PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday February 13, Merri Duchak, Janet Nemec and Parsippany Elks Lodge member Mike Pietrowicz presented a check for $2,000 donation to the Elk’s Camp Moore for Special Needs Children.

The donation was made in the honor of Larry Eckel. Larry was an avid supporter and dedicated countless hours on this Elks Special Needs Children committee for many years. Larry was passionate about this cause and the children were very near and dear to Larry’s heart…he truly cared about each and every one of these special kids!!

The donation came from an organization called “The Friends of Doug Duchak”. Merri, Janet and Mike are members on this foundation which helps raise money for two important causes that were close to Doug’s heart…recreational and social opportunities for individuals with special needs and scholarships for deserving high school students.

The organization, with the help from Mike, decided to choose Camp Moore to donate to this year. The Elks graciously thanks you for your generosity and most importantly, helping our Special Needs Children.

Elks Camp Moore for Special Needs Children is tucked away in the hill of the Ramapo Mountains. Elks Camp Moore offers a fun filled vacation away from home for children with special needs. A week at Elks Camp Moore is a remarkable experience not soon to be forgotten. The primary goal of the camp is to further develop the recreational and social skills of each child. In a relaxed and accepting atmosphere , each camper experiences new adventures, lasting friendships, and opportunities that promote independence and greater self-confidence.

For more information on The Friends of Doug Duchak, click here.

PARSIPPANY — With a background of proven bipartisanship, public service, and a successful career in business, Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce announced her plans to seek re-election in the 26th District this year promising to be a check and balance against the extreme policies of Governor Phil Murphy and a voice of common sense in Trenton.

“The people in my district want a representative who is willing to compromise in order to get things done, but who is also unafraid to take a stand when extreme policies in Trenton threaten our taxpayers and our quality of life,” said DeCroce.

DeCroce will continue to fight for improving affordability for the middle-class, making life easier for small business owners, ensuring students receive a high-quality education, and making healthcare more affordable and accessible.

“Unlike most Trenton politicians, I refuse to believe that spending more money is the answer to every problem,” said DeCroce. “We need to stop with the band aid approach and advance real reform of our failed school funding formula that is cheating students and punishing taxpayers.  Moreover, we need to make healthcare more affordable by holding insurance companies accountable and putting healthcare decisions back in the hands of patients and their doctors.”

A successful private business owner for years, DeCroce previously served as Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and has been a trailblazer for women in politics and government since the early 1980’s. She has served in the Assembly since 2012.

PARSIPPANY — Meet Bella, a one-year-old Beagle! This beauty was unfortunately surrendered to Wise Animal Rescue because her family did not want to exercise, train, or take care of her. While her previous situation was sad, we are so happy to have her in the rescue to find her forever home!

Bella is a petite princess who gets along with just about everyone and everything! She has attended playgroup before and was professionally trained. She is potty-trained and not destructive when left alone.

Since she is a young dog, she will need a family who loves to play with her and continue her training. Bella is super smart and super affectionate–happily accepting pets from anyone she meets!

If you’re looking for a young, happy dog to add to your family, apply to adopt Bella!

If you are interested in adopting Bella, please fill out an application by clicking here.

Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.

PARSIPPANY — The NJSFWC sponsors an annual spelling bee program, with women’s clubs throughout the state hosting local events.  In the Highland district, several women’s clubs organized spelling bees representing thirty schools.  They sent their winners to a district spelling bee held in Rockaway on February 2.

Congratulations to the NJSFWC Highlands District spelling bee winners: first-place winner Sanjana Veggalam, third-place winner Sahaj Bhandari, (both from Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills), and second-place winner Lucas Zablocki, (GFWC Woman’s Club of the Denville – Rockaway Area.)

These three District winners will participate in the State Federation’s Annual State Spelling Bee, to be held Saturday, March 2nd at NJSFWC Headquarters, located on the Douglass campus in New Brunswick. Good luck to all!

It takes a lot of work and volunteer hours to host a successful spelling bee. Thanks to Denville’s Mayor, Tom Andes, Denville’s library director, Siobhan Koch, and NJSFWC Highlands District Vice President, Judy Filippini, who acted as judges, and members of the three women’s clubs (Denville-Rockaway, Parsippany Troy-Hills, and Vernon) who helped organize and support the district spelling bee.

PARSIPPANY — Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar announced the launch of its Second annual Above and “BEE”yond Teacher Essay Contest, which will recognize top teachers – as nominated by their students – by awarding them with a sponsorship check and end-of-year class party, courtesy of Applebee’s. The contest is being offered at Applebee’s restaurants in New Jersey owned and operated by local franchisee, Doherty Enterprises. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar is located at 1057 Route 46, Troy Hills Shopping Center.

Specifically, Applebee’s will award six deserving teachers from 13 counties* with a $500 sponsorship check to use towards their classroom for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year, along with an end-of-year party for their current class. To nominate a teacher, students must submit an essay in-person at their local Applebee’s explaining why their teacher deserves to be “Teacher of the Year.” To sweeten the deal, students who enter an essay will receive a FREE ice cream certificate** to Applebee’s. Contest submissions will be accepted at participating Applebee’s restaurants from January 7 through March 3 and winners will be announced on Monday, April 8, 2019.

“We are thrilled to be holding our second annual Above and BEEyond Teacher Essay Contest at our New Jersey restaurants,” said Kevin Coughlin, director of operations, Applebee’s New Jersey. “Our restaurants are committed to giving back to the local community, especially schools within the communities we serve. The overwhelming support from last year’s campaign reminded us what an integral role teachers play in building a better community.”

Doherty Enterprises is committed to involvement in the communities it serves and is proud to support education year-round through its “A is for Applebee’s” program, which was created for teachers, libraries and scout leaders to use as an incentive for children to succeed and be rewarded. The program gives children an incentive to go the extra mile to help other students, read more books and make the Honor Roll. By obtaining the certificate from Applebee’s, children also gain a sense of accomplishment. Through this, and several other initiatives including donations, fundraisers, sponsorships and participation in community events, Doherty Enterprises gives back to local causes, helping organizations grow and flourish.

For more information about how Doherty Enterprises and its restaurants support local communities, or to get involved in one of the youth programs click here.

*One winner will be selected from each set of counties, grouped together by the following geographic areas, (Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon), (Bergen, Passaic, Essex), (Hudson, Union), (Morris, Sussex, Warren), (Monmouth), (Ocean).

**Limit one per person. Valid only at participating Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises.

PARSIPPANY — On Friday, February 8, Liquid Church partnered with The Tim Tebow Foundation to host Night To Shine, an unforgettable worldwide prom night experience designed especially for teens and adults ages 14 and older with special needs.

At Night To Shine, guests were greeted by their very own buddy who served as their host for the evening. Guests walked the red carpet and enjoyed the VIP treatment, including a friendly paparazzi welcome, flowers,Beauty Bar with hair and makeup stations, great food, fun games, and of course…the chance to dance the night away! The event was complete with a crowning ceremony where each guest will become a prom king or queen.

“It was a joy to serve our friends with special needs from Parsippany and Morris County through Night to Shine! The highlight was crowning each of our VIP guests as kings and queens made in God’s image and celebrating their special talents & unique abilities,” stated Tim Lucas is the founder & Lead Pastor Liquid Church.

Liquid Church Night to Shine

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This year, Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, was hosted  simultaneously by 655 churches in all 50 states and in 24 countries, including Albania, Burundi, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, US, Zambia, Zimbabwe

• • Preliminary estimation of more than 100,000 people with special needs attended Night to Shine proms and each one of them was crowned a King or a Queen.
  • Preliminary estimation of more than 200,000 volunteers served at Night to Shine proms around the world.
  • The Tim Tebow Foundation is inviting supporters to help grow this annual event. Donations can be made by clicking here.

Tim Tebow was able to surprise volunteers and guests at five different Night to Shine locations:

• Unsion Foundation, Cuenca, Ecuador
• Familia De Dios, Puerto Peñasco, Mexico
• Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano, TX
• Compass Christian Church, Grapevine, TX
• Crossroads Christian Church, Grand Prairie, TX
• Legacy Church, Albuquerque, NM
• ZOE Church, Los Angeles, CA

Tim was accompanied by some incredible supporters of Night to Shine. Their visits to prom locations consisted of praying with and encouraging volunteers, walking the red carpet with the honored guests, shining shoes, dancing with alot of Kings & Queens and sharing the message of God’s love with all volunteers and honored guests.

“Night to Shine is special because there are so many things in our society that tear people apart and this night is a night that brings people together. Because every single person is important…we are all loved, we are all created in God’s image and there is a reason and a purpose for each our lives,” shares Tim Tebow, Founder and Chairman of the Tim Tebow Foundation. “God gave his very best for each of us – he gave us his Son – and because he was willing do that, we are willing to do whatever it takes to make these honored guests feel special and feel loved. They are worth it,” said Tim Tebow.

Tim Tebow Foundation supplied the above video.

PARSIPPANY — The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program provides totally free tax preparation services at the Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha, on Tuesdays and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

You can also visit by appointment the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, 449 Halsey Road. Appointments available on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feel free to schedule an appointment by clicking here.

You don’t need to be a member of AARP to benefit from this service. It is open for all ages and income levels. The only limitation is that your taxes be within the scope of our volunteers’ training.

Things you can do if you want to speed up your time at the tax preparation site.

• Print and fill in the Tax Year 2018 Intake Form and bring it with you.   If you don’t fill it in before you arrive, you will be asked to complete one at the site before your tax return can be started.  Do your best. We’ll help you if you get stuck on any of the questions.  This year, in addition to the normal tax return-related questions, you will find three consent forms and a request for demographic information on the Intake Form.  This document will help you to decide whether you wish to give your consent and answer the questions.
• If you had your return prepared by AARP Foundation Tax-Aide last year, try to return to the same location where you visited last year.
• Bring last year’s tax return, if you have it.
• Bring your PTR (blue booklet), if you want help completing it.

Remember to bring with you all of the following that apply to your situation.

• Picture ID for you and your spouse (if married)
• Social Security document for you and every person on your tax return. This can be a Social Security Card, Form 1099-SSA if it contains your full Social Security Number, a Medicare Card if the number on the card ends in the letter “A” or a letter from the Social Security Administration with your social security number on it.
• The folder we gave you last year with last year’s returns and tax documents (If AARP Tax-Aide did your tax return last year)
• Checkbook if you want to direct deposit any refunds or direct pay any amounts owed.
• All of your current tax year income documents
  • W-2 (Wages)
  • 1099 (Interest, dividends, security sales, and other income)
  • 1099-R Pensions
  • 1099-G (State income tax refund) (You must get this online from the NJ Treasury by clicking here.
  • Unemployment compensation statements 1099G (You must get this online from NJ Unemployment by  clicking here.
  • Social Security SSA-1099 or Railroad Retirement (RRB-1099 Tier 1 &2)
  • Brokerage statements
  • End of year pay stub (with breakdown of deductions, etc.)
  • Health insurance documents received from the government insurance marketplace, your employer and/or your insurance provider. 1095-A, 1095-B, 1095-C.
  • Any other income documents
• PTR amount received in the current tax year and forms (PTR-1 or PTR-2 last year and this year if available)
• Forms and/or cancelled checks as a record of all Federal and State Taxes Paid in the current tax year including any estimated tax payments
• Mortgage interest statement (Form 1098)
• Property tax statement and/or postcard from your local tax office or other records of property tax paid (should include Block, Lot and Qualifier)
• A list of all out-of-pocket medical expenses including health insurance payments and long term care insurance payments, that can be backed up with receipts and/or canceled checks
• Round trip medical miles driven to/from medical facilities (doctors, hospitals, prescription drug locations, etc.)
• Distributions from an HSA (health savings account if you have one) (Form 1099-SA)
• A list of charitable contributions backed up with receipts and/or canceled checks
• Child dependent care provider information
• Cancelled checks and/or 1098-T related to secondary education expenses
• If Alimony was paid, SSN for recipient(s) (may be on prior year return)

Life events that may affect your taxes:

• Purchased a new vehicle? (Bring documentation of sales tax)
• Purchase or sold a home? (Bring closing documentation)
• Have debt from a credit card cancelled/forgiven by a commercial lender? (Bring 1099-C)
• Receive a First Time Homebuyers Credit in 2008? (Bring repayment letter)

 The Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act requires that every person on the tax return have Minimum Essential Coverage health insurance or be eligible for an exemption. Be prepared to answer the following questions as part of the preparation of your tax return:

• Did you have health insurance coverage for you, your spouse, and all qualifying dependents for the entire current tax year ? If not, for which months did you have health insurance coverage?
• Did you, your spouse, or any of your qualifying dependents purchase health insurance from the Health Insurance Marketplace (also known as The Exchange)? If yes, you will need to bring form 1095-A which you should have received from The Marketplace.
• If you did not have health insurance that meets the Minimum Essential Coverage requirements for any month in the year, we will explore your eligibility for an exemption. If you do not qualify for an exemption, you will be required to make a Shared Responsibility Payment as part of your current year taxes.
• Note:  Medicare Part A and some Medicaid coverage qualifies as Minimum Essential Coverage.