PARSIPPANY — Halloween reared its creepy head Friday night at the annual Halloween at the Hills event. This safe and controlled holiday effort is intended to be a safe trick-or-treat event for local elementary school kids.
Jalen Mui and Andy AdubatoParsippany Hills Key Club Advisor Kristine Bushong with former Key Club Advisor Bonnie Sturm and Lauren Sturm
The Student Council, Interact Club, Kiwanis Key Club, Project Graduation, Asian American Club, Peer Buddies, Indian Cultural Club, Erase, DECA, FBLA, Drama Club, French Club, Asian American Club, Anime were among some of the clubs participating in “Halloween at the Hills”.
The children dressed in costumes had fun playing games to win candy. By the end of the evening, all the children’s bags were full to the top with a variety of candies.
The Interact Club conducted a food drive to be donated to Interfaith Food Pantry.
Members of Interact Club: Vidhi Shah, Nick Spada, Nola Anderson, Bridget Skenien, and Brielle Wallace were giving out candy to the childrenViking NationThe Interact Club conducted a food drive to be donated to Interfaith Food Pantry.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, November 2022. Click here to read the magazine.
PARSIPPANY — Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill and her Republican challenger, former Assistant Passaic County Prosecutor Paul DeGroot, faced at the New Jersey Globe 11th District Congressional Debate on Sunday, October 23, hosted by David Wildstein.
PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, October 30, 2022, at approximately 12:18 p.m., Parsippany Police responded to the Hilton Hotel, One Hilton Court, on a report of a stabbing during the “Chiller Theatre” event.
David C. Knestrick, 47, of Norwalk, Connecticut was arrested in connection with a stabbing.
A private security officer who was working during the event was stabbed with a knife while intervening in an altercation between Knestrick and other patrons at the event.
The victim of the stabbing was transported to Morristown Medical Center for treatment, and as a result of the investigation, Knestrick was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault, a crime of the second degree; Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, a crime of the third degree; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a crime of the fourth degree.
The Defendant was charged on a warrant complaint and remains in custody pending a court appearance.
“The incident today is a criminal matter under investigation by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department and Morris County Sheriff’s Department. We appreciate the concern of those asking about the status of our friend and colleague affected, but please understand he has a family and it is not for us to discuss anything regarding his health,” organizers said in a statement on social media.
Chiller Theatre was a three-day event held at the Hilton. Friday, October 28 through Sunday, October 30. The autograph-signing convention draws thousands around Halloween and again in the spring to the Hilton.
Police have not yet given details about what sparked the altercation or how many people were involved.
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department at (973) 263-4300 or the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund by launching an interactive, online story map of all historic sites found in the county, specifically offering background information, photos, video, and geographic data on all sites that benefited from county historic preservation grants.
“We hope this story map can make the public more aware of the many historic treasures that are in our midst, and also acknowledge the strong support the Commissioners have shown toward historic preservation that contributes to the high quality of life here in Morris County,” said Ray Chang, Historic Preservation Program Coordinator for the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation.
The story map was created by the Office of Planning and Preservation to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the grant program.
The Historic Preservation Trust Fund was established by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners after voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum on November 5, 2002, to allow a portion of the Morris County Open Space & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund to be used for historic preservation
Morris County has now awarded 512 grants amounting to $45,945,925 to assist in the preservation, protection, and restoration of 122 historic properties since 2003 when grants were first issued for protecting historic sites through Morris County’s Preservation Trust Fund. The sites are located in 34 towns around Morris County.
The King Store Museum, an 1825 general store and post office at Drakesville Historic Park in the Ledgewood section of Roxbury Township. The site has received 17 grants for planning and restoration since the Historic Preservation Trust Program began
“This has been an exceptionally successful and well-received program, with nearly $46 million being committed to assist in the preservation, protection, and restoration of 122 historic properties since the first grant was issued in 2003,” said Commissioner Stephen Shaw, the board liaison to the county Office of Planning and Preservation.
“Almost everywhere you go in Morris County, you can point to a place, a building, or a monument that represents a specific era in American history, from the days Native Americans lived here and Europeans began to settle in, to the American Revolution, the industrial revolution and beyond. Morris County has a wealth of sites and structures embodying the American story, and our trust fund has helped to preserve that,” he added.
The Little Red Schoolhouse in Florham Park has received 10 grants from the fund since it began
The story map is based in part on digital mapping data provided by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Geographic Information System, as well as data on historical properties compiled by the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office. A legend is provided identifying various levels of historical determinations afforded different sites.
However, the story map dives deepest into Morris County historic sites, specifically the 122 sites afforded grants through the Historic Preservation Trust Fund over the past 20 years. Using the GIS mapping, visitors may navigate to all 122 Morris County sites easily and view photos, background information, and, where available, videos and audio presentations that provide a fuller understanding of the site’s significance.
The Historic Preservation Trust Fund considers grants for the acquisition, stabilization, rehabilitation, restoration, or preservation of historic resources by municipalities, qualified non-profits, and the county. Many sites have received multiple grants over the years for various stages of preservation, from planning to actual construction.
Applications are reviewed by the volunteer members of the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board, and the board ultimately recommends each year to the County Commissioners what projects should be provided grants and the amount of each grant.
The new story map introduces visitors to the 11-member review board. Click here to view the story map.
Historic resources must be listed or certified as eligible for listing on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places, in order to be eligible for the program.
The Seward House, and 1865 farm house in Mount Olive, was among the sites approved in 2022 for grant dollars and is currently undergoing renovations
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella visited the “2nd Annul DEA National Take Back event” held on Saturday, October 29. The collection of unwanted/unused medication was held at Morris Hills Shopping Center (outside Harmon Face Value). Pictured with Musella are Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Remo D’Alessandro and Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Sergeant Craig Brooks.
PARSIPPANY — Liquid Church, one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing churches, is raising awareness and funds for its signature Clean Water Cause by hosting the Run For Rwanda 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run on Saturday, October 22.
“Rwanda is a country with an ambitious goal – to be the first in Africa with 100% access to clean water. Clean water has the potential to transform lives, and here at Liquid Church, we’re committed to helping Rwandans reach this milestone,” said Tim Lucas, lead pastor and founder of Liquid Church. “Right now approximately 25% of Rwandans have no other choice but to drink dirty water that carries waterborne diseases and makes families ill. By hosting the Run For Rwanda, we’re not only drawing attention to this crisis, but we’re raising funds that can be used to effect real change in Rwanda.”
Liquid and its overseas partner Living Water International have been working together in Rwanda since 2015. To date, Liquid has helped to open over 360 clean water wells in 9 nations, bringing clean water to over 130,000 people across the globe. Of those wells, 153 clean water wells have been opened throughout Rwanda. Funds raised through the Run For Rwanda on October 22 will help to complete the WASH program (water access, sanitation, and hygiene) in the Ruhango and Busasamana regions of the country.
“We invited the community to join us to run, walk, or even bring a stroller to participate with little kids. Everyone is welcome. No matter how you participate, when we come together, we can make a big impact for this beautiful ‘land of a thousand hills!’” added Lucas. “For the millions of thirsty people in Rwanda, safe water can ultimately transform their health, safety, education, and livelihoods!”
The Run For Rwanda is a chip-timed race, and all ages, stages, and abilities are welcome to lace up and join the 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run that will take place on the wide open roads surrounding Liquid Church’s location at 299 Webro Road.
To learn more about Run For Rwanda or to get answers to Frequently Asked Questions click here. To learn more about Liquid Church’s Clean Water Cause click here.
Liquid Church is one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing Christian churches. Officially launched in 2007 by Lead Pastor Tim Lucas, the church’s vision is to “Saturate the State with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” with seven physical campuses in Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, and Union Counties. Each week, about 5,000 people experience Liquid Church’s worship services in New Jersey and around the globe through Church Online. As part of its global outreach, Liquid provides clean drinking water to those in need, with hundreds of completed wells in Africa and Central America. Liquid Church’s innovative approaches to outreach and ministry have been spotlighted by CNN,FOX News, and TIME magazine. For more information click here.
I am encouraging voters to support Andy Choffo, Jack Raia, and Yvonne Ferise for the Parsippany Board of Education. I have known Andy for many years, having had children of similar ages in the Parsippany School District. Andy and I share a similar perspective on a substantial number of topics, including the impact of education on children and society. I am confident that Andy’s running mates share these points of view.
Andy, Jack, and Yvonne want a school district that will focus on student achievement. The Parsippany school district recently posted student achievement results. The decline in student learning is alarming. You can go to the district website and view the presentation by clicking here.
The Parsippany Board of Education needs to have the administration focus on educating students. I am confident that as Board Members, Andy, Jack, and Yvonne will concentrate on student achievement, while providing a commonsense approach to educating children. They will also ensure that all students are provided an equal opportunity to succeed, directing resources where necessary.
Parsippany needs volunteers like ANDY CHOFFO, JACK RAIA, and YVONNE FERISE on the Board of Education. Please vote for Board of Education rows 1, 2, and 3 on Tuesday, November 8.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System, Lake Hiawatha Branch at 68 Nokomis Avenue, hosted its first-ever After Hours Halloween party for children on Friday, October 21, 2022.
The After Hours Halloween party was a “monster mashing” success with over two hundred people in attendance.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System is among 160 libraries nationwide to conduct digital literacy training funded by Public Library Association (PLA) Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive. The Public Library Association Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T, provides support to libraries of all sizes to conduct digital literacy training in their communities and help close the digital divide.
With the help of a local instructor who is fluent in Gujarati and Hindi, the Library will offer basic digital skills classes in both of these languages.
“The mission of libraries has always been about equitable access to information, literacy, learning, and culture. In the age of COVID-19, this mission has only become vital as libraries have played a critical role in keeping communities connected and online,” said PLA President Maria McCauley. “A 2020 PLA survey found that about 88% of public libraries provide some form of digital literacy support, but only 42% offer formal classes. Staffing and funding were the top barriers to providing technology training. AT&T’s investment with PLA and public libraries nationwide will boost access to digital literacy skills for the most vulnerable in our communities.” PLA’s free training site, Digitallearn.org, helps community members build skills and confidence using technology. Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System will help patrons utilize these resources in an upcoming workshop that will be conducted in person, in Gujarati and Hindi, at the Main Library on November 12 and December 10.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System, Main Library is located at 449 Halsey Road.
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills October General Meeting, held on Monday, October 24, Membership Co-Chairs Ginny Scala and Janice Carrubba officially installed Diana Craig and Pamela Newman into the Woman’s Club.
Diana and Pamela join an enthusiastic group of volunteers brought together in fellowship and service to promote projects that produce positive outcomes in the areas of education, culture, and civic betterment of the community
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC), which are the largest volunteer women’s service organizations in the country/state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. General Meetings are heldthe fourth Monday of each month September through April at 7:00 pm at the Parsippany Fire & Rescue Building at 100 Centerton Road, Parsippany. If you would like to attend our next General Meeting to find out more about what we do, call Ginnyat 973-887-0336 or e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com.
Check us out on the web www.parsippanywomansclub.org .or follow the club on FACEBOOK or Twitter.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, November 2022. Click here to read the magazine.
