MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation that would add the word “police” to the titles of county correctional officers, wardens and deputy wardens.
“This will help eliminate any confusion over their authority and just clarifies the powers that these officers of the law already possess,” said Assemblyman Parker Space (R-Sussex), sponsor of the measure S1739/A3236.
In January last year, similar legislation was enacted that changed the titles of state corrections officers. The laws aim to support officers when they are assigned to duties outside their normal operations by making it clear they have police powers, including the ability to make arrests.
The Civil Service Commission will create the following new titles: county correctional police officer, county correctional police warden and county correctional deputy police warden. Any fees associated with the title changes will be covered by the officer, warden and deputy warden. This may include any cost associated with an updated uniform, badge, or equipment.
Assemblyman Hal Wirths (R-Sussex) is also a co-sponsor of the legislation that passed the Assembly 76-0 on June 20. The Senate version is prime sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho (R-Sussex) and passed 34-0 on June 27.
MORRIS COUNTY — On Sunday, September 15, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m., spend the day at one of Morris County’s most popular fall festivals at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township.
Hop aboard the open-air wagon for a scenic ride around the farm, visit the friendly farm animals, lend a hand churning butter and pressing apples into cider, and watch a blacksmith perform his craft.
Enjoy live music, and learn some new old-fashioned dance steps. Food will be available for purchase as well.
Stop by the 1920s Farmhouse, and discover seasonal foods being prepared on the wood-burning cook stove, and watch a sewing demonstration on a treadle sewing machine. At the Visitors Center, experience the interactive display at the Transportation Exhibit. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy!
Admission is $8.00 per adult, $7.00 per senior (65+), $6.00 per child age three through 16, and free for children under three. Friends members are half price with a current membership card.
For more information and directions to Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township, visit morrisparks.net, or call (973) 326-7645.
The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 20,197 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy.
DENVILLE — “Dogs Gone Wild” swimming party will be held on Saturday, September 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Cooks Pond Denville Recreation, 19 Entrance Way, Denville.
Off leash swimming and playing for your dogs enjoyment, picnic area and playground for your enjoyment the entire facility is fenced in and safe for your dogs. Fee for the event is $20 all money goes to support the Denville Dog Park and Animal Shelter.
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Veggie Burgers and Drinks will be available for purchase.
Please no dogs in heat. All dogs must enter facility leashed and will be let off leash once inside. All dogs all shapes and sizes are invited.
Off leash swimming and playing event for all well behaved pups. Donation of $20.00 per family limit two pups per family. Food and drinks extra start time 11:00 a.m. finish 4:00 p.m. questions contact ACO Petrillo at (973) 627-4900 ext. 5.
PARSIPPANY — About 1,900 Hofstra University students earned their undergraduate, graduate, or law degrees during commencement ceremonies at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. Watch videos or check out photos from the various ceremonies by clicking here.
Erica Isakower earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance.
Hofstra University is a nationally ranked and recognized private university in Hempstead, N.Y. that is the only school to ever host three consecutive presidential debates (2008, 2012 and 2016). Our campus is a leafy oasis just a quick train ride away from New York City and all its cultural, recreational and professional opportunities.
They offer small classes and personal attention, with the resources, technology and facilities of a large university. Students can choose from more than 160 undergraduate program options and 165 graduate program options in the liberal arts and sciences, education, health professions and human services, the Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs, the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Frank G. Zarb School of Business, the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law, the Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
Hofstra University is a dynamic community of more than 11,000 students from around the world who are dedicated to civic engagement, academic excellence and becoming leaders in their communities and their careers.
PARSIPPANY — Connor M. Clark, PA-C, who graduated from Parsippany Hills High School in 2013, recently graduated from West Liberty University in West Virginia with a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies, Class of 2019. More recently, he passed the National exam, the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
Connor M. Clark
As a result, Connor has achieved National success by achieving NCCPA Certification as well as the PA-C Emeritus Designation.
A physician assistant (PA) is a state licensed healthcare professional who practices medicine with physician collaboration. PAs are able to perform an extensive range of medical services from entry-level primary care to highly technical specialty procedures in nearly every medical and surgical healthcare setting.
West Liberty University is a forward-looking, four-year public university steeped in a rich heritage as West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education. Established as West Liberty Academy in 1837 (26 years before the state was admitted to the Union), it was created to respond to the need for higher educational opportunities west of the Appalachian ridge. The institution is named for the town in which it is located. West Liberty was so named in the late 18th Century as the westernmost point of the new liberty provided through the Declaration of Independence.
PARSIPPANY — Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will hold its 2nd Annual Indian Independence Day Celebration, on Saturday, August 17 at 9:00 a.m.
The celebration will be held at Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
India’s Independence Day is celebrated to commemorate its independence from British rule and its birth as a sovereign nation in 1947. The celebration will feature traditional songs, dances, cuisine, and special guests.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Chief Jeffrey Almer of the Washington Township Police Department announce that Michael Barisone, 54, of West Mill Road, Washington Township, has been charged with Attempted Murder and weapons offenses in connection with an incident occurring on Wednesday, August 7.
At approximately 2:13 p.m. on August 7, police received a 9-1-1 call requesting service at 411 West Mill Road for a female with gunshot wounds. Washington Township Police responded to the scene and located one female who had sustained what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. The Defendant, Michael Barisone, and a second male victim were also located at the scene. A handgun was recovered.
As a result of the investigation into this incident Barisone was charged with two counts of Attempted Murder, crimes of the first degree, and two counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, crimes of the second degree.
Police arrived to find the woman bleeding on the ground with wounds to her chest, and another man lying on top of Barisone. Barisone had fired at the man as well but had missed, according to the complaint, and the man had subdued him until police arrived.
The woman’s injuries were described as serious and life-threatening.
Barisone was an alternate for the 2008 U.S. Olympic dressage team and coached the 2012 U.S. Olympic eventing team.
Members of the Washington Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit contributed to the investigation.
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200, or the Washington Township Police Department at (908) 876-3232.
PARSIPPANY — Meet Rain a seven-month-old Plott Hound mix puppy! Rain was unfortunately surrendered to the rescue because of landlord issues. Don’t feel bad though, now she has the opportunity to find her real furever home!
Rain is actually on the smaller size coming in at just twenty pounds. She is super sweet and loves the company of other dogs. Rain is very smart and is picking up basic commands and potty training quickly. She is also doing well with crate training! She will need a family dedicated to continuing her training as she is so young. Rain also will require exercise and lots of kisses!
Rain’s ideal home would be one with a yard to play in and a family to love on with no young children. She can live with children 13+ and other dogs though!
If you’re looking for a young, happy girl to be your new dog-child, apply to adopt Rain today!
If you are interested in adopting, 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.
Smiling young man lying on carpet with golden retriever puppy
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation making New Jersey the sixth state in the nation to ban pet leasing. As pet stores and breeders scramble to sell expensive puppies while they are young and most attractive to buyers, some resort to leasing contracts to place animals.
The measure (A4552), sponsored by Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney, bans cat and dog leasing except in cases where they are purebred and being used for breeding purposes or if the animals are specially trained to perform tasks like police K-9s and guide dogs.
“You’re not buying a dog, you are renting it,” said Rooney (R-Bergen). “The lease can double or triple the cost, and with some dogs going as high as $5,000, it can add up fast. Families can suffer a serious financial hit, and if they miss a payment, the family pet can be repossessed. This law also protects our pets as they often become part of our families.”
When the lease is up, typically in three years, there can still be a final payment that must be made before ownership of the pet is transferred, explained Rooney.
“Families looking to bring a pet into the home can easily fall in love with a dog or cat they can’t afford,” Rooney noted. “Buyers end up signing a lease without understanding the fine print or knowing the total cost.”
The law, which takes effect immediately, establishes a penalty up to $10,000 for leasing a dog or cat, and up to $30,000 for additional violations.
Other states that have bans include California, Nevada, New York, Indiana and Washington.
MORRIS COUNTY — There is still time to enroll for the Fall 2019 Semester at County College of Morris (CCM). Students who apply now can either register for classes online or take advantage of several in-person registration sessions. Classes begin Wednesday, September 4, and students can register up to the first day that a particular class starts.
In-Person Registration sessions are scheduled for the following days and times:
Saturday, August 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, August 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
All sessions take place in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center, Room 121, 214, Center Grove Road, Randolph.
An appointment is not needed but new students should apply to the college first before attending one of the sessions.
New Student Advisement and Registration (NSAR) sessions also are being offered on Mondays, August 12 and 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Wednesdays, August 14 and 21. These sessions are by appointment only. An invitation to reserve a seat was sent from nsar@ccm.edu to new students to their home email.
Students may still apply for Financial Aid, but should be aware that it could take up to 21 business days to obtain FAFSA application results, as additional documentation may be required for award determination. That means students may have to pay their bill first until they are reimbursed by the Bursar office based on their financial aid award. To register for financial aid click here.
At CCM, students are able to select from more than 45 associate degrees and a wide range of certificate programs taught by a faculty specifically focused on teaching.
To get started, review the degree and certificate programs at CCM click here. To apply to the college click here or visit the Admissions office in the Student Community Center. For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY — Art Exhibit and Silent Auction will be held on Tuesday, August 13 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Liquid Church, 499 Webro Road.
This event is to raise funds for thirteen-year old, Riya Dadheech’s project “Girl’s Dignity & Empowerment.”
The project aims to build 500 toilets for schools girls in India and try to help protect their dignity as well as empower them. The event will have more than 50 paintings of Riya’s displayed at the auction.
Riya has been working for 8-10 hours for past several weeks that too during her summer vacation in order to prepare for this Art Exhibit.
Purple Paint is a mission to help children around the world. Riya’s passionate about making a difference in the community. She is using her artistic skills to create beautiful paintings. The purpose behind creating these paintings is to raise funds by selling them to patrons that will visit the Art Exhibit and Silent Auction. She also contacted various charities and raise funds by selling the paintings. All of the proceeds are donated to the charity. From there they go to people in need. She has learned that each drop, each painting, and each stroke counts. She is hopeful that everyone will support her project by purchasing the paintings. Through Purple Paint she has been able to accomplish this little by little. Please visit the “Past Projects” by clicking here to learn more.
Girl’s Dignity and Empowerment
About 28 million school children in India do not have access to toilets.Girls are most affected by this to the extent that they drop out of school. I started a movement “Girl’s Dignity and Empowerment”. Make my dream your dream. Let’s build toilets for school girls in India. Help me raise $200K to build 500 toilets. Click button below now for tax deductible donation.
She needs your help to protect dignity of our daughters and sisters
Purchase a painting: $150
Sponsor a toilet: $400
Adopt a School: $4000
Other: _________
Make check payable to “Purple Paint”
Mail check to: 11 Springhill Dr, Morris Plains NJ 07950 Donate via Paypal: donate@purplepaint.org
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano cuts the celebration ribbon
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso and Executive Board Member Frank Cahill along with Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano recently celebrated the one year anniversary of Kwik Mortgage in Parsippany.
In addition, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Committee presented Mr. Payal Parikh with a certificate of appreciation for choosing Parsippany as well as congratulating Kwik Mortgage on its one year anniversary in Parsippany.
Kwik Mortgage is located at 959 Route 46 East, Suite 401.
Kwik Mortgage was founded by Mr. Rantideo Parikh over twenty years ago with one mission: “Help people achieve the ultimate American dream of home ownership.”
Over the years they’ve done just that. Unlike other lenders, they perfected how to leverage the power of technology with the right amount of human touch to deliver a borrower experience like no other. Kwik Mortgage has grown the business on the backbone of our reputation and doing right by our clients.
The result: this past month was our biggest in our 20 year history and we plan to continue on our growth trajectory.”
For more information on Kwik Mortgage, click here.
Employees of Kwik Mortgage located at 959 Route 46, Parsippany.Mr. Payal Parikh; Robert Peluso, President Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce; Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano; Munjal Patel, VP Business Development; Summer Elhendy and Mohamed Kandil, Goosehead InsurancePayal Parikh accepts a congratulatory certificate form Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Advisory Committee Chairman Robert Peluso, as Mayor Michael Soriano looks on
Ryan Anthony Porcelli and Jack Rocco Summa earned their Eagle Scout
PARSIPPANY — Two young men were charged with lofty marching orders Saturday as they received the highest rank bestowed by Boy Scouts of America.
Facing a crowd of some 100 family members, friends and community leaders, the two 18-year-olds, Jack Summa and Ryan Porcelli swore with solemn faces their allegiance to the Scout brotherhood during their Eagle Scout Court of Honor at Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge 2078.
“The eagle represents an understanding of community and nation, and a deep respect for both,” said Bruce Benson, Troop Committee Chairman for the Troop. He said the award represents the completion of a long process after years of commitment to that effort.
As the pair received their long-awaited Eagle Badge, they were joined by parents John and Terri Summa and Keith and Kim Porcelli. Kim pinned the Eagle Badge on Ryan and John pinned the Eagle Badge on Jack, each on the shirt pocket over their hearts.
Eagle Court of Honor
1 of 27
Bruce T. Benson, Troop Committee Chair
Father Joseph Buffardi, St. Christopher Church
Bob Roberti, Sedgefield Civic Association
Jack, Bob Roberti, Sedgefield Civic Association and Ryan
Kim Porcelli places the Eagle Badge on Ryan
Ryan Porcelli places a pin on his mom, Kim Porcelli, for all the hard work she has done to help her son to become an Eagle Scout during his and Jack Summa’s Eagle Scout Ceremony for Troop 173
Ryan Porcelli places a pin on his dad, Keith Porcelli, for all the hard work he has done to help his son to become an Eagle Scout
Ryan places a mentor pin on John Worthington
John Summa places the Eagle Badge on Jack
Jack Summa places a pin on his mom, Terri Summa, for all the hard work she has done to help her son to become an Eagle Scout during his and Ryan Porcelli’s Eagle Scout Ceremony for Troop 173
Jack Summa places a pin on his dad, John Summa, for all the hard work he has done to help his son to become an Eagle Scout
Jack; Carol Dadaian, Registration Assistant and Ryan
Jack places a mentor pin on John Worthington
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Jack, Ryan and Council Vice President Janice McCarthy
Bruce Michaels, American Legion Post 249 with Jack and Ryan
Richard Kunz, Jack Summa, Ryan Porcelli and Mark Miller, VFW Post 10184
Jack Summa, Allison Cogan, Board of Education Member and Ryan Porcelli
Jack Summa, Nicolas Limanov, Frank Cahill and Ryan Procelli, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce
Jack Summa, Woman's Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills Mary Ann Burke and Ryan Porcelli
Jack Summa, Nicolas Limanov, Frank Cahill and Ryan Procelli, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany
Jack Summa, Keith Porcelli, representing the Elks Lodge 2078 and Ryan Porcelli
Chris Modin, Advancement Chair certified the Eagle Candidates
The Summa Family: Grandpa Rocco, Jack, Mom Terri, Grandma Karen; Back row: Dad John, Sister Rachael and Uncle Justin
The Porcelli Family: Mom Kim, Sister Lacie, Ryan and Dad Keith
Scoutmasters Benediction by Mike Catapano
The Celebration Cake
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 5% of the Boy Scouts actually earn this rank.
The requirements for the Eagle Scout rank are as follows:
Be active in your troop and patrol for at least six months as a Life Scout.
Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life.
Earn 21 merit badges, including the 12 that are required-First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving, Environmental Science, Personal Management, Swimming or Hiking or Cycling, Camping, and Family Life.
Serve actively in an approved position of responsibility for a period of six months after becoming a Life Scout.
Plan, develop, and lead others in carrying out a service project worthy of an Eagle Scout. 6. Take part in a Scoutmaster conference.
Appear before a board of review of prominent persons, and satisfy them that you have done your best to understand and live up to the Scout Oath and Law and, in all ways, qualify for the Eagle Scout Award.
Jack began his Scouting experience in Cub Scout Pack 216 where he earned the Arrow of Light. At the end of fifth grade in 2012, with the help of his Den leaders, Mrs. Berardo and Mrs.Dowling, he advanced into Boy Scouts, joining Troop 173.
He quickly made many new friends as he moved through the ranks of Scouting under Scoutmasters John Worthington, Les Wu, and Michael Catapano. Jack has attended Big Trips to Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Rhode Island, as well as, participating in National Youth Leader Training, and obtaining The Brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow. During the summer of 2017. Jack also attended the National Jamboree in West Virginia where he earned his Italian Interpreter strip and his Radio Merit Badge. He earned the NOA Camping Award and has completing 121 nights of camping. Jack was able to achieve the Scout” Scholar Athlete Award as well. Jack has been both a Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.
For his Eagle Project, Jack renovated an upstairs storage room in the Smith Baldwin Historical House in Parsippany
For his Eagle Project, Jack renovated an upstairs storage room in the Smith Baldwin Historical House in Parsippany. His crew cleaned out the room, removed the carpeting, and then proceeded to painted the room and and hallway adjacent. Two wood storage units were designed and built for the room. Throughout the process, he received guidance and words of encouragement from his Eagle Coach, John Worthington, his parents and sister, his Scoutmaster Michael Catapano, Troop 173 Committee Chair Bruce Benson and his Project Beneficiary, Mr. Tortorella. Jack greatly appreciated all the support that was given to him while he worked on the Project.
While a student at Parsippany Hills High School, Jack was involved with clubs, performed community service and worked as a Lifeguard at Lake Parsippany. He ran cross-country for 4 years, and was captain his senior year. He also played baseball and wrestled. He was part of Ski Club, Italian Club, National Honors Society, and Italian Honors Society. Outside of school, as a member of St. Christopher’s Church, Jack earned service hours as an Altar Server, and volunteered at Vacation Bible School. He hopes to continue to be active in his community as he embarks on the next chapter of his life as a Pharmacy Major at the University of Rhode Island in the fall.
Jack’s favorite parts of Scouting were hiking, white water rafting, and tenting. He also gained a lot of additional knowledge about the outdoors through Scouting which he believes will help him throughout his life.
Jack earned 25 Merit Badges:
Rifle Shooting, Swimming, Fingerprinting, Lifesaving, First Aid, Citizenship in the Nation, Canoeing, Citizenship in the World, Mammal Study, Personnel Management, Environmental Science, Golf, Radio, Camping, Communication. Reptile Amphibian, Family Life, Citizenship in the Community, Cooking, Personal Fitness, Fishing, Shotgun Shooting, Leatherwork, American Cultures and Entrepreneurship.
Ryan started Scouting in Cub Pack #218 in Parsippany earning his Arrow of Light to later on cross over to Troop #173 in 2012.
Ryan has held multiple positions of responsibilities within the Troop. He was an Instructor, Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, and a Guide. Ryan has camped overnight for 102 nights in a tent and 39 in a cabin. Ryan participated in 214 community service hours while he was a Scout. Ryan’s best memories involved activities shared with his close friends Jack Summa and Tommy Catapano.
Ryan was awarded the Scout Scholar Athlete Award in 2018, which recognizes his achievements in Scouts, academics, and athletics.
Ryan installed three new TV’s at the Parsippany PAL and created an advertising system so the PAL can run ads on the TV as well as for the community
For Ryan’s Eagle project, he installed three new TV’s at the Parsippany PAL and created an advertising system so that the PAL can run their ads on the TV as well as for the community. He greatly appreciates all the help from his Eagle coaches, Juan Correa and John Worthington. Also thanks especially Paul Lomelo, his father, and help from Scouts for all their hard work on the project.
Ryan recently graduated from Parsippany Hills High School and will be attending County College of Morris in the fall to study Biology. He plans to get his Associates Degree after two years and transfer to a university.
Ryan has earned the following merit Badges: Art, Camping, Citizenship in the Community,
Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communication, Cooking, Environmental Science, Family Life, First Aid, Fingerprinting, Leatherwork, Lifesaving, Mammal Study, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Rifle Shooting, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Shotgun Shooting, Swimming and Welding.
PARSIPPANY — Roger Williams University is proud to announce that Lauren Calabrese, a 2015 Graduate of Parsippany High School, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.F.A. in Creative Writing in May as part of the Class of 2019.
With campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, R.I., Roger Williams University is a forward-thinking private university committed to strengthening society through engaged teaching and learning. At RWU, small classes, direct access to faculty and guaranteed opportunity for real-world projects ensure that its nearly 4,000 undergraduates – along with hundreds of law students, graduate students and adult learners – graduate with the ability to think critically along with the practical skills that today’s employers demand. Roger Williams is leading the way in American higher education, confronting the most pressing issues facing students and families – increasing costs, rising debt and job readiness.
PARSIPPANY — Nikolajs Grinvalds, of Lake Hiawatha, was one of 17 Elmira College student-athletes on the men’s ice hockey team placed on the 2018-19 rendition of the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) All-Academic Team, as announced by the conference office.
The Soaring Eagles have had over 10 student-athletes earn academic plaudits from the UCHC office for the second-straight season, and it marks the sixth consecutive season that the Soaring Eagles have achieved the feat, dating back to their time in the ECAC West.
Chris Moses ’19, Blake O’Neill ’19 and Charl Pretorius ’19 all earned the honor for the third time in their careers. Adam Eby ’21, Calvin Hughson ’20, Harry Kramer ’20, Aleksi Ojala ’21, Connor Powell ’20, Andrew Pucci ’20 and Patrick Schmelzinger ’20 earned the distinction for the second consecutive season.
Six student-athletes were honored by the conference for the first time, as Matthew Cuce ’20, Nick Grinvalds ’22, Marty Kapoian ’22, Spencer MacLean ’20, Anthony Parrucci ’20, Justin Robertson ’21, and Dan Smith ’21 were named to the All-Academic Team after stellar years in the classroom.
In order to be eligible for the UCHC All-Academic Team, a player must have completed at least one academic year at their current institution, while holding a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 for all terms of the stipulated 2018-19 academic year. A total of 174 student-athletes from the UCHC’s 10 member institutions were recognized for their academic performance.
Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 30-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 20 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira’s undergraduate and graduate student population hails from more than 20 states and nine countries. Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships. The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the U.S., which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon. Proud of its history and tradition, the College is committed to the ideals of community service, and intellectual and individual growth.
MORRIS COUNTY — At the University of Rhode Island’s 133rd Commencement about 3,400 undergraduate and 740 graduate students became the University’s newest alumni.
The following students from your area graduated from the University of Rhode Island:
Kevin James Armstrong of Madison, received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance Summa Cum Laude
Michelle Rachel Burdick of Parsippany, received a Bachelor of Arts Public Relations
Jack Cammarata of Mountain Lakes, received a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Hannah Cronk of Boonton, received a Bachelor of Arts Public Relations
Shannon Keller of Morris Plains , received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Summa Cum Laude
Christian R Palmer of Madison, received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering Magna Cum Laude
Kenneth Rose of Florham Park, received a Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience
Joseph W Zolla of Lake Hiawatha, received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering
Students who received the honor summa cum laude graduated with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.7; students who received the honor of magna cum laude graduated with a GPA of at least 3.50; and students who received the honor of cum laude graduated with a GPA of at least 3.3.
The University of Rhode Island’s pioneering research extends the University’s influence well beyond its coastal borders, while its unique interdisciplinary courses provide its 16,637 undergraduate and graduate students with global opportunities in an intimate environment. The University now has more than 120,000 alumni worldwide.
If you’re like me, you were shaken by the news of not one, but two mass shootings in less than 24 hours last weekend – one in El Paso, Texas, where a 21 year old man opened fire inside a Walmart, and one in Dayton, Ohio, where a 24 year old man opened fire in a popular downtown area.
We in Parsippany are fortunate to live in a place where gun violence generally doesn’t reach our radar screens unless tragic events like these make the news. Our children aren’t scared of being shot on their walk to school every day. We can go to the movies or shopping, to our chosen place of worship or out for the evening without fear of not making it home alive. Many people in our country don’t benefit from such privilege.
As the Director of State Government Affairs for Everytown for Gun Safety (which includes Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America), I watch certain trends play out time and again. I see children unintentionally shooting themselves and other children when an adult fails to responsibly store their firearms. I watch story after story where too-easy access to a gun turns a domestic violence incident deadly. I watch in shock every time the details of a school shooting unfold showing the warning signs the shooter exhibited before committing his horrific act.
The truth is, mass shootings make up less than half a percent of gun violence in our country. And the majority of mass shootings are incidents of domestic violence. You won’t see statistics like that on the news. You won’t see national outlets covering the 7 shootings in Baltimore this weekend, bringing the city’s total homicides this year to 200. The national news won’t be covering the local veteran who died by suicide by gun in a small town like ours. You won’t hear reporters talking about the fact that about twice as many people die in this country every single day from gun violence as died in the 2017 Pulse Nightclub shooting.
We can and should continue to urge our federal lawmakers to pass laws like background checks on all gun sales, but so many solutions to gun violence can and must be generated from state and local leaders. New Jersey has some of the strongest gun laws in the country, but there’s still more we can do locally to keep us all safer.
For starters, we can require that all gun owners responsibly store their firearms. Most school shooters acquired their weapons from their home or that of a friend or relative who failed to store them properly. So far this year, there have been 149 unintentional shootings by children who never should have been able to get their hands on a gun. New Jersey has a law prohibiting child access to guns but does not affirmatively require that all firearms be stored responsibly. We can and should require responsible storage for all gun owners locally to help prevent school shootings and unintentional shootings by and of children.
Next, we can raise awareness, and require notice to Parsippany families of a new state law that takes effect in New Jersey this September called the Extreme Risk Protection Orders Act (ERPO). ERPOs, sometimes referred to as “Red Flag laws,” allow immediate family members and law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily remove someone’s access to guns if he or she is a danger to themselves or others. This new law, which I imagine few people in Parsippany even know about, allows guns to be taken away from someone who is exhibiting warning signs or who is in crisis. Red Flag laws are proven to be effective at preventing suicide, which accounts for about two thirds of all gun deaths.
Third, we should work with law enforcement, school administrators, and mental health professionals to ensure that they are implementing threat assessment programs in our schools, so that we get involved before a troubled child becomes an active shooter to provide the help, guidance, or intervention necessary to stop a tragedy from occurring. So many of our resources are spent teaching children how to “lock down” in an active shooter situation, rather than working to prevent those incidents from the start. The fact is, if someone gets to the schoolhouse door with a gun, we’ve already failed.
Fourth, we should ensure adequate funding and support for local programs like the Juvenile Accountability Leadership Program (JALP), which operates out of the Parsippany PAL building. JALP provides at risk youth with constructive ways to engage with their community. Local intervention programs are one of the most effective ways to interrupt harmful cycles and set victims and others at risk of committing violence on a better path.
Parsippany is a safe place to live, but there is more we can do to make sure it stays that way. If elected to the Parsippany Town Council, I will work with Mayor Soriano, our police department, our Board of Education, and the people of Parsippany to ensure that we are doing absolutely everything we can to prevent the types of tragedies we witnessed last weekend from occurring here. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. We need to elect leaders up and down the ballot who are committed to taking actions that keep everyone in our communities safe from gun violence.
MORRIS COUNTY —The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA) reminds taxpayers to review their current federal income tax withholding from their paychecks, particularly as the IRS is issuing a new Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate (Form W-4). The IRS issued a draft 2020 Form W-4 in May and expects to issue a final version in November.
The new W-4 was created to take into account changes made following the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and to provide a simplified version of the form for taxpayers and employers.
Many taxpayers discovered they did not have enough federal tax withheld when filing their 2018 tax returns earlier this year. The IRS Paycheck Checkup calculator can help taxpayers determine how they should be adjusting their withholding amount so that employers can withhold the right amount of tax from paychecks.
Taxpayers can still file the 2019 W-4 Form currently, but the IRS recommends using the new W-4 starting in 2020 and completing a new W-4 each year. Employees usually fill out a W-4 when first hired.
“With so many state and federal tax changes, it’s advisable for taxpayers to keep abreast of their own finances and review how much is being taken out of their paychecks; otherwise, they may end up with unwanted payments at tax filing time,” said Ralph Albert Thomas, CPA (DC), CGMA, CEO and executive director at NJCPA.
MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters is the statewide political voice for the environment that works to elect environmentally responsible candidates to state and local offices.
“I am thrilled to receive this endorsement,” said Clarke, “The New Jersey LCV sets the gold standard for environmental stewardship, holding representatives accountable using their rigorous scorecard and deeply scrutinizing any candidates they consider for endorsement. I have worked hard to earn their trust and support, and I greatly appreciate their recognition of the work we’ve been doing over the last several years, which we’re committed to advancing in Trenton. I’m so glad to have the League of Conservation Voters with us as we move LD26 forward toward better representation in Trenton.”
“I’m running to represent the 26th Legislative District for many reasons, but most importantly, because I believe that New Jersey can thrive during these pivotal times by leading in the booming renewable energy market. We also need to urgently take pragmatic actions to ensure that we are preserving our land, communities, lakes and streams. And we need representation in Trenton that will make this a priority.” said Clarke.
Clarke has a record of environmental activism, and specifically a focus on cross-organization collaboration to advance environmental awareness, promoting new innovative ideas in environmental conservation, and advancing renewable energy initiatives in New Jersey. Recently, on May 30, she gave a presentation to the UN NGO Committee on Sustainable Development at the Salvation Army Social Justice Commission on the importance of advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals
“We are in this together,” said Clarke, “and we need a fair and just transition to clean energy urgently to protect our communities and natural resources. As good stewards of our environment for our children and future generations, it’s upon us to make sure we elect people who will represent not only constituents but our collective legacy.”
In addition to her role as an Honorary Advisor to the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development, Clarke is a Climate Reality Leader and a steering committee member of the Jersey Renews coalition, the NJ People’s Climate Movement and the NJ March for Science. She is the Chair of the Jefferson Township Democratic Committee and former Environmental Director of Action Together New Jersey. She was named to Senator Menendez’s Environment and Science Leadership Council during his re-election campaign and was an early organizer with NJ 11th For Change.
Clarke is also endorsed by the New Jersey Sierra Club, by The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, The New Jersey AFL-CIO, by Action Together New Jersey and by the Democratic Party in Morris, Essex and Passaic Counties. She has lived in Jefferson for 15 years with her husband and four children. You can learn by clicking here.
The 26th District includes 13 communities in Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties: Butler, Fairfield, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Montville, Morris Plains, North Caldwell, Parsippany, Rockaway Township, Verona, West Caldwell, and West Milford.
PARSIPPANY — Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R-26) demanded the Legislature take action on her bill to abolish the School Development Authority (SDA) and place school construction responsibilities under the Department of Treasury, after the state was forced this week to fire 30 SDA employees whose hiring violated state ethics guidelines
A-5330, introduced by the Assemblywoman after the SDA staffing scandal broke in April, will transfer all school construction responsibilities now handled by the troubled agency to the Division of Property Management and Construction in the Department of Treasury. Assemblywoman DeCroce noted that her legislation will provide the Governor and Legislature more direct authority to control school construction activities, while allowing the state Economic Development Authority (EDA) to retain its responsibility for the financing of school construction projects.
“The SDA has had a long and troubled history, largely because it has been able to operate with little oversight as a legally-establish state authority. The staffing scandal is just the latest problem demonstrating that we need to abolish the agency and bring its operations within the state administration, where the Governor and Legislature can have more direct control of matters,” said Assemblywoman DeCroce, whose district spans Morris, Essex and Passaic counties.
The firing of 30 people earlier this week followed the release of three investigative reports on a staffing scandal that forced the resignation of SDA CEO Lizette Delgado-Polanco, who stepped down in April after only eight months in office.
Whistle-blowers reported that long-time employees had been fired during her tenure as friends and family to Delgado-Polanco were given highly paid positions for which they were unqualified. Three state probes were launched, with one concluding: “Nearly every new hire was directly or indirectly connected personally or professionally to Ms. Delgado Polanco when hired.” That same investigation report went on to add: “Connected new hires benefitted from favorable treatment regarding their titles and/or salaries.”
Of the 30 people fired from the agency earlier this week, 27 had been hired by the former CEO. The investigations also concluded that 14 of those hired under the former CEO were brought on at salaries toppling six figures, with some reaching as high as $170,000. At least 10 of those top earners either worked with Delgado-Polanco in the past or had close ties to her.
The SDA, which manages the construction and improvement of schools in 31 of the state’s poorest communities, has billions of dollars at its disposal. But it was reported in April to be nearly out of money.
“We still haven’t a satisfactory explanation on how this agency burned through billions of dollars of taxpayer money. We need accountability and oversight,” said Assemblywoman DeCroce.
Newark Cost Overruns
In a recent report by an online news organization, school construction costs in Newark were found to be outrageously high. The TapInto Newark report said, “The SDA spent an average $424 per square foot to build the five schools in Newark, nearly three times the limit set by the Legislature at $142 per square foot, which is supposed to include construction and professional fees.”
The Newark report also noted, “The last three schools to open in Newark since 2016 cost an average of $515 per square foot. The South Street School, which was completed in 2018, cost $69 million or $669 per square foot, nearly 5 times the limits set by the Legislature. The SDA spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars to build schools for only 3,733 Newark children — an average of more than $70,000 per student.”
In May DeCroce sent letters requesting support from Senate President Stephen Sweeney, Speaker Craig Coughlin and Assemblyman John Burzichelli to bring SDA under direct state control.
“Moving the SDA to the Division of Property Management & Construction is the right step because it is critical that we ensure the services provided by the SDA are offered in a professional, cost effective and transparent manner,” wrote DeCroce.
The Division of Property Management and Construction in the Department of Treasury oversees the procurement of construction contracts for public works buildings for state agencies, leases for office and warehouse space, and the operation and maintenance of state-owned facilities.
Hop aboard the open-air wagon for a scenic ride around the farm, visit the friendly farm animals, lend a hand churning butter and pressing apples into cider, and watch a blacksmith perform his craft.
Dear Editor:
