Rochelle Blair Looks Toward Life After Howard University

PARSIPPANY — Soccer goalie Rochelle Blair, 22, wishes she was back home in New Jersey, but her parents, both semi-retired educators, and the family dog are sheltering in place in Florida, where they were spending the winter before the world changed due to COVID-19. Blair is in Maryland with a friend, keeping a positive attitude despite not having the graduation she’d hoped for at Howard University.

Rochelle is also a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2016.

Her dad coached basketball and football, and Blair credits him for nurturing her love of sports. She first played soccer at age three and her parents appreciated that expended some of her abundant energy. By the time the family settled in New Jersey when she was six, it was her favorite sport.

“I got on a little team that would practice right outside my elementary school,” she said. “I fell in love with it and it grew. I never wanted to stop playing. I started doing indoor things. I joined more teams.”

She also dabbled in basketball, but soccer was her love and she excelled despite having asthma. Although it didn’t determine her focusing on the goalie position, that has been a good choice, and she’s even kept an inhaler by the goalpost, especially on hot days.

Family ties are part of the reason Blair chose to attend Howard. Her mother taught there for more than a decade and most recently taught at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Blair wore the green highlight in her hair in honor of her mother and the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. “I’m a legacy because of my mother, but because of soccer, I wasn’t able to pledge,” Blair said. “I was so excited we had pink jerseys my senior year [pink and green are AKA’s colors].”

Her father has attended almost every single one of Blair’s games. Her mother, who still mentors doctoral students, has missed some due to work obligations. Blair is looking into joining AKA as a post-grad. Playing a sport at Howard was fantastic and she treasures having been part of “a team of beautiful girls all different shades of brown,” she said. “I’d never been on a team that looked like that. It was really cool.”

An elementary education major, Blair is hoping to begin teaching in the near future. Soccer is still on her radar and she plans to join an adult team and said it would be fantastic to coach soccer to elementary school kids.

“Since we’ve been under quarantine, I’ve been reading books to kids online and doing mini-lessons,” she said. “Teaching elementary school is where my heart is.”

A Letter To The Class of 2020 From Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn

July 6, 2020

Dear Class of 2020,

First, I would like to congratulate the Class of 2020. All your hard work, especially during a pandemic, has paid off. It is now time to take all that you have learned and make your way into an ever-changing world.

Who would have thought that the last time you would be in your schools would have been a few months ago? Kitchen tables became classrooms as the coronavirus pandemic spread across the country. While there may have been some hiccups along the way, you all adapted and persevered. After all your hard work, you made it to the finish line.

I understand your senior year did not go as you expected, so graduating might feel like a bittersweet moment. You are graduating, but missing many of the milestones that make senior year unique. You may have missed playing in your final varsity game or the magic of prom night. For many, it is the time lost with friends before you start the next chapter of your lives that hurts the most.

Do not fret, because these experiences have made you all stronger. You can adapt to whatever life throws at you, which is a skill you will undoubtedly need as you progress through this journey called adulthood. You understand the value of commitment even when the future seems uncertain.

Again, I commend all your hard work and wish you well in whatever the future holds.

Congratulations Class of 2020! The Greatest Generation!

Aura K. Dunn Assemblywoman, District 25

Dedication of Adelphia Road in Memory of Sergeant Derek McConnell

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano dedicated Adelphia Road in Lake Parsippany, on Saturday, July 4, in Memory of Sergeant Derek Tra McConnell.

Sergeant Derek Tra McConnell

“I was honored to join Gold Star Mother Siobhan Fuller-McConnell to dedicate Adelphia Road in honor of her fallen son, Sergeant Derek McConnell of the US Army, whose life was cut short after serving our country in battle. Our Township was proud to commemorate his ultimate sacrifice to our country by honoring his name and his legacy,” said Mayor Michael Soriano.

Council President Michael dePierro said “Parsippany street dedication for Army Sergeant Derek McConnell on July 4, 2020. Derek McConnell was a true Hero. It was my honor to be there with Siobhan Mary and her family while Parsippany paid tribute to her son.”

Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill said “It was an honor to be in Parsippany for the dedication of Adelphia Road for fallen hero Sergeant Derek McConnell with his family. Derek represents the best values of our nation — Dedication to country, service to others, and love for his family. We have an obligation to remember Derek’s commitment to our nation and to do better for all our service members injured while defending our freedoms. It is my hope that this memorial to Derek serves as a reminder of how much Derek loved and sacrificed for our country, and how much our community loves him in return.”

“It was a fitting tribute to recognize Sergeant Derek McConnell’s sacrifice on Independence Day. He represents the best in Parsippany, a true American hero, who paid the ultimate price so we could enjoy the freedoms found only in our great country. God bless Derek and his family,” said Morris County Clerk Ann F Grossi.

On July 23, 2011, Derek Tra McConnell was out on a dismounted patrol and hit two IEDs. The first one just knocked him out. He could have stood down, but he got right back up and that’s when he hit the second. He suffered from a left hip disarticulation (leg gone from the hip), right thigh above the knee amputation, skull fracture, TBI, jaw fractured in three places, missing teeth, broken ulna (arm in limb salvage and somewhat functioning), blast wounds and internal injuries. He battled serious infections and pneumonia for over three months, spent 53 days total in the ICU, and 7 months total as an inpatient. Derek did not let his injuries get him down. His sense of humor never quit attitude, and passion for life was infectious.

Derek was born in 1989, the second of five children. Derek moved to Parsippany in August 2009. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 2010 and was stationed at Fort Drum, N.Y. Derek deployed to Afghanistan in March 2011. He was an aspiring writer and ghost hunter.

Krystina Dressler, Derek, and Derek’s mom, Siobhan Fuller-McConnell. Derek passed away in his sleep on March 18, 2013, at the Wounded Warrior Center, Bethesda/Walter Reed. Complications from wounds (double amputee) suffered in July 2011, Afghanistan.
Siobhan Fuller-McConnell with Mayor Michael Soriano
Siobhan Fuller-McConnell, Mayor Michael Soriano, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill
Brothers Michael Fuller, Ryan McConnell and Sean McConnell uncovers the street sign
Brothers Michael Fuller, Ryan McConnell, and Sean McConnell proudly holds the American Flag used to cover up the new street sign dedicated to their brother Derek McConnell
Former Mayor James Barberio, County Clerk Ann Grossi, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro and Gold Star Mom Siobhan Fuller-McConnell
Derek’s family
Attendees gathered in front of the American Flag displayed by Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer District 6

Mimi Letts Dedication Ceremony Postponed

PARSIPPANY — At the request of the family, the Township is postponing tomorrow’s Mayor Mimi Letts dedication ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial Park gazebo to a later date.

Classes 4 A Cause Supports COVID-19 Impacted Community; Launches Virtual Summer Camp

PARSIPPANY — Classes 4 A Cause (C4C) is excited to launch “Virtual Summer Camp.” Classes begin Monday, July 13. It is a fun-filled half-day virtual camp for children who may not be able to venture out due to the COVID-19 situation. While parents work from home, children will be busy learning new skills or maybe polish what they already know.

Riya Dadheech, founder of Classes 4 A Cause and Purple Paint says, “It is really a win-win-win situation. Parents will be able to focus on their work, children will spend a summer vacation in a constructive way learning new skills and above all 100% proceeds go to support our community.”

Classes 4 A Cause aims to deliver 5000 lbs of food to various food pantries over the summer. Please enroll and support. And most importantly share Classes 4 A Cause Virtual Summer Camp in your network. We all can make a difference.

Classes 4 A Cause – C4C raised $1000 during the first session that ended on May 31. 100% of the proceeds were donated to Parsippany Food Pantry, Parsippany, and Interfaith Food Pantry, Morris Plains. Student volunteers Ria J, Nehal S, Malvika C, Krrish T, Prisha K, Anika A, and Riya D were behind the success of the first session. The second session is currently in progress and will end on July 12.

Classes 4 A Cause – C4C is continuously adding new classes. If you are a high school student or a rising high school student and would like to share your skills with other children, please contact them by sending an email to classes4acause@purpleppaint.org.

Classes 4 A Cause invites all parents to join the movement by enrolling children at classes4acause.purplepaint.org. You can also support by simply making a donation.

Hearts and Hands Held Preschool Graduation Parade

PARSIPPANY — Hearts and Hands held a Preschool Graduation Parade on June 30.

Hearts and Hands was established in 2006 and is located at the Parsippany Presbyterian, 1675 Route 46.

On Friday, March 13 the staff was told they needed to close due to COVID-19. Unfortunately, they thought it would be for only a brief time, as many schools; they were sadly mistaken.  However, the struggle was real and could potentially affect the school significantly. The school decided they would open up Virtually.

The staff decided now more than ever it was important to keep the connections strong and offer the best experience they could imagine. They supplied multiple live classes with engaging learning experiences to be shared with the students and their families.  Everyone enjoyed bedtime stories, games, exercise classes, and coffee hour with the parents. They have always been known to strive to provide love and support to their school community.

The Virtual School year was extended until June 30.
They held a “Moving Up Parade: to congratulate and celebrate all of the PreK students.

They are currently running a Virtual youth camp program online. Their JLP and SLP programs are running smoothly and they are having a blast!

For more information click here or call (973) 257-5550.

Hearts & Hands preschool program was developed with the child and family in mind. Each small-sized class is staffed with educated, warm, and caring teachers dedicated to providing a safe, healthy, and nurturing learning experience for your child. Our goal is to deliver a curriculum that creates a learning environment rich in age-appropriate activities to encourage your child’s natural ability to learn.

Preschool Advantage Offers Financial Assistance for Preschool

PARSIPPANY — Preschool Advantage, a locally-based non-profit organization, helps families pay for preschool at 28 Morris and Somerset County preschools, including All Saints Academy, Children’s Circle and Hearts and Hands in Parsippany.  (Click here for a full list of partner preschools.)

Applications for tuition assistance for the school year beginning in September 2020 are being accepted now. Children must be 3-or 4-years old by October 1, 2020.  You can call the Preschool Advantage office at (973) 532-2501 for an application or download by clicking here.

Preschool Advantage is a non-profit organization whose mission is to give children a fair chance to succeed in life. We raise funds to open the doors of preschool and unlock the possibilities beyond.

Kiwanis Club Welcomes New Member Bonnie Sturm

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill welcomed new member Bonnie Sturm during a Zoom meeting on Thursday, July 2.

Bonnie recently retired from the Parsippany-Troy Hills School system after teaching for 35 years, her first year at Parsippany High School (85-86) then at Parsippany Hills High School for the last 34 years. She was also the Kiwanis Key Club advisor for the past 22 years.

Due to COVID-19, Cahill met Bonnie earlier in the week to give her the membership card, membership plaque, and her pin, then officially inducted her into the club on Thursday.

Cahill said “Kiwanis is something so good that each of us loves to share it. What better way to show our love for our club and our community than to welcome a new member to our club? Today we’re very pleased to welcome Bonnie Sturm to our club. Although not new to Kiwanis, we welcome Bonnie to our global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. These times of COVID-19, we are forced to do things a little differently. Bonnie will be a great asset to our club with her extensive experience as Key Club advisor.”

In addition, New Jersey District of Kiwanis International Governor Gordon Meth appointed Bonnie as a Key Club Zone Advisor.  The New Jersey District of Key Club is comprised of passionate, hard-working high schoolers dedicated to serving their homes, schools, and communities. We strive to make the world a better place through service and caring. The 2020 District Project this year is “Keeping the Garden State Green”! To learn more about our partners and everything you can do to contribute click here.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is the largest Kiwanis Club in the State of New Jersey with 77 members. New members are always welcome. (Click here for more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany). Kiwanis members dedicate more than 6 million volunteer hours and invest more than $100 million in service projects that strengthen communities and serve children every year. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany ensures that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives. They believe that by helping one child, you help the world.

If you are interested in learning about our club, we currently meet weekly on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. via Zoom. (Join us by clicking here). For more information click here.

Woman’s Club of Parsippany Working with Operation Chillout

PARSIPPANY — Every two years the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Club (NJSFWC) adopts an organization as the State Special Project. All clubs in the state federation work on projects to help the chosen organization. For the 2020–2022 Administration that organization is “OPERATION CHILLOUT”.

OPERATION CHILLOUT is New Jersey’s oldest (and only) all-volunteer mobile outreach for homeless veterans, men, and women, on a mission since December 21, 2000. Its motto is “no borders-no boundaries.” Its mission is to respond to the crisis of homelessness with direct compassionate actions. To learn more about OPERATION CHILLOUT click here.

Some of our club ladies have been busy already making little note cards to accompany items on the OPERATION CHILLOUT Gift Registry. The cards are made to fit into the pocket of the homeless veteran. Over 400 cards have been completed and are ready to be sent.

If you would like to donate to Operation Chillout please click on the link above. Items for their summer campaign include hats, t-shirts, and cases of water. If you do donate please type Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills in the business line (under your name) and also in notes on the payment page to let the organization know where you heard about Operation Chillout.

New members are always welcome to join the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills, established in 1954. Our club is one of over 200 clubs that make up the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC. NJSFWC is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. For more information call Marilyn at (973) 539-3703, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, or click here.

Minor Home Fire on Raymond Boulevard

PARSIPPANY — A Saturday afternoon minor fire was reported in the basement of 335 Raymond Boulevard.

Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 6, Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 5, and Lake Hiawatha Fire Department District 4 arrived on the scene and distinguished a small fire in the basement caused by the resident cooking.  There were no injuries reported and the damage was minor.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department and Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad also at the scene.