PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System hosted its first-ever Diwali Festival on Saturday, October 22.
They celebrated Diwali with dancing, henna, food, arts, and crafts with over three hundred of the community! Thank you to the Thillai Fine Arts Dance for their wonderful performance!
The event was sponsored by the Friends of the Parsippany Library!
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Library is located at 449 Halsey Road.
Diwali, the festival of lights, joy, prosperity, and happiness will be celebrated this year on October 24, 2022. It is a five-day-long celebration that commences with Dhanteras and ends with Bhaiya Dooj. The festival of Diwali is celebrated on the darkest night of the year in the Hindu month of Kartik.
MORRIS COUNTY — Harmonium Choral Society’s concert A Child’s Christmas will be performed on Saturday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 11 at 3:00 p.m. at The Presbyterian Church in Morristown, 57 E. Park Place, Morristown, and will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their commissioning of Matthew Harris’s setting of Dylan Thomas’s A Child’s Christmas in Wales for chorus and chamber orchestra.
The first half of the concert celebrates diverse childhood winter experiences from Haiti to Sweden, Brazil to Wales, and features many women composers including Ysaye Barnwell, Misty Depuis, Flory Jagoda, Caroline Mallonee, Tracy Wong, and Grace Williams. Artistic Director Dr. Anne Matlack says, “I am so excited to re-visit this wonderful work which is full of humor and joy. We’ll use piano, harp, flute, oboe, cello, and percussion for lots of colors! The rest of the concert includes some ‘Harmonium surprises’ such as folk dance and audience participation. Bring the whole family.”
Tickets to A Child’s Christmas may be purchased for $30.00 for adults or $25.00 for students and teachers by clicking here. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Harmonium Choral Society is dedicated to ensuring that all of our patrons are able to enjoy the arts equally. If you have accessibility needs, questions, or concerns, please contact us at least two weeks prior to the scheduled performance and we will assist you in the best manner we have available. For more information, please contact Jody Marcus at (973) 538-6969. Doors open one-half hour before the concert begins, but concertgoers are advised to leave plenty of time for parking.
COVID Guidelines for Harmonium Performances
All Harmonium singers are vaccinated and will remain masked during performances except for occasional solos. We will require proof of vaccination presented at the door for entry. Audience masking is now optional as long as that remains the policy of our host venues.
Funding has been made possible in part by Morris Arts through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Harmonium Choral Society, based in Morris County, is one of New Jersey’s leading choral arts organizations. The 100-voice choral society has been recognized for its musical excellence and innovative programming and has commissioned and premiered works by Amanda Harberg, Matthew Harris, Elliot Z. Levine, Harmonium’s composers-in-residence Mark Miller, Martin Sedek, and others.
Dr. Anne J. Matlack
Directed by Dr. Anne J. Matlack of Madison, Harmonium’s 2022-23 season consists of four subscription concerts held in December, March, May, and June, as well as numerous special events and partnerships. Harmonium, known for its eclectic programming, choral excellence, and community spirit, sponsors commissions and musicianship workshops, as well as an outreach chorus that performs in schools, nursing homes, and other venues. Harmonium sponsors an annual High School Student Choral Composition Contest, which is celebrating its 26th anniversary this season. This innovative program won the prestigious Chorus America Education and Outreach Award. Harmonium has also toured internationally, most recently to the Balkans in the summer of 2022.
I have been a Parsippany resident for many years. I am a father and a grandfather. I remain active within the town and talk to many people on several different topics. The Board of Education election this year has come up in my conversations numerous times. I, and many others who I have talked to, believe that our educational system is going in the wrong direction. We believe there is too much focus on things that won’t help the kids be successful in life.
I have educated myself regarding the 7 candidates running for the Parsippany Board of Ed. I have met and spoken with some of them. I believe that the team of Andy Choffo, Jack Raia and Yvonne Ferise are the right choices for the Parsippany Board of Ed. They have stated in different ways the wholesome values that I believe in.
In addition to making sure the Board of Education is making the right decisions for the students, I am a senior and concerned about cost. Andy Choffo, Jack Raia, and Yvonne Ferise have said that they are going to make sure that seniors are not priced out of town with unaffordable property taxes. This is important to me.
I want people like Andy, Jack, and Yvonne on the Board of Education. I know I will be voting for them on November 8.
MORRIS COUNTY — Allison Larena, President & CEO of Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown, was honored Friday night, October 14, by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners for her 20 years at the helm of the arts organization.
Allison Larena with Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus
Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus presented Larena with a framed “Resolution of Honor” inside MPAC’s Starlight Room just prior to the performance of “Croce Plays Croce” at the theater on South Street.
“I am grateful for the recognition by the Morris County Board of Commissioners in honor of my 20th anniversary at MPAC. MPAC is fortunate to be located in a county that recognizes the value of our cultural institutions and how they contribute to the quality of life for our residents. The Commissioners’ support of our education programs this past year has been a vital lifeline to helping these programs return to enrich the lives of thousands of children every year,” said Larena.
The resolution notes that Larena has been instrumental in transforming the Morristown-based theater into a world-class performing arts center and for growing its annual operating budget from $1.5 million to more than $13 million. Under her tutelage, MPAC operations grew from about 50 events annually to over 250 events, welcoming more than 240,000 patrons each year and generating over $9 million in ticket sales, while simultaneously having an estimated impact of $15 million dollars on the local economy.
“On behalf of the Morris County Commissioners, We are pleased to present you with this resolution recognizing your 20 years of leadership of Mayo Performing Arts Center. MPAC is a crown jewel for Morris County,” said Deputy Director Krickus.
“Morris County was proud to provide MPAC with $600,000 of funding for education programs as part of the recovery from COVID, and also recently approved $24,000 of historic grant funding for the plans to renovate the historic facade to the theater,” he added.
MPAC, which operates out of a 1937 theater designed by Thomas Lamb, has served more than 40,000 children through education and outreach programs, and Larena is credited with launching innovative programs during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the arts accessible.
Among the programs were the first outdoor drive-in concerts, the first limited-capacity concerts, and the first live streams in New Jersey as she kept the theatre active and relevant while creating a safe environment for people to enjoy an indoor art experience.
To learn more about MPAC and upcoming events click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll joined other government officials from federal, state, county, and municipal levels at the municipal hall of Madison Borough, during a news conference to support federal legislation that would assist law enforcement in combatting vehicle theft on Monday, October 17.
Area police chiefs and county sheriffs from the region were also in attendance as a show of support.
The bipartisan legislation, introduced to the United States Congress by Representatives Mikie Sherrill from New Jersey and Don Bacon from Nebraska would provide $150 million in grants over a five-year period to state and local law enforcement, to address and mitigate the number of vehicle thefts, and provide resources for stolen vehicle trafficking throughout the United States. The legislation provides that 70% of the funding will go to the county and local law enforcement with 30% to states being heavily impacted by vehicle thefts and especially the related escalated violence. If passed in Congress, the bill would provide $30 million each year for hiring, equipment, technology, and other resources to target the crime of vehicle theft.
Various Law Enforcement Officials in Attendance
In addition to the federal bill, the recently introduced bi-partisan legislation from Senators Codey and Bucco also received the unanimous support of law enforcement as it addresses the issues of repeat offenders as well as those criminals who recruit juveniles into criminal theft organizations in order to insulate themselves from serious criminal charges. A separate state bill from the Senators also addresses the frightening issue of home invasions and substantially increases the potential criminal penalties for such serious criminal conduct.
During the news conference and following the initial presentation speech delivered by Rep. Sherrill, multiple officials spoke including NJ State Senators Anthony Bucco and Richard Codey, NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura, and Passaic County Undersheriff Kevin Dickson all spoke in support of the initiative.
Prosecutor Carroll stated that law enforcement sincerely appreciates the legislative efforts to help stem the increasing crime and reiterates the need for community and citizen assistance in stopping these criminal theft organizations. The Prosecutor stated:
“Year to date, 89% of the vehicle thefts in Morris County involve keys/key fobs being left in a vehicle; 61% of these thefts were from residential properties and another 23% from commercial locations. Morris County Law enforcement again reiterates that it is vitally important that our citizens help in stopping these thefts by securing their keys and fobs, and not making themselves and their families easy targets for these opportunistic, and now too often armed criminals.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Town of Boonton Police Department Officer in Charge Christian Trowbridge announce that missing 16-year-old Keyoni Jackson from Boonton was found safe.
Keyoni Jackson was located unharmed in Morris Township by the Morris Township Police Department and returned home.
Prosecutor Carroll thanked the public for helping get the word out about this missing teenager.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Key Club is hosting its free, annual “Halloween at the High” this year on Friday, October 28 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the children of Parsippany!
Please join us at Parsippany High School for this exciting and spooky event! There will be trick-or-treating, haunted alleys, crafts, and games. This is a perfect way to become Halloween-ready! Donations for Unicef’s Start Strong: Zambia program will be accepted.
Parsippany High School is located at 309 Baldwin Road.
PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, October 11, 2022, Woman’s Club of Parsippany- Troy Hills members Ronnie Fagan, Terry Gerber, and Ronnie’s sister, Eileen, delivered 146 Holiday Stockings to NJSFWC headquarters, in New Brunswick. The stockings were collected from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Woman’s Club members, family, co-workers, and friends.
While at headquarters, the ladies helped put boxes together for shipping the stockings.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio issued a “Proclamation” at Sunday’s “Making Strides Parsippany” event held in the Century Office Campus. The Mayor presented the Proclamation to event organizers Melissa Gargantiel and Kelly Stanckiewitz.
Mayor James Barberio with event organizers Melissa Gargantiel and Kelly Stanckiewitz
At the time this article was published the Making Strides Parsippany raised $317,911. You can still make a donation by clicking here.
More than 290,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year; There are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors living in the US today and more than $71 million invested in breast cancer research (as of August 2021).
Music provided by DJ Bonz will keep the party going on our stage, sponsored by The Snooki Shop. Performances by dance teams and fun warm-ups will get you excited before the walk starts and throughout the morning!
Think Pink
Since 1993, the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) campaign has united communities, companies, and individuals with a collective goal to end breast cancer as we know it. Over the past two decades, the 3- to 5-mile noncompetitive walks have collectively grown into the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement providing a supportive community for courageous breast cancer survivors and metastatic breast cancer thrivers, including caregivers, and families alike.
Welcome Survivors
This year, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer celebrates its 30th anniversary and is taking place in more than 150 communities nationwide, including Parsippany.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events raise awareness and money to save lives from breast cancer. The money you raise and the donations made are helping the American Cancer Society fund innovative breast cancer research, 24/7 information and support, prevention and early detection initiatives, and so much more.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Councilman Frank Neglia, Sandra Neglia, and Elizabeth ScangarellaThe participants met at Elizabeth Scangarella house to participate in “Making Strides of Parsippany”Elizabeth Scangarella Team “Believers” at the starting line at Making Strides of Parsippany
The top companies were Toyota Motor North America $13,950; Atlantic Health Systems $8,637; BASF Corporation $5,057; Siemens Healthineers $4,575; Connell Foley LLP $3,767; Bausch + Lomb $1,973; Wyndham Hotels and Resorts $1,882; Dollar Tree/Family Dollar $1,776; Select Medical $1,673; and Delta Dental of New Jersey $1,579
Making Strides in Memory of Rosemarie Mancuso raised over $7,000
A personal message from Theresa MANCUSO regarding her Breast Cancer Experience:
Breast Cancer has been in my life since I was 7 years old and my grandmother, Teresa, was diagnosed. I watched her suffer through surgeries and treatments before Metastatic Breast Cancer took her from us in 1988. I was 16 years old. Just three years later, my mother, Rosemarie, was diagnosed at just 46 years old. Again, I saw one of my role models fight this disease with strength and humor. My mother was a successful business owner, a single mom, and a friend to many. She was the life of the party and everyone was always happy to see her. She was Volunteer of the Year for the local American Cancer Society. She visited many patients at their most vulnerable, right after diagnosis, through the Reach for Recovery program. She had a notebook full of patients that she would follow up with to make sure they were okay and share her experiences.
I remember my mom taking me for my first mammogram when I was 22 years old. Her cancer had returned but she never wanted anyone to worry about her. She actually signed us up for our first cancer walk in South Orange in 1995, though she was already feeling the effects of advanced cancer. After fighting for five years, Metastatic Breast Cancer took her at the age of 51. I had just turned 24 and couldn’t imagine life without her. Somedays I still can’t.
Though I walk in memory of my mom, I also selfishly walk for myself. In 2003, I was diagnosed with Stage I Breast Cancer at age 30. I was aggressive with surgeries and treatments but my cancer returned four years later at age 34. I was shellshocked that I was facing the same fate as the two most important women in my life. I’m now 15 years with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer. I’ve done treatments, more surgeries, and a clinical trial. I remain on drugs that have cumulative side effects that don’t make my life super easy. But I am beyond blessed that I am still here and able to celebrate another walk with my wonderful friends and family! I’ve lost dozens of friends to this horrible disease. These are young women with children and should have had long lives ahead of them….we all should.
The funds I’m raising will sustain critical research and provide services for people trying to cope with their own breast cancer experiences. Believe me, every dollar really does count, so I’m asking you to please donate today. Together, we can make a big difference in the fight against breast cancer.
To raise funds directly for Theresa’s fundraiser, click here.
Team “Fighting Pretty” was lead by team leader Gina DeRosa and raised over $1,400
Top teams were Rising to the Challenge $21,005; The Fighting Champions $18,768; Hanna’s Bananas Powered by Toyota $13,950; The Pink Striders $12,740; Making Strides in Memory of Rosemarie Mancuso $7,026; Warriors 3.0 $6,548; Team Kamdar $6,429; Las Panas $5,324; BASF Florham Park $5,057; and BASF Flanders Green4Pink $4,575.
Top participants were Sylvia Samaniego $12,455; Fran Saliter $10,862; Lois Dornfeld $10,655; Susan Donaldson $7,348; Nancy Medford $5,888; Teresa Mancuso $4,575; Mary Rehus $3,559; Dayana Peck $3,338 and Sharon Spina $2,673.
A refreshment Tent for water and refreshments was sponsored by Uncle Giuseppe’s Italian Market
Apart from skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer type in women. In fact, in 2019, 271,270 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed. 62,930 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed in women (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer: The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass, but other symptoms are also possible. It’s important to have any breast change checked by a healthcare provider.
For more information about the American Cancer Society and all of its programs, click here.
The Survivor & Thriver Tent, sponsored by Bausch & Lomb, is a special area for Survivors and Thrivers. Survivors and Thrivers will enjoy some snacks, and coffee, receive their sashes and participate in activities—all while creating great memories in the tent.Seton Hall UniversityParsippany Volunteer Ambulance members Sophia Lowery and Melinda ErnstRandolph Rams CheerleadersKiwanis Club Lt. Governor Frank Cahill with Kiwanis Club of Caldwell/West Essex President Jessica AlmeidaTeam Jessica AlmediaKiwanis Club of Caldwell/West Essex President Jessica Almedia and member AnthonyMayor James Barberio with Barbara and Haywood BaileyMaking Strides of Parsippany Attracts Over 1,786 ParticipantsDark Invader and friends
Envision a future where our children no longer live with the threat of breast cancer and where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive this disease. By supporting the Making Strides movement, you help ensure the American Cancer Society can continue fighting for that same vision. Together, we can help fund the future of breast cancer research and programs for our loved ones today – and for the next generation.
For more information on the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” click here. Cancer information, answers, and hope. Available every minute of every day by calling 800-227-2345.
PARSIPPANY — Morris County Republican Club and Chatham Mayor Ashley Felice held a luncheon to honor Paul DeGroot at Bruno’s Italian Bistro, Parsippany.
Paul DeGroot comes from a blue-collar family with respect for conservative values such as hard work, discipline, and helping others. Born and raised in Passaic County to a firefighter dad and a homemaker mom, he went to public schools in Clifton, commuted to Montclair State College, and went on to graduate from the University of Maryland with a degree in political science. While there, he joined the College Republicans and did a six-month internship on Capitol Hill for a local congressman.
Paul attended the Widener University School of Law in Delaware; He was awarded his Juris Doctorate in 1993. In 1996, DeGroot went to work for the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office in a career that spanned 25 years. DeGroot ultimately was promoted to Chief Prosecutor for the Homicide, Narcotics, and Government Corruption units. He was involved in 100 trials and closed thousands of cases.
Paul along with his wife Sharon, are the parents of two young children and are homeowners who live in Montville.
A group of attendees gather for a picture with Paul DeGroot
Parent’s Rights in Education: Paul supports all parents’ right to be part of curriculum decisions in their children’s schools. He opposes indoctrinating our students with leftist ideology. Paul will work with parents to make sure our public school curriculum teaches students marketable skills, not socialist propaganda.
American Liberty and Freedom: Paul opposes government lockdowns of businesses and schools – and the abuse of federal and state power on Americans. He opposes executive edicts during the Covid-19 pandemic that infringe on personal liberty.
The U.S. Constitution: Paul is an ardent supporter of following the U.S. Constitution and interpreting it as written by our Founding Fathers. He opposes judges who legislate from the bench. As a prosecutor for 25 years; Paul lived with the Constitution every day.
Energy Independence: Paul Supports energy independence for America. Under President Biden, oil prices have skyrocketed from $41.9 a barrel in 2020 to more than $100 today. The increase is felt by every family and business in America
The American Economy – Besides energy independence, Paul supports measures to cut inflation and a national tax policy that creates strong industries and good-paying jobs for Americans. To compete with China, America needs less regulation on businesses.
Border Security: Illegal immigrants are flooding into our country from our Southern Border. They are coming from all corners of the globe and most are unvetted. The progressives like Mikie Sherril are encouraging this mass invasion of our country and supporting President Biden’s policy of secretly dispersing illegal aliens to all corners of the United States. Paul will fight for U.S. Border Security.
NY Times – October 22, 2021- A record 1.7 million migrants from around the world were encountered trying to enter the United States illegally in 2021… capping a year of chaos at the southern border, which has emerged as one of the most formidable challenges for the Biden administration. It was the highest number of illegal crossings recorded since at least 1960.
Senior Citizens: Paul supports expanding basic Medicare benefits for our senior citizens to include eyeglasses and dental. These benefits can be paid for by cutting government waste and curtailing financing to illegal immigrants.
Veterans: Paul cares about our U.S. Military veterans and believes they deserve the best opportunities and care we can provide for them. Thanking them for their service is not enough. Paul supports the rights of veterans to receive legal assistance, medical services, business & housing ownership, employment outreach, discharge upgrades, and family outreach services.
For more information about Paul DeGroot, click here.
Paul DeGroot with Rockaway Police Chief Conrad Pepperman
Dear Editor:
