PARSIPPANY — Kafe Mozart, 2900 Route 10 West, Powder Mill West Shopping Center, joined with Greater Parsippany Kiwanis Club “April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.”
The pinwheels represent our commitment to safe, healthy childhoods for all children in our community.
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is participating in the annual Pinwheels For Prevention event. Karen DeChristopher, Young Children Priority One, has placed signs and pinwheels throughout Parsippany. These pinwheels represent abused children of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
Why Pinwheels for Prevention? For decades, market research consistently has shown that the public views child abuse and neglect as a serious problem. As a national organization whose mission is “to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation’s children,” Kiwanis’ emphasis is to transform that awareness into action. We now have that opportunity through the pinwheel, which reminds us of childlike notions and stands for the chance at the healthy, happy and full lives all children deserve.
Kiwanis views this as part of their mission statement “changing the world one child and one community at a time” When you drive throughout Parsippany and see these pinwheels, take time to reflect on all the abused children in the world.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance with identifying the men in these pictures. They were last seen operating a GMC Jimmy possibly late 1990’s to early 2000’s. Detectives would like to speak to them regarding the incident below-
Parsippany Police Department was contacted by the victim who stated they had arrived home and found the rear door open to their residence on Parsippany Boulevard, on January 19. Patrol Officer J. Mendez and T. Armenti responded to the scene and spoke to the victim.
Detectives would like to speak to them regarding the incident on January 19
A check of the interior by Patrol Officer T. Armenti and J. Mendez revealed that the master bedroom had multiple drawers open and the contents scattered around the room. Detective Sgt. T. Lesiak, Patrol Sergeant M. LaManna, Detective D. Conte, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Department CID arrived on scene to assist in the investigation. It was determined that entry was gained by breaking glass panes on the exterior door and jewelry was stolen from the residence.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Departments Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
Detectives would like to speak to them regarding the incident happening on January 19
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-based law firm Inglesino, Webster, Wyciskala & Taylor donated $10,000 to Community Access Unlimited for general support of the agency’s programs, services and members. Partner John Inglesino is Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Attorney.
According to Income Tax returns filed by Community Access Unlimited, the Executive Director, Sidney Blanchard, earned more than $278,000 in compensation and benefits and the Associate Director earned more than $200,000 in 2013. The organization had a revenue of $48,569,766.000 in contributions and grants during the same period. (See attached). The organization employs almost 1,300 people with 65% of the gross revenue being paid in salaries. The filing shows an address at 80 West Grant Street, Englewood.
In February Community Access Unlimited (CAU) has received a total of $27.5 million line of credit from Valley National Bancorp. Of that, $20 million will help finance CAU’s growth and $7.5 million is for a owner-occupied construction-to-permanent mortgage for the agency’s new office.
The agency owns more than 250 units of affordable housing throughout Union County, comprising apartments, condos, single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses, all privately financed. Many are mixed-use properties, providing an additional revenue stream to support and enhance CAU’s service capacity.
CAU is a statewide Elizabeth-based nonprofit providing support programs and services to adults with disabilities as well as youth served under the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to enable them to live independently in the community, in areas including housing, vocational skills and life-skills training, education, advocacy and recreation, according to a press release from the law firm.
Valley National was honored by CAU at the agency’s 2015 Gala with the Ira Geller Award for the Financial Literacy Program the bank runs at the agency for its members. The award recognizes an individual or organization that has a significant commitment to CAU.
“We want to support the wonderful things Community Access and its people are doing,” said Lisa Taylor, a partner in the firm. “The name says it all. It’s about serving the community, helping people live within the community who might not be able to otherwise, about providing access to a quality of life they might not have access to otherwise, and about unlimited opportunities.”
Inglesino, Webster, Wyciskala & Taylor is a law firm with areas of practice that include municipal, real estate, land use and redevelopment, litigation, aviation, property tax appeals, labor and employment, and health care.
Inglesino, Webster, Wyciskala & Taylor is located at 600 Parsippany Road.
Blanchard founded CAU in 1979 with a $90,000 grant and the mission to move people out of institutional living and into the community. Today the agency serves more than 6,000 members throughout the state.
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation made a donation to NJ Sharing Network on Thursday, April 7.April is National Donate Life Month.
NJ Sharing Network encourages all communities throughout the state to join us to celebrate National Donate Life Month in April and National Donate Life Blue and Green Day. Through your participation, you will join thousands of businesses, hospitals, schools, community groups and elected officials across the nation who demonstrate their support of organ and tissue donation and bring much-needed attention to this critical issue.
Kiwanis President Bob Keller, Gordon Meth, Michele Dabal, NJ Sharing Network and Kiwanis President Connie Keller. Bob received a kidney transplant and his donor was his wife, Connie.
NJ Sharing Network is a non-profit, federally designated organ procurement organization. This means they are responsible for the recovery of organs and tissue for the nearly 5,000 New Jersey residents currently awaiting transplantation.
They are also part of the national recovery system, which is in place for the more than 122,000 people on waiting lists.
NJ Sharing Network operates 24/7/365 with a team of over 150 highly trained and dedicated members on staff. The Governing and Foundation Boards are made up of a diverse group of individuals from both public and private sectors, across a variety of disciplines, and many of whom have been touched by donation including donor families and recipients. They bring great experience and insight to the important and life-saving work that we do.
NJ Sharing Network was formed in June 1987 when three New Jersey organ procurement organizations merged.
Later that year, legislation passed by both state and federal governments, known as Required Request/Assured Option, began requiring hospitals to present the option of donation to family members of potential donors.
Since then, NJ Sharing Network and the Foundation has set out to educate the general public about how transplantation can save lives with the goal of increasing the number of organ donors.
By working closely with hospitals and transplant centers, and increasing awareness with education tools and the media, the number of organs recovered in New Jersey for transplant has quadrupled since NJ Sharing Network was founded. Through supporting the hospital partners, medical examiners and funeral directors in the identification, referral and care of potential organ and tissue donors, they realize the mutual goal of saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation.
Their fully accredited “state of the art” transplant laboratory performs histocompatibility testing of organ donors and recipients. The laboratory also plays a critical role in the pre and post-transplant evaluation, and successful transplantation of highly sensitized individuals who would be difficult to treat under general conditions.
The Family Services Division provides care during and after a donor family’s experience. Family Services also addresses unique issues related to seeking consent for organ and tissue donation.
NJ Sharing Network’s goal is to educate New Jersey residents about the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation and transplantation, so they can discuss donation with their families and make the personal decision to register as a donor. (Click here to register as a donor).
In addition, they work closely with state lawmakers to pass legislation, such as the landmark 2008 Hero Act which mandates donation education in public high school curriculums, for public institutes of higher learning and as a condition for graduation for professional nursing and medical school programs.
Volunteers are at the heart of community outreach. Volunteers help educate the public about organ donation and transplantation by participating in community events, speaking at houses of worship and civic organizations, and encouraging local organizations and businesses to display donor registry brochures and other educational information on organ and tissue donation.
For more information on NJ Sharing Network, click here.
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation Inc. awards grants from the proceeds of various annual fundraisers. Applications are reviewed three times during the year at Foundation meetings. If an immediate response is needed, this should be indicated on the grant application. Grant applications can be downloaded by clicking here.
The Foundation does not donate to individuals and awards are not made for purely personal needs such as training courses or scholarships. While reviewing an application, the Foundation may request additional information or an in-person meeting. Programs that primarily benefit young residents of Parsippany or the culture, history or well being of Parsippany will be given priority.
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets at the Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. You are invited to attend a meeting every Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. at
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!
Click here for more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Chief of Police Paul Philipps held the promotion to the rank of Lieutenant for Sgt. Thomas Pomroy and the rank of Sergeant for Detective Daniel Conte and Patrol Officer Michael Kimble.
The promotions were held in the Council Chambers at Town Hall on April 6, 2016.
Lieutenant Thomas Pomroy during the swearing in celebration at Town Hall
Lt. Thomas Pomroy is a married father of four children started working for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department in July of 2002 and attained the rank of Sergeant in 2010. He was previously employed by the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department for five years. Lt. Pomroy earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Rutgers University and is currently certified as 911 Instructor, Breathalyzer Operator, Emergency Medical Technician, Emergency Medical Dispatch Instructor, 9-1-1 Instructor, and CPR instructor. He is also the Department’s liaison and a member of the Morris County Rapid Deployment Team. He has received three Life Saving Awards, three Command Citations, two Unit Commendation awards, Exceptional Duty Award and received the 2009 MADD Law Enforcement Distinguished Service Awards for driving while intoxicated enforcement.
Sergeant Daniel Conte during the swearing in
Sgt. Daniel Conte is a married father of three children, who started working for the Parsippany Police Department in July, 1999. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Montclair State University and is a certified Field Training Officer. He most recently served as a Detective and is a member of the Morris County Rapid Deployment Team. He has received a Life Saving Award and a Command Citation.
Sgt. Michael Kimble
Sgt. Michael Kimble is a married father of five children, who started his career with the Parsippany Police Department as a Special Police Officer Class II in January of 1991, before attending the Morris County Police Academy in December of 1992 and receiving his Basic Police Officer Certification. Sgt. Kimble has received four Command Citations, three Unit Commendations, and a Life Saving Medal.
Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Police Chief Paul Philipps, Sergeant Daniel Conte, Mayor James Barberio, Lieutenant Michael Kimble, Lieutenant Thomas Pomroy, Council President Louis Valori and Chief PatinaSergeant Michael Kimble celebrating at Kafe Mozart
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School Project Graduation was chosen by Jersey Mike’s, Smith Road, on Wednesday, March 30 to donate 100% of the day’s sales.
Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, asks customers to eat a sub and help a local charity.
This year, the national sub shop chain joined forces with more than 180 local charities for the company’s 6th Annual March “Month of Giving” fundraising campaign. Last year’s Month of Giving raised more than $3 million for more than 150 different charities nationwide and this year Jersey Mike’s hopes to raise even more.
During the month of March, everyone was invited to come into Jersey Mike’s restaurant and make a donation to that location’s designated charity partner, Parsippany Hills High School Project Graduation. Other charities at other Jersey Mike’s locations include hospitals, youth organizations, food banks and more.
The campaign culminated in the nationwide event, Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 30 when 100 percent of the day’s sales – every single dollar – is donated to the local partner charity. This year Parsippany Hills High School Project Graduation was chosen by Parsippany’s Jersey Mike’s location. Jersey Mike’s “Month of Giving” donated a total of $6,855.55 to Project Graduation. This included all tips for the month of March, plus 100 percent of all sales for the March 30 Day of Giving.
“I would like to extend a personal invitation to come in and enjoy a Jersey Mike’s sub during our Month of Giving,” said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO, who started the company when he was only 17 years old. “This year, as we celebrate 60 years in business, we hope to raise more than $3.5 million to help local charities. It’s gratifying to know that each new location brings more opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Jersey Mike’s has more than doubled in size in just three years. Last year, Jersey Mike’s opened 197 new locations and exceeded the 1,000-unit mark. Started in 1956, the sub chain now has more than 1,500 restaurants open and under development nationwide.
“Giving…making a difference in someone’s life” has been the mission of Jersey Mike’s from the beginning. Since 2010, Jersey Mike’s locations throughout the country have raised more than $14 million for worthy local charities and have distributed more than 1.5 million free sub sandwiches to help numerous causes.
Project Graduation is a program offered by many high schools in the United States, in which organized, adult-supervised and alcohol-free activities are offered as part of a post-graduation party, as an alternative to student-run events involving alcoholic beverages or other drugs.
PARSIPPANY — The Davis family contributes to our community through many different ways. Teaching, sports, music, friendship and generosity! The Davis family suffered a serious house fire on Easter Sunday, March 27 and it is time for the community to give back to this wonderful family.
House fire at Two Strafford Way. Photo by Mount Tabor Fire Department.
Bedroom window
Members of the family and neighbors with firemen
Bedroom window
Parsippany Rescue and Recovery boarded up the home
Parsippany Rescue and Recovery boarded up the home
Parsippany Rescue and Recovery boarded up the home
Parsippany Rescue and Recovery boarded up the home
The Family suffered a loss of their beloved Cat ‘Misty’ in the fire. This specific fire has damaged a large percentage of their living space and will require lots of repair.
Even areas not in the direct fire were damaged by smoke and water. Please give what you can to help the Davis family get back on their feet and back into their home.
PHHS Football Parents Association has created a Give Forward campaign to raise funds for assistance of those items which they will need to replace that were damaged in the fire.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Police Dispatchers received a 911 call at 3:40 a.m. on February 11 reporting there is a bomb at the Holiday Inn located at 707 Route 46.
Multiple Patrol Officers responded to the location, along with Morris County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Units. A check of the area was completed and no suspicious items or bombs were found.
After a brief investigation Det. M. Czajka was able to identify who the caller was after receiving assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On March 22 Det. M. Czajka charged George Castellon, 26, Parsippany, with False Public Alarm. He was issued a Summons and advised of his court date.
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.
MORRIS COUNTY — Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen announced his re-election campaign on Sunday, April 3.
The Harding resident and popular Republican congressman, representing 28 Morris County municipalities, officially announced his re-election campaign, saying he filed his nominating petitions last week with the New Jersey Secretary of State.
“My approach to public service is straightforward: I fight every day for New Jersey families, small businesses, veterans and seniors and work to change the way business is done in Washington,” Frelinghuysen wrote in his announcement statement.
Frelinghuysen’s Republican-heavy 11th District also includes portions of Essex, Passaic and Sussex counties.
“I am humbled to have received the trust and support of the residents of the fifty-four great municipalities,” wrote Frelinghuysen, who turns 70 on April 29.
PARSIPPANY — Volunteers from the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage will work at the Furnishing Solutions, 2960 Route 10 West, Powder Mill West Shopping Center, as part of the statewide Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares Day event on Thursday, April 14.
Furnishing Solutions is a large facility of 18,000 square feet that sells furniture, clothing and gift items with proceeds directly benefiting Homeless Solutions of Morris County.
Volunteers will be cleaning furniture, organizing clothing and dusting.
About 50 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage real estate offices in New Jersey and Rockland County, N.Y., are giving back to local communities through charitable efforts on April 14-16 as part of the fourth annual Cares Day event.
PARSIPPANY — Recently parents, students, teachers and supporters of Parsippany High School Bands dined at Kafe Mozart, 2900 Route 10 West. PHS Bands participated in a “Dine to Donate” program offered by Kafe Mozart, where 10% of the proceeds were donated back to the organization.
The special crepe made for Band Director Greg Dalakian
“Dine to Donate” is a fun and easy way for Kafe Mozart to assist in raising funds for a cause or organization of your choice. They provide the restaurant, staff, and a Dine to Donate flyer to ensure the “Dine to Donate” event is an absolute success. When friends and family turn in the organization’s “Dine to Donate” event flyer on the day of the event, 10% of their purchase will be donated directly back to the organization.
Kafe Mozart opened in February serving Savory Crepes, Sweet Crepes, Panini’s, Homemade Soups, Entrees, Sandwiches and Burgers as well as a complete Espresso Bar.
For more information on Dine to Donate, click here.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Morris County Sheriff Candidate John Sierchio held a kick-off reception on Monday, April 4. The event attended by over 300 supporters was held at Zeris Inn, Mountain Lakes.
Paul Carifi, Jr., introducing the digitionaries
The room was filled with supporters
Candidate John Sierchio addressing his supporters
Peter King, Esq., Lou Valori and Roman Hirniak being introduced by Edward Rochford
Edward Rochford
Edward Rochford hugs Paul Carifi, Jr.,
Roman Hirniak with Mayor James Barberio
Attending and supporting Sierchio was Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Council President Lou Valori, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., current Sheriff Edward Rochford and a few dozen other local dignitaries.
Paul Carifi, Jr., said “It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of a great kick-off event. There were many people showing their support for John.”
“With 24 years of experience as Sheriff, I know exactly what it takes to protect the safety of Morris County residents and the wallets of taxpayers,” said Sheriff Edward Rochford. “I also know this: there is no one better qualified than John Sierchio to fight for the families, seniors, and taxpayers of Morris County as our next Sheriff, and that’s why I’m proud to endorse his candidacy.”
“Through our law enforcement backgrounds, John Sierchio and I met a number of years ago and have maintained a friendship ever since. Naturally, I’m going to be supportive of a friend, stated Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Louis Valori.
Sierchio has 27 years experience in law enforcement, serving in the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, the Essex County Police Department, and in the Bloomfield Police Department. Sierchio also served as Chairman of the state’s Police and Fireman’s Retirement System, where the Star-Ledger called him a “crusader” for saving millions of taxpayer dollars by exposing fraudulent pension claims.
Sierchio pledged to only accept the minimum Sheriff’s salary.
“In my first three years as Sheriff, my plan will save Morris County taxpayers $141,000, while Mr. Gannon’s plan will save $0,” said Sierchio, whose candidacy has been endorsed by retiring Morris County Sheriff Ed Rochford. “As the fiscal conservative in this campaign, I’m calling upon Mr. Gannon to join me in putting tax dollars back into the hands of our county’s residents by pledging to accept only the minimum Sheriff’s salary.”
Rockaway Township Councilman Mike Puzio, Council President Stephen Antonelli, Councilman Frank Berman, Councilman Jack Quinn and Councilman Don Reddin
Republican candidate Jim Gannon retired in 2008 as a Member of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) from his 25-years of service as a Boonton and Boonton Township Police Officer, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, with an annual pension of $78,160, will file paperwork with the State of New Jersey to freeze that pension and collect only his salary as Morris County Sheriff if successful in the June primary and then elected to a full-term in November.
John Sierchio has a plan that will result in actual savings for taxpayers. Sierchio called upon fellow candidate James Gannon to sign on to his plan and join him in pledging to accept only the minimum Sheriff’s salary required by law.
Fred Beaver, who served as Director of State Pensions and Benefits for eight years, agreed with Sierchio’s assertion that only his plan would save taxpayer dollars: “Fred Beaver, a past director of the state Division of Pension and Benefits, agreed with Sierchio that a candidate’s freezing of a pension would result in no savings to taxpayers because his pension already has been funded, with contributions no longer being given by the governmental employer.”
John is married with four children and lives in Boonton Township, where he has served as a Member of the Board of Education since 2008. He served five years as Chairman of the state’s Police and Fireman’s Retirement System and twelve years total on its Board of Trustees. Sierchio was appointed by Governor Chris Christie to serve as a Member of the Governor’s Transition Team in 2009, where John served as a member of the Law and Public Safety Subcommittee. John is a member of many organizations, including the New Jersey State PBA, the Italian American Police Society, and a Life Member of the National Rife Association.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany United Methodist Church is pleased to be hosting a Canticles performance on Sunday, April 10 at 7:00 p.m. Presented by the nonprofit Triad Arts Ensemble, this music ministry directly benefits three New Jersey organizations that support those impacted by HIV/AIDS and in memory of those lost to the disease. The concerts also raise awareness, dispel ignorance and help to shine God’s love through the compassion, talents and financial gifts of those attending and performing.
The Canticles concerts benefit the following charities that are concerned with the quality of life for persons living with HIV/AIDS and the remembrance of lives lost: New Jersey AIDS Services based in Morristown, the NAMES Project of Northern New Jersey, which supports the AIDS Memorial Quilt; and the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children in Newark.
Tickets are $15.00 for general admission, $12.00 for students and seniors, $25.00 for a contributor ticket and $60.00 for a Program Sponsor (which includes two tickets and a one-line message in the program). You can purchase tickets online at www.CanticlesforLife.org, in person through the church office, by mailing the completed flyer/order form, or at the door the evening of the concert. Pick up a flyer/order form, visit the Canticles web site or call (973) 763-5481 for further information. All ticket proceeds directly benefit the three charities.
The Canticles for Life AIDS Benefit Concerts began in the spring of 1997 and have been held almost annually since then. Over $124,000 has been raised for the New Jersey AIDS charities, and the concerts have featured numerous local performers and dozens of pieces by New Jersey composers.
Parsippany United Methodist Church is located at 903 South Beverwyck Road, and can be reached by calling (973) 887-4657.
PARSIPPANY — New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the long-term temporary closure of the Route 46 westbound ramp to I-80 westbound, for the start of a ramp reconstruction project in Morris County.
The bridge closed at 10:00 p.m. this evening, until the fall of 2016, NJDOT’s contractor, Ritacco Construction Co., Inc., is scheduled to temporarily close the Route 46 westbound ramp to I-80 westbound in Parsippany to allow for the demolition and reconstruction of the bridge deck and to perform structural improvements on the ramp. Traffic will be directed to use the following long-term detour.
Detour from I-46 westbound:
Motorists are directed to make a right onto Route 202 northbound / Parsippany Boulevard Turn right at the Waterview Boulevard traffic light onto I-287 southbound
From I-287 southbound, bear right onto I-80 westbound
The $1.4 million federally-funded Route 46 westbound ramp to I-80 westbound reconstruction project, will demolish and reconstruct the existing bridge deck and make repairs to the concrete abutments and piers on the ramp. The bridge reconstruction project is designed to be completed in stages. Motorists traveling on Route 46 eastbound will experience lane closures in the vicinity underneath the bridge. NJDOT has coordinated with local officials throughout the design process. The bridge reconstruction project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2016.
Variable message signs are being utilized throughout the project limits to provide advance notification to motorists of all traffic pattern changes associated with the interchange improvements project. Throughout the project, NJDOT will provide information before upcoming road closures.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info.
PARSIPPANY — Four Brooklawn Middle School students, Jake Hockwitt, Kinjal Potdar, David Edmiston and Joe Wentworth was notified by the National Geographic Society they are semifinalists eligible to compete in the 2016 New Jersey National Geographic State Bee.
This is the second level of the National Geographic Bee competition, which is now in its 28th year. School Bees were held in schools with fourth- through eighth-grade students throughout the state to determine each school champion. School champions then took an online qualifying test. The National Geographic Society has invited up to 100 of the top-scoring students in each of the 50 states, District of Columbia, Department of Defense Dependents Schools and U.S. territories to compete in the state Bees.
Each state champion will receive $100, the National Geographic book “The National Parks: An Illustrated History” and a medal, and will journey to Washington, D.C., to represent their state in the National Geographic Bee Championship at National Geographic Society headquarters, May 22-25. The national champion will receive a $50,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society. The national champion will also travel (along with one parent or guardian), all expenses paid, on a Lindblad expedition to Southeast Alaska aboard National Geographic Sea Lion, including Glacier Bay National Park, in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. Travel for the trip is provided by Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic. Visit www.natgeobee.org for more information on the National Geographic Bee.
The 2016 National Geographic Bee Championship final round, moderated for the first time by journalist and humorist Mo Rocca, will air on the National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo WILD on Friday, May 27, at 8:00 p.m. and later on public television stations. Check local television listings for air date and time in your area.
PARSIPPANY — On May 15, John Manzi will be running in the Wild Half Marathon in Wildwood to raise funds to cover rising medical expenses for his godson, Noah Lorencovitz and his family during a very difficult time.
On Thursday morning March 3, what started as a normal school day for the 13 year old suddenly turned tragic. During gym class at Central Middle School, Noah excused himself to the locker room. While in there, his heart went into an arrhythmia which ultimately led to cardiac arrest. An student found him unresponsive and contacted his teacher who immediately began CPR. The school nurse and EMTs were summoned to help and administer an AED to get his heart started again. He was rushed to nearby Morristown Medical Center. While the staff provided great care and support to stabilize Noah, they didn’t have the full capability to care for a patient in such a dire situation. Noah was transferred to Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital at Columbia Presbyterian in NYC and was in the cardiac intensive care (ICU) for almost three weeks.
During his time in the ICU, the medical staff managed and stabilized his organs to prevent further damage from the initial shock from the event. They helped his body recover and during treatment, discovered an extra nerve on his heart which led to his rapid heartbeat or arrhythmia. The doctors conducted a successful ablation procedure on Noah and shortly thereafter he left the ICU. However his fight is not over. The next major hurdle is recovering from the trauma that was caused to Noah’s brain during the cardiac event. The family remains hopeful and would like to get him to the next phase of his treatment which will be at Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick. It is expected to be a long road of rehabilitation ahead. Everyone is hopeful that Noah will recover from the trauma so we can hear his voice and see that infectious smile!
John Manzi said “My heart aches to see Tim and Jennifer, Noah’s parents, suffering like they are (Tim has been my best friend since the 3rd grade). But, I am so proud of how they continue to navigate through this very difficult situation and take it one day at a time. I am a firm believer that people “get what they can handle” and those dealt with very difficult situations are the special ones chosen from God because he knows they will shine. While this is probably one of the most difficult circumstances that one could imagine, I truly believe that the strength of both their marriage and parenting skills will enable them to get through this. Although the road of their family journey through life will change, I am certain that the new road will bring them joy and happiness. I definitely will continue to be a passenger right next to them as they continue down that road.”
On May 15, my “Race 4 Noah” in the Wild Half Marathon in Wildwood will be to raise funds for Noah’s ongoing medical & rehabilitation expenses. Prior to Noah’s accident, he was your everyday 13 old boy that loved to play baseball and basketball. He wore #4 on his jersey in his last baseball and basketball seasons. To help support Lorencovitz’s ensure that Noah continues to get the best treatment possible, I am running this half marathon with a goal to raise $13,100; $1,000 for each mile I run for a total of 13.1 miles. As I train for this event, I will challenge my own stamina and endurance, but I know it is nothing compared to what the Lorencovitz family will be battling each day as they adjust to their new normal. Please join me and help support this cause. Any dollar amount you can donate will be another stride to help me reach my goal. Together, we can help get Noah back on his feet one day wearing that #4 again on the basketball court, said Manzi.
If you can’t make a donation at this point, help him reach his goal by sharing this acticle on Facebook and Twitter! Even better, send an email to friends you think might be interested in contributing and include a link to this article.
BUTLER — On March 31, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was informed by the Butler Police Department of an officer-involved shooting occurring in their town and involving a member of their department.
At this time, the Prosecutor’s Office can confirm that an incident occurred leading to a Butler police officer discharging his weapon.
The investigation into this matter is ongoing, and there is no current threat to the community.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate this matter, with assistance from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigation Section, and in consultation with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, no additional information will be released at this time.
PARSIPPANY — The New Jersey Department of Transportation today announced it will start work in April on a major bridge demolition and reconstruction project that will close the Route 80 westbound entrance ramp from Route 46, near Edwards Road.
According to the state DOT, this work will require the full closure of the Route 46 westbound ramp to Route 80 westbound local lanes from April 4 through August 31. The DOT anticipates potential traffic impacts along Route 46 westbound during this time period.
The ramp in question leads from Route 46 westbound, just past the Edwards Road traffic light and a short distance prior to the traffic light at the Arlington Plaza shopping center.
During Stage 1 of construction, the lanes along Route 46 Eastbound will be reconfigured to provide a work zone along the right shoulder. Three through-lanes will be maintained during this duration. Bridge deck demolition, the construction of a new bridge slab, and repairs to the existing concrete abutments and piers will be conducted during this phase.
During Stage 2 of the construction, the lanes along Route 46 Eastbound that pass under the bridge will be reconfigured to provide a work zone along the left shoulder of Route 46 Eastbound. Three through-lanes will be maintained during this duration. Repairs to the existing concrete abutments and piers will be conducted during this phase.
Short-term night-time lane closures will be needed to complete the cleaning and painting of the existing steel beams which are to remain. Lane closures will be limited to hours between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Monday through Thursdays and Sundays; between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Fridays; and between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Saturdays.
There will posted detours during the project.
The overall project improvements involve the bridge deck to be replaced within the limits of the existing bridge (no widening or expansion will be performed); repairs to the existing substructure units; repairs to the existing steel superstructure; lighting improvements; installation of new guide rail; and minimal approach roadway work will be performed. There are no impacts to right of way, access, or environmental resources anticipated.
Overall completion of this project is anticipated to be in late November 2016.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Police Department’s Communication Center received a phone call reporting an erratic driver in a red Ford Focus at Manor Lane and Route 10 West, at 11:46 p.m. on March 28.
Upon arrival of responding Patrol Officers they located a red 2015 Ford Focus on Manor Lane just off of Route 10 West and initiated a traffic stop. The driver, Peter Lewis, 58, Ocean City, Maryland, attempted to flee the area, but was unable to do so because his vehicle was disabled from damage sustained from a motor vehicle crash.
Picture of a stop sign the driver crashed into and left the scene
The Ford Focus was leaking chemicals on the road
The rear tire of the vehicle was flat
The windshield was cracked
Right Front Tire was flat
Patrol Officer G. Lowe conducted the crash investigation and determined that Mr. Lewis initially crashed into the curb and a stop sign located at the entrance to 2350 Route 10 West and continued driving west to the area of Manor Lane and Route 10 West.
After a brief investigation, Patrol Officer L. Nicos placed Mr. Lewis under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated and transported back to Parsippany Police Headquarters for processing. Mr. Lewis was also found to be in possession of suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia. He was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of a Controlled and Dangerous Substance in the Third Degree. His bail was set at $2,500 with no 10% option at which time he was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his court date.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Condemning the deadly events that took place in Brussels, Belgium last week, local religious leaders will be joined by Morris County officials to discuss anti-terrorism and anti-extremism positions at the Villa at Mountain Lakes on Wednesday, March 30.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will hold the event, titled United Against Extremism, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will be joined Mayor James Barberio and mayors from Basking Ridge and Saddle Brook, along with officials from Morris County and Homeland Security Operations Chief Walter Pullen, as well as Imam Azher Haneef, Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
“The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community categorically condemns all terrorist attacks, including the recent assault in Brussels, Belgium,” the group said in a statement. “As a counter narrative to extremist ideology, the True Islam and the Extremists campaign dispelling myths and misconceptions about Islam will be discussed to unite in the fight against extremist ideologies.”
The event is free and open to the public. The Villa is located at 90 Route 46, Mountain Lakes.
