NEWARK — Making his first campaign appearance since leaving office in January, former President Barack Obama implored a packed ballroom in Newark on Thursday to help reject “the politics of division” gripping America by electing Phil Murphy, the Democratic nominee for New Jersey governor. In a 20-minute speech at the Robert Treat Hotel, Obama said the…
Obama in Newark: ‘The world is going to be looking at N.J.’
Ex-cop’s whistleblower retaliation claim rejected by jury
PARSIPPANY — A jury has rejected a retired Parsippany police captain’s claim that he was retaliated against after reporting wrongdoing by fellow officers. Despite rejecting his retaliation claim, the jury in the civil case also found James Carifi had acted in good faith by reporting several activities to superiors between 2009 and 2011, and that he…
Kiwanis Club welcomes 25 new K-Kids club members
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany welcomed 25 new K-Kids club members on Thursday, October 19. Club Advisors Mr. Archer and Ms. Tiesi, teachers at Littleton School held an installation of the new members. Kiwanis Club President Frank Cahill and Immediate Past President Greg Elbin, and Young Children Priority One co-advisor Nicolas Limanov and new Kiwanis member Sylvia Cooper enjoyed the excitement and motivation of these new K-Kids. Club Advisor Ms. Tiesi said “Most people think a bunch of kids can’t help change the world. Boy are they wrong!”
Club President Frank Cahill said “K-Kids club members are the leaders of tomorrow. And they’re the energetic, dedicated kids of today.”
“They’re discovering their heart to serve, answering their call to lead and igniting the courage it takes to reach out to new friends. Caring is their way of life. They step forward when others stand still. And because of that, their schools and communities grow stronger,” said Immediate Past President Greg Elbin.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany sponsors K-Kids clubs at nine elementary schools in Parsippany.
Kiwanis International is a global organization of members, who are dedicated to serving the children of the world. Kiwanis programs prepare people of all ages to be the most engaged members of their communities. And each is an opportunity to begin or continue a lifelong journey of service.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. We are always looking for new members to help us achieve our goal of “Changing the world one child and one community at a time.”
For more information, click here.
Parsippany Town Hall Council Regular Meeting, 10/17/2017
The video for this meeting was divided in three parts.
Here is Part 2:
Here is Part 3:
Free Children Art Classes at Lake Hiawatha Library
PARSIPPANY — Accel Learning hosted a series of free Art classes for children in second to fifth grade. The classes were held at Lake Hiawatha Library.
As part of the first group of classes 25 students participated in the program.
During the three weeks program, the children learned to paint using water colors. The work was themed on the Fall season. The children loved the classes run by Bret Salvatore, professional Artist and Art instructor at Accel Learning. Attached are some pictures of the work done by students. Alicia Chen, Grade 2, (pictured above) loved the class and would like to pursue them further.
For those who missed this batch, Accel Learning is hosting more free Art classes at the Lake Hiawatha Library.
To register, please visit the Children’s section of the Library. There is limited capacity and registration is getting filled fast for the October 25 classes, so act fast.
Accel Learning Center is located at 131 New Road. Click here for more information.
Parsippany Teachers to Perform in Hurricane Relief Benefit Program
PARSIPPANY — Educators from across the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District will leave their classrooms and offices for the stage as they showcase their talents in a benefit performance for the victims of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.
An elementary school principal playing solo on the clarinet, a high school English teacher reading minds and a Social Studies supervisor as part of a folk duo are just a few of the nearly two dozen acts on the program on Thursday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the Parsippany High School auditorium.
The event, billed as “Ovations for Relief,” is a collaboration between the Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association (PTHEA) and the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District. The idea was born when elementary school music teacher James Caulfield looked for ways to aid the victims as well as the devastated schools. “I saw all the destruction in the areas hit by the hurricanes and I thought that we could surely help,” said Caulfield, who will perform a Carole King number with his family. “I knew that we had all kinds of hidden talents among our faculty and staff, and so I reached out to them and to the superintendent to see if we could all come together to support a hard-hit school in each affected area.”
“Schools helping schools” has been the motto of Caulfield’s drive, which has since inspired a host of his colleagues to join him on stage for a two-hour variety show. He has also taken on the role of director, coordinating the various acts and the technical support needed to produce the program. Caulfield’s professional music colleagues will open the show followed by an array of teachers, administrators and support staff, many of whom have never performed in public.
One hundred percent of the evening’s proceeds will be sent to the recipient schools. Additionally, they will receive letters of hope and encouragement from elementary school students from throughout the District.
Admission to the event is $15.00 advance purchase through October 30 or $20.00 at the door and $10.00 for children. Tickets may be purchased at any Parsippany-Troy Hills public school main office. A complimentary light pre-show buffet will be offered beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Lake Hiawatha man charged with shoplifting at Walmart
PARSIPPANY — Riverdale Police Department Detective / Sergeant Chris Biro responded to Walmart, 48 Route 23 at 12:56 p.m. on Monday, October 16 for a shoplifter that had been stopped by loss prevention.
Stephen Porter, 26, Lake Hiawatha, had attempted to leave the store with three Otterbox cell phone cases totaling $115.88.
He was charged with Shoplifting (disorderly person offense).
He was released with a Municipal Court date on November 7.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Spencer Savings Bank donates $100,000 to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Relief Efforts
PARSIPPANY – Spencer Savings Bank presented a check for $100,000 to The American Red Cross, which will be used toward relief efforts from Hurricanes Harvey and Maria. On Friday morning, Chairman, President and CEO José B. Guerrero presented the check to American Red Cross members William Miller; Chief Development Officer, New Jersey Region, and Steven Spinner; Senior Director, Corporate Relations. Spencer Savings Bank is located at 1699 Littleton Road.
Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Maria caused destruction in Texas, Louisiana, and the Caribbean and left many without basic needs. Aside from The American Red Cross’ food, shelter, and comfort provisions, donations have provided financial assistance for qualified Texas households. The current situation in Puerto Rico includes little clean water and electric power, and almost no telecommunications. The International Federation of the Red Cross has been working with government and relief agencies, along with the Red Cross societies across the Caribbean and around the world, to provide support.
“We wanted to help with hurricane relief efforts,” said José B. Guerrero, Chairman, President and CEO. “The American Red Cross is such a reputable organization that has been helping the hurricane victims from the onset and will continue to do so until they can restore normalcy in the communities affected.”
Founded in 1881, The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization comprised of hundreds of thousands of employees and volunteers. As part of Hurricane relief efforts, the organization is providing food and water, relief supplies, comfort and emergency support, and also helping families reconnect. In areas without cell service, satellite phones and other technology supplies have been shipped in to aid in communication. The organization is also taking steps to reduce the risk of epidemic outbreaks.
Spencer Savings Bank, a community bank headquartered in Elmwood Park, NJ, has been serving its local communities with integrity and pride for more than 75 years. The bank, serving consumers and businesses, operates 21 branches throughout New Jersey. Click here to learn more.
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization, prevents human suffering and provides emergency assistance through its volunteers and the generosity of donors. The organization assists in disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hazardous materials spills, transportation accidents, and other natural and man-made disasters. Core services the American Red Cross provides are shelter, food, and health and mental health services. The provision of these basic human needs enable individuals and families return to normalcy. The American Red Cross is part of a global network; the international Red Cross and Red Crescent network is the largest humanitarian network in the world. Click here to learn more.
Letter to the editor: Mayor Sandham protects his constituents
Dear Editor:
Montville’s Mayor Jim Sandham is a Republican. Yet unlike Parsippany Republicans he cares more about the people he represents then about party loyalty. The Township of Montville has contracted with Parsippany for sewer treatment services, paying about 20% of the facility costs. Recently Mayor Sandham discovered Parsippany Mayor Jamie Barberio had over the years hijacked about $8.5 million in sewer revenues and moved them into the general fund. Instead of raising property taxes to pay for the bloated government Barberio had created he used sewer money to fill the gap. That allowed him, especially in an election year, to create the illusion that there was a “zero tax increase.”
Sandham put aside that he and Barberio are members of the same party and he took action to protect his constituents. He contacted Parsippany, requesting reimbursement. When weeks and weeks went by and Barberio failed to acknowledge the situation Sandham drew a line in the sand. He sent a letter demanding $1 million for Montville sewer rate payers by October 20 or he would have his township attorney initiate a lawsuit.
As a resident of Parsippany, I don’t want a mayor who scams our neighbors to make a budget. I don’t want another lawsuit. If I lived in Montville, I would be infuriated and want to take my sewage business elsewhere which would hurt Parsippany. If Barberio wants to achieve a zero tax increase, he should start by not overpaying his pals like (allegedly) Dr. Louis Valori, John Inglesino, Ramona Ortiz, Eugene Natoli, or using taxpayer money to print out propaganda like the latest “Pride in Parsippany” newsletter. I think 8 years of Jamie Barberio is enough. It’s time for a change. We need someone who will make the most out of every tax dollar. That’s why I plan to vote for Soriano, McCarthy and Peterson on November 7.
Pat Simon
The 8th Annual Junior Achievement in a Day at Northvail
PARSIPPANY — Junior Achievement, a nonprofit organization that teaches youth about business and economics, and New Jersey Manufacturer’s Insurance Group’s volunteers spent the day at Northvail School. NJM Insurance Group has local offices on Littleton Road.
Their volunteers came to provide lessons about financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship to all students.
Two volunteers were assigned to each classroom assisted by the classroom teacher. Northvail benefitted by receiving a high-quality program that supports educational standards, at no cost to the school district. Each volunteer followed a set curricula but included their own experiences, and personality to bring JA’s lessons to life.
Reflecting on JA in a Day one 5th grade student wrote, “We learned that different materials and ingredients come from all over the world like chocolate and cars.” The best part of the day for another fifth grade student was when she created an invention. Her group invented a dog leash, “The leash keeps track of your dog.” A third grade student learned about sales taxes and its impact on purchases. He said, “When you buy things you have to add tax. I guess that’s why my mom says no for toys.” All classes were engaged in the activities and had a lot of fun learning.
Thank you, Junior Achievement, NJM Insurance Group and Principal Jeff Martens who has organized this event since its inception seven years ago.