Prosecutor and League of Women Voters to Hold a Forum on Opiate Abuse

Frank L. Cahill
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Prosecutor and League of Women Voters to Hold a Forum on Opiate Abuse

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the League of Women Voters of the Morristown Area are teaming up to hold a special forum on the growing problem of opiate and heroin abuse in the nation, state and Morris County.

The forum, entitled, “A Community Conversation: Stemming the Rising Tide of Opioid Abuse,’’ will be held on Wednesday, May 25, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Alexander Hamilton School, at 24 Mills Street, Morristown.

It follows recent heroin and opiate sessions held in Montville and Hanover townships, and the recent Morris County Heroin Summit 2016 held in Rockaway Township. 

“We need to understand how this problem affects every one of us,’’ said Louise Murray, Vice President of the League of Women Voters Morristown Area. “We need to come together as a community to protect ourselves and each other.’’

“It is essential that we, as a community, become informed about this epidemic and that law enforcement, the medical community, addiction treatment professionals and the community at large discuss this problem and work on solutions to enhance prevention and encourage drug treatment for the addicted,” said Morris County Prosecutor Fredric A. Knapp.

According to Morris County law enforcement officials, we are in the midst of a heroin and opiate epidemic, with no state hit harder than New Jersey. Overdose deaths are now the leading cause of accidental death, with more Americans dying every year from overdoses than from motor vehicle crashes.

Addiction to prescription opioid painkillers is the primary factor fueling heroin addiction.

“The county Freeholder Board strongly supports the continuing effort of the prosecutor and community groups, like the League of Women Voters, in Morris County to deal with substances that are plaguing our young people, and hurting their families and communities,’’ sad Morris County Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo. “We must attack this issue in Morris County with facts, knowledge and public awareness.’’

Healthcare professionals write 250 million opioid painkiller prescriptions annually. The availability and misuse of prescription opioids combined with the low cost, potent heroin that has become easily accessible, is driving an increased demand for and use of heroin and ultimately claiming the lives of thousands of Americans.

Admission into New Jersey licensed substance abuse facilities has increased dramatically. More people are seeking treatment for addiction than there are available slots at treatment facilities.

Neighborhoods are plagued with burglaries, thefts and violent crimes as heroin addicts commit these offenses to feed their habit. Morris County is not immune from these staggering statistics.

Heroin can be purchased cheaply and easily in Morris County, said Prosecutor Knapp. It’s inexpensive, available and very deadly, as evidenced by 43 people who died from heroin or opiate overdose in Morris County in 2015.

Panelists at the May 25 forum, to be moderated by Louise Murray, will include:

  • Bradford C. Seabury – Chief Assistant Prosecutor, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Steven Timko – Executive Director, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA)
  • Joseph F. Vitale – Senator, New Jersey State Senate Chair, Senate Health, Human Services& Senior Citizens Committee; Vice Chair, Senate Labor Committee
  • Mae A. Hyre, M.D., D.M.D. – Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, West Virginia

Friends of the Library seeks officers

Frank L. Cahill
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Friends of the Library seeks officers

Friends-of-the-LibraryPARSIPPANY — Volunteer group known as the Friends of the Parsippany Library has raised funds and advocated for funding on behalf of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library and its branches, in Lake Hiawatha and Mount Tabor.

The Friends of the Parsippany Library is a 501(c)(3) organization and part of a national association of Friends and Trustees called United for Libraries. Most New Jersey public libraries have dynamic friends groups and many directors have been heard to comment: “I don’t know what the library would do without our Friends!”

The Friends of the Parsippany Library supported a state-wide initiative called a postcard campaign to ask for additional funding.

About twelve years ago, the Friends joined the library board members in advocating to the town council for funding for a new main library and those advocacy efforts resulted in the Parsippany Library, dedicated in 2006.

The Friends of the Library have been responsible for funding events, services, and equipment that the library cannot afford to fund through its operating budget.

For example, the Friends paid for professional speakers to lead a film series discussion at the Lake Hiawatha Library; furniture for the Mount Tabor branch; supplies and special performance programming for the summer reading program at all three locations.

Most recently, the Friends underwrote the cost of a speaker for the Yogi Berra program at the Parsippany Library. Through the years, the Friends have also purchased many different kinds of equipment from DVD players to computers, printers and Kindles.

Now the library is looking for additional friends who can assume officer positions.

They are looking for a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Job descriptions can be found on the library’s website. Essentially these officers attend monthly meetings (at a time and day of the week agreed upon by the officers); solicit ideas and preside over the fundraising activities of the Friends; encourage involvement in the Book Nook and any other of the Friends activities.

This is one job where no experience is necessary. The time commitment involved includes: one, two-hour orientation session; one meeting a month for one and a half hours and time and energy to create fundraisers that benefit the library; and participation in these fundraisers.

Those who are interested may send an email to friendsofficers@parsippanylibrary.org and list the officer position in which they are most interested and include their name and contact information. A library committee will evaluate the responses and meet with all applicants. Click here for membership details.

For more information click here.

Kafe Mozart donates to “National Child Abuse Prevention Program”

Frank L. Cahill
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Kafe Mozart donates to “National Child Abuse Prevention Program”

PARSIPPANY — Frank Cahill, representing Kafe Mozart, presented Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany with a check with a donation from the “Dine for Dollars” program held at the restaurant.  The check was a fundraiser for “National Child Abuse Prevention Program.”

Kafe Mozart offers the opportunity to non-profit groups to hold fundraisers every Monday to receive a percentage of the days proceeds.

Karen DeChristopher, chairman of Young Children Priority One, said “It was a great opportunity to help raise funds for ‘National Child Abuse Prevention Program.’ ”

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany participated in the annual Pinwheels For Prevention event. Karen DeChristopher and the committee, Young Children Priority One, has placed signs and pinwheels throughout Parsippany.  These pinwheels represent abused children of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Why Pinwheels for Prevention? For decades, market research consistently has shown that the public views child abuse and neglect as a serious problem. As a national organization whose mission is “to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation’s children,” Kiwanis’ emphasis is to transform that awareness into action. We now have that opportunity through the pinwheel, which reminds us of childlike notions and stands for the chance at the healthy, happy and full lives all children deserve.

Kiwanis views this as part of their mission statement “changing the world one child and one community at a time” When you drive throughout Parsippany and see these pinwheels, take time to reflect on all the abused children in the world.

Kafe Mozart is located at 2900 Route 10 West, Powder Mill Plaza West, Parsippany.

For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, click here.

Parsippany Police visit children at Carousel of Learning Preschool

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Police visit children at Carousel of Learning Preschool

PARSIPPANY — On April 22, 2016, Captain John Wieners III and Patrolman Brian Conover from Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department visited Carousel of Learning Preschool to talk with the students about the job of being a Police officer.

The children listening to the officers talking
The children listening to the officers

The children were so excited to meet real officers. This visit was a great way for the children to conclude their weekly theme about Community Helpers.

Carousel Of Learning offers a number of school readiness activities as well as a space to play and engage in socially. Your children can play safely in a fenced-in AstroTurf® playground where they can slide, climb, or play with our other outside equipment. They can also learn computer skills in their TechStars program.

When you need a child care center,  you need to know it uses effective methods to teach and encourage your child. Carousel of Learning uses an activity-based program that focuses on several different areas such as music, blocks, arts, science, exercise, dramatic play, and the home area. Your children learn by being physically and mentally involved in all of the activities.

Carousel of Learning 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 is located at 244 Kingston Road, Lake Parsippany. You can reach them by calling (973) 884-2052. Click here to view their website.

Captain John Wieners III and Officer Brian Conover at Carousel of Learning
Captain John Wieners III and Officer Brian Conover at Carousel of Learning

Local Swim Team Looking for Members

Frank L. Cahill
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Local Swim Team Looking for Members

PARSIPPANY — The Lake Hiawatha Swim Team is the perfect opportunity for your child to learn team-building skills, stay active, and have fun! No prior swim team experience is required, but children must be able to swim the length of the pool in order to be eligible. Our team competes in the Morris County Area Swim League (MCASSL), a serious but laid-back summer swim league that promotes good sportsmanship and fun competition.

*Must be a member of the Lake Hiawatha Swim Club in order to join the swim team.

Any questions? Contact Head Coach Bryana Cielo at (973) 476-4131 or email by clicking here. You can click here to download an application.

Character Matters, Stop Protecting The Status Quo

Letters to the Editor
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Character Matters, Stop Protecting The Status Quo

MORRIS COUNTY — Republican freeholder candidates Lou Valori, Roman Hirniak and Peter King, the Morris County United team, said character matters and that it’s time for politicians in Morris County to stop circling the wagons in an attempt to protect the status quo.

In a recent news report that states Tom Mastrangelo “filed criminal complaints” against the Morris County United Team for allegedly releasing certain expunged records pertaining to Mastrangelo’s past.

Morris County United campaign manager, Steve Kush, said, “We dismiss any such allegations as the latest in a long line of attempts by Freeholder Mastrangelo to intimidate the Morris United Team. This is par for the course from someone with a history of leadership through fear and intimidation. I have retained counsel, who advises that both the law and the facts of this matter are in our favor. Moreover, counsel is exploring the commencement of a civil action against Tom Mastrangelo for malicious prosecution and all available remedies.”

“The real issue is character, meaning of moral excellence. Lou Valori, Roman Hirniak and Peter King are three men of character,” Kush said. “Lou Valori retired from the U.S. Army Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Roman Hirniak is a very active member of his community and serves as a Pedagogical Advisor to the Ukranian Educational Council. Peter King, a former Captain in the U.S. Army, was in active combat during the Persian Gulf War and earned various medals, including a Bronze Star. I am proud to stand with these men and sincerely hope their character and high moral standards rub off on me.”

“The difference between candidates in this race is clear,” Kush explained. “Three men who do what is best for their country and their communities or a bunch of politicians circling the wagons around a man hiding behind lawyers in an attempt to prevent voters from judging his character.”

“William Shakespeare said, ‘the past is prologue’ and I believe it,” Parsippany Council President Lou Valori said, “From the very first time I ran for office I knew going into the campaign my life would be under a microscope, and it should be, as should any candidate’s. Considering an extra officer from the Sheriff’s Department was assigned to freeholder meetings after an incident between Mastrangelo and another freeholder, character is very important in this race.”

“I agree, character does matter, which is why I feel it is important to set the record straight regarding certain events that were recently reported.” Randolph Township Mayor Roman Hirniak explained, “In a recent news report, Assemblyman Bucco claimed he spoke with me after a breakfast event. I have no idea why Tony would say something like that. I arrived at the breakfast event very late, coming from the Township Little League Opening Day Parade, and certainly didn’t chat with him either during or after the presentation.”

“Freeholders Cabana and DeFillippo, as well as John Krickus, should all stop protecting Tom Mastrangelo,” land use expert and municipal prosecutor Peter King stated. “They should welcome transparency. They should stop protecting the status quo. They aren’t and instead choose to protect one another, just as they did during the years when all four of them sat on the Freeholder Board together. The people of Morris County deserve better.”

Primary Election Mail-In Ballots are now available

Frank L. Cahill
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Primary Election Mail-In Ballots are now available

MORRIS COUNTY — Primary Election on Tuesday, June 7. Primary Election Mail-In Ballots are now available.

Anyone interested in voting by mail must submit an application by Tuesday, May 31.

In-office early voting is available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

There will be extended hours for voting on Tuesday, May 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.

The last day for in-office voting is Monday, June 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The registration deadline is Tuesday, May 17. Morris County Board of Elections is located at Hall of Records Administration Building, 10 Court Street, Morristown.

Click here for additional information.

Aarin Feliz is the recipient of the 2016 Springfield College Award

Frank L. Cahill
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Aarin Feliz is the recipient of the 2016 Springfield College Award

PARSIPPANY —  Aarin Feliz of Lake Hiawatha is the recipient of the 2016 Springfield College Award for Outstanding First-Year Student. Aarin is a 2015 graduate of Parsippany High School.

This award honors a first-year student who has embraced campus life and volunteer opportunities, has demonstrated a commitment to the Humanics philosophy, and shown the potential to succeed as a leader in service to humanity.

Feliz is majoring in Movement and Sport Studies.

The Springfield College Division of Student Affairs recognizes student leaders for their significant contributions to Springfield College and/or the city of Springfield at the annual Stepping Up Day Awards Ceremony each year.

Founded in 1885, Springfield College is known worldwide for the guiding principles of its Humanics philosophy-educating students in spirit, mind and body for leadership in service to others. With its foundation of academic excellence and rich athletic heritage, Springfield College prepares students with real-world leadership skills for careers that transform lives and communities. The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of health sciences, human and social services, sport management and movement studies, education, business, and the arts and sciences. It also offers doctoral programs in physical education, physical therapy, and counseling psychology. The college is ranked in the 2016 edition of “Best Colleges” in the top tier of “Best Regional Universities – North Region” by U.S.News & World Report, and is designated as a premier Leadership Development Center by the YMCA of the USA. More than 5,000 traditional, nontraditional and international students study at its main campus in Springfield, Mass., and at regional campuses throughout the country.

Letter to the editor: Cistaro’s extends sincere appreciation

Frank L. Cahill
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Letter to the editor: Cistaro’s extends sincere appreciation

MailboxsmallDear Editor,

Early Easter morning, we experienced the unimaginable and sudden loss of our beloved nine-year-old daughter, Ashley Nicole Cistaro; little sister to Ella. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who has supported us since Ashley’s passing. Your many thoughtful acts of kindness and sympathy continue to provide us with great comfort during our time of sorrow.

In particular, we would like to thank our family and friends; the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District, especially the teachers, staff and students of Troy Hills Elementary School; the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, including Mayor James Barberio; the Parsippany Police Department, including Chief Paul Philipps; the Parishes of Saint Ann and Saint Peter the Apostle; and the DiMaggio Family of Par-Troy Funeral Home.

Although our lives are forever changed without our sweet Ashley, we are comforted by the fact that we are surrounded by such a warm and compassionate community.

Forever thankful,
Joe, Christina & Ella Cistaro

13th Annual Trivia Contest was a huge success

Frank L. Cahill
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13th Annual Trivia Contest was a huge success

PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany held its 13th Annual Trivia Contest on Saturday, April 16  at Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road.

First place winners: Jen Walters, Michele Reutty, Richard Tester, Arlene Sahraie, Joanne Roukens, Steve Vega, Michael Maziekien and Kiwanis President Connie Keller.

Second place winners (left to right): Gregory Hruska, Don Thompson, Mark Vogler, Andrew Watt, Amy Griff, Bill Gripp, Dave Kinsley, Darryl Sokolowski and Kiwanis President Connie Keller.

Third place winners (left to right): LuAnn Green, Emily Beline, Mike Green, David Schappert, Tom Beline, Chris Fredda, Jim Hecht and Jayne Beline.

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