Monday, October 7, 2024
Home Blog Page 384

Surrogate’s Office hosted program for attorneys interested in Reduced Fee Referral Program

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Surrogate’s Office and Morris County Bar Association hosted a program for attorneys interested in the Reduced Fee Referral Program being offered by the bar for people with matters germane to the Surrogate’s Court, including probate issues and guardianships.

The presentation began with a brief program introduction by Surrogate Heather Darling and an overview of her plans for the office in her new role as Surrogate. Deputy Surrogate Christopher Luongo, Esq. offered some helpful hints for attorneys getting started with the program and Chief Probate Clerk Deborah Scott explained her role in the Reduced Fee Referral Program.

Morris County Bar Association President John Paul Velez, Esq. introduced the origins of the program, which now encompasses matters within the Surrogate’s Court.  The program was only recently started by the Bar “to ensure that as many people as possible have access to legal counsel as they navigate the court system.” Past President of the Morris County Bar and Program Co-Chair Jennifer McAndrew Vuotto offered detailed information about the program including how attorneys become eligible to participate, as well as how clients themselves apply.

Acting Morris County Bar Executive Director Christina Jones explained the process, within the Morris County Bar Association Offices, from the client’s submission of an application to the matching of the client with a participating attorney.

The Reduced Fee Referral Program matches attorneys within the Morris County Bar Association with Morris County Residents that neither qualify for pro bono legal services nor are able to afford standard legal rates.

Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling

“The program benefits the citizens of Morris County during some of the most difficult times of their lives. Those who truly need representation navigating the guardianship or probate process, but who are living paycheck to paycheck, can now obtain the benefit of a seasoned attorney by their side. This comfort is priceless at a time that their emotional and financial resources are heavily strained. I am also proud that we are able to offer this much needed program without adding to financial burden already borne by the taxpayers.  This program is a win-win and I have already had inquiries from other Surrogates interested in bringing it forth in their counties” said Darling.

Deputy Surrogate Chris Luongo sees the program as “a way to bridge the gap for those legally left behind.”

“We are pleased to partner with Surrogate Darling to increase the availability of affordable legal services to more citizens of Morris County. Our goal in starting this program was to assist our Courts and our community by matching more litigants with counsel.” Jennifer McAndrew Vuotto, RFP Program co-chair.

Attorneys interested in participating the program can get more information from the Morris County Bar Association. Interested litigants are encouraged to submit their applications for services available in the Surrogate’s Office through the Bar Association.





Two Florham Park Residents Named to Bucknell Dean’s List

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

FLORHAM PARK — Bucknell University released the dean’s list for outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2019-20 academic year. A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0 to receive dean’s list recognition. Two Florham Park residents was honored.

Hannah Adinaro, a Undeclared major in the class of 2022.

John Chiarolanzio, a Acct & Financial Management major in the class of 2020.

Located in Lewisburg, Pa., Bucknell University is a highly selective private liberal arts university that offers majors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and social and natural sciences, along with broad opportunities outside of class, to its 3,600 undergraduates.

Graduate programs are available in select disciplines. Students benefit from a small student-faculty ratio of 9:1, personal attention from faculty, leadership opportunities, and excellent graduation rates and career outcomes.





KBS Trades 1.2M SF Florham Park Office Complex for $311M

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

FLORHAM PARK — KBS, one of the largest owners of premier commercial real estate in the nation, has announced the sale of Park Avenue at Morris County, a trophy office park in Florham Park,  a suburb of New York City. The six-building, 1.19 million square-foot property owned by KBS Real Estate Investment Trust II was sold to a private buyer for $311 million.

During its ownership of the Northern New Jersey asset, KBS implemented a multimillion-dollar improvement plan, bringing occupancy up to 89%. The firm added modern amenities designed to appeal to today’s office users, according to Marc DeLuca, regional president, Eastern United States for KBS.

“By incorporating a broad spectrum of desirable features into this preeminent office park, we were successful in significantly driving new leases and renewals at Park Avenue at Morris County,” says DeLuca.

As part of its improvement plan, KBS added numerous state-of-the-art amenities, including a fitness facility with indoor and outdoor spaces and personal training, basketball and volleyball courts, a soccer field, modernized lobbies particularly in 100 Campus Drive which serves as the hub for the park’s amenities, new roofs and HVAC units, updated elevators, a conference center, and a dedicated on-site concierge and security service.

“KBS’ business objectives align closely with those of our tenants – a core value that drives our ability to deliver environments today’s top companies want to call home,” says DeLuca. “We consistently go above and beyond physical attributes in order to deliver the onsite conveniences and services that help our tenants attract and retain talent in a competitive marketplace such as Florham Park.”

One point of focus for KBS in the transformation of Park Avenue at Morris County was elevating the property’s food-and-beverage offerings. KBS upgraded the buildings’ cafeterias, installed a coffee and wine bar in the lobby, and instituted a food-delivery service as well as an interactive mobile app that allows tenants easy access to nearby food options.

In addition, KBS added transportation amenities including electric car-charging stations and a proprietary dual shuttle service for tenants, comprising:

  • a commuter shuttle delivering direct access to Madison Train Station
  • an amenity shuttle offering access to local destinations including Downtown Morristown, The Mall at Short Hills, and Newark Liberty International Airport, among other local destinations

KBS also implemented a series of green-building and connectivity improvements at the property; the building earned LEED and WiredScore certifications for Park Avenue at Morris County during its ownership.

Additional amenities KBS instituted at the property include a shoe-shine service, car-wash service, dry-cleaning service, walking and jogging trails and covered parking.

“These improvements added tremendous value to the asset,” says Shannon Hill, senior vice president and asset manager for KBS. “Though we purchased this property during the economic downturn, through strategic upgrades we were able to maintain its prestige in the industry and attract several blue-chip tenants during our ownership.”

The tenants that have signed or renewed leases at the office park include prominent consulting, legal, financial, and services firms. The property also features a 7,000 square-foot building occupied by a prestigious private daycare and preschool facility, which KBS constructed during its ownership of the asset.

Jeffrey Dunne and Jeremy Neuer of CBRE represented KBS in the sale. The buyer was procured by the team as well.

“KBS’ decision to acquire this premier Northern New Jersey office campus was due in part to the strong absorption and tenant demand in the area,” says Dunne. “The average lease term for tenants at this property is 10 years, which indicates a high level of satisfaction with the space and the landlord.”

According to CBRE, in Q3 2019 the New Jersey office market saw positive net absorption of 581,000 square feet – an increase of 212,000 square feet over the previous quarter – and leasing activity of 1.5 million square feet, a quarter-over-quarter increase of 246,000 square feet. Office leasing activity in the region was led by financial services, insurance, and real estate (FIRE), technology, and professional and business services companies.

“Over the last five years, this submarket has averaged nearly 650,000 square feet of leasing activity annually. Properties in Northern New Jersey are sought out because of its steady office submarket that draws in office executives based on nearby high-end housing and close proximity to Morristown, a millennial hub, in addition to easy access to New York City,” notes Neuer. “Pockets of the market with transportation hubs, like Florham Park, are especially attractive to office tenants and are a magnet for attracting large corporate users.”

Bruce Fischer, Howard Chu, and Steven Fleissig of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP represented KBS as legal counsel on the sale. Fischer and Chu are located in Greenberg Traurig’s Orange County office, and Fleissig is located in the firm’s New Jersey office.

“It has been very exciting to watch how this project has been transformed since its purchase,” said Fischer, Greenberg Traurig’s Chair of the West Coast Real Estate Practice and co-managing shareholder of the Orange County Office, who led the Greenberg Traurig team and represented KBS when the company first purchased the office park. Fischer further noted that Greenberg Traurig moved into its space in the office park in 2015.

Park Avenue at Morris County is located at 100-600 Campus Drive in Florham Park.





Calling All Artists! Dog Days of Summer public art project wants you!

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

BOONTON — The 2020 Boonton Arts – Dog Days of Summer public art project is now accepting submissions. All local students and artists are invited to participate!

Click here  to answer the call to artists!!

The Boonton Arts – Dog Days of Summer project provides students and professional artists the opportunity to make a difference through the power of art.

For the past seven years, this project has raised thousands for local animal shelters and schools thanks to artists like you. This year’s beneficiary is the Boonton organization, NorthStar Pet Rescue! We look forward to seeing your designs.

Completed original designs can also be mailed to Boonton Arts, 816 Main Street, Boonton, NJ 07005 but the online registration form must still be completed. Registrations and designs must be received by February 16, 2020.





Phelps Construction Group Announces Executive Promotions

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Statue of Liberty Museum

BOONTON — Phelps Construction Group, a full-service construction management firm, has announced the promotion of executives within the management team. Jeffrey Rainforth has been promoted to President, Brian Stricker to Vice President and Thomas Brennan to Executive Project Manager.

Rainforth, a founder of Phelps Construction Group with over 20 years’ experience in the construction industry, has been promoted to President. Rainforth has been involved in some of the most prestigious projects the company has completed such as the Peopling of American Center on Ellis Island, several projects for Rutgers University and the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center. In his new role, Rainforth will continue to oversee all project management and estimating while leading Phelps Construction Group into the next decade.

“We are very pleased to announce the promotion of Jeff, Brian and Tom,” said Doug Phelps, Chief Executive Officer. “Their leadership, experience and commitment to our employees and clients will ensure continued growth and success for our firm.”

Stricker has over 25 years’ experience in the Construction Industry as both a Project Manager and Project Superintendent. In his new role as Vice President, Stricker will continue to oversee all field activities while guiding the entire project team.

Brennan has taken the lead on several demanding projects in his seven years at Phelps Construction Group. He served as Project Manager on the recently opened Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island and currently, an addition to Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. in Branchburg. In his new role as Executive Project Manager, Brennan will continue to lead project teams while being a strong mentor to our project managers.

Phelps Construction Group, headquartered in Boonton, provides pre-construction, design-build, and construction management services. The firm has completed a wide range of major commercial, industrial, and institutional projects since its founding in 2007; including the historic 18th Avenue School for KIPP:NJ. More recently, the firm completed the first phase of Subaru Distributors Corp. in Orangeburg, NY which entailed construction of a 132,000 square foot warehouse addition. The second phase of this project, which includes the complete interior and façade renovation of their corporate offices, is currently underway.





Francis Murray is a January MPAC Music Student of the Month

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

FLORHAM PARK — Congratulations to Francis Murray of Ridgedale Middle School for being chosen as one of January’s MPAC students of the month.

Students from Parsippany, Morristown, Roxbury, Florham Park and Randolph were honored as Mayo Performing Arts Center’s January Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Pianists — prior to the Thursday, January 30 performance by The 5 Browns.

The students were recognized for their achievements on stage prior to the concert and had the opportunity to meet the artists.

Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the Theatre’s Education Department based on their commitment to and excellence in the performing arts. The Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor. Students will be invited to perform at a year-end recital in June.

The 2019-2020 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.

Francis Murray
Grade 8, Ridgedale Middle School; Florham Park; Nominated by Mike Leone
Francis has been a dedicated member of the RMS Music department for the past two years.  He is currently in his eighth grade year, and is involved in Concert Band as a percussionist and Jazz Band as a pianist.  Francis consistently shows dedication to his own preparedness and to the overall quality of the ensemble.  He is a gifted musician and a true asset to our program.  His love of music shines through in his performance and leadership within the program.

Sean Lumasag
Grade 8, Brooklawn Middle School; Parsippany; Nominated by Joseph Stella
Sean has been selected by audition to be the pianist in our school’s jazz band for the past two years.  He is a great musician all around and also plays clarinet in our 8th grade concert band.  Sean has a very pleasant demeanor and is always kind and respectful.

Sophie Cheng
Grade 7, The Peck School; Morristown; Nominated by Andrew Lyman
Sophie Cheng is an outstanding musician with a wealth of experience, and he most recent piano accolades are very impressive.  Sophie won 1st place at the Crescendo International Music Competition in 2019; High Honor Award Recipient at the NJ Music Teachers Association Spring Recital for 2012-2019; Judges’ Award Recipient at the 2018 National Youth Performing Artists Concert.  At the Peck School, Sophie is an integral part of the Arts program.  She is a member of the Handbell Ensemble, the Winter Musical, and plays flute in the instrumental music program. Sophie is a wonderful musician who is dedicated to music.

Andrew  Hanrahan
Grade 12, Randolph High School; Randolph; Nominated by Diana May
Andrew is a senior at Randolph High School and he’s been very active within the music department throughout all four years.  He plays viola in the Orchestra, sings in the Choir, play piano in the Pit Orchestra and is enrolled in the AP Music Theory class.  Andrew often serves as a student accompanist for the Choir and as a student conductor for both Choir and Varsity Voices, RHS’s acapella group.  He also volunteers his time to help with the middle school’s select choir, Canzonetta.  Andrew participates in these many ensembles joyfully and his enthusiasm is contagious.  Furthermore, he’s always willing to lend a helping hand to students and staff alike.  He is a wonderful young man!

David Petrov
Grade 11, Roxbury High School; Roxbury; Nominated by Krista Sweer
David has been playing piano most of his life and is currently working on his High School Diploma through the National Guild of Piano Teachers and the American College of Musicians. This requires applicants to learn and memorize a large program of repertoire that meet guild guidelines and spans from Bach through contemporary composers as well as fundamentals such as scales, ear training, and sight-reading.  In addition to being a great solo pianist, David has been expanding his playing into the field of collaborative piano (accompanying) as the student pianist for our choirs.  As a pianist myself, it has been a joy to challenge him with more and more difficult pieces to play for our choirs and have him rise to the occasion each time.  He has an incredible work ethic and plays with a mature and nuanced touch.

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2019-2020 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.





Sergeant James Cavezza graduated from NJ Chiefs of Police Association

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MADISON — Madison Police Department Sergeant James Cavezza recently graduated from the New Jersey Chiefs of Police Association, Command & Leadership Academy.

Sergeant Cavezza attended this 14 week course beginning in September.

The Command & Leadership Academy, which is selection-based, is geared for aspiring leaders of each department.





Emerson College Announces Local Dean’s List Honorees for Fall 2019

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Emerson College

MADISON — Three Madison residents have been named to Emerson College’s Dean’s List for the Fall 2019 semester. The requirement to make the Dean’s List is a grade point average of 3.7 or higher that semester.

Anthony Allocca majoring in Theatre Education, and a member of the class of 2023.

Greta Morgan majoring in Theatre and Performance, and a member of the class of 2023.

Elizabeth Bradford majoring in Media Arts Production, and a member of the class of 2020.

About Emerson College
Based in Boston, Massachusetts, opposite the historic Boston Common and in the heart of the city’s Theatre District, Emerson College educates individuals who will solve problems and change the world through engaged leadership in communication and the arts, a mission informed by liberal learning.

The College has 3,780 undergraduates and 670 graduate students from across the United States and 50 countries. Supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a renowned faculty, students participate in more than 90 student organizations and performance groups.

Emerson is known for its experiential learning programs in Los Angeles, Washington, DC, the Netherlands, London, China, and the Czech Republic as well as its new Global Portals, with the first program launching this fall in Paris and the second next year in Switzerland. The College has an active network of 39,000 alumni who hold leadership positions in communication and the arts. For more information click here.





The Adventures of Baron Von Steubon and Cromwell: A Kinetic Tale by David Bowman

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MORRIS COUNTY — David Bowman’s storybook The Adventures of Baron von Steubon and Cromwell springs to life in this series of 18 mechanical vignettes is being presented at the Morris Museum. These kinetic sculptures tell the story of two automatons and their exciting journey on land, at sea, in the air, and back to the past as they encounter fantastical mechanized beasts in their quest for long-lost family and treasure.

Meet the Artist, David Bowman
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Snowdate: February 22, 2020

In this event, you will have the opportunity to meet David Bowman, the artist behind this exhibition. Learn more about how he created these fantastical characters and more details behind his amazing work! Come prepared with your questions.

This event is appropriate for ages five and above due to the smaller size of the gallery and the artistic content to be covered.

FREE with Museum Admission
FREE for Museum Members
Space is limited to 30 people per session. Advance registration is required.

Click here to Register for 1:00 p.m. event
Click here to Register for 3:00 p.m. event

The Morris Museum is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown.





The 2020 Census is Hiring 

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MORRIS COUNTY — The Census Bureau is hiring up to 500,000 temporary, part-time census takers for the 2020 Census in communities across the country.  Jobs for the 2020 Census offer competitive wages that are paid weekly, flexible hours, and paid training. Authorized expenses, such as mileage, are reimbursed for employees doing field work.

Anyone age 18 and older, such as recent high school graduates, college students, veterans, retirees, military spouses, seasonal workers, and people who are bilingual are highly encouraged to apply. People who already have jobs and want to earn extra income evenings and weekends are also encouraged to apply.

Click here to apply today!





1...383384385...526Page 384 of 526

RECENT POSTS

BUSINESS BRIEFS

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

ABOUT US

Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

Contact us: news@morrisfocus.com

FOLLOW US

© 2024 Zoomus Marketing, LLC.

Translate »