MORRIS COUNTY — The North Stars Gymnastics Academy proudly announces 12 National Qualifiers from its USAG National Women’s Development Program, with one of its gymnasts dominating the national field scoring the highest all-around among all Level 10s at the annual U.S. regional meets.

After intense competition, six Level 10 gymnasts and six Level 9s from North Stars Gymnastics qualified at the USAG Region 7 Regionals held at the Nittany Valley Sports Center in State College, Pa. April 11-14. The gymnasts are trained by Head Team Coach Ashley Umberger, Faith Baranowski, Heather Moroz, Shenice Martin, Melissa Jones, and Brielle Benoski.

The USAG Gymnastics Women’s Program is comprised of eight regions throughout the nation, representing all 50 states. Region 7 Gymnastics is the governing body of USAG Gymnastics representing Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The top seven all-around finishers and one alternate from each age group qualify to represent Region 7 nationally. Ten is the top score gymnasts could receive for each event including balance beam, uneven bars, floor exercise, and vault. All-around scores are comprised of all four events with 40 as the highest.

In line with North Stars’ long-standing tradition of excellence, senior Olivia Kelly of Mahwah earned the highest all-around score among all Level 10s from the eight USAG regions with a 39.425. The Missouri Women’s Gymnastics Team commit also won the top spot at the New Jersey Level 10 State Championship last month.

“We are proud to have so many of our talented athletes qualify to compete at these prestigious events,” said Ashley Umberger, CEO, part-owner, and head coach of North Stars Gymnastics Academy. “Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off, earning them an opportunity to compete and showcase their skills on a national level.”

The Level 10s will compete in the USAG Development Program 2024 National Championship May 9-12 at the Volusia County Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Fla. The top four all-around athletes from each age division will make up the USA Development Program National Team and receive an invitation to participate in a special training camp. The event will be streamed live via a subscription service.

North Stars’ Level 10 National qualifiers include:

• Olivia Kelly, 17, Mahwah (Bergen County) Class of 2024, Sr. D

North Stars Gymnastics Academy Homeschool Program, senior

University of Missouri Women’s Gymnastics Team commit

AA champion, first place 39.4250

Beam, first place 9.900

Bars, first place 9.850

Floor, first place 9.950

Vault, 9.725

•  Leah Higgins, 13, Boonton (Morris County) Class of 2029, Jr. A

North Stars Gymnastics Academy Homeschool Program, 7th grade

AA, fifth place 37.4250

Bars, 9.500

Beam, 9.000

Floor, fifth place 9.575

Vault, 9.350

• Stella Fischer, 14, Bridgewater (Somerset County) Class of 2027, Jr. B

North Stars Gymnastics Academy Homeschool Program, freshman

AA, fourth place 36.8250

Bars, fourth place 9.400

Beam, second place 9.625

Floor, 8.725

Vault, 9.075

• Sophia Rocca, 14, Blairstown (Warren County) Class of 2028, Jr. B (All-Star Session/event specialist-beam)

North Stars Gymnastics Academy Homeschool Program, 8th grade

Bars, 9.275

Beam, first place 9.650

• Kai Mattei, 17, Melville,Y. (Suffolk County) Class of 2025, Sr. B

North Stars Gymnastics Academy Homeschool Program, junior

AA, fourth place 37.4500

Bars, 8.975

Beam, first place tie 9.625

Floor, 9.400

Vault, 9.450

• Alana Walker, 17, West Orange (Essex County) Class of 2024, Sr. D

North Stars Gymnastics Academy Homeschool Program, senior

Stanford Women’s Gymnastics Team commit

AA, second place 38.5250

Bars, 9.375

Beam, fourth place 9.500

Floor, second place 9.850

Vault, second place tie 9.800

In Level, 9, gymnasts will compete individually in their respective age groups and as part of the Region 7 National Team from May 2-5 at the USA Gymnastics Women’s Artistic Level 9 Eastern Championships at the Myrtle Beach Sports Center in South Carolina.

Easterns consists of Regions 5, 6, 7, and 8 — representing 26 states in the Eastern part of the U.S. The other half, Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4, will compete at Westerns the same weekend in Coralville, Idaho.

North Stars’ Level 9 qualifiers for Easterns include:

• Mira Kalra, 15, Basking Ridge (Somerset County) Class of 2026, Sr. 3

Ridge High School, sophomore

AA champion, first place 38.1750

Beam, first place 9.450

Bars, first place 9.500

Floor, first place 9.675

Vault, first place 9.550

• Olivia Cuff, 14, Denville (Morris County) Class of 2027, Jr. 7 (first alternate)

Morris Knolls High School, Rockaway, N.J., freshman

AA 35.900

Beam, 8.525

Bars, 8.375

Floor, fourth place 9.525

Vault, third place 9.475

• Ashlyn Cummings, 12, Oak Ridge (Morris County) Class of 2029, Jr. 2

North Stars Gymnastics Academy Homeschool Program, 7th grade

AA, sixth place 36.950

Beam, 8.725

Bars, second place 9.450

Floor, 9.500

Vault, 9.275

• Lia DiNapoli, 15, Butler (Morris County) Class of 2026, Sr. 3

North Stars Gymnastics Academy Homeschool Program, sophomore

AA, third place 36.5750

Beam, 9.200

Bars, 8.600

Floor, 9.300

Vault, second place tie 9.475

• Keira Schwarz,14, Basking Ridge (Somerset County) Class of 2028, Jr. 6

William Annin Middle School, Basking Ridge, 8th grade

AA, third place 37.600

Bars, first place 9.400

Beam, 8.950

Floor, first place tie 9.700

Vault, third place 9.550

• Sh’Nai Thompson,16, Dunellen (Middlesex County) Class of 2025, Sr. 5

Dunellen High School, junior

AA, second place 37.6250

Bars, 8.800

Beam, second place 9.425

Floor, second place 9.600

Vault, first place tie 9.800

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners declared April 2024 National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month at a meeting last week, when Commissioners Director Christine Myers presented a framed proclamation to members of Atlantic Health System’s Behavioral Health Team for their work to provide outreach and support to victims through the Morris County Sexual Assault Center. 

“More than half of all women and nearly one-third of all men in America have experienced sexual violence according to statistics released this year by the White House,” said Myers. “And let’s not forget about the children who are victimized and who many times are nameless. It can happen anywhere, to anyone, and the trauma is life-changing for victims. National Sexual Assault Awareness Month serves as a critical reminder that sexual assault is a serious societal issue that requires collective action and commitment to create a safer world where everyone can feel protected.”

Kerri Bossardet-West, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Manager of Atlantic Behavioral Health, and Sherry Aitchinson, Licensed Professional Counselor of the Morris County Sexual Assault Center at Atlantic Behavioral Health, accepted the proclamation.

“We want to thank the Commissioners for once again acknowledging Sexual Assault and Prevention Awareness Month,” said Aitchinson. “And to let people know that we are here, and we are available. Our hotline is open 24/7; we don’t want victims to suffer in silence. This is a free service in Morris County, and we want everyone to spread the word.” 

Sexual abuse can happen almost anywhere, whether at work, home, school, or other public places—or even online—to virtually anyone, regardless of geography, race, age, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or economic and social background. The trauma of sexual abuse is life-changing for victims and can lead to depression, anxiety, and PTSD, among other physical and emotional impacts.

“We have seen an increase in sexual violence after the pandemic, so your support for the Morris County Sexual Assault Center under Atlantic Health System is very important,” said Bossardet-West. “Thank you for getting the word out that we are here to serve the victims of sexual assault.”

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, please call the Atlantic Behavioral Health Sexual Assault Program Hotline: (973) 829-0587. Confidential support and crisis counseling provided by a professional therapist are available around the clock, every day.

Advocates, certified forensic nurses, and specially trained law enforcement investigators of Atlantic Health’s Sexual Assault Response Team are available to address the medical, emotional, and legal needs of survivors 13 years of age and up who are in acute crisis and have been sexually assaulted within five days.

Please visit the Atlantic Behavioral Health website by clicking here for more information on the Morris County Sexual Assault Center.

MORRIS COUNTY — Employers Association of New Jersey (EANJ) proudly announces the appointment of Christine Myers as its new President, effective March 11, 2024. With a distinguished background in public service, corporate leadership, and community engagement, Myers brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic vision to her role as the fourth president in EANJ’s 108-year history and its first woman president.

Myers’ remarkable career spans various sectors, showcasing her commitment to excellence and innovation. An experienced corporate executive, successful small business owner, presidential appointee, non-profit board member, and elected official, Myers’ extensive experience and proven track record make her an invaluable asset to EANJ and its members.

“The Board of Directors is delighted to welcome Christine Myers as the leader of EANJ,” said Richard Balka, Chair of the EANJ Board.  “With a deep understanding of the needs of New Jersey employers, she resonates with our core mission to help all New Jersey employers to strengthen the relationship between employer and employees while navigating the ever-changing legal and compliance landscape.”

Currently serving as Commissioner Director for 2024 on the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, Myers has spearheaded the implementation of a County Strategic Plan and debt reserve policy, ensuring the long-term prosperity of Morris County. The Board of County Commissioners, with broad powers granted by the state legislature, regulates county property, finances, and affairs.

In 2017, Myers was appointed Regional Advocate at the Office of Advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration, where she addressed regulatory challenges faced by thousands of business owners, earning widespread recognition for her dedication to the success of small businesses.

Myers’ corporate career began at AT&T, managing critical technology and communication programs for entities such as the U.S. Dept. of State, the White House, and U.S. presidential candidates. She later held executive positions at Lucent Technologies, Avaya and Siemens Enterprise Networks, designing and leading global alliance organizations and delivering innovative solutions for public and private sector clients.

As the co-founder of Madison Park Foods, an award-winning seasoning and spice rub manufacturer, Myers has demonstrated entrepreneurial acumen and a commitment to quality.

“We are thrilled that Christine Myers has agreed to lead us into our next chapter,” said Doreen Anthony, head of the search committee and EANJ board member.  “We were fortunate to have found her thanks to the efforts of DCM Associates.  DCM presented us with several excellent candidates and guided us through each step of the process.  We could not be happier with the outcome”.

In her new role as President of the Employers Association of New Jersey, Myers is committed to advancing the mission of EANJ, driving innovation and growth, and fostering collaboration among members.

“New Jersey’s prosperity hinges on our employers’ success. EANJ provides crucial resources, training, and guidance necessary for employers to thrive in today’s business climate,” said Myers.  “EANJ’s commitment to providing individual guidance to their members is truly amazing. I am excited and honored to lead EANJ and collaborate with the talented staff and dedicated board to expand and extend services to even more employers in New Jersey.”

Employers Association of New Jersey is a non-profit trade association dedicated to helping employers make sound and responsible employment decisions through education, informed discussion, training, and access to benefits plans. With a 108-year history, EANJ continues to drive innovation and growth while fostering collaboration among its members. For more information click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — K9 Kaboom, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office 2024 Bark Madness winner received his reward from Sheriff James M. Gannon at Arthur’s Tavern in Morris Plains.   

K9 Kaboom is a male Labrador Retriever Mix, born on January 2, 2017. He was adopted by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office after his third surrender to the Parsippany Animal Shelter. He is a certified explosives detection canine and a certified search and rescue canine. K9 Kaboom is trained to locate numerous explosive odors and search for missing people.   

In an incredible run through this year’s bracket, K9 Kaboom beat the number one seed and gallantly advanced to the finals.

This true underdog has prevailed to become the regal champion of the people. 

Kaboom’s achievement was capped by lunch with the Sheriff and his handler Det. Christopher Murarik, was able to attend despite being on active orders with the New Jersey National Guard. 

Fame and notoriety seem to come easy to this champion as K9 Kaboom sat patiently and minded his manners during the steak lunch. Special thanks to Arthur’s Tavern for hosting this celebratory event and donating the reward. 

The restaurant was closed at the time of the event, and all health and sanitary conditions were addressed by their staff.  

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, April 16, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will occur in the Council Chambers at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard within the Parsippany Municipal Building.

Formal action may or may not be taken.

Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for the meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request an auxiliary aid.

Click here for a copy of the agenda.

Click here for the 2024 calendar.

Mayor James Barberio
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.
Council Vice President Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
Councilman Matt McGrath
Councilwoman Judy Hernandez

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Budget Hearing Meeting was held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

The 2024 Township of Parsippany–Troy Hills Municipal Budget was introduced to the public at the April 16, 2024, Township Council meeting and will be voted on for adoption after the public hearing at the May 21, 2024, Township Council meeting.

The preliminary $89 million budget for 2024 includes a 2.86 percent increase in the municipal tax rate. With the county and school taxes factored in, this would be a 2.78 percent increase. That represents an increase of $6.00 monthly/$72.00 annually for a home assessed at the township average of $313,513.

Click here to download 2024 User Friendly Budget – DRAFT 

5:30 – 5:45 – 2024 Budget Summary – Administration & Finance

5:45 – 6:30 – Police Department

6:30 – 7:15 – Public Works, Parks and Engineering Departments

7:15 – 8:00 – Planning, Zoning and Building Departments

8:00 – 8:30 – Water Department

8:30 – 9:00 – Sewer Department

9:00 – 9:30 – Knoll Utility

Click here to download the agenda.

Mayor James Barberio
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.
Council Vice President Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
Councilman Matt McGrath
Councilwoman Judy Hernandez

PARSIPPANY — Sonia Diaz (nee Florian) passed away suddenly on Monday, April 8, 2024, in Parsippany. She was 75.

Born in Santa Marta, Colombia to the late Heriberto Florian and Filadelfa Urango, Sonia immigrated to the United States in 1979, settling in Hudson County. She had lived in West New York, and Florida before returning to New Jersey several years ago to live with her daughters in Bayonne and Parsippany.

A homemaker, Ms. Diaz was a loving mother and grandmother.

She was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Bayonne.

Sonia is survived by her four loving children, Endrina Sullivan and her husband, Mark of Redding, CT, Amabilis Dario Fergusson and his wife, Monica of Panama City, Panama, Ninoska Fergusson and her husband, Marcos Zipitria of Parsippany, and Sonia Brown of Bayonne; seven dear siblings, Saul Florian of Englewood, Jorge Florian of Colombia, Marcial Florian of Venezuela, Lady Florian of Colombia, Ledy Florian of Colombia, Heriberto Florian, Jr. of Colombia, and Ligia Lucia Florian of Colombia; and her eight beloved grandchildren, Endora McNeary, Frankie McNeary, Mina Rakel Perez, Nino Fergusson, Lani Brown, Zachary Brown, Brittany Fergusson, and Junior Fergusson.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Saturday, April 13, 2024, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at S.J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service, 60 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. Private cremation will follow as per Sonia’s wishes.

Following the visitation, all are welcome to join the family at their home, 540 Vail Road, Parsippany, for food, and refreshments, and to celebrate Sonia’s life.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a 2024 Budget on Wednesday, April 10, with no increase in the tax rate as funding expanded for public safety, infrastructure, human services, education and training, and economic development.

Click here to view the budget presentation.

“Strong ratable growth and prudent financial planning made this budget possible,” said Commissioner Deborah Smith, Chair of the Commissioners’ Budget Committee. “We can increase services such as public safety and veterans’ affairs while maintaining a flat tax rate. We are very sensitive to the plight of the taxpayer amid inflation, despite increasing costs on the county.”

The $365.3 million 2024 Budget includes the 2024 Capital Spending Plan which puts nearly $35 million towards county infrastructure. This year’s fund balance grew by $2.5 million bringing it to $63.2 million, safeguarding Morris County against economic shifts and ensuring it maintains its triple-A Bond rating from both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.

“Morris County has maintained a triple-A rating for 48 years,” Commissioner Director Christine Myers said. “This impeccable rating saves everyone money by allowing our towns, schools, and county to borrow funds for integral community projects at the most competitive finance rates.”

The county’s robust financial health also helped the budget committee address growing expenses forced by mounting state mandates on operations at the Morris County Clerk’s Office and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

The 2024 Budget allocates $38.1 million for Human Services and Health Services, which includes doubling to $300,000 a line item in emergency assistance funding to shelter and support people experiencing homelessness. The budget also commits another $150,000 toward funding allocated to prevent people from becoming homeless.

A combined $77.8 million will go towards public safety, including full dispatch services to 23 municipalities and daily back-up services to local Basic Life Support and Emergency Medical Service units for all 39 Morris County towns. Morris County’s Basic Life Support Emergency Medical Service Unit responded to more than 3,862 Emergency calls in 2023.

Critical Community Investments

The Preservation Trust Fund Tax will stay level for 2024, at 5/8 cent per $100 of total county equalized property valuation. It has financed many county park improvements, preservation programs, and restoration projects through grant programs like Farmland Preservation, Open Space Preservation, Historic Preservation, Flood Mitigation, and Trail Design and Construction.

Among the educational, cultural and economic development incentives included in the 2024 Budget are:

• $9 million to support the Morris County Park Commission which manages 20,455 acres of parkland, making it the largest county park system in the state.
• More than $24 million to support education, including career training at the County College of Morris and the Morris County Vocational School District.
• A record $900,000 for Economic Development and Tourism, including $100,000 for the celebration of America’s 250^th Anniversary.

Critical Infrastructure Investments

The county’s 2024 Capital Spending Plan designates approximately $35 million toward enhancing road resurfacing, improving intersections along the 287 miles of county roadways, and replacing bridges and culverts.

PARSIPPANY — Fast fashion plays into the idea that your social relevance is incumbent upon staying abreast with the latest runway trends and outfit repetition is a fashion gaffe. Feeding into this Gen Z and alpha frenzy are fashion houses replicating runway trends at breakneck speeds. The Fashion Industry is a $1.2 trillion Industry. There was a time when there used to be 2 fashion cycles in a year, in comparison there are 52 fashion cycles today. We spend $1,700 on clothes every year, each one of which has on average 103 items in the closet of which only 20% are ever worn utmost 7 times before being tossed.

According to earth.org, 1.92 million tons of textile waste is produced each year. Approximately 90 million tons of garments produced end up in landfills each year. The textile industry is responsible for 8-10% of global CO2 emissions greater than aviation & shipping combined. The textile industry uses 79 trillion liters of water and 98 million tons of non-renewable resources annually. 35% of all microplastics and 20% of industrial wastewater come from the clothing industry. Only 1% of garments are recycled back into the industry. It takes up to 80 years for garments to break down in landfills. 

There are many ways to put the brakes on this issue. Becoming conscious consumers is one of them. We can reuse and repurpose by thrifting, renting, and swapping. Clothing swaps divert textiles from landfills. As textiles decompose, they emit harmful greenhouse gases directly contributing to climate change. Keeping textiles out of landfills reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and microplastic pollution in land and water, and significantly curbs energy and water consumption.

Anika Arora, a Junior at Parsippany Hills High School, has undertaken several initiatives to educate and motivate citizens on steps they can take to mitigate the effects of climate change. Anika, under the guidance of Janice McCarthy, Chair of the Parsippany Environmental Advisory Committee, is organizing Parsippany’s first Dress & Accessories Swap in town. While fulfilling her Girl Scout Gold Award requirements, she sincerely hopes to encourage conscious consumerism and swap not just clothes & accessories but also behaviors. To register for the swap please visit Register For Dress & Accessories Swap. To find out more about Anika’s work, please visit https://www.simply-green.org or follow @_simply.green_