View the Solar Eclipse at the Library

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PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — View the Solar Eclipse on the Parsippany Main Library’s Big Screen on Monday August 21, 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m. and The Lake Hiawatha branch at 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Solar Eclipse. The moon moving in front of the sun. Illustration

Parsippany Main Library is located at 449 Halsey Road.  The Lake Hiawatha branch is located at 68 Nokomis Avenue, Lake Hiawatha.

View NASA’s live stream of the Solar Eclipse on the library’s movie screen.  

It’ll reach it’s midpoint of 73% coverage (the most we’ll be able to see in Morris County) at exactly 2:44:28 p.m.. The moon will finish its journey at 4:00:59 p.m., when the sun will be totally uncovered again.

Hear scientists explain the various stages and see the eclipse at various stages across the country.

Here are more safety tips from NASA here:

  • Homemade filters or sunglasses are not safe for looking at the sun. Five manufacturers have certified that their eclipse glasses and handheld solar views meet international standards, and they are Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics, Thousand Oaks Optical, TSE 17 and Baader Planetarium.
  • Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright sun. After glancing at the sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the sun.
  • Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars or other optical device. Similarly, do not look at the sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eye(s), causing serious injury. Seek expert advice from an astronomer before using a solar filter with a camera, a telescope, binoculars or any other optical device.

Turkistanian American Association holds successful picnic at Lenni Lenape Park

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — Turkistanian American Association held an annual picnic on Sunday, August 13 at Lenni Lenape Park in Parsippany.  Over 250 members, friends and family joined for this annual picnic.  The children were playing in the park, adults were dancing to the music of Salim Entertainment, while the chefs prepared Turkish treats for everyone.

Turkistanian American Association is a cultural non-profit organization established in 1958. The organization strives to preserve and cherish Turkistanian customs and traditions. Their goals are to maximize the recognition of our culture, cultural heritage, and identity. They encourage the members to be involved in the community, and to establish and maintain a link between the community in both the United States and their native land. Furthermore, the organization strives to acquaint the American public with the religious, cultural life, and traditions of Turkistan, especially Uzbekistan.

Turkistanian American Association members have access to community programs and resources that enhance their understanding and appreciation of the culture. Membership in the organization can play an important role in the personal development and social growth of the members. 90% of the members are Uzbek origin. The organization has members from all over the United States, but most of our members reside in the tri-state area.

Turkistanian American Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

For more information about Turkistanian American Association, click here.

American Pickers to film in New Jersey

NEW JERSEY — Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are excited to return to New Jersey. They plan to film episodes of the hit series American Pickers throughout the region in September 2017.

American Picker is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique ‘picking’ on History. The hit show follows Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them. As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, the Pickers want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items.

The pair hopes to give historically significant objects a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. Mike and Frank have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before.

They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them. American Picker is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to americanpickers@cineflix.com or call (855) OLD-RUST.

LHY Partners with the Homeless Bus to Feed the Hungry

MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA and community volunteers gathered at the Y to prepare 300 sandwiches to be delivered to the “Homeless Bus” and were then transported to New York City on Saturday evening, August 12. The Y provided all the food products.

The history of the Homeless Bus began in 1992 when Director, Mark Landgrebe, attended an Anthony Robbins seminar in Hawaii and he heard about a program that helped feed needy families on holidays, prompting him into action. At first, Mark delivered food only on holidays, but he quickly realized that holidays weren’t enough and that these people were in need of assistance every day. Lacking the funds to aid them daily, Mark, and his wife Anna, settled on Saturday night deliveries and they have consistently visited these people weekly ever since, logging in over two decades of visits. On most trips into NYC, they serve a meal usually consisting of, Cup-O-Noodles soup, turkey and cheese sandwiches, hot chocolate, water, cookies, and other various snacks.

The Lakeland Hills YMCA is located at 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes.

Kids Eat Free at Applebee’s on Labor Day

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — While Labor Day brings the unofficial end of summer, it’s the perfect day to kick up your feet and enjoy the fruits of your labor. On Monday, September 4, families are invited to celebrate the much-needed holiday and enjoy a kids eat free special at Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar located at 1057 Route 46.

Specifically, families who dine-in at Applebee’s on Labor Day will receive up to two free kids’ meals with each adult entrée purchase. Children ages 12 and under can choose any entrée on the Applebee’s Kids’ Menu, accompanied by their choice of a side dish, and juice, milk or chocolate milk. With 26 menu items and more than 650 combinations of entrées, sides and beverages, the Applebee’s Kids’ Menu offers more Kids LiveWell – approved meals than any other national casual dining restaurant.

The Kids Eat Free special is available at Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises in New Jersey, Long Island, Florida and Georgia. In New Jersey, Applebee’s is located in Brick, Bridgewater, Butler, Clark, Clifton, East Hanover, Edison, Flemington, Garfield, Hackensack, Hackettstown, Hillsborough, Howell, Jersey City, Jersey Gardens, Kearny, Lacey, Linden, Manahawkin, Manalapan, Manchester, Middletown, Milltown, Mt. Olive, Newark, Newton, North Bergen, Northvale, Ocean, Paramus, Parsippany, Phillipsburg, Piscataway, Rockaway, Tinton Falls, Toms River, Totowa, Union, Wall and Woodbridge.

Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises, Inc. is recognized as the 68th largest privately-held business in the New York Metro area by Crain’s Business and the 11th largest franchisee in the United States as ranked in the Restaurant Finance Monitor, operating seven restaurant concepts including: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, Quaker Steak & Lube, Noodles & Company, and two of its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. In 2015, Nation’s Restaurant News ranked Doherty Enterprises as the 78th largest U.S. Foodservice revenue company, up from 85 in 2014. To date, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates over 150 restaurants in northern, southern and central New Jersey, on Long Island, as well as locations throughout Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and sections of Florida and Georgia. The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow Our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.” (www.DohertyInc.com).

Bobby Wilson will be Performing in the NAfME All National Honors Choir

Bobby Wilson, is a junior at Parsippany High School

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — Bobby Wilson, a junior at Parsippany High School, auditioned for and was accepted into the NAfME All National Honors Choir.

His video audition was selected out of the thousands of singers who auditioned from around the country. He will have the opportunity to perform in Disney World, Monday, November 26 to Wednesday, November 29.

He will also be performing in the New Jersey All State Honors Choir in Atlantic City during teacher’s convention. Bobby is looking forward to pursuing Music Education in college.

Bobby is the son of Craig and Christine Wilson.

The All-National Honor Ensembles performers represent collaboration and creativity in its highest musical form. The All-National Honor Ensembles consist of a concert band, symphony orchestra, mixed choir, and jazz ensemble. Students were chosen through an audition process. The concert band and symphony orchestra will each have 155 and 152 instrumentalists respectively, the jazz ensemble 21 instrumentalists, and the mixed choir 281 vocalists. Eligible students have qualified for their state-level honor ensemble program and competed against top students for a spot in these national honor ensembles.

The NAfME All-National Honor Ensembles (ANHE) represent the top performing high school musicians in the United States. So much more than a musical ensemble; it is a comprehensive, musical and educational experience.

The ensembles will meet at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida under the baton of leaders in the field of music education. The NAfME All-National Honor Ensembles are represented in the following components:

  •    Concert Band
  •    Mixed Choir
  •    Symphony Orchestra
  •    Jazz Ensemble

1920s Country Fair and Harvest Festival

MORRISTOWN — Come one, come all! On Sunday, September 17, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m., join the hundreds of visitors that come each year to the spectacular 1920s Country Fair & Harvest Festival at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township.

Spend a fun fun-filled day on the farm with endless activities for the whole family. Meet the friendly farm animals, take a wagon ride, learn the Charleston, and play old fashioned games. There will be a variety of delicious food for purchase.

Take part in fun, interactive activities all afternoon. Lend a hand churning butter and pressing apples into cider. Watch a blacksmith perform his craft, and see a side-saddle demo. Stop by the Visitors Center, and view an array of handmade crafts, fresh vegetables, and stunning floral displays.

Be sure to visit the historic homes at Fosterfields. Compare the authentic 1920s Farmhouse, where the farm foreman and family once lived, to The Willows, the 1854 Gothic Revival-style mansion, where the Foster family used to reside. See what’s cooking in the Farmhouse and what daily chores are being completed. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy!

Admission is $8.00 per adult, $7.00 per senior (65+), $6.00 per child age 4 through 16, and $4.00 per child age 2 and 3. FREE for children under age 2. Friends members are half price with a current membership card.

For more information and directions to Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township, visit, morrisparks.net, or call (973) 326-7645.

The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 18,927 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!

Cyberbullying – Often a Devastating Form of Child Abuse

MORRIS COUNTY — Cyberbullying is often a devastating form of child abuse, and as the new school year is fast approaching, Deirdre’s House (click here for website), which is the Center for Morris County’s child victims, is urging urges parents to talk to their children about the damaging effects of cyberbullying.

Maria Vinci Savettiere, Executive Director of Deirdre’s House

According to Maria Vinci Savettiere, Executive Director of Deirdre’s House, “parents need to have frank discussions with their children about the long-term, sometimes life-threatening consequences of cyberbullying on child victims.’’

The most effective way to stop cyberbullying is at its source by educating children as to the often negative, life changing effects cyberbullying may cause.

Here is what you can do to prevent your child from engaging in cyberbullying behavior:

  • Regularly remind your children about the importance of treating others the way they would want to be treated.  They should be encouraged to be as polite online as they are in person.
  • Talk about how some things we might do or say to someone that seem funnyat the time are actually hurtful.
  • Remind them not to write or forward hurtful messages.
  • Regularly check in on the online behaviors of your children.  Problematic behavior must be addressed with reasonable and appropriate discipline.
  • Ask them not to send messages when they are angry. Make sure they ask themselves before clicking “send,” how they would feel if they received that message.
  • Urge them to help kids who are victims of bullying online by not joining in and showing bullying messages to an adult.

Here is what you can do if your child is engaging in cyberbullying behavior:

  • Explain the severity of their actions. Ask them if they would like their actions reported to law enforcement or school authorities.
  • Explain to your child that this kind of behavior is unacceptable. Stop any show of aggression you see and talk about other ways your child can deal with the situation.
  • Ask them to stop the bullying immediately. Make it clear to your child that you take bullying seriously and that you will not tolerate this behavior. Encourage them to apologize to the victim.
  • Have them take a break from whatever medium they are using, For example, if they are making hurtful comments about others on Facebook, get them to take a break from Facebook for a few days. If they are sending nasty text messages, then they should lose their cell phone privileges for a while.
  • Talk to them about the devastating psychological harm they could cause. We are all aware of the terrible cases of children taking their own lives because of bullying of all types. Don’t sugarcoat the effect that their cyber bullying could have on the child they are targeting. Ask them:how would you feel if someone did these things to you or to someone you love?
  • Try to find out why:Ask your child – Did something happen to make you act this way? Is there something going on at home that is encouraging this type of behavior? It may be that your child is the target of bullies and turned to bullying in response. Maybe your child has gotten involved with the “wrong crowd’’ and has been coerced into bullying by others to stay popular with that crowd. If you discover the cause, try to help them deal with that
  • Monitor their Internet and phone activity. Move the computer out of their bedroom.
  • Increase your knowledge of technology. Parents may be unaware of the full range of technologies used by their children. Try to familiarize yourself with these technologies.
  • Share your concernswith your child’s teacher, counselor, or principal. Work together to send clear messages to your child that his or her bullying must stop.  If you or your child needs additional help, talk with a school counselor or mental health professional.

Most important, remember:  Parents are the first line of defense in the war against cyberbullying!

For more information about Deirdre’s House and bullying, click here.

Deirdre’s House is the Center in Morris County for child victims of abuse and/or neglect . It is the only site in Morris County where a child victim can be interviewed and digitally recorded by law enforcement, medically examined and treated by a pediatric abuse specialist, prepared for trial, and clinically counseled in English or Spanish—-all under one roof.  Since opening its doors in 1996, Deirdre’s House has provided services to over 24,000 of Morris County’s child victims.  

 

CCM Offers Free Workshop on Finding Grants for Nonprofits

RANDOLPH — The County College of Morris (CCM) Library’s Foundation Center Funding Information Network is offering a free workshop on finding grants for nonprofits on Monday, August 28.

The workshop will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center, Room 205, on CCM’s Randolph campus, 214 Center Grove Road.

The purpose of this workshop is to find foundation and public charity programs that fund students, artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians, researchers and other individual grant seekers.

The CCM library is a participant in the Foundation Center’s Funding Information Network. Network partners provide a suite of resources including the most comprehensive database on U.S. and, increasingly, global grant makers and their grants.

The workshop is free but registration is required. Call (973) 328-5300 to reserve a seat.

Emma Swan will be a featured playwright in “One Act Jamboree”

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — Emma Swan, a junior at Parsippany High School, will be one of the featured playwrights at the Rhino Theatre’s One Act Jamboree in Pompton Lakes from Friday, August 25 to Sunday, August 27.  Emma’s one act drama, No News, was selected to be staged over hundreds of submitted plays. At seventeen, she is the youngest playwright in this year’s One Act Jamboree.

The drama was written by Emma last year as part of a class assignment for her creative writing class.  She is thrilled for the opportunity to have her work staged and performed for an audience. 

The Rhino Theatre’s One Act Jamboree will feature seven one act plays. At the end of each performance, audiences will be asked to vote for their favorite.  The winner with the most votes over the weekend will win $500.00. 

The Jamboree runs Friday through Sunday, tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Rhino Theatre is located at 237 Hamburg Turnpike.