PARSIPPANY — Over a hundred residents of all nationalities celebrated the “Indian Independence Day and Flag Raising Ceremony” held at Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Building on Saturday, August 17.

The event was hosted by Mayor Michael Soriano and the Indian-American Seniors Association of Morris County. Raj Patel, President – Indian American Senior Association began the program with opening remarks.

The raising of the American Flag was completed by Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Explorers 131 members, Justin Wellman, Jamison Snyder and Marissa Cogan. The raising of the Indian Flag was done by Hari Kundram.

The Indian National Anthem was performed by Ruya Dadheech.

During the event, Shala Gagliardi, presented a “Congressional Certificate” from the 11th Congressional District, Congresswoman Mikey Sherrill.

There were many cultural performances including, “Morni Baagan Maa” by Riya Dadheech; “I Love My India” performed by the Ensemble Performance; Aavo Shri Vallabh Shri Vitthal also performed by the Ensemble Performance; “Aye Vatan Aye Vatan Aabaad Rahe Tu” by Devisha Desai and “Saare Jahan SeSchla” by the Ensemble Performance.

Indian Independence Day and Flag Raising Ceremony

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PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation President Frank Cahill presented a donation to Director of Development Dominique Tornabe of Family Promise.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany makes an annual donation to support the efforts of Family Promise.

Family Promise of Morris County is a non-sectarian not-for-profit organization dedicated to the ending the crisis of homelessness by Morris County families by partnering with other public and private agencies, religious congregations and community volunteers to provide shelter, case management and mentoring services leading to self-sufficiency.

Family Promise of Morris County is a non-profit organization modeled after Family Promise started in Union County in 1986. This program has been replicated nationwide, involving 4,000 congregations and over 160,000 volunteers from over 180 networks. Family Promise of Morris County has 76 participating congregations and involves over 1,600 dedicated volunteers. Each year, many families in crisis are provided with emergency shelter,
meals and support services. In 2017, we served 44 individuals in our shelter program and worked with  them to obtain permanent housing, employment & childcare. In 2017, our Community Support Program served 33 families and 35 single women.

How does the Network operate?
A host congregation provides overnight lodging for a maximum of 14 guests for a period of one week at its facility. Support groups (other congregations and civic groups) provide volunteers and food. Guests are given dinner, evening companionship, beds for the night and early morning breakfast. Their daytime hours are spent searching for employment, working, attending classes and/or seeking affordable housing. Families entering the Family Promise family shelter are provided with:

• Warm safe shelter • Transportation to & from shelter • Three nutritious meals/day • On-going emotional support from volunteers • Intensive case management and life skills • 24 hour on-call response • Counseling • Health assessment and monitoring • Child care Assistance • Phone line and computer • Information and referrals • Relocation assistance • Donations of furniture & household items • Follow up assistance and mentoring

What happens when families leave shelter? The Community Support Program (CSP) provides assistance to those who have successfully transitioned from shelter into their own homes. CSP families receive in-home case management, 24-hour on call support/crisis intervention, financial literacy and debt reduction, mentoring programs, and in-kind support. We tailor our services to meet the needs of each family rather than trying to fit them into an existing mold. The main goal of this program is to keep families housed and together and to break the cycle of homelessness and generational poverty. CSP was expanded to include providing case management to families currently on our waiting list and those who have transitioned to permanent or transitional housing from other agencies. We are also working closely with other local non-profit organizations to connect their clients to additional community resources that they may need.

Our Promise is based out of the basement of First Baptist Church of Morristown and serves the local homeless population. It provides phone and computer access, mailing address, restrooms, warming/cooling center, information and referral, linkage to medical and dental services, case management, systems advocacy and more. Our Promise is open Monday to Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and can be reached by phone at (973) 644-0100 or email at [email protected].

Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Our members, Kiwanians, are service-minded men and women who are united in their commitment and compassion for others.

At the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, we want to ensure that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives. We believe that by helping one child, you help the world.

You are invited to attend a meeting on Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46, Parsippany.

We hope you will be able to join us to learn more about Kiwanis and see how you fit into the picture. Newcomers and visiting clubs always welcome!

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany cooked a homemade dinner at Homeless Solutions.

The Kiwanis Club has been providing meals to Homeless Solutions for the past 18 years and have served over 7,000 meals. Members volunteer their time to shop, cook and serve the dinner.

Costco Warehouse East Hanover and Restaurant Depot donated some of the food used in preparing the meals for the residents. The remaining necessary items were purchased by Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.

The group of volunteers meet at Homeless Solutions to start preparing dinner for the guests in the transitional housing program. Bob and Debbie cut the watermelon, tossed salad, baked ziti with meatballs and rolls and served vanilla cheesecake for dessert. They also served iced tea and coffee. Other volunteer groups such as St. Ann’s Church, Kiwanis Club of Morristown, prepares dinner for the shelter on other days of the month. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany has been providing meals to Homeless Solutions for the past eleven years.

Interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, contact President Karen DeChristopher, by emailing [email protected].

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. Join us for breakfast to learn more about our group of volunteers.

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Karen DeChristopher inducted Olena Kondryshyn as a new member of the club on Thursday, August 22.

Club President Karen DeChristopher presented Olena with her membership plaque and Sponsoring Member Nicolas Limanov placed the official Kiwanis membership pin on Olena.

Karen DeChristopher said “We welcome Olena to this global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is the largest Kiwanis Club in the State of New Jersey with 77 members. New members are always welcome. (Click here for more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany). Kiwanis members dedicate more than 6 million volunteer hours and invest more than $100 million in service projects that strengthen communities and serve children every year. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany ensures that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives. They believe that by helping one child, you help the world.

Kiwanis member Nicolas Limanov, new member Olena Kondryshyn and Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Karen DeChristopher

PARSIPPANY — Thirteen-year old Riya Dadheech held an Art Exhibit and Silent Auction on Tuesday,  August 13 at Liquid Church, 499 Webro Road.

The event raised funds for Dadheech’s project “Girl’s Dignity & Empowerment.” Riya was able to raise over $5,000 by auctioning her artwork.

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.

PARSIPPANY — Community Hope has received a grant in the amount of $7,500 from Affinity Federal Credit Union.  The donation made by the Foundation will be used to fund shelter and critical services for veterans who served in various wartime periods and conflicts, many with complex medical and mental health histories including severe PTSD, multiple physical ailments, and struggling with substance use.

“Some of the veterans in our programs have been living on the streets or in shelters for many years with no access to healthcare and no mental health treatment services,” said Carmine V. Deo, Executive Director of Community Hope. “This grant will have a significant impact on veterans’ lives, ensuring they receive the counseling and therapy they need to overcome PTSD and other issues plaguing our former service men and women.”

This year alone, Community Hope estimates that through their veterans’ programs and services more than 1,000 veterans and family members will be saved from living on streets and overcrowded shelters.  In addition, each day 150 individuals are served in Community Hope’s mental health supportive housing and residential recovery programs.

Community Hope is a leading nonprofit organization serving veterans in need and at-risk veteran families in and around New Jersey.  Founded in 1985 by caring families of young adults whose lives were impacted by severe depression and other debilitating mental illnesses, Community Hope is on a mission to help veterans and their families overcome mental illness, addiction, homelessness and poverty by providing housing and support services. The Hope for Veterans umbrella of programs has saved more than 6,000 veterans and their family members. To learn more about Community Hope, click here  and follow us on Instagram: CommunityHope_NJ, Twitter @CommunityHopeNJ, and Facebook at facebook.com/CommunityHopeNJ.

The AFCU Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Affinity Federal Credit Union and its Community Connected. The Foundation is dedicated to helping vulnerable populations thrive towards  financial independence. The Foundation invests in local, grassroots organizations that support those in need, both through contributing grant dollars and connecting charities with skilled volunteers to elevate their mission.

With more than 20 branches across the tri-state area, Affinity is the largest credit union headquartered in the state of New Jersey, proudly ranking in the top 2% of all credit unions in terms of asset size. It is a member-owned, not-for-profit, full-service financial institution federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information click here.

PARSIPPANY — The Interfaith Food Pantry and Resource Center (IFPRC) announced a new partnership with St. Peter the Apostle Church and the Town of Parsippany-Troy Hills to expand its Healthy Choices Mobile Pantry program to assist the families who regularly visit those food pantries.  In partnership with the Community Food Bank of NJ, the IFPRC is bringing its “Free Farmers Market” to St. Peter’s Church for distribution to families already receiving non-perishable items from the Church and Town pantries.

“There are families in Parsippany who may not have access to healthy food options and therefore we are very excited to work with St. Peter’s and the Town Health Department to bring fresh produce to their clients”, said Carolyn Lake, IFPRC’s Executive Director.  “By partnering with these two agencies we can enhance the variety of food these families receive without duplicating efforts.”

The Mobile “Free Farmers Market” takes place once per month at St. Peter the Apostle Church on Beverwick Road.  Recipients must be registered with St. Peter’s or the Parsippany-Troy Hills Health Department to qualify.  During the first Free Farmers Market held in June, 45 families were served, and this number is expected to grow to over 100.

“Our families are so grateful to receive the fresh fruits and vegetables that we just don’t have the refrigeration to handle”, said Donna Ferguson, St. Peter the Apostle Church. “We’re very excited to finally be able to help them gain access to healthier options”

The IFPRC’s Healthy Choices Mobile Pantry program was launched in 2017.  Utilizing an existing network of smaller food pantries, low-income senior housing units and Morris County Nutrition Sites, both non-perishable and fresh items are distributed to those who cannot get to our IFPRC Pantries located in Morristown and Morris Plains.  Last year, 17% of the 1.2 million pounds of food distributed by IFPRC was through its Mobile program.  For more information, visit www.mcifp.org.

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is taking part in an informational session regarding the 2020 Census. The meeting will be held on Thursday, September 5, 7:00 p.m.

The Township has partnered with the Census Bureau and local non-profit organizations, to speak to our community about what to expect in the coming months.

Your partnership is vital to making sure the 2020 Census reflects an accurate population count for Parsippany. This session will cover topics such as outreach too Hard to Count Populations, data collection, and education.

The meeting will take place at Parsippany Hills High School, located at 20 Rita Drive, Morris Plains.

Should you have any questions please call the Mayor’s Office at (973) 263-4262.

PARSIPPANY — Meet Winston, a six-year old Maltese! Winston’s nickname is Winnie the Pooh because he’s such a friendly dog!

He is very sweet and loving. Winnie loves belly rubs, long walks, and he already knows his basic commands! He is a laid-back gentleman who just wants to be in your company and cuddle on your lap, Winston needs to take daily medication for his liver but is totally fine taking it!

This happy guy does well with other dogs and cats. He would also be fine in a home with children above the age of ten.

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.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Councilman Michael J. dePierro will be holding his 36th Annual Brunch at the Knoll Country Club (West) on Sunday, September 8. The event will start at 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Donation: $150 per person. To RSVP or for additional information contact Dee dePierro by calling (973) 263-3333. Please make checks payable to“EFO Michael J. dePierro,” Post Office Box 5682, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.

PARSIPPANY —  The Rotary Clubs in our area are planning their 24th annual walk-a-thon for charity, “WALKFEST 2019”, and are inviting other charitable and community programs to join them and share the profits.

The Walkfest will be held on Sunday, October 13, at Waterloo Village, 525 Waterloo Road, Stanhope. The event will be raising money to support ending hunger programs in New Jersey, and traditionally allows other non-profit groups to join the effort and keep 50% of the money they raise.

Any legitimate community or charitable program may participate.  Youth programs, sports teams, religious groups, booster clubs, Women’s Clubs and school clubs are some of the other outside groups that are welcome to join this effort.

Each group simply registers with the Rotary program, enlists pledges for their walkers, enjoys a one-hour stroll in a lovely park and then gets a check in the mail for their own program. At the same time they are aiding the work of Rotary Clubs in support of food pantry programs throughout New Jersey.

Corporate sponsors of this year’s event include Provident Bank, The Hanover Manor, Live the Lake NJ, Logan and Logan CPA, Blue Foundry Bank, Applebee’s Bar & Grill and Portofino’s Restaurant in Oak Ridge.

For further information or reservations, contact Margit Rahill, at (973) 361-2810 or by e-mail at [email protected].

To learn more about Rotary in your community click here. To download a copy of their brochure click here.