Parsippany teen Shreya Durbha in India Day Parade

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany teen Shreya Durbha who was recently crowned as Miss Teen India International participated in the FIA Indian Independence Day Parade held in New York City on Sunday, August 16.

Sunday’s walk down Madison Avenue, from 38th Street to 27th Street is expected to make the Guinness record as the biggest Indian parade held outside India. More than 30,000 people participated in the parade. Movie stars, cricketers and politicians from India wowed the crowd. The parade was full of color, dance, music and festivities marking the 69th birthday celebration of Indian Independence.

Parsippany Street Ice Hockey Clinic Signups

parsippanystreethockey2PARSIPPANY — Street Hockey Clinic 2015-2016 Middle School Ice Hockey Signups will take place at this event. If your child will be attending sixth, seventh or eighth grade they are eligible to participate. The clinick will be held on Saturday, August 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Parsippany Roller Rink (Route 202 / Parsippany Boulevard) (Parsippany Boulevard, North of Waterview Boulevard on left).

If interested you must bring the following equipment: Helmet, Gloves, Hockey Stick, RollerBlades, Knee and Elbow Guards / Shin Guards.

All players will receive A Parsippany Regional hockey shirt when at the event.

Click here to download a registration form.

Township levied clean up charges on Lake Hiawatha home

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills received a complaint on Friday, April 17 and subsequently conducted an inspection at the property of 17 Cherokee Avenue, Lake Hiawatha.

The inspection confirmed an overgrown lawn; bushes, weeds and fallen branches.

The last known owner of record of the property is Stanley & Diane Yotka.

The property is identified as Block 550, Lot 4 on the tax map of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

A Notice of Violation was mailed to  Stanley & Diane Yotka on April 21 and June 4, which was returned unopened on June 12, 2015.

The township made attempts to obtain mail forwarding information from the mortgage holder, Assurant Field Asset Services, with no success. In addition, the Township Tax Collector has no mail forwarding information on file.

A hearing was held on June 11, 2015 in First Floor Conference Room at Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Hall to discuss the owner’s failure to abate the violations, at which time Stanley and Diane Yotka failed to appear. Due to the lack of response and the condition of the property, the Director of Planning, Zoning, Housing, Fire Prevention, and Construction has determined that the Property has been abandoned. In accordance with Chapter 213, Housing and Property Maintenance, §44, Municipal Intervention, of the Township Code, the Township Housing Department will remied the situation by having the lawn mowed by an outside contractor at a cost not to exceed One-Thousand Seven-Hundred Fifty Dollars ($1,750.00).

The Township Code further allows that the expenditure of municipal funds to put the Property in proper condition may be charged against the Property as a lien and shall be added to and become and form a part of the taxes next to be assessed and levied upon the Property.

The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills hired an outside contractor and at a recent visit to the property, the overgrown lawn was mowed; the bushes, weeds and fallen branches has been cleared.

The Township Council passed a resolution to place a lien on the property at its meeting on Tuesday, July 14. The resolution was presented by Council Vice President Robert Peluso, seconded by Councilman Louis Valori and voted 5-0 by the members of the Council.

Empty beer bottles were left on the back porch
Empty beer bottles were left on the back porch
The bushes were trimmed
The bushes were trimmed
The Township hired a vendor to clean up the home that was abandoned by the homeowner
The Township hired a vendor to clean up the home that was abandoned by the homeowner

Victory Gardens Man Arrested For Armed Robbery

 

MORRIS COUNTY —  Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Roxbury Township Police Chief James Simonetti, and Denville Township Police Chief Christopher Wagner announce that Abner O. Irias-Paz, age 24 of Victory Gardens, New Jersey has been charged with multiple counts of armed robbery.

During the months of May and June multiple armed robberies of area gas stations occurred within Roxbury Township and the Township of Denville. Through a collaborative investigation, Irias-Paz was developed as a suspect.

Irias-Pas was taken into custody early this morning as he was observed leaving his residence.  This was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Roxbury Township Police Department, the Denville Township Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Unit.

 

Abner O. Irias-Paz was charged with three (3) counts of Robbery, a first degree offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(2);  three (3) counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a second degree offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b; three (3) counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, a second degree offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a; three (3) counts of Theft, a third degree offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3; and three (3) counts of Terroristic Threats, a third degree offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3b.

The Honorable James M. DeMarzo, J.S.C., set a blanket bail of $300,000.00 with no 10% option. A bail source hearing requirement, waiver of extradition, and surrender of passport were further conditions of the bail. Irias-Paz was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility.

The investigation is active and ongoing.  No other information is being released at this time.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Roxbury Township Police Department, Denville Township Police Department, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Unit, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Randolph Township Police Department who participated in the efforts that contributed to this arrest.

Noncredit Continuing Education Courses at CCM for Fall 2015

RANDOLPH — County College of Morris (CCM) has an impressive lineup of new and existing noncredit programs to assist individuals with enhancing their professional skills for career success. Classes begin in early September with registration now taking place.

All the details on this fall’s programs can be found in the Fall Continuing Education brochure by clicking here.

Information sessions also will be held on Thursday, September 3, at 6:30 p.m.  There will be individual sessions for 11 different programs; and Admissions counselors will be on hand to assist those interested in pursuing a for-credit degree. See the Fall Continuing Education brochure for the location of each session and additional details.

New for this fall, CCM has teamed up with the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) to upgrade its Medical Billing and Coding program. Now graduates will qualify to sit for the AAPC Certified Professional Coders exam – the industry accepted initial certification for employment.

Adding to CCM’s entry-level healthcare programs, the college will be offering the New Jersey Board of Nursing approved Certified Homemaker/Home Health Aide course. In just four weeks, students can begin working in the healthcare field.

Additionally, CCM is expanding training programs in one of the fastest growing health fields, addictions counseling, with the Chemical Dependency Associate, Peer Recovery Support Certificate. This course is designed for people already working in the field who lack certification. Best of all, the training hours can all be used toward the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor program.

Another new program is the Toastmasters Basic Business Communications course to help participants gain the confidence to give high-quality, engaging presentations, along with developing basic meeting management, critical thinking and listening skills. Also being offered is the Non-Profit Fundraising Essentials Certificate to help individuals working with nonprofit organizations to create an effective annual fundraising plan and program.

In addition, CCM once again is offering the alternate route to teaching program, known as New Pathways to Teaching in New Jersey (NPTNJ). This fall, the college is offering the Stage II course for the first time in several years after adding back Stage I training last year. Stage I will be offered again in the spring. And the Introduction to Teaching: 24-Hours Component course will be offered in September, January and June. NPTNJ is best for people interested in K-5, 6-12 subject matter and special education licenses. For more information on this program, click here.

Returning programs include an array of healthcare professional certifications, basic and advanced PC skills courses, New Jersey construction official courses, a full complement of business skills certificates and much more.  CCM is a rich resource for Morris County residents.  Be sure to take a look at the Fall Continuing Education brochure by clicking here to learn about all that is being offered.

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Time Machine brings memories to Veterans Park

PARSIPPANY — Township of Parsippany-Troy is extremely grateful to Provident Bank for sponsoring the concert by “Time Machine” on Thursday, August 13.  This amazing band had the audience dancing on the lawn and rocking to an array of selections both old and new.

The sale of Time Machine tee shirts was successful with all proceeds going toward sending a little cancer victim to Disney World.

Adding to the success of the evening was the always delicious barbecue sponsored by Parsippany ShopRite with proceeds being donated to the Parsippany PAL.

5th Annual Car and Truck Show was held at Lanidex Plaza

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit (PR&R) and Lake Parsippany Fire Department held their 5th annual car and truck show at Lanidex Plaza off Parsippany Road. This event was held Saturday, August 15.

The show featured unique cars, trucks, motorcycles and vehicles.

Proceeds will go to Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit and Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3 to help continue their service to the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

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LEMONADE STAND: The lemonade stand was staffed by the Wives and Daughters of Rescue and Recovery. From left to right are Ceyla Beg, Ruby Beg, Kelli Neidel, Chrisanne Sandford, Vicki Sandford, Bea Niclaus, Jessica Niclaus and Judy Larick
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Former Councilman Jonathan Nelson and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps and Parsippany Focus Photographer Nicolas Limanov
Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Robert, Jr.,  were listening to Andrew Ludwig demonstrating the dive and swift water rescue equipment at the Car and Truck Show
Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Robert, Jr., were listening to Andrew Ludwig demonstrating the dive and swift water rescue equipment at the Car and Truck Show
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The trophies for the winners
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Chrisanne Sanford, 11 and Gio Collins were listening to Andrew Ludwig demonstrating the dive and swift water rescue equipment at the Car and Truck Show
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Jake Bae, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Chief John Tranculov, with the Carifi twins Jonathan and Tyler
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Jake Bae, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Michael dePierro, Council candidate Loretta Gragnani and Rescue and Recovery Chief John Tranculov
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Pradip Trevedi, Al Goldberg and Claus Finke

Fifth Annual Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival was a huge success

MORRISTOWN — The Fifth Annual Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival was held on Saturday, August 15 from 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m.

The line up included Swingadelic, Bria Skonberg, Bucky Pizzarelli Guitar Summit with Frank Yignola, Vinnie Raniolo and Ed Laub, Roomful of Blues and Charlie Musselwhite Band.

The Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival has become one of the most popular events in the region for so many reasons. Of course, Morristown has a wonderful town center with a beautiful Green, but is also offers plenty to do when the music stops. But the music is the main attraction and the talent has been top-notch.

The crowd enjoying the Jazz and Blues Festival
The crowd enjoying the Jazz and Blues Festival
Morristown Township Attorney Vijayant Pawar, his wife, Jennifer, Mary Dougherty and Former Parsippany Councilman Jonathan Nelson
Morristown Township Attorney Vijayant Pawar, his wife, Jennifer, Morristown’s First Lady Mary Dougherty and Former Parsippany Councilman Jonathan Nelson
Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill with Mary Dougherty
Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill with Morristown’s First Lady Mary Dougherty
Seven month old Collie was enjoying the festival. Collie was a rescue dog aopted from The Last Resort Rescue
Seven month old Collie was enjoying the festival. Collie was a rescue dog adopted from The Last Resort Rescue
The crowd was huge at the Jazz & Blues Festival on the Morristown Green
The crowd was huge at the Jazz & Blues Festival on the Morristown Green
Bria Skonberg at the Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival.
Bria Skonberg at the Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival.
Peter Gordon from Discoover Maps of Morristown was handling out Morristown maps to all of the concert goers
Peter Gordon from Discover Maps of Morristown was handling out Morristown maps to all of the concert goers
Morristown Mayor Timothy P. Dougherty with former Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Jonathan Nelson
Morristown Mayor Timothy P. Dougherty with former Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Jonathan Nelson
Bria Skonberg at the Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival
Bria Skonberg at the Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival
Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill with Morristown Mayor Timothy P. Dougherty
Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill with Morristown Mayor Timothy P. Dougherty

Swingadelic is a ten-piece “little big band” that performs regularly up and down the East Coast. Popular at summer jazz festivals, the group was in residence at Maxwell’s in Hoboken for six years and has recorded six CDs. The band currently is in residence at Swing 46, located in the New York City Theatre District.

With guest guitarists Frank Vignola, Vinnie Raniola and Ed Laub, Guitar Summit has become a tradition for the festival and for good reason. Legendary jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli surrounds himself with extraordinarily talented players and do they swing! At almost ninety, Bucky is playing better than ever and who knows who will show up to jam with him.

Trumpeter/vocalist/composer Bria Skonberg is a star on the rise in the jazz world. Since moving from British Columbia to New York City in 2010, she has attracted attention from DownBeat Magazine, theWall Street Journal and the Jazz Journalists’ Association who nominated her “Up and Coming Jazz Artist of the Year” in 2013. Her current ensemble will be coming to Morristown from their appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival.

For more than 45 years, Roomful of Blues has celebrated jump blues and R&B with their horn-powered ensemble. Led by acclaimed blues guitarist Chris Vachon, the group has received five Grammy nominations, seven Blues Music Awards and was twice selected by the DownBeat Critics Pollas the Best Blues Band. Their infectious swing will have everyone partying.

Harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite is one of the most revered blues musicians in the world. This Blues Hall of Famer has collaborated with an extraordinary list of music legends over his 50 year career, including Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Big Joe Williams and B. B. King to name a few. He has won countless awards, appeared on scores of albums and was the inspiration for Dan Akroyd’s character in the Blues Brothers!

Major sponsors of Morristown Jazz and Blues included Jeff Rawding AIA, Toll Brothers, Hot House, NJ Arts.net, Star Ledger, Riker Danzig Alaimo Group, Atlantic Health System, DeFrancescoBateman, Greenbaum Rowe Smith Davis, LLP, Hampshire, The Herrick Company, Iron Bar, Lindabury, Marchetto Higgins Stieve, McEnerney, Brady and Company, MPAC, Morristown Municipal Airport, Jersey Jazz Society, Porzio, Bijou Properties, Inglesino Webster Wyciskala Taylor, LLC, Jersey Central Power and Light, Normandy, PSE&G, Sherman Wells, Connect One Bank, Grasshopper off the Green and Investors Bank.

Additional sponsors included Headquarters Plaza, Lakeside Consulting, Morristown Inn Best Western, Morristown Parking Authority, Silverman, Sona Thirteen, Weiner Lesniak, David Brady, Esq., Cipollini Carting and Villa Enterprises.

Support baby Emma as she conquers cancer

PARSIPPANY — Emma Marie Wyman is a happy, beautiful nine-month-old baby girl undergoing at least one year’s worth of treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for a rare type of sarcoma.

Her parents, AJ & Lindsey (Kmit) Wyman, who are lifelong residents of Parsippany, learned of Emma’s tumor in late May and have taken her to Philadelphia to be treated by internationally-recognized pediatric oncologists.

As they await more in-depth results regarding the type of sarcoma Emma has and begin chemotherapy, AJ has begun to take time off from his job as a corrections officer, while Lindsey is on her unpaid summer break from teaching sixth grade social studies at Brooklawn Middle School. During this life-altering time, AJ and Lindsey will incur costs from medical to travel expenses, while keeping up with their regular monthly bills for their cars, home, etc. Please know that even the smallest donation will go a long way to aid baby Emma and her loving parents during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for your love, support, and above all, your prayers.

To donate to Emma, click here.

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Wide World of Summer Camp Counselors volunteer their time for this fundraiser
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Tricky tray baskets raised money for the fundraiser, donated by local area businesses

The counselors, leaders, teachers from the Wide World of Summer Camp, gathered together and arranged a fundraiser for Emma.  They hosted a movie night and tricky tray at Parsippany High School on Thursday, July 30.

Wide World of Summer (WWS) provides a fun-filled summer for your child and a worry free summer.

WWS is an eight-week camp/enrichment program for in or out-of-district students that is filled with fantastic activities, programs, and field trips. Students swim on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and spend Wednesday’s on an exciting field trip. Afternoons are spent participating in enrichment classes in science, art, computers, physical education and more.

 

 

Mt. Tabor Celebrates 146th Annual Childrens Day Weekend

PARSIPPANY — Mt. Tabor celebrated the 146th Annual Children’s Day Weekend, starting on Thursday, August 6 through Sunday, August 9.

The King is Noah Munn; Queen is Hannah Ververs; First Attendants are Rachei Bozza and  Harrison Weaver; and Second Attendant are Brianne Partington and Jamaai Parker.

The 2015 Mt. Tabor Children’s Day is all about paying tribute to the children of Tabor.

The 146-year-old celebration, which kicked off Thursday and the parade, concert and fire works took place Saturday throughout the historic Parsippany neighborhood.

Presiding over the special day is the led by King is Noah Munn and Queen is Hannah Ververs. The monarchs and their court will be crowned at the yearly coronation ball held for Mt. Tabor residents and guests Friday evening.

The centerpiece event of the day is the annual Midway Parade.

Another parade kicked off at approximately 7:00 p.m. This event featured the prize winners and Parsippany’s Volunteer Fire Districts, Ambulance Squads, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery.

The evening ended with a concert featuring “Herman’s Hermits” at the country club and then fireworks.

The concert and fireworks are funded by Margaret and Francis X. Wentworth.

Other weekend events, since their inception 145 years ago, have been funded by the residents who volunteer their time, effort and money through fund raising events including a bake sale, pancake breakfast, car wash, hoagie sale and house to house collections.  

The Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Department provided a barbecue dinner to all of the local emergency responders who participated in the parade.