2018 marks the Ten-Year Anniversary of Bella’s Bunch

Frank L. Cahill
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2018 marks the Ten-Year Anniversary of Bella’s Bunch

VERONA — Bella Rocco, a Parsippany High School Junior, and former patient has been attending the Walk since 2009 and each year her team, Bella’s Bunch has the distinction of fielding the most participants.

The Valerie Fund Walk and JAG Physical Therapy 5K Run was held on Saturday June 9, in Verona Park, Verona.

As of Saturday evening, June 9, Valerie Fund Walk and JAG Physical Therapy 5K Run raised $954,691; There were 187 teams; 638 runners; 2,093 walkers; and 2,731 participants. The goal for Bella’s Bunch was $5,000 and they exceeded the goal by raising $5,156.

The Valerie Fund Children

The Valerie Fund relies on the dollars raised to help the children who live in our community. The Walk and 5K Run supports their mission to provide comprehensive health care for children with cancer and blood disorders. Every step you walk or run and every dollar you raise helps at The Valerie Fund Centers. Patients receive far more than treatment for their physical illnesses. Their philosophy is that to truly heal the children with whose care we are entrusted, we must treat them emotionally, socially, and developmentally, as well as medically.

Sons of Italy President Lou Amato, Bella, and Joe Jannarone, Jr.

2018 will mark the Ten year Anniversary of Bella’s Bunch.

TEN YEARS of family, friends and our community coming together to support this amazing cause.

Together Bella’s Bunch has raised over $50,000 and counting for these warrior kids that continue to fight the fight!

Parsippany resident Bella Rocco will walk for every kid in a green shirt and every parent that is part of the club that we never signed up for.

Three surgeries later Bella continues to be monitored on a regular basis never knowing what the next MRI will bring but confident that no matter what, together we will keep pushing forward to get through anything thrown her way.

She has always been and always will be in my eyes a Rock Star, a shining example of perseverance, strength, and fearlessness.

Nearly 40 years ago, Sue and Ed Goldsteinbegan The Valerie Fund to honor the memory of their nine-year old daughter. During the six years of her treatment, Valerie and her parents would often travel several hundred miles a week to a hospital in NYC and they wanted to spare other families with critically ill children the additional suffering of traveling to and from the city for treatment. Their dream was to help children receive high-quality care in a nurturing environment close to their homes.

Today, there are seven Valerie Fund Children’s Centers located in top pediatric hospitals in New York, New Jersey and metro Philadelphia and more than 4,000 patients are treated annually—one of the largest networks of healthcare facilities for children with cancer and blood disorders in the country.

Over 4,000 people attended the Valerie Fund Walk and JAG Physical Therapy 5K Run on Saturday, June 9
Bella’s mom, Pat Rocco, watching the children of Valerie Fund on the stage

K-Family Night was a big success

Frank L. Cahill
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K-Family Night was a big success

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany hosted a “K-Family” night on Friday, June 8 at the Parsippany High School.

DJ Jay Gee and Comedian KC Arora entertained the “K-Family” and food was provided by Pomptonian Food Services.

The event was attended by Key Club Members, Parents, Teachers and members of the Kiwanis Club.

Club President Frank Cahill said “This has been a good year for Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.  We are the fastest growing Kiwanis Club in New Jersey. Our club sponsored our first Circle K club. Seton Hall University. I would like to introduce Seton Hall’s First President Tabitha LaRocca and Vice President Joseph Carbone. Welcome to our K-family.”

Cahill gave all the credit to Kiwanis member Gordon Meth, for his vision in starting the Seton Hall Circle K and following through until it became a reality.

In addition, Cahill said “Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany supports nine K-Kid clubs: Lake Parsippany Elementary School, Eastlake Elementary School, Mt. Tabor Elementary School, Littleton Elementary School, Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, Troy Hills Elementary School, Northvail Elementary School, Knollwood School and Rockaway Meadow Elementary School, two builder’s clubs, Central Middle School and Brooklawn Middle School; two Key Clubs, Parsippany Hills High School and Parsippany High School and one Aktion Club. That’s over 500 kids our club sponsors.”

“In addition to Seton Hall University, one of my goals to have the only elementary school in Parsippany, Intervale School, which does not have a K-Kids, to join and become part of our family.  I am happy to say, we are in the final stages of completing the registration for Intervale K-Kids, which should be active starting in September,” said Cahill.

Suzanne Meth and Littleton School K-Kids Advisor Carol Tiesi
Nicolas Limanov and Joyce Garrow
Debbie Young
Bob Young
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany member Neeta Dhopeshwarkar
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Silva Cooper
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Secretary Karen Gajewski
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill
Kyle and Jacob Meth, Parsippany High School Key Club Members

These kids are amazing.  They raise funds and supports projects throughout the school year. They raise money for Unicef, send candy and hearts for Valentines Day to people serving our country, raise money for Eliminate, Cook for senior citizens, Cook at Homeless Solutions, conduct food drives for Parsippany Food Pantry among other things.  The members of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany would like to thank every student of our K-Kids, Builders Club and Key Clubs and making a difference in our community.

Kiwanis Member Al Goldberg
Key Club Member and President-Elect Karen DeChristopher
Comedian KC Arora
Seton Hall University Circle K Vice President Joseph Carbone, Seton Hall University Circle K President Tabitha LaRocca
Parsippany Hills High School Key Club members
K-Family night held at Parsippany High School
Comedian KC Arora
DJ Jay Dee

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany raises funds and donates to the Parsippany Food Pantry, Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, Parsippany PAL Youth Center, Parsippany High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Hills High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Child Day Center, Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey, Camp Nejeda, NJ Sharing Network, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Parsippany, Parsippany Project Graduation, Jersey Battered Women’s Services, Family Promise of Morris County, Parsippany Little League West, Parsippany Little League East to name a few.

For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. If you would like to learn more, visit and join us for breakfast.

Knollwood School students holds a car wash

Frank L. Cahill
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Knollwood School students holds a car wash

PARSIPPANY — Knollwood Elementary School held a car wash on Saturday, June 9 at the Parsippany IHOP, 792 Route 46, to raise funds for their class activities.

Knollwood Student holding the sign directing cars to their car wash

Kiwanis Club welcomes new member Rama Jonnalagadda

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Club welcomes new member Rama Jonnalagadda

PARSIPPANY — At a recent breakfast meeting, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Frank Cahill inducted a new member, Rama Jonnalagadda.

Club President Frank Cahill presented Rama with her membership plaque and Sponsoring Member Doreen Brennan placed the official Kiwanis membership pin on Rama.

Frank Cahill said “We welcome Rama Jonnalagadda to this global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”

Rama is the owner of Jai Ganesh Yoga Studio, 138 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. For more information, click here.

Kiwanis Member Doreen Brennan pins the official Kiwanis Pin on Rama Jonnalagadda

John Burkly is a 2018 Graduate of Bucknell University

Frank L. Cahill
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John Burkly is a 2018 Graduate of Bucknell University

PARSIPPANY — John Burkly, a 2014 Graduate of Seton Hall Prep, graduated from Bucknell University on May 20, 2018.

Located in Lewisburg, Pa., Bucknell University is a highly selective private liberal arts university that offers majors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and social and natural sciences, along with broad opportunities outside of class, to its 3,600 undergraduates. Graduate programs are available in select disciplines. Students benefit from a small student-faculty ratio of 9:1, personal attention from faculty, leadership opportunities, and excellent graduation rates and career outcomes.

Kutztown University Announces Spring 2018 Dean’s List

Frank L. Cahill
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Kutztown University Announces Spring 2018 Dean’s List

PARSIPPANY — Meghan Wald, a 2017 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, was part of more than 1,735 students named to the Spring 2018 Dean’s List at Kutztown University. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, an undergraduate student must be registered for at least 12 credits and have a minimum grade point average of 3.60.

Founded in 1866, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education located on 289 acres nestled in the beautiful East Penn Valley in Berks County, between Reading and Allentown, Pennsylvania. KU is just two hours from New York City; 90 minutes from Philadelphia.

As the region’s center for excellence in academics, culture and public engagement, KU’s programs and reputation for quality offer students the opportunity to discover lifelong avenues of learning and discovery. KU students select from more than 100 areas of study within four colleges in a diverse liberal arts academic environment.

To complement their studies, KU’s NCAA Division II athletics program with 21 varsity sports joins the more than 160 student clubs and organizations providing students with a variety of activities for learning and discovery. For more information click here.

Substance Free Event Expected To Draw Hundreds

Frank L. Cahill
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Substance Free Event Expected To Draw Hundreds

HANOVER — The Morris Area Coalition for Education and Positive Choices announced their biggest night ever. As part of their ongoing initiative to provide youth with supervised positive activity, the Coalition continually accentuates the fact that a great time can be had without the introduction of drugs and alcohol. Keeping kids involved is very important and the Coalition is constantly busy planning chaperoned events to keep them occupied in a fun atmosphere.

The Coalition is sponsoring this event in conjunction with the Hanover Township Substance Awareness Council, Hanover Township Police Department, Hanover Township, Parks an Recreation, Whippany and Cedar Knolls Fire Departments, Morris County Sheriff’s Department and law enforcement agencies, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Knights of Columbus, Hanover Scouts, Hanover Tiger Football and Cheerleaders, American Martial Arts, Sharon’s School of Dance, Cheer Pride, Legacy Gym, Party Pleasing Rental, Retro Fitness, Wegman’s and many more local businesses. The event will be held on Friday, June 15 from 6:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Whippany Park High School Gymnasium, 165 Whippany Road, Whippany.

Free food, volleyball, music and fun are among the night’s events. The height of the evening will by the annual “tug of war” between fire departments. The “Big Night Out” is free of charge and open to all Morris area residents.  Please come out and support the efforts of the Coalition to inspire young people to make positive decisions to stay healthy and avoid drugs and alcohol. Engaging with kids and providing families with education, support, guidance and resources has been the Coalition’s purpose in helping address the problem of substance abuse.

Denville Mayor Tom Andes announces candidacy for third term

Frank L. Cahill
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Denville Mayor Tom Andes announces candidacy for third term
Denville Mayor Tom Andes

DENVILLE — On Tuesday night May 29, before a large crowd of enthusiastic family, friends and political colleagues, Denville Mayor Tom Andes announced his candidacy for a third term as Mayor of the “Hub of Morris County.” The event took place at St. Francis Residential Community.

The Mayor was joined by numerous dignitaries as well as the Council who served under his tenure – former Council Members Unrath, Golinski, Fitzpatrick and Kuser, and current members Council President Gabel, as well as Lyden, Murphy, Witte, Borowiec, Bergen and Buie. Former Councilman Don Kuser introduced Mayor Andes. Kuser highlighted how far the community has progressed since Hurricane Irene but mentioned that, most importantly, the community has united under Andes’ leadership.

On April 30, 2018 Parsippany Focus reported that Parsippany-Troy Hills Business Administrator Ellen Sandman, will be running in the June 2019 primary for Mayor of Denville. Rumors have been circulating around Parsippany’s Town Hall that Sandman will be retiring from Parsippany after the 2018 budget process has completed. Running for Mayor is nothing new for Sandman. She ran in 2007 against Ted Hussa in the Republican primary and lost by nine votes in a very heated campaign. During that race Sandman had the endorsement of former Mayor Gene Feyl.

Andes spoke briefly thanking his supporters and the entire Town Council for their team work in putting Denville back together after the Hurricane. He discussed how Denville has recently been recognized as the Ninth best town in New Jersey to live in, under the Council’s leadership; and he thanked them for always speaking their mind, voting their conscience and always working as a team for the best interest of our community.  Andes discussed the improvements to the town that have been made under his tenure as Mayor.  These included the rebuilding of the Valley View Fire House, Flood Mitigation Initiatives which strengthen Denville’s position in the face of future weather events, the Downtown Streetscape, New Turf Field and Park and infrastructure Improvements.  Financial improvements were also made, including the almost $1.5 Million in grants for the Downtown Streetscape, nearly $400,000 FEMA reimbursement for the Firehouse, the many contractual changes streamlining efficiency. This has resulted in a Moody’s upgrade of the town’s debt rating to Aa1, the second best a town can hold, which allows Denville to borrow at a lower rate, saving taxpayer dollars. Also under Andes’ tenure, Denville formed a Business Improvement District, aimed at strengthening the downtown economy.

Mayor Andes spoke about how much he has enjoyed being the Mayor of the greatest community in the State and how honored and humbled he was. He thanked his wife, Sharon and his children for supporting him and his desire to continue leading the community. He then talked about how much more there is to do especially in the area of Flood Mitigation and Downtown Improvements.

Tom Andes, known as “Mr. Playground,” has served the citizens of Denville since 1995, first on the Recreation Committee, when he was the Chairman of Project Playground that built the playground at Gardner Field. In 2000 Andes was appointed to the Town Council as the Ward One Councilman, where he was elected and re-elected serving 12 years.  Andes took office as Denville Mayor in 2012. His current term ends December 31, 2019.  The Republican Primary is June and the General Election is November of 2019.

Morris County Opens New Veterans Services Office and VA Clinic

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Opens New Veterans Services Office and VA Clinic

MORRIS COUNTY — A new Morris County Veterans Services Office and Veterans Administration Clinic located in Morris Township officially opened today in a ceremony that included the unveiling and dedication of a POW/MIA Chair of Honor for the county.

Larry Ragonese, Morris County Communications Director

The Morris County Board of Freeholders and representatives of the Veterans Administration and officials of the veterans’ group Rolling Thunder Inc., and other military veterans participated in the opening ceremony held this afternoon.

Freeholder Doug Cabana

“This is all about making sure we provide quality services for our veterans here in Morris County, to ensure they have a place to get the services they need and the medical care they deserve,” said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana.

“My wish is that all of our heroes come through the doors of this center and feel the respect and gratitude we have for their service, and know there always will be a cup of coffee and a warm smile for them from someone who is there to help.”

The new Morris County Veterans Services Center/VA Clinic is located in a dedicated section of the Morris View Healthcare Center. It is three times larger than the county’s former Veterans Services/VA Clinic quarters in the nearby county’s Human Services building, where the veterans’ clinic shared space with other county agencies.

The new center has a meeting room for use by veterans or staff, and provides a space where veterans can congregate and socialize while waiting for their appointments. There also much more room for enhanced programs, and allows for the addition of two staff members with bi-lingual capabilities.

Plans call for improved building access for clients, especially those who are disabled, and additional handicapped parking.

The larger space will allow the county to increase partnerships with community organizations who serve veterans and offer easy links to a wide array of services in one location.

Members of Rolling Thunder, “Missing Man Ceremony” 1598 were missing from Viet Nam alone

As part of the event, Rolling Thunder Inc. held a “Missing Man Ceremony’’ and unveiling, and dedication of a Chair of Honor, which calls attention to soldiers who have been killed in action, held as prisoners of war, or whose remains have not been recovered.

Representing Rolling Thunder were Gus Dante, a Vietnam-era U.S. Army veteran, who is the organization’s government affairs representative; Joseph Kotch, U.S. Navy Vietnam War veteran, who served on the group’s governing board; and Elaine Martin, national secretary of the group’s POW/MIA Chair of Honor Committee.

The moving ceremony centered around a simple round table, with an empty glass and plate, white tablecloth, burning candle, red rose in a vase with a red ribbon, all set for a returning serviceman or servicewoman who has not come home. For more details about the Missing Man Ceremony click here.

Formed in 1995, Rolling Thunder is a non-profit organization with more than 90 chapters throughout the nation. Their mission is to bring full accountability for prisoners of war/mission in action (POW/MIA) of all wars, and to remind the nation about these veterans, through their actions and watchwords: “We Will Not Forget.”

Rabbi Mendy Herson, Executive Director of Chabad of Somerset, Hunterdon and Union Counties and Jewish Center of Basking Ridge

Also participating in the service were the Morris Choral Society and St. Virgil’s Choir; Morris County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard; Rabbi Mendy Herson, Executive Director of the Chabad of Somerset, Hunterdon and Union counties, and the Jewish Center of Basking Ridge; Faith Noah of Bugles Across America; and bagpiper Andy Kerr of Rolling Thunder.

The new Morris County Veterans Service Office and VA Clinic Grand Opening
Pledge of Allegiance: Ken Brenzel, Gary Denamen, Peggy Keane and Marvan Palmer
Morris County Sheriff James Gannon and Freeholder Heather Darling
Parsippany resident Peggy Keane, VA (Navy) and Marvan Palmer (Marines)
Gus Dante, Vietnam Era Veteran, US Army, Government Affairs Representative, Board Member Rolling Thunder, Inc.
Elaine Martin, Nation Secretary POW/MIA Chair of Honor Committee, Rolling Thunder, Inc.
The Missing Man Ceremony
Taps played by Frank Hughes, Bugles Across America

Hunting Ridge Community Science Fair

Frank L. Cahill
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Hunting Ridge Community Science Fair
First Annual Hunting Ridge Community Science Fair

PARSIPPANY — First Annual science fair conducted by the residents of Hunting Ridge Community, Route 46 and North Beverwyck Road. This event was open to all the children residing in the community.

The Science Fair was held at the Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road on Saturday, June 2.

Purpose of this event is to encourage the kids’ excitement and enthusiasm in displaying their projects and explaining the science behind them. This event was organized by a group of parents residing in the community. It was a overwhelming success hailed by the children, parents and other local academic community members.

About 38 different exciting science experiments demonstrated by over 60 enthusiastic kids.This event was judged by acclaimed academic members from various local children’s education and enrichment centers. Teachers from local schools attended the event to encourage their students.

First Annual Hunting Ridge Community Science Fair

Chief guest at the event was the Mayor of Parsippany Michael Soriano who gave a very inspiring speech to the kids highlighting the importance of science in various aspects of life. Also he showed deep interest and involvement by interacting with the participating kids regarding their experiment

This event was funded partially by registration fee and from the support of various sponsors including education and child enrichment centers.

First Annual Hunting Ridge Community Science Fair
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