BMS student Jonah Decaria named Music Student of the Month

Frank L. Cahill
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BMS student Jonah Decaria named Music Student of the Month

PARSIPPANY — Students from Parsippany, Randolph, Morristown, Kinnelon, Mendham, Boonton, New Vernon, and Roxbury were honored as Mayo Performing Arts Center’s Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Pianists — prior to the Thursday, February 1 performance of Piano Battle.

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

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 2017-2018 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.

Music Students of the Month are:

Jonah Decaria
Grade 7, Brooklawn Middle School; Parsippany; Nominated by Joseph Stella Jonah 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 percussion in our 7th grade concert band.

Steven Alt
Grade 8, Randolph Middle School; Randolph; Nominated by Kristen Siebenhuhner Steven Alt began playing the piano in first grade and plays a variety of music genres.  He successfully auditioned annually on piano for the award-winning Randolph Middle School’s Select Jazz Ensemble for the past three years and composed a solo in 2017 for the song “Al blues” by Miles Davis.  He also accompanied the Randolph Middle School Orchestra on “Silent Night” at the 2016 Holiday Concert.  Steven is a member of the St. Matthews Choir as a piano and viola accompanist.  He regularly performs at The Piano Workshop’s recitals where he has been studying piano with Dorian Morales since 2010.  Steven also has attended summer music camps at The Piano Workshop, focusing on Garage Band and original piano compositions.  He has been a member of the Brookside Community Orchestra for the past three summers and attended the Randolph Schools Strings Summer Program.  

David Giambra
Grade 12, Jefferson Township High School; Oak Ridge; Nominated by James Wynne David began playing as a freshman in music technology class and took to the piano so well that he is now planning to major in music education in college.  He is just about to audition on piano for his college music department acceptance.  He is a dedicated musician and deserving of outstanding pianist.

Jasmine “Jazzy” Meyer
Grade 9, Mendham High School; Mendham; Nominated by Patricia Danner Jazzy is a freshman at Mendham High School and in a few short months has already had a major impact on our program in a positive way.  She participates in the band and chorus, and is a very skilled piano player.  In addition to singing in the choir and playing the flute in the band, Jazzy plays piano in our top Jazz Ensemble.  Jazzy is primarily a classical pianist, but has been attending workshops during lunch to learn more about the jazz style.  She is a student who truly loves to learn and enjoys a challenge.  Jazzy will also be accompanying the choir in our upcoming performance in February.  Jazzy is a talented young student with a positive attitude, and I am excited to see what she will accomplish over the next four years!

Stefan Nita
Grade 7, Pearl R. Miller Middle School; Kinnelon; Nominated by Lisa Wichman Stefan began studying piano and classical music at age five with Andrew Schwarz.  He life dream is to compose music for movies and video-games, write comic books and teach music.  Stefan has shared his musical talent at recitals and talent shows.   He has been a featured pianist at our PRM Middle School Choir concerts.  A gifted musician, Stefan has perfect pitch, reads music well and can play by ear.  Stefan’s favorite composers include: Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart and Schumann.   When I asked Stefan recently what he was currently working on, he shared this with me:  “I’m working on Chopin’s “Petit Chein.” Chopin was one of the greatest pianists of all time. His music impacts me greatly. I can feel all the emotion when I play; I can feel what he felt. It’s so amazing and I am honored to play his music.”

Adam Rack
Grade 12, Hanover Park High School, East Hanover; Nominated by Helen Britez Adam is the pianist for Jazz Ensemble and participates in almost every facet of our Music Department including: Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Men’s Choir, Atlantic City Crew (highly select a cappella group), Pit Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, and AP Music Theory, in addition to performances outside of school.  He is a consummate musician, thoughtful and caring soul, and diligent musician.  He plans to pursue Music Composition next year.

Charles Sagerer
Grade 6, John Hill School, Boonton; Nominated by Yvonne Manca Charles has been taking piano lessons for a few years.  He is an outstanding piano player and plays with precise rhythm and has amazing technical skills.  He has excelled in piano and has no problem reading difficult rhythms.  He enjoys music and has an extensive musical background for a student at such a young age.

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 2017-2018 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. The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been designated a Major Presenting Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. 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.

Sheriff’s Office charges Budd Lake woman with theft from attorney

Frank L. Cahill
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Sheriff’s Office charges Budd Lake woman with theft from attorney

MORRIS COUNTY On Thursday, February 1, Detective Corporal Dave Kenny and Corporal Brian Ahern of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Budd Lake woman in a hotel room charging her with credit card theft and theft under $200.00 at the Morris County Courthouse Complex. She was additionally charged with possession of a hypodermic needle upon arrest.

On Monday, January 29, Ashley Taylor, 27, Budd Lake, was at the Morris County Courthouse for a court date on a previous charge. Taylor allegedly took a wallet out of an attorney’s hand bag while sitting outside of a courtroom and proceeded to exit the courthouse. Using video surveillance, the officers were able to track the suspect to her vehicle and ultimately, her location.

Sheriff James Gannon

Sheriff James M. Gannon said, “The Morris County Sheriff’s Office continues to uphold the safety and the security in the Morris County Courthouse. We have a very sophisticated video surveillance system to assist our officers in protecting employees and members of the public in the complex. I am proud of the officers’ work resulting in a successful outcome to the investigation.”

Taylor was charged on a complaint warrant and lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility. Detective Sergeant Nicole Leo and Detective Tim Palazzolo from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Section and the Mount Olive Police Department also assisted in the investigation.

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.

Beloved Brooklawn Middle School Custodian passes away

Frank L. Cahill
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Beloved Brooklawn Middle School Custodian passes away
Jeffrey David Stolfi, 66

PARSIPPANY — Jeffery David Stolfi, 66, a longtime custodian at Brooklawn Middle School, passed away on Tuesday.

Stolfi was born in Glen Ridge, and was a longtime Parsippany resident. He worked at the middle school for over 30 years, and was a member of St. Christopher R.C. Church.

“Mr. Stolfi was a custodian at Brooklawn Middle School for over 30 years and a valued member of the Brooklawn staff. He was proud to serve the Brooklawn Knights community,” said Joan Benos, the chief of staff for Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Board of Education. “The information of his passing was shared with the Brooklawn Middle School students and as always, we have counselors available if any student needs to speak to them.”

Survivors include his brother, John and his wife, Terry; his sisters: Judith Cannon, Jane Nuckles, Jill Best and Janet Sbarro and her husband, Anthony; his niece and nephews: Angela, Jason, Joey, Peter and Jimmy; and his two great nieces and one great nephew. He is predeceased by his parents.

Visiting hours are on Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road. In Lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to Polycystic Kidney Disease. 1001 East 101st Terrace, Suite 220, Kansas City, MO 64131.

A funeral service will be held Friday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m. Cremation: Private.

Cub Scout Pack 177 Crowns Pinewood Derby Champion

Frank L. Cahill
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Cub Scout Pack 177 Crowns Pinewood Derby Champion

PARSIPPANY —  Cub Scout Pack 177 held its annual Pinewood Derby on Saturday, January 27 and Caleb Heindrich was named Champion of the Pack.  Five preliminary heats were held according to scout rank, and the winner of each heat competed in the finals. 

The Trophy. Caleb’s name and car will be added and it will be displayed at his school.

The heat winners were Sahil Indoria (Tigers), Anish Desai (Wolves 1), Caleb Heindrich (Wolves 2), Joey De Cicco (Bears) and Stavros Tserpes (Webelos).  The five car final resulted in a tie between Caleb and Anish, who continued on to a tiebreaker round.  Anish’s car performed excellently, but in the end it was Caleb by a hair.

The Top Two. Calebs car is on the left, Anish’s car is on the right.

Caleb’s name will be added to the Pack 177 Pinewood Derby trophy, and the trophy with his winning car added will be displayed at his school this year.  Heat winners and runners up will receive trophies and medals at the annual Blue and Gold dinner in the spring.

To prepare for the Pinewood Derby, each scout builds his own car according to the theme for the year.  This year’s theme was Emojis.  The scouts’ designs were creative and colorful as well as fast.  The cars are powered by gravity alone, so weight and aerodynamics are important.  Scouts learn a lot participating in the derby – and they also have a lot of fun.  The leaders put in a lot of work to help the scouts have a great event.

Patrol Sergeant Peter Rizzolo retires

Frank L. Cahill
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Patrol Sergeant Peter Rizzolo retires

PARSIPPANY — Patrol Sergeant Peter Rizzolo retired from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department after 25 years of service.

Sgt. Rizzolo, a married father of three, was born and raised in Parsippany. He earned his Associates Degree at the County College of Morris in 1991, and was hired by the Parsippany Police Department on December 29, 1992.

Patrol Sergeant Peter Rizzolo

He is a graduate of the 41st Police Academy Class held at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy.

Sgt. Rizzolo spent his entire career in the Patrol Division, where he responded to thousands of various calls. Over the course of his career he received specialized training as a 911/Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Dare Officer, Alcotest Operator, Fatal Crash Investigator, Firearms Range Instructor, and was a former member of the Department’s Rifle Team.

Over the course of his career he has received three Unit Commendations and two Command Citations. One of the Command Citations that he received was earned in April 2004 after he conducted a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle later found to be stolen from Michigan. After further investigation the driver was arrested and charged with two counts of Burglary, one count of Receiving Stolen Property, and two counts of Theft of Movable Property. The driver was also charged with Driving While Intoxicated.

“It’s been an honor serving in the township I grew up in and I am proud of how the Police Department continues to operate in a professional manner, ”Sgt. Rizzolo.

Substitute Crossing Guards Needed

Frank L. Cahill
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Substitute Crossing Guards Needed

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department is looking to fill vacant substitute crossing guard positions. Typically crossing guards work four to five hours per day.

If you are interested in becoming a crossing guard pick up an application at the Parsippany Police Department dispatch desk or at Town Hall.

If you have any questions regarding the position please contact the crossing guard coordinator Patrolman David Cavaliere at (973) 263-4318 or dcavaliere@parpolice.com.

Bill Stops Chronic Child Abusers Access to Students Passes

Frank L. Cahill
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Bill Stops Chronic Child Abusers Access to Students Passes
Senator Joe Pennacchio

MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation lead by Senators Joe Pennacchio and Anthony Bucco will end the practice of “Pass the Trash,” stopping teachers who have abused children from continuing to teach, was approved by the State Senate unanimously.

“It is time to put the welfare of our students before union self-interest. The reckless behavior of underhandedly passing child abusers from school-to-school must end, ” said Pennacchio. “The Legislature and my Democratic colleges must see that continuing patterns of covering for a predator like Morris County teacher Jason Fennes, who confessed to sexually assaulting six young girls, snaked through school systems while teaching for five years after his first documented complaint must end. The structure for reporting and hiring teachers must be reformed!”

The legislation, S-414, targets the continuing problem of “passing the trash” in New Jersey school systems by mandating school districts, charter schools, and contract service providers to review all employment history of potential employees.

Schools fail to report abuse fearing the damage allegations may cause to their school’s reputation and the impact of a costly litigation that may accompany efforts to remove a teacher.

Senator Anthony Bucco

A recent NJ Advance Media investigation exposed Shawn Cier’s career of sexual misconduct while jumping from school to school. The report explained school systems were advised to give little information during reference checks, allowing Mr. Cier’s career to continue.

“It is reported that one in four young girls fall victim to abuse,” said Bucco. “Continuing to allow sexual predators to teach our students while schools fail to properly report an allegations is applauding. Schools must request all information when hiring new staff, not just dates employed, salaries, and position held. Providing a safe environment for children comes first and foremost.”

Pennacchio criticized the inaction of “Pass the Trash” legislation in the Assembly along with the introduction of A-2531, a bill which strips the important protections for students and aids to the continued problem of child abusers being passed from school-to-school.

“It is appalling that actions are being taken to strip protections for our young students who are at risk of child abuse,” said Pennacchio. “I call on the Democrats in the Assembly to put aside the self-interests of others and place the interest of our children first.”

Parsippany’s Second Starbucks gearing up to open

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany’s Second Starbucks gearing up to open

PARSIPPANY — Two years have passed since Starbucks announced they were opening at 1429 Route 46, corner of Baldwin Road, in what was a Burger King for many years.

Parsippany Focus was told by a manager that the opening date is Monday, February 5.

The opening usually depends on the final inspections by Parsippany Officials, and issuing a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  The manager we spoke to indicated that the CO was not in place as of now, and they were waiting for the final approvals.

Last year, when the Starbucks on Route 10 planned an opening, it was delayed hours because of the final Certificate of Occupancy.  They were scheduled to open at 5:30 a.m. on August 10, 2017, but was delayed until later that day until the final Certificate of Occupancy was issued.

But you can rest assured the opening is only days away and you will be able to order your Iced Carmel Macchiato or Caffè Americano closer to home.

Parsippany Housing and Fire Prevention will get new home

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Housing and Fire Prevention will get new home
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps

PARSIPPANY — Upon receipt by Business Administrator Ellen Sandman of a memo written by Police Chief Paul Philipps, the administration of Mayor Michael Soriano began to review the proposal of a police substation that was hastily approved by the prior administration and council in 2017.

The proposal for a substation was executed without a proper weighting of the advantages and drawbacks of opening such a substation at the proposed Powder Mill Plaza location.

The premature installation of a sign before opening by the prior administration, which implied the presence of an open and staffed police substation at the proposed location, also had the potential to open up the Township to liability in the case of a related emergency. For that reason, the sign has been covered while the administration reviewed the totality of the facts surrounding the proposal.

The public safety of Parsippany’s residents is the paramount role of our local government. The facts surrounding the proposal of a police substation in the Powder Mill section of the Township indicate that this proposal is not in the best interests of the safety of our residents. For more details on why this is the case, please see the attached memorandum from Chief Philipps to Business Administrator Sandman.

The Township will instead be using the Powder Mill Plaza location, in which the Township entered into a long-term lease under the previous administration, to house the Township’s Housing and Fire Prevention Departments. For years, these departments have been squeezed into tight quarters at the Parsippany Community Center. In moving to the Powder Mill Plaza location, the Community Center will have more parking spaces for our residents and more working space for our staff.

This new arrangement is a win-win for the residents of Parsippany and the Parsippany Police Department. Residents will save tax dollars by avoiding the staffing and related upkeep costs of a new 24-hour Township facility.

The Police Department will not be stretched thinner to staff a 24-hour facility in an area with low crime rates and very little foot traffic.

Death of Morris County Correctional Facility Inmate

Frank L. Cahill
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Death of Morris County Correctional Facility Inmate

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon confirm the death of a Morris County Correctional Facility inmate on Tuesday, January 30, at the Morristown Medical Center.

The inmate who has been identified as Alhakeem Pray, had been an inmate at the Correctional Facility since August 15, 2017. On the morning of Tuesday, January 30, Pray was found to be experiencing a medical issue. Medical aid was rendered and Pray was transported to the Morristown Medical Center for further treatment. He later succumbed to his medical issues while at the hospital.

The investigation into this incident is being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section, and the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office.

This investigation is ongoing, however the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office has determined the Manner of Death to be Natural. The Cause of Death is Pulmonary Thromboembolism due to deep leg vein thrombosis.

Erica Ruja on James Madison University dean’s list

Frank L. Cahill
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Erica Ruja on James Madison University dean’s list

PARSIPPANY —  James Madison University is pleased to announce Erica Ruja, a Parsippany Hills High School Graduate of 2014, majoring in psychology, made the dean’s list for the fall 2017 semester:

Students who earn dean’s list honors must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a GPA of between 3.5 and 3.899.

James Madison University offers each student a future of significance — not an education of mere prestige, but an extraordinary education of exceptional scholarship, inventive thinking, unparalleled attention to the world community, a university-wide enthusiasm for teaching, and a commitment to student success.

Township holds successful fundraiser for the Anderson Family

Frank L. Cahill
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Township holds successful fundraiser for the Anderson Family

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills held a fundraiser to support a Parsippany family who tragically lost their home in a fire on Christmas Day. On Saturday, January 27 over $1,000 was raised for the Anderson Family.

Applebee’s, located at 1057 Route 46 hosted the fundraiser and donated the food, kitchen staff and premises to raise the funds. The breakfast includes flapjacks, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, tea, milk or orange juice.

Parsippany High School Key Club members Eileen Zhang, Janani Rao, Yukta Nyati, Anjala Shah, Sahaj Patel, Sanjana Sure, Amanda Cen and Neil Khare joined Parsippany Hills High School Key Club members Andrea Potesta, Ana Durante, Cindy Lam, Irene Hsieh, Wasay Noor and seated the guests, served the food and cleaned the tables.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany members Carol Tiesi, Karen DeChristopher, Mayor Michael Soriano, Greg Elbin, Susan Elbin, Silvia Cooper, Nicolas Limanov, and President Frank Cahill brought the orders from the kitchen for the students to serve the guests.

Frank Cahill issued a “Certificate of Appreciation” to all the Key Club members stating, “On behalf of the members of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany we thank you for being part of the Key Club and making a difference in our community.”

Another fundraiser is planned for Saturday, February 3 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at IHOP, 792 Route 46. (click here to download flyer to present to server). A percentage of the meal proceeds during that time will go to the family.

Prosecutor Knapp and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury Educate Community on Opioid Epidemic

Frank L. Cahill
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Prosecutor Knapp and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury Educate Community on Opioid Epidemic

MORRIS COUNTY — On Sunday, January 28, Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury, and Chief Peer Recovery Specialist Alton Robinson of Morris CARES, joined the members of the Temple Shalom of Succasunna for a Brotherhood Breakfast presentation on the ongoing opioid epidemic. The Brotherhood meets monthly to discuss issues that affect the local community.

As expressed by Prosecutor Knapp, in order to truly make progress against the opioid epidemic, it is necessary for the residents of Morris County to understand the enormity of this crisis. To that goal, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has conducted numerous educational presentations by Chief Assistant Prosecutor Seabury since 2015. As the stigma surrounding opioid use and the disease of substance abuse disorder is continuously erased, progress in this battle will continue to be made.

The presentation covered multiple aspects of the opioid epidemic, including how it impacts the community, what law enforcement is doing to combat the crisis, and the success of the current programs in Morris County.

Even though the majority of people in our community have been affected by the opioid epidemic in some way, there has been a general lack of knowledge about how street opiates have changed over the years. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Seabury provided a basic understanding of pharmaceutical opioid drug abuse, how this problem can lead to addiction, how heroin is used, distributed, and priced in Morris County, as well as how Fentanyl has become a major killer of drug users.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office along with the Morris Center for Addiction Recovery Education & Success (CARES), are seeking to make Morris County stigma-free, while offering the best possible opportunities for those suffering from substance abuse disorder to change their lives.

 

Statement from Representative Rodney P. Frelinghuysen

Frank L. Cahill
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Statement from Representative Rodney P. Frelinghuysen

Statement of Representative Rodney P. Frelinghuysen (NJ-11)

Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen

Today as I announce my retirement at the end of this session of Congress, I want to use the opportunity to strongly encourage the many young people I meet to consider public service.  Public service is an incredible way to turn your convictions into something that serves the greater good and to do it alongside people from every walk of life and background.  That has certainly been my experience here in this House, and during my Army service in Vietnam.  I thank my friends and colleagues with whom I have served.  My years in public service have allowed me to represent my home county of Morris for over 40 years, and also Essex, Passaic, Sussex Counties, and earlier on, Somerset!  That would not have been possible without the love and support of my wife, Virginia, our two girls and my late father and mentor, Peter.  The unsung heroes of my time in Congress are my staff, both in Morristown and Washington, who tend every day to the needs of 730,000 constituents!

During my time serving here there have been times of great tragedy including the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and the ravages of Hurricane Sandy on my home state.   In my role on the House Appropriations Committee, I made sure that New Jersey’s needs were met in both the immediate aftermath as well as over time in the wake of these events.  I have proudly been able to secure key federal investments for New Jersey to strengthen our economy, our institutions of higher education, our hospitals and public transportation systems, to preserve open space and protect the environment and to better serve our veterans and our fellow citizens with mental illness and disabilities.

As Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, this past year I have had a singular focus on “getting our work done”.  We completed 12 appropriations bill left over from 2017, we passed all 2018 bills in record time through regular order, and three Disaster Supplementals historic in scope and the expediency with which we acted to help our fellow citizens.  In my remaining year as chairman, I am determined to finish the FY18 bills and pass our FY19 bills through regular order.   Every member, Republican and Democrat, will continue to have ample opportunity to directly impact the Congressional power of the purse and decide the best and highest use of limited taxpayer money.  This will require — and I will happily devote — all my energies to this task.

Throughout my service in this House, my deepest devotion has been to supporting our Armed Forces, all volunteers, and their families, here and abroad, and those warfighters who have returned home with injuries and who depend on a functioning veterans’ health care system.  To those of you I have met while you served us overseas and to those of you that I have sat by your bedside, I hope and trust I have served you well.

I have worked in a bipartisan manner, not just in times of crisis but always, because I believe it best serves my constituents, my state and our country. My father reminded me often that we are temporary stewards of the public trust.  I have sincerely endeavored to earn that trust every day and I thank my constituents and my home state of New Jersey for the honor to serve and I will continue to do so to the best of my abilities through the end of my term.

Cruz Named to Fall 2017 Dean’s List at Saint Rose

Frank L. Cahill
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Cruz Named to Fall 2017 Dean’s List at Saint Rose

PARSIPPANY — The College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y., is pleased to announce that Emily Cruz of Parsippany has been named to the Dean’s List for Fall 2017.

The College of Saint Rose is a dynamic, progressive college in the heart of New York’s capital city where teaching is the first priority. The Saint Rose experience empowers students to improve themselves and the world around them. For more information click here.

Donate to Students of the Year campaign under Alivia’s Alliance

Frank L. Cahill
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Donate to Students of the Year campaign under Alivia’s Alliance

PARSIPPANY — Hello! My name is Alivia Mercuro and I am a student of Parsippany High School and an advocate for the Students of the Year campaign under Alivia’s Alliance.

I have always been a lover of community service and helping others, and this time I am taking it to a whole other level. I am reaching out to YOU to be a part of the change in the world of blood cancers and blood cancer awareness through donations. Click here to donate.

The goal of this campaign is to raise as much money as possible in seven weeks to go directly towards Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and bettering the lives of patients of all ages with blood cancer. Blood cancer related illness the number one cause of cancer related death in children. As a supporter of my campaign, you will be a part in the end of suffering for the end of suffering for the hundreds of end of suffering for the hundreds of thousands of people diagnosed with blood related cancer.

Donating towards Alivia’s Alliance will ensure important research funded by LLS and will, without doubt, SAVE A LIFE!

If any local business is interested in buying an advertisement in the Finale Program (a lot of the candidates and families are from the North Jersey area) Click here for the commitment form, they can also donate directly to Alivia’s page.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. 

Hating Tom Brady? Who Will Be Able To Argue?  

Focus contributor
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Hating Tom Brady? Who Will Be Able To Argue?  

Millions of Americans will be glued to the television Sunday, February 4 to watch the 52 Super Bowl. Millions of Americans will not be watching for various reasons. Some are not interested in football. Some will have something else better to do. Others are sick and tired of the National Football League. Others are disappointed in multi-million dollar players kneeling during the National Anthem.

Millions will be watching to see if Tom Brady can win his sixth Super Bowl ring. Millions more will be watching hoping with every play that the Philadelphia Eagles will eke out a win against Brady and the New England Patriots.

It seems that the majority of American football fans are weary of Brady and the Patriots winning Super Bowls and are more than ready to see someone else walk out with the victory. However with Brady and the Patriots, you can never count them out of the game until the game is over. Brady knows how to lead a team out of a hole and back to victory.

Last year I was cruising through Super Bowl 51 thinking the Atlanta Falcons had the game won. At one point the Falcons had a 25-point lead! Midway through the third quarter Brady and the Patriots trailed 28 – 3 and looked defeated, but came back and won the game 34 – 28 stunning the sport’s world.

Typically Americans root for the underdogs.  We love to see the mighty fall. We often resent and even hate successful people. Thus, the Patriots and Brady won’t have the majority of Americans rooting for them Sunday and Brady will probably be the most hated player on the field.

But why would any of us hate Tom Brady? What do we want from this guy? Do we want him to be a loser? He’s not a loser. The idea behind playing sports is to do your best and help your team win the game. Tom Brady does his best and leads his team to championships. New England fans love him.  Brady is a 40-year-old sports super hero.  After all these years he has seemingly escaped major injuries or brain trauma.   It is remarkable that he has kept his brain intact.  Although with football, traumatic injuries are sometimes revealed years down the road.  Brady is a good-looking guy, with a model wife and beautiful little girl.  Do we hate this about Brady? Why would we? Often we hate people because they are in a stage or state of life that we can’t obtain. Or, at one time we might have envisioned ourselves in such a role or dream-like life and it didn’t work out for us.

Brady showed the kind of guy he is with his response on a routine WEEI radio interview on Boston radio to announcer Alex Reiner calling Brady’s 5-year-old daughter an “annoying little pissant.”  Brady responded by saying, “I’ve tried to come on this show for many years and showed you guys a lot of respect. I’ve always tried to come on and do a good job for you guys, so it’s very disappointing when you hear that, certainly – with my daughter or any child, they certainly don’t deserve that.”  Brady ended the interview saying, “I’ll obviously evaluate whether I want to come on this show again, so I really don’t have much to say this morning.  So maybe I’ll speak with you guys some other time.”  Reimer and his radio co-host were discussing “Tom vs. Time” the documentary series about Brady that premiered on Facebook last week.  Reimer said, “All right, I thought the first scene was so staged, where Brady’s like in the kitchen, this kid’s being an annoying little pissant…”

Reimer has been suspended indefinitely and Brady taking the high road said that he hoped the radio personality would not be fired.

Tom Brady has seven Super Bowl starts. His record is five wins and two loses.

His two-year $41 million dollar contract is an annual average of $20.5 million, which makes him the 12th highest-paid quarterback in the NFL. He has thrown for 66,159 yards and 488 touchdowns.  He is already considered one of the best to ever play in the National Football League.  Winning Sunday will solidify Brady as the best to ever play the game putting him in the ranks of sports super star legends such as Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth, Mohammed Ali, Jack Nicklaus and others.

Winning will probably gain Brady a few more haters but history won’t care much about the stats of how many people rooted against Brady. If Brady wins his sixth Lombardi Trophy, history will be all about the greatest who ever played the game and who will be able to argue?

Sources: Recent Television Reports, Google: Tom Brady’s Stats, SBNation.com, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post<

Dr. Glenn Mollette is the author of 12 books. His syndicated column is read in all 50 states.

READ HIS  NEW BOOK – UNCOMMON SENSE

Contact him at GMollette@aol.com.   Learn more by clicking here or Like his facebook page by clicking here.

Friends of the Library Mid-Winter Bag Sale

Frank L. Cahill
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Friends of the Library Mid-Winter Bag Sale

PARSIPPANY — Stock up on winter reading and more at the Friends of the Parsippany Library’s Mid-Winter Bag Sale running Saturday, February 3 through Friday, February 24 during library hours.   The bag sale will be held at the Main Library, 449 Halsey Road.

Choose from an extensive collection of both fiction and non-fiction books in excellent condition, many in hardcover.  Among the pre-sorted categories are:  history, cooking, graphic novels, children’s books, reference, travel, and more.  DVDs, CDs, and mixed media are also available for purchase. 

 Dealers are welcome and there are no buyer restrictions.  Stock is replenished daily so be sure to visit again for new selections.  At just $6.00 per bag (provided) and with proceeds going to benefit the library’s purchase of new materials for collections, it’s guilt-free shopping at its best.  

While you’re in the area, be sure to visit the Friends’ Book Nook, open Tuesday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the lower level of the Parsippany Community Center at 1130 Knoll Road. 

Baadal Vachhani recognized on Muhlenberg College Dean’s List

Frank L. Cahill
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Baadal Vachhani recognized on Muhlenberg College Dean’s List

PARSIPPANY — Baadal Vachhani, a 2015 Graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, was recognized on Muhlenberg College Dean’s List for Fall 2017.

Muhlenberg College students with a term GPA of 3.50 or higher were recognized for their academic achievement.

Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a highly selective, private, four-year residential, liberal arts college located in Allentown, Pa., approximately 90 miles west of New York City. With an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 2200 students, Muhlenberg College is dedicated to shaping creative, compassionate, collaborative leaders through rigorous academic programs in the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences as well as selected pre-professional programs, including accounting, business, education and public health. A member of the Centennial Conference, Muhlenberg competes in 22 varsity sports.

Gus wants to have a family to call his own

Frank L. Cahill
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Gus wants to have a family to call his own

PARSIPPANY — Meet Gus! He is an eight-month-old male Chihuahua Boston Terrier mix. He absolutely LOVES people! He seeks attention and enjoys being held. He makes the perfect lap dog. Once he is fully grown, he will only be about twelve pounds.

Gus would love nothing more than to snuggle up with you on the couch! He is mellow but also enjoys playing with toys. Gus would prefer to be the only pet in the household but has been able to get along with a calm female dog. He also prefers a home without children.

Gus is pad trained, sleeps through the night, and walks on leash. He is a fun-loving guy who wants to nap curled up near a window all day long.

He was found as a stray in the streets of Paterson, lost with nowhere to go. He never knew the good things in life until he was saved. He can’t wait to have a family to call his own!

If you are interested in adopting Gus, please fill out an application by clicking here. Due to the large number of puppy applications  received, they will only be processing applications after a $25.00 donation is made. Wise Animal Rescue us a volunteer-based group and want to ensure that all applicants are as serious about the adoption process as we are.

Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Like Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.

W.A.R.’s goal is to find the perfect family dynamic and place our dogs in a loving, safe and permanent home. All of our dogs available for adoption are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on shots and microchipped.

Our adoption process starts with filling an application, home visit, meet and greet and then finalizing with an adoption contract and fee.

Adoption fees range from about $200 to $500. These fees help defray costs of veterinary and foster care and are tax deductible.

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