, Paterson, had knowledge that his two friends were going to commit a burglary at the home of his girlfriend and attempted to distract her while the crime occurred when the second resident arrived home and interrupted the crime in progress. The 17 year old male juvenile suspect was authorized to be housed at the Morris County Youth Detention Center and was charged on Juvenile Delinquency Complaints with Burglary, Theft of Moveable Property and Conspiracy. The second suspect left the scene in an unknown vehicle and charges are pending. Raymond Jaquez was charged with Burglary, Theft of Moveable Property and Conspiracy and was committed to the Morris County Correctional Facility in default of the $10,000 bail (no 10%) set by Judge Frese. Items reported stolen from the residence included a flat screen television, a laptop and a Mac Book Pro. An investigator from the Morris County Criminal Investigative Section also responded to process the crime scene.


Burglary at Wireless Depot; Several Cell Phones Stolen

Officers responded at 4:04 a.m. on Thursday, January 31 to the Wireless Depot located at 850 Route 46 on report of an activated burglar alarm and discovered the front glass door shattered. Numerous cell phones were taken from cabinets that had also been forced open. Parsippany detectives and an investigator from the Morris County Criminal Investigative Section responded and processed the crime scene, and Parsippany Rescue & Recovery secured the front door. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department at (973) 263-4300.

Former Sheriff Officer Arrest and Charged with Receiving Stolen Property

Officer Paul Levi was on patrol at 9:17 a.m. on Thursday, January 31 conducting random license plate checks when he discovered a gray Lexus RX350 that was reported stolen from Rochelle Park on January 13. The vehicle was parked in the lot of the Ramada Inn located at 949 Route 46. Entry was gained whereupon identifying information for a Mr. Richard Coviello, 37, Wayne, was discovered inside the vehicle. Coviello was located in his room at the motel. A former employee of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, Coviello had in his possession OC (pepper) spray, a billy club and an expandable police baton, along with two law enforcement badges from the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office. Coviello was arrested and transported to headquarters for processing and charged with Receiving Stolen Property, Prohibited Weapon and Possession of OC Spray. He was released on his own recognizance.

CDS Arrest at Gas Station on Knoll Road

While on patrol at 7:12 p.m. on Wednesday, January 30, Officer Ross Cooper observed a running black 2009 Jeep with its lights off parked between two pumps at the closed Phil’s Automotive located at 1157 Knoll Road. Mrs. Mirta Caudill, 47, Boonton had in her possession a pipe commonly used to smoke marijuana, and a small plastic bag containing suspect marijuana. Caudill was arrested and transported to headquarters where she was charged with Possession of 50 Grams or Less Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances in a Motor Vehicle. She was released on her own recognizance pending a court date.

Residental Burglary on Linda Street

Officers responded to a Linda Street home at 5:56 p.m. on Saturday, February 2 on report of a home burglary. The victim reported that she was checking the home for family who were away on vacation, and the home was fine two days prior. Forced entry appeared to have been gained via the front door and the upstairs bedrooms were ransacked. Parsippany detectives responded along with an investigator from the Morris County Criminal Investigative Section also responded to process the crime scene. Parsippany Rescue & Recovery secured the home’s front door. Parsippany residents are encouraged to use the free “House Watch” program if you are going to be away. For more information on this program and other crime prevention tips, Please visit the Parsippany Police Department website at www.parpolice.com and click on the “Safety and Prevention” tab.

Parsippany Resident Trying To Enter Vehicle at Paul Miller Arrested
Officer Michelle Kardos responded to the Paul Miller Audi dealership at 2:27 a.m. on Friday, January 19 located at 179 Route 46 on report of a male attempting to enter a vehicle. On arrival Officer Kardos encountered Airick J. Grable, 46, Parsippany, who appeared intoxicated and was standing beside an Audi Q5 and attempting to enter the vehicle. It was discovered that Grable had an active warrant issued by the Lakewood Police Department in the amount of $750.00 for a motor vehicle violation. Grable was arrested on the warrant and transported to headquarters for processing. He was released on the authority of Lakewood Police Department pending a court date.

Newark Resident Charged with Driving with Suspended License
While on patrol on Route 46 in the area of Arlington Plaza, at 12:13 p.m. on Saturday, January 19 Officer Anthony Morelli conducted a random license plate inquiry and discovered that a red Nissan had a suspended registration and the registered owner had a suspended driver’s license. A motor vehicle stop was conducted and driver David Bailey, 35, Boonton, also had an active warrant for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia issued by the Newark Police Department in the amount of $250.00. Bailey was arrested and transported to headquarters where he was issued summonses for Unregistered Vehicle, Uninsured Vehicle and Driving While Suspended. He was released on his own recognizance on the authority of Newark Police Department. Editors Note: A charge is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Narcotics Arrest at Hotel Parking Lot
Officers Ronald Carrozzino, Alfred Keiser and Michael Sprung responded at 10:55 p.m. on Saturday, January 12 to the parking lot of the Ramada Inn located at 949 Route 46 on report of a suspicious vehicle with possible drug activity occurring. On arrival smoke was observed emanating from the interior of the 2001 Mercedes Benz. The three occupants of the vehicle, Jason S. Robinson, 25, Mastic Beach, New York, Jason D. Smart, 25, Amityville, New York and Darren L. McKenzie, Jr., 25, Charlotte, North Carolina, were subsequently arrested and each charged with Possession of Marijuana, 50 Grams or Less. They were transported to headquarters for processing and released on their own recognizance.

Editors Note: A charge is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Temple Beth Am to celebrate Purim

Frank L. Cahill
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Temple Beth Am invites the community to celebrate Purim on Sunday, February 24 beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The fun filled day begins with a Purim Play entitled Star Shpiel: Return of the Jew, directly followed by the reading of the Magillah and culminating with our annual Carnival. All of these events are free to prospective members.

Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar. It commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination. The primary commandment related to Purim is to hear the reading of the book of Esther. The book of Esther is commonly known as the Megillah, which means scroll.

It is also customary to hold carnival-like celebrations on Purim, to perform plays and parodies, and to hold beauty contests. Temple Beth Am’s carnival begins at 10:30 a.m. and is free to prospective members (a nominal charge for all others).

Temple Beth Am is located at  879 South Beverwyck Road. You can visit their website by clicking here.

Prospective members are encouraged though not required to register. Please call (973) 887-0046 ext 10 for additional information.

Search Engine Optimization Business Strategies that work

Frank L. Cahill
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This seminar is designed to instruct participants to mazimize the effectiveness of Seach Engines to promote your business. In this session you will learn: How to take advantage of the billions of searches performed every day in the top search engines. Specifically, strategies to grow your internet presence. Examples will include: how to choose the right keywords to connect to your customers how to avoid tactics that will get you banned from Google; how to make your website immune from Google updates a shortcut that Google encourages, and will reward your businesss for;

Seminar will be led by Dan Beldowicz, VP Development and Sales, Single Throw Internet Marketing. This seminar will be held at CCM Morristown Campus, 30 Schuyler Place, Suite 220, Morristown on Tuesday February 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Price for this seminar is $35.00

To register click here.

United Way Caregivers Coalition meeting

Frank L. Cahill
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United Way Caregivers Coalition meetings in Morris County are open to the public and are held on the second Wednesday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Members begin to gather at 9:00 a.m. to enjoy coffee and visiting time.

All caregivers and anyone with an interest in caregiving is welcome to join us.

Atlantic City Bus Trip

Frank L. Cahill
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The Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary sponsors an all day trip to Atlantic City on Saturday, April 20.

Bus leaves Lake Parsippany Firehouse, 255 Halsey Road promptly at 8:00 a.m. and will arrive at Taj Mahal, Atlantic City.  Price $30.00 per person, and all players receive $30.00 in slot play upon arrival.

For tickets please call Barbara at (973)  887-6809 or Jane at (973) 887-5633.

Deadline Near for Two Scholarship Opportunities

Frank L. Cahill
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The Arts Council of the Morris Area is pleased to offer two scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors who have exhibited artistic excellence in dance, drama, music, or visual arts and plan to pursue further education in an area related to the arts. The Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship, in the amount of $5,000, and The Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship, in the amount of $1,250, were created to recognize artistic excellence, encourage the artists of the future, and to celebrate the value of the arts to the human experience.

Morris County high school seniors graduating in June 2013 who are currently attending public, private, or parochial school in New Jersey are eligible. Applicants must (a) be Morris County residents, (b) plan to pursue post-secondary studies at an accredited institution or acknowledged arts school or fine arts program, and (c) have demonstrated artistic excellence in any one of four (4) arts disciplines: dance, drama, music, or visual arts.

The Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship was established in 2002 in memory of Elaine Ehlers (1953-2001), a health-care administrator by profession, who had a voracious appetite for all things artistic and musical.  She derived intellectual and emotional sustenance from the arts and supported programs at many museums and musical institutions.  By establishing this scholarship, an enduring legacy has been created to reward those who possess artistic talent and who plan to further their arts education. Former Ehlers winners include pianist Daniel Shleyenkov; pianist and flutist Joshua Min; harpist, Ashley Jackson; singer/composer/lyricist/pianist, arranger/community musical organizer Deborah Neigher; jazz guitarist Alex Wintz; singer/composer, Tom Barth;  visual artist Marissa Rich,  pianist Yuqing Meng, ballroom/Latin dancer Daniel Knapp; ballet/modern dancer/ choreographer Madelyn Eltringham; and, most recently, trumpeter Joseph Soriano.

The Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship was first awarded in 1999 in memory of Eugenie R. Coladarci, who was Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at Chase Manhattan Bank and an active member of the Arts Council of the Morris Area for eleven years. She was completing her first term as Board Chair when she passed away in 1997.  As a statewide champion of the arts, Gene encouraged the development of young artists and believed in the value of the arts to the quality of life.  The idea of a scholarship to assist talented young people wishing to continue their study in the arts was very important to her. Past winners include violinist Rebecca Racusin; visual artist Robert Douglas Fritz III; dancer Lauren Muraski; actor Ethan Saks; operatic soprano Chelsea Friedlander; visual artist Emily Trenk; visual artist Kaitlyn DeBiasse;  dancer Edward “Teddy” Tedholm; soprano Alessandra Altieri; visual artist Catalina Ouyang; and, most recently, industrial designer Miriam Buchwald.

Application information has been sent to all Morris County high school guidance offices for distribution.  Please visit your guidance office to obtain an application which can also be downloaded from the Arts Council website: www.morrisarts.org.  For more information, please call the Arts Council of the Morris Area at (973) 285-5115, ext. 10.  Applications must be postmarked or delivered to the Arts Council office no later than 5:00 p.m. on February 8. Applicants will be judged by a committee consisting of panelists representing each artistic discipline. All panelists are professionals with a high level of expertise in university arts education and/or professional experience in the arts. Selection will be based on artistic excellence as demonstrated by the quality of the work samples and on the basis of application materials submitted to the panel. Winners will be notified by the end of March 2013.

The Arts Council of the Morris Area is a private nonprofit organization founded in 1973 and dedicated to engaging and building community through the arts.  Using the arts to inspire, connect and engage, the Arts Council serves as a resource for the arts in Morris County with a special focus on arts programming in the schools and in the community, arts advocacy, and support of the Morris Area community of artists and arts organizations.

Paper Shapers

Frank L. Cahill
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If you are interested in origami, the art of paper folding, come to our “Paper Shapers” meetings on Saturday, February 16, March 9, April 13, or May 11, 2013  12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.   at the Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road.  You may come for any length of time.   Adults and children are welcome.  However, all children younger than 13 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times.   FREE.   Please bring some square paper and a shoebox or other container to hold your finished models.   Come enjoy the magical experience of folding paper into something beautiful.  For more information, call Deanna Kwan at (973) 335-4531 or call the PAL at (973) 335-0555.

“Don’t Rezone Waterview” group is rapidly growing; Next Planning Board meeting February 11

Frank L. Cahill
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Dave Kaplan was out early on a Sunday morning with his son Tyler, walking through the snow to area neighbors with flyers and signs from the group “Don’t Rezone Waterview.”  The group is spreading the word regarding the proposed overlay zone on the existing planned office development (POD) that is being proposed for the 132-acre tract currently zoned for offices on Waterview Boulevard and Route 46. RD Realty brought before the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board application No. 12-524 for a concept plan to develop the last undeveloped parcel of 26.6 acres in the Waterview tract but the “Overlay Zone” must be approved  to do so.

This tract would include a 137,000 square foot department store (rumored to be a Target); a 40,000 square foot Whole Foods (the company has a lease signed contingent on approvals) a 13,000 square foot convenient store (also rumored to be with a gas station) and 72 unit townhomes. It was presented the townhomes are two- and three-bedrooms with a selling price estimated between $450,000 to $500,000.

A survey of Target stores in New Jersey show store hours Monday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., although there were some stores open til 11:00 Monday to Saturday and 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, while the Whole Food store in Madison is open seven days a week 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Kaplan’s back yard is directly behind the proposed complex. Kaplan states “Our number one concern is protecting our way of life and property values. There is absolutely no point to a supposed increase in ratables when the values of the homes in the area drop.” With the proposed 50-foot buffer, you will clearly see the complex from Intervale Road. At a recent Planning Board meeting, Scott Hoffman, a Parsippany resident, stated “scoffed at the utility of a 50 foot or 75 foot buffer, using his experience at his own home involving an office building currently standing near the proposed 27 acres on Waterview Plaza, “From November through March, I see the building clear as day with a buffer of 200 feet,” he insisted. “Explain how people are not supposed to see the development with a smaller buffer than I have.”

The next meeting to discuss the Waterview project will be held at Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Road at 7:30 p.m. on February 11. Kaplan urges all Parsippany residents to attend this meeting.  In a recent study done by Mountain Lakes Environmental Commission it was calculated using the ITE Trip Generation Report, 7th edition 2003, the proposed development can be estimated to generate over 23,00 daily trips per day.

For more information on the group or to donate to help with legal fees visit dontrezonewaterview.com.

 

Reminder that Unemployment Benefits are reported income

Frank L. Cahill
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If you received any type of unemployment insurance benefits in 2012, a 1099-G was mailed to you between January 22 and January 25, 2013. Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments, is now available online.  This form provides important tax information that must be reported on your federal income tax return.

To view or print this tax information online, login to our website at www.njuifile.net using your normal login information, then select the 1099 tab.  You will have the option to view and print your tax forms.

The 1099-G documentation shows the total unemployment benefits paid and any tax withholding for the 2012 calendar year. If you have moved, the 1099-G form placed in the mail will NOT be forwarded to your new address, so this new online option should be helpful.

Please remember that unemployment insurance benefits are paid faster if you request your benefit payments using the Internet on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Also, please visit our Jobs4Jersey website at www.jobs4jersey.com.  This site will help guide you to some of New Jersey’s best online tools for finding work and connecting to our many

School Board Fields Work Session

Frank L. Cahill
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The Parsippany Board of Education will hold an open work session on Thursday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m. for public discussion on new approaches to deal with the athletic improvements needed at Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High Schools.

The meeting will take place at  the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education, 292 Parsippany Road.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner-Dance

Frank L. Cahill
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American Legion Parsippanong Post No. 249 will host a St. Patrick’s Day dinner-dance on Saturday, March 9 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Post Hall, 91 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha.

Cost is $17.00 per person. Cash bar available.

Advance ticket sales only by Saturday, February 23.

Purchase can be made at the American Legion Post or call (973) 335-6676. There will also be a 50/50 raffle at $5.00 a ticket.

For more information on Post No. 249, click here.

Dine for Friends of the Library

Frank L. Cahill
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The Friends of the Parsippany Library will hold its first fundraiser of the year at Verde Ristorante, 1012 Tabor Road, Morris Plains, on Tuesday, February 26. The group will receive 10 percent of the day’s proceeds, including the purchase of gift certificates. Dine in or take out. For reservations call (973) 539.8100.

For more information on The Friends of the Parsippany Library, click here.

Chinese New Year

Frank L. Cahill
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Celebrate the year of the snake at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, 449 Halsey Road on Saturday, February 2 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Join in paper cutting, pottery, origami, calligraphy, face painting, chop sticks, a dice game, Chinese songs and folk dancing. For more information call (973) 887-5150.

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