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New substance abuse counseling center opens in Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — NewBridge Services has opened a 15,320-square-foot, centralized service center providing counseling, substance abuse treatment and other programs to better serve Morris County residents.

“NewBridge has long served Morris County, but with the opening of this center in the county’s most populous town, near the crossroads of routes 80 and 287, we’ve greatly improved accessibility,’’ NewBridge CEO Robert L. Parker said. “Throughout the region, residents have had to endure long waiting lists to get the care they need, but NewBridge has the capacity to accept new clients immediately,” Parker noted.

Located in the in the Troy Office Center off eastbound Route 46 in Parsippany, the facility has 20 counseling rooms and spacious group therapy rooms, as well as a drop-in center for clients. It’s also the new home of NewBridge Jobs Plus, a free program that has helped more than 3,000 young adults earn their high school diplomas and prepare for careers.

Amy Sheppard, supervisor of NewBridge Jobs Plus, looks at framed photos waiting to be hung in the new building.
Amy Sheppard, supervisor of NewBridge Jobs Plus, looks at framed photos waiting to be hung in the new building.

NewBridge has made significant investments in its information technology to meet federal health care requirements and changes to state funding formulas, and expanded its evidenced-based practices. Last fall, NewBridge opened a 13,000-square-foot center in the Haskell section of Wanaque Township, expanding the nonprofit’s presence in Passaic County.

“NewBridge has a strong reputation for innovative programs and community responsiveness, and our new center in Parsippany gives Morris County residents easy, immediate access to our highly regarded services,’’ Parker said.

NewBridge is hosting an open house on Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 4-6 p.m., at the center, located at 1259 Route 46, Building 2. At 5 p.m., NewBridge will dedicate one of the two NewBridge Jobs Plus classrooms to the memory of founder Jim Ryan and his wife, Marie, both champions of people with mental illnesses. For more information, visit newbridge.org or call (973) 316-9333.

Genesis portal is not the issue; Students were given updated copies of schedules

PARSIPPANY — This afternoon, the Board of Education released the following information: “All Middle School students were given updated copies of their schedules this morning. A small percentage of students still needed assistance in completing their academic core (Language Arts/Reading and Writing, Math, Social Studies, Science) schedules. For the balance of this week students will be given updated schedules that may or may not contain schedule changes. The Genesis student information portal is fully working as expected. We have focused all of our resources on our students and their schedules, said Joan F. Benos, Chief of Staff/Public Information Officer.”

Over the weekend, the district released another statement, claiming the Genesis portal is not the issue, rather a longer-range problem: “We would like to inform you that the issues we are having with our middle school schedules do not have anything to do with our student information system software, Genesis. The design of the middle school schedule presented our district with various problems when it came time for implementation.  When solutions were chosen as a means to correct the problem, the staff at Genesis was completely supportive and willing to help. They came to our district, conferenced with key personnel on the phone, and answered questions as they arose. Genesis remains fully capable of handling all of our student information needs, including scheduling, and we are grateful to them for their assistance throughout our efforts to correct this problem.”

Meanwhile, on Friday, September 4, on the second day of the new school year, Dr. Nancy Gigante, Assistant Superintendent, stated Scott Rixford is taking a 30-day medical leave of absence effective immediately.  Calls to Mr. Rixford’s cell phone went to voice mail, and the voice mail box was full.

Parents and students were able to obtain their schedules over the weekend, although many have complained to missing classes or missing teachers assigned to classes.

The statements and updates released by the Board of Education regarding the issues weren’t enough for students and parents. Parents didn’t understand the problem since schedules were completed by families in January 2015, giving the district some seven months to iron out the problems.

Parents are urging everyone to attend the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, September 10 at 7:00 p.m. to be held at the Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Road.

Spruce Up Your Closet for a Cause with Employment Horizons’ Drive

CEDAR KNOLLS — Clothing and fashion accessories for men, women and children will be collected as Employment Horizons holds its annual fall clothing drive September 30 to October 2.  The fall clothing drive offers an opportunity to get a fresh start for fall while helping to raise money to assist people with disabilities.

Items to be collected also include stuffed animals and hard toys, such as dolls and action figures (must be below 14” in size), as well as household linens (blankets, sheets, curtains, etc – no fabric scraps or carpet). All items should be placed in well-tied plastic bags. Shoes, boots and sneakers will be accepted. No single shoes, please.

All donated items will be distributed to needy families overseas. The clothing will be turned over to a company that will in turn pay Employment Horizons for each pound collected. Our goal is to collect 5,000 pounds!

Bags may be dropped off at Employment Horizons, Inc. at 10 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls from September 30 to October 2, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.  Donations are to be placed in a box truck marked “Clothing Drive” located in the Employment Horizons rear parking lot. Items may not be dropped off until Wednesday.

Employment Horizons is a local not-for-profit organization which serves individuals with disabilities, empowering them to earn a paycheck and live as productive citizens in the greater Morris County area.

For more information, contact Maria Florio, Director of Community Relations at (973) 538-8822 ext. 240 or at mariaflorio@ehorizons.org.

 

Woman’s Club donates school supplies to Jersey Battered Women’s Service

The Woman's Club donated school supplies to Jersey
The Woman’s Club donated school supplies to Jersey Bettered Women’s Service

PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills recently conducted a collection of school supplies, backpacks and lunch packs to donate to the children living at Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS) of Morris County residences.

JBWS provides a safe house and transitional living accommodations for victims of domestic abuse and their children.

The Woman’s Club members and friends donated school supplies with a total value of over $735.00 and passed along a check for $20.00 made out to JBWS.

A $25.00 gift card donated by Target was used there to purchase additional school supplies.  The total value of the donations was over $780.00.

The collection helps to provide these children with the things they need to perform their school work and enrich their education.

For additional information on JBWS, please contact info@jbws.org.  For information on the Woman’s Club involvement with JBWS call Cathy Haney at (973) 335-9769.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.

For membership information call Cathy Cerbo at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or check us out on the web www.parsippanywomansclub.org.

“Feng Shui” seminar to be held at Community Center

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills invites all Parsippany Seniors to attend a Seminar on “Feng Shui” presented by Judith Ryan on September 17, 2015 in Room A at the Parsippany Community Center starting at 10:00 a.m.

Feng Shui is an approach to life enhancement by design which dates back over 5,000 years. Feng Shui is the “Eastern Art of Placement.”

Judith Ryan has developed her innate gifts of psychic insight and extrasensory awareness to a very high level of consciousness. As a child she was recognized as having traits that caused her to be able to read people, events, and future happenings spiritually and accurately. Her grandmother, a gifted clairvoyant, nurtured this rare talent. She believed the greatest legacy she could bestow upon her grandchild would be to help her accept and develop her instinctive gifts, so she could use them to help others.

Judith’s career as a professional astrologer and Feng Shui master has spanned over 25 years and six continents. During this time, she has delivered lectures and seminars to audiences in North and South America, Europe, Australia, the South Sea Islands, and North Africa.

Light refreshments will be served.

The Parsippany Community Center is located at 1130 Knoll Road.

The Attic: Antiques, Collectibles & Curios Show and Sale

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society will be holding and antiques, collectibles and curios show called “The Attic.”

The members encourages you to visit The Old Littleton School House, located at 1780 Littleton Road near Route 10 on Saturday, September 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Various items will be on sale for purchase.

The Old Littleton School house was built-in 1796. It started as a one room schoolhouse in 1706 and became a Church School in 1810. In 1876 it became the Union School in Public School District 85, School No 5. It functioned as a school or church until 1964.

 

350 Jersey Songs: The 10 most popular posts

Carole King’s 2012 album, “The Legendary Demos,” included her original recording of “Pleasant Valley Sunday.” When the 350 Jersey Songs project hit the halfway mark in March, I did a post on the 10 most popular songs in the series, based on page views. Now that the project is almost over (the last pick will be…

A Simple Blood Test Accurately Predicts Risk Of Alzheimer’s

Commonly, we use birth dates to judge whether people are young, qualified, and even healthy. Yet, chronological age often has little to do with biological age or biological ability. Aiming to define what represents healthy aging for 65-year-olds, researchers say they have developed a genetic profile (based on simple blood test) that could be used to…

Kiwanis Club announces 19th Annual Grand Tasting

Camp Nejeda offers new year-round programs for specific groups of people with diabetes.
Camp Nejeda offers new year-round programs for specific groups of people with diabetes.

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation is hosting a “Grand Tasting” benefitting the Camp Nejeda, serving children with Type 1 Diabetes since 1958, and other charitable projects on Thursday, October 22 starting at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Hanover Manor, 16 Eagle Rock Avenue, East Hanover.

Cost is $60.00 per person and includes a Dinner Buffet, Hors d’oeuvres, Fine Wines, Craft Beers, Single Malts, Select Spirits, Silent Auction and much more. Tickets are also available through Kiwanis Club members.

Tickets are available by sending checks made payable to “Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation,” P.O. Box 5342, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054, or through Eventbrite, by clicking here.

You can also pay by credit card through Liquor Outlet Wine Cellars 289 Myrtle Avenue, Boonton. You can call Liquor Outlet at (973) 334-1331.

For more information, please call (973) 549-4185.

Wines arranged by Liquor Outlet Wine Cellars www.liquoroutletwinecellars.com. Permit #15009660.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation.

Camp Nejeda has been in continuous operation since 1958 and at our present location since 1960. They are funded by the Camp Nejeda Foundation, Inc, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Camp Nejeda is located at 910 Saddleback Road, Stillwater, New Jersey.

At Camp Nejeda youth with diabetes are given the opportunity to live, if only for one or two weeks, in a world where having diabetes is the norm and where there is no need to explain blood sugar testing, finger pricks, insulin injections, ketones, ‘lows’ (insulin reactions), boluses or ‘carb’ counting because everyone here already understands.

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Campers receive a unique, hands-on opportunity to enhance their personal diabetes management skills

Camp Nejeda children with diabetes are free to be just children. This normalizing of their condition combines with both formal and informal educational moments to promote good diabetes management and healthy, active living.

The addition of Family Camps and other Extended Programs offered throughout the year provides the empowering fellowship and educational opportunities for individuals with type 1 diabetes of all ages and for their families.

As the only facility of our kind in New Jersey and its neighboring states, Camp Nejeda hosts children, teens and families from across the region. While most are from New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, we have regular campers from Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and elsewhere. Diabetes does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, geography, or class and neither does the Camp Nejeda Foundation. We welcome our campers from all walks of life and all backgrounds.

Camp Nejeda is fully licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and accredited by the American Camp Association. ACA accredited camps meet up to 300 standards for health, food service, safety, and program quality.

The Camp Nejeda Foundation subsidizes the cost of camp for all our campers and provides additional financial assistance to approximately 30% of our campers each year. Campership awards range from 20% to 100% support. Most awards are for 100%.

PHS Color Guard needs new uniforms

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Marching Band Color Guard members were at Shop Rite, 808 Route 46, raising money to purchase new uniforms.

They will be collecting money on Sunday, September 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Quick Chek, 480 North Beverwcyk Road.

Pictured above is Ashwini Walmiki, Anshul Walmiki, Emily Guzman, Sachi Walmiki, Luoyao Mia Lin and Emma Swan collecting money at Shop Rite.

Members Luoyao Mia Lin, Bethany Goordman, Mary Franchini and Sara Greenzweig were collecting money at Shop Rite
Members Luoyao Mia Lin, Bethany Goordman, Mary Franchini and Sara Greenzweig were collecting money at Shop Rite

 

Annual 9/11 Memorial Service to be held

PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders invites the public to join them in observing the 14th anniversary of 9/11 at a Remembrance Service and Candlelight Vigil on Sunday, September 13.

The ceremony will begin at 5:00 p.m. at the Morris County September 11th Memorial on West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany-Troy Hills, across from the Morris View Healthcare Center and adjacent to the Morris County Public Safety Academy.

The event will include a march with a color guard up West Hanover Avenue to the Memorial by police, fire, rescue and emergency personnel from across Morris County.

The observance will include a special invocation, a lighting of candles, and reading of the names of each of the Morris County victims, plus a 21-gun salute, and keynote remarks.

Elizabeth Schrier, the widow of the late Freeholder Jack Schrier, who was instrumental in getting Morris County’s 9/11 Memorial constructed, will carry the American flag during the ceremony.

Morris County’s September 11th Memorial pays tribute to all of those who died in the terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C., on Sept. 11, 2001, with a special emphasis on the 64 victims from Morris County whose names are etched in plaques that are affixed to the Memorial.

The names of all of the nearly 3,000 people who died that day are engraved in ruby-colored paving stones that have been set in the ground as a walkway surrounding the Memorial.

“It is vitally important to gather each year on the anniversary of 9/11 to recall every single one of the nearly 3,000 people who were tragically lost to us on that day, including 64 of our Morris County residents,’’ said Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo. “Their families and friends should know that the lives of their loved ones will never be forgotten.’’

Since seating at the Memorial is limited, the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs to the outdoor observance. Parking will be available at the Morris County Department of Human Services building at 340 West Hanover Avenue, Morris Township, across from the Academy. Shuttle buses will be available to transport those in need to the Memorial.

The freeholders also invite police and fire departments and rescue squads from across the county to participate by sending one apparatus per department and assembling at 6:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue, in Parsippany-Troy Hills. From there, a procession will be held to the Sept. 11th Memorial.

Parsippany Fire Districts, Rescue & Recovery shine at annual Boonton Labor Day Parade

BOONTON — The Annual Labor Day carnival hosted by the Boonton Fire Department is a big attraction this Labor Day weekend. The fair features rides for all ages, games, food, live music and much more! The fair is located at Boonton High School near Route 287.

Bethany Dyer with Four-year old Cayman and three-year old Beckham
Bethany Dyer with four-year old Cayman and three-year old Beckham

Part of the weekend activities includes the annual parade, which was held on Saturday, September 5 at 1:30 on Main Street. Firetrucks from many towns including Boonton, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Madison, Chester, Mountain Lakes, Lincoln Park, Pequannock were all part of the festivities.

Parade Trophies were awarded at 6:00 p.m. Click here for related article on which Parsippany Volunteer organizations were awarded trophies. Fireworks will be held on Sunday at 10:00 p.m.

PHS Girls Soccer Team Car Wash

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Girls Soccer Team held a car wash on Saturday, August 29 to raise money for the team activities.

The Parsippany Redhawks girls soccer team has an away non-conference game at Whippany Park on Thursday, September 10 at 4:00 p.m.

 

PHS Girls Volleyball team raises funds by holding car wash

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Girls Volleyball team members were washing cars on Saturday, September 5 to raise money to support their activities.

The Parsippany Redhawks volleyball team has an away non-conference match at Morris Hills on Tuesday, September 8 at 4:00 p.m.

(c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Members of the Parsippany High School Girls Volleyball team washing cars to raise funds
(c) 2015 Parsippany Focus
Team members Julissa Hernandez, Meghan Byrne, Laila Sharafi and Jazmin Lee promoting the car wash.

Parsippany honored with top trophies in Boonton Day parade

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Vehicle 69-2 took second place for best appearing rescue vehicle today at the Boonton Labor Day parade. Pictured above is member Andrew Ludwig, Lieutenant Rafael Ortiz, Chief John Tranculov, member Andy Zaharopoulos, Captain Louis Yuliano and member Brian Borquist.

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Members of the Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 2
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Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department displaying their winning trophies

Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department District 2 won trophies for First Place for Best Appearing Fire Company, Parade Uniform without music; Third Place for T-21 and Third Place for Color Guard in Parade Uniform.

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Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad 65-3.

Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad won 3rd place best appearance ambulance standby.

Rockaway Neck Ambulance Squad won 2nd place best appearance ambulance standby.

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Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance member Breanne Calabrese accepting the trophy from a member of the Boonton Fire Department.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6 won 2nd place Arial and 3rd place marching uniform.

Members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6
Members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6
Members of Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6 holding the trophy
Members of Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6 holding the trophy

Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire District 4 also received trophies.

 

Gas prices plunge for Labor Day weekend

PARSIPPANY — Although the average gas price in New Jersey is $2.15, Parsippany Focus found at least two stations on Littleton Road selling regular gas for $1.89 per gallon.

The recently opened Raceway Gas Station on the corner of Littleton Road and Halsey Road and the BP Station, 1195 Littleton Road, both are selling regular for $1.89 per gallon (cash).

bpstation

According to gasbuddy.com the 76 Gas Station on Route 46 at Bloomfield Avenue is selling regular for $1.95 per gallon, as well as the Gulf Station, located at 400 Route 46 west.

Gas prices on the west coast are averaging at least $1.00 per gallon more, or $2.95 per gallon.

Gasbuddy also indicates the gas prices are still dropping, so let’s see what happens next week.

It’s not too late to plan a day or two down the shore, or your favorite vacation spot because it is easier on your pockets than you were expecting.

Police escort Vikings motorcade to pick up Senior football players: VIDEO

PARSIPPANY — If you were driving around the west side of Parsippany on Friday, September 3 and you witnessed the motorcade of police cars, school buses, and vehicles, then you stumbled upon the Parsippany Hills High School Football team motorcade.

The motorcade started on Rita Drive and went to seven different homes picking up the twenty-one seniors until it finished up in Lake Intervale and then back to the High School to enjoy a barbecue.

Northvail Students Earn 4,000+ Study Island™ “Blue Ribbons”

PARSIPPANY — Study Island™ is a web-based interactive program designed as an instruction, practice and assessment system. The Northvail Elementary School students accepted Principal Jeff Martens’ summer challenge to work on Study Island™ skill lessons this summer from July 1 to August 31.

Their goal was to collectively earn 2,500 Study Island™ blue ribbons and they did it! This is a huge increase from last year when the students earned 2,000 ribbons during the summer. What is a blue ribbon? If a student earns a blue ribbon it means that they have obtained a score considered proficient in a particular skill topic.

A special thanks goes to Principal Jeff Martens, for periodically reaching out and encouraging the students and parents during the summer. Of course, we are grateful to our Northvail parents who understand how important it is to have their child engage in academic activities during the summer.

Well done, students!

Pictured Left to Right: Anikait Sota, Sanjana Medapati, Anusha Jonnalagadda, Diya Patel Pictured here are the students who earned the greatest number of blue ribbons on Study Island™ this summer.

Rixford takes 30 day medical leave

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education Superintendent Scott Rixford has taken a 30-day medical leave of absence, effective immediately.

In the interim, Assistant Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Nancy Gigante will serve as Acting Superintendent effective September 4, 2015.

Additional details were unable at time of publication.

 

Breaking: 5 Rutgers football players arrested on home invasion charges and assault

5 Rutgers football players were arrested Thursday in conjunction on home invasion and assault charges.  The football players arrested were Andre Boggs, 20, of Coatesville, Pa.; Ruhann Peele, 22, and Nadir Barnwell, 20, both of Piscataway; Razohnn Gross, 20, of Franklin Park and Delon Stephenson, 22, of Sayreville.

The Middlesex Prosecutor’s office issued the following statement:

Nine of the 10 defendants were arrested today. One remains at large. The arrests stem from an active and continuing investigation by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Brunswick Police Department.

The investigation began last spring when police were called to a home invasion on Prosper Street in New Brunswick on April 26, 2015 at 11:29 p.m., after three masked men forced their way into the home and stole an undisclosed amount of cash and marijuana from five students at gunpoint.

During an intensive investigation, police arrested Tejay Johnson, 23, of Egg Harbor. The former student was charged with robbery, criminal restraint, theft, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

As the investigation continued, police linked Johnson to a home invasion on Hartwell Street in New Brunswick on April 27, 2015.

Police determined that Johnson and Andre Boggs, 20, of Coatesville, Pa., forced their way into the home and, armed with a bat and a knife, robbed a student of approximately $900 and an undisclosed amount of marijuana.

They were arrested today on charges of robbery, burglary while armed, and conspiracy to commit an armed robbery.

Another student, Dylan Mastriana, 19, of Rio Grande, also was charged with those counts after the investigation determined that he helped plan the robbery.

In a third home invasion, Johnson and Boggs were charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and attempted burglary while armed for trying to force their way into another student’s room in a dormitory complex at Livingston College in Piscataway on May 5, 2015.

The same charges also were filed against Mastriana, Jianan Chen, 19, of New Brunswick, and Kaylanna Ricks, 20, of Perth Amboy. The investigation showed that Mastriana and Chen planned the robbery, while Ricks drove Johnson and Boggs in a getaway vehicle.

Johnson and Boggs entered the dorm, but fled when the students targeted in the robbery resisted by closing and locking the door to their room as Johnson and Boggs attempted to force their way in. Nothing was stolen in that incident.

Police further determined that Johnson was one of six individuals who surrounded a group of at least four other individuals, including a Rutgers student, and assaulted them during an incident on Delafield Street on April 25, 2015.

The six were charged today with aggravated assault, riot, and conspiracy to commit a riot. A 19-year-old male student suffered a broken jaw during the unprovoked attack.

In addition to Johnson, defendants charged in the attack were identified as: Ruhann Peele, 22, and Nadir Barnwell, 20, both of Piscataway; Rahzonn Gross, 20, of Franklin Park, and Delon Stephenson, 22, and his brother, Daryl Stephenson, 23, both of Sayreville. Daryl Stephenson, also a former student at Rutgers, remains at large.

Minutes ago Rutgers Athletic Director Rutgers Julie Hermann minutes issued the following statement:

“The students involved are currently suspended from our program,” Hermann said. “We continue to monitor the situation. We will have no further comment as this is a pending legal matter.”

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