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Baby Jesus stolen in Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department was advised by a resident on Adams Street that an unknown individual stole her baby Jesus from her property.

Upon arrival of Patrol Officer Adam Clark, the resident advised the officer that between Sunday, December 6 and on Monday, December 7

an unknown person stole her baby Jesus statue from her nativity scene on her front yard.

The statue had an approximate value of $80.00.

Witnesses reported a black vehicle driven by a male stopped in front of the victim’s house and placed an item into the vehicle at which time they left the area.

This incident is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Investigative Division at (973) 263-4313.

Clothing Drive for Chennai Floods

PARSIPPANY — The 2015 South Indian floods resulted from heavy rainfall during the annual monsoon in November-December floods 2015.

The flooding has been attributed to El Nino phenomenon, which broke a 100 year record and the areas effected were capital of Tamil Nadu – Chennai and adjacent villages and cities. Nearly 400 people have died and 1.8 million have been displaced, with damages exceeding US $15 billion.

Thousands of people have been rendered homeless and are in immediate need of basic requirement: food, shelter and clothing. In an effort to help people, Indian community living in New Jersey have come up with a novel idea to donate clothing. As part of this clothing drive, we are collecting new and gently used clothes for all age groups. Goal: We are a group of more than 20 volunteers who are actively involved in this drive. We have 20 feet container, which is roughly 300 large home depot boxes. The estimated shipping cost is $3,000.

The organizers notified Parsippany Focus, that they received enough clothing at this point, and is just requesting donations money to help pay for the shipping costs, and can be anything from $1 to $10 or even more.

You can donate at PAL (Police Athletic League) at the following times:

Saturday, December 19: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.

The Parsippany PAL is located at 33 Baldwin Road.

Par High Marching Band receives Resolution from Freeholders

PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Freeholders presented Parsippany High School Marching Band on Wednesday, December 9.

Parsippany High School Marching band enjoyed a very successful 2015 season, capturing the Group IV A State Championship and National Championship. The talented musicians and color guard also landed numerous caption awards for Best Overall Effect, Best Music, Best Visual, and Best Percussion; and the U.S. Marine’s “Esprit de Corps” Award.

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Band Director, Mr. Dalakian. Drum Majors Miki Hansen, Megan Wang, and Dev Lad. Color Guard Captains Bee Kelley, Xue Ting Lin, and Justina Avent with Freeholders Hank Lyon and Thomas Mastrangelo
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Band Director, Mr. Gregory Dalakian; Drum Majors Miki Hansen, Megan Wang, and Dev Lad. Color Guard Captains Bee Kelley, Xue Ting Lin, and Justina Avent

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Kiwanis Club cooks breakfast for Parsippany Child Day Care Center

PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, December 12 the children at Parsippany Child Day Care Center enjoyed a breakfast and a visit from Santa sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.

The chefs from Kiwanis Club volunteers prepared the breakfast which consisted of scrambled eggs, bacon, turkey sausage, pancakes, bagels and muffins.

The children received coloring books and crayons from Santa as well as a goodie bag.

Santa arrives at Lake Parsippany Fire Department

PARSIPPANY — Santa arrived at the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department on Saturday, December 12 and enjoyed his visit with area children.

Santa stays in the firehouse rather than going around on the fire trucks because it’s safer for the children and gave him the opportunity to talk with each child to hear those special Christmas wishes.  Parents brought their cameras and take pictures to catch that special time the children spend on Santa’s lap.

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Sisters Olivia, 3, and Pricilia, 6, Licin sitting on Santa’s lap at Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department
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The Nolan family at Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department’s Santa arrival. Antoinette holding 2-year old Katherine, Ken and 6-year old Liana with 8-year old brother Ryan

Mount Olive Man Sentenced For Aggravated Arson

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces the sentencing of Douglas J. Scherr, 34, of the Budd Lake section of the Township of Mount Olive, on December 11, 2015, before the Honorable Catherine Enright, J.S.C.

Judge Enright sentenced Scherr to serve five years in New Jersey State Prison on one count of Aggravated Arson. Scherr will be required to serve 85% of the sentence before he is eligible for parole, pursuant to the No Early Release Act (“NERA”).

On August 18, 2015, Scherr entered a guilty plea to the crime of Aggravated Arson (a crime of the second degree) before Judge Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr.

On May 2, 2014, at approximately 3:13 a.m., emergency personnel were dispatched to Scherr’s Budd Lake Apartment, 8A of 33 Eagle Rock Village, Budd Lake, in the Township of Mount Olive on a call of a smoke condition with an audible fire alarm.

Upon arrival, first responders encountered heavy smoke and extinguished a fire located in the kitchen area of the apartment. The source of the fire was determined to be a glass candle that was underneath a chair with clothing draped over it.

Throughout the apartment, officials located multiple propane tanks that were venting a flammable substance into the apartment.  Officials were able to evacuate the adjacent apartments and no one was injured. Scherr was not present at the apartment at the time emergency personnel responded but he was arrested in New York State later the same day.

During his guilty plea, Scherr admitted he placed open propane canisters in the living room and kitchen of his apartment, and started a fire in the kitchen with an intent to ignite the propane, thus placing others in the apartment complex in danger of death or bodily injury.

The State was represented at sentencing by Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Arson-Environmental Crimes, Major Crimes and High-Tech Crimes Units of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mount Olive Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office-Criminal Investigation Section, as well as the New York State Police and Chenango County (NY) Sheriff’s Department, whose collective efforts contributed to Scherr’s arrest and conviction.

First Night Morris Celebration to Feature Some 200 artists on New Year’s Eve

George Esparza: Phydeaux’s Flying Flea Circus and Wahoo Medicine Show
George Esparza: Phydeaux’s Flying Flea Circus and Wahoo Medicine Show

MORRIS COUNTY — It’s almost time to say goodbye to 2015, a reminder that comes with the notice that tickets to the 24th annual First Night Morris celebration are now on sale, with the New Year’s Eve just four weeks away.

This New Year’s Eve, First Night Morris will feature more than 200 artists and 80 performances in 24 venues, all within walking distance of the Morristown Green. This celebration of arts and culture in an alcohol-free environment includes two fireworks displays – at 9:15 and 12:00 Midnight.

There is also free shuttle service all evening.

The December 31, 2015 event will feature dance, theater, music, world cultures, visual arts and children’s events. More than half of the program will feature new artists (or artists returning after several years), many of whom have performed at top venues, performed on national radio/TV, in major films, and/or collaborated with superstars of performing arts.

For the cost of a ticket is $17.50 to $25.00 — you can experience everything from classical chamber music to the Australian aboriginal didgeridoo.

Some examples: On the jazz/rock front, audience favorite The British Invitation Tribute (which opened for Ringo Starr) performs note-perfect classic 60’s rock, while the Zydeco Revelators share Cajun rhythms. James Langton offers a Salute to Sinatra, or for classic bluegrass, fiddlin’ and banjo pickin’, catch the Feinberg Brothers.

First Night also offers cultural experiences from around the world such as Music from China’s Youth Orchestra  the sounds of the Norwegian Hardanger Fiddleand the elemental drone of the Didge Project’s Australian aboriginal didgeridoocompelling rhythms and high energy movement of Féraba’s West African Dance, Drumming and TapLatin salsa, merengue and tangos of Daniel Herrera’s DREAMS dancers or the beautiful costumes and elegant choreography of the Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoo.

For a complete listing of events, venues and ticket information please click here.

Art 4 Kids with artist Christine Wagner
Art 4 Kids with artist Christine Wagner

VTSeva Parsippany donates 1,500 lbs. of food to Interfaith Food Pantry

 

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Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Lou Valori, Joanne Rinaldi-Brashier Interfaith Community Relations & Development Associate, Anjani Katikaneni, Ramsatish Katta and Prakash Yalamanchili

PARSIPPANY — VTSeva Parsippany held its second annual food drive from November 17 to December 9. This year the group raised a total of 1,500 pounds of quality food items, topping last years total of 1,250 pounds. Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Louis Valori helped the group unload the donated food from the vehicles.

The team delivered the food to Interfaith Food Pantry on December 9 and Joanne Rinaldi-Brashier, Director of Community Relations and Development conducted a tour of the facility.

Middle school and high school children from Mazdabrook Preserve went throughout the community distributing flyers and collecting donations for the annual food drive. The impact in raising awareness in the community, helped some people responding very positively.

Mazdabrook Commons community also did active campaigning for the food drive and some people became involved in VTSeva this year.

With team work and the efforts of sincere, dedicated volunteers they were able raise almost twice the amount of food as the group did last year.

In this holiday season which is the season of giving, we hope that with our team effort we made a small difference in the lives of few homeless families of Morris County.

VTSeva Parsippany encourages students in middle school, high schoolers or any individual interested in participating in community services to contact them at vtsevaparsippany@gmail.com or call (862) 571-9518.

VTseva does several community service activities under the guidance of the founder HH Sri Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami. VTSeva has different branches nationwide who do holiday food drives, toy drives, environment protection programs and walkathons throughout the year. You can Find the group on Facebook by clicking here or visit www.vtsworld.org to learn more about the organization.

VTSeva Parsippany sincerely thanks the participants and the donors for their support.

Bravo Recalls Select Pet Foods Due to Possible Salmonella Risk

Bravo Pet Foods of Manchester, Conn., is recalling select lots of Bravo Chicken Blend diet for dogs and cats due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

Routine testing by the Colorado State Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Salmonella contamination in a single package of Bravo Chicken Blend Diet for Dogs and Cats (2 lb. chub only) made on 11/13/14 with a best used by date of 11/13/16.

The recall includes the following product and production lot:

Product Name: Bravo Blend Chicken Diet for Dogs & Cat
Item Number: 21-102
Size: 2 lb. (32 oz.) chub
Best Used By Date: 11-13-16
UPC: 829546211028

According to an alert on the Bravo website, 201 cases of this product were sold to distributors, retail stores, Internet retailers and directly to consumers in the US.

In addition, the company is voluntarily recalling products that were produced in the same manufacturing facility on the same day as the product that tested positive. These additional lots are being recalled out of an abundance of caution and have not tested positive for Salmonella contamination.

Product Name: Bravo Blend Chicken Diet for Dogs & Cats
Item Number: 21-105
Size: 5 lb. (90 oz.) chub
Best Used By Date: 11-13-16
UPC: 829546211059

Product Name: Bravo Blend Turkey Diet for Dogs & Cats
Item Number: 31-508
Size: 5 lb. bag of 8 oz. patties
Best Used By Date: 11-13-16
UPC: 829546315085

Product Name: Bravo Balance Turkey Diet for Dogs
Item Number: 31-401
Size: 3 lb. bag of 4 oz. patties
Best Used By Date: 11-13-16
UPC: 829546314019

These products were sold to distributors, retail stores, Internet retailers and directly to consumers in the U.S. All products tested negative by a third party independent laboratory prior to release for distribution to consumers.

The company has received no reports to date of illness in either people or animals associated with these products.

Salmonella can cause serious illness or fatal infection in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

The recalled product should not be fed to pets. Pet owners who have the affected product at home should dispose of it in a safe manner. To submit a claim, pet owners should fill out Bravo’s claim form by clicking here and return to the store where they bought the product.

More information can be found by clicking here, or call toll free 866-922-9222 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EST).

Enroll Now for Spring 2016 at CCM

RANDOLPH — Enrollment is now taking place for the Spring 2016 Semester at County College of Morris (CCM). By applying and registering early, students are more likely to get the classes that best fit their schedules.

Offering a high-quality education at an affordable price, full-time students can save up to $50,000 or more by beginning their education at CCM. Along with that savings, students benefit from small class sizes and a faculty specifically focused on teaching.

In addition to offering a wide range of academic programs, CCM has a wide selection of transfer agreements to simplify the process of transferring credits to a bachelor’s program. A listing of those agreements can be found by clicking here.

After being accepted to CCM, students have the option of registering for courses online, mailing or faxing their registration, or attending an in-person registration session. In-person registration sessions will be held January 14 – 16.

The Spring Semester begins January 19. To apply online, click here or visit the Admissions office in the Student Community Center on CCM’s Randolph campus, 214 Center Grove Road.

Church of the Redeemer to host Gun Violence exhibit

MORRISTOWN — The Church of the Redeemer in Morristown will host an exhibit of “Memorials to the Lost,” a display of t-shirts bearing the names of those in New Jersey who have died as a result of gun violence.

For four years Redeemer has participated in the Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath in an attempt to draw awareness to the staggering number of gun deaths in the United States. The annual event now coincides with the tragic December 14, 2012 shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

“We had been preparing for ‘Memorials to the Lost’ since September,” said the Rev. Cynthia Black, rector of Redeemer. “But it wasn’t until the Paris massacre that folks in the congregation began signing up to get involved. We couldn’t even get a banner made for our front lawn explaining the exhibit before it had to be corrected. We are having to hand write in the words ‘San Bernardino,’” she said.

“Memorial to the Lost” is a project of Heeding God’s Call, a faith-based movement to prevent gun violence (heedinggodscall.org). In addition to the t-shirt exhibit bearing the names of 46 victims of gun violence in New Jersey in 2014, on display on the church lawn December 12-14, the congregation will read a Litany to End Gun Violence at worship services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 13th. On December 14th, the anniversary of the Newtown shootings, the church will be open for silent prayer, reflection, candle lighting, and, if one chooses, to write a letter to one’s legislators.

 The Church of the Redeemer, located at 36 South Street, Morristown, is a Christian liberation community in the Episcopal tradition, serving the people of Morristown and beyond for more than 160 years. Sunday services are at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (inclusive worship). As part of its practice of radical hospitality, the church provides space to the Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown, the Eric Johnson House (part of NJ AIDS Services), a number of 12 step groups, and Empty Bowl Zendo. To learn more, click here.

 

Parsippany resident charged with driving while intoxicated

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Headquarters was advised by a witness of an erratic driver that crashed his vehicle into a curb in the area of Ludlow Road and Halsey Road, at 9:21 p.m. on Thursday, December 3.

The witness further stated the vehicle was parked at 166 Halsey Road.

Patrol Officer E. Elston, C. Silva, and J. Hughes responded to the scene.

Upon their arrival they found a 2002 Honda Accord with damage consistent with crashing into a curb.

Inside the vehicle they found Thomas Cullen IV, 49, Parsippany, asleep in the driver’s seat.

Upon waking Mr. Cullen they conducted a brief investigation and placed him under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated. Mr. Cullen was transported back to Parsippany Police Headquarters and charged with Use or being Under the Influence of CDS, Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While Intoxicated in a School Zone, Reckless Driving, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.

Editors Note: Criminal complaints are merely accusations.  Despite these accusations, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Kiwanis Club donates $10,000 to Camp Nejeda

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany presented a check to “Camp Nejeda Foundation” in the amount of $10,000 on Thursday, December 10, at its weekly breakfast meeting.

The money was donated to Camp Nejeda utilizing funds raised at a recent fundraising event, “The 19th Annual Grand Tasting” held in October at Hanover Manor.

“Type I diabetes can be a very difficult disease to deal with, especially if you’re just a child trying to do the things that kids do.  Camp Najeda has recognized that its summer camp programs help children learn how to cope so they, too, can become everything that is possible.  That fits right in with the goal of Kiwanis to change the world one child and one community at a time. It is a joy to be able to support them with this donation,” commented Kiwanis President Connie L. Keller.

“It just don’t get any better than this working with a great Camp Nejeda and supporting children and teens with type 1 diabetes,” said Committee Chairman Michael A. Mulhaul.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation.

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.

Any community need can become a Kiwanis service project, especially the needs of children. Kiwanis service projects range from efforts that help local communities to Kiwanis International’s Worldwide Service Project for the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders.

Camp Nejeda has been in continuous operation since 1958 and at their present location, 910 Saddleback Road, Stillwater since 1960. We are funded by the Camp Nejeda Foundation, Inc, a 501(c)(3) non profit organization.

At Camp Nejeda youth with diabetes are given the opportunity to live, if only for one or two weeks, in a world where having diabetes is the norm and where there is no need to explain blood sugar testing, finger pricks, insulin injections, ketones, ‘lows’ (insulin reactions), boluses or ‘carb’ counting because everyone here already understands.

This past summer, more than 450 campers enrolled. There were two one-week sessions and three-two week sessions for campers 7 to 16. There were also three Family Camps accommodating 20 families each; these sessions allow families to meet others who share their unique challenges. Camp Nejeda also holds events throughout the school year.

Camp fees are $1,000 per week, but the actual cost to operate one week is $1,800 per child. Charitable giving subsidizes the difference.

At Camp Nejeda children with diabetes are free to be just children. This normalizing of their condition combines with both formal and informal educational moments to promote good diabetes management and healthy, active living.

As the only facility of our kind in New Jersey and its neighboring states, Camp Nejeda hosts children, teens and families from across the region. While most are from New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, they have regular campers from Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and elsewhere. Diabetes does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, geography, or class and neither does the Camp Nejeda Foundation. We welcome our campers from all walks of life and all backgrounds.

For more information on Camp Nejeda, visit campnejeda.org.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets at the Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46, each Thursday at 7:15 a.m. for breakfast.

For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, click here.

Some of the past and present programs and projects of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany are:

  • Sponsor the Parsippany Hills High School, Parsippany High School and Whippany Park High School Key Clubs.
  • Sponsor the Brooklawn Middle School and Central Middle School Builders Clubs.
  • Sponsor nine K-Kids Clubs in the Grammar Schools in Parsippany.
  • Cook for Homeless Solutions once a month.
  • Co-sponsor a Division Aktion Club.
  • Donate to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Parsippany.
  • Donate to Project Graduation.
  • Donate to Family Promise of Morris County to help homeless families.
  • Donate to Prevent Child Abuse NJ and help raise awareness for their two campaigns:
  • Pinwheel Campaign in April – Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
  • Purple Hat Campaign in October – Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) & Abuse
  • Donate to Jersey Battered Women’s Service of Morris County (JBWS).
  • Donate to the Parsippany Library Programs.
  • Donate to the Parsippany Food Bank.
  • Donate to Programs through grants to our Foundation, such as Craftsman Farms.
  • Donate to the Parsippany Day Care Center.
  • Donate to Autism, Eliminate and Children’s Specialized Hospital.
  • Donate to Camp Nejeda.
  • Sponsor the Parsippany Street Fair.
  • Sponsor Scholarships for Kiwanis Youth Leadership Training, Key leader Training, Hugh O’Brien Camp and Scholarships for further education.
  • Support Little League in Parsippany.
  • Support our local churches through an Ecumenical Breakfast for friendship, fellowship and exchange of ideas.

Morris County Development Course Graduation

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The graduating class

MORRIS COUNTY — Approximately 60 students graduated from Morris County Law Enforcement Development Course on Monday, December 7.

The Law Enforcement Development Course is a 10-week course for college students interested in developing a career in law enforcement.

The course is a cooperative venture of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the county’s Department of Law and Public Safety and the New Jersey Community Affairs Officers Association in partnership with colleges, universities and law enforcement groups throughout New Jersey.

Participants were introduced to the work of law enforcement to broaden their perspectives and understanding of the criminal justice system and to better understand what it takes to enter the field of law enforcement.

“The image of a law enforcement officer, for many, is formed by what they see on television or in the movies,” Kathy DeFillippo said. “The students who take this career development course will soon learn their perception of what it’s like to be a law enforcement officer is not reality.”

Several members of the NJAALEOA attended the graduation of the 2015 Fall session of the 2015 Law Enforcement Career Development Course.

The program which is the only one of its kind anywhere in the state of New Jersey was held at the Morris County Public Safety Academy.

Approximately 60 college attending students attended and successfully completed the 10 week program. NJAALEOA members Federal Air Marshal supervisory agent George Parker, NJAALEOA President Joseph Luistro, Federal Air Marshal supervisory agent (retired) Tom Masters and NJAALEOA 2nd Vice President Neel Patel were among other law enforcement professionals giving mock oral interviews to the graduates before the actual ceremony began. Just before the handing out of the certificates to the graduating students unbeknownst to all in attendance except Joe Neel, Sheriff Edward Rochford and Suzanne Ceravolo, the Director for the Center for Internships and Career Development at Drew University, the NJAALEOA presented the Director of the program Morris County Undersheriff William Schievella a plaque.

The plaque recognizes Undersheriff Schievella’s work he does for the program he developed, the tremendous work he does for the law enforcement community and the huge positive work he does for the public. The name William Schievella has been mentioned within many NJAALEOA e-mails, for he is an avid supporter of the NJAALEOA and we are proud to call him a friend and brother officer.

Sheriff Rochford said “Thank you for all those including the educational partners of the program that make this program one of a kind and the success that it is,
and lastly thanks to one unique individual, Undersheriff William Schievella.”

The Law Enforcement Career Development Course is a highly competitive program that was created in 2010, and it is the first of its kind in New Jersey. The course is recommended for college students interested in criminal justice, social sciences, and justice studies, as well as those students who are undecided but have an interest in pursuing careers in the field of legal justice.

Students got a closer look at law enforcement by being exposed to practical scenarios and hands-on instruction.

“The hands-on instruction given to the students is the critical component of this course,” said Freeholder Doug Cabana, the freeholder board’s liaison to Law and Public Safety. “It provides the students with exposure to the real world of law enforcement to help them determine if this career field is right for them.”

The Law Enforcement Career Development Course covered topics ranging from domestic violence, mock crime scenes and defensive tactics to dressing for success, health and wellness and preparing for the written and psychological exams.

The Morris County Public Safety Training Academy is located at 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany.

Driver crashes into telephone pole

PARSIPPANY — Ms. Jillian Bostek, Parsippany, was traveling south on Littleton Road, attempting to make a right turn onto Dartford Road when Ms. Ming-Pen Wang, 60, Whippany, attempted to pass on the right of her vehicle.

Ms. Wang crashed into Ms. Bostek’s 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee and as a result of the initial impact, pushed her vehicle straight forward and crashed into a curb and then hit a utility pole. The telephone pole was completely split and came down.

Ms. Wang was driving a 2014 Honda Accord. There were no reported injuries.

Ms. Bostek’s vehicle was towed from the scene by Ajaco Towing.

Ms. Wang was issued a summons for failure to exhibit a registration, careless driving and improper passing on right.

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Ms. Bostek’s 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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Ms. Bostek’s 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ms. Wang’s 2014 Honda Accord to the left
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Ms. Bostek’s 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ms. Wang’s 2014 Honda Accord to the left

Officials and Donors Celebrate Opening of “Alex DeCroce Media Center”

BettyLou deCroce
BettyLou deCroce

RANDOLPH — The County College of Morris (CCM) Board of Trustees and Foundation Board of Directors hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, December 8, to celebrate the renovation of the Media Center and its naming in honor of late New Jersey Assemblyman Alex DeCroce.

Attending the celebration were members of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders and other contributors to the foundation’s Visioning the Future campaign that helped to fund the center’s renovation. The Freeholders contributed $1 million from the county’s capital budget for the project. Another $900,000 was raised by the foundation in individual, corporate, private foundation and public support. Also in attendance to mark the opening of the Alex DeCroce Media Center were students, faculty and other members of the CCM community.

Prior to serving as an assemblyman, DeCroce served as a Morris County freeholder, as a CCM trustee and as Board of Trustee chair.

“As a result of the generosity of those who contributed to the campaign, we were able to create a state-of-the-art facility for the benefit of our students and local businesses,” said Dr. Edward J. Yaw, CCM president. “It is especially appropriate that this new center now is named in memory of Alex DeCroce who was such a strong proponent of education and a long-time supporter of the college through his many years of service as a Freeholder, on our Board of Trustees and as an Assemblyman.”

“‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest’ said Benjamin Franklin,” noted Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce. “My husband, Assemblyman Alex DeCroce, knew that to be true and it served him well as a trustee and board chair at CCM. Our family greatly appreciates this recognition. We are so pleased that the investment into this state-of-the-art media center will serve not only the students but the community at large.”

Freeholder John Kirkus
Freeholder John Kirkus

“This greatly enhanced facility will improve what is already an outstanding communications and media program,’’ said Freeholder John Krickus, the county governing board’s liaison to CCM. “The freeholders’ continued investment in CCM, including $1 million the freeholders approved for this project, shows our continued support for this outstanding institution.’’
The new facility now features high-definition technology, a digital media editing classroom, scenery work room, two studio control rooms, a green room for guests, and a teaching studio and professional studio both with green screen cycloramas to create a variety of background images for videos.

The Alex DeCroce Media Center functions as a TV studio and classroom for students majoring in Broadcasting Arts and Technology or Communication. It also is a vital resource for faculty, staff and the community, providing multimedia support for a range of activities including classroom presentations, audio and video productions, sound and video for computer programs, and on-campus conferences. It also will be available to the area’s corporate and business community for the production of training, promotional and other videos.

The opening of the media center, which is located in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center (LRC), marks the final stage of renovation for that building. The LRC also houses the college library. Completed in 2014, the renovated LRC, which included the addition of a Starbucks coffee shop, has seen more than 100,000 visitors since its reopening.

Photo Credit: Farlekas Photography

Garage catches fire in early morning hours

PARSIPPANY — Lake Hiawatha Fire Department District 4 was called to the scene of a working fire at 43 Chesapeake Drive, at approximately 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.

The fire started and gutted the detached garage where ammunition was stored. Lake Hiawatha Chief Brian Cleary had Command while Deputy Chief Chris Cleary was assigned Operations.

Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 5 responded along with the Boonton Township Rapid Intervention Crew.

Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad was also at the scene. There were no injuries reported.

Cause of the fire is under investigation.  Fire Inspectors David Cavaliere and Detective M. Czajka are investigating the incident.

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PACC membership directory is published

GreaterParsippany2016coverPARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) is pleased to announce the release of its latest “Membership Directory” titled “Discover Greater Parsippany.”

The new directory, which will be mailed to Parsippany residents this week inside Parsippany Life has been updated to include all of our current members.  Please remember to Shop Local, Shop Parsippany.

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

“At the heart of the local economy and the backbone of the nation’s economy, you will find a Chamber of Commerce.  The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce focuses on a broad range of activities to support its businesses and the community rather than narrowly focus on one particular industry, issue, cause, or activity.  When you are looking for information or a way to be connected in the Parsippany Area, look no further, because the Chamber has something for everyone,” said President Robert Peluso.

Started in 1956 as a non-profit organization, the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce has been providing Parsippany and Morris County residents and visitors information through our local offices, the Parsippany Area Visitor Center, our print media, and our informative websites.  Together with talented volunteers from our Chamber membership, the Chamber supports economic development in our community through effective programs and services that result in business attraction, creation, retention, expansion, and transition.  The Chamber is the primary economic developer in the Parsippany Area and responsible for marketing the community to recruit new businesses to the area in order to fill vacant offices and retail spaces.  The Morris County Economic Development Corporation, the NJ Small Business Development Center, and the Small Business Administration as a Regional Resource Center support these initiatives.  In addition to marketing our communities to business entities, we are also the primary tourism bureau for the Parsippany Area and responsible for marketing the community to tourists along with our partner, the Morris Tourism Bureau.

Business owners look to the Chamber for a venue to network and highlight their business from sole proprietors to the largest companies and employers in the Parsippany Area.  We provide information for starting a business as well as business-building programs, trade shows, employment outreach programs, and custom research for our chamber members.  We encourage you to join our affiliates and us in order to create a strong dynamic community that benefits everyone.   As you can see, the Chamber has something for everyone; all you need to do is take the first step. We welcome new members and volunteers and invite you to contact us at www.parsippanychamber.org or (973) 402-6400.  We also provide information through our websites: www.visitparsippany.org, www.employmentoutreach.org , and greaterparsippanyrewards.com.

All members of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce will receive the new directory in early January in the mail.  The directory is also available at every networking meeting, as well as available in select locations throughout Parsippany. You can also download our directory by clicking here.

As new businesses move into Parsippany, PACC will supply each new Parsippany employee with a directory and advertisements from local members.  If you are a new Parsippany business, contact Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400 to participate in this promotion.

For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here.

This new directory is just another member benefit of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Friday night’s boxing event at PAL postponed

PARSIPPANY — This Friday night’s boxing event at the Parsippany PAL has been postponed due to a logistical emergency.

Fans who have purchased tickets may refund them at the point of purchase.

The new date will be announced by GH3 Promotions shortly.

GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Hector Frometa, Jerrell Harris & Keenan Smith, Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell, Jr. Lightweight O’Shanique Foster & Super Middleweight Andrew Hernandez to the GH3 Promotions stable.

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