PARSIPPANY — Knollwood School PTA raises funds with Kona Ice on Wednesday, June 21. Mike Matrisciano was making the Kona Ice for the children to enjoy. Many children attended with their parents on a beautiful sunny day.
Knollwood School PTA raises funds with Kona Ice
Parsippany Native Serves in Pearl Harbor 75 Years After Attack That Led U.S. into World War II
PARSIPPANY — A Parsippany native and 2004 Parsippany High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy in the same location that drew the United States into World War II.
Petty Officer 1st Class Frank Mulvaney, a yeoman, is serving where U.S. Pacific Fleet Headquarters is located. According to Navy officials, the U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest fleet command, encompassing 100 million square miles, nearly half the Earth’s surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle and from the West Coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean.
As a yeoman, Mulvaney is responsible for providing general administration support for the command, which includes drafting letters and award write ups.
“The best thing about my job is the flexibility it gives you to serve on any platform ship and in any area of operation,” said Mulvaney.
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means that Mulvaney is serving in a part of the world that is taking on new importance in America’s national defense strategy.
“It’s important for those of us serving in Pearl Harbor today to remember the sacrifice of those who served before us,” said Admiral Scott Swift, Commander, U.S. Pacific fleet. “The important work we do everyday honors those who were here 75 years ago and is a testament to the enduring value of our Navy’s mission.”
Although the world has changed greatly in the past 75 years, the Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades, and for good reason, Navy officials say. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world’s population, many of the world’s largest and smallest economies, several of the world’s largest militaries, and many U.S. allies.
“The best thing about serving here is how supportive and motivating the chain of command is, and the weather is nice too,” said Mulvaney.
The Navy has plans, by 2020, to base approximately 60 percent of its ships and aircraft in the region. Officials say the Navy will also provide its most advanced warfighting platforms to the region, including missile defense-capable ships; submarines; reconnaissance aircraft; and its newest surface warfare ships, including all of the Navy’s new stealth destroyers.
“I am proud to be able to give something back and be part of something bigger than myself by serving in the Navy,” added Mulvaney.
Editors Note: This article was submitted by Petty Officer 1st Class James H. Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach
This is Baxter!! Baxter wants a furever home
RANDOLPH — Baxter is a happy puppy about 12-14 weeks old and weighs about 19-20 pounds.
Baxter is a Coconut Retriever and he was rescued from St. Maarten. St Maarten is a beautiful island, but life can be difficult for dogs. Fresh water is hard to find as well as food. Furever Home Dog Rescue heard about Baxter and we were able to transport him to the US to live in a foster home until adopted.
Baxter is one handsome puppy with a beautiful, soft wavy coat and just look at those ears!!. His foster mom says….” We love his soft wispy hair… We cannot stop ourselves from just sitting with him on our lap and petting him all the time. Baxter gets along with my dog really well. They all love running around the kitchen and playing together. They can play for hours! Whether it’s puppy wrestling or tug of war with a rope, he loves it! Baxter loves his squeaky donut toy that is just about the size of him. He has such a cute personality and it’s so funny seeing him sit in his toy box! haha! And he also really likes all the natural chews, like antlers, bully sticks, and hooves. Baxter is always looking for approval and praise from me. He loves being with us. When we hold him, he rests his head on our shoulder! Baxter walks nicely on a leash and always looks up to me to make sure he’s being a good boy. He loves being petted and will immediately fall to his back for lots of belly rubs! He knows “sit” and is working on “wait” and “go in your crate.” Baxter would be a great addition to any family that can give him all the belly rubs that he loves.”
If you are looking for a puppy with a wonderful personality, Baxter is for you! you have a furever home for this pet, please e-mail Furever Home Dog Rescue at FHDR@att.net and request an adoption application.
To see more photos and a video clip of Baxter and our other rescue pups click here.
Neglected Animals, Bad Science, Slow Deaths at labs
PARSIPPANY — In letters sent this morning, PETA called on Whippany-based Bayer to reconsider paying for experiments on animals to be conducted at Liberty Research, Inc., and on Parsippany-based Zoetis to reconsider buying animals from the company.
The request follows a PETA eyewitness investigation at the Barton, New York, contract laboratory and animal dealer that resulted in video footage and photographs of dogs and cats who were denied adequate veterinary care, killed in slow and stressful ways, and not separated from other distressed animals, who injured them.
In recent experiments at Liberty Research—which tests veterinary products on dogs and cats—animals were injected with drugs and exposed to viruses and then killed or used for additional tests. A worker drilled into the skulls of 30 dogs—some of whom hadn’t been adequately anesthetized and whimpered during the process—and injected distemper virus into their brains. An insecticide and massive doses of an opioid were also injected into dogs, even though well-established animal-free testing methods exist for these substances.
“These dogs and cats are just like the ones who share our homes, and Liberty Research should be shut down for treating them like pieces of disposable laboratory equipment,” says PETA Research Associate Dr. Emily Trunnell. “PETA is calling on Bayer, Zoetis, and Liberty Research’s other customers to review our evidence and decide whether they will continue to fund this hellhole.”
In the laboratory, cats were kept in severely crowded, barren conditions in windowless buildings. A cat named Jade, who was briefly paralyzed by seizures, was left without treatment for nearly four weeks before a worker finally gave him a fatal injection in his heart—while he was still sensitive to pain. It took other workers more than seven minutes and four injections to kill a fully conscious, gasping, bloodied dog.
In addition to Bayer and Zoetis, Liberty Research’s recent customers include Merial, Merck, and other veterinary zoological companies, along with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and schools such as Michigan State University and the universities of Pittsburgh, Florida, and Louisville.
For more information click here.
Golfers Tee Off for People with Disabilities
HANOVER — Over 100 golfers came out to support the 12th Annual Employment Horizons Golf Classic at Spring Brook Country Club, Morristown.
Proceeds benefit the programs and services of Employment Horizons, providing job skills training and placement services to hundreds of individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment each year.
The Golf Classic was sponsored by My Limo of East Hanover along with Associate Sponsor Vision Real Estate Partners. Golfers enjoyed a beautiful day of golf, including contests, lunch, dinner, silent auction, and 50-50 raffle. Golfers also had a chance to win a luxury car provided by Audi Bridgewater & Audi Mendham at the Hole In-One Contest sponsored by Morristown Airport.
To learn more about Employment Horizons or to get involved, please contact Director of Community Relations Maria Florio at mariaflorio@ehorizons.org or click here
Sheriff Gannon addresses Emergency Medical Service Workers
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Office of Emergency Management, in partnership with the Sameth Emergency Department at the Morristown Medical Center, was happy to join with Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon at a training forum which was recently held at the Morristown Medical Center.
Topics focused on how EMS can help in the fight against heroin in Morris County. Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon and Undersheriff Alan Robinson addressed the 90 EMS attendees with important information on this issue. Topics included an update on heroin trends across the county, an overview of what the Morris County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Section has been seeing on drug related scenes, how the Morris County Sheriff’s Trends and Analysis Team is supporting the initiative, and how the Morris County Sheriff’s Hope 1 team is hitting the streets in an effort to get out and do something in the fight on heroin instead of just talking about it.
In addition, Undersheriff Alan Robinson spoke on how the Morris County Correctional Facility has joined the fight against heroin. It’s not just about incarceration anymore, but rather getting help to people in need- with the goal that these individuals can return to society as productive members drug free. The “How EMS can Help” portion of the forum focused on the “do’s and don’ts” when EMS is on the scene of a drug related event. Attendees were also provided with Narcan Administration Training presented by Phil Orfan, EMS Education Coordinator for the Atlantic Training Center. It was a great evening of education with EMS workers who volunteer to serve the public and make a difference every day.
2017 Graduates Thanks Sponsors for Supporting Project Graduation
PARSIPPANY — On behalf of the students, parents, and staff members involved with Project Graduation for the Class of 2017 we would like to thank the supporters for their continued support to this activity. All contributions are used to defray the costs of supplies, rental fees, and entertainment.
It is because of your continued support that Project Graduation in Parsippany is a success. The parents, students, and staff of the Class of 2017 thank you for your continued support!
Acorn Home Improvements Inc.
Advanced Electronic Medical Billing, Inc.
Advocare, LLC
Anthony Franco
Anthony & Sons Bakery
Applebees
Aristocrat Limousine & Bus Company
Arthur’s Tavern of Morris Plains
Artistic Academy
Baldwin Bagel
Brooklawn Middle School PTA
Central Middle School PTA
Cerbo Lumber & Hardware
Cheesecake Factory
Chipolte of Morris Plains
Cluck U chicken
Custom Decorators Workroom
Cutting Edge Landscaping of NJ
D&B Chinese Food
Dunkin Donuts
Edible Arrangement of Parsippany
Election Fund of Michael J. dePierro
FRWD Logistics LLC
Fuddruckers
GFWC Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills
Gripp Plumbing & Heating, LLC
Hills of Troy Neighborhood Association c/o Theodor Posselt, Treasurer
Home Depot of Parsippany
I.B.E.W. Local Union No. 102
IHOP
Knollwood School PTA
Lakeland Hills YMCA
Lenfam Management Company (Wendy’s)
M. Bernstein Sons (Kings Food Markets)
MAC Alliance
Morris County Building Trades
Morris County Primary Care
Morris Hills Veterinary Clinic
Mount Holleran Towne Tavern
New Jersey Acupuncture & Wellness Center
Northvail School PTA
Panera Bread of Parsippany
Par Troy Council of PTA’s
Parsippany Foot & Ankle LLC
Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge No. 2078
Partridge Run Apartments, Inc.
Par-Troy Little League West
Pelican Ski Shop
Priola Funeral Service, Inc.
Robert J. Iracane, CPA
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Robert J. Peluso
Rockaway Meadow School PTA
RO-LO Systems, Inc, T/A Denville Dairy
Saint Peter the Apostle Church
ShopRite of Parsippany STARS Program
St. Christopher R.C. Church
St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church
Super Foodtown of Lake Hiawatha
The Board of Education of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District
The Michael Konner Corporation
The UPS Store
They’re Playing Our Song DJ of Parsippany
Thom-Mist, Inc.
Tilcon New York, Inc.
Veterans of Foreign Wars-Post 10184
Virginia & Arthur Henrickson
Wan Fu Yuan Inc DBA Hunan Taste
Watnong VFW Post #3401
Letter to the editor: When does an apparent “winner” act like a loser?
Dear Editor:
When does an apparent “winner” act like a loser? When it’s Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce. DeCroce just survived her recent primary and likely is headed for re-election in the Fall, but she just can’t get out of attack mode, and so she’s again turned her fire on the top vote-getter in the 26th District, Assemblyman Jay Webber. This is a constituent’s call to DeCroce to put aside her bitterness, to stop attacking other Republicans, and instead to start serving the people she just asked to vote for her.
It is not exactly clear what drives DeCroce to lash out even now. Perhaps DeCroce recognizes how much she squandered in just a few short years the reputable name and good will she came into office with. Consider that despite the power of incumbency and one of the most recognized political names in recent Morris County history, it took a mind-boggling $600,000+ in DeCroce propaganda — 25+ mailers, nonstop tv commercials for weeks on end, ever-present online ads in news feeds, constant social media ads — just to finish a distant second. At least five different Trenton-based special-interest PACs funded the DeCroce bailout.
Perhaps it was the exposure of DeCroce’s serial self-dealing — the ugly facts of her public profiteering revealed by her opponents had to cut to the bone. No post-election attack on Webber will erase DeCroce’s unseemly record of trading tax hikes on her constituents in exchange for making her own public pension tax-free. Or that DeCroce raised the gas tax on us, while she gets her gas scot-free through her campaign account — funded, of course, by the very special interests who wanted the gas tax hike in the first place. Those are DeCroce liabilities that were masked by the massive special interest spending in the primary, but that also will last long past June 2017.
Or perhaps it was the humiliation of not even winning in her hometown of Parsippany, or her embarrassing failure in Rockaway Township, the place she touted as her childhood home. Rejections like those from her hometowns would cause anger in many of us, but that anger does not justify her continuing assaults.
On her way to “winning,” DeCroce didn’t just humiliate herself, she hurt her Party. DeCroce’s scorched-earth campaign was the only one of the four in the primary to attack all three of the other candidates. She also cheapened the Republican brand, with her exposure as both a tax-raiser and a self-dealer. The ripple effects played out in West Milford, where DeCroce nearly cost the Passaic GOP’s endorsed council candidates the nomination, as she caused hundreds of conservatives to flee the Passaic line before they could vote for town council. That debacle should be an abject lesson of the damage DeCroce has done to Republicans and could continue to do if she persists in her post-election rampage.
This constituent says that DeCroce should concentrate her attention on helping other Republicans for the Fall General Election, not continuing her venomous attacks against them.
William Felegi
Lake Hopatcong
Parsippany welcomes another lawsuit; Council President Valori violates First Amendment Rights of Public Speaker
PARSIPPANY — Council President Louis Valori continued to interrupt Bill Brennan during a public session regarding the Township Budget on Thursday, June 8.
Mr. Valori as well as Township Attorney John Inglesino kept interrupting Mr. Brennan during his comments regarding the budget, and how Inglesino and Mayor James Barberio are a pair of criminals. He contents there is a “Criminal Conspiracy” going on.
Mr. Brennan said “You are violating my constitutional right to free speech, you don’t like the content of my speech, and you are calling me names, you are allegedly that I am an embarrassment. Yes, you said I should behave myself. This is the third time you interrupted me. You know what, I am speaking my mind in an open public forum. Now you are passing notes back and forth and interrupting me. May I have my three minutes? May I have my three minutes? So you are telling me that I don’t get my three minutes? You were able to interrupt me the whole time. I didn’t get to finish what I had to say. I am not putting the mic down. I insist that if I violated a law, I would be charged. I have three minutes. I am not going voluntarily… I am not disrupting the meeting. I was disrupted the three minutes which I was given to speak. I was given three minutes to speak. Am I under arrest? Yes, and I want to go on the record before I leave that I did not get my three minutes, I was interrupted repeatedly. I will take this up in a Civil Suit with this municipality.”
Mr. Brennan was escorted from the Council Chambers by two Parsippany Police Officers that were on duty during the Council Meeting.
Requests for comments from Mayor James Barberio, Council President Louis Valori, Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Councilman Carifi and dePierro went unanswered.
Editors Note: The video is only a segment where Brennan speaks. The complete video of the Council Meeting of Thursday, June 7 can be seen by clicking here.
Families, Friends Cheer Young Adults Who Achieved Academic Success Through NewBridge’s Alternative Education Program
PARSIPPANY — The year after she dropped out of Lenape Valley High School, Leilani Reyes’ younger sister faced a similar fate. Cassandra Reyes, who had become a mother just months earlier, learned last June she didn’t have enough credits to graduate. The NewBridge Parsippany Center is located at 1259 Route 46.
Determined to earn her New Jersey High School diploma, the younger Reyes enrolled in NewBridge Jobs Plus, an alternative education program that helped her achieve her goal in short order and encouraged her to pursue plans to become a nurse.
“I was really proud of her, and I thought, if she can do it while raising a child, why can’t I?” Leilani Reyes said. With NewBridge Jobs Plus’ help, the 21-year-old earned her high school diploma too, and in September she’ll attend attend County College of Morris to study criminal justice.
The Reyes sisters are among 49 young adults in NewBridge Jobs Plus Class of 2017. On June 15, more than 30 of them donned caps and gowns at Wyndham Worldwide headquarters, as more than 200 relatives and friends cheered them on.
“You’ve shown that you are in control. The only thing left to do is rise up!” said keynote speaker James Bryant, supervisor of youth workforce programs at Morris/Sussex/Warren Employment and Training Services, one of the funders of NewBridge Jobs Plus.
Morris County’s longest-running alternative education program
NewBridge Jobs Plus is the longest-running alternative education program in Morris County and has helped well over 1,000 young adults earn their high school diplomas and prepare for college, trade schools and careers since 1983. The program, located at the NewBridge Parsippany Center, is free to young adults living in Morris, Sussex and Warren counties, and transportation is provided to Morris County residents.
This year’s graduates hail from: Parsippany-Troy Hills, Budd Lake, Cedar Knolls, Dover, Hackettstown, Hopatcong, Kinnelon, Lake Hiawatha, Lake Hopatcong, Landing, Ledgewood, Morristown, Netcong, NewFoundland, Oak Ridge, Pinebrook, Randolph, Rockaway, Roxbury, Succasunna and Wharton.
“NewBridge helped me learn to be independent. I learned to work at my own pace to achieve my goals,” said Cassandra Reyes, who received the $1,000 James Ryan Memorial Scholarship Award, given in honor of the NewBridge founder. The 18-year-old will soon start at Montclair State University.
‘Now I’m so hopeful for them’
“There has been a lot of pain in our family, but now I’m so hopeful for them, for their future,” said Mirna Reyes, the singe mother of Cassandra and Leilani and three other adult children. “I’ve told them, just keep going!”
Roberto Cuevas left Morristown High School in February after his single mother became ill and was unable to work. Cuevas worked two jobs, one full-time, to help support his mother, three brothers and a sister. Through NewBridge Jobs Plus, he earned his diploma and will enroll at County College of Morris for the fall semester. He plans to transfer to a four-year college after he gets his associates degree to study biotechnology.
“If it weren’t for NewBridge, I would be stuck on repeat,” said the 19-year-old, who was awarded the $1,000 Wyndham Worldwide Scholarship. “I’d keep working jobs just to pay for what we need in the house. I wouldn’t have a plan.”
Career options
Jesenia Chaparro, 22, of Budd Lake, moved to New Jersey from Puerto Rico at age 15, and a year later she dropped out of school. “I didn’t speak the language well,” she recalled. By 17, she was a mother and worked at low-paying jobs. Married with two children, Chaparro said she enrolled in NewBridge Jobs Plus in March “for our kids, for a better future.” She was awarded the $1,000 Lakeland Bank Scholarship Award.
“They were so supportive and flexible,” she said of the instructors. NewBridge Jobs Plus Career and College Counselor Jill Worrall helped Chaparro apply to Berkeley College, where she’ll study to become a surgical technician in September.
Veronica Fernandez quit Dover High School because she missed too many days. On a friend’s suggestion, she enrolled at NewBridge Jobs Plus, and she found her niche with the small-class setting and supportive staff.
“They give you so much motivation!” Fernandez said. Worrall helped her explore career options, and now Fernandez plans to become a registered nurse. “I had no plans, but I went to NewBridge and now I’ve got it figured out,” the 20-year-old said. “I am proud of myself. I feel like I can take on the world!” she said to a burst of applause.
Rashawn Blake, 19, had gotten into trouble in high school in Essex County and had to leave during his senior year. When he got to NewBridge Jobs Plus, “they helped me want to further my education,” he said. Blake is pursuing a music career, but until he attended NewBridge, he didn’t see the need for college. The Montville resident plans to study business at County College of Morris starting in September. Blake was honored as a NewBridge Jobs Plus Associate of the Year.
‘I wanted to do it for my mom’
Roxbury resident Nicholas Ferro was determined to walk across a stage to receive a diploma for his mother’s sake. Traditional high school didn’t suit Ferro, but he said “I would have stayed and been miserable” at Dover High School had he not found NewBridge Jobs Plus. Ferro’s six older siblings had gotten high school GEDs; not one attended a commencement. “I wanted to do it for my mom,” he said.
“I cried. It’s been a long road,” said his mother, Nicole Dickerson, giving Ferro a squeeze. The 18-year-old plans to study agribusiness at County College of Morris.
“When traditional high school failed them, these young men and women didn’t give up on themselves. They persevered and succeeded, and we are confident they have the grit and optimism to pursue their dreams,” NewBridge CEO Robert L. Parker said.
In addition to Morris/Sussex/Warren Employment & Training Services, NewBridge Jobs Plus receives funding from: Affinity Federal Credit Union; John Bickford Foundation; Community Foundation of New Jersey:Morris County Freeholders; Morris County Human Services;; TD Bank Charitable Foundation; Charles Emil Thenen Foundation; United Way of Northern New Jersey; and Wyndham Worldwide.
The rain didn’t stop kids at Kiwanis Touch-A-Truck
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany held it’s fifth annual “Touch-A-Truck,” on Saturday, June 17. The morning was clear, but the clouds opened up with downpour rain during the entire event, but children still came to experience the fun of touching, riding, blowing horns, sirens at the Touch-A-Truck event.
Participating vendors included, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Parsippany Office of Emergency Management, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire District 2, Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 3, Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 6, Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 5, Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance and Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad.
When the children visited the Parsippany Police Department they received a badge from Parsippany-Troy Hills Captain Thomas Carney. Captain Carney also gave the children a “TICKET” which summoned them to the Dairy at Lake Hiawatha for a free children ice cream cone.
Morris County Park Police and Morris County Office of Emergency Management also participated.
Also American Red Cross, US Customs and Border Protection Explorers Program, Enslins Car & Taxi, Jordan Transportation, Ultimate Party Bus and Limo, Parsippany Automotive, Team Sean Lemonade, Kona Ice, IHOP and Jose Catering. Patty Sweet Cakes Face Painting Balloons and DJ Jay Gee, and Laura Donnelly Face Painting participated
Parsippany Department of Public Works, Parsippany Parks and Forestry, M3 Crane, Rockaway Trucking, DeFalco’s Automotive & Towing and Ajaco Towing & Recovery provided vehicles for the children to learn more about.
Also participating was Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, Lakeland Hills YMCA, Nano Gurus, Doreen Brennan Mary Kay, Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter.
This years chairman Nicolas Limanov said “It was a wonderful day watching all the children having fun, asking questions and taking pictures. I was happy to add many new and exciting vendors this year, and I expect to add even more for next year. I want to thank all the committee members who helped making this event very successful.”
When the children arrived, they received a “goodie” bag from Jersey Central Power and Light which contained items such as napkins from New Jersey Sharing Network and a free children’s meal compliments of IHOP. And when the children left, they received a bottle of “bubbles.”
All proceeds will be used by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation to support local projects that will “change the world one child and one community at a time”.
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany would like to thank Stanbery Development, LLC. for donating the use of the property for such a successful event.
For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, click here.
Arrest made in TD Bank robbery
MORRISTOWN — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Morristown Bureau of Police Chief Peter Demnitz announce the arrest of Zachary Zingale, 30, Morristown, on charges related to a bank robbery Friday morning at the TD Bank at 217 South Street, Morristown.
At approximately 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 16, law enforcement was notified of the robbery. The subsequent investigation revealed that a male entered the bank, demanded money, threatened the use of a gun, and fled the scene in a vehicle. A sum of money was taken during the incident. Zingale was located near the bank shortly after the robbery. He then tried to flee on foot, but was taken into custody by officers with the Morristown Bureau of Police.
Zingale was charged with one count of Robbery, a crime of the first degree, one count of Theft, a crime of the third degree, and one count of Resisting Arrest, a crime of the third degree. Zingale was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility on a warrant-complaint in accordance with the Criminal Justice Reform Act.
Numerous law enforcement agencies assisted in the investigation, including the Morristown Bureau of Police, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigation Section, and the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Sarah Michele Orthwein graduates from James Madison University
PARSIPPANY — Sarah Michele Orthwein of Lake Hiawatha graduated with a degree in media arts and design from James Madison University during the May 5, 2017 commencement exercises. Orthwein is a Parsippany High School Graduate Class of 2013.
Orthwein was among more than 4,300 students who received undergraduate, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degrees.
James Madison University offers each student a future of significance — not an education of mere prestige, but an extraordinary education of exceptional scholarship, inventive thinking, unparalleled attention to the world community, a university-wide enthusiasm for teaching, and a commitment to student success.
Dramatics Camp at PAL Youth Center Still Accepting Registrations
PARSIPPANY — All Children’s Theatre is still accepting registrations for their Summer, 2017 Creative Dramatics day camp for children ages 6-17. The camp will be held Monday-July 17 through Friday, July 28 at the PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road.
Initial registration deadline was June 1 but registrations will be accepted thereafter, space permitting.
The Creative Dramatics camp allows children to develop and create their own show, as well as the scenery, and culminate the camp with a performance of their work for family and friends. No prior theatre experience is required to register. Space is limited!
The camp are directed by certified teachers who serve as instructors in the area of creative dramatics and scenery.
The camp is designed for, but not limited to, working area parents who are looking for a creative camp for their children. Sibling discounts are available. Parents may drop off their children between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and pick them up between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
AM and PM snacks are provided for all campers. The PAL Youth Center is air-conditioned with easy parking on site.
Interested parents may obtain more information as well as download a school year registration form by visiting the Theatre’s web site by clicking here.
They may also e-mail the Theatre at allchildrensth@aol.com or call them at (973) 335-5328. Registration forms may be submitted by e-mail or by mailing them to All Children’s Theatre, PO Box 6328, Parsippany, NJ 07054.
All Children’s Theatre is a non-profit, tax-exempt, all kids’ performing arts organization established in Parsippany in 1983. The arts group has put on over 535 productions involving over 12,200 children during the past 34 years. It has the distinctive honor of having put more kids on stage, year-round, from more cities, at more times, at more New Jersey locations, than any other arts group in the state. Their motto is — “Where Every Child Is a Star.”
Hofstra Congratulates Spring 2017 Dean’s List Students
PARSIPPANY — Hofstra University congratulates the following local students named to the Spring 2017 Dean’s List for their outstanding academic achievement. Students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 during the semester to make the Dean’s List.
Ryan T. Byrne, a 2013 Graduate of Parsippany Hills High School and Gabriella Ferguson a 2016 Graduate of Parsippany High School were among the students on the Dean’s List.
Hofstra University is a nationally ranked private university just 25 miles 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 chose from undergraduate and graduate offerings in liberal arts and sciences, business, engineering and applied science, communication, education, health sciences and human services, honors studies, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law, the Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, and the Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine. Named to the 2015 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, and the only school to host three consecutive presidential debates, Hofstra University is a dynamic community of more than 11,000 students known for civic engagement and public service.
Jaya Minhas Graduates from Albright College
PARSIPPANY — Jaya Minhas, a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, Class of 2012, graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in French/Spanish; women’s & gender studies from Albright College on May 21, 2017.
Minhas was also inducted into the Society of Jacob Albright Scholars at a ceremony on May 20, 2017. Lifetime membership in the Society is awarded to graduates who have completed at least half their course work at Albright and who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.85 or higher.
Founded in 1856, Albright College educates creative, curious students to become adaptable, global citizens who discover and reach their full potential. The College’s flexible interdisciplinary curriculum encourages students to combine majors and disciplines to create individualized academic programs. Close faculty mentorship, numerous experiential learning options, and a diverse, supportive and nurturing community of scholars and learners help students exceed their own expectations and graduate with a commitment to a lifetime of service and learning. Located in Reading, Pennsylvania, Albright enrolls more than 1,800 full-time undergraduates and 700 adult learners and graduate students.
Parsippany resident charged with DWI and other offenses
PARSIPPANY — While patrolling North Beverwyck Road at 2:19 a.m.on Sunday, June 11, Patrol Officer J. Williams observed a 2002 Toyota Highlander commit multiple traffic violations, one of which was failing to stop at a red light on North Beverwyck Road at Vail Road.
Patrol Officer Williams activated his emergency lights and attempted to stop the vehicle. As the vehicle attempted to pull over it struck the curb several times. Once the vehicle stopped the Officer spoke to the driver, Fatema Iqbal, 40, Parsippany.
After a brief investigation Mrs. Iqbal was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated. She was transported back to Police Headquarters for processing.
While there she was charged with the following traffic violations: Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Obstruction of Windshield, Unsafe Lane Change, Throwing or Dropping, Debris from a Motor Vehicle, Fail to observe a Stop or Yield Sign, and Failure to Possess an Insurance Card.
She was released on her own recognizance to a sober adult pending her court appearance.
Butler man indicted for attempted murder of police officer, other crimes
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp has announced that a Morris County Grand Jury has returned two Indictments against Dylan Howard (aka Dylan Hannah) related to a series of crimes occurring in Butler between March 8 and March 31, 2016, including the Attempted Murder of a Butler patrol officer.
On March 8 and March 9, it is alleged that Howard, 24, Butler, and co-defendant Michael Nelson conspired to commit the crime of Shoplifting at the Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Butler, both crimes of the fourth degree. Nelson is also charged by way of Indictment with two counts of fourth degree Theft by Deception related to these incidents.
On March 11 and March 22, it is alleged that Howard committed the crimes of fourth degree Shoplifting at the Lowe’s Home Improvement store. He is also alleged to have committed the fourth degree crime of Theft by Deception during the March 22, incident.
Additionally, on March 11 and March 22, it is alleged that Howard conspired with co-defendant Joseph Connell to commit the crimes of fourth degree Shoplifting at the Lowe’s Home Improvement store. Connell previously pleaded guilty in state Superior Court in August 2016 and was sentenced to five years’ probation for his involvement in these crimes.
On March 29, it is alleged that Howard committed the crime of fourth degree Shoplifting at the Lowe’s Home Improvement store. Additionally on March 29, it is alleged that Howard and co-defendant David King conspired to commit the crime of fourth degree Shoplifting at the Lowes Home Improvement store. Co-defendant King is also charged by way of Indictment with the fourth degree crimes of Theft by Deception and Receiving Stolen Property for his alleged involvement in this incident.
On March 31, it is alleged that Howard committed two counts of third degree burglary (into a vehicle and a house), and three counts of third and fourth degree Theft.
It is also alleged that on March 31, Howard committed the crime of first degree Attempted Murder of a Butler Patrol Officer.
As a result of his alleged conduct during that incident, Howard also has been indicted for the crimes of second degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (a rifle), third degree Aggravated Assault for allegedly pointing the rifle at the officer and second degree Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons. The last charge in the indictment is based upon Howard’s 2012 Morris County conviction for Burglary and Possession of a Weapon (firearm) for an Unlawful Purpose.
Howard is now being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $190,000 bail.
Editors Note: An indictment is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the Defendants charged by way of these Indictments are presumed innocent unless and until each has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Amazon to Acquire Whole Foods for $13.7 Billion
PARSIPPANY — Amazon.com will acquire Whole Foods Market for $13.7 billion, a bombshell of a deal that catapults the e-commerce giant into the supermarket business with hundreds of stores across the U.S.
Whole Foods is proposing a new store at future Waterview Marketplace, Route 46 and Waterview Boulevard. The proposed store will occupy 49,000 square feet. The total shopping center will consist of 157,410 square feet and provide 679 parking spots. (Click here to see diagram of proposed shopping center). Meanwhile there is a vacant 65,106 square foot former PathMark Store less than two miles east of the proposed location.
Parsippany Focus contacted Whole Foods corporate office in Austin, Texas, but did not receive a return call.
Amazon agreed to pay $42 a share in cash for the organic-food chain, including debt, a roughly 27 percent premium to the stock price at Thursday’s close. John Mackey, Whole Foods’ outspoken co-founder, will continue to run the business — providing a lifeline to the embattled executive after a fight with activist investor Jana Partners.
The deal sends a shockwave across both the online and brick-and-mortar industries, uniting two brands that weren’t seen as obvious partners. But Whole Foods came under pressure to find a buyer this year after Jana acquired a more than eight percent stake and began pushing for a buyout. Jana’s move irked Mackey, who has referred to Whole Foods as his “baby.” By enlisting Amazon, he gets to keep his job as chief executive officer of the grocery chain.
Whole Foods shares jumped 27 percent to $41.99 as of 10:00 a.m. in New York, bringing them close to the transaction price. Amazon shares gained 3.2 percent to $995.
Five-Minute Delivery?
For Amazon, the deal is more about getting a distribution network for groceries, said Michael Pachter, an analyst at Wedbush Securities Inc. It has spent years trying to break into delivering groceries, but hasn’t been as successful as in other categories.
Amazon previously contemplated a takeover of Whole Foods last fall, but it didn’t pursue a deal, a person with knowledge of the situation has said. The e-commerce company revisited the idea after Jana stepped in.
“Amazon clearly wants to be in grocery, clearly believes a physical presence gives them an advantage,” Pachter said. “I assume the physical presence gives them the ability to distribute other products more locally. So theoretically you could get 5-minute delivery.”
The transaction also may help Amazon sideline Instacart Inc., a startup that has delivered grocery orders from Whole Foods stores in more than 20 states and Washington, D.C.
Amazon’s biggest acquisition announced to date came in 2014, when it agreed to buy video-game service Twitch Interactive Inc. for $970 million in cash, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The Seattle-based company had about $21.5 billion of cash and equivalents at the end of March, the data show.
“Millions of people love Whole Foods Market because they offer the best natural and organic foods, and they make it fun to eat healthy,” Amazon Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos said in a statement.
The takeover is slated to be completed in the second half of the year, with Whole Foods’ headquarters remaining in Austin, Texas.
Centenary University holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at their new Campus Drive location
PARSIPPANY — Centenary University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS), which has served the education needs of adult students since 1999, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new location located at the Mack-Cali Professional Building, 7 Campus Drive. SPS’s new state-of-the-art facility help position Centenary as a leader in adult education. The SPS programs provide an entrepreneurial approach to the educational experience by offering professional studies to those in the workforce allowing students to select the modality most conductive to their busy lifestyle.
“It was a strategic decision almost 20 years ago to develop SPS in Parsippany to build the workforce capacity in the region,” says Dr. Diedre Letson-Christofalo, Vice President for Adult, Corporate and Online Education. “This new location will further enrich the learning experience as it was designed to accommodate the needs for the adult learner.”
Remarks were made by Centenary University President Dr. David P. Haney and Eric LeGrand, motivational speaker and former Rutgers football player. LeGrand discussed his own journey overcoming obstacles and the importance of following one’s dreams. He further urged attendees how they can move forward in their lives by moving past personal challenges.
Joining the Board of Directors during the ribbon cutting was President Dr. David P. Haney and Dr. Diedre Letson-Christofalo, was Parsippany-Troy Hills Vice President Robert Peluso, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board member Frank Cahill and Board member Nicolas Limanov.
“I was excited to celebrate the growth of Centenary University’s new facilities and School of Professional Studies in our hometown of Parsippany. Higher education is important in the lives of our children and the future of Parsippany. Dr. David Haney, who was recently appointed the 13th President of Centenary University indicated that we need to design our future based upon what people need. I share in his vision and appreciate him choosing Parsippany to accommodate the needs of our residents and workforce. Congratulations to Centenary University on their new facility,” said Peluso.
Eric LeGrand is a source of inspiration, hope and perseverance for many. A standout high school football player, LeGrand went on to play for Rutgers University. On October 16, 2010, in his junior year, LeGrand suffered a severe spinal injury during a game. As a result, he underwent nine hours of emergency surgery to become stabilized. Doctors gave him zero to five percent chance of regaining neurologic function. In January 2011, he regained movement in his shoulders and sensation throughout the body.
On October 29, 2011, LeGrand, in his motorized wheelchair, led the Scarlet Knights onto the field at Rutgers stadium for their game against West Virginia. This moment was chosen by readers of Sports Illustrated as “The Best Moment of 2011.”
In fall of 2012, LeGrand released his book, titled BELIEVE: My Faith and the Tackle that Changed My Life, published by HarperCollins. Humbled by the outpouring support from around the nation, LeGrand decided to form a charity. Team LeGrand of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation was established in 2013. Proceeds go toward research to find a cure for paralysis and helping improve the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries.
“I am pleased to talk about my personal educational journey and how my priorities shifted to motivating others to realize their potential after my injury, says LeGrand.”
This new facility offers more classroom and conference space than before, plus it houses a Social Media Center of Expertise. This Center, which is called #theVIBE, will launch a Social Media Marketing certificate program and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Social Media Marketing for adult professionals.
Eric J. LeGrand was born September 4, 1990. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him to a symbolic contract as an undrafted free agent in May 2012. In 2017, LeGrand was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as the third recipient of the Warrior Award. On May 18, 2014, LeGrand received a degree in labor relations from Rutgers and was asked to speak to his fellow graduates at Rutgers’ spring commencement exercises.
On July 30, 2013, coach Kyle Flood announced Rutgers will retire jersey number 52 of paralyzed former player Eric LeGrand. He was honored in a ceremony September 14, 2013, it was the first number ever retired for the football program.
On October 16, 2016 (the 6th anniversary of his spinal cord injury), Avenel, NJ’s former “Fifth District Park” was rededicated in LeGrand’s honor as “Eric LeGrand ‘Believe’ Park”. The park is slated to be fully redesigned and updated with handicap-accessible playground equipment.
#theVIBE was first launched at the Centenary University in Hackettstown in September 2015 as a location where students can gain social media expertise and where businesses can leverage the knowledge of social media experts. The launch of this program was so successful that they have built a second Social Media Center in Parsippany.
Students studying Social Media Marketing will be immersed in social media by learning in a modern collaborative environment at #theVIBE, with its impressive touchscreen video wall streaming the latest social media data.
This is a rapidly changing field and the program keeps students on the pulse of social media through interactive demos, customized video homework by social media experts, and hands-on use of industry social media listening software. In addition to this certificate, there are new graduate level certificates that are being offered at SPS in Leadership and Health Administration.
Students in the SPS program can take classes in a variety of formats: one-night-per-week, completely online or through a blended approach, which combines online and in class methods. The curriculum combines theory and practical experience, allowing students to apply knowledge acquired immediately. Having conferred thousands of A.A., B.S.B.A and M.B.A. degrees, the School of Professional Studies serves as an inclusive and collaborative learning community dedicated to preparing adult students to progress further in society and to contribute directly to the state’s economic engine.
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation.
Centenary University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, with its equestrian facility in Washington Township. The Centenary School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in Parsippany and Edison, as well as corporate sites throughout New Jersey.