How should Christie declare his 2016 presidential campaign?

TRENTON — Hillary Clinton and Ted Cruz announced it on Twitter. George Pataki used a video on his website. Others, such as Marco Rubio and Mike Huckabee, took the more traditional route: delivering a speech in front of supporters. Now, the question is: How will Gov. Chris Christie tell the world he is officially running for…

61 people arrested at Summer Jam, police say

EAST RUTHERFORD — Police arrested 61 people Sunday outside of Summer Jam. New Jersey State Police said in a statement that eight troopers received minor injuries in clashes with crowds. Concert goers tried to climb fences and push past security at the MetLife Stadium entrance gate, police said. RELATED: Witnesses describe chaotic scene outside Summer Jam…

Community members participate in BAPS Blood donation drive

BAPS Charities Blood Donation Drive
BAPS Charities Blood Donation Drive

PARSIPPANY — The spirit of giving takes many forms and should pervade all year round. This was a common sentiment as individuals gathered at the BAPS Charities Blood Donation Drive on Sunday, May 31.

A staggering rise in the number of individuals requiring blood and an existing shortage of it coupled with recent natural calamities has escalated the need for donors now more than ever before. According to the American Red Cross, currently only 3 out of every 100 people in America donate blood but this falls short of the more than 38,000 donations that are needed daily.

Recognizing this need, BAPS Charities organized its 7th annual blood drive with this year’s drive in partnership with the Red cross and other blood banks nationwide. Often commended as the “gift of life,” blood donation is a great way for individuals to give back to their communities. BAPS Charities sincerely believes in this cause and actively organizes blood donation drives for the benefit of one and all. Just one unit of blood can save up to three lives!

At the blood drive held in Parsippany, over 30 donated nearly 27 pints of blood and gained satisfaction of possibly saving someone’s life.

“You have to donate. If you don’t think of it as helping someone, think of it as ensuring a future supply for you and your loved ones. What if you were to need blood tomorrow? Wouldn’t you be thankful that someone had donated theirs?” Dr. Hiren Makwana, a long time blood donor from the area said. “BAPS Charities is doing a tremendous service by organizing these drives and encouraging people to donate.”

Many like Dr. Hiren Makwana at BAPS Charities consider blood donation their duty rather than an optional choice.

“The fate between life and death of millions in the U.S. depends upon blood availability, and if BAPS Charities can inspire even one more individual to donate blood then these drives can be considered an incredible success,” said Tejas Patel, a BAPS Charities spokesperson.

In the last 5 years BAPS Charities Blood Drives were organized at 113 centers collecting over 5000 pints of blood helping to save up to 15000 lives. This year too, BAPS Charities will continue their commitment to helping save lives by organizing blood drives across the nation.

BAPS Charities has treated over 2 million patients worldwide. Through various activities such as, health fairs, bone marrow and blood drives, nationwide walkathons, and disaster relief operations, BAPS Charities sincerely serves the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities.

About BAPS Charities

BAPS Charities is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit international charity organization committed to sincerely serving the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities. It is affiliated with BAPS as an independent charity and social services arm. The 55,000 BAPS volunteers networked in over 3,300 centers around the world provide over 12 million volunteer-hours of service annually.

Among social service charities, BAPS Charities is a well-respected and trusted name. It has amassed over 50 years of firsthand experience in initiating, managing, and sustaining 160 humanitarian operations throughout the world in such diverse fields as: medical services, environmental services, community services, tribal services, and disaster relief services.

For additional information on BAPS Charities and its international and local philanthropic activities, click here.

Anna Rose Detaranto passed away

PARSIPPANY — Anna Rose Detaranto, 86, passed away Wednesday afternoon, June 4, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida, following a long battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).

Born and raised in Boonton, she had been a resident of Parsippany for over 55 years, living briefly in Cedar Knolls, followed by 6 years in Denville at Franciscan Oaks retirement community.

Anna had relocated to the Desoto Palms Assisted Living Community in Sarasota, Florida in March.

Born on September 4, 1928, the daughter of Salvatore and Stefanina (Perrotta) Cerbo, sister of the late Filomena Cerbo, the late Rocco A. Cerbo, and Nicolas J. Cerbo,.

Anna married Joseph R. Detaranto, Jr. of Morristown on June 5, 1948.

Loving mother of five, and devoted wife of 60 years, Anna was predeceased by Joseph on May 6, 2009.

Survivors include brother, Nicolas Cerbo of Parsippany; five children, Joe Detaranto of Rockaway, Nina Martinelli of Sarasota, FL, Frank Detaranto (Peggy) of Sterling, VA, Mary Rose Younghouse, and Stephanie Eckert; nine grandchildren, Steve and Mark Younghouse, Nicole, Laura and Dan Martinelli, Tina and Michael Detaranto, Kevin and Julia Eckert; four great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Evelyn, Liliana and Giada Younghouse; and Maureen Detaranto and Frank Martinelli, her “forever” daughter-in-law and son-in law.

Anna was a graduate of Boonton High School and attended The College of St. Elizabeth. A dedicated homemaker, she was also active in the PTA and Golden Age Society. Anna worked part-time in her family’s business and enjoyed her volunteer time at Cheshire House in Madison. Her warm and loving nature earned her the name “mom” from many of her children’s friends. Her natural, subtle sense of humor was appreciated by all who knew her.

Relatives and friends are invited to call Friday, June 12, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at S.J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service, 60 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 13, 9:00 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church Church. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Boonton.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital  (Click here to make a donation).

Give Blood at Community Blood Services in Honor of World Blood Donor Day

Community Blood Services is encouraging all eligible donors to donate blood to help save lives in their community in recognition of World Blood Donor Day, which will be celebrated this year by countries around the world on Sunday, June 14.

“Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, yet a very small percentage of those who are eligible to give actually donate on an annual basis,” said Karen Ferriday, community affairs director at Community Blood Services. She said Community Blood Services hopes to raise awareness about the need to donate during the upcoming summer months and to thank its volunteer donors for their life-giving donations. 

World Blood Donor Day comes at an important time each year. During the summer months, the nation’s blood supply is strained due to fewer donations because of increased vacation schedules and other seasonal distractions. World Blood Donor Day reminds people around the world to donate and enables them to help make an impact in ensuring an adequate blood supply during this time of year.

Donors who help the blood center celebrate by giving the gift of life during the week of June 8 through June 14 will be able to wear a colorful limited-edition Nexcare bandage as their badge of honor for making a difference to patients in their community. Ferriday is asking that donors consider making an automated blood donation during which they can donate multiple products and help save even more patients in one sitting.

Call (201) 251-3703 or click here to learn more about the “Divide and Multiply” automated donation program, for hours/locations of our Paramus, Lincoln Park, Montvale and Parsippany donor centers in New Jersey or a mobile blood drive, and to schedule your next donation appointment.

Community Blood Services, whose headquarters is in Montvale, has been serving the community for more than 60 years. The not-for-profit organization provides blood and blood products for patients in 20-plus hospitals, including HackensackUMC, St. Joseph’s Healthcare System in Paterson/Wayne, The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood and Atlantic Health System hospitals in New Jersey and Orange Regional Medical Center in New York.

Relay for Life raises almost $70,000 for American Cancer Society

RANDOLPH —  43 teams and 314 participants have raised $68,621.38 for Relay for Life of Central Morris County. In the fight against cancer, silence is the last thing we need. This year, Relay for Life was held at Community College of Morris on Saturday, June 6 through Sunday, June 7.

Saint Clare’s Health Systems was a Gold sponsor and Western Pest Services was a Bronze sponsor.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement symbolizes hope and our shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people we love. If cancer has touched your life, participating in Relay For Life of Central Morris County encompassing Parsippany, Denville, Dover, Mt. Lakes, Randolph, Rockaway Borough, and Rockaway Township is a great way to take action and help finish the fight. This is your opportunity to honor cancer survivors, remember those we have lost, and raise funds and awareness to fight back and help end cancer forever.

At Relay For Life events, communities across the globe come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much. The funds raised truly make a difference in the fight against cancer just ask one of the nearly 14 million cancer survivors who will celebrate another birthday this year!

Relay For Life teams camp out overnight and take turns walking or running around a track or path at a local high school, park, or fairground. Relay for Life Central Morris County is 14 hours long because cancer never sleeps, each team is asked to have at least one participant on the track at all times.

The Luminaria Ceremony occurs at every Relay For Life event. As the sun sets, luminaria lining the track light up the night. A hush falls over the crowd that had been overflowing with celebration. Relay For Life participants, survivors, and caregivers then gather to remember loved ones lost to cancer and to honor those whose fight continues.

Karen DeChristopher explained “The Empty Table.”  She said “We call your attention to the small table that occupies a place of dignity and honor. It is set for one, symbolizing the fact that some of our loved ones are missing from this gathering. They have been diagnosed with cancer, and they are some of the names and faces behind luminaries.

The chair is empty. Many of those who fought the battle with cancer are no longer with us, but rather than mourning their loss, we choose to celebrate their life.

These people are unable to be with their loved ones and families now, so let us join together to recognize and honor them, and to bear witness to their struggle and their memory.

The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of a single patient, sometimes alone in the fight against his or her disease.

The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the medical profession: doctors, nurses, and researchers who help fight the battle for life.

The single rose in the vase signifies the enduring love of their families and friends and the strength of a patients’ will to fight the disease that ultimately claimed many of them.

The pink ribbon on the vase represents the ribbons worn on the lapels of millions who support a continued search for a cure not only for breast cancer, but for other cancers as well — cancers that are expected to kill over half a million people in the United States this year.
A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of the bitter battle against a deadly disease, a battle fought by more than 1.3 million new patients each year.

The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless tears of personal anguish shed by the patient and those shed by family members and friends who have lost a loved one.

The glass is inverted in memory of those people who are not here to join our celebration of successes.

But, the lantern represents the light of hope that lives in the hearts of all of us — hope represented by cancer survivors and the hope for a cure discovered as a result of the detailed work of the medical profession made able through funds generated through events such as Relay For Life.”

It’s not too late to donate. Click here to make your donation to the Relay For Life Central Morris team.

Lake Parsippany holds open house and giant flea market

PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association (LPPOA) held its annual open house and giant flea market on Saturday, June 6.

The day was full of events including dragon boat, swimming, face painting, food, playing in the sand, live music and a flea market offering many items. Lake Parsippany Fire Department, CERT, R.A.C.E.S., Rescue and Recovery, Parsippany Police Department and many organizations were present educating residents, and distributing literature.


You can join the LPPOA Ladies Club for fun and community involvement. Interested individuals should contact Diane at (973) 887-1268. The fishing club meets once a month and holds fishing contests during the season.Thru their Trout Stocking Program, they host a “Stocking Day” event where the lake is stocked with trout one week before the season opens. Young anglers get the oportunity to learn about our program and release trout into the lake. Interested in joining the fishing club call Winnie Marone at (973) 887-3087.

Lake Parsippany is a private lake community quietly nestled in the center of Parsippany-Troy Hills, in Morris County,NJ. This 168 acre lake and grounds is fully funded and maintained by membership fees and member volunteers. We receive no State, County or Township funding. Our Community welcomes everyone to join our association, regardles of where you live and enjoy a piece of the lake.

The Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association members maintain and manage all operations of the lake throughout the year. The membership preserves this beautiful natural resource through its fees and through active volunteer participation in the community.

Membership is required to participate in its many activities that include fishing in a trout stocked lake, sailing, swimming, sunbathing, competitive sports, concerts, dances, family fun nights and much more.

Membership in the Association is not limited to Lake Parsippany Property Owners. Renters and residents from outside of the Lake Parsippany area are also welcome to join. The Association is a not for profit organization.

In addition to all of the activities available with membership, the Association also supports various Clubs and Committees.

For more information on Lake Parsippany, click here.

PHHS Project Graduation holds car wash fundraiser

PARSIPPANY — Students from Parsippany Hills High School were at the IHOP on Saturday, June 6 washing cars to raise funds for Project Graduation.

The seniors participating were Jeevat Chhatwal, Jeeba Thomas, Isabela Manzano, Ambar Herrera, Nicholas Lopez, Anthony Kfoury, Talia Antonacci, Madeline Sanchez, Xavier La Rosa and Curtis Curlo.

Nicholas Lopez a student at PHHS and an employee at IHOP, arranged the fundraiser with IHOP owner Mo Abdelhadi.

The students charged $5.00 for each car wash, and IHOP gave each participant a $5.00 gift certificate to be used at the Parsippany location.

IHOP Parsippany has been involved with many community fundraisers.

If you are interested in any of the fundraising opportunities at IHOP, contact Mo Abdelhadi at (973) 396-8629.

International House of Pancakes (IHOP) is located at 792 Route 46 in the Arlington Plaza Shopping Center.

The primary goal of Project Graduation activities are to increase awareness of the dangers of drinking, drugging and driving and to reduce the number of youth involved in alcohol and other drug-related highway crashes. Across the country, Project Graduation and the chemical-free celebrations it inspired are the new tradition for graduating seniors.

ParTroy Little League West enjoys end of season barbecue

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Little League West ended up a very successful season and celebrated with a barbecue on Sunday, June 7.

The children  had the opportunity to play on the water slide, in the bounce house, ride on the ponies or take a train ride.

The event was catered by All American BBQ and the menu included, salad, hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken, potatoes, pasta salad and corn on the cob.

For more information on the Par-Troy Little League West contact Frank Neglia at (973) 326-1694. or email by clicking here.

MCSSADA Scholar Athlete Award recipients

PARSIPPANY — Recently students from Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School received MCSSADA (Morris County Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association) Scholar-Athlete Awards.

MCSSADA Scholar Athlete Award recipients Gabriella Rachmaciej and Joshua Crawford with Norman Francis, Jr., Ed.D.
MCSSADA Scholar Athlete Award recipients from Parsippany High School  Gabriella Rachmaciej and Joshua Crawford with Norman Francis, Jr., Ed.D.
NJSIAA Scholar-Athlete recipient Meredith Giovanelli
NJSIAA Scholar-Athlete recipient Meredith Giovanelli