Letter to the editor: Our July 4th was better than yours….

parsippany focusDear Editor:

I drove over the Parsippany Hills High School, about 6:50 p.m., to see the annual July 4th celebration. As usual I was met at a check point by the Parsippany’s Finest, and when they saw my Disabled Veteran placard they directed me to the proper parking area.

When I got out of my vehicle there was waiting for me and others, who might have trouble making the climb to the baseball fields on the upper levels, a modified golf cart, in a minute or so I and my trusty fishing chair were on the upper level of PHHS.

I staked out a spot about fifty yards from the band stand and relaxed, fifteen minutes later the BEST band that we have ever had at a July 4th concert started to play … the band “Overboard” was actually great, and that is coming from a guy who has seen many, many cover bands in his days.

This band played for two solid hours, how the lead singer did not pass out from the heat was beyond me, but he never faltered, after a while I was joined by the largest crowd ever at this event. There was over 7,000 people, all loving the music, a large group of people dancing their hearts out, and the weather cooperating.

When the band finished, on came patriotic music, and the fireworks started, they were AMAZING and the BEST in all of Morris County this year. Close to 10:00 p.m. the fireworks ended and all 7,000 people started leaving at the same time. A slight distraction for three solid hours of music and fireworks.

Now, I know other towns had fireworks, but Parsippany out does them all!! The Police Department, the Fire Department, Emergency Services, Ambulance Squads, CERT, Office of Emergency Management and of course Department of Parks and Forestry and Public Works, they ALL did a great job … Not easy to get 7000 people at different times, but harder to leave..

When the night ended there were over 7,000 extremely happy people celebrating the birthday of this wonderful place, America.

So, next year, if you live in any other town in Morris County and you want to be at the BEST July 4th Celebration, well you have to be in Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Thanks to “Overboard” and to MCC Blue who was a major sponsor for this magnificent event. To all the Town of Parsippany workers on duty last night, a BIG Thank You from someone who enjoyed his July 4th American birthday Party. A longtime resident of Parsippany.

Stephen J. Roman Sr.
Parsippany

Delta Dental Raises $77,000 for Special Olympics

PARSIPPANY — Delta Dental of New Jersey (DDNJ) raised $77,000 at the company’s 28th annual Golf Classic, the largest amount raised at a single outing to date, to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ).

SONJ is a nonprofit organization that provides sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Since the first Golf Classic in 1990, DDNJ has raised more than $1.24 million for this deserving organization.

“The Golf Classic, our most highly-anticipated fundraising event of the year, is just one example of our commitment to enhancing the overall well-being of our local community,” said Dennis Wilson, president and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey. “We believe strongly in advocating for and supporting this organization and are proud to help talented Special Olympics athletes achieve their dream of participating in athletic competition and playing sports they love.”

Delta Dental of New Jersey employees volunteered at the event assisting at registration, monitoring contest holes and selling raffles, pictured (left to right): Laura Ruttenberg; David Ginocchio; Teresa Rosario; Gina Rosario, and Lisette Rosario

Hosted on May 16 at Ballyowen Golf Club in Hamburg, the outing drew nearly 100 golfers, including SONJ athletes Tom Azilides and Dane Klewsaat, as well as the New Jersey Devils’ Ken Daneyko, a three-time Stanley Cup winner. Putting a spotlight on the event’s mission, Dane shared how being a SONJ athlete has helped him to achieve his goals. He demonstrated his support and appreciation by teeing off with each group at the ninth hole.

Randy Stodard, Delta Dental of New Jersey; Dane Klewsaat, Athlete, Special Olympics NJ; Patrick Wentling, MWWPR; Ken Daneyko, NJ Devils; and Noah Bleibtreu, Delta Dental of New Jersey

Heather Andersen, president and CEO of Special Olympics New Jersey stated, “In this iconic year, as we celebrate our 50th  Anniversary, it is great to see how much partnerships, like the one we have with Delta Dental, have grown throughout the years and continue to raise the bar each year. Our success and ability of the Special Olympics movement to thrive in the future depend on events like this and the great relationships we have with Delta Dental and all of our corporate partners.”

DDNJ employees served as volunteers at the event and funds were raised through event sponsorships, employee and partner donations, and raffles that included a New Jersey Devils’ suite during the 2018-19 season. Sponsors who supported the Golf Classic included 8 West Consulting, Brown & Brown Benefit Advisors, DDNJ Board of Trustees, MWWPR, New Jersey Dental Association, and Summit Medical Group.

Delta Dental of New Jersey employee volunteers, Annette Baker (left) and Sherri Alexander (right) with Ballyowen golf pro Mike Harris at the Beat the Pro contest hole, which helped raise more funds for Special Olympics New Jersey throughout the day

About Special Olympics New Jersey 
Special Olympics New Jersey provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 24 Olympic-type sports for more than 25,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, completely free of charge, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Click here for more information. In 2018, Special Olympics New Jersey is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Over the past 50 years, Special Olympics New Jersey has changed the lives and hopes of thousands of individuals with intellectual disabilities throughout New Jersey. For more information and to see how you can celebrate click here.

For News related to Pakistan visit Pakistanmorningpost.com

About Delta Dental
Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. is New Jersey’s leading dental benefits company, providing or administering coverage to more than 1.7 million people through contracts with groups and individuals in New Jersey and Connecticut. In Connecticut, Delta Dental of Connecticut, Inc. writes dental coverage on an insured basis, and Delta Dental of New Jersey administers self-funded dental benefit programs. For more information click here.

Golfers Tee Off for People with Disabilities

MORRIS COUNTY — Employment Horizons kicked off their 13th Annual Golf Classic at Spring Brook Country Club in Morristown on June 18. Over one hundred golfers registered for this event with proceeds benefiting the programs and services of Employment Horizons.

Matthew Putts, Employment Horizons’ Executive Director and Employment Horizons’ Trustee Howard Gogel of Title Sponsor My Limo

The Golf Classic had several corporate supporters. My Limo, a division of Gogel Enterprises, was the Title while the Associate Sponsor was Vision Real Estate Partners. The golfers enjoyed a beautiful day of golf and participated in contests. Lunch and dinner were also provided with a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. Golfers also had the chance to win a luxury car provided by Audi Bridgewater & Audi Mendham at the Hole-in-One Contest sponsored by Morristown Airport and Safari Telecom.

Employment Horizons provides job skills training and placement services to hundreds of individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment each year. To learn more about Employment Horizons or to get involved, please contact Director of Development Lisa Montalbano at lmontalbano@ehorizons.org or click here.

Foursome from Title Sponsor, My Limo. Dan Farley, Bob Lull, Howard Gogel (My Limo and Employment Horizons’ Trustee), and Don Adami
Foursome from Associate Sponsor, Vision Real Estate Partners. Steve Feinberg, Ryan Fraser, Kubby Tischler, and Jose Mayoral
Foursome from Bayer. From left are Bill Colacurcio (Alan Baird Industries, Golf Classic Chair), Frank Stefano, Lochlan Dougherty, and John Rotondo

Letter to the editor: Morris County stands to benefit greatly from Workforce Development

parsippany focusDear Editor:

It is no secret that New Jersey is in financial trouble. Our saving grace is that we’re well-situated near New York City, in the middle of the Eastern seaboard with infrastructure that can still be repaired and maintained. Because of these advantages, manufacturers are still interested in New Jersey despite some of the financial constraints choking our state.

In my opinion, Morris County stands to benefit greatly from Workforce Development programs and, as a Freeholder liaison to the County College of Morris and the Morris County School of Technology, I have been researching this program in other areas and working with leaders of CCM and NJMEP to make it a reality for Morris County.

Today, I had the opportunity to visit Rowan College in Glassboro, New Jersey where they have been aggressively working toward Workforce Development in several industries trending in their area. The visit was very informative and I look forward to bringing the information I received back to the Freeholder board so that we can duplicate the success of this program and realize another part of our strategic plan.

In recent years, the Glassboro area has seen many new businesses coming into the area, and the growth of both Rowan College and Rowan University as a result of the expansion into Workforce Development programs. We can make this happen in Morris County!

Freeholder Heather Darling

Prosecutor’s Office Will Join First Annual Diversity Day

MORRISTOWN — On Sunday, July 8, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and several community groups throughout Morris County, will join together for Diversity Day on the Morristown Green.

The event kicks off at 11:00 a.m. with an Interfaith Service on the Green. Following this service, there will be a festival on the Green from 12:00 p.m. through 4:00 p.m. including live music, local performers, various international foods, games, and door prizes.

The event is free and open to the public. Diversity Day was created by The Presbyterian Church in Morristown this year as a way to celebrate the different cultures and religious groups throughout Morris County. It is being held in collaboration with the following community partners, Atlantic Health, The Albanian Church, Black Lives Matter, Boy Scouts of America, Calvary Baptist Church, Centrobiblico of NJ, Church of the Redeemer, Cornerstone/Neighborhood House, Islamic Society of Basking Ridge, Morristown Jewish Center Beit Yisrael, Morris School District, Presbyterian Church in Morristown, The United Methodist Church of Morristown, RAMP (Refugee Assistance Morris Partners), South Street Creamery, and Wind of the Spirit. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is excited to participate in the First Annual Diversity Day.

Prosecutor Knapp Speaks at 5th Annual Police Chaplains’ Conference

MORRIS COUNTY — On Tuesday, June 12, Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp participated at the fifth annual Police Chaplains’ Conference, held by the New Jersey Police Chaplains Association at the War Memorial Building in Trenton. As the President of the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey (CPANJ), Prosecutor Knapp provided opening remarks at the conference along with New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and Chief Garry Gubbei, President of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. The focus of the Police Chaplains’ Conference was on building stronger police chaplaincy programs, partnering with diverse faith communities, defining bias crimes and incidents, as well as fostering violence prevention strategies through community engagement.

“Police Chaplains play an important role in building stronger relationships between law enforcement and the communities in which they serve. They provide crucial spiritual services to police officers and their families in times of need. The training provided today will prove to be extremely beneficial for these Chaplains in their duties and for the communities they serve”, said Prosecutor Knapp.

The program consisted of different workshops which the approximately 250 attendees could join throughout the afternoon. The subjects of these meetings varied, but included, Bias Crimes Awareness, Creating Safe and Healthy Communities, Expectations of Police Chaplains, Homeland Security & Preparedness 101, Recognizing and Preventing Threats in Our Communities, Resilience and Reflection-Cop 2 Cop 2018, Strengthening Communication Skills, and Working Together-Building Diverse Interfaith Coalitions in your Communities. Police Chaplains provide an important service during incidents in which a delicate response to citizen needs may be necessary. They are able to offer emotional, social, or spiritual support during what may very well be the worst moment in someone’s life. Over the past few years, the number of Police Chaplains has grown throughout the state.

Meet Domino! He is looking for a fur-ever home

PARSIPPANY — Meet Domino! He is a four-year old Maltese Terrier mix fully grown at nine pounds.

He is a gentle soul who just wants your love! He is the perfect dog to bring to summer barbeques or other outings. He does amazing anywhere you bring him! Domino is extremely friendly and has never met a person he hasn’t liked!

He loves going on walks around the neighborhood! When walking on the leash, he pulls at first because he is so excited, but quickly settles down.

Domino is completely housetrained. He is not destructive when left alone and does not mind going into his crate.

He may be blind in his left eye but this does not slow him down one bit! After a quick sniff of a stranger, his tail starts wagging and you have yourself a new friend! He does get surprised at times when someone approaches him too quickly and he does not have time to sniff, but Domino never reacts in a negative way.

When brought into a new environment, he explores and then quickly settles down and makes himself right at home. Domino does well with other dogs, cats and kids above the age of ten.

Domino was found roaming the streets of the Bronx until a good Samaritan picked him up. After receiving proper care, Domino is ready to find a forever family who will shower him with love and affection!

If you are interested in adopting Domino, please fill out an application by clicking here.

Follow Wise Animal Rescue (WAR) on Instagram by clicking here.
Like Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.

Center for Nursing Innovation and Research for Morristown Medical Center Officially Opens

MORRISTOWN — The Center for Nursing Innovation and Research for Morristown Medical Center officially opened recently.

The ultimate goal of the Center for Nursing Innovation is to improve quality patient care. The dedicated physical space (located across the street from the hospital) and innovative culture enables nurses to explore, share and develop new ideas aimed at improving patient, family and nursing interactions and ultimately, sharing innovations more broadly with nurses at Atlantic Health System and at medical centers across the nation.

By proactively seeking solutions to today’s health care challenges, Morristown Medical Center nurses will be on the forefront of change. The CNIR will pave the way for Morristown Medical Center nurses to be viewed as national leaders, as they disseminate new knowledge and best practices generated at the center.

According to hospital officials, $1.5 million in proceeds from The Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center’s 2017 Mansion in May Designer Showhouse and Gardens was used to provide initial funding to establish this center.

Local Kiwanis club members go to Las Vegas to participate in deciding global organization’s future

PARSIPPANY – President Frank Cahill, Nicolas Limanov, Gordon Meth and Michael Mulhaul, members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany attended the 2018 Kiwanis International convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. They represented the opinions and beliefs of the local Kiwanis club members in the discussion and decision-making in the global organization’s structure and leadership.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is part of Kiwanis International, a global organization that provides volunteer service to support children in communities around the world. In Parsippany, the club helps children by donating to Parsippany Food Pantry, Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, Parsippany PAL Youth Center, Parsippany High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Hills High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Child Day Center, Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey, Camp Nejeda, NJ Sharing Network, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Parsippany, Parsippany Project Graduation, Jersey Battered Women’s Services, Family Promise of Morris County, Parsippany Little League West, Parsippany Little League East to name a few. Money to support the projects is raised by hosting events such as their annual Wine Tasting, Touch-A-Truck, Trivia Night among others.

“Kids need Kiwanis, in our community and in communities around the world,” said Frank Cahill. “Our club supports projects that would not otherwise happen without our support. We’re here to make sure all the children in our community have what they need to thrive, prosper and grow.”

The Kiwanis International convention, in its 103rd year, brings together members from around the world to share service project ideas that help kids and to gain insight into new opportunities with Kiwanis partners.

“It was my first time to attend a Kiwanis International Convention, and the workshops gave me valuable information to bring back to the club to enhance our membership and many fundraising ideas to raise money to support, one child, one community at a time” said Nicolas Limanov, Chairman Touch-A-Truck event, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46 on Thursday mornings at 7:15 a.m. for breakfast. Community members with an interest in helping children are encouraged to attend. For more information contact Frank Cahill by calling (862) 213-2200, emailing flcahill@parsippanykiwanis.org or click here.

About Kiwanis
Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is a global organization of clubs and members dedicated to serving the children of the world. Kiwanis and its family of clubs, including Circle K International for university students, Key Club for students age 14–18, Builders Club for students age 11–14, K-Kids for students age 6–12 and Aktion Club for adults living with disabilities, annually dedicate more than 18.5 million service hours to strengthen communities and serve children. The Kiwanis International family comprises more than 702,000 adult and youth members in more than 79 countries and geographic areas. Visit www.kiwanis.org for more information.

Important Information regarding Fireworks and Concert

PARSIPPANY — For all those planning to attend the Parsippany Fireworks & Concert on Wednesday, July 4, at the Parsippany Hills High School, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department wants everyone to be safe and enjoy the show, so please take note of the following information:
Concert – 7:30 p.m.
Fireworks – 9:30 p.m.

Please plan alternate travel routes if you are not attending the event. There will be traffic delays in the area of Route 53, Park Road, Brooklawn Drive and Route 202 during this time.

*Everyone in attendance will proceed through a Police checkpoint prior to entry.
*Intoxicated persons will be DENIED entry.

*All bags and containers are subject to inspection.

*Glass containers, alcoholic beverages, pets, personal fireworks (Even the Legal ones) and drones (or other types of Aircraft) are prohibited.

*Parking for People with Disabilities (Proper Placards Must Be Possessed) – Limited Parking at the Tennis Courts. Access can be gained via Glencove Road.

*O.E.M. PERSONNEL AVAILABLE FOR ASSISTANCE:
We will have volunteer members of the Parsippany Office of Emergency Management wearing Hi-Visibility Lime/Green Shirts at the event available for directions and guidance.

*There will be no parking from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on the following streets:

(Under Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills – Local Ordinance 405-9)

1) Brooklawn Drive Both sides – entire length

2) Rita Drive Both sides – entire length

3) Glencove Road. Left side beginning at Rita Drive ending at bottom parking lot, both sides beginning at top parking lot to Brooklawn Drive both sides from Brooklawn Drive extending 100 feet south toward Windsor Road then Left side to Windsor

4) Medford Road. Right side beginning at Brooklawn continuing to Glen Cove Road, then both sides from Glen Cove Road up to and including the cul de sac.

5) Elray Road. Left side starting at Rita Drive to Fairhaven Road, Then Right side beginning at Fairhaven Road and extending to the cul de sac.

6) Fairhaven Road. Both sides between Littleton Road and Christine Drive, right side beginning Christine Drive ending at Elray Road.

7) Christine Drive Right side, beginning at Fairhaven Road and extending south to the end.

8) Beachwood Road. Both sides between Littleton Road and Graham Court.

9) Fieldcrest Road. Both sides between Littleton Road and Atlantic Drive (Post Heavily)

10) Dolly Drive Left (West) side starting from Littleton Road to Dodie Drive.

11) Geoffrey Drive. Left side beginning at Dolly Drive and ending at Park Road.

12) Hennion Drive. East side beginning at Park Road to the end.

13) De Hart Road. Right side beginning at Park Road to Hennion Drive.

14) Fairview Place. Right side from Cottage Place to end including entire cul de sac.

15) Park Hill Court. Right side and entire area of cul de sac

16) Windsor Road. Right side beginning at Brooklawn Drive – entire length

17) Dartford/Ferncliff Road – Right side of Dartford Road from Exeter Drive to Ferncliff Road. Right side of Ferncliff Road starting at Dartford Road for 150 feet

18) Parsippany Hills High School Parkig Lot – Both sides of roadway between lower section of Glencove  Road to Rita Drive.

19) Emerson Road – East Side from Continental Road to Gates Court

20) Holly Drive – Inside curve around on North Side

Any unoccupied or occupied vehicle left parked or standing in the roadway in violation of this restriction shall be deemed a nuisance and menace to the safe and proper regulation of traffic, and any Police Officer may provide for the removal of such vehicle. The vehicle owner shall pay the reasonable costs of removal and storage, which may result, before regaining possession of the vehicle.