PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Barbara Sergeant presented the “2018-2019 District Goals Presentation” at a public board of education meeting on Thursday, September 27, 2018.
Karen DeChristopher named President of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Howard Gordon, Former Lieutenant Governor District 9 Kiwanis Club of New Jersey read the oath of office to Karen DeChristopher as President of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany at it’s annual installation dinner held on Monday, October 1.
The new officers serving the Kiwanis Year 2018-2019 are: Karen DeChristopher, President; Dr. Susan Elin, President-Elect; Joseph Weisberg, Vice President; Connie Keller, Treasurer; Karen Gajewski, Secretary; and Frank Cahill, Immediate Past President and President of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
Outgoing Club President Frank Cahill said “At the beginning of this new Kiwanis year, remember why you joined Kiwanis and why you remain a member today. Remember Kiwanis moments throughout the year. Remember the smiles of the kids you are helping. Kiwanis clubs all around the world give children opportunities for success. We do this because every child deserves the right to thrive, prosper and grow.”
“Now that my term is over, I am pleased that I served such a wonderful organization and was able to make a different in our community. I have met so many wonderful people, made so many friends and enjoyed every minute of it. I promise that I will continue to work with our new President, Karen DeChristopher. Thank you for allowing me to be your President. Remember, Kids need Kiwanis,” said Cahill.
In accepting the gavel from Frank Cahill, new club President Karen DeChristopher said “First, I would like to thank all of you and our special guests for attending tonight’s installation dinner honoring our new officers and directors. I am truly honored and humbled to serve as your President for this coming year. One of the great things I have gotten from this club over the years is the opportunity to be surrounded by so many outstanding individuals and creating lasting friendships, all while continuing with the legacy of this great Club.”
“I look forward to an exciting year, I can tell you that my vision for the new year is one that I did not think about lightly…I asked myself some important questions in order to form my goals…I thought where do I want this club to be in the future, how it will be regarded, and what impact will it have on the community …a successful club not only brings in new members but also inspires them to become a united group of service minded people. Our kids and community need Kiwanis…and who better than this club to show them how it’s done. As most of you know, we sponsor ten Elementary School K-Kid Clubs, two Middle School Builders Clubs, two High School Key Clubs, an Aktion Club, and a Seton Hall Circle K Club. All of these clubs and their programs support several hundred of our community’s young leaders, some of whom may very well become members of this club some day,” she continued.
“I want to Inspire you to get involved in our service projects, help in our efforts to raise awareness on important issues, participate in club fundraisers, and learn what our kids clubs are doing. It is important to not only help our community but can also to steer our future leaders in the right direction. I would like this us to impact the
She continued “My vision for the 2018-2019 Kiwanis year is to “Inspire Members Through Unity & Service.” I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my friend, our Past President, and newly elected Foundation President, Frank Cahill for his leadership, guidance and support, in his year as President. On behalf of the club, I would like to present you with this gift in appreciation of your outstanding service and leadership to our club.”
Howard Letts inducted in Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill inducted Howard Letts as a new member of the club, before he turned over the gavel to the new President Karen DeChristopher on Monday, October 1.
Club President Frank Cahill presented Howard with his membership plaque and Sponsoring Member Mimi Letts placed the official Kiwanis membership pin on her husband, Howard.
Frank Cahill said “We welcome Howard to this global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here.
Kiwanis Club holds annual Ecumenical Breakfast
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany held its annual Ecumenical Breakfast on Thursday, September 27.
Each year, Kiwanis Club invites all members of the clerry to bring people of diverse religions together. Church traditions to develop closer relationships and better understandings.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets on Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. For more information click here.
Parsippany High School is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Hall of Fame recognizes and honors PHS graduates and staff members who have distinguished themselves during their time at PHS and/or in their careers in their fields of work or service.
Recognition will be given but not limited to accomplishment in the fields of: Music, School Services, Fine Arts, Medicine, Business, Journalism, Politics, Athletics, Education, Science, Armed Forces, Community Service.
The person being nominated must have graduated from PHS at least ten years ago (2008 or earlier). In the case of a staff member, the nominee must have been a member of the professional staff (including non-teacher coaches and activity advisors), who has retired or left the employ of Parsippany High School at least three years ago (prior to 2015).
The person being nominated does not have to be a college graduate. Posthumous nominations will be accepted. As many as ten nominees may be inducted in any given year.
Nominees selected for induction into the PHS Hall of Fame will be honored at an annual ceremony held in the winter and at a home basketball game (date to be determined). Each inductee will receive an engraved memento and will be recognized on a perpetual plaque in the main hall of Parsippany High School. Nominations may be submitted by any Parsippany High School graduate or by a relative, friend, or co-worker of the person being nominated. The committee evaluates each nominee on three criteria:
1. Recognized excellence in one’s field/profession.
2. Service and dedication to PHS.
3. Contributions to professional/civic organizations and/or publications, presentations, and recognition.
Nomination forms can be found on the PHS website by clicking here. Be sure to include all requested information. Reasons for nomination and written description may be submitted on separate sheets of paper (not to exceed 3 sheets and must be stapled to the nomination form). All forms are due by November 5, 2018
Please email to dmulroony@pthsd.net or mail to Parsippany High School Hall of Fame 309 Baldwin Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054. c/o Dr. Mulroony.
Parsippany resident charged with possession of CDS
MORRIS TOWNSHIP — Morris County Park Police Officers observed a suspicious occupied vehicle in Morris Township on September 19. An investigation led to Christina R. Lombardozzi, 20, Parsippany, to be charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.
Lombardozzi was released with a court date pending.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Freeholders Proclaim October 2018 as Blindness Awareness Month
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders has proclaimed October as Blindness Awareness Month 2018 in Morris County, and has recognized Denville-based Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey on its 75th anniversary as a statewide leader in offering programs and services for persons who have vision issues.
“There are so many families in Morris County who are affected by vision loss and who live with sight disabilities on a daily basis,’’ said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana, who made the proclamation at the freeholder’s September 26 work session in Morristown. “Most of us take our sight for granted until we or a loved one are affected by vision loss and may not know where to turn for help.’’
The proclamation recognized the work of Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year — in Denville for more than 60 years — and which provides the only comprehensive, nonresidential vision rehabilitation program for adults in the state.
Vision Loss Alliance Director of Development Jayson Daniels and Alliance client Missy Hagan of Wharton accepted the proclamation.
Vision Loss started out as a social club in Newark and relocated to Denville in 1955 as a summer camp for women with blindness, under the name New Jersey Foundation for the Blind. In the late 1990s, it began to offer year-round independent skills training.
The nonprofit changed its name to Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey in January of 2016 to reflect what it is: an alliance of individuals, organizations and communities dedicated to helping adults who lose their sight learn to adapt and regain confidence.
“We are honored to have the Morris County Freeholders recognize Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey as we mark our 75th year of empowering people with vision loss to maintain their independence,” said Vision Loss Alliance Executive Director Kris Marino. “I am very thankful to all those who have supported Vision Loss Alliance throughout our long history.”
Vision Loss recently expanded services to provide low vision occupational therapy, which teaches individuals techniques to make the best use of their remaining vision, according to Marino. She said that two-thirds of the organization’s funding comes from individual donations.
Vision Loss Alliance programs deliver substantial, measurable benefits, including fall and accident prevention, greater overall physical and mental health, and the use of tools, resources, and strategies to enrich lives and promote socialization.
The organization is hosting Dining in the Dark, an event that will give guests a glimpse of what it’s like to live without sight while they enjoy a gourmet meal. Dining in the Dark will be held Thursday, October 25 at the Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph. Tickets are available by clicking here.
Marino noted the growing need for services because cases of eye diseases that can lead to vision loss are increasing as the population ages. In New Jersey alone, blindness and profound vision loss affect more than 130,000 adults over age 35, according to state statistics.
The National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, projects a three-fold increase in cases of blindness alone by 2050.
For more information on Vision Loss Alliance click here.
Two Organizations join forces to raise money for local charities
PARSIPPANY — Sons of Italy Morris County, President Lou Amato and President of the Parsippany High School Italian National Honor Society, Bella Rocco, joined forces at the Annual Parsippany Fall Festival. Members of both organizations spent the day working their booth. All proceeds go to local charities.
PHHS Marching Band posing before the Homecoming Game
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School Marching Band senior members were posing before the Homecoming Game on Saturday, September 29. This year’s theme is West Side Story.
Fall Festival returns on Sunday, September 30
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will hold the annual Fall Festival on Sunday, September 30 from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 p.m. The event will take place on North Beverwyck Road, in the Lake Hiawatha Section of the roadway. There will be plenty of food, games, rides for the children and more. Last year over 10,000 people attended the event.
The town-wide celebration not only provides an opportunity to highlight township programs, services, organizations and businesses, but also encourages community spirit.• Dogs, Civilian Drones, Bikes, Fireworks, Roller Blades/Skates, Skateboards are not permitted.
• North Beverwyck Road (from Vail Road through Longview Avenue) will be closed to all traffic from 8:30 a.m. until approximately 6:00 p.m. Traffic will be detoured around the area.
• People needing access to Foodtown or the Quick Chek shopping area should take Rockaway Place to Condit Avenue to Crescent Drive to Claudine Terrace. Signs will be posted.
The following intersections on North Beverwyck Road will be blocked:
Longview Avenue
Oneida Avenue
Iroquois Avenue
Chesapeake Avenue
Hiawatha Boulevard
Minnehaha Boulevard
Lake Shore Drive
Claudine Terrace (Access limited to vehicles travelling to the shopping center)
Condit Avenue
Vail Road
Par-Troy EMS held child car seat inspections
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills hosted a free event on Saturday, September 29 to inspect children car seats. This event was sponsored by Par-Troy Emergency Medical Services, Morristown Memorial Hospital and Safe Kids Northern New Jersey.
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians were on hand to inspect your car seat for proper installation, fit and use.
Safe Kids coalitions lead their communities in reducing child injury and host more than 8,000 free car seat inspection events across the country. The trained technicians taught parents everything they need to know to make sure the car seat is installed and used correctly.
The car seat check was held at Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard
For additional information, please call Dean Snook at (973) 263-7387 or email dsnook@parsippany.net.
Mayor Soriano issues a Proclamation proclaiming “Constitution Week”
PARSIPPANY — At a meeting held at Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Building on Monday, September 24, Mayor Michael Soriano presented a proclamation to Parsippanong Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), proclaiming the week of September 17 to September 23 “Constitution Week.”
Members of Parsippanong Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution attended the presentation.
Daughters of the American Revolution organization was founded in 1890 with the simple mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. These timeless, overarching principles keep the DAR strong and vitally relevant in this ever-changing world.
This nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America’s future through better education consists of over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters across the world. These vibrant, active women are the heart of the organization.
The grassroots work of DAR volunteers promotes the organization’s objectives of historic preservation, education and patriotism.
The Parsippanong Chapter was organized in the Parsippany-Troy Hills area on October 4, 1912, with Ruth E. Tichenor Fairchild (Mrs. Vandyke), Organizing Regent.
The Loantaka Chapter, which covered the areas of Chatham, Florham Park and Madison, New Jersey, was organized in 1927, with Jane Wilson Graham Ridley (Mrs. Joseph) as Organizing Regent. The Chapter was named for the original native Americans who lived in the vicinity.
Reflecting the abundant waters in the area, both names are native American names, one meaning “creek’ and the other, “place of two rivers.”
Past achievements of the Loantaka Chapter include their support of efforts to make Jockey Hollow a national memorial park, and participation in the celebration of the National Parks bicentennial in 1972. The Parsippanong Chapter sponsored Memorial Day Services at the Parsippany Presbyterian Church Cemetery where there are 84
Revolutionary War graves.
For more information on Parsippanong Chapter click here.
Noah is available for adoption
PARSIPPANY — Noah is available for Adoption. Noah is an eight month old purebred German Shepherd.
He was surrendered by his owner because they could no longer keep him. Noah is very friendly and knows basic obedience.
He is also good with other dogs and children. Noah is UTD on vaccines and is scheduled to be neutered before he goes into his new home.
They do require a meet and greet with your dog if you have one. We are accepting applications for him, so if you are interested in meeting him, please come by the Parsippany Animal Shelter, 1069 Parsippany Boulevard anytime on Monday through Friday 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday or Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
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Democratic Leaders from Across the State Denounces Congressman Lance’s Comments on Dr. Ford
TRENTON — Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman John Currie join Democratic leaders from across the state including Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, First Lady Tammy Murphy and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg in denouncing disparaging comments made by Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7). Lance was caught on tape saying he “tends not to believe” Dr. Ford’s allegations she was sexually assaulted by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
STATEMENT
“We find it appalling that Congressman Lance would prejudge Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and refuse to even listen to her testimony before publicly declaring that he does not believe her. Dr. Ford has shown an incredible degree of courage in coming forward to tell her story, and Congressman Lance’s unwillingness to consider her testimony shows how little respect he has for survivors of sexual assault and for all women. Congressman Lance should be ashamed of himself and he owes an apology to his constituents, to sexual assault survivors and to women all over the country who are inspired by Dr. Ford’s strength and bravery.”
Signed by:
Governor Phil Murphy
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman
NJDSC Chair John Currie
NJDSC Vice Chair Lizette Delgado Polanco
Union County Chair Senator Nicholas Scutari
Assemblywoman Mila Jasey
Hunterdon County Chair Arlene Quiñones Perez
Somerset County Chair Peg Schaffer
Morris County Chair Chip Robinson
Warren County Chair Tom Palmieri
Hudson County Chair Amy DeGise
Monmouth County Chair Dave Brown
Atlantic County Chair Mike Suleiman
Union County Freeholder Bette Kowalski
Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr
Clinton Mayor Janice Kovach
Clinton Councilwoman Rielly Karsh
Lambertville Councilwoman Elaine Warner
Lambertville Councilwoman Beth Asaro
High Bridge Councilwoman Natalie Ferry
Summit Councilwoman Marjorie Fox
Newark Council President Mildred Crump
BlueWaveNJ President Marcia Marley
New Jersey Working Families Alliance Executive Director Analilia Mejia
Women for Progress President Erin Chung
Reverend Louise Scott-Rountree
Ridgewood JOLT President Catherine Brienza
NJ 11th For Change Political Director Elizabeth Juviler
NJDSC Executive Director Liz Gilbert
Monmouth County Democrats Executive Director Kinn Badger
Paterson Deputy Mayor Jamie Bland
New Jersey Black Issues Convention President Reva Foster
Indivisible: Garden State Values Michelle Hoffmann
Indivisible Lambertville Cindi Sternfeld
Reverend Doctor Mamie Bridgeforth
Mrs. Kimberly Green
Association of Black Women Lawyers President Carolyn Chang
Action Together Executive Director Winn Khuong
Action Together Leadership from across the state:
Northeast Regional Director Anna Wong
Director of Operations Kim Baron
HR Manager Lizzie K. Foley
Drug Policy Reform Director Moira Nelson
Communications Manager Stacey Murphy
Somerset County Co-Chair Cookie Acot
Somerset County Co-Chair Kate Rizzo
Union County Co-Chair Pamela Brug
Warren County Co-Chair Kelly Shea
Warren County Co-Chair Iris Perrot
Warren County Co-Chair Cheryl Marciano
Warren County Co-Chair Pat Brad
Hunterdon County Co-Chair Joyce Santos
Morris County Co-Chair Jill Rhodes
Morris County Co-Chair Anita Esteve
Director of FB Moderation Team Amie Babischkin
Gloucester County Co-Chair Christine Elias
Cape May County Co-Chair Shannon McDevitt
Morris County Co-Chair Rachel Kempster Barry
Bergen County Co-Chair Jackie Low
Burlington County Co-Chair Susan Coleman
Director of Electoral Intelligence Dan Janowski
Graphic Design Director Dani Bratton
Passaic County Co-Chair Stephanie Silvera
Passaic County Co-Chair Patti Douglass
Ocean County Co-Chair Christine Luland
Atlantic County Co-Chair Alison Arne
Hudson County Co-Chair Caitlin Sherman
Civil Rights Director Rachel Green
First Lady Tammy Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg have also denounced Lance’s comments.
“Not only should everyone who has a serious allegation be heard, but the ongoing legitimacy of our Supreme Court hinges upon the handling of this hearing,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “I believe Dr. Ford — she is compelling, credible and an unwilling participant here who is stepping up and performing a heroic feat of civic duty. Sadly, even before Dr. Ford testified today, Congressman Lance dismissed Dr. Ford’s credibility and said he doesn’t believe her. Congressman Lance’s time is up, and it’s time for new leadership in Congress. That’s why I’m supporting Tom Malinowski, a fighter for women’s rights, and a person who would take the honorable steps to absolutely ensure a citizen is heard, and a proper investigation would follow.”
“Sexual assault is the most traumatic experience any woman could be forced to live with and questioning the credibility of a victim is simply unacceptable,” said Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. “The nation watched as Dr. Ford provided hours of emotional testimony today detailing Judge Kavanaugh’s attack on her so he could be held accountable for his actions and ensure the next judge appointed to the Supreme Court will protect the values of all Americans. Congressman Lance’s attempt to further humiliate Dr. Ford is intolerable and not representative of New Jersey values. It is clear we need new leadership in the Seventh Congressional District to protect and defend the rights of women.”
“It doesn’t surprise me that Congressman Leonard Lance is falling in lock step with the good old boy’s club of his Republican party on Judge Kavanaugh. He said he ‘tends not believe the charges.’ How much more outrageous can it get?” said Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg. “He already formed an opinion without hearing her testimony! Dr. Ford is a courageous and brave young woman — She has chosen to come forward, disrupt her family, her life, her privacy and her safety to recount these traumatic events in front of Congress. These comments from Leonard Lance are irresponsible and wreak with partisanship without any regard for the survivor of a sexual assault — this is exactly why he should not be representing us in Congress. This is why we need Tom Malinowski. And we need him NOW! “
Teens Learn About Careers in Aviation
MORRIS COUNTY — Young men and women, ages 14-20, who are interested in careers in aviation are invited to join Aviation Explorer Post 523 on Wednesday, October 3 at Morristown Airport. The goal of the post is to help teens experience different career paths in aviation.
On Wednesday, October 3, a panel of aviation professionals will discuss what avenues the post will explore during future meetings.
The post is chartered to DM Airports Ltd. and will meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month. New Explorers are welcome and can register by clicking here.
Exploring is a worksite-based program of Learning for Life, a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America. Exploring units, called “posts”, usually have a focus on a single career field, such as police, healthcare, law, aviation, engineering, fire/rescue or the like, and may be sponsored by a government or business entity.
For further information please contact Al Thomas, District Executive at (973) 765-9322 x229, al.thomas@scouting.org.
Pequannock Man Sentenced to Four Years for Theft by Deception
PEQUANNOCK — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that on September 28, defendant Keith Enlow, 36, Pequannock, was sentenced to four years in New Jersey State Prison and ordered to pay full restitution by the Honorable Thomas J. Critchley, J.S.C. on one count of second-degree theft by deception.
This investigation was conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit. The case came to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office as an allegation of the theft of
$472,000.00 from the victim.
The defendant, a former registered representative at a brokerage in Passaic County, convinced the victim to move her money into an online brokerage account where the defendant claimed he would manage the funds for the victim’s benefit.
After the money was moved, Enlow withdrew approximately $9,400.00 each month to pay for his own personal expenses. He also transferred money into accounts under his own name, in which he conducted highly speculative losing trades.
As a result of Enlow’s losing trades and the withdrawal of the victim’s money for his own benefit, the victim suffered a loss of $472,000.00 within approximately 18 months.
Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Michael Rappa represented the State at the sentencing. Prosecutor Knapp wishes to thank the Financial Crimes Unit of the Specialized Crimes Division in the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for their successful investigation and prosecution of the defendant.
Eastlake PTA to hold their “1st Annual Fundraiser Dance”
PARSIPPANY – Eastlake Elementary School will be hosting their “1st Annual Fundraiser Dance” on Friday, October 26 starting at 7:00 p.m.
Come and dance to your favorite 80’s and 90’s music. There will also be a silent auction, 50/50 and a lottery hat. BYOB and food available for purchase.
Tickets will be sold at the door but are limited. $25.00 each.
The dance will be held at PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road. To purchase tickets or for additional information contact Joanne by emailing JoanneVico@gmail.com.
John Guest celebrates move to Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — John Guest USA, Inc. has completed their move to 20 East Halsey Road. Employees, executive and local dignitaries celebrated with a ribbon cutting on Friday, September 28.
The plumbing and industrial products manufacturer relocated its operations to the Parsippany industrial/flex property from Fairfield, in an expansion play, according to Colliers International. The building consists of 60,600 square feet.
Colliers’ John Donnelly, based in the global commercial real estate services firm’s Parsippany office, represented John Guest USA in orchestrating the long-term lease. Thomas Consiglio and Scott Peck from Resource Realty served as brokers for property owner GTJ REIT.
According to Donnelly, John Guest USA’s growth in the plumbing market required an expanded space, driving the Northern New Jersey search for a new headquarters location. “The property at 20 East Halsey Road met these specifications beautifully, offering a large multi-purpose space, building signage and visibility from I-287. GTJ Management recently renovated the building – raising the roof, upgrading the power and sprinkler systems, and updating the landscaping program. That proactive move played a big part in securing John Guest USA’s commitment.”
Additionally, the property offers a generous, 15,000-square-foot office component, extra parking capacity and future building expansion potential. Donnelly noted that these features will enable his client to grow in place. John Guest, the manufacturer of push-fit fittings, valves, PEX pipe and LLDPE tubing completed their move recently.
Assembly advances Schepisi bill expanding prosecution for sexual assault crimes against minors
TRENTON — The Assembly voted to allow the prosecution of chaperones who sexually assault minors in their care when the crimes are committed outside of New Jersey. The legislation is sponsored by Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi.
Two Paramus Catholic High School teachers were indicted for multiple acts of sexual misconduct involving three 17-year-old female students on a school-sponsored trip to Germany in 2011. A trial court and an appellate court ruled the men could be prosecuted because they assumed responsibility for the students in New Jersey. The teachers appealed to the New Jersey Supreme Court which ruled the state does not have jurisdiction to prosecute against sexual misconduct if it occurred outside the state even if it were a school chaperone.
“The three victims and their families were denied justice because the law as written is ambiguous,” said Schepisi (R-Bergen). “Two lower courts ruled the case could proceed and even the Supreme Court, in overruling the other two, said its decision ‘may be unsettling.’ Clearly, the law needs to be amended to better protect minors.”
The bill (A-1013) amends state statute granting state jurisdiction for sexual assault crimes committed outside of New Jersey when an individual has supervisory power over a minor.
“It’s outrageous that school employees accused of sexual assault with students who were entrusted to their supervision on a field trip got off scott free because the alleged crime occurred in another country,” concluded Schepisi. “Let’s ensure that anyone who commits a similar crime, under similar circumstances, especially with minors, will be prosecuted and tried.”
Schepisi’s Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month resolution clears Assembly
TRENTON — The Assembly unanimously approved a resolution designating September as Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month. Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi, the measure’s sponsor, survived a craniotomy and clipping to repair a potentially fatal brain aneurysm in May 2015.
“While falling asleep one evening I heard what sounded like a gunshot going off inside my head,” said Schepisi describing the cerebral attack. “Right then and there I should have gone to the hospital. Instead, I Googled it. Everything that came up pointed to a brain aneurysm, but it also said I would be incapacitated or dead. So I figured it wasn’t an aneurysm and went back to bed.”
Schepisi ignored some lingering symptoms for two more days before she realized something was seriously wrong.
“I had been feeling a little off and having some strange manifestations. I was in my car, and I felt my whole body going haywire,” said Schepisi. “I thought I was having a stroke so I drove myself straight to the emergency room.”
Within half an hour she was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. An initial attempt to fix the aneurysm through an angiogram and coiling was not possible. As a result she ultimately had surgery known as a craniotomy and clipping to repair part of the blood vessel that was dangerously close to rupturing.
Brain aneurysm ruptures occur approximately 40,000 times annually in the U.S. They are fatal almost half the time, and many more victims die of complications in the first six months. Brain aneurysms kill almost a half-million people each year worldwide.
“I was exceptionally lucky. I’m still alive without lifelong deficits, where a lot of others are not,” said Schepisi. “That’s why I am an advocate now. I want to make people aware of the signs and symptoms of brain aneurysms so they know what not to ignore. Identifying risk factors combined with early intervention is key to survival.”
That advocacy includes the resolution passed today in the Assembly.
“We can save lives by teaching people about the dangers of brain aneurysms and what to look out for,” Schepisi said. “From talking with people about my experience, everybody seems to know the warning signs and symptoms for heart attacks, strokes and cancer. People aren’t as aware of brain aneurysms, yet each year we have 40,000 people who end up with a ruptured aneurysm. The numbers are significant.”
The most common signs and symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm include: A sudden, severe headache often described as the “worst headache” ever experienced, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light, seizure, a drooping eyelid, numbness of one side of the face, dilated pupil, loss of consciousness and/or confusion.
“These are danger signs I should not have ignored,” Schepisi said. “Brain Awareness Month will spread the word so more people know how to spot this silent killer.”