DeCroce wants Murphy to audit education before increasing taxes and spending  

Frank L. Cahill
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DeCroce wants Murphy to audit education before increasing taxes and spending  

PARSIPPANY — Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce called for an immediate audit of education spending before Governor Phil Murphy continues with his plan to raise taxes by $1.7 billion and increase spending by eight percent. Approximately $30 billion is expected to be spent on education next year from state and local taxes.

“Whatever anyone thinks is wrong with our education system, the problem isn’t a lack of money,” explained DeCroce (R-Morris, Essex, Passaic).  “Murphy should order an audit for education just like he did for NJ Transit and the EDA.”

New Jersey spends $18,235 per student, the fourth most in the country and about $7,000 more than the national average.  Murphy has proposed spending $14.9 billion on education next year, a 6.2 percent increase.

“The data on school spending shows taxpayers are doing more than their fair share to support education,” said DeCroce. “We need to relieve the property tax burden on families and businesses, especially the suburban homeowners who pay up to eighty percent of their local school costs.”

New Jersey residents paid $15.1 billion in school taxes as part of their property tax bills last year, according to the state Department of Community Affairs.  School taxes also accounted for 62 percent of property-tax hikes and 53 percent of the average bill.

“Fixing school funding is a logical step toward decreasing the tax burden that is driving people out of New Jersey,” concluded DeCroce.  “The state should look more deeply into how our education dollars are being spent to make the system more equitable.”

Medical marijuana is now available for chronic pain, anxiety, migraines

Frank L. Cahill
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Medical marijuana is now available for chronic pain, anxiety, migraines

Effectively immediately, doctors in New Jersey can recommend their patients use medical marijuana to treat anxiety, various forms of chronic pain, migraines and Tourette’s syndrome. The conditions have been added under the first stage of a wide-ranging expansion of the medicinal marijuana program announced Tuesday by Gov. Phil Murphy . Patients will also pay less to…

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IHOP holds a Grand Re-opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration

Frank L. Cahill
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IHOP holds a Grand Re-opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration

PARSIPPANY — International House of Pancakes, 792 Route 46 underwent extensive renovations recently with a complete new interior design, tables, floors, ceilings, walls and decorations.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano and Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Robert Peluso President cuts the ribbon celebrating the renovation.

Joining the owners in the celebration, Mo Abdelhadi and Sobhy Abdelhady, were Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill, Board Member Ildiko Peluso, Board Member Nicolas Limanov, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Board member Adam Kandil, Parsippany resident Al Goldberg among many friends and employees.

Parsippany resident Al Goldberg, Co-owner Sobhy Abdelhady, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Advisory Board Vice-Chairman Frank Cahill, Chairman Robert Peluso, Co-owner Mo Abdelhadi and Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Board member Adam Kandil. The Economic Development Advisory Board presented the brothers with a plaque thanking for their continued support in Parsippany-Troy Hills as well as being an employer for many residents.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member Nicolas Limanov thanking DJ Jay Cee for playing the music for the event
IHOP Employee Nicholas Lopez holding the ribbon
Complete renovations of the premises
All old tables and booths were removed and replaced with new modern styles
Complete renovations of the premises
Carpenters working on the new floor

Kiwanis Club cooks at Homeless Solutions

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Club cooks at Homeless Solutions

PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany cooked dinner for the clients of Homeless Solutions on Saturday, March 24.

The Kiwanis Club has been providing meals to Homeless Solutions for the past eleven years and have served over 7,000 meals. Members volunteer their time to shop, cook and serve the dinner.

This month, volunteers Dr. Susan Elbin, Greg Elbin, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Clerk Khalid Madin and Monica Madin, Esq., prepared a nice hot delicious dinner.

Delicious vanilla cheesecake for the guests

The dinner consisted of the traditional tossed salad, fruit salad, baked ziti, meatballs, rolls, and vanilla cheesecake. Prepared Iced Tea and Coffee was also served.

Greg Elbin getting ready to make Ice Tea for the guests
The delicious fruit salad
Dr. Susan Elbin stirring the pasta
Monica Madin preparing tossed salad

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany purchases all the food used by the volunteers.

The group of volunteers meet at Homeless Solutions to start preparing dinner for the guests in the transitional housing program. The group prepared a fresh fruit salad, tossed salad with numerous dressings, baked ziti with meatballs and rolls and served chocolate cake for dessert. They also served iced tea and coffee. Other volunteer groups such as St. Ann’s Church, Kiwanis Club of Morristown, prepares dinner for the shelter on other days of the month. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany has been providing meals to Homeless Solutions for the past eleven years.

Interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, contact President Frank Cahill, by emailing flcahill@parsippanykiwanis.org.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. Join us for breakfast to learn more about our group of volunteers.

The mission of Homeless Solutions is to offer shelter, services, and supportive housing to homeless and low-income people. For the homeless and working poor in our community, hope begins at Homeless Solutions, Inc. Homeless Solutions is a private, non-profit organization, helping those in need for past 30 years. In 2012, they served 267 people by providing emergency shelter and transitional housing. Their case managers offer the support needed to help the guests rebuild their lives and successfully return to independent living. They also develop permanent supportive housing that is energy efficient for very low, low, and moderate income families and individuals. They provided homes people can afford to 119 people in 2012. By supporting HSI through financial donations or volunteering, they are making a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need in our community. For more information on Homeless Solutions, click here.

Three Reason to Donate to Homeless Solutions:

When you donate to Homeless Solutions, you make a tangible difference in the life of someone in need in our community. Your donations –

Buy milk for children living in shelter.
Pay for childcare so a single parent can work.
Pay for gas for our shelter vans that take guests to public transportation to get to work and to medical appointments.
Click here to make a donation to Homeless Solutions.

Easter Bunny visits Parsippany Town Hall

Frank L. Cahill
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Easter Bunny visits Parsippany Town Hall

PARSIPPANY — The Easter Bunny visited the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills on Saturday, March 24, at 10:00 a.m at the Municipal Building, located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

The Easter Bunny greeted and visited with children. Parents had the opportunity to take their child’s photo with the Easter Bunny and then the children received a coloring book, crayons, a chocolate bunny and assorted candy given out by Mayor Michael Soriano.

3-year old Heili Patel with Mayor Michael Sorianoy
3-year old Rani Chandni with the Easter Bunny
4 1/2 year old Ryhi Kemr sits on the lap of the Easter Bunny at Parsippany Town Hall
Robert, Robert Jr., Ildiko Peluso, Mayor Michael Soriano with the Easter Bunny at Town Hall
Amy Franco with her daughter Adriana and John Willeski

While the dates for Christmas and Valentine’s Day are fixed and easy to remember, Easter and the associated Bank holidays can fall anytime between March 22 and April 25. This year Easter takes place from Good Friday on March 30 until Easter Monday on April 2 – making Easter Sunday fall on April 1, which is also April Fool’s day.

The death of Jesus occurred around the Jewish Passover, which is traditionally held on first full moon following the vernal equinox.

As the full moon can vary in each time zone, the Church said that they would use the 14th day of the lunar month instead – the Paschal Full Moon – and host Easter Day on the following Sunday.

Once the date of the moon is known, Easter Day and the Easter holidays can be determined.

Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms renews PACC membership

Frank L. Cahill
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Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms renews PACC membership

PARSIPPANY — Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms renewed their membership in the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Pictured with Dr. Patrick Selimo, Membership Chairman is Vonda Givens, Executive director at Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms receiving their membership plaque.

PACC is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents, and volunteers that provides education, information, and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area. We work with our local and county governments and stand ready to pursue any matter that can make our community a better place in which to live, conduct business, and make a living. We promote a healthy and more prosperous economic climate.

Craftsman Farms was founded in 1908 in Parsippany-Troy Hills, Morris County, New Jersey, United States, by noted early 20th century designer Gustav Stickley as a farm and school for the Arts and Crafts movement.

In 1917, Major George and Sylvia Wurlitzer Farny purchased the property in the bankruptcy sale and their descendants lived on or owned the property until 1989.  After Stickley left Craftsman Farms, the Farny family maintained the farm in Stickley’s tradition, adapting certain interior features for modern family life.  In the intervening years they also sold some of the property, but maintained the core area.  When the property was threatened with development for 52 town houses, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, with the encouragement of community groups and others interested in the importance of the site, obtained the property through eminent domain.

Today, Craftsman Farms consists of 30 acres located in and owned by and located in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and it has been designated a National Historic Landmark.  The Craftsman Farms Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) organization, was formed in 1989 to protect and preserve the property.  The Foundation operates the site as the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms.

The 30 park-like acres include meadows, wooded areas, walking trails, a pond and stream, and several support buildings including a massive stone stable, three cottages, a calf barn, and the ruins of a dairy barn.  The Log House has been largely restored to its 1910-1917 appearance and is open to the public for tours.  Work on the historic landscape has begun as well.  We invite you to join us… step into the Garden of Eden and experience the Stickley family’s home.

Restoration of the National Historic Landmark, Craftsman Farms, is made possible in part, by a Save America’s Treasure’s grant, administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, and by support from Morris County Preservation Trust Fund, the New Jersey Historic Trust, and individual members.  The Craftsman Farms Foundation received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.  The Craftsman Farms Foundation gratefully acknowledges a grant from the New Jersey Cultural Trust.

The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms is located at 2352 Route 10 West.

 

Edris Khawaja wins two trophies in NoGi BJJ competition

Frank L. Cahill
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Edris Khawaja wins two trophies in NoGi BJJ competition

PARSIPPANY — Edris Khawaja, a graduate of Parsippany High School, competed in the NoGi BJJ competition held on Saturday, March 24 hosted by United Grapplers Association and won gold in both the beginners and intermediate division.

“Ever since 1United Mixed Martial Arts House opened in November, I’ve been engaged in physical conditioning day in and day out seven days a week. Not only do I train MMA at night, I’m very dedicated to the gym as well. I have a lot of people asking me “Why am I constantly training or what I’m training for.” The answer is simple, to be the best I can be in all aspects of life,” said Edris.

Ryan Bernard, Ibrahim Yoldas, Edris Khawaja, Yusuf Yoldas and Ilhan Coklar

Edris said he had no idea he was going to compete until his sensei, Yusuf Yoldas, said he was ready.

“I didn’t know what to expect since it was my first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu No Gi tournament. My nerves kicked in but I knew I was well trained and prepared. I have previously engaged in MMA with two years of experience in 2011. I grew up with Sensei Yusuf and Ibrahim Yoldas so I knew I could trust them with whatever they tell me. After I had won my beginners bracket, sensei Yusuf advanced me into the intermediate division without advising me. He said “just do the best you can.” Everybody that knows me, knows that I’m very competitive. I mean, who isn’t nowadays? I was about to go against students that have been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for two to three years. Going in, I knew this was going to be a learning experience and wasn’t expecting to win. I ended up winning first place in both divisions and brought home double gold medals to be put in 1UMMAH. I was very ecstatic and happy. My family is very proud of me,” he said.

Edris Khawaja

After Edris won both divisions, he quickly went back to training knowing he has another upcoming competition at the NAGA Championships on April 28 at Mennen Arena.

Edris said “Thank you to both of my Senseis for pushing me everyday to be the best I can be. If anybody is looking for a fun, friendly and family environment place to train, you know where to go! 1United MMA House located in Lake Hiawatha is the place to be. Don’t be intimidated, not every individual is looking to compete. Many people go there to get fit and for self improvement.”

1 United Mixed Martial Arts House aims to create a positive atmosphere for their clients by upholding the highest levels of integrity and character. They are here to help their clients reach their goals whether physical or mental. 1 United Mixed Martial Arts strives to help every individual reach their highest potential and develop and grow as individuals. They are ready to aid individuals from three years old to adults in preparation for future success.

Their goal is to instill self-confidence, respect, honesty, discipline, and commitment in all of their clients whether they be children, teenagers or adults. By combining toughness of the mind and body through character development and physical stamina, the clients are able to excel in every aspect of their lives, making them happier and healthier people. 1 United Mixed Martial Arts House is Yusuf and Ibrahim’s way of giving back to the community and enjoining all of its members into a strong and fit family.

1 United Mixed Martial Arts House is located at 96 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. For more information call (973) 917-3999, or click here.

Sampson is available for adoption

Frank L. Cahill
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Sampson is available for adoption

PARSIPPANY — Sampson is a 12-week old male Pit Bull puppy. He was surrendered by his owner who did not have enough time to fairly commit to him.

Sampson needs an experienced home that will teach him boundaries and give him plenty of structure as he is already a confident little guy.
Sampson is doing well with housebreaking and knows “sit”. He is up to date on puppy vaccines and will be neutered before going into his new home. Parsippany Animal Shelter is accepting applications for Sampson, so if you would like to meet him, please visit them during our shelter hours Monday to Friday 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or  Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.

Parsippany Animal Shelter is located at 1069 Parsippany Boulevard. You can reach them by calling (973) 263-7083.

Two CCM Students Win Nationally Acclaimed Scholarships

Frank L. Cahill
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Two CCM Students Win Nationally Acclaimed Scholarships

PARSIPPANY —  Two County College of Morris (CCM) students recently were informed they won top national awards based on their exceptional educational achievements and contributions to the community.

Andrea Alfonso

Parsippany resident Andrea Lucia Alfonso, is one of only 10 students nationwide selected to receive a $7,500 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Hites Transfer Scholarship, the honor society’s most prestigious and largest award.

Jaida Schettino, of Sparta, has been named one of 50 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholars nationwide for 2018. As a Silver Scholar, she will receive a $1,250 scholarship. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by annually recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars nationwide. The program is administered by the PTK honor society.

The 150 Coca-Cola Scholars were selected based on scores the students earned in the All-USA Community College Academic Team competition.

“We’re very proud that Andrea Lucia and Jaida have been selected for these honors,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM. “Both are exceptional students who are truly deserving of this national recognition.”

A dual major in biology and engineering at CCM, Alfonso over the last three years also has been working at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) on artificial tissue engineering. She has presented her research findings at a National Institutes of Health (NIH) conference and authored an article on her work in the Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practices. Based on her success, she recently was awarded an NIH-supported internship to continue her work at NJIT this summer.

Along with her academic success, Alfonso has been an active member of the college community, serving as president of the Student Activities Programming Board and vice president of service for the college’s PTK honor society.

For Alfonso, whose brother and sister both attended CCM, there was no question where she would begin her college education. “My parents and I knew this would be the right place for me because of all the support and opportunities CCM offers,” she says. “The professors here are really supportive and know what it takes to succeed.”

Following her graduation from CCM in May, Alfonso plans to continue her studies in biomedical engineering with the goal of building a career in tissue engineering or medicine.

Jaida Schettino

A communication major, Schettino is responsible for paying for her higher education so she selected CCM for its affordability. She also was determined to make the most of her experience as a CCM student. She joined the Lady Titans Soccer Team, was appointed president of the college’s PTK chapter and serves as treasurer of Sigma Chi Eta, the college’s communication honor society.

“I’ve found the small classes sizes at CCM to be particularly advantageous because I got to know my professors individually,” says Schettino. “Going to County College of Morris has transformed my academic career. I never thought I would be given the opportunity to apply to such prestigious senior colleges and receive a second chance at showcasing my abilities as a student.”

Following her graduation in May, Schettino plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in integrated marketing communication from Ithaca College and pursue a career in event coordination.

“Thanks to my accomplishments at CCM, two thirds of my remaining college tuition at Ithaca is being taken care of through merit and scholarships,” notes Schettino.

Girl Scouts Focus on Media

Troops 95609, 95610, 95089 and 94372
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Girl Scouts Focus on Media

PARSIPPANY — On Monday, March 26, Girl Scout Cadettes learn how to create a news article on Parsippany Focus at Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, 449 Halsey Road. The troops attending the presentation were Troops 95609, 95610, 95089 and 94372.

The Girl Scouts will earn three badges during the media journey

Along their media journey the Girl Scouts will earn three badges, the girls will learn how to monitor, how to influence and how to cultivate media.

The publisher came to the library to help educate the girls as part of their media journey, and to teach how to create an informational article.

Mrs. Bruggeman, a Parsippany Girl Scout leader, took a picture of all the Girl Scouts and Frank Cahill. We uploaded the picture to the Focus servers, then wrote a caption under the picture. Then we wrote the story answering the questions: Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. We then described the badges that we are earning for the media journey.

Mr. Frank Cahill also discussed and showed us the proper identification reporters use.

We also read other articles and answered the questions required to write a story.

Mrs. Maria Messana, a Parsippany Girl Scout leader,  organized the presentation with Parsippany Focus.

The Cadettes are students from Brooklawn Middle School and Central Middle School.

Free Community Programs For Adults In April at The Y

Frank L. Cahill
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Free Community Programs For Adults In April at The Y

MT. LAKES — April is a busy month at the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA when they will be offering a variety of free evening programs that are open to the community.

On Thursday, April 12, Dr. Julie Scarano, DC, will present “Eat Well, Move Well, Think Well” where you’ll discover all the different ways to make yourself feel better that doesn’t include food!

On Tuesday, April 17, come to a Must-See Documentary Night on “Bag It. Is Your Life too Plastic?” You’ll learn where bags and other plastics end up, and at what cost to the environment, marine life, and human health.

On Thursday, April 19, you’ll hear from some legal and financial experts on what you need to know about “Tax Reform: What the New Laws Mean to You.”

Finally, on April 24, the Y will host a “Gluten-Free Workshop” with a variety of speakers/topics, including tasty samples. All programs begin at 6:00 p.m. and pre-registration is requested by calling (973) 334-2820 or register online by clicking here.

Distracted Driving Enforcement and Education Campaign

Frank L. Cahill
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Distracted Driving Enforcement and Education Campaign

MORRIS COUNTY — Law enforcement officers from the Morris County Park Police Department will be cracking down on distracted drivers during April as part of New Jersey’s UDrive. UText. UPay. enforcement campaign.

Beginning Sunday, April 1 and running through Saturday, April 21, the high visibility law enforcement initiative will target motorists who engage in dangerous distracted driving behaviors such as talking on hand-held cell phones and sending text messages while driving.

“Distracted driving is possibly the most serious safety issue on our roadways today,” said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.  “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2015 alone, 3,477 people were killed in distracted driving crashes and an estimated 391,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.”

In New Jersey, driver inattention was listed as a contributing circumstance in 52 percent of the state’s crashes in 2015. Driver inattention was in fact listed as a contributing factor in crashes at a rate nine times higher than that of the next highest contributing factor (speed).

The campaign is being carried out during the month of April, which the National Safety Council has designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The New Jersey campaign is modeled after similar successful high visibility enforcement programs such as Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

“Park Police Officers are encouraged to be on the look-out for these violations year-round, but we will be especially vigilant during the month of April. Drivers can consider this their warning,” said Chief Gabe DiPietro of the Morris County Park Police Department.

Board of Education announces “Snow Day” makeup calendar

Frank L. Cahill
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Board of Education announces “Snow Day” makeup calendar

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education 2017-2018 school calendar year, included four snow days. Unfortunately, with recent storms, schools were closed for a total of seven days, and students must make up for three days.

The first snow day make up was on March 12.

The Board of Education has scheduled two make up days as half day on Friday, March 30 and a half day on Tuesday, June 5.

(Note: Since June 5 is the primary election scheduled at most schools, Police Officers present at all polling locations.)

Professional Development for staff will be scheduled for the afternoon of June 5.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Sargent said “As pretty as the snow looks when it drifts so gently to the ground, I am certain you share the same inner frustration as I at the number of storms that have impacted our area – and our school calendar. It is very late in the season to be making changes to our school calendar – and, yet, here we are needing to make adjustments that will allow us to meet the state requirement of having students in school for 180 days.”

New Jersey Department of Education defines a school day in session is a day on which the school is open and students are under the guidance and direction of a teacher(s); and the day must be 4 hours or more to be considered a full day (or at least 2½ hours for kindergarten) (N.J.A.C. 6A:32-8.3(a) and (b)).  Schools must be in session a minimum of 180 days and the number of school days in session does not include summer school.

In determining how we will modify the school calendar for staff and students, I adhere to the following guidelines: Student and staff attendance should be optimal; Effective and relevant instruction should occur and Minimal impact to families and staff.

These changes will allow high school seniors to graduate on time with diplomas in hand. It will also allow our families and our staff to enjoy an uninterrupted spring break, the importance of which should not be underestimated.

Students with other obligations for March 30 and June 5 should honor those obligations. It is not the desire to create conflict with pre-planned family events. Time with family matters and parents should feel comfortable and confident in their decision to adhere to their plans. School will be in session and the awesome teachers will be present to lead and instruct all students present.

Estimated 13,000 People Chant ‘Enough is Enough’ during March for Our Lives

Frank L. Cahill
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Estimated 13,000 People Chant ‘Enough is Enough’ during March for Our Lives

MORRISTOWN — Estimated 13,000 people chant ‘Enough is Enough’ during March for Our Lives held in Morristown on Saturday, March 24.

The local event was organized by Bella Bhimani, a sophomore at West Morris Mendham High School, the walk was a non-partisan, student-led march against gun violence.

Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty addressed the crowd at the beginning of the March starting Morristown Town Hall. Dougherty said “Get behind people that will support the right to protect our children in schools and on the street, enough is enough. Protect our kids, not guns, enough is enough. Let me hear it. Enough is enough, Who do we care about? Our children. Enough is Enough. And that let echo in every town and every city and every state in these United States of America. God Bless you all for coming out here and protesting and standing up for your rights and trying to protect the people who need protecting from the people that won’t protect us. So keep it up, I will stand with you, I will walk with you. God bless and Keep it Up.”

Estimated 13,000 people chant ‘Enough is Enough’ during March for Our Lives held in Morristown on Saturday, March 24
Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty and his wife Mary during the March for Our Lives held in Morristown on Saturday, March 24

According to the March for Our Lives website “Weapons of war have no place in our communities. Our nation requires a comprehensive assault weapons ban that prohibits the future production and sale of these weapons and provides a solution for dealing with those assault weapons that are already owned, such as a buyback program or registration.  Limiting high-powered weapons to the military has worked elsewhere to eliminate the opportunity for mass shootings.”

MCDC, MD Representative Steny Hoyer, and Chairman Chip Robinson were proud to march alongside the student leaders at the Morristown March for our Lives this afternoon.They stand with these students, and with candidates who are committed to ending gun violence.

The student activists emphasized that they would soon have access to the ballot box as they hope to build support for candidates who support universal background checks and bans on assault-style weapons.

Large majorities of Americans say they support gun control measures like universal background checks. Yet when put directly to the people in a referendum in recent years, the results have been mixed.

Mikie Sherrill, Candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th District, during the March for Our Lives held in Morristown on Saturday, March 24

Morristown police, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies provided security. There were so many participants that lead marchers returning to Town Hall passed marchers at the end of the line still completing the loop.

Sonja Maddox and Parsippany resident Judy Hernandez
Estimated 13,000 people chant ‘Enough is Enough’ during March for Our Lives held in Morristown on Saturday, March 24

Marchers flooded streets across the globe in public protests on Saturday, calling for action against gun violence. Hundreds of thousands of marchers turned out, in the most ambitious show of force yet from a student-driven movement that emerged after the recent massacre at a South Florida high school.

At the main event in Washington, survivors of mass shootings, including the one in Florida, rallied a whooping crowd — “Welcome to the revolution,” said one of the student organizers — and spoke of communities that are disproportionately affected by gun violence. “It is normal to see flowers honoring the lives of black and brown youth that have lost their lives to a bullet,” Edna Chavez, 17, said of her South Los Angeles neighborhood.

In New York, marchers bundled in bright orange — the official color of a gun control advocacy group — charged toward Central Park. And in Parkland, Fla., less than a mile from where the shooting took place last month, one protester’s eyes brimmed with tears, surrounded by the echoing chant, “Enough is enough!”

For more information on “March for Our Lives” click here.

Television Stolen from Josham Lane residence

Frank L. Cahill
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Television Stolen from Josham Lane residence

PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officer T. Armenti responded to a residence on Josham Lane for a burglary. After a brief investigation it was determined that the victim’s 25 inch Sanyo Television was stolen while he was away between February 14 and March 13. Josham Lane is located in the Knoll Garden Apartments in the Lake Hiawatha section of Parsippany.

This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.

Boy Scout Troop holds 173 Food Drive

Frank L. Cahill
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Boy Scout Troop holds 173 Food Drive
PARSIPPANY — The annual “Scouting For Food” drive National Boy Scout Good Turn took place on Saturday, March 24. Boy scouts from Troop 173 collected donations of non-perishable food from neighborhoods throughout Parsippany. 2,646 items including soups, baby formula, pasta, pasta sauce, personal care items, canned vegetables, canned fruit, baby cereal, peanut butter, powdered milk, hot or cold cereal, dried fruit, and canned meats were collected by 38 scouts and delivered to the Parsippany Christian Church Food Bank on Vail  Road to help replenish their shelves. The food bank is currently serving over 300 families in the Parsippany community.

Recycle your Smart Devices to Raise Money for Jersey Battered Women’s Service

Frank L. Cahill
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Recycle your Smart Devices to Raise Money for Jersey Battered Women’s Service

PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is once again collecting used or broken smartphones, cell phones, iPads and other tablets, iPods and MP3 players from now until the end of April.  All money earned by recycling these items will be donated to Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS) of Morris County.  JBWS provides a safe house and transitional living accommodations for victims of abuse, who are often forced to leave their homes with only the clothing they are wearing. For additional information on JBWS, please contact info@jbws.org.

Collection boxes are located at Boiling Springs Savings Bank on North Beverwyck Road, Cerbo Lumber & Hardware at 1855 Route 46 Eastbound, Green Pond Dry Cleaners on Baldwin Road, IHOP Restaurant in the Arlington Plaza Shopping Center on Route 46 Westbound, Cerbo’s Parsippany Greenhouses at 440 Littleton Road, Four Knives Deli at 166 Halsey Road and at Village Nails & Spa at 1711 Route 10 Eastbound in the Kohl’s Shopping Center.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.

The April General Meeting is on Monday, April 23 at 7:00 p.m., at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. All area women are welcome.

For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, or click here to view their website.

Nick Sauter seeking living kidney donor

Frank L. Cahill
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Nick Sauter seeking living kidney donor

PARSIPPANY — Local resident Nick Sauter has been a pillar of the community for countless years and has touched the lives of so many as a former vice principal, athletic director, teacher, football and track coach at Passaic Valley High School.

As an active member of St. Agnes Episcopal Church in Little Falls, he’s been a member of the vestry, and was involved with the church’s food pantry for many years. He’s helped countless local families who are struggling to get the assistance they need.

A graduate of Passaic Valley High School in 1973 and Rutgers University in 1977, Sauter discovered he was in need of a kidney last year, according to his sister-in-law Donna Tissot. Nick continues to suffer from end stage renal failure, also known as end stage kidney disease, and is in need of a living kidney donor to undergo kidney transplant.

When Nick’s story was first published in May 2017, he was already receiving dialysis three times a week, but in the meantime Nick developed a blood infection that traveled to his 21 year old knee replacement. Due to the infection, Nick had to sustain two additional surgeries on his knee this past year and his hopes for a kidney was put on hold. Nick went through three months of physical therapy along with his dialysis. With these ongoing challenges, his sister-in-law Donna Tissot says, “Nick tries to stay positive through his good and bad days”. For those who are dependent on dialysis, life is grim and challenging and time is of the essence to find a healthy living kidney donor in order to go through transplantation.

Anyone who might be interested in being a donor, or knows of someone who would like to be a donor, please contact Parsippany resident Donna Tissot at (973) 714-7016 who will provide additional information and connect you with the transplant coordinator. In the meantime, the appropriate links and forms have been included:

Saint Barnabas Medical Center Living Donor Referral Form, click here.

Saint Barnabas Medical Center The Living Donor Institute, click here.

As Nick’s blood type is A-, interested donors can also be type A-, as well as O, A+ and O+.

However, in addition to blood type there are other ways to determine if someone is a match so please do not let your blood type deter you from thoughts of being a donor.

The family is still hopeful that by continuing to get the word out they will soon find a match for Nick so he can once again lead a normal life and enjoy watching his family grow.

Nick and his family are very thankful for the outpouring of love and support and thank you from the bottom of their hearts.

Mike Ilic Earns NEWA Recognition

Frank L. Cahill
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Mike Ilic Earns NEWA Recognition

PARSIPPANY — Mike Ilic has earned recognition from the New England Wrestling Association.

Sharif Shamsudin, and Former Council Vice President Robert Peluso congratulating Michael Ilic

Brendan Marion was tabbed as the New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) Co-Rookie of the Year while head coach Steve Hall ’87 took home the association’s Coach of the Year award. Tyler Marsh added to the Crimson and Gray honors by being selected the All-NEWA first team while six others drew honorable mention praise from the conference and 13 were named to the all-academic team.

Marion had an outstanding freshmen year going 26-6 and finishing fifth at the NCAA Northeast Regional Championship. The 165-pounder helped lead the Engineers to a dual meet record of 18-4, their best since 1994. WPI finished third at the NEWA Duals and second at the Northeast Regional. Marion was the RIT Invitational Champion, the NEWA Duals Outstanding Wrestler, and was also named a Scholar All-American with a 3.52 GPA in Aerospace Engineering. He shared top-rookie billing with Southern Maine’s Austin Shorey and was named to the All-Rookie team along with Mike Ilic, who was above .500 with six pins, at 174.

Hall was selected the NEWA Coach of the Year after winning the NCAA Northeast Regional Coach of the Year award last month. Since that accolade, the Crimson and Gray, bolstered by seven regional place winners, collected a second place finish at the 17-team regional tournament and Marsh represented the team at the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships. WPI also boasted four Scholar All-Americans.

Marsh, a mechanical engineering major and repeat NWCA Scholar All-American, finished second at 157 pounds at the NCAA Northeast regionals and concluded the campaign with a 31-5 record and a team-best 13 pins. The sophomore garnered co-rookie and All-NEWA second team honors a year ago. Mike is a graduate of Parsippany High School Class of 2016.

Austin Shrewsbury, a second teamer last season, garnered his second honorable mention nod at 285 (29-8, 6 pins) while Michael Curtis collected his third at 197 (27-10, 12 pins). Dan Wensley and Stephen Jendritz were repeat selections at 184 (27-9, 3 pins) and 133 (29-10, 5 pins), respectively. Ben Zogby earned his first at 125 (20-9, 5 pins) as did Marion at 165.

Academically, the Engineers were 11th nationally, and fourth in the region, with a 3.49 GPA. The group was led by national honorees Marsh, Zogby, Chase Lind at 165 and Marion. In addition to Marsh, Zogby and Lind, repeat regional selections featured Curtis, Nick Day, Andrew Ellis, Jendritz, Pete Nash, Jack Nigro, Wensley and Tyler Wilson. Marion and Jake Smith represented the Class of 2021. To make Academic All-NEWA a wrestler must have been a major contributor to the team and have over a 3.2 GPA.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute was founded in 1865 in Worcester, Mass., WPI is one of the nation’s first engineering and technology universities. Its 14 academic departments offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts, leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. WPI’s talented faculty work with students on interdisciplinary research that seeks solutions to important and socially relevant problems in fields as diverse as the life sciences and bioengineering, energy, information security, materials processing, and robotics. Students also have the opportunity to make a difference to communities and organizations around the world through the university’s innovative Global Projects Program. There are more than 40 WPI project centers throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.

Letter to editor: Where does Webber and Sherrill stand on gun control?

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

Today as I watch the coverage of the March for Our Lives in Washington DC I realize that I do not know where Jay Webber and Mikie Sherrill,  who are running for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th District, stand with regard to strengthening the laws required to control the sale of guns. I am sure that both of them, like all of us, are shocked and saddened by the non-stop gun inflicted violence in our streets, schools, movie theaters, and churches. However knowing that Jay and Mikie share our horror is simply not enough.
What we need to know now is if either of them has accepted  or plans to accept money from the NRA or any of its affiliates. What we need to know now is if either of them plans to support efforts to ban the sale of automatic weapons. What we need to know now is if either of them plans to support the strengthening of background checks. What we need to know now is where they stand on all of these questions and what they plan to do if elected to represent us in Congress.
Where Jay and Mikie stand will determine how a vast majority of us (Republicans, Democrats and Independents) will vote in November and we will vote !
So Jay and Mikie tell us today – Where you stand so that we can decide whether or not to stand with you in November.  
Bob Crawford
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