PARSIPPANY — After many geese choose the Rainbow Lakes Community Club in Parsippany as a safe place to sleep The Rainbow Lakes Community Club installed non lethal methods of geese control at swim area. The club is using lights and scary balls which have been effective and are removed when the beach is open. 
Rainbow Lakes Community Club installed lights and scary balls to deter Geese
Grewal Fights Against Proposed Title X Rule Restricting Access to Women’s Reproductive Healthcare
TRENTON — Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal has joined a multi-state coalition of Attorneys General in opposing the Trump Administration’s proposal to restrict access to healthcare by imposing unconstitutional restrictions on the Title X program. The Title X program provides critical preventive and life-saving care, including reproductive healthcare, to four million women nationally. (Click here for letter)
Acting Governor Sheila Oliver welcomed the Attorney General’s action.
“All patients in New Jersey and across the nation deserve access to quality medical care, including access to reproductive health care and family planning services,” said Acting Governor Oliver. “The Trump Administration’s gag rule will undermine medical professionals and their ability to provide the best care possible and intrudes upon the relationship between patient and provider. Governor Murphy and I are proud to stand with Attorney General Grewal, the New Jersey Department of Health, Planned Parenthood, medical professionals, and other governors to demand the federal government rescind this harmful policy. The Trump Administration’s irresponsible decision to jeopardize women’s health care by restricting services and information available to Title X clients, many of whom are low-income and uninsured, has given our Administration no choice but to explore all avenues and legal options to prevent this disastrous rule from taking effect.”
“If the federal government won’t stand up for low-income women and families, then we will,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Title X provides women with basic primary and preventative healthcare services, and it’s sickening that the Trump Administration is once again attempting to weaponize federal dollars to advance an ideological agenda.”
On May 22, 2018, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a proposed rule that would place several harmful restrictions on the Title X program.
Specifically, the new Rule seeks to create barriers to women’s healthcare by:
- Prohibiting doctors from discussing comprehensive healthcare options, including abortion, with patients;
- Requiring physical and financial separation between any Title X program and any facility that provides abortion: the provider must have, at a minimum, separate examination and waiting rooms, office entrances and exits, phone numbers, email addresses, educational services, websites, personnel, electronic or paper-based health care records, and workstations;
- Undermining the standard of care by allowing Title X providers to refuse medically-approved contraceptive methods in favor of less effective methods like abstinence-only.
In a multi-state comments letter joined by Attorney General Grewal, the participating Attorneys General argue that the proposed rule does not take into account costs to women, healthcare providers, and States. The rule’s restrictions would likely cause the closure of federally-funded family planning clinics and limit healthcare options for women. And the financial costs of care would be shifted from the federal government to states as they fill in the gaps left by the reduction in Title X providers.
New Jersey received a total of $8.8 million in Title X funding in 2017. Nine Title X sub-grantees operate a total of 48 clinics in New Jersey, and in 2017 provided treatment and services to 89,975 women. Seventy-two percent of those women received services at clinics that provide abortions outside of the Title X program. If the proposed rule forced those clinics to close, more than 65,000 women would be harmed.
Attorney General Grewal and the other Attorneys General argue that the proposed Rule is unconstitutional because it censors speech and violates a women’s constitutional right to make her own reproductive health decisions.
Joining Attorney General Grewal in the comment letter opposing the Administration’s proposed rule on Monday were Attorneys General for lead state California, as well as Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina and the District of Columbia.
Parsippany Elks is seeking donations for a new Fire Safety Trailer
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks are raising funds to replace the existing Fire Safety Trailer to continue the education of children, families, and businesses in the Township of Parsippany for fire safety.
The Fire Safety Trailer program was started in the mid-1980s by the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department, District #3.
In 1997, the Township of Parsippany entered into a joint effort with all Township Fire Districts and purchased a new Fire Safety Trailer which, over the 21 years of service has been able to help educate over 50,000 children and families.
The Fire Safety Trailer consists of a full-size replica kitchen, living room, and bedroom with props in order to educate the specific dangers within that area. As the threat of fires continue the increase in participant numbers continues to rise, rising 31% over the past 16 years. The trailer has been used every year at 13 schools throughout the town, serving approximately 3,886 participants, as well as public outreach programs.
Currently, the Township of Parsippany is unable to utilize the fire safety trailer that has served for 21 years, due to safety concerns from the wear and tear over its lifetime.
The funds that are raised will help support the purchase of a new trailer and needed accessories to be able to continue this program.
In addition, the new trailer will serve in numerous different areas introducing specific tools for business and industrial education.
The new trailer would consist of many different hands on applications, reinforcing the “Prevention through Education” model of the Parsippany Division of Fire Prevention.
If you are interested in providing a donation for the Fire Safety Trailer, please make the check payable to Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge #2078 and mail to 230 Parsippany Road, Parsippany NJ 07054 and enclose a note stating that the donation is for the “Fire Safety Trailer”.
If you have any questions please call Joe Serrecchia at (973) 332-3480.
Susan G. Komen North Jersey is Moving to Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Susan G. Komen North Jersey announced last week that they will be moving their headquarters to Parsippany. Since its founding in 1997, the Affiliate has called Summit its home; they started in the basement of their founder and grew so fast that a move to a small office in downtown Summit followed quickly. Not very long afterwards, they moved into the famous gray-and-pink-shuttered Komen House on Springfield Avenue. In 2012, the North Jersey Affiliate moved to their current location at 44 Middle Avenue. This September, they will make their home at 4 Campus Drive.
“We are deeply grateful for all the support and friendship that everyone in Summit—town officials, retailers and individuals—has given us over the years,” says Kelly E. Nagle, Executive Director of Komen North Jersey. “We couldn’t have achieved what we did without their help. But since our lease here was ending, we began to explore how and where we could continue to best meet the needs of the nine North Jersey counties that we serve. We started searching for a location that would be more centrally located, and then a wonderful thing happened. Mack-Cali learned of our quest and offered to help us by providing office space at their Parsippany campus. This incredible gesture of generosity will reduce our annual operating costs and allow us to ultimately direct more money to mission-related initiatives that will benefit our communities.”
Photo Courtesy of Mack-Cali
Susan G. Komen North Jersey’s mission is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. Through the annual Race for the Cure®, Pink Tie Party and other events and activities, Komen North Jersey raises funds to support local community non-profit organizations that provide screening and diagnostic services, breast health/breast cancer education, treatment support, and survivorship programs for underserved women and men in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties. Since its founding, Komen North Jersey has awarded nearly $19 million in local community grants and has directed more than $7 million to national research programs in pursuit of new breast cancer screening techniques, better and more effective treatment options, and ultimately, the causes and cures to eradicate breast cancer forever.
Phone number (908) 277-2904 and email ([email protected]) will stay the same. For more information click here.
Sketch Related to Alleged Burglary and Shot Fired on Frederick Place
MORRIS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are releasing a sketch of the suspect alleged to have committed an armed burglary that occurred on the evening of July 29, 2018 in Morris Township.
As previously stated on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at approximately 8:15 p.m., law enforcement was notified of an alleged burglary, which occurred on Frederick Place in Morris Township.
An unknown suspect, who was armed with a handgun, had attempted to make entry into the rear of a residence.
During this attempt, the resident’s dog chased after the suspect, at which time it is believed that the suspect fired the handgun in the direction of the dog. The fired shot is believed to have entered into a portion of the home.
However, there were no injuries as a result of this event. The home was occupied by the resident at the time of the incident.
The resident of the home has assisted law enforcement in the compilation of a sketch of the alleged suspect. The sketch is attached to this release.
The resident previously provided a description of the suspect as a black male, with an athletic build, approximately 5-6” to 5-8”. The suspect is believed to be in his late 20’s or early 30’s. The suspect’s hair has been described as short on the sides, with one inch twisted braids on top.
He was further reported to be wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, dark colored pants, and wearing a black backpack. Multiple law enforcement agencies have been actively involved in this investigation, including the Morris Township Police Department, the Morristown Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation is active and ongoing, and law enforcement is seeking the public’s assistance with information.
Anyone with any type of information is encouraged to contact the Morris Township Police at (973) 539-0777, Morris Township Detective Justin Crowell at (973) 326-7484,
Mt. Olive Man Sentenced to 8 Years in State Prison for Strict Liability Drug- Induced Death
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Kayron Jackson, aka Alkama Jackson, aka “Keys”, 38, of Mount Olive, has been convicted and sentenced for his involvement in the May 2017 death of Jennifer Ward, 35, in Jefferson Township.
Jackson was sentenced by the Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr. to eight years in New Jersey State Prison as a result of his previous guilty plea to the crime of first degree Strict Liability for Drug Induced Death.
Jackson will be required to serve eighty-five percent of that sentence before being eligible for parole pursuant to the “No Early Release Act” (NERA).
He will also be subject to a five-year period of parole supervision upon his release from prison. Jackson had previously pled guilty to this crime on June 27, 2018.
In October 2017, Jackson was charged by way of an eighteen count Indictment with various crimes, including the first-degree crime of Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death, and other drug-related crimes.
These charges stemmed from an investigation into the death of Jennifer Ward, who was discovered deceased in her Jefferson Township home on the morning of May 5, 2017. The investigation ultimately revealed that Jackson distributed Fentanyl to Ward in Mount Olive, New Jersey on the night before her death.
Jackson was initially charged by way of warrant-complaint in July 2017. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Troiano represented the State in this matter. The first degree crime of Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-9, provides that any person who manufactures, distributes or dispenses any of a number of controlled dangerous substances is strictly liable for a death that results from the injection, inhalation, or ingestion of that substance. This conviction and sentence marks the second successful prosecution by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office of Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death in the last year.
In September 2017, Blaine Holley was also sentenced to eight years in New Jersey State Prison as a result of his guilty plea to the crime of first degree Strict Liability for Drug Induced Death. Holley’s conviction resulted from a fatal overdose in Hanover Township in September 2016. Prosecutor Knapp stated, “The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, in conjunction with other County and local law enforcement agencies, continues to investigate the distribution of controlled dangerous substances that result in fatal overdoses as a homicide.
Significant time and resources are continuously dedicated to this ongoing effort. In addition to the two convictions for Strict Liability for Drug Induced Death, there have been multiple other Defendants convicted and sentenced to periods in State Prison for their distribution of controlled dangerous substances, the injection, inhalation, or ingestion of which factored into the death of others who have fatally overdosed.” Prosecutor Knapp thanks the members of the Mount Olive Police Department, Jefferson Township Police Department, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Special Enforcement Unit, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Scene Investigation, and the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office who contributed to this investigation and prosecution.
Local Students Graduate from NYIT
PARSIPPANY — More than 600 students received degrees from New York Institute of Technology as fall graduates of the Class of 2018. The following local students earned degrees:
Hardik Pravinbhai Soneji graduated with a MS degree in Computer Science.
Karan Sandip Sheth graduated with a MS degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
NYIT (New York Institute of Technology) offers 90 degree programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, in more than 50 fields of study, including architecture and design; arts and sciences; education; engineering and computing sciences; health professions; management; and osteopathic medicine. A non-profit independent, private institution of higher education, NYIT has 9,000 students at campuses in New York City (Manhattan) and Long Island (Old Westbury) in New York; Jonesboro, Arkansas; Vancouver, British Columbia; and in various programs around the world. NYIT sponsors 13 NCAA Division II programs.
NYIT is guided by its mission to provide career-oriented professional education, offer access to opportunity to all qualified students, and support applications-oriented research that benefits the larger world. More than 100,000 graduates have received degrees from NYIT. For more information, visit nyit.edu.
Meet two-year-old French Bulldog/Staffy mix, Honey!
PARSIPPANY Meet two-year-old French Bulldog/Staffy mix, Honey! This sweet girl recently was taken in by Wise Animal Rescue (W.A.R.) when her family could no longer care for her.
Honey is as sweet as her name suggests. She is a bit nervous right now because she is confused as to where her family is but with some reassuring whispers and gentle pets, she will be your best friend!
Honey previously lived with young children but we are waiting until she is a bit more confident to introduce her to other animals.
She is potty trained and not destructive when left alone.
For right now, she needs a quiet home where she can feel safe and comfortable. We know that once she has some time to adjust, she will be a fantastic dog ready to play and cuddle!
To foster or adopt Honey, please apply on our website:
To foster click here; To adopt click here.
Sections of Littleton Road Closed due to Motor Vehicle Crash
PARSIPPANY — Due to a motor vehicle crash into a utility pole, Littleton Road is closed at Parsippany Blvd for all southbound traffic. Southbound traffic must take Parsippany Road (which brings you towards Route 287) or Parsippany Boulevard (which brings you towards Route 46 East and West).
Littleton Road is closed at the Route 80 West on ramp near Cherry Hill Road for all northbound traffic. Northbound traffic will have to go onto Route 80 West and get back off on Cherry Hill Road which intersects with Route 46 East and West.
Inspirational Book Donation to Parsippany Library
PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Organ Transplant Group donated two copies of the book, “Surrender: What My Liver Transplant Taught Me About Control and Self Acceptance” to the Parsippany Library System.
Jayne Beline, Library Director, accepted the books at the group’s August meeting.
Written by Jessica Zampieri, the book is about hope and self acceptance and life lessons learned as the author underwent a lifesaving liver transplant at age 28.
The Morris County Organ Transplant Group is an official regional group of the NJ Sharing Network.
For more information on the Morris County group call Nick at (973) 984-6966 or e-mail [email protected]. More information on NJ Sharing Network, including upcoming activities by clicking here.
Raoul Wallenberg Commemoration
PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, August 5, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will commemorate the life of Raoul Wallenberg.
Mr. Wallenberg, was a Swedish Diplomat stationed in Hungary during World War II. Appalled at the human rights crisis that surrounded him, Mr. Wallenberg took action and proceeded to issue passports to the Jewish people who were being targeted under the Nazi regime. Due to Mr. Wallenberg’s heroism, he was able to save 100,000 Jewish people from persecution. Please join us as a community to remember a true Hero and honor his commitment of “Courage and Compassion” to others.
This event will take place in Smith Field at the corner of Baldwin Road and Route 46 starting at 1:00 p.m.
Street Hassle performs at Summer Concert Series
PARSIPPANY — Street Hassle moved their performance inside to Liquid Church due to the heavy rains throughout Thursday and performed to a very active, fun, dancing audience.
Street Hassle is a “Powerful Horn Band” with skilled area musicians that enjoy performing interpretations of Classic Rock, Blues, Motown and Pop. They are energetic and an entertainingly enjoyable band. They also cut from 60’s classic rock to 70’s disco and can ease their way through a 200+ song catalog to excite the most diverse crowd.
Next Wednesday, August 8, B Street Band will be taking the stage at Veterans Park at 7:30 p.m. depending on weather.
Jay Webber: This Is Mikie Sherrill’s Opportunity To Prove She Supports Law Enforcement
MORRIS COUNTY — Mikie Sherrill suggested a new standard for political campaigns and called on Jay Webber to return campaign resources raised with Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton. She justified the call for action on one vote Senator Cotton cast against extending the National Flood Insurance Program, a vote with which Jay disagreed. In response, Jay Webber released the following statement:
“Two days ago, Mikie Sherrill made a ridiculous claim that candidates for Congress should return any campaign contributions from elected officials that hold even one differing position from their own. I reject that idea as silly. But if Mikie believes that is the appropriate standard by which to conduct a campaign, then we invite her to live up her own standard. At the same time, Mikie has the perfect opportunity to prove that she really does support the Law Enforcement community.”
Wednesday, at the eleventh hour, after weeks of standing firmly with the abolish-ICE crowd, and just before the Webber Campaign held a press event with two Sheriffs and a former ICE agent to stand with ICE, Mikie Sherrill flip-flopped, issued a statement, and finally claimed she actually does not support the abolition of ICE. But Mikie has received $91,500 in campaign contributions from 33 Democratic Members of Congress who recently refused to support ICE on a vote in the House. So if Mikie really stands with ICE, and she believes that good-campaigning standards require the return of contributions from Members of Congress who cast even a single vote with which a candidate disagrees, then Mikie must now take immediate steps to return that money to those Members of Congress.
“Unless Mikie blatantly refuses to apply the same standards to herself as she would apply to others, Mikie will return those contributions right now. After months of running with the abolish-ICE crowd, it would be a strong show of support for the brave women and men who put themselves in harm’s way to keep our community safe from child predators and drug dealers. Failure to do so would be rank hypocrisy, coming on the heels of a massive flip-flop. It would also tell us where Mikie really stands when it comes to abolishing ICE.”
Spencer Saving Bank Awards Scholarships to Parsippany Students
PARSIPPANY — Spencer Savings Bank recently awarded $26,000 in scholarships to 34 gifted students in local high schools and middle schools during a scholarship ceremony marking the bank’s 16th year supporting education dreams.
Lawrence Ullman Jr. (Parsippany Hills High School) received a $1,000 scholarship and Bryan Tavarez (Central Middle School) received a $500 scholarship, in the form of a Coverdell Education Savings Account (CESA).
Students from various New Jersey school districts, within Spencer’s market area, received scholarships for their academic success, community service work and school activity involvement. High school students each received a $1,000 check and middle school students each received a tax-advantaged Coverdell Education Savings Account (CESA) with $500 deposited, to encourage future saving. The Spencer staff surprised the students at their local school ceremonies and presented them with certificates. All of the students, and their family members, were then invited to the annual Spencer scholarship ceremony where guests enjoyed a light buffet dinner, received gifts, took photos with Executive Management and connected with bank staff.
“Education is the key to a bright future, and Spencer is very proud to support these students in pursuit of one,” stated Jose B. Guerrero, Spencer’s Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer. “Spencer’s yearly scholarship program helps fund dreams. These gifted students are doing great work and will develop into our future leaders. We encourage them to reach for the stars and to join Spencer, one day, in making a true difference in their community. Congratulations Class of 2018!”
For decades, Spencer has been supporting programs that help grow and develop children and youth in the community. The bank is fully committed to making a true difference in their lives. Since its inception in 2002, the Spencer Scholarship Program has awarded almost $400,000 in scholarships to local students. Spencer also sponsors a financial education program where thousands have benefitted with increased financial literacy. Annually, the staff also visits schools to personally teach children lessons on financial empowerment. For this and more information on all of the bank’s extensive corporate philanthropic work click here.
About Spencer Savings Bank:
Spencer Savings Bank, a community bank headquartered in Elmwood Park, N.J., has been serving its local communities with integrity and pride for more than 75 years. The bank has over $2.7 billion in total assets and operates 21 branches throughout New Jersey. Spencer specializes in delivering premier banking products and services for consumers and businesses.
Jackie Wolf graduates from Stevenson University
PARSIPPANY — Congratulations to Jackie Wolf for graduating from Stevenson University on May 17, 2018. We wish Jackie the best of luck in the future! Jacqueline is a 2014 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School.
Stevenson University is a coeducational, independent institution widely known for its unique synthesis of traditional liberal arts education and exceptional career preparation.
The 4,200 students receive an innovative education from the six academic schools- Business and Leadership, Design, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Sciences, and Graduate and Professional Studies. Each student experiences individual attention from faculty members and extensive career preparation gained through real-world training.
Two ideal locations just north of Baltimore, Maryland, in Stevenson and Owings Mills, make the University truly unique.
Parsippany resident Nicolas Limanov raised money for Hannah Cerullo
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Resident Nicolas Limanov organized a comedy night held at the PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road, to raise money for Hannah Cerullo.
Limanov, along with Parsippany IHOP General Manager Jonathan Lemus presented the Cerullo family with over $300.00 in checks raised during the event.
The event “Yellow for Hannah” featured five comedians and two DJ’s. Tickets included all you can eat chicken, pepper steak, rice, vegetables, and beverages provided by IHOP.
Hannah Cerullo, a student at Brooklawn Middle School, was admitted to Morristown Memorial Goryeb Children’s hospital after complaining about abdominal pain.
Doctors performed several scans and found a baseball size mass on her left kidney. She underwent surgery to remove her left kidney and the mass. During surgery, they placed a port in her chest for treatments and better access to her veins.
One week later the pathology was back. The Pathology results showed that Hannah has Wilms Tumor; a pediatric cancer. Hannah was diagnosed with stage four cancer due to the disease spreading to her lungs and liver. Since diagnosis, Hannah hasn’t stopped fighting. She has undergone multiple rounds of aggressive chemo with many more to go, full radiation to the abdomen and full radiation to the chest. Although the treatments have proven to be effectively attacking the cancers, they are also taking a toll on Hannah. Since diagnosis, she has been in and out of the hospital on a regular basis undergoing transfusions, getting boosters and treating fevers.
The Cerullo family cannot begin to express their gratitude regarding the outpouring of support given by family, friends and community members while they once again go face to face in a battle against cancer. This time it is their sweet Hannah Girl, Warrior Princess.
Street Hassle rescheduled to indoors
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township has rescheduled the concert for Thursday, August 2, to the Liquid Church due to inclement weather.
Street Hassle is still scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Please be advised that there are no pets or outside food allowed in Church. Additionally the Church has plenty of seating and parking.
Liquid Church is located at 299 Webro Road.
Street Hassle is a “Powerful Horn Band” with skilled area musicians that enjoy performing interpretations of Classic Rock, Blues, Motown and Pop. They are energetic and an entertainingly enjoyable band. They also cut from 60’s classic rock to 70’s disco and can ease their way through a 200+ song catalog to excite the most diverse crowd.
Pennacchio Highlights Dangers of Sex Tourism in Dominican Republic
MORRIS COUNTY — Due to an increase in human trafficking violations in the Dominican Republic (DR,) Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) has introduced a Senate Resolution that would urge New Jersey residents to immediately cease travel to the Dominican Republic, unless the country takes action to combat the epidemic of sex tourism within the nation’s borders.
Senator Joe Pennacchio has introduced a resolution that would urge NJ residents to cease travel to the Dominican Republic, unless the country takes action to combat the epidemic of sex tourism within the nation’s borders.
“Human trafficking is modern-day enslavement in which innocent people, particularly young children, are abducted, sold, and forced into the heartbreaking sex-trade and forced labor industry,” Pennacchio said. “The Dominican Republic’s beautiful beaches and mountains cannot cover-up the fact that it’s also the world’s most dangerous tourist destination for at-risk children. Ending human trafficking is not a partisan issue. This is about human rights.”
Six million tourists visit the Dominican Republic (DR) every year. The DR is frequently cited as a world capital for sex tourism. Victims of the sex-trade industry are frequently found on street corners, beaches, parks, and other popular tourist destinations throughout the Dominican Republic.
One in four of these women were forced into sexual exploitation before their 18th birthday, according to the International Justice Mission.
Senator Joe Pennacchio’s new resolution, SR-91, aims to expose the Dominican Republic’s failure to implement protocols that would identify and assist human trafficking victims, raise awareness, and encourage the people of New Jersey to take a stand by refusing to travel to the nation. The resolution was officially introduced in the State Senate on July 1, 2018.
Over the past five years, the Dominican Republic has grown into a global source for women and children who are forced into sex trafficking; as well as young men who are sold into forced labor. In 2017, children represented more than 50 percent of the human trafficking population in the Dominican Republic.
Every year, more than a million children are exploited in the global sex-trade industry. This commercial sex-tourism market includes tourists from the United States and other countries, who travel to destinations commonly known for legal prostitution, such as the Dominican Republic. In addition to tourist destinations, the international sex-trade is fueled by weak law enforcement and dark corners of the internet.
Senator Pennacchio has sponsored a number of bills to protect children from violence.
In addition to SR-91, Senator Pennacchio also co-sponsors the “Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Prevention Act,” which would require manufactures and sellers of internet-connected devices to block websites known to facilitate human trafficking. The bill would establish a reporting website or call center, this tool would allow consumers to report unblocked obscene material.
“We cannot in good faith encourage our residents to visit the Dominican Republic,” Pennacchio added. “The DR has repeatedly failed to fully comply with the minimum global standards for eliminating human trafficking. I strongly believe that this legislation could be a critical step in our fight to end the cycle of sex tourism. 20 million people worldwide are victims of human trafficking. We must stand up and fight on their behalf in any way we can. I call on my colleagues in the Legislature to join me in this bold effort to stop these atrocities, once and for all.”
A copy of Senator Pennacchio’s Senate Resolution can be found here.
Layups 4 Life donates to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
MORRIS COUNTY — Layups 4 Life’s chose to support two current clinical trials being held at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to donate their proceeds from their 2017-2018 fundraising events.
One trial supports CAR T cell therapy and the other focuses on Epigenetics.
This season was a special one as the organization hit a big fundraising milestone and grew as an organization. The ability to accomplish these milestones could not have been achieved without the generosity of their supporters.
This year, Layups 4 Life raised $25,225; which is an all-time fundraising high for Layups 4 Life. That brings the grand fundraising total in four years of operation to $76,903! With those funds they have made contributions to Leukemia, Pediatric and Bone Marrow research departments; supporting one of the leaders in cancer research and innovation, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
CAR T Cell Therapy – Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy falls under the immunotherapy category of cancer treatments. That means harnessing the power of the body’s immune system to fight cancer. In CAR T cell therapy immune cells are removed from a patient, armed with new proteins that allow them to recognize cancer, and given back to the patient in large numbers. These cells persist in the body, becoming “living drugs.” This treatment has been successful in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In addition to expanding research into leukemias, the team is also looking into other cancers including lymphoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer and multiple myeloma, where this treatment can be utilized. Here is a great article that further discusses CAR T Cell Therapy
Epigenetics – is a type of cancer treatment that looks at cells on a molecular level. This approach heavily involves basic scientists and cancer researchers working together to figure out why one cell turns cancerous and another does not. While most cancer treatments aim to kill the cancer cell, epigenetics’ aim is to correct the cancerous cell and return it to the normal functioning state. Currently there are several trials through different types of cancer focusing on epigenetics to cure patients. The cancer areas include leukemia, pediatric brain tumors, and other blood cancers. To learn more about Epigenetics.
For information on Layups 4 life, click here.
Dine-to-Donate at Longhorn Steakhouse
PARSIPPANY — LongHorn Steakhouse, 690 Route 46, will be holding a “Dine-to-Donate” event on Tuesday, August 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
10% of the proceeds will be donated to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. Just mention to your server that you are dining to help Kiwanis Club.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany currently supports nine K-Kids clubs: Lake Parsippany Elementary School; Eastlake Elementary School: Mt. Tabor Elementary School; Littleton Elementary School, Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, Troy Hills Elementary School, Northvail Elementary School, Knollwood School and Rockaway Meadow Elementary School, two builders clubs, Central Middle School and Brooklawn Middle School; two Key Clubs, Parsippany Hills High School and Parsippany High School and one Aktion Club.
Just recently Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany submitted an application to Kiwanis International to include Intervale Elementary School as part of the K-Kids program, and Seton Hall University as part of the Circle K International.
They also raise funds and donates to the Parsippany Food Pantry, Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, Parsippany PAL Youth Center, Parsippany High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Hills High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Child Day Center, Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey, Camp Nejeda, NJ Sharing Network, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Parsippany, Parsippany Project Graduation, Jersey Battered Women’s Services, Family Promise of Morris County, Parsippany Little League West, Parsippany Little League East to name a few.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here.