Par-Troy Little League West holds challenger games

Frank L. Cahill
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Par-Troy Little League West holds challenger games

PARSIPPANY Par-Troy Little League West Challenger Games, which give kids with special challenges a chance to play baseball were played at the Par-Troy West Little League complex.

The children played three games. The first game was the children of the Challenger League vs. their buddies from Par-Troy Little League West. The second game was the Yankees vs. PHHS.

Providing special-needs children with the opportunity to play baseball, the Challenger League has been holding this event since 1999. More than 100 volunteers, called “buddies,” assisted the children in playing before taking to the fields against each other.

The Challenger Division was established in 1989 as a separate division of Little League to enable boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school, to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide. Today, more than 30,000 children participate in more than 900 Challenger Divisions worldwide.

Teams are set up according to abilities, rather than age, and can include as many as 15-20 players. Challenger games can be played as tee ball games, coach pitch, player pitch, or a combination of the three.

In a Challenger game, each player gets a chance to bat. The side is retired when the offense has batted through the roster, or when a pre-determined number of runs have been scored, or when three outs are recorded. Little League recommends that no score be kept during Challenger games. The Challenger players wear the same uniforms, shoulder patches and safety equipment as other volunteer players.

For more information on Morris County Challenger Little League, click here.

Daniel Baldwin to Accompany “The Wisdom to Know the Difference” Featured Screening at the NJ Recovery Film Festival

Frank L. Cahill
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Daniel Baldwin to Accompany “The Wisdom to Know the Difference” Featured Screening at the NJ Recovery Film Festival

UNION — Daniel Baldwin will be the featured celebrity guest at New Jersey’s first Recovery Film Festival, with a screening of his feature film The Wisdom to Know the Difference. The event is taking place at Kean University in the STEM Building June 2-3, 2017. The film festival will commence with a VIP Reception on Friday evening June 2, with Baldwin, his screening, live music entertainment, speakers and a network of local health and recovery professionals with honored filmmakers alike in attendance. Saturday, June 3 will feature film screenings all day, with an exhibitor fair and entertainment in between film blocks.

With the support of SOBA Recovery CEO Greg Hannley, Daniel wrote, directed and
co-starred in The Wisdom to Know the Difference, an award-winning film acclaimed
by the New York Times as the “Best Recovery Film of All Time”. Based in part on
actual events, Wisdom to Know the Difference is a story about a man’s journey to
bring his sobriety full circle. “What a great honor to be included in such an
important festival. I am very excited to be a part of this prestigious event,” said
Daniel Baldwin.

The Festival Director, Chris Capaci of Capacity Images states “I am excited about the
opportunity to have Daniel Baldwin as our guest. What a privilege it is for us that he
will be sharing his film and his story at our festival this year.”

The event will benefit the Raymond J. Lesniak Experience Strength Hope Recovery High School (ESH). ESH is New Jersey’s first public Recovery High School. Sober high schools, as some refer to them, are designed to create a drug free environment for young people where education, recreation and recovery go hand in hand.

“We are honored to have the support of Daniel Baldwin and the many talented filmmakers in this year’s festival as we witness Experience Strength and Hope through the art of filmmaking, “ said Pamela Capaci, CEO Prevention Links.

Tickets for Friday and Saturday are available now as well as sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities by clicking here.

Letter to the editor: Morris Dems Chairman Reacts to Frelinghuysen Letter

Frank L. Cahill
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Letter to the editor: Morris Dems Chairman Reacts to Frelinghuysen Letter

Dear Editor:

Perhaps the greatest and most uniquely American of the privileges we enjoy in this country is the practically boundless freedom to express ourselves politically. Every political position, from the pin-pointed center to the furthest extremes, can be openly discussed and participated in without fear of government retribution.

That is why today’s news that a sitting Congressman (chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, no less) felt it just to inform a local bank that one of their employees was involved with a political organization opposing his candidacy for reelection disturbed me on such a deep level. That any American needs to fear that their employment may be at risk due to their political views is an affront to the society we have all spent over 200 years building.

From the time I began volunteering for the Democratic Party in high school to my current position as Chair of the Morris County Democratic Committee, I have worked on electoral efforts to defeat Rodney Frelinghuysen. Not out of malice for the man or personal bias, but due to political and policy differences – the bedrock of our democratic process.

Perhaps due to my lifetime of political involvement, but also as a great admirer of the protections afforded to Americans by our Constitution and Founding Fathers, seeing a handwritten note by Congressman Frelinghuysen calling Sally Avelenda a “ringleader” (a term generally reserved for a criminal element) of a political group spoke volumes on the trickle-down effect of the behavior emanating straight from the White House.

Unfortunately, here in Morris County, retribution for political activities is all too common. One need look no further than Parsippany, where the Mayor has orchestrated a campaign of lawsuits and intimidation against a former police captain whose brother had the audacity to run for office. And let us not forget where Governor Christie, whose vengeful efforts have become famous worldwide, honed his craft.

Sally Avelenda is a name that every resident of Morris County, and the 11th Congressional District, should be familiar with going forward. Shame on Lakeland Bank for even considering her political activities as an appropriate discussion point regarding her employment. Shame on Congressman Frelinghuysen for using his powerful perch against an average citizen. And shame on all of us if we fail to hold the Congressman accountable for actions that fly in the face of our societal norms and constitutional protections.

Chip Robinson
Chair, Morris County Democratic Committee

Jonathan Kennett earns Eagle Award

Frank L. Cahill
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Jonathan Kennett earns Eagle Award

PARSIPPANY — Jonathan A. Kennett of Troop 72 had his Eagle Court of Honor on April 30, 2017, which completed his long trail to Eagle Scout.

The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks, the highest being that of Eagle Scout. Officially, the trail starts with the Tenderfoot rank and continues through Second and First Class ranks. Then, the mountain climbing begins. The path is marked with merit badges, leadership responsibilities, service projects, and the practice of Scouting skills and ideals. The first peak reached is that of Star Scout, the second is Life Scout, and, finally, Eagle Scout.

The Eagle Scout Award is Scouting’s highest rank and among its most familiar icons. Men who have earned it count it among their most treasured possessions. Those who missed it by a whisker remember exactly which requirement they didn’t complete. Americans from all walks of life know that being an Eagle Scout is a great honor. The award is more than a badge. It’s a state of being. The Eagle Scout may have received the badge as a boy, but you earn it every day as a man. In the words of the Eagle Scout Promise, they do your best each day to make their training and example, their rank and their influence count strongly for better Scouting and for better citizenship in the troop, in their community, and in their contacts with other people. And to this they pledge their sacred honor.

Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million young men. Only 4% of the Boy Scouts actually earn this rank.

Jonathan designed and with the Troop’s scouts, and several adult volunteers, built a rock garden in which to erect a much needed sign for Hopatcong Township’s Hopatcong Animal Pound.

He raised money to have the sign commercially carved, then painted it himself as part of his Eagle Project, he and his Troop also built three feral cat shelters for the outdoor cats at the Hopatcong Pound.

Jonathan began his scouting life as a Cub Scout and rose to Webelos II. He earned the Arrow of Light Award in 2010, the only Cub Scout award that can be worn as a Boy Scout. As a Boy Scout, he rose through the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and finally Life Scout, the last level pre-Eagle Scout. He has served as Den Chief to Cub Scouts, and as Assistant Patrol Leader, then Patrol Leader for his Boy Scout Troop.

Jonathan earned the thirteen required Merit Badges for Eagle Scout as well as seventeen other Merit Badges. The thirteen required badges include Camping, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Cooking, Lifesaving,  Environmental Science, Family Life, First Aid, Personal Management, Personal Fitness and Swimming.

The seventeen other merit badges included Archery, Aviation, Climbing, Electricity, Fingerprinting, Fishing, Geology, Kayaking, Leatherworking, Metalwork, Railroading, Rifle Shooting, Rowing, Shotgun Shooting, Small Boat Sailing, Snow Sports and Woodwork.

His favorites were Climbing, Archery, Rifle Shooting, Skiing and Small Boat Sailing.

Jonathan’s Eagle Scout project generated 170 hours of service that included work on the three feral cat houses for Hopatcong Pound and the garden and sign. The work was done by Jonathan, his fellow scouts of Troop 72, the adult leaders and volunteers. Other service projects Jonathan worked on included repairing camp sites and clearing branches and fallen trees at Camp Allamuchy after superstorm Sandy, helping other Scouts with their Eagle Projects, and helping the town clean up after major flooding and storms. He helped build new tent platforms for camping at Scout Camp. He has also taught topics of Geology and Astronomy to other scout groups.

He was nominated for and inducted into the Order of the Arrow, scouting’s honor society.

Mike Ilic to attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Frank L. Cahill
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Mike Ilic to attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute

PARSIPPANY — Mike Ilic, a senior at Parsippany High School, is now a member of WPI Wrestling. Mike is the son of Dana and Danny Illic and was coached by Joe Dasti. In the off season, Mike wrestled for Edge, Whippany, and coached by Dave Esposito.

Mike was a team captain with a career record of 106-30, and had a great senior year going 33-6. Mike was a War at the Shore Champ, 4th at the USAW Folkstyle Cadet age group, and a 4 time participant in the PIN Cancer All-Star match.

Mike also had great State tournament results during his time at Parsippany. Mike was a 3X District Placer, 3X District finalist and 1X champ, 3X Regional qualifier and 1X Champ, and a state qualifier.

Off the mat, Mike also excelled at football where he was captain and selected to the All-Conference Defensive Team.

In addition to Mike’s leadership in athletics, he is also a student council member and a member of the student steering committee.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is located in Worcester, MA. Mike intends to major in Civil Engineering.

Provident Bank Foundation Awards $50K Signature Grant to Employment Horizons

Frank L. Cahill
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Provident Bank Foundation Awards $50K Signature Grant to Employment Horizons

HANOVER — The Provident Bank Foundation has announced Employment Horizons in Cedar Knolls as the recipient of the Foundation’s $50,000 Signature Grant for 2017 in the Community Enrichment funding priority area. The Foundation presented the check during a presentation on Friday, May 12, at Employment Horizons, located at 10 Ridgedale Avenue.

Employment Horizons was selected to receive this Signature Grant for its work in the Community and Economic Development-Employment focus area. Funding will assist in the start-up of a Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) Training and Job Placement Program for individuals with barriers to employment. The program will include additional, related training to make trainees more competitive in the industry. Customized supports will enhance completion rates and employment success.

Those present at Friday’s check presentation will include Chris Martin, PBF President and Chairman, and CEO and President Provident Bank, Jane Kurek, Executive Director, PBF, as well as EH Executive Director Matthew Putts, and Assistant Executive Director Jacky Burns, among others.

“This grant is dedicated to addressing the skills gap by providing training and comprehensive supportive services for individuals facing challenges in the labor force, which is why Employment Horizons was selected as this year’s recipient,” said Jane Kurek, Executive Director, The Provident Bank Foundation. “Through their new program, individuals will receive their HHA certification, and be positioned on a career path that exposes them to further training, education, and increased income opportunities. Employment Horizons is not only addressing the unemployment issue, but enhancing the quality of life of members in their community.”

The program will be a unique public-private partnership involving Employment Horizons, referrals through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD), and Assisting Hands, an award-winning home healthcare agency.

This unique “one-stop” format will co-locate all services at Employment Horizons, rather than at various agencies using different staffs at different locations across the community.  Each program cycle will be five weeks front-loaded with the specific CHHA training, followed by other related training, job search skills, job placement and job retention supports.

“With investment from the Provident Bank Foundation, and in partnership with Assisting Hands Home Care, Employment Horizons is excited to begin providing CHHA training to individuals with barriers to employment,” said Matthew Putts, Executive Director of Employment Horizons. “We look forward to not only improving employment opportunities and economic participation for those trained through the new program but also in meeting a growing need of local employers for CHHA credentialed staff. Furthermore, we are privileged to help address a community need for families looking to find qualified providers of home care for their loved ones.”

Employment Horizons, formerly known as the Occupational Training Center of Morris County, was founded in Morristown in 1957 by a group of forward-thinking parents who wanted to expand work and personal growth opportunities for their children with disabilities and special needs. Over the years, Employment Horizons has implemented innovative programs to meet the needs and choices of the people with disabilities served. They provide job training and placement services to people with disabilities in the greater Morris County area.

For more information on PBF, click here or call (862) 260-3990.

About The Provident Bank Foundation
The Provident Bank Foundation was established in 2003 by Provident Bank to enhance the quality of life in the region through support of not-for-profit groups, institutions, schools and other 501(c)(3) organizations that provide services in communities served by the Bank. Since inception, the Foundation has granted more than $22 million to not-for-profit organizations and institutions working toward stronger communities. For more information about The Provident Bank Foundation, click here or call (862) 260-3990.

Update: Police chase ends in arrest of Orest Lopadchak

Frank L. Cahill
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Update: Police chase ends in arrest of Orest Lopadchak

PARSIPPANY — Montville Township Police, Boonton Police, Morris County Park Police and New Jersey State Police aided in the pursuit of an alleged drunk driver who led Morris County Park Police across three towns in a disabled vehicle before his arrest.

Sergeant Edward Koster was patrolling The Tourne, Boonton, at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Saturday when he noticed a car parked in the lower parking lot near the ballfield.

Orest Lopadchak, Facebook Photo

Koster noticed a man with his legs hanging out of a vehicle’s windows even though it was raining. Sergeant Koster made contact with the sole occupant, Orest Lopadchak, 37, of Somerset.

As Koster approached the vehicle, the man brought his legs back into the car, acted nervous, and was motioning as though he was trying to hide something in the center console. Mr. Lopadcha then put the vehicle into “drive” and took off bouncing over a concrete parking stop in the process.

Lopadcha ensued was a slow-speed pursuit as the officer attempted to catch up. Lopadcha turned onto Powerville Road, turned right onto Rockaway Valley Road, and that road becomes Taylortown Road in Montville Township. At that time, the Black Mercedes blew out a tire. Still, the pursuit continued.

Lopadcha turned right onto Main Road/Route 202, got onto Route 287, proceeded to Exit 42, Parsippany, and used Route 202 to get onto Route 80.

Morris County Sheriff Department vehicle on the side of the road where Mr. Lopadchak attempted to run down a grassy hill

The man stopped in the travel lane of Route 80 West, at Exit 42 A-B (Cherry Hill Road), got out of his car, and tried to run down a grassy hill. Park Police and New Jersey State Police caught him and arrested him.

New Jersey State Police was on the scene

The driver, Orest Lopadchak, 37, Somerset, was charged by the Morris County Park Police Department with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (suspected crack-cocaine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Eluding, Assault on Law Enforcement Officers, and Resisting Arrest.

Lopadchak was transported to Morristown Medical Center for observation by Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad.

Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance transported the driver to Morristown Medical Center

Upon being released from the hospital, Mr. Lopadchak was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility. Morris County Park Police Department officers, Patrolman Casey Petrocy and Patrolman Christian DiGiralomo, were treated at the scene by Parsippany Emergency Medical Services for minor injuries and released.

A follow-up investigation is being conducted by the Morris County Park Police Department Detective Bureau, and further information may be released at a later time.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department was involved in the chase of Mr. Lopadchak

Editors Note: A previous article Parsippany Focus reported that the vehicle was stolen, and at this time we believe that information was incorrect.

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.

Kiwanis Club holds annual Golf Outing

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Club holds annual Golf Outing

PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, May 9, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany hosted their annual golf outing at the Knoll Country Club in Parsippany. Continental breakfast started at 7:15 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. Afterwards a full lunch will be served, including wine and beer. 

The hole-in-one car was donated by Ed Carney Ford, but unfortunately no one won the vehicle. There is always next year.

Through this fundraiser, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany raises money to give to the children of this community. The club has sponsored library programs; raised funds for the Parsippany daycare center; given financial support to the K kids, builders club and Key Clubs in all of the Parsippany schools; provided food for Parsippany’s food pantry; donated back packs to needy children; supported Camp Nejeda, a camp for kids with Type 1 diabetes and through our state association provided funding to the pediatric trauma center of Robert Wood Johnson hospital.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany picks their own service projects that they feel need attention. They are all local people that volunteer their time and talents to make our community  a better place to live. They are busy with making a living, church, family, and many other activities. However, they have found that Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany gives us not only a chance to give back to our community in a meaningful way, but enjoy the fellowship, networking and fun aspects as well. Kiwanis offers an opportunity to get involved in our community; make a difference in the lives of children; meet, work and socialize with people in our community and help those in need in our community.

For more information, click here.

Car changes lanes and crashes into another vehicle

Frank L. Cahill
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Car changes lanes and crashes into another vehicle

PARSIPPANY — Mr. Stan Davis, 56, Hackettstown was traveling North on New Road in the left lane, at 9:32 a.m. on Saturday, May 6. He was driving a 2012 Chevy Silverado.

Mr. Brahm Parasher, 48, Parsippany,  had just exited Route 280 West, onto New Road Northbound. His vehicle, a 2006 Acura MDX traveled approximately 40 feet North on New Road, before appearing to attempt to turn left from the right lane. Mr. Davis observed Mr. Parasher enter his lane, and applied his brakes in an attempt to stop.

Mr. Davis then struck the 2006 Acura MDX, who had improperly entered his lane.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5 members arrived on the scene, because initially it was reported as a driver was entrapped in the vehicle and to clean up a minor gas spill on the road.

There were no summons issued at the time of this report. Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Richard Howell investigated the accident.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene by Hiawatha Towing.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5 HazMat team arrived to clean up a gas spill
Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5 member entering the vehicle that was first reported as an entrapment.

Morris County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit Visits Northvail

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit Visits Northvail

PARSIPPANY — Officers Tomasini and Perez of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office visited the first graders at Northvail Elementary School to teach the children about police dogs and their significance to the department.

They brought along Zander and Kiara, both Belgian Malinoises. This dog breed is known for being very protective and hardworking.

They also have the signature hallmark of all dogs, a keen nose. Malinoises are now favored over the more traditional German Shepard for police work due to their intellect and attentiveness, both necessary traits for effective police work.

First grade teacher Ms. Cassetta observed, “The children were thrilled to meet real officers from the K-9 unit and of course their special dogs.

I think the presentation was a fantastic way for the children to learn more about such important members of our community.” She added, “This educational experience will leave a lasting impression on them.”

The officers talked about how K-9 units are trained, their duties, some of the costs involved with specialized dogs, and the benefits of having a canine unit as part of a police force. The officers also fielded many questions from the students. Officer Perez even demonstrated some of 9-year-old Zander’s tricks to the delight of the awestruck children.

The K-9 unit supports all thirty-nine municipalities of Morris County, twenty-four hours a day, and seven days a week.

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