Mayor Soriano Presented Proclamation to Organ Transplant Group

PARSIPPANY — In recognition of National Donate Life Month to highlight awareness of the lifesaving gift of organ donation, Mayor Michael Soriano presented a proclamation to the Morris County Organ Transplant Group.  The group is an official regional group of the NJ Sharing Network.

Bob and Connie Keller looks on as Mayor Michael Soriano reads the Proclamation

One organ donor can save eight lives and one tissue donor can restore health to over 75 others. People of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and religions are touched by donation and by the serious shortage of organ donors that exists. Currently, there are nearly New Jersey residents and Americans awaiting life-saving transplant operations. There are thirteen waitlisted in Parsippany.

Registering as an organ and tissue donor is easy at a local Motor Vehicle Agency or click here.

The Transplant Group meets the first Wednesday of the month in the Community Room at the Parsippany Police Complex. The next meeting is on Wednesday, May 2 with a special “Heart Transplant Roundtable” featuring local heart recipients and Dr Marc Goldschmidt, Medical Director of the Heart Success Program and Mechanical Circulatory Support Programs at Morristown Medical Center.

For more information on the group contact Nick at (973) 984-6966 or e-mail: mcorgantransplantgroup@gmail.com.

Justin Bondarowicz meets Parsippany Township Council

PARSIPPANY — Justin Bondarowicz attended the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 17. He is a member of Parsippany-Troy Hills Boy Scouts Troop 72. He attended the meeting to earn a communication badge.

communication_lgTo earn a communication badge, they scout can select from a list of requirements.  These scouts choose to attend a public meeting (city council, school board, debate) where several points of view are given on a single issue. Practice active listening skills and take careful notes of each point of view. Then the scouts had to prepare an objective report that includes all points of view that were expressed, and share this with your counselor. Communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media. The field of communication promotes the effective and ethical practice of human communication.

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

After the meeting was over, Justin had an opportunity to speak to the members of Parsippany-Troy Hills Council and ask questions regarding the issues that were discussed during the meeting.

For over 60 Years Troop 72 has served the youth of the general Parsippany area, including Boonton, Denville, Parsippany, and Morris Plains. Boys from ages 11 to 18 are invited to join. For more information, click here.

Applebee’s Recognizes Employees with National Wait Staff Appreciation Day Contest

PARSIPPANY — There’s nothing quite like receiving impeccable service when dining out – it can even be the deciding factor for determining if guests will return to a restaurant. To celebrate New Jersey’s hardworking individuals who go above and beyond to provide a pleasant dining experience, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar, 1057 Route 46, announced a contest to reward employees in honor of National Wait Staff Appreciation Day on May 21. The contest is offered at Applebee’s restaurants in New Jersey owned and operated by local franchisee, Doherty Enterprises.*

From April 16 to May 13, diners at participating New Jersey Applebee’s locations are invited to nominate their favorite employee by submitting an email explaining why that employee deserves to be recognized. One winning employee from each participating restaurant in New Jersey will receive a $100 gift card and the nominating guest will win one Dinner for a Year gift certificate, valid for one entrée per month for 12 months. The winners will be announced on Monday, May 21.

“We are excited to announce our Wait Staff Appreciation Day contest in our New Jersey restaurants,” said Kevin Coughlin, director of operations, Applebee’s New Jersey. “Providing excellent service to our guests is something we take a lot of pride in, which is made possible by the attention and efforts of our employees. We encourage guests to tell us about their favorite employees and look forward to reading the submissions as well as rewarding our deserving staff and valued guests.”

Nominations must be sent via email to ABFav@Dohertyinc.com and include the following:

A picture with the nominated employee
Details of how they provide a special dining experience
Employee’s first and last name
The Applebee’s location

In addition, guests are required to share their nomination for favorite Applebee’s employee on their social media channels with the hashtag #ApplebeesFav.

Valid only at participating Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises.

Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises, Inc. is recognized as the 68th largest privately-held business in the New York Metro area by Crain’s Business and the 11th largest franchisee in the United States as ranked in the Restaurant Finance Monitor, operating seven restaurant concepts including: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, Quaker Steak & Lube, Noodles & Company, and two of its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. In 2017, Nation’s Restaurant News ranked Doherty Enterprises as the 78th largest Foodservice revenue company in the United States. To date, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates over 150 restaurants in northern, southern and central New Jersey, on Long Island, as well as locations throughout Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and sections of Florida and Georgia. The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow Our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.” (www.DohertyInc.com).

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar offers a lively casual dining experience combining simple, craveable American fare, classic drinks and local drafts. All Applebee’s restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to serving their communities and offering quality food and drinks with genuine, neighborly service. Applebee’s is one of the world’s largest casual dining brands; as of Dec. 31, 2017, there are nearly 1,970 Applebee’s franchise restaurants in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and 14 other countries. Applebee’s is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world’s largest full-service restaurant companies.

Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 swears in new Officers and Trustees

PARSIPPANY — After 18 years of serving as President of  Sons of Italy Lodge 2561, Joseph Jannarone, Jr., stepped down as President.

During their March monthly dinner meeting, new officers and trustees were sworn in.

The officers are: Louis Amato, President; John Lonero, Vice President; Dom Miglizza, Vice President; Robert Iracane, Treasurer and Adam Gragnani, Recording Secretary.

The Trustees include Jim Torsiello, Vincent Ferrara, Joe Serrao, Mike Zambito, Robert Wilhalme, John Gangone and Joe Plescia. The Sergeant at Arms if Sean Clark.

At their dinner meeting held at a local restaurant, on the fourth Wednesday of each month, lodge members get together to discuss fundraising, lodge business and any charitable needs in the community.

Some of the organizations the Sons of Italy include, Parsippany Food Pantry, St. Peter’s Church, St. Ann’s Church, Battered Woman Shelter of Morris County, Parsippany High School Scholarships, Parsippany Hills High School Scholarships, The Valerie Fund, Parsippany Day Care Center and Cooley’s Anemia. They also purchase ShopRite and Walmart gift cards on a regular basis to help feed families in need.

Past President Joseph Jannarone, Jr.
Nick Burzichelli swearing in new President, Louis Amato
Trustee Robert Wilhalme taking the oath of office
Joseph O’Neill taking the oath of office
John Lonero
Trustee Jim Torsiello being sworn in
Newly elected President Louis Amato with Past President Joseph Jannarone, Jr.

For more information, please call Past President Joseph Jannarone, Jr. at (973) 632-4765 or click here to visit their website.

Township Council Meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 17

Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., reminds residents that the Township Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 17. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

The public is invited to attend all meetings. A portion of each meeting will be set aside for public comment. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.

Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the American with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. Please call (973) 263-4357 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.

Water Department began annual Hydrant Inspection and Flushing Program

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Water Department began its annual Hydrant Inspection and Flushing Program.

The work will be conducted during overnight hours, when water consumption is at a minimum, and is expected to conclude on or about Sunday, May 13. This program is essential to maintaining the water system which involves us systematically opening fire hydrants to increase water flows, therefore allowing us to flush any minerals and deposits from the water mains.

While flushing the system won’t interrupt your water service, when crews are working in your neighborhood you may notice a temporary drop in your water pressure or discolored water. This is normal and is not a health hazard. If this occurs, simply let your cold water tap run until it is clear.

Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher. If water pressure or water volume seems low after flushing has been completed, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.

If you have any specific questions about the hydrant flushing in your area you may contact the Water Department at (973) 263-7099 Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

PACC holds successful Speed Networking event

PARSIPPANY — At its monthly evening meeting, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce held a “Speed Networking” event at Care One at Morris Assisted Living, 200 Mazdabrook Road.

The event included a full course dinner prepared by Care One at Morris Assisted Living. Members had the opportunity to network with members, discuss their services and exchange business cards.

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents, and volunteers that provides education, information, and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area. PACC works with our local and county governments and stand ready to pursue any matter that can make our community a better place in which to live, conduct business, and make a living. We promote a healthy and more prosperous economic climate.

For more information click here.

The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce will host “Juice up your morning” on Thursday, April 26 at 8:30 a.m. at the Chamber offices located on 90 East Halsey Road, Suite 322. Join the chamber for food, fun and networking. Bring plenty of business cards. A complimentary continental breakfast will be provided by Galleria Associates.

 

 

Girl Scout Troop 96229 focuses on Media

The Girl Scouts will earn three badges during the media journey

PARSIPPANY— On Monday, April 16 Cadette Girl Scout Troop 96229 gathered to learn about media at the Lake Hiawatha Library from Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill. Recently the troop completed their media journey ending it with meeting the press from Parsippany Focus. The three badges the girls earned were Influence, Monitor and Cultivate.

The troop was inspired by the history of the 29 year newspaper Parsippany Focus and learned the important components of every article- who, what, where, when, why and how. The girls took the opportunity to ask questions from seasoned professional Mr. Cahill. Before beginning the article the troop posed to have their photo taken and learned how to sort and upload the photo to the server. After uploading the photo troop 96229 wrote this article for publication.

The group also learned about the history of the Parsippany Focus tree logo, advertising, plagiarism, a day in the life of a reporter, and the variety of topics the press covers.

Academy for Environmental Science Students Participate in Environmental Forum

DENVILLE — Students in the Academy for Environmental Science, located at Jefferson High School, recently attended the 10th annual Clean Communities Environmental Student Exchange (CCESE) Program held at the Ocean City Music Pier.

During this two-day event, selected students in the Academy participated in activities, presentations and demonstrations relating to various environmental issues.

The Morris County Vocational School Districts offers full time high school programs including the Academy for Environmental Science, located at Jefferson High School.

This Academy is a high school program providing students with scientific knowledge about the natural world while at the same time exploring the environmental, economic, and social aspects of these interactions and how they influence decision-making and policy.

For more information, please visit www.mcvts.org/admissions or call (973) 627-4600 ext. 277.

Parsippany Hills High School teacher Ahmed Kandil named YMCA Educator of the Year

Ahmed Kandil, PHHS Business Education Teacher

MOUNTAIN LAKES — Celebrating more than 100 years in the community, the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA has announced the winners of their annual Educator of the Year Awards. In the K through 8 division, Eileen Ludwig, a counselor at the Briarcliff Middle School in Mountain Lakes is the winner.

Ahmed Kandil, Business Education teacher at Parsippany Hills High School has been chosen as the High School Educator of the Year.

Learn more about these very special individuals as well as other community service award winners from the Y’s service area when they will be honored at the Y’s Annual Dinner at The Mansion in Mountain Lakes on Wednesday, May 16. Tickets are $60.00 and everyone is welcome to attend.

For tickets, available through May 11, call Nancy Dunham at the Y at (973) 334-2820 or email: nancyd@lhymca.com

YMCA Citizen of the Year Awards announced

MOUNTAIN LAKES  — The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is pleased to announce the 2018 winners of the annual YMCA Citizen of the Year Awards from their service area towns: Patti Bujtas – Boonton; Kim Forte – Boonton Township; Don Kuser  – Denville; Lt. Joseph Napoletano – Kinnelon/Butler; Christine Bakelaar – Lincoln Park; James Sandham Jr. – Montville; Janet Horst – Mountain Lakes;  Frank Cahill – Parsippany and Rose Phalon – Pequannock.

These individuals have demonstrated outstanding community service and volunteerism. “The selflessness exhibited by these volunteers is consistent with social responsibility, which is one of the key underpinnings of our YMCA mission and we are looking forward to honoring them,”says Lakeland Hills YMCA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Viktor Joganow.

The winners will be recognized at the Y’s Annual Dinner that will take place on Wednesday, May 16 at The Mansion in Mountain Lakes. Tickets for the dinner (at $60.00 each) are available through May 11 and everyone is welcome to attend, so come out and meet the people who have made a difference in your community!

For tickets, call Nancy Dunham at the Y, (973) 334-2820, or email nancyd@lhymca.com.

 

Delta Dental employees participates in Earth Day projects

PARSIPPANY — Delta Dental of New Jersey employees participated in their Earth Day volunteer project.  In advance of Earth Day, employees from Parsippany-based Delta Dental of New Jersey volunteered on Friday, April 13, at Kitchell Pond in Morristown to help clear out sections and plant native, trees, shrubs, and wildflowers in their place.

Historic Seven Figure Gift Realized at County College of Morris

RANDOLPH — County College of Morris (CCM) announced on Monday, April 16, that it has received an historic gift of $976,000 from the Estate of Dominic and Catherine Bencivenga, bringing the family’s total giving to the college to more than $1 million. This gift, given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Bencivenga’s children, Gary and Cathy Jo Bencivenga, is directed to providing scholarships to the college’s nursing students.

The more than $1 million in total giving represents the largest private gift ever given to the college. The CCM Foundation, under the direction of Katie Olsen, was notified of this extraordinary gift by the Trustee of the Bencivenga Estate, Beverly Brown.

Brown stated that “Gary and Cathy Jo attended CCM and Dominic and Catherine sought to provide a legacy in their children’s honor. Catherine was a registered nurse at Dover General Hospital and took great pride in how the nursing program has become one of the most sought after majors at CCM. Dominic and Catherine always viewed CCM as a philanthropic priority and in their planning for when they were no longer here; CCM was the place they knew their gift would have a lasting impact.”

Dr. Anthony Iacono, president of CCM, expressed his deep appreciation to the Estate of Mr. and Mrs. Bencivenga, saying, “It is with great gratitude that CCM recognizes Mr. and Mrs. Bencivenga for their commitment to the college and to our outstanding nursing program. The Gary and Cathy Jo Bencivenga Memorial Scholarship is vital to our students’ success in completing their nursing degrees. As a leader in health and allied sciences, CCM prepares students to go on to achieve extraordinary achievements in nursing at some of the finest medical institutions throughout the State of New Jersey and nationally. This gift, the largest private gift ever received at CCM, underwrites the futures of the students who seek to solidify their career in serving their communities.”

The CCM Foundation, established in 1987, is dedicated to raising funds for the college from its many constituents to support programs, scholarships, staff development and other projects that are not funded through tuition and public support.

William McElroy ’83, chair of the CCM Foundation Board of Directors, offered his thanks to the Bencivenga family, saying, “The CCM Foundation has been the cornerstone of philanthropic giving to the County College of Morris. Today, through this historic gift from the Estate of Mr. and Mrs. Bencivenga, we are positioned to begin our 50th Anniversary celebrations with strength and gratitude for all who have come before us and for all who will join our efforts in offering CCM the support it needs to fulfill its mission.”

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township has an overall ranking of A+

PARSIPPANY — Niche.com ranked Parsippany with an overall rating of A+. The 2018 Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities using data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources to compare cities, towns, and neighborhoods across the U.S.

Survey was based on 77 reviews of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

To read complete analysis click here.

One reviewer stated “It is a very nice area with many parks, high ranking schools, and family activities. Also, we were ranked the 5th best place to live in the United States by Money Magazine in September of 2016! A wonderful place to settle down and experience all four seasons to their fullest. Parents and kids alike will love the atmosphere and quiet that our beautiful town has to offer.”

Parsippany has 31 developed parks

Another reviewer stated “Parsippany is a great place to live, hence the nickname “The Place to Be”. It has a lot of community value, great public schools, a great library, many restaurants, some recreational places/athletic fields, etc. One thing I would like to see more of is places to go to on the weekend for kids, teenagers, and adults. Other than that, I wouldn’t change anything about it!” For a complete listing of reviews of Parsippany, click here.

Parsippany received an A+ Ranking for Schools; B for Housing; A+ for good families; B for Jobs; C for cost of living; A for outdoor activities; B+ for crime and safety; A- for nightlife; A for diversity; B- for weather; A+ for health and fitness and B+ for commute.

Parsippany Hills High School

Parsippany Hills High School is a highly rated, public school. It has 1,058 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1. According to state test scores, 33% of students are at least proficient in math and 62% in reading. PHHS was rated A for academics, A for best teachers, A for clubs and activities, A for college prep, A- for diversity and A- for health and safety.

Parsippany High School
Parsippany High School

Parsippany High School was also a highly rated, public school. It has 936 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1. According to state test scores, 38% of students are at least proficient in math and 68% in reading. PHS was rated A for academics, A for best teachers, A- for clubs and activities, A for college prep, A- for diversity and A for health and safety.

According to Niche.com, Median Home Value in Parsippany is $416,800.00, while the National Home Value is $184,700.00; Median Rent is $1,223.00 a month; while the National Average is $949.00; 63% residents own their own home while 37% of residents are renters. Median household income is $90,604 while National is $55,322.

Best Suburbs for Millennials in New Jersey, Ranked 26 of 412; Best Places for Millennials in New Jersey, Ranked 27 of 573 and Best Suburbs to Live in New Jersey, Ranked 39 of 412.

Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and and expert insights.

For a complete list of ranking of each of Parsippany-Troy Hills public schools, click here.

 

Parsippany students win big at Elite Dance Challenge competition

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany students had a big win this past weekend at Elite Dance Challenge competition. This is Diamond Dance’s Sixth competition season and has reached new heights! Ava DeAngelis (pictured right bottom corner) is a Brooklawn Middle School student and had an amazing weekend placing in the Top 10 solo division out of 45 other routines and her big win was receiving First Place with her Teen Duet with Brooke Liskiewicz of Long Valley (top left second in) who also placed Third with her solo out of 38 teen solos.

Riley Kells, a Parsippany Hills High School junior (top left third in) received Third Place in the solo senior division out of 15 and Allie Cimaglia of Whippany (top left corner) received Seventh in the top ten!

Alyssa Devore (top right second in), a Central Middle School student, placed Sixth in the Top Ten for her Tap Trio with Ava DeAngelis and Samantha Levenson (middle of photo) who also placed in the top 10 out of 45 solos.

Alyssa Devore also placed in the Top Ten with her Teen Hip Hop Duet with Abigail Bedrick (top right corner), a student at Morris County Tech who also Placed Second out of 38 other senior solos. Amy Roberts (bottom left second in), a Morris County Tech student who was given a Special Award for “Beautiful Emotion.”

Diamond Dance will be attending Elite Dance Challenge National Tour at Kalahari Resort is the Poconos this July. The competition awards students who they felt stood out to be invited to perform in their national opening number team. Diamond Dance had the honor of ALL of their students in their senior lyrical routine “Issues” invited to be on the team choreographed by the studios director Tiffany Slowinski. This was an incredible moment for the studio and Diamond Dance is ready to be apart of something so special.

Tryouts for the 2019 Diamond Dance competition team will be held at the studio Tuesday, July 19 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for ages 14 to 17 years old, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for ages 5 to 9 years old, and from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for ages 10-13 years. (Note: must wear all black and hair in a bun.) This is open to the public.

Registration for Fall and 2019 classes will be held on Monday, June 25 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

For additional information call (908) 659-8079 or click here.

Northvail’s 5th Grade Musical, Giants in the Sky

PARSIPPANY — The fifth graders at Northvail Elementary School put on an excellent, energetic and entertaining musical rendition of “Giants in the Sky,” winner at the 2017 Children’s Musical Theatre Festival in New York City. It is a fun musical filled with entertaining songs.

The story explores the world of Giants who live above the clouds. Ever since they left Earth a long time ago, the Giants have made a life up above where their job is to keep the sky beautiful. They polish the stars, poke the clouds to let it rain and paint the sunsets. But there is one curious Giant who wonders what life is like on Earth, so she steals a key to the locked up “beanstalk” and has quite an adventure. The show focuses on the friendship between Hershey and Bert, and how great friends are something you shouldn’t take for granted. The song “While You Can” is a wonderful reminder for all of us to show appreciation to the special people in our lives.

The cast and crew gave a marvelous performance under the direction of Mrs. Serrao, Mrs. DeGeorge and Mrs. Webb, teachers at Northvail, who  volunteered many hours of their time in helping to bring together this amazing production of “Giants in the Sky”.

 

John Cesaro and Aura Dunn form Freeholder Ticket

MORRIS COUNTY —Morris County Freeholder Incumbent John Cesaro and Mendham Borough resident, Aura Dunn will run together for the Republican Primary on Tuesday, June 5.

Freeholder John Cesaro

Both candidates hold advanced degrees and have a combined 40 years in public service.  Cesaro, with a law degree from Quinnipiac University and Dunn, a Master of Public Administration from the George Washington University with a NJ certificate in Mediation, complement each other and present a strong team for the citizens of Morris County.  Morris County is changing and Cesaro-Dunn are the candidates to lead that change by upholding the ideals of fiscal responsibility, equal opportunity, and individual freedom.

Freeholder Candidate Aura Dunn

Cesaro-Dunn will advance a 3-Point Plan: Promote Economic Growth, Improve our Quality of Life, and Uphold Sound Fiscal Management.

As Freeholder Liaison to the Department of Public Works, Cesaro is responsible for ensuring that the County continues its policy of paving 25-30 miles of road per year.  Further, that the County maintains its strong infrastructure.  “Last year, the County paved 27.4 miles of road, performed work on 8 bridges and made improvements to intersections and railroads” states Cesaro.  “Further, I am proud that year after year the rating agencies continue to maintain our AAA bond rating.  These same agencies continue to praise Morris County as having a ‘history of conservative budgeting and balanced financial operations’, which, in the end, benefits our County residents,” states Cesaro.

With 23 years on the national policy stage, Dunn, currently NJ-11’s District Director is ready to bring her vast experience and knowledge to the Freeholder Board. Dunn offers the fresh perspective the Board needs. As U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Staff Member, Dunn oversaw the implementation of a $40 billion dollar education appropriation, and as staff member to Arlen Specter, earned a reputation as an honest, fair, and responsive negotiator. “My experience in effectively negotiating multi-billion dollar appropriations and consistently resolving constituent requests has given me the necessary tools to serve the diverse needs of our Morris County residents,” says Dunn.

Both candidates are active members of their communities.  John, a Parishioner of St. Christopher’s, is raising his two small boys with his wife of 13 years.  Aura and her husband of 21 years have two teenage daughters and an 11 year old son, and are active members of St. Joseph Parish.

Delta Dental Appoints New Member Of Board Of Trustees

PARSIPPANY — Delta Dental of New Jersey  has appointed Jay H. Oyer to its Board of Trustees. Jay joins the Board after serving 37 years at PriceWaterhouseCoopers as a Certified Public Accountant until his retirement in 2017.

Jay H. Oyer

Oyer, has been an active member on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern New Jersey, and also serves on the Board of the Jewish Life at Duke University, his alma mater.

“We are pleased to share that Jay Oyer has joined our Board,” said Ronald Deblinger, D.M.D., Chairman of Delta Dental of New Jersey’s Board of Trustees.  “His leadership and extensive experience with business operations, finance, and tax issues will be invaluable to the organization.  We look forward to Jay being a valuable member of our Board of Trustees as we work with our Management Team to enhance our value to all of our stakeholders and further our mission.”

“I am honored to join  the Delta Dental of New Jersey Board of Trustees, and I look forward to contributing to Delta Dental’s mission to improve oral health care across New Jersey and Connecticut,” said Oyer.

Jay H. Oyer is a Certified Public Accountant who served 37 years at PriceWaterhouseCoopers until his retirement in 2017. Mr. Oyer graduated with an A.B. in Accounting from Duke University in 1978 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1981. Mr. Oyer has been active in both professional and charitable organizations.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern New Jersey and until recently served for more than a decade on the Board of the Jewish Life at Duke University, as well as served as a past Board Member of Temple B’Nai Or where he chaired a capital campaign.

Delta Dental of New Jersey is New Jersey’s leading dental benefits company, providing or administering coverage to more than 1.7 million people through contracts with groups in New Jersey and Connecticut. In Connecticut, Delta Dental of Connecticut, Inc. is a newly licensed insurer that writes dental coverage on an insured basis, and Delta Dental of New Jersey administers self-funded dental benefit programs. For more information click here.

New Jersey PTA Awarded Grant to Engage Families in STEM Education

PARSIPPANY — National PTA and the Bayer USA Foundation have awarded New Jersey PTA with a $4,000 grant to engage families in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. New Jersey PTA is one of only seven PTAs nationwide selected to receive a Bayer Science Grant through the STEM + Families initiative. The grant recognizes New Jersey PTA’s leadership and commitment to increasing access to STEM experiences for New Jersey children and families.

The STEM + Families initiative will launch on Wednesday, April 18, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a science-focused STEM Event at Central Middle School, 1620 Route 46 West.

“Research shows the critical role families play in children’s success and achievement—regardless of their socioeconomic background. Research also demonstrates that parents and guardians are the most influential in guiding a child’s educational and career decisions,” said James Accomando, president of National PTA. “Family engagement is essential to strengthen STEM education, bridge the STEM gap and help all children realize their fullest potential. We’re thrilled to empower New Jersey PTA with resources to engage families in STEM education.”

STEM + Families is a national effort to engage entire families in STEM experiences at school, at home, in the community, and with digital learning environments to support their students’ success in STEM. The goal of the initiative is to fill a critical gap in STEM education, increase access to STEM experiences for all students and inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. National PTA launched STEM + Families with the founding support of the Bayer USA Foundation. Through the effort, 100,000 STEM experiences will be delivered to families nationwide.

“At Bayer, we believe that innovation and increasing science literacy in the classroom and at home through education and hands-on learning can help improve the lives of every student across the U.S.,” said Raymond F. Kerins Jr., senior vice president of Corporate Affairs for Bayer. “We want to instill the love of science and all its possibilities in today’s students to help inspire them to be the next generation of STEM leaders.”

With the grant from National PTA and Bayer, New Jersey PTA will:

  • Examine how families are currently engaged in STEM education and develop a plan to educate and engage them in STEM through schools and community settings
  • Educate families about STEM literacy, STEM careers, and STEM education pathways and empower them to support children’s success in STEM
  • Engage families using hands-on learning opportunities and science experiences in collaboration with Bayer’s Making Science Make Sense initiative and employee volunteers
  • Connect families and students to STEM enrichment and professional mentors

The STEM + Families initiative will launch Wednesday, April 18, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a science-focused STEM Event at Central Middle School.  “New Jersey PTA is proud to be introducing STEM + Families in New Jersey with the support made possible through the Bayer USA Foundation,” said Rose Acerra, President, New Jersey PTA.  “Our team is dedicated to connecting students and their families to the opportunities provided by a STEM education as well as laying the foundation for future careers in STEM.  We hope this program is one of many we can sponsor throughout New Jersey.”

For more information about the  initiative, click here.

PTA® comprises of families, students, teachers, administrators and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of healthcare and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2017, the Group employed around 99,800 people and had sales of EUR 35.0 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.4 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.5 billion. For more information, click here.

 

 

 

Soriano presents proclamation to Woman’s Club for Child Abuse Prevention Month

PARSIPPANY  — Mayor Michael Soriano presented a “Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Proclamation” to Woman’s Club of Parsippany Troy-Hills proclaiming April 2018 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The proclamation read:

Whereas, we all have a responsibility as individuals, neighbors, community members and citizens of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills to help create, healthy, nurturing and safe experiences for children; and

Whereas, healthy and safe childhoods help produce confident and successful adults; and

Whereas, child abuse and neglect often occur when people find themselves in stressful situations, without community resources, and don’t know how to cope; and

Whereas, incidences of child abuse and neglect can be reduced by making sure all families have the support they need and deserve to raise their children in a healthy environment; and

Whereas, it is recognized that no person can do everything but that everyone can do something, and together we can create change for the better; and

Whereas, effective prevention programs succeed because of partnerships among nonprofit organizations, government agencies, volunteer organizations, schools, service clubs, houses of worship, law enforcement agencies, and the business community; and

Whereas,  display a pinwheel or planting a pinwheel garden in April will serve as a positive reminder that all children deserve Great Childhoods – happy, healthy and safe.

Now Therefore, I, Michael A. Soriano, Mayor of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills do hereby proclaim April 2018 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the Township of Parsippany­-Troy Hills and I urge all citizens to engage in activities that strengthen families and communities to provide the optimal environment for children to learn, grow and thrive so that all children have the benefit of happy, healthy and safe childhoods. Dated this 3rd day of April 2018.

Members receiving the Proclamation from Mayor Michael Soriano

National Child Abuse Prevention Month, also known as Child Abuse Prevention Month in America, is an annual observance in the United States dedicated to raising awareness and preventing child abuse. April has been designated Child Abuse Prevention Month in the United States since 1983.

In addition, New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) acknowledges the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.  DCF promotes the health, well-being, and personal safety of children and families by working together with parents, caregivers, organizations and communities to ensure an effective network of proven supports services, public education and community advocacy to prevent maltreatment.

Parents, schools, and community organizations can be a change agent to prevent child maltreatment in New Jersey.  DCF asks that you make a personal “Pledge of Prevention” to support our children and help them grow up healthy, happy, strong, and successful.