Prosecutor Presents Local Law Enforcement with Narcan to Combat Heroin and Opioid Overdoses

parsippany news
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp

MORRIS COUNTY — As opioid-related overdoses continue to rise in Morris County, the supply of Narcan, a lifesaving drug created to reverse overdoses, has been depleted among law enforcement agencies operating in Morris County. To address this depletion and its impact on police department budgets, Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp has authorized the expenditure of $7,864 in drug forfeiture money to replenish the supply and aid municipal police department’s budgets. In total the Prosecutor’s Office purchased 165 dosages of Narcan, which will be distributed to Morris County law enforcement agencies at the Tuesday, December 12 meeting of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association. Each dose costs $44.54.

As of early December, there have been 170 administrations of Narcan by law enforcement in the county, already more than entire amount in 2016. A majority of police departments in the Morris County have had to deploy Narcan at least once this year.

Mount Olive Township Police Chief Stephen Beecher knows the extent of the problem very well. “Our community has been deeply affected by the heroin and opiate epidemic,” Chief Beecher said. “In 2017, Mount Olive police officers have so far saved 19 victims from opioid overdoses by deploying nasal Narcan, which has proven to be an invaluable resource in stemming the number of deaths, and offering families and those with opioid addictions another chance for recovery. We are grateful that Prosecutor Knapp will supplement Narcan resources through use of the narcotic forfeiture funds.”

The distribution is designed to restock every agency with the dosages they used this year in addition to providing dosages to departments that haven’t needed to deploy Narcan yet.
Prosecutor Knapp stated: “The Narcan program in Morris County is a critical component to our multidisciplinary approach in combating the opiate epidemic. This funding is made possible through the utilization of drug forfeiture funds seized from for-profit illegal drug dealers who adversely effected Morris County. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to save lives and direct those addicted to treatment resources immediately after overdoses are reversed”.

The need for Narcan is another sobering sign of the heroin and opioid epidemic gripping Morris County. Overdose deaths in the county during 2017 are considerably ahead of last year’s pace. Unfortunately, there have been 76 fatal opiate overdoses this year within Morris County.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany held sold-out “Comedy Show”

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany hosted their first “Comedy Night” Fundraiser on Friday, December 8.

Jackie Byrne, hosted the event featuring Don Michaloski, Bob Gonzo and Stephanie Holmes. The feature headliner was KC Arora.

Event Chairman Gordon Meth said “The Comedy Night Fundraiser that I chaired for my Kiwanis Club was a large success. It was well attended, and everyone laughed all night. We also had more non-Kiwanians in attendance than Kiwanians. All the comedians were really funny, but the headliner, KC Arora, was hilarious! My kids, Kyle and Jake, were laughing hysterically through his whole set. We also netted around $1,000 to help us continue serving our community.” He continued “Special thanks go out to Jackie Byrne, Bob Gonzo, Stephanie Holmes, KC Arora, and the organizer/comedian Don Michalowski for putting together a great show; Connie Keller for working the door, Frank Cahill for arranging the facility, helping with the planning, and taking care of so many little things, Nick Limanov for getting coffee, helping with the planning, and helping set up and cleanup, Carol Tiesi and Karen DeChristopher for helping set up and cleanup, Lindsay Jawar, Laura Donnelly, Casey Parikh for helping plan the event and selling so many tickets, Don Michalowski for planning the session and arranging a good group of comedians based on the specifications we discussed, and my kids, Parsippany High School Key Club members Kyle and Jake for selling concessions and helping clean up.”

KC Arora is a New York-based comedian that should definitely be on your radar. His biting observational humor and sarcastic charm had the audience doubled over with laughter.

When KC isn’t performing across the U.S., you can find him hanging out in comedy clubs around New York City or Twitter (@KCGotIdeas).

KC made his first national, non-court related TV appearance on Laughs on FOX in 2015, and has been on the rise ever since. After making almost a dozen appearances on Laughs on Fox, he was seen on SeeSo’s New York’s Funniest. TruTV’s Late Night Snack and was a semi-finalist in NBC’s Standup for Diversity. KC made it to the final four of Caroline’s March Madness competition.

The event was held at Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, 100 Centerton Road.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets at the Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46 every Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m.  If you are interested in joining our dedicated volunteers, join us for breakfast. For additional information you can email Frank Cahill at flcahill@parsippanykiwanis.org.

Photos by Joanne Rich

West Caldwell Pack 9 holds Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebee’s

PARSIPPANY — West Caldwell Pack 9 holds a Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebee’s, 1057 Route 46.

Parents, residents, children and friends came out on Sunday morning, December 10 to support the cub scouts.

Santa arrived in time for the children to tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Santa was also checking his list to make sure the children were good all year.

The breakfast consisted of pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, coffee, tea or orange juice.

Applebee’s offers the “Flapjack” fundraiser to qualified organizations. For more information click here.

Toys for Tots delivers joy, smiles

PARSIPPANY — The United States Marine Corps has an unofficial ethos of work hard, play hard. When Maj. Bill Hendricks was unable to find a place where his wife could donate a Raggedy Ann doll at Christmas in 1947, he initiated work and play with the formation of a charitable effort in Los Angeles.

During that first year, a group of local Marines placed bins outside Warner Bros. movie theaters and collected nearly 5,000 toys. Their efforts were so successful that, in 1948, Toys for Tots was launched as a national campaign with a primary goal to deliver a message of hope to youth that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

Since that time, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program has grown to touch the lives of around seven million less fortunate children each year at Christmas. American Legion chapters are active across the nation in supporting the annual toy drive.

On Sunday, December 10, residents gathered at the American Legion Post 249, 91 North Beverwcyk Road to continue the tradition.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived to take pictures with all the children.  Families donated a toy for Toys for Tots and volunteers from American Legion cooked hot dogs, chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese. If you didn’t come with a toy, then you had to donate $5.00 to the cause.

“It’s just fantastic to see groups like this step up in the community,” said Vice President of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Robert Peluso. “I’m just proud to be a resident of Parsippany. My neighbors are my heroes. These groups are pulling together and doing the right thing for everyone.”

Although Toys for Tots is designed to be a program for local children in the United States, the program went international on three occasions. The first followed the catastrophic typhoon that devastated the city of Nagoya, Japan, in 1959. The other two occasions were to the Republic of Panama following the invasion in 1988 and to the Caribbean following Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

Parsippanong Post 249 American Legion was chartered on August 13, 1935, and has grown considerably to include the more than 160 members today. They serve the Township of Parsippany Troy-Hills and the surrounding area in Morris County. The post is located in the Lake Hiawatha section of town.

Post 249 is both a veterans’ organization and an involved community member. We provide a variety of services, programs and awards. Our affiliated American Legion Auxiliary Unit 249 and our Sons of the American Legion Squadron 249 provide additional programs.

Phoenix is looking for a new home: He is a 10-month old male Lab Pit mix

PARSIPPANY — Meet Phoenix! Phoenix is a stunning 10-month old male Lab Pit mix. He is a big boy at 65 pounds but with an even bigger heart! He always aims to please and is very loyal. Phoenix is a sweetheart and would be very content cuddling on the couch with you! Especially if it involves a belly rub or two. He has the sweetest personality that can bring a smile to anyone’s face. Phoenix loves being the center of attention and has never met a person he hasn’t liked!

Phoenix would like to go home with you and sleep in a nice warm house

In his foster home, he has already mastered commands sit, come, focus, wait, and is working on roll over and down! Phoenix has even worked with a professional trainer and has done wonderfully! She says he is very smart and highly trainable. Phoenix is potty trained and crate trained, and walks perfectly on leash! Phoenix loves other dogs and enjoys the company of his foster sister, Piper. He also goes to playgroup every day and makes lots of new friends. You could say he is quite the social butterfly! Because he is a big, young pup, it would be best if he goes into a home with children above the age of 16.

You could not ask for a more perfect puppy! Phoenix was rescued from a shelter in Newark where he was found alone and scared for the future. Now that he is out of harm’s way, Phoenix is so excited to find a forever home!

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

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

Wise Animal Rescue’s goal is to find the perfect family dynamic and place our dogs in a loving, safe and permanent home. All of our dogs available for adoption are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on shots and microchipped.

Our adoption process starts with filling an application, home visit, meet and greet and then finalizing with an adoption contract and fee.

Adoption fees range from about $200.00 to $500.00. These fees help defray costs of veterinary and foster care and are tax deductible.

The snow arrived in time for “Lake Hiawatha Snowflake Festival”

PARSIPPANY — The Friends of Lake Hiawatha held their annual “Lake Hiawatha Snowflake Festival” on Saturday, December 9 along North Beverwyck Road by the Gazebo.

The snow was still falling as the Brownie’s, Daisy and Girl Scouts were signing the Christmas favorite songs. Jingle Bell Rock, Deck The Halls, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Snow Days and more.

Everyone was served hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes as Santa arrived by Firetruck.

Santa greeted all the children and parents were taking pictures of their children.

Santa arrives by firetruck at Applebee’s; in time for Toys for Tots fundraiser

PARSIPPANY — Applebee’s located at 1157 Route 46, Troy Hills Shopping Center – as well as those across the state – held a Breakfast with Santa fundraiser on Saturday, December 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to support the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots program.

In addition to food, guests received toys donated by Sons of Italy and pictures with Santa.

All of the proceeds from the breakfast and donated toys were given to Toys for Tots.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Toys for Tots for the 2017 holiday season,” said Doherty Enterprises Chief Executive Officer Ed Doherty. “The holidays are such a special time to give back to our local communities. We love interacting with our guests at every level to provide a fun-filled morning for all to enjoy the spirit of the season. We are thrilled to be able to support this amazing organization and encourage everyone to come out for a fantastic day of holiday cheer and charitable giving.”

PHHS is accepting Hall of Fame nominations

james barberioPARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame.  The PHHS Hall of Fame recognizes and honors PHHS graduates and staff members who have distinguished themselves during their time at PHHS and/or in their careers in their fields of work or service.  Recognition will be given but not limited to accomplishment in the fields of: Music, School Services, Fine Arts, Medicine, Business, Journalism, Politics, Athletics, Education, Science, Armed Forces, Community Service.

In the case of a staff member, the nominee must have been a member of the professional staff (including non-teacher coaches and activity advisors), who has retired or left the employ of Parsippany Hills High School.

The person being nominated DOES NOT have to be a college graduate. Posthumous nominations WILL BE accepted. (Click here for complete nomination information)

Inductees are selected from five categories:

Academic and/or Career
Recognized as a respected leader in his or her profession who has demonstrated unique talents and/or career accomplishments and has helped improve the quality of life.

Athletic
Recognized for outstanding athletic accomplishments while attending Parsippany Hills High School.

Cultural/Performing Arts
Recognized for achievements in the cultural, visual, performing arts and/or for contributions to the promotion of cultural activities on a local, state and/or national level.

Major Contributions to Parsippany Hills High School
Recognized for promoting Parsippany Hills High School and, by example or by sustained contribution, serving as a major influence in the lives of PHHS students.

Special Honorary Achievement
Recognized for special contributions and service to Parsippany Hills High School and to the community, although not necessarily a graduate.

The nominees to be inducted into the Parsippany Hills Hall of Fame will be honored at an annual ceremony. Recipients will receive an engraved memento and will be recognized on a plaque in the hall of Parsippany Hills High School.

The Parsippany Hills High School Hall of Fame was established to honor graduates and faculty of Parsippany Hills high School who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their field or made unique contributions to their community.

The committee evaluates each nominee on three criteria:

1.  Recognized excellence in one’s field/profession

2.  Service and dedication to Parsippany Hills High School

3.  Contributions to professional and civic organizations

Nomination forms can be found by clicking hereBe sure to include all requested information. Letter of nomination; Resume of the nominee’s accomplishments (not to exceed three pages) and any additional supporting documentation (not to exceed three pages).

All forms are due by January 31 and must be mailed to Susan A. Bonnet, Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive, Morris Plains, N.J. 07950 or e-mail to sbonnet@pthsd.net.

Breakfast with Santa at Parsippany Child Day Care Center

PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, December 9 the children at Parsippany Child Day Care Center enjoyed a breakfast and a visit from Santa sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.

Nicolas Limanov, co-director of Young Children Priority One, and Joe Jannarone, Jr., President of Sons of Italy volunteered and prepared the breakfast which consisted of scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, pancakes, bagels and muffins.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany invites Santa and cooks up a breakfast and supplies gifts for the children every year.

Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization in over 96 nations. The major emphasis is serving the children of the world.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany picks service projects that need attention. The Club is all local people that volunteer time and talents to make our community a better place to live. We, like you, are busy with making a living, church, family, and many other activities.

The children received wooden puzzles, coloring books and crayons from Santa as well as a goodie bag.

The Parsippany Child Day Care Center was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1968. They opened with 20 children and expanded to meet the growing need for quality child care in our community. In 1980, they moved into a new building specifically designed for child care and owned by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. During the 1990s, the building was renovated with two additions to the building, which made room for infants and young toddlers. They are governed by a Board of Trustees, who are volunteers from our community.

The facility was designed specifically for the care of children, and was built with HUD funding. The center has a total of seven classrooms, a large multipurpose room, a full service kitchen, offices, adult and children’s lavatories.

The center is comprised of a diverse population of families and staff. They come from a variety of backgrounds and speak multiple languages from all over the globe.

A very unique relationship exists between the center and Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. Parsippany built the original building and owns it. A self-renewing contract allows for joint responsibility for repairs and building upkeep. Primarily the center maintains the building and the town maintains the property. They also have strong ties with civic organizations within Parsippany, including but not limited to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills and the Sons of Italy.

Parsippany Child Day Care Center is located at 300 Baldwin Road. For more information, click here.

Parsippany wrestlers attend Virginia National Duals Wrestling tournament

PARSIPPANY — Three wrestlers are representing Parsippany at the Virginia National Duals Wrestling tournament in Virginia Beach this weekend.

The Virginia Challenge Holiday Duals is a National Level Competition Event that is Sanctioned by USA Wrestling. Each year it is the endeavor to bring in quality, national caliber teams/clubs and wrestlers to one site and compete for the prestigious National Holiday Duals Championships.

60 Elementary and 60 Middle School Teams. Every team gets 10 matches.
 Elementary is K-6 (no 7th grade, not born before 2004) 3 – 90 sec periods
Official Elementary Weights- 45, 50, 55, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 140 (+1) and
Middle School is 6-8 grades (no 9th grade not born before 2002) 3 – 90 sec periods
Official Middle School Weights- 70, 75, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 105, 112, 119, 126, 135, 150, 180, 230 (+1)

 

From left to right, Mario Fornini, Adrian DeJesus and Cross Wasilewki