Parsippany Focus Magazine - March 2020

March 2020

Knoll Country Club

Michael Woelk – East Greens Superintendent; Michael Vendola – Sr. Starter; John McCarthy – Head Golf Pro; Kelli Olsen – Office Coordinator; Kevin Brancato – General Manager; Kurt Dombrowski – Golf Superintendent and Matt Siegrist – West Greens Superintendent

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March 2020

A Word From Our Publisher

Frank L. Cahill With this issue, we are proud to announce the addition of “Tri-Town Focus Magazine.”

Our online publications, www.morrisfocus.news and www.parsippanyfocus.news receive over 125,000 hits per month.

Tri-Town Focus will serve the residents and businesses of Boonton, Mountain Lakes and Boonton Township.

Our new publication will be published bi-monthly.

Digital and Print. Our Niche Audience Targeting.

We realize the “age of instant” and the need for “on the go.” Our websites are updated throughout the day to keep the public informed. You can also read our magazines on personal computers, tablets and mobile phones.

According to mediaspacesolutions.com, “73% of adults read a newspaper or visit a newspaper website in an average week.”

Of those who are reading, 66% receive their newspaper content in print while 48% read it online. Even better for the local publications and the advertisers who want to spread their message locally, 66% read the local paper in print each week.

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March 2020

Serving 53,515 Households of Parsippany-Troy Hills

March 2020

Message from Mayor Soriano | 6

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March in Parsippany ... Town Hall Meeting in Lake Parsippany; Census 2020 is rapidly approaching

Frank L. Cahill, Publisher Barbara Freda, Sales Manager Nicolas Limanov, Photographer Brian Lanigan, Contributing Writer Christine Mercado, Contributing Writer Sharon Maroldi, Contributing Writer Luis A. Matos, Distribution Manager

Message from Dr. Barbara Sargent | 8 Raising Confident Kids

Debra Weisberg, Esq. Receives Award | 9

Debra S. Weisberg, Esq. receive the Family Law Practice Award from Morris County Bar Association

Design and Layout Zoomus Marketing, LLC 90 East Halsey Road, Suite 338 Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 (862) 295-1300

Nikolajas Grinvalds Honored | 10

Nikolajas Grinvalds, a 2015 graduate of Parsippany High School named to the Empire 8 Conference President’s List

Member of

Patrick Lanigan in the News | 12

Patrick Lanigan was named to University of Hartford President’s List

Brancato “Steps up to the Tee” | 14

Parsippany resident Kevin Brancato takes over leadership at Knoll Country Club

CMS students Produce own PSA’s | 15

St. Peter’s Church in Mountain Lakes honored for their rain garden project

A Night to Shine | 18, 19, 20

A Night to Sine dance sponsored by Tim Tebow was a crowning success held at Liquid Church

Tony Award Artist Grace Field to perform | 27

MORRIS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Tony Award Winning Broadway Singer and Actress will be performing at a fundraiser for Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany

About Parsippany Focus Parsippany Focus was founded on October 1, 1989 by Publisher Frank Cahill. Parsippany Focus is the only dedicated newsource, publishing local news and information for the past thirty years exclusively for Parsippany-Troy Hills.

PACC Welcomes New Member | 32

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes new member “Liberty Office Suites”

Are you a new Grandparent? | 34

Saint Clare’s Denville Hospital will hold a class for soonto-be grandparents

Parsippany Focus Magazine is published monthly by Zoomus Marketing, LLC, 90 East Halsey Road, Suite 338, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 (c) 2020 Zoomus Marketing, LLC. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the publisher.

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March 2020

March 2020

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 5

March in Parsippany

Mayor Michael A. Soriano This month, I will hold my 14th open Town Hall meeting. Though focused on Lake Parsippany, it is, like all of my town halls, open to all residents of our township. Please join us at Lake Parsippany Elementary School on Monday, March 9 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to share your questions, concerns, and suggestions to myself and leaders in our township administration.

I am a firm believer that elected officials need to be accessible to the people they serve, and I heard from countless residents during my campaign for Mayor that town hall was not accessible enough to the people of Parsippany.

That’s why I introduced our Mayor’s Town Hall series – bringing our administration and department heads to Parsippany’s neighborhoods. Over the past two years, we have held 13 town hall meetings from Mount Tabor to Troy Hills, and addressed hundreds of residents’ issues that may not have otherwise come to our attention. Again, what’s crucial is that these are not solely my events; key department heads, such as the Chief of Police, Chief Financial Officer, and Department of Public Works Director are generally in attendance to hear concerns directly from the people.

debates over land use to clogged sewer drains and speeding on our residential streets, we try to handle every issue with the care and attention it deserves. I look forward to many more productive town hall meetings with our residents, and hope that everyone, of every viewpoint, can come out to express their concerns.

In addition, I’d like to note that the 2020 Census is rapidly approaching. It is of vital importance that our community have a complete and accurate census count to ensure proper levels of representation, as well as state and federal funding. Please encourage all of your friends and neighbors to remember to fill out their Census form, either online or by mail. For complete information, please visit 2020census.gov.

I hope to see you on March 9 or at a future Town Hall meeting, and continually look forward to hearing our residents’ voices.

In incorporating these events several times each year, we are working to ensure that town hall is not a bureaucratic bunker removed and unconcerned with the day-to-day issues Parsippany residents face. From major 6 l Parsippany Focus Magazine

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March 2020

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 7

A Message From the Superintendent

Raising Confident Kids

Dr. Barbara Sargent

devastated. I encouraged my son to write a thank you note to the coach, which he did. The coach found my son later and gave him terrific feedback. Further, he said that he’d like to see my son try out again next year.

This left my son feeling confident about the experience, despite not making the team.

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” ~ Dale Carnegie Sounds easy to our adult minds, doesn’t it? But, how do we instill confidence in our children? That’s the real challenge. Confidence is a feeling of self-assurance.

Confident people don’t always have successful outcomes, but they produce successful efforts. There’s a world of difference in this. You may not get the job you were interviewing for, but you can be pleased and proud that you presented yourself in your best light. Here are some confidence-building strategies to incorporate into your parenting repertoire.

Expect the best of your child’s characteristics.

Focus on your child’s personal qualities, such as persistence, compassion, and wisdom. When these qualities are in place, achievements become more attainable. When these qualities are absent, success is an empty achievement. And, during times when your child is facing difficulties, reminding them of their qualities with language like, “I’m always so impressed with your smart thinking and compassion. What happened here?” can go a long way toward helping your child reflect and learn from poor decisions or challenging experiences.

Praise effort more than success.

Keep on trying. None of us was perfect the first time we tried something.

Avoiding the “Interviewing for Pain” Trap Lawrence Cohen, in his book The Opposite of Worry, encourages us to avoid “interviewing for pain”. Some parents greet their children with, “Did anything bad happen today?” or “Did so-and-so bother you again?” instead of more positive or neutral prompts. When children speak openly about their experiences, parents can highlight positive behaviors, name them, and praise them.

Finally, stop trying to protect your child from every disappointment. It’s exhausting, it’s unrealistic, and it doesn’t teach your child how to handle life’s little and big blows. Better that children experience small disappointments under the loving care of adults who can offer perspective and a soft landing. This is better preparation for raising confident kids.

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When my son was in middle school, he tried out for the school’s soccer team. He had been playing with the township recreation league for years and enjoyed playing, so trying out for the competitive school team was an entirely new experience. He attended the practices, met some new friends and, ultimately, was not selected for the team. When we talked about this news later in the day, I asked how he was feeling about the experience. He was a bit disappointed, but not 8 l Parsippany Focus Magazine

Mistakes are steps of learning.

Crazy-Stressed: Saving Today’s Overwhelmed Teens with Love, Laughter, and the Science of Resilience by Dr. Michael Bradley (Speaking in our district on Monday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Parsippany Hills HS) The Opposite of Worry by Dr. Lawrence Cohen

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March 2020

AWARDS

Debra S. Weisberg, Esq. received the Family Law Practice Award Debra S. Weisberg, Esq. received the Family Law Practice Award from the Morris County Bar Association.

The award is given to one lawyer who practices in the area of family law to recognize their achievements and accomplishments.

Debra is a partner with the law firm of Donahue, Hagan, Klein and Weisberg in Morristown. She has been practicing in all areas of family law for 26 years. She is a former President of both the Morris County Bar Association and Morris County Bar Foundation.

She is currently the Chair of the Family Law Committee of the Morris County Bar Association as well as a member of the Family Law Executive Committee of the Family Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association.

Debra has been selected for inclusion on the New Jersey Super Lawyers list published by Thomson Reuters in the area of Family Law from 2007 through 2019 and selected to the Super Lawyers list of Top 50 Woman Lawyers in New Jersey (also published by Thomson Reuters) from 2009 to 2015 and in 2019.

Debra resides in Mountain Lakes with her husband, David Span, and her two sons, Alexander and William Span.

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 9

IN OUR SCHOOLS

Nikolajs Grinvalds Named to President’s List Nikolajs Grinvalds, of Lake Hiawatha, (Men’s Hockey) was one of 64 Elmira College studentathletes named to the Empire 8 Conference President’s List. He is a 2015 graduate of Parsippany High School.

way with nine selections, while the women’s ice hockey team and men’s soccer team each had eight student-athletes receive the honor. Women’s volleyball and field hockey each landed six student-athletes on the President’s List.

The E8 Conference recognized the Soaring Eagles on its semi-annual President’s List, which honors student-athletes who achieved a grade-point of 3.75 or higher during the fall term.

Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 30-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 20 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira’s undergraduate and graduate student population hails from more than 20 states and nine countries. Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships. The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the U.S., which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon.

A total of 655 student-athletes from the E8’s membership were recognized for their excellence in the classroom this past semester with the President’s List distinction, one of most prestigious honors the conference recognizes. Recipients of this honor must earn a 3.75 grade-point average or higher during the semester, while participating in an NCAA-sponsored sport. In addition, the student-athlete must display positive conduct on and off campus and be enrolled full-time at the member institution.

The Elmira College men’s ice hockey team led the

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March 2020

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 11

SCHOOL NEWS

Patrick Lanigan Named to University of Hartford President’s List The University of Hartford is pleased to announce that Patrick Lanigan, a 2019 graduate of Parsippany High School, has been named to its President’s List, signified by a 3.75 GPA or higher, for Fall 2019. Patrick is the son of Peter and Barbara Lanigan.

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 13

COVER STORY

Brancato ‘Steps up to the Tee’ to Revive Knoll Country Club

By Brian Lanigan Whether you’re a long-time golfer or never played the sport, as a Parsippany resident, you’ve more than likely heard of the Knoll Country Club. From its two prestigious golf courses to the banquet halls, “The Knoll” has catered to many. The top of The Knoll, or “Knoll West” was first created by expert (and legendary) golf course architect, Charles Banks in 1929. Since then, the course and its amenities have gone through quite a lot. The Knoll survived the Great Depression, WWII and a blazing fire that left only a few remains of the original clubhouse.

The Country Club has been through foreclosure, tossed between owners and almost saw its demise when a local college considered plowing the course to build dormitories and academic buildings. It wasn’t until in 1976 when the Township assumed ownership of The Knoll, preserving its extensive history which we know today.

In December 2019, management changes for The Knoll Country Club took place. Former members of the Knoll’s Advisory Committee had noticed that current management, Kemper Sports, was not performing in the best interest of The Country Club. After the committee went down to town hall

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to share their discoveries, Mayor Michael Soriano and the Town’s Council concluded that the contract for Kemper Sports would not be renewed in 2020.

Instead, successful businessman, long-time golfer and member of the Club’s Advisory Committee, Kevin Brancato, was asked to take over as The Knoll Country Club’s General Manager.

Parsippany Focus had the opportunity to interview Brancato and discuss his experience and goals for The Knoll. While Brancato only took on the position three months ago, his substantial background in business administration is what he plans to use to move The Country Club in a new direction. Brancato recently retired from a welding supply company in Clifton as their Chief Operating Officer. After being with the multi-million-dollar company for nearly half a century, Brancato decided to retire in 2019.

When asked by Mayor Michael Soriano if he would be willing to lead The Knoll in a better direction, Brancato did not hesitate to ‘step up to the tee’.

Brancato has been golfing nearly his entire life, starting at 14 years old and has been playing at the Knoll since the 70’s. He’s no stranger to the course.

(Continued on Page 16)

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March 2020

SCHOOL NEWS

Central Middle School Students Produce their own PSA’s In November of this past year, Central Middle School 8th graders began working collaboratively with Video on the Go to produce Public Service Announcements for the local television program.

Thus far, three videos have been created and aired on the program. Central is also looking into different ways to utilize these PSAs within the building, including the Peer Buddies program and the Student Advisor Program. Students first created PSAs as end of unit celebrations for their social issues book talk groups.

The first three PSAs were about discrimination against students with disabilities, the harmful impact of exclusion on students, and discrimination between students.

As students became more impassioned about the projects, Video-on-the-Go Producer and Director Brian Satch, who was invited to watch the student-produced PSAs, offered students an additional real world experience. Satch offered interested students the opportunity to reshoot their

PSAs for Video-on-the-Go, a television program that reaches approximately 350,000 local homes.

Through this joint project between Central Middle School and Video-on-the-Go, which occurred beyond classroom time, students learned about the intricacies of producing professional PSAs, and they were ultimately able to see their public service messages shared with the local community.

Eighth grader Priyanka Sunkara remarked of the opportunity, “filming the PSA in a studio was such an exciting and amazing experience!”

Eighth grade student Jennifer Nguyen reflected that beyond being a fun experience, “creating and producing the PSAs allowed us to express ourselves and bring awareness to important social issues.”

With three PSAs now airing, there is a growing student-led desire to be more involved in collaborative, creative efforts with Video-on-the(Continued on Page 17)

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 15

COVER STORY

Knoll County Club: A New Direction for 2020 (Continued from Page 12)

While Brancato is now leading The Knoll into a new direction, he isn’t doing it alone. The Township hired John McCarthy, PGA Professional of 21 years, to become the new Director of Golf for The Knoll.

McCarthy, who joined the Country Club in 2019, initially began with Kemper Sports until he transferred into Brancato’s management. As Brancato referenced McCarthy, “I can’t pretend to know what [McCarthy] knows about running a golf operation… I know how to run a business… he knows how to run a golf operation.” Both McCarthy and Brancato bring years of experience to the table along with a dedicated office team. Brancato adds, “we have very good people here… very solid people… many hands pulling the oars in the same direction.” In Brancato’s eyes, the only problem the team may have is holding people back from everything they want to do for The Knoll. “Everyone wants to accomplish the same thing,” says Brancato, “to make this the premiere public golf operation in New Jersey.”

With the start of golf season just around the corner, Kevin and John are hard at work in developing their

Knoll West Country Club

own revamp at The Knoll. Pro John McCarthy is in the works with a string of programs, focusing on bringing the youth into the sport. Along with the already established individual lessons, McCarthy already has prospects for a new “First Tee Program” which will be partnered with Parsippany elementary schools as well as the PAL. The four-week program is already taking shape with giving kids in the program time at the driving range at The Knoll as well as playing a couple of holes invaluable guidance from instructors. While the “First Tee Program” is geared more for those looking at picking up the sport, McCarthy also has plans for a PGA Junior League which runs through the PGA of America.

As McCarthy added to the PGA Junior League, “it’s not going to just be for people who are members at The Knoll, it’s going to be opened up to the town of Parsippany… anyone will be able to go on.”

Participants will play three holes of three different matches. At previous courses, Pro John McCarthy has seen how successful the program can be; with kids high-fiving and being excited to get out onto the course. McCarthy’s end goal is to be able to have enough kids to have a division and hopefully, send them to a championship. He adds, “it’s little league for golf!”

(Continued on Page 22)

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March 2020

SCHOOL NEWS

Central Middle School Students Produce their own PSA’s

Sapana Dhakal, Ishan Gajjar, Raul Gonzalez, Sai Punukollu and Brian Satch (Continued from Page 15)

Go. Accordingly, educators and “Write Away Club” advisors, Buccino, Maier, and Rego, decided the club would support students’ efforts by giving students time to plan, collaborate, and ultimately create more PSAs through the club. Buccino explained “students are filled with so much enthusiasm about spreading these messages of compassionate, healthful ways to live that it is simultaneously exciting, humbling, and inspiring to witness.”

So far, students who have taken up the challenge to add to the communal good through PSAs include Srija Boddu, Vihaan Patel, Ameya Santhosh, Ronak Patel, Maggie Letsch, Sean Grewal, Priyanka Sunkara, Sai Punukollu, lshan Gajjar, Sapana Dhakal, Raul Gonzalez, Jennifer Nguyen, Sofia McBride, and Krish Gandhi. Sixth grade teacher and “Write Away Club” advisor Erin Maier shared her enthusiasm, explaining that “now we have students trying to incorporate music and other arts into March 2020

Students filming a PSA regarding discrimination

well-crafted pieces that will then be aired.

It is gratifying and moving to witness as an educator.” The current student PSAs can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/YUJHiIjQwpU https://youtu.be/8Lob8SWd5Hk https://youtu.be/3h0h9k1NFts

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 17

A Night to Shine a crowning

The dance floor was hot with hundreds of king and queens dancing the night away at “A Night to Shine”

The A Night to Shine dance sponsored by Tim Tebow was a crowning success Thursday, February 6 and Friday, February 7 night at The Liquid Church, Parsippany. At Night To Shine, guests are greeted by their very own buddy who served as their host for the evening. Guests walked the red carpet and enjoyed VIP treatment, including a friendly paparazzi welcome, flowers, a Beauty Bar with hair and makeup stations, great food from Chick-fil-A, fun games, and of course…the chance to dance the night away! Plus, each and every guest will be crowned a prom king or queen!

The unforgettable prom night experience was for people with special needs ages 14 and older.

Night to Shine celebrates its sixth anniversary!

Founder Tim Tebow said, “As I reflect on year six of Night to Shine, I can’t help but think how incredibly unique each event is around the world and even around the country. From cities like Rome, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, to Jinga, Uganda, Neply, Haiti, Kolkata, India, and Mazatlan,

Mexico…the cultures are as different as the many languages, but the language of God’s love transcends them all. The reach of this worldwide movement to share Faith, Hope and Love is truly humbling and encouraging. Seeing the faces of these Kings and Queens being loved and celebrated across the globe – knowing each one of them is being shown the truth that they are significant, valuable, and worthy – I can’t help but get emotional. It’s a dream come true seeing so many people come together from around the world to experience this one night, and see each face reflect the love of Christ in their joyful smiles and beautiful spirits.”

Upon arriving back to the States on Friday, the team first stopped at Liquid Church where they surprised several of their honored guests, and spent time praying for all involved that night, as well as being prayed over by one of the honored queens.

From there, they moved on to Union Avenue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, where they visited with a number of honored guests at a luncheon and toured their Night to Shine setup. After stopping

success for all at Liquid Church in Memphis, the group moved on to Longview Point Baptist Church in Hernando, Mississippi, where they surprised guests getting their hair and makeup done at a community college, and posed for plenty of photos along the way. The next stop was Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama, where they attended a pre-Night to Shine party with many of the honored guests, toured their setup, and prayed for the guests attending that evening. The final stop of the evening was at Genesis Church in Tallahassee, Florida, where Tim walked a guest down the red carpet, met several guests in their animal therapy room, cheered on guests participating in karaoke, and personally announced them all as Kings and Queens of the prom. He also took a moment to explain why Night to Shine began six years ago.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano said “I am very impressed with what the Liquid Church is able to accomplish with a Night to Shine. The smiles on the faces of these special young people is the accomplishment every volunteer works for.”

“It’s truly our privilege and passion to serve families with special needs. We want our honored guests to feel supported as they engage with their peers, to feel a sense of belonging, and to recognize their God-given potential.

Hosting Night To Shine is an incredible way that we do this at Liquid Church,” said Tim Lucas, lead pastor and founder of Liquid Church. “We know that New Jersey has the highest rate of Autism in the nation. The need here is tremendous, and so we’re not only hosting this event for the sixth year in a row, but in 2020 we’re turning it into one of New Jersey’s biggest parties – gathering more guests and volunteers over a two night celebration in one location than ever before!”

This year, 721 churches across 50 states and 34 countries hosted their own Night to Shine. Each year, Tebow surprises a handful of sites, spending time with the guests and praying with their families.

Tim Tebow and crew visits Liquid Church to celebrate “Night To Shine”

More photos appear on Page 20

A Night to Shine

Tim Lucas, Lead Pastor Liquid Church

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One of the many King’s getting his shoes shined at “Night to Shine” held at Liquid Church

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 21

COVER STORY

Brancato and McCarthy Looking to Improve Overall Amenities

Knoll Country Club Staff: Michael Woelk, East Greens Superintendent; Michael Vendola, Sr. Starter; John McCarthy, Head Golf Pro; Kelli Olsen, Office Coordinator; Kevin Brancato, General Manager; Kurt Dombrowski, Golf Superintendent and Matt Siegrist, West Greens Superintendent (Continued from Page 16)

Along with programs for the youth, The Knoll has plans to bring in another crowd that they’ve noticed has started to decline: women. Brancato says, “for far too long, people think [The Knoll is] private and people think it’s men only. We want to make clear that this is a public utility that we want everyone to take advantage of.” As General Manager, Brancato wants to make the Knoll a fun place to be for everyone, regardless of golf background.

Currently in the works, Brancato and McCarthy are looking to improve the Club’s overall amenities; from the locker rooms, to the grill room, to the pro shop and more. “We’re trying to make this an experience that people want to come to stay”, says Brancato. While there still may be the traditional ‘put on your spikes in the parking lot and play’ type atmosphere, Brancato’s business expertise is in full throttle with the end-goal to mold The Knoll into an 22 l Parsippany Focus Magazine

exclusive ‘stay and lounge’ facility for the public of Parsippany. As Brancato says, “that’s what’s going to make us unique… we’re going to bring the private golf experience to the public.”

Along with pre-existing memberships, The Knoll has also established a first-ever family membership, allowing discounted rates for couples or spouses to join. This will allow for younger children who are interested in the game to tag along and play.

Needless to say, both Brancato and McCarthy envision The Knoll as a place to not just come and golf, but a place to enjoy the game with friends and family.

The Knoll Country Club has graced the town of Parsippany for over 90 years. In The Country Club’s administrative office, there are early construction photos depicting the birth of a extraordinary golf

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(Continued on Page 26) March 2020

March 2020

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 23

SCHOOL NEWS

Olivia Bucciarelli named to JMU Fall 2019 Dean’s List James Madison University announced that Olivia Bucciarelli made the dean’s list for the fall 2019 semester. Students who earn dean’s list honors must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a GPA of between 3.5 and 3.899.

Olivia is a graduate of Parsippany High School Class of 2019. Upon graduation Olivia received many awards and scholarships from Student Council Awards, Outstanding Physical Education Students of the Year, The Michael R. Codella Female/Male MVP Trophy, Morris County Secondary School Athletic Director Scholar Athlete, Red Hawks Award, Hawk Nest Award and Sons of Italy, Michael Barnhart Memorial Scholarship.

nation by students. As the No. 2 Best Public Regional University in the South, students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty, access to top-notch NCAA Division 1 athletics and state-of-the art amenities. Once students graduate they join an esteemed network of around 140,000 Dukes across the globe, giving of their time, talent and treasure to the university.

“A Community That Refers Business to Each Other”

Established in 1908, James Madison University is a community of 22,000 students and 4,000 faculty and staff, nestled in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. JMU offers 124 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, keeps classes small with a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio and has the highest six-year graduation rate among its peer institutions at 84%.

JMU is quickly gaining a national reputation, and ranks as the most recommended university in the

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COVER STORY

Knoll Country Club is Preparing for the Season (Continued from Page 22)

course. Additionally, the craftsmanship behind the creation of each hole can be read through historical documents in the office as well. Needless to say, the history behind The Knoll Country Club is much greater than many know.

other opportunities at The Knoll Country Club, visit their website at www.KnollGolfClub.com or call the Pro Shop at (973) 263-7110.

PGA Professional and Director of Golf, John McCarthy explains, “most of the template holes were taken from Scotland.” There are very few courses in the area that have the same design and architecture that The Knoll has… and that is what makes it so special.

As Brancato puts it, “The beautiful part of this, is that basically the golf course is the same course they built in 1929 and it still holds up today… that’s what we want to bring in... the history of this place.”

With the golfing season quickly approaching, The Knoll Country Club is offering more than ever before, with a driven team, moving the ‘ball’ in a forward motion.

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BROADWAY SHOW

Tony Award Winning Grace Field to Perform Locally

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

The show will start at 7:00 p.m. at Urainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, 60 North Jefferson Raod, Whippany. General Admission Tickets cost $40.00, children 12 and under $20.00. You can also order the VIP Experience for $60.00 which includes “Meet and Greet” and more.

Unlimited Soda and Water. Cash bar. This show will sell-out. To purchase a ticket visit https://nightonbroadway.eventbrite.com Ms. Field has sung at theatres including Broadway’s New Victory Theatre, the Barclay Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Off Broadway’s New World Stages to name a few. Grace had the privilege to work with Broadway’s Alan Menken, Stephen Schwartz, Rebecca Luker, Seth Rudetsky, Anthony Rapp, and others.

Ms. Field has also sung with Multi Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald, Cynthia Elviro, Shoshana Bean and Hollywood walk of fame’s Billy Porter.

She has an impressive resume of performances including Oklahoma, Les Miserables, South Pacific, Carousel, and more! She is also a solo artist at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

She is currently performing in Broadway Hamilton’s home The Public Theatre’s production of Disney’s Hercules!

March 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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March 2020

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 29

RESCUE ANIMALS

Cupid is Looking for his Fur-ever Home Cupid is a 10-week-old Pit/Doberman mix. He was surrendered to Wise Animal Rescue when “breeder” could not sell him. He is good with other dogs, cats, kids 6+ Cupid is a very smart pup. He is doing great with potty training for his age and sits and waits for his food bowl to be put down.

His foster mom says he is very playful, funny, and active. Cupid is currently living with multiple other large dogs and is doing great! He is very affectionate with them and loves giving them kisses!

If you’re looking for a fun new puppy to add to your family, apply to adopt Cupid today!

If you are interested in adopting Cupid, please fill out an application: www.wiseanimalrescue.org/adoption-application

30 l Parsippany Focus Magazine

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March 2020

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 31

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Liberty Office Suites joins Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member Alan Golub, Esq., Committee Chairperson Barbara Freda, Ron Soussa, Liberty Office Suites, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso and Board Member Ildiko Peluso

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed new member, Ron Soussa, Liberty Office Suites.

Mail and packaging services; Access to conference rooms and high tech meeting rooms; Kitchens for use by all clients.

If you need office space in New Jersey that is affordable, beautiful, and available for long-or short-term lease. It needs to be accessible to highways, public transportation, a variety of restaurants and New York City. Day care in the immediate vicinity would also be helpful.

Liberty Office Suites offers a friendly, collegial atmosphere. Both locations have professional staffs ready to assist you with your every need. As a client, you will be included in all of our office gatherings, and you will surely make business connections and friendships that can help your professional and personal life.

Look no further than Liberty Office Suites. They have it all, starting with two great locations, one at 330 Changebridge Road in Pine Brook and another at 181 New Road, Parsippany. Both locations offer beautiful offices, a wide variety of services for office rental, meeting rooms for rent, great restaurants (that deliver!) just minutes away, and award-winning day care on site.

The office space and meeting rooms at both locations offer: Wifi; Phone answering packages; 32 l Parsippany Focus Magazine

The award-winning Learning Garden Academy providing infant, toddler and pre-K programs, is steps away from our Pine Brook location and about a mile from our Parsippany office. In either case, your little ones will be well protected and close by while you work.

For more information call (973) 575-6080 or visit https://www.libertyofficesuites.com/

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March 2020

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 33

COMMUNITY EVENT

Grandparenting Class to be held at St. Clare’s Hospital Saint Clare’s Denville Hospital, 25 Pocono Road, Denville will hold a class for soon-to-be grandparents.

This class introduces soon-to-be grandparents to the changes in hospital childbirth, advancements in prenatal care, hospital routines, newborn care recommendations, infant and child first-aid and safety tips and the important role grandparents play in child development.

Cost: $25.00 per person or $35.00 per couple.

The next class will be held in the Auditorium on Monday, March 23, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Registration required.

For registration information call (973) 625-6387 or visit www.saintclares.com/Events-Calendar.

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SAINT FRANCIS

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March 2020

March 2020

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 35

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