Alexa Strain: “Who was in the basement?” winner in our Halloween Story Contest

Frank L. Cahill
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Alexa Strain: “Who was in the basement?” winner in our Halloween Story Contest

PARSIPPANY — The staff at Parsippany Focus has chosen three winners in our “Halloween Story Contest” for young readers.

The second winner is a student at Knollwood Elementary School; Alexa Strain. Alexa received a plaque from Parsippany Focus, lunch for Alexa, her parents and her teacher and a $25.00 VISA gift card.

Frank Cahill, Alexa Strain and Mrs. Seib
Frank Cahill, Alexa Strain and Mrs. Seib

Publisher Frank Cahill and School Photographer Nicolas Limanov visited Mrs. Seib’s fifth grade class and announced the winner to the students.

What was in the basement?

by Alexa Strain

Behind the door Kacy heard a voice. One dark and gloomy night, Kacy was home alone. Her parents had to take her little brother to his soccer game. Kacy was watching T.V. when she heard a noise come from the basement. In Kacy’s house she had a frightening basement that nobody ever used. She wondered who could have been down there.

SLAM! Kacy got scared. What was that Kacy thought. It could have been just the wind so she ignored it. Stomp, Stomp! “Who is that”? Kacy screamed! Kacy called the police and they found nothing.  That night she went downstairs to see if anybody was there.

All of a sudden, she saw something. She called her parents immediately., and right when they got down there, it was gone. She stayed in the basement because she knew something was down there. She saw it again. “Who are you?” Kacy said. “I am a ghost and I want to kill your whole family.” “Why?” Kacy yelled. “Every Halloween I like to kill one family, so I decided to kill yours this year” said the ghost. “That’s not nice” Kacy said. Finally after an hour of talking Kacy convinced the ghost never to bother them again and become a nice ghost. That night she told her parents. They didn’t believe her but she knew that she saved her family and that’s all that mattered.

 

 

Sapana Dhakal: “Scary Story” winner in our Halloween Story Contest

Frank L. Cahill
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Sapana Dhakal: “Scary Story” winner in our Halloween Story Contest

PARSIPPANY — The staff at Parsippany Focus has chosen three winners in our “Halloween Story Contest” for young readers.

Frank Cahill, Sapana Dhakal and Ms. Wrightson
Frank Cahill, Sapana Dhakal and Ms. Wrightson

The third winner is a student at Knollwood Elementary School: Sapana Dhakal. Sapana received a plaque from Parsippany Focus, lunch for Sapana, her parents and her teacher and a $25.00 VISA gift card. Publisher Frank Cahill and photographer Nicolas Limanov visited the class and awarded Sapana with her winnings.

Scary Story

by Sapana Dhakal

Sally strolled down the dusty dirt path, her hands clamped to her dog’s leash. Her dog, Cookie, trotted beside her, wagging her tail. The shadowy trees leaned into them, their coarse branches reaching for their heads. Wet grass poked through the mud, and crickets chirped. It was getting dark, and Sally was heading home. Suddenly, Sally slipped into a mud puddle, her arms flailing. She slid past her dog and let go of the leash in panic. Sally was drenched in wet mud and water. There was chunks of the mud in her hair and it was smothered on her clothes.

“Woof!” Cookie leaped into the dark forest after a squirrel, barking excitedly. Sally gasped, jumping to her feet. She swiped at her brown hair, letting the mud drip onto the floor.
“Cookie!” Sally cried. Without a second thought, she sprinted into the woods. Sally breathed hard, sprinting past trees. She lost her balance, and tripped over a branch. Her body fell to the ground. Sally lay still, stifling her whimpers. She heard the sound of snapping twigs and crunching leaves. She lay still. “Cookie?” There was only silence. Sally leaped to her feet, turning around.

In between two trees, there stood a monster. The monster had black fur, and was almost melting in the shadows. It’s eyes were red, with repulsive yellow pupils. Sally’s heart stopped in her chest. She was paralyzed with fear. Boom! Thunder shook the sky, sending buckets of rain, piercing her skin like daggers.

Sally stumbled through the trees, weeping. The rain stopped, along with Sally. She dropped to her knees, whimpering in fear. A chill tingled through her spine as she looked in horror at the sight behind her. She could smell the putrid scent of rotting meat as the entity breathed over her. Yellow saliva dripped onto the ground. Sally let her tears run down her face, unable to move. Slowly, it let its arms wrap around her, lifting her off the air. “No!” Sally screamed. She wrestled her way out of the monster’s grip, shrieking and shouting. She escaped, crying furiously as she stumbled through the forest. Sally swiveled around just as the monster arrived. Sally took a stick and whacked the monster with fierce strength. The monster responded in shock, but soon anger. It swiped back angrily, hissing. Sally threw a punch on the monster’s stomach. In a flash of light, everything melted into darkness.

Sally’s eyelids fluttered open as she sat up, dazed and afraid. Everything was just a dream. The dog, the monster, everything. Just then, she heard the snapping of leaves and twigs, and a low growl from behind her …

sopana-dhakai

Robbery at Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet

Frank L. Cahill
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Robbery at Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department’s Communication Center received a 911 call reporting a robbery that had just occurred at 799 Route 46 East, Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet on Sunday, November 27 at 4:47 p.m.

Multiple officers responded to the scene and spoke to the victim. They were advised by the victim that an unknown male entered the establishment and proceeded to the register where he passed the cashier a note demanding the money in the register.

After receiving the money the male fled the area on foot. Parsippany Police Department Detective Ted Anderson, Morris County Sheriff’s Department K9 and CIS units responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.

The surrounding area was check for the suspect, but he was not located. No weapons were displayed during the incident and no injuries were reported. The male is described as a white male, wearing a mask, dark sweatshirt, dark baseball cap, gloves, blue jeans, and a red undershirt.

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

Tailgating banned during high school football title games this week at MetLife

Frank L. Cahill
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Tailgating banned during high school football title games this week at MetLife

ROBBINSVILLE — Don’t even think about tailgating at any of the 23 high school football sectional finals that will be played this weekend around New Jersey. The New Jersey State Interstate Athletic Association issued a ban on parking lot festivities at the four sites hosting championship games Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In a statement issued Monday…

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Parsippany’s Expert: Aurora Information Security & Risk Found Liable for Fraud UPHELD

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany’s Expert: Aurora Information Security & Risk Found Liable for Fraud UPHELD

PARSIPPANY — On November 7, 2016, United States Court of Appeals found Mayor James Barberio and Township Attorney John Inglesino’s expert witness, (in the Captain James Carifi lawsuit), Matthew Ferrante “Not Credible” and ordered to pay Douglas Ferguson $371,594.34. This particular lawsuit was between Aurora (Matthew Ferrante) and a former business partner named Douglas Ferguson.

The three Judges for the second circuit Court of Appeals, Pierre N. Leval, Robert D. Sack and Reena Raggi all ruled in favor to uphold New York Southern District Court Judge Valerie Caproni’s decision finding Aurora Information Security & Risk and Matthew Ferrante liable for fraud.

Aurora Information and Security Risk founder Matthew Ferrante
Aurora Information and Security Risk founder Matthew Ferrante

As listed in the Judges’ “Summary Order” under “Liable for Fraud” they stated “By contrast, the District Court found much of Ferrante’s testimony not credible.  See e.g. id at 19 (Observing that Ferrante was “Largely not credible” in that he adhered to “An implausible narrative,” and his demeanor “Bespoke a witness who had predetermined what testimony he thought would be favorable and was resolved to provide it, without regard to whether it was true”).

The District Court ultimately concluded that “Ferrante” told Ferguson whatever Ferrante thought he wanted to hear in order to persuade him.”

3daycalendarAurora Information Security & Risk and Matthew Ferrante were hired by Township Attorney John Inglesino with Mayor Barberio’s approval to investigate Captain James Carifi the day after his brother, Paul Carifi Jr. announced his candidacy for Mayor in January 2013.

This was also, two days after Councilman Louis Valori secretly tape recorded (click here to listen to audio) a Sunday night (January 13, 2013) meeting at Parsippany Municipal Building where Valori accused Mayor Barberio and John Inglesino of bribing him with a job offer for $50,000 a year. The matter was investigated by Somerset County Prosecutors Office and no charges were filed.

Parsippany Focus previously reported that Aurora Information Security & Risk was suspended by the State of New Jersey and was not allowed to do business with any municipality while suspended.  (Read previous article by clicking here)

However, Mayor Barberio and John Inglesino continued to work with and pay Aurora during this suspension time.  The suspension time for Aurora Information Security & Risk as per the State of New Jersey was from January 16, 2014 to May 13, 2015. (Click here to view State of New Jersey official document.) It was also reported that none of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council members approved the services Aurora Information Security & Risk.

Township Attorney John Inglesino has billed Parsippany over one million dollars alone in fees Aurora Information Security & Risk has charged for investigating Captain Carifi.

To view the published opinion of the Court of appeals No: 15-3323-cv (2d Cir. Nov. 7. 2016) click here.

Family Promise Serves Record Number of People Impacted by Homelessness

Frank L. Cahill
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Family Promise Serves Record Number of People Impacted by Homelessness

MORRIS COUNTY — Family Promise of Morris County (FPMC), is closing out November Homelessness Awareness Month by receiving a Proclamation from Assemblyman Bucco acknowledging its work to end homelessness in the county.

Ally on the floor reading with child
Ally on the floor reading with child

At the request of Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, the proclamation is bestowed to commemorate Homeless Awareness month, raise awareness of the issue and to recognize FPMC for their positive contributions to the County of Morris and it’s residents.  Assemblyman Bucco urged all citizens to recognize and raise awareness of the issue of homelessness in our community.

Baby Boy
Baby Boy

“The recognition of National Homeless Awareness month provides an opportunity for us to tell the story of each and every person we help and the impact that has on our community,” said Joann Bjornson, Executive Director, Family Promise of Morris County.

“Regardless of age, race or religion, we work to ensure dignity and a path to self-sufficiency is provided to all those who seek it. I have to thank our volunteers and community members who give their time, talent and resources to support our shared mission of ending homelessness.”

In 2015 Family Promise of Morris County mobilized a volunteer workforce of over 1600 from 87 congregations to provide services to the county’s most vulnerable citizens with funding from grants, foundations and primarily private donors. 93% of FPMC donations go directly to support families in programs.

Last year, The Family Promise of Morris County organization provided:

  • 4,438 bed nights
  • A 94% Success rate of emergency shelter clients getting and keeping housing
  • Over 6,000 hours of Case management to this in shelter and community
  • Through Our Promise Drop In center (opened July 21, 2015), provided clinical case management in 1-on-1 private sessions, having served 18,000 face to face meetings and organized and managed over 6,000 pieces of mail for over 500 individuals.

About Family Promise of Morris County
Family Promise of Morris County is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit organization dedicated to ending the crisis of homelessness faced by Morris County residents by partnering with other public and private agencies, religious congregations and community volunteers to provide shelter, case management and mentoring services leading to self-sufficiency.

In 2015, FPMC had a 94% success rate of shelter clients getting and maintaining housing. 93% of every dollar FPMC receives directly supports children and their families. FPMC is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To donate or support FPMC click here.

Arrest for Hindering Apprehension

Frank L. Cahill
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Arrest for Hindering Apprehension

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Park Patrolman Timothy Drake executed a motor-vehicle stop for a moving violation in Parsippany on Wednesday, November 23

An investigation revealed Kristina M. Seybold, 20, Port Charlotte, Florida, to have an N.C.I.C. warrant from the Charlotte County, FL. Sheriff’s Office.

She was also charged with Hindering Apprehension and lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending extradition to Florida.

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.

 

Arrest for Narcotics and Driving while Intoxicated

Frank L. Cahill
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Arrest for Narcotics and Driving while Intoxicated

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Park Patrolman Anthony Brunone executed a motor-vehicle stop for a moving violation in Parsippany on Friday, November 25.

An investigation led to Daniel J. Wilets, 26, Morris Plains, to be charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Being Under the Influence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Driving While Intoxicated, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and several motor-vehicle violations.

He was eventually released with a court date pending.

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.

 

New York Jets Surprise U.S. Military Members with Custom-Made Jerseys

Frank L. Cahill
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New York Jets Surprise U.S. Military Members with Custom-Made Jerseys

FLORHAM PARK — The New York Jets in partnership with the USO helped transform a seemingly ordinary afternoon into a friendly, but competitive, Turkey Bowl event at the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, the largest U.S. military base in the region. The action-packed event took place near the Pat Tillman USO Center, named for the former Army Ranger and Arizona Cardinals safety, as nearly 50 U.S. military members suited up for the game donning custom-made jerseys provided by the Jets.

1000w_q103

The Blue Star Mothers of America, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the military through service, fueled military members with over 100 “Humvee Gate” care packages.  New footballs, flag belts and award balls were also sent over to support the Turkey Bowl.

“We thank all of our NFL teams that support our troopers, particularly the New York Jets for their support of the Turkey Bowl in Afghanistan this Thanksgiving weekend,” said Lieutenant General Joseph Anderson. “Most of our soldiers are athletes who cherish the opportunity for a little competition and team building while deployed or at home.  Playing sports such as football while overseas in a combat zone is a huge distraction and the game makes everyone feel a little closer to home while they are away from their loved ones. We cannot do what we do without the support of our fellow Americans.”

For the day, the First Cavalry Division and USFOR-A were pitted against each other. Ultimately, Team First Cavalry Division prevailed, winning 79 to 62. SPC Keffer, quarterback for the First Cavalry, earned MVP honors. Before the game began, military members spoke with Jets center Nick Mangold via Skype for a pre-game talk before being treated to music and food outside of the Pat Tillman USO Center.

“It was an incredible honor to speak with the men and women of our military who every day serve to protect our country,” said Mangold. “Today was just a small token of our gratitude for their dedication and sacrifice.”

Wednesday’s game marked the second time the New York Jets and the USO have collaborated to host a flag football game. In August, the Jets sent custom-made jerseys, footballs, flag belts and more to the Bagram Air Base, where members from the 10th Mountain Division, 518th Resolute Support Sustainment Brigade and the 25th Signal Battalion of the U.S. Army played a handful of games.

“The men and women of the First Cavalry Division and U.S. Forces Afghanistan are deeply appreciative of the tremendous love and support you’ve shown from home, especially during the holiday season,” said Maj. Gen. John C. Thomson III, 1st Cavalry Division Commanding General. “This is a wonderful opportunity to engage in All-American turkey and football and I could not be more proud of the competitive spirit shown by our outstanding troopers.”

Eight soldiers, who participated in a Jets-themed flag football game earlier in the year while they were deployed to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, led the Jets out of the tunnel during introductions in Week 10. The group also presented Jets owner Woody Johnson with a signed game ball from the August event.

Mt. Tabor Paraprofessional Nominated for National LifeChanger Award

Frank L. Cahill
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Mt. Tabor Paraprofessional Nominated for National LifeChanger Award

PARSIPPANY —Sharon Dickerson, an instructional paraprofessional at Mt. Tabor Elementary School, has been nominated for the 2016-17 national LifeChanger of the Year Award.

Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, the national LifeChanger of the Year program recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 public and private school educators and employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Sharon Dickerson
Sharon Dickerson, an instructional paraprofessional at Mt. Tabor Elementary School, has been nominated for the 2016-17 national LifeChanger of the Year Award.

Dickerson was nominated by a colleague, Jacqueline DeMarco. According to DeMarco, Dickerson and her family held a major role in re-opening Mount Tabor Elementary School in 1998. She has supported the school with numerous donations ever since, the largest of which was funding an outdoor classroom for all students to enjoy.

“Mrs. Dickerson is a LifeChanger due to her exceptional integrity, capability and sense of responsibility,” said DeMarco. “Many of our students’ parents say that she has made their children feel more comfortable and confident in their abilities.

Through all she has done, and all that she is, she has changed the lives of our students, colleagues and community.”

Dickerson is known for doing various acts of kindness at Mt. Tabor School. These acts include birthday cards for each staff member, hand crocheted afghans for every new baby born in the Mt. Tabor community and special items for those leaving the school. Most recently, Dickerson has made hundreds of smiley faces with inspirational messages on them for each and every staff member. Everything that she does helps her colleagues smile larger, work harder and make a larger difference in all of their students’ lives.

Dickerson is also known throughout the community for her generosity. She volunteers at the United Methodist Church in Mt. Tabor through teaching Sunday School and running their Thrift Shop. Additionally, she and her family have traveled to Guatemala each year for the past five years to build houses for families in need.

Each school year, the LifeChanger of the Year program receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For 2016-2017, there will be a total of 15 individual LifeChanger of the Year awards. In addition, a sixteenth prize, the “National Spirit Award,” is given to the school and nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. Each winner will receive a cash award that is split between the individual winner and their school. The national Grand Prize award is $10,000. Winners are announced via surprise award ceremonies held at their schools. The top five winners will also be honored at a national awards ceremony in Naples, Florida. Winners will be announced in Spring 2017.

Winners will be chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals. Nominees must be school district employees. Award winners are selected based on the following criteria:

  • A proven ability to make a beneficial difference in the lives of students
  • An ability to positively add to the development of the school’s atmosphere
  • Is involved in leadership activities at the school and/or community level
  • A demonstrative record of excellent performance at the professional level
  • A commitment to producing a nurturing atmosphere
  • Adherence to high moral and ethical standards

To view Ms. Dickerson’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile click here.

Explosive Beer Can on Allentown Road

Frank L. Cahill
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Explosive Beer Can on Allentown Road

PARSIPPANY — Multiple callers contacted the Parsippany Police Department’s Communication Center to report hearing a possible explosion in the area of Allentown Road and Marmora Road at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Sunday evening, November 27.

Police set up a "Do Not Cross" barricade
Police set up a “Do Not Cross” barricade (c) Parsippany Focus

Paul Merkler, a spokesman for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, said the prosecutor’s office was notified of an explosion in the area of Allentown Road.

Multiple units responded to the scene and found the remnants of a small rudimentary device located in the roadway.

Parsippany Detective Ted Anderson, along with the Morris County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad, Morris County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Section and K-9 responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.

Parsippany Rescue and Recovery was called to the scene to provide lighting in the area.

Merkler stated investigators determined a beer can with an explosive substance was detonated in the street but more information on the explosive used wasn’t available.

No injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311 or to make an anonymous crime tip contact Morris County Crime Stoppers at 973-COPCALL.

Santa coming to Parsippany Town Hall

Frank L. Cahill
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Santa coming to Parsippany Town Hall

PARSIPPANY — Santa Claus will make an appearance at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 4, at the Parsippany Municipal Building followed by the annual tree lighting.

At 5:00 p.m., the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place and Santa will arrive on a big red fire truck.

Following the lighting ceremony, all attendees can have a chance to meet with Santa Claus and take pictures and then enjoy light refreshments of hot chocolate and cookies.

The Municipal Building is located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

In addition, Applebee’s located at 1157 Route 46, Troy Hills Shopping Center will hold a Breakfast with Santa fundraiser on Saturday, December 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to support the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots program.

Tickets to Breakfast with Santa, which can be purchased by calling or visiting Applebee’s, are $10.00 each. Children under two are free.

Santa will also visit IHOP, 792 Route 46, on Sunday, December 25 for children to have an opportunity to take a picture with Santa.

Breakfast with Santa is planned at Kafe Mozart, 2900 Route 10 West, Powder Mill Plaza West, Parsippany. Santa will be visiting on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Santa will be available to sit with the children as they enjoy breakfast, take pictures with Santa and Santa will have gifts for everyone!. Reservations are suggested, by calling (973) 998-7788. Please mention child’s name and time of arrival so Santa can personally greet the child.

Have Breakfast with Santa at Parsippany Applebee’s

Frank L. Cahill
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Have Breakfast with Santa at Parsippany Applebee’s

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

Tickets to Breakfast with Santa, which can be purchased by calling or visiting Applebee’s, are $10.00 each. Children under two are free.

Advanced reservations are required.

In addition to food, guests will receive goodies, raffle tickets for door prizes and pictures with Santa

Applebee’s will be selling paper “gift tags” for $1.00 each, which will be displayed at the restaurant.

All of the proceeds from the breakfast and gift tag purchased with be donated to Toys for Tots.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Toys for Tots for the 2016 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.”

Community Foodbank annouces #GivingTuesday Campaign

Frank L. Cahill
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Community Foodbank annouces #GivingTuesday Campaign

NEW JERSEY — The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) announced today the launch of its first advertising campaign in support of Giving Tuesday, November 29, a national day that kicks off the holiday season by encouraging charitable giving. This year, CFBNJ will receive an important monetary contribution from a generous friend who is passionate about ending hunger in New Jersey.

The anonymous donor has issued a $25,000 Giving Tuesday Matching Gift Challenge. On Giving Tuesday only, every gift to the FoodBank will be doubled up to a total of $25,000. Monetary donations are particularly critical to the FoodBank because every dollar donated results in the ability to provide five meals for New Jersey’s hungry men, women and children. That’s 10 meals for every dollar donated on Giving Tuesday! People can donate at FeedNJkids.org.

According to Feeding America®:
· More than 1 million residents in New Jersey, or about 11.8 percent of the state’s population, are “food insecure,” the term the USDA uses to indicate people who lack access to enough food to lead healthy lives.
· The average rate of child food insecurity is an astonishing 16.8 percent.
· This translates to almost 340,000, or nearly one in five children, who will miss more than one meal today.

“No one, especially a child, should miss a meal because their family cannot afford food,” said Debra Vizzi, President and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “Too many families – including those with working parents – have to choose between medicine and food; housing and food; or utilities and food. On Giving Tuesday, we are imploring all those who are able to help their neighbors and donate to the FoodBank so no one has to miss a meal due to cost.”

The integrated #GivingTuesday campaign includes traditional public relations featuring results of a survey conducted among New Jersey moms about the state’s hunger crisis; a social media campaign; as well as an impactful 30-second television and radio broadcast public service announcement debuting on over 100 cable networks on November 18, 2016. Again, donations can be made by visiting FeedNJkids.org.

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), a member of Feeding America®, provides people across the state with food, help and hope. The FoodBank distributed over 43 million pounds of food last year to its more than 1,000 partner charities including pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, mobile pantries, and child and senior feeding programs. For our neighbors, especially families, and for the volunteers and donors who support them, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey is the powerful change agent that fills the emptiness caused by hunger with the basic human essentials that people need to survive. More than 4.7 million times a year, someone in need is fed by the FoodBank’s network of partner charities.

Carousel of Learning held food drive

Frank L. Cahill
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Carousel of Learning held food drive

Carousel of Learning Childcare Center held a food drive to give food for those in need. All the children were asked to bring in food to be donated to the local food pantry. The children were proud to help.

Carousel of Learning Childcare Center uses a variety of activities to foster your child’s overall cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. It is their objective to learn the needs of the individuals in the program and to plan for the successful fulfillment of these needs. Positive development of the child’s image of self, is of prime importance in the program and is a priority in all aspects of program planning.

Carousel of Learning Childcare Center is located at 244 Kingston Road.

Matthew Aaron Donalds to wed Colleen Elise Hickey

Frank L. Cahill
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Matthew Aaron Donalds to wed Colleen Elise Hickey

PARSIPPANY — Susanne Parisi-Donalds and Scott Donalds, of Parsippany, announced the engagement of their son, Matthew Aaron Donalds, to Colleen Elise Hickey, of New York City. Colleen is the daughter of Harriet and James Hickey, of Toms River.

The bride-to-be is a 2011 graduate of James Madison University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in art history. She is employed by AMC Network as account service representative.

The prospective bridegroom is a 2008 graduate of University of Massachusetts-Amherst, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in finance. He also attended Seton Hall Prep. He is employed by Lenox Advisors as Vice President, corporate executive benefits.

A December 31 wedding is planned.

Cookies & Creches exhibit and bake sale

Frank L. Cahill
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Cookies & Creches exhibit and bake sale

PARSIPPANY — Cookies & Crèches, the exhibit of nativities and crèches from around the world sponsored by to St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, will take place at the historic Smith-Baldwin House in Parsippany.

The collection has been featured on NJN television and in numerous publications.  This year the event will be held on Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

In what has become an annual tradition in our area, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a critically acclaimed collection of over 200 different nativity scenes while also purchasing baked goods from an assortment of homemade holiday cookies from a variety of recipes. Admission is free.

“We are very excited about this new location,” commented Bruce Frigeri. The House will be fully decorated for Christmas, adding a touch of nostalgia to the Christmas tradition of displaying a crèche or nativity set in a home. The addition of a scavenger hunt featuring the crèches, encourages children to attend, as they have to locate different materials used in the making of the set, a particular animal featured, or locate where the set was made.  At the conclusion, participants receive a special holiday treat!

Many different cookies for sale at “Cookies & Creches” event
Many different cookies for sale at “Cookies & Creches” event

Christmas cookie walks are growing in popularity every year and provide visitors with an enjoyable way to get a head start on their holiday baking needs.  About the cookie sale, Frigeri added that “People should arrive early to ensure the best selection.”

Cookies will be available for purchase at the price of $10.50 per pound.  Hours for Cookies and Crèches will be from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. or until the cookies sell out if that happens first! Park at St. Gregory’s and walk next door to The Smith-Baldwin House.

The Smith-Historic Baldwin House was purchased by The Township of Parsippany in 2013 for the purposes of education and preservation. It is an 1820 long hall colonial set on 2.8 acres on South Beverwyck Road. Part of Parsippany’s Historic District, it is located next to St. Gregory’s at 460 South Beverwyck Road.

Mount Olive man arrested with pimping out teen girl

Frank L. Cahill
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Mount Olive man arrested with pimping out teen girl

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Mount Olive Police Chief Stephen Beecher announce the arrest of a Mount Olive man for Human Trafficking.

Michael Keenan, 23, Mount Olive, was arrested Thursday, November 24 and subsequently charged with one count of Human Trafficking, in violation of N.J.S 2C:13-8(a)3, a crime of the first degree, one count of Promoting Prostitution, in violation of N.J.S 2C:34-1b(3), a crime of the first degree, and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:24-4(a)1, a crime of the third degree. Defendant was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility.

The alleged victim in this matter is a 17 year old female who reported that she was led to engage in prostitution by Keenan between November 11 and November 21. The victim alleged that Defendant would drive her to hotels in Mount Olive to engage in such prostitution. After the sexual acts were completed, Keenan would allegedly collect a portion of the proceeds for himself.

Bail was set for Keenan by the Honorable Brian J. Levine, J.M.C. at $150,000.  Judge Levine also issued a Nicole’s Law Restraining Order against Keenan.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Mount Olive Police Department, specifically Detective Hunter Guiles, as well as members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Detective/Supervisor Marshall Wang of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit of the at (973) 285-6200.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Kushner claims he did not push Christie out as Trump chair, report says

Letters to the Editor
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Kushner claims he did not push Christie out as Trump chair, report says

TRENTON — In a rare interview, Jared Kushner, the New Jersey-bred son-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, told Forbes that he was not behind Gov. Chris Christie’s removal as Trump’s transition chair. “Six months ago, Gov. Christie and I decided this election was much bigger than any differences we may have had in the past, and we…

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PHS Drama Club will solve a murder mystery in “Holmes for the Holidays”

Frank L. Cahill
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PHS Drama Club will solve a murder mystery in “Holmes for the Holidays”

PARSIPPANY – The Parsippany High School Drama Club will present this year’s Fall Drama, “Holmes for the Holidays,” a comedic play written by Ken Ludwig. The show opens on Thursday, December 1 and will also be playing Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3, in the school auditorium.

All performances begin at 7:00 p.m. and general admission is $10.00 for Adults, $8.00 for Senior Citizens, Children, and Non-Parsippany District Students! Students with a Parsippany School ID are free.

Senior Carly Pasquale, the clubs publicist, encourages everyone to come out and enjoy a great evening of laughs and would like to thank the many people and businesses that make the high school performing arts a huge success on behalf of the entire cast and crew!

The production director is Ester Musilli and the Technical Director is Steve Gilgur.

The cast includes:

Gillette – Noel Chambers
Martha – Maddie Carden
Aggie – Carly Pasquale
Simon – Jaquan Eke
Felix – Ryan Crooker
Madge – Anya Kosachevich
Inspector – Juliana Smith
Daria – Talia Wynzel
Broadcaster – Sean O’Donnell

Understudies include Catherine Chiarolonza, Alivia Mercuro, Kaitlyn Sklow, Julia Sklow, Abby Sanchez and Stephanie Hernandez.

It is December 1936 and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it’s up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and hilarity are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays.

Parsippany High School is located at 309 Baldwin Road, Parsippany.

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