PARSIPPANY — More patients die from pancreatic cancer than breast cancer, making pancreatic cancer the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Additionally, only 9% of patients live five years. To change the course of this disease, the New Jersey Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is inviting the community to attend PurpleStride New Jersey: The Walk to End Pancreatic Cancer.

The event takes place during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month on Sunday, November 11 at the Mack Cali Corporate Complex, One Campus Drive, days before World Pancreatic Cancer Day on November 16. PurpleStride will raise much needed awareness and funds to support the mission of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to advance research, support patients and create hope. Their goal is to raise $545,000.

To register and to learn more click here.

“We’re saving lives at PurpleStride New Jersey,” stated Sandi Field Affiliate Chair of the New Jersey Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. “Every stride we make directly impacts the course of this disease. Our community needs this uplifting celebration of hope that unites families affected by the deadliest cancer. It’s time to take action against pancreatic cancer and make vigorous steps to double survival by 2020!”

The family-friendly 5K timed awareness walk/run will include:

• Registration at 7:30 a.m., Opening Ceremonies begins at 9:00 a.m. Special guest: Erin Willett

• 9:30 a.m. 5K Run/Walk Begins

• 11:00 a.m. Closing Ceremonies

• Kid-friendly activities and “purple play zone”

• Opening ceremony featuring live entertainment

• National Gold Sponsor: AbbVie and Ipsen

• Gold Sponsor: RWJ Barnabas and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

• National Presenting Sponsor: Celgene

• Gold Media Sponsors: WCBS/FM and WFAN

• Regional Silver Sponsor: Immunovia

The American Cancer Society reports an estimated 53,670 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and approximately 43,090 will die from the disease this year. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is working to double survival by 2020 by continuing to directly fund research, advocate for increased funding and resources from the national government, raise awareness through community outreach, and provide excellent patient services and support for novel initiatives like Clinical Trial Finder, Know Your TumorSM personalized medicine service and the Patient Registry.

We love animals just as much as you do! However, due to safety and liability reasons, pets are unfortunately not allowed at Pancreatic Cancer Action Network events. Service animals are, of course, welcome.

Learn more about how you can support your local New Jersey Affiliate and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network by clicking here.

Special Guest will be Erin Willett. Willett brings her raw energy to New York City by way of Gaithersburg, Maryland. With the musical influence of her father, a member of the 1960’s band The Newports, Erin has music in her blood. Growing up in the 90s, pop records constantly rotated in her walkman. Every Sunday her outlet for music was church choir, were she became enamored with gospel singers and soul performers. This vocal ability combined with fascination from the performances of her brother’s punk bands, produced a powerful performance style that is all her own.

During season 2, Erin became a semi-finalist on NBC’s hit show The Voice. Known for her powerhouse vocals and infectious spirit, she became one of the final two contestants on Blake Shelton’s team. Following the show, she released her self-titled debut EP which is available on iTunes. Erin has also opened for notable acts including Twenty One Pilots, Adam Lambert, and Third Eye Blind.

She continues to give back as an Influencer of Hope for The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network; an organization fighting the disease that took her fathers life in 2011. Along with songwriters Liz Russo and Tova Litvin, she helped co-write and performs the Anthem of Hope for PanCan, “Hope’s Alive”. The single can be found on all music streaming and downloading platforms and the first $1 Million raised from the sale of “Hope’s Alive” will go to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Erin is slated this year to perform “Hope’s Alive” at PurpleStrides all over the country. The funds raised during the 5K Run/Walk series will help to continue research, educate the public, and provide services that give current and future pancreatic cancer patients a chance for survival.

After a lifelong struggle with her weight and body image issues, Willett had the opportunity to compete in the fall of 2015 on Season 17 of NBC’s The Biggest Loser. During the airing of the show Yahoo.com exclusively premiered her single “Out of the Darkness” chronicling her struggle with depression and self discovery. At the Live Finale Erin lost an astonishing 87 Pounds and the following day Billboard.com exclusively premiered the music video for the single. Following the show, Erin partnered with Planet Fitness and toured the the country; engaging in conversations about lifestyle change, leading fitness classes, and sharing her own weight loss journey. She maintains a healthy lifestyle with an affinity for spin and hot yoga classes. In addition,Erin is an avid runner and has completed five half-marathons.

Erin brings her eccentric, jubilant attitude to the radio waves and can be heard on a number of Entercom stations throughout the east coast as an on-air personality. She has filled-in on morning shows such as WNEW’s The Karen & Jeffrey Show, WIAD’s The Tommy Show, and WCBS FM Scott Shannon in the Morning.

In 2018, Erin is will continue to release new music. Her new single “Try” with Brooklyn based producer, DULSAE, is out August 10th! You can catch her performing with her lively 7- piece band as well as her acoustics shows as The Erin Willett Trio around the NYC area.

PARSIPPANY — The Friends of the Parsippany Library and Woman’s Club of Parsippany are joining forces on Saturday, September 22 to raise funds for the Parsippany Library.  The downstairs of the Parsippany Main Library at 449 Halsey Road will be transformed into a children’s book lover’s paradise, with a continental breakfast served by storybook characters, a children’s book sale, raffle for book-themed prizes, and a special storytime and craft by author Tara Lazar.

Thanks to the donation of Children’s Day decorations by Mount Tabor residents, attendees will be able to interact with replicas of the Magic School Bus, Goodnight Moon, Very Hungry Caterpillar, and more during the event.

Volunteers dressed as characters including the Man in the Yellow Hat, Miss Frizzle, Pete the Cat, and Pinkalicious will help serve the continental breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  Donations from Udi’s, Lifeway Kefir, Cream-o-Land Dairy and Starbucks will be among the offerings and options will be available for individuals with food allergies.

New Jersey resident Tara Lazar is the featured author and will read one of her humorous picture books to the audience.  Her work is highly regarded by children, whose votes earned her most recent book, 7 Ate 9: The Untold Story, the 2018 Irma S. & James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature. She is also a recipient of the SCBWI Crystal Kite and co-chair of the Rutgers University Council on Children’s Literature One-on-One Plus Conference.  Tara will also conduct a craft with attendees and speak about a day in the life of an author.

This event is made possible by sponsorships from Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Wegmans, and Springboard Therapy.  Applebee’s was the first sponsor to sign on and Wegmans is a returning sponsor, having previously supported an anniversary gala and Bollywood Night event that benefited the library.  Springboard Therapy rounds out the sponsorships and reflects the event’s focus on children.  Springboard Therapy was created with a vision to provide a safe, fun and respectful environment where children who struggle with a variety of developmental and sensory processing difficulties can thrive and build skills, confidence and a positive sense of self.

Not able to make the event but still want to support?  Donate a “donut” by making a donation of $5.00 per donut on the registration page and your donut will be displayed at the Main Library.  If you would like to have your name written on your donut, simply enter in the comment area during checkout.  Donuts may also be purchased at the Main Library.

Registration is required for this event by clicking here.

To learn more about how you can contribute to the growth of Parsippany’s libraries and community, visit the Friends of the Parsippany Library website by clicking here and the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills by clicking here.

PARSIPPANY — Furry, fluffy, feathered, or fuzzy – all are welcome to join the congregation of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, October 7 at 5:00 p.m. for the annual blessing of Animals Liturgy celebrating the life of St. Francis who is remembered as having a deep appreciation for all of creation and a special bond with animals.

All God’s creatures are welcome however, for safety concerns, participants are asked to bring their pets leashed or caged.  Following the liturgy, refreshments are provided as an opportunity for people and pets socialize.

To support the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter donations of dog or cat food, paper towels and cleaning supplies are requested.  (For more information about Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter click here).

St. Gregory’s is a progressive, inclusive and affirming, community of faith joyfully sharing the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ with all God’s Children, we are located at 480 South Beverwyck Road.  Please call the church at (973) 887-5879 or email saintgregoryschurch@gmail.com for additional information.

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, the “People’s Clerk,” announces that Nicholas P. Tworischuk will manage her reelection campaign,

Campaign manager Tworischuk has political experience dating back to his days as a student at Marquette University in Milwaukee, when he was chair of the university Republican club and was elected the chair of the State Wisconsin College Republican organization.

He holds a PhD in higher education administration from Seton Hall University and a Masters in Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Tworischuk spent 45 years as a public research university and municipal finance executive and is an adjunct instructor in management, public finance and cyber security risk.

Looking ahead, Tworischuk said Grossi plans an active, informative campaign.

The Headquarters for the Reelect Ann Grossi County Clerk organization is located at 1711 Route 46 East, Suite 200.  The office phone number is (973) 588-5957.

PARSIPPANY — Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Jay Webber expanding crime victims’ rights was unanimously advanced today by the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee.

“The trauma resulting from a crime extends beyond the immediate victim,” said Webber (R-Morris).  “The physical, emotional, and financial harms of crime cascade to family and friends of the immediate victim, so those close individuals become victimized too from the crime.  Allowing family and friends to tell their stories gives a judge the full picture of the devastating impact the crime has had on everyone involved so the judge can determine the proper sentence.”

Current law allows crime victims to tell a judge prior to sentencing the physical, emotional, medical, or financial impact the crime has on their lives.  Webber’s bill (A1015) expands this right to people who have a close relationship with the victim, consistently allowing the testimony.  Most courts will allow such statements, but some have been denied.

The bill also allows sexual assault victims and survivors of homicide victims to attend post-adjudication hearings that determine: if a sex offender’s name may be removed from the Megan’s Law registry after serving 15 years; a sex offender’s risk of committing another crime when released; and whether a person acquitted of a crime by reason of insanity should be civilly committed.  Victims currently are excluded from such hearings.

“This measure literally gives victims and their families more of a voice in the courtroom so they receive full justice and criminals get the punishment they have earned,” concluded Webber.

PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officer G. Cacioppo responded to a residence on Woodcrest Road for a reported burglary to a 2018 Mercedes Benz E-Class.

Upon his arrival the victim advised him that between 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 9 and 12:58 a.m. on Monday, September 10 an unknown suspect(s) entered their vehicle and stole a purse, along with its contents, which was valued at approximately $4000.00. The vehicle was believed to have been unlocked while it was parked.

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

PARSIPPANY — An Assembly panel advanced legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce expanding crime victims’ rights by allowing their relatives and friends to speak during sentencing. The bill was unanimously approved today by the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee.

“Crime victims deserve justice, and in matters of such importance as this judges should have as much information as possible when deciding sentencing,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “Their family and friends know better than anyone the suffering they have endured. This bill provides consistency so that everyone who wishes to be heard has the opportunity.”

The law allows crime victims to tell a judge prior to sentencing the physical, emotional, medical or financial impact the crime on has on their life. DeCroce’s bill (A1015) expands this right to people who have a close relationship with the victim, consistently allowing testimony. Most courts will allow such statements, but some have been denied.

The bill also allows sexual assault victims and survivors of homicide victims to attend hearings that determine if a sex offender’s name may be removed from the Megan’s Law registry after serving 15 years, their risk of committing another crime when released, and whether a person acquitted of a crime by reason of insanity should be civilly committed. Victims are currently excluded from such hearings.