PARSIPPANY — Kyle Cipkins, a scout with Troop 173, attended the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council meeting on Tuesday, October 16 to earn his “Communication Badge.”

To earn a communication badge, the scout can select from a list of requirements.  The scout can choose to attend a public meeting (city council, school board, debate) where several points of view are given on a single issue.

Practice active listening skills and take careful notes of each point of view. Then the scout had to prepare an objective report that includes all points of view that were expressed, and share this with their counselor.

Communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media. The field of communication promotes the effective and ethical practice of human communication.

This badge is one of the many badges the scout must earn before earning Eagle Rank.

During the meeting, Kyle had an opportunity to speak to Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and ask him questions regarding the issues that were discussed during the meeting.

Troop 173 offers a wide range of activities and learning experiences for your child that focus on their continued growth as they progress through the program.  They strive to incorporate education, character building, growth, teamwork, and primarily FUN for our Scouts. They are a “Family Friendly” troop that encourages Moms or Dads to attend our meetings, special events, and  camping trips so that everyone can experience the fun, together.

For more information on Boy Scout Troop 173, click here.

PARSIPPANY — The HUB Camera Club, Mountain Lakes, photography exhibit is currently on display at the Parsippany Library.  The HUB Camera Club, founded in 1998 offers programs, demonstrations, competitions, workshops and exhibitions.  They meet the fourth Monday of the month at the Mt. Lakes Library.

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills held its first “Italian Cultural Event” on Sunday, October 14 on Minnehaha Boulevard between Washington Avenue and North Beverwyck Road.

Although the event slated to start at 1:00 p.m., plenty of people started arriving around 12:30 p.m. and were already lining up at the various food vendors.

By 1:00 p.m., Minnehaha Boulevard was filled up with plenty of people still arriving at both ends. The mandolin and accordion players were making their rounds while the dj was playing classical Italian music.

The tables were filled with people enjoying the festive atmosphere and eating all sorts of fine Italian foods. Everything from sausage & peppers, Linguine with meat and gravy, pizza, rice balls as well as meatballs were sold by various vendors.

On the dessert side, cannolis and zeppolis were a great hit. All flavors of Italian ices and funnel cakes were also available.

The multitude of residents crowded the street and often asked if this street fair could be done regularly. Italian day was really a big hit.

By the late afternoon, many of the food vendors were running low on food and were very surprised by the massive turnout. This being the very first year, many of the vendors didn’t know what to expect as far as turnout and weren’t sure of how much food to bring.

Mayor Michael Soriano said “A Sunday afternoon of good music, food, and friends is always a great success, and I look forward to the 2nd annual Italian Culture Festival.”

“I spoke to every vendor and they were all very happy with how well everything turned out. Not only that, but every vendor wanted to know if and when we were planning on doing this event next year. We are planning on having our Italian Cultural Event next year on Sunday, October 20. This was Mayor Michael Soriano’s idea and it turned out to be a big hit with everyone. We are planning on expanding the festival slightly next year and fine tuning certain things. It was great to be a part of it this year,” said Michael Sifonios, Director of Parks, Forestry and Recreation.

Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani said “A fun day was had by Parsippany residents. An array of delicious Italian food was provided by our local restaurants, civic organizations and food trucks. From sausage and pepper sandwiches, meatballs, Sicilian rice balls and of course dessert, fresh cannoli, funnel cake and zeppolis. It helped that the weather was beautiful which attributed to the large crowds.”

PARSIPPANY — Sons of Italy 2561 will be holding its Fourth Annual Beefsteak Dinner on Saturday, November 10. The event will be held at Bloomingdale Fire House, 97 Hamburg Turnpike, Bloomingdale. Tickets are $50.00 each and includes All You Can Eat Beefsteak, roasted potatoes, salad, pasta, assorted desserts, beer, soda, coffee and tea. Door Prizes and Raffles.

After the Beefsteak dinner, comedians Mike Morse and Brad Lowery will perform.

Call (201) 774-0943 for tickets and additional information.

You may recognize Mike Morse from his television appearances on MTV, VH-1, Comedy Central, and E! Entertainment Network. He was a winner on ABC-TV’s popular show America’s Funniest People, and was the host and head writer of Fox TV’s stand-up/sketch comedy show “The Comedy Cabaret.” Mike recently appeared in the AC/DC music video “Stiff Upper Lip” and the Ben Folds Five music video “Army”.

As a stand-up comedian, Mike has performed at comedy clubs, casinos, and colleges in cities all over North America, including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Denver, Toronto, and Montreal. Recent appearances include shows at the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City and the Riviera in Las Vegas. His unique combination of rapid-fire jokes, hilarious music, and clever props has made him a headlining favorite wherever he performs.

Besides writing and illustrating for Cracked Magazine since the mid-1990’s, Mike’s writing and artwork has been featured in magazines such as Weekly World News, Reader’s Digest, Slick Times, Thwak, and Steppin’ Out. His humorous plays have been produced in New York, California, New Jersey, and Texas, and he served as staff writer for the comedy news television show “168 Hours.” He wrote, directed, and performed with the sketch comedy group The Little Bastards and appeared in several successful New York City productions with the group, including “Nuts In A Lifeshell” and “Dust Bunny Beaujolais”.

Mike was a writer and performer on the popular Internet radio program “The Chaunce Hayden Show.” Mike’s work has also been featured on “The Howard Stern Show,” ESPN, Fuse, and “Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn,” and he is currently a writer for “Late Shift With Kevin Ferguson.”

Brad Lowery travels across the country performing, averaging over 200 dates each year. He has been nominated for Comedian of the Year four times and has been seen on A & E’s “Caroline’s Comedy Hour” and CBS’s “Star Search.” He has also opened for acts such as Chris Rock, Tommy Davidson and Adam Sandler.

PARSIPPANY — A reader suggested we take a picture of the Halloween display in front of the Super Foodtown of Lake Hiawatha, 435 North Beverwyck Road.

PARSIPPANY — How do you spell Parsippany? This sign has been in the Morris Hills Shopping Center for years.

When we noticed the above sign in the Morris Hills Shopping Center, with Parsippany misspelled, Parsippany Focus emailed Jason Fox of Brixmor Property Group, on January 22, asking them to correct the sign. The sign still remains incorrect.

Last year, Parsippany Focus, ran a story on another misspelled sign on Route 202. Focus contacted the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the sign was corrected within days.

When will the owners of Morris Hills Shopping Center correct their sign?

PARSIPPANY — Hey! My name is Cookie and I’m as sweet as my name suggests!

I am a two-year-old Whippet/Spaniel mix who is active, fun, and very loving. I am about 30 lbs and fully grown.

I was rescued by Wise Animal Rescue from a local municipal shelter where I was beyond terrified. Staff could barely get me to even take a walk outside my cage. Thankfully, I found a wonderful foster home and have absolutely blossomed!

My ideal home would be one with a fenced yard, a doggy friend, and older children. I love running around and giving kisses! While I have made leaps and bounds coming out of my shell, some loud noises still spook me but I am working on it! My doggy foster sister gives me lots of confidence so that’s why I’d love to live with one in my forever home!

I am potty trained and not destructive when left alone. My foster mom taught me “sit” and I love learning! One of my favorite things to do is jump on her lap and give her LOTS of kisses–it’s my favorite!

If you’re looking for a fun, loving dog, please fill out an application by clicking here.

Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Like Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.

PARSIPPANY — Saint Christopher Church will host “Operation Christmas Child Shoebox” on Saturday, November 10 and Sunday, November 11 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Samaritan’s Purse is an amazing organization that works year round for many great causes. Operation Christmas child is an amazing way to bring a smile to a child who would otherwise not receive anything at Christmas time.

They will gather at Saint Christopher Church to come together as a community to fill as many shoe boxes as we can with all the donations we receive.

This is a great experience for all involved. Bring your children and have them join in on the fun of giving back. The children will get to write a personal letter to fill the box with love.

If you are wondering how you could help, here are several ways to help:

ADOPT A BOX – You can adopt a box for $9.00 your  donation will pay for the shipping of a single shoe box. Our goal this year is to pack 500 boxes and ship to 100 countries! Checks for shipping will be made out to Samaritan’s Purse

DONATE GIFTS – You can go to your local dollar store and purchase items for the children and drop them off to me at Saint Christopher’s Church.

Find a list of items click here.

MAKE A MONETARY DONATION – You can make a $20.00 donation. This donation will be used to purchase gifts and ship one box! We accept cash or checks. checks made payable to to Stacy Stampone. All checks and donations should be to me by October 26.

JOIN THE PACKING PARTY – Join the packing party to help pack a box. Please bring a check to ship at least one box!

For more information on Operation Shoebox, click here.

Saint Christopher Church is located at 1050 Littleton Road.

PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes Seniors and Retirees Group of the Rainbow Lakes Community Club would like to thank Pete Deegan and Robert Onufrick from the Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company (RLVFC) along with Brian Ricci from the Parsippany Division of Fire Prevention for an excellent presentation on fire prevention and services provided by the dedicated volunteers of RLVFC.

Some topics included were dryer safety, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide, escape plans, portable heater safety, possible dangers of extension cords, when to call 9-1-1.

October is Fire Prevention Month….if your smoke alarms and or carbon monoxide are over 10 years old replace them and remember to check/change batteries when you adjust for daylight savings time.

PARSIPPANY — Applebee’s Bar and Grill, 1057 Route 46, Parsippany and other locations in New Jersey are bewitching guests young and old with a kids eat free Halloween special for costumed children on Wednesday, October 31 featuring recently added menu items as well as Spooky Sips cocktails with a bite all month long.

Specifically, families who dine-in at Applebee’s in costume on Halloween will receive up to two free kids’ meals with each adult entrée purchase. Children ages 12 and under can choose any entrée on the Applebee’s Kids’ Menu, accompanied by their choice of a side dish, and juice, milk, chocolate milk or lemonade. The newly revamped Kids’ Menu includes delicious items like the Chicken Quesadilla, Grilled Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Taco and more. Applebee’s Kids’ Menu offers 21 menu items and more than 200 combinations of entrées, sides and beverages, to create Kids LiveWell – approved meals.

Adults who want to get in on the Halloween spirit can enjoy the following spine-chilling drink specials throughout October:

• DOLLAR ZOMBIE – Electric-blue-colored drink with rum and pineapple, passion fruit, cherry and lime flavors, served with a gummy brain garnish
• $5 Dracula’s Juice – A drink to really sink your teeth into, featuring Bacardi Superior, DeKuyper Razzmatazz, blackberry and Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail topped with frozen lemonade and served in a signature Mucho glass
• $5 Boo Lagoon – A frighteningly delicious drink made with Bacardi Superior, DeKuyper Blue Curacao, lime and orange juice, topped with a gummy shark and rimed with red sugar served in a Mucho glass

The Halloween specials are available at Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises in New Jersey, Long Island, Florida and Georgia. In New Jersey, Applebee’s is located in Brick, Bridgewater, Butler, Clark, Clifton, East Hanover, Edison, Flemington, Garfield, Hackensack, Hackettstown, Hillsborough, Howell, Jersey City, Jersey Gardens, Kearny, Lacey, Linden, Manahawkin, Manalapan, Manchester, Middletown, Milltown, Mt. Olive, Newark, Newton, North Bergen, Northvale, Ocean, Paramus, Parsippany, Phillipsburg, Piscataway, Rockaway, Tinton Falls, Toms River, Totowa, Union, Wall and Woodbridge.

Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises, Inc. is recognized as the 68^th largest privately-held business in the New York Metro area by Crain’s Business and the 15^th  largest franchisee in the United States as ranked in the Restaurant Finance Monitor, operating seven restaurant concepts including: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, Quaker Steak & Lube, Noodles & Company, and two of its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. In 2017, Nation’s Restaurant News ranked Doherty Enterprises as the 78^th largest Foodservice revenue company in the United States. To date, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates over 150 restaurants in northern, southern and central New Jersey, on Long Island, as well as locations throughout Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and sections of Florida and Georgia. The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow Our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.” (www.DohertyInc.com).

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar offers a lively casual dining experience combining simple, craveable American fare, classic drinks and local drafts. All Applebee’s restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to serving their local communities, and offering quality food and drinks with genuine, neighborly service. Applebee’s is one of the world’s largest casual dining brands; as of June 30, 2018, there were 1,883 Applebee’s franchise restaurants in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and 13 other countries. Applebee’s is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world’s largest full-service restaurant companies.

PARSIPPANY — Wise Animal Rescue held a kissing booth at IHOP, 792 Route 46, on Sunday, October 15.

Visitors received puppy kisses at the kissing booth for $5.00 and had the opportunity to visit with adoptable pups.

Wise Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing dogs who need it most.

They strive to create a world where no dog is neglected, abused, or homeless. Wise Animal Rescue (W.A.R.) advocates and educates for the misrepresentation of bully breeds, the dangers of backyard breeding and puppy mills, and the inhumane practice of dog baiting or fighting. We accept and support all dogs, regardless of breed, size, or past, and encourage others to do the same.

Founded by Tiziana Wise in the beginning 2016, W.A.R. partners with trainers, veterinary practices, and other animal welfare personnel to ensure that the dogs have everything they need to take their next steps into a better life. All dogs are spayed or neutered, up-to-date on shots, and many are professionally trained.

W.A.R is a volunteer-based and rely on amazing supporters to assist in reaching the goal of saving the lives of homeless, mistreated dogs. To adopt, volunteer, or foster click here and fill out an application.All of the dogs are in foster homes prior to adoption as they do not have a shelter facility. W.A.R. serves the Greater New Jersey Area and is based in Parsippany.

Available animals’ pictures and profiles can be found on the website as well.

Like them on Facebook (Wise Animal Rescue) and follow them on Instagram (@wiseanimalrescue) to find out ways to help in the efforts and to stay updated on their incredible dogs.

PARSIPPANY — The EMS Council of New Jersey’s (EMSCNJ) held their annual Symposium and Trade Show at the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel, 199 Smith Road, from October 12 to October 14.

The event included nearly four dozen EMT education-credit seminars, trade show exhibits and vendors with the latest medical and rescue equipment, a Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit confined-space rescue demonstration, an antique ambulance display and contest, EMS-related merchandise booths, a Tricky Tray auction and 50/50 raffles, Friday night “American Country Buffet” and Saturday banquet with live entertainment.

Parsippany Rescue and Recovery performs a live demonstration each year. This year they were demonstrating on how to approach a scene and how they work in conjunction with Emergency Medical Services. They first have the lieutenants approach the scene walk a 360 figure out what is wrong and then come back to the members and they bring the tools and stabilize the vehicles. Then they make an entry for EMS to get into the vehicle and to stabilize the patient while Rescue and Recovery finishes extricate in the vehicles to remove all of the occupants of the vehicle.

PARSIPPANY — If you live in the Intervale area, join Mayor Soriano’s series of neighborhood Town Halls to speak with your public officials. Mayor Soriano would like to hear your comments, questions and concerns on how to improve your quality of life in the Intervale area.

This meeting will be held on Thursday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

Please be advised this meeting is not a meeting that is open to the governing body nor will it be held with the intent to discuss or act upon specific public business. A quorum will not be present and no formal action will be taken.

PARSIPPANY — Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar presents a check for $44,590.50 to Liz Scott, executive director, Alex’s Lemonade Stand and Alex’s mom, who accepted the donation on behalf of the charity dedicated to eradicating childhood cancer on October 3. Throughout July, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey and Long Island donated 100 percent of proceeds from sales of its paper lemons and 25 cents from sales of its Summer Squeeze cocktails raising a total of $44,590.50, of which $11,153.25 was raised in New Jersey. The month-long campaign marks the 14^th straight year that Applebee’s franchisees have supported Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, with nearly $10 million in fundraising proceeds generated to benefit the organization since 2005.

In New Jersey, Applebee’s is located in Parsippany,  Brick, Bridgewater, Butler, Clark, Clifton, East Hanover, Edison, Flemington, Garfield, Hackensack, Hackettstown, Hillsborough, Howell, Jersey City, Jersey Gardens, Kearny, Lacey, Manahawkin, Manalapan, Manchester, Middletown, Milltown, Mt. Olive, Newark, Newton, North Bergen, Northvale, Ocean, Paramus, Phillipsburg, Piscataway, Rockaway, Tinton Falls, Toms River, Totowa, Union, Wall and Woodbridge.

Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises, Inc. is recognized as the 68th largest privately-held business in the New York Metro area by Crain’s Business and the 15th  largest franchisee in the United States as ranked in the Restaurant Finance Monitor, operating seven restaurant concepts including: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, Quaker Steak & Lube, Noodles & Company, and two of its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. In 2017, Nation’s Restaurant News ranked Doherty Enterprises as the 78^th largest Foodservice revenue company in the United States. To date, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates over 150 restaurants in northern, southern and central New Jersey, on Long Island, as well as locations throughout Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and sections of Florida and Georgia. The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow Our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.” (www.DohertyInc.com).

About Applebee’s®

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar offers a lively casual dining experience combining simple, craveable American fare, classic drinks and local drafts. All Applebee’s restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to serving their local communities, and offering quality food and drinks with genuine, neighborly service. Applebee’s is one of the world’s largest casual dining brands; as of June 30, 2018, there were 1,883 Applebee’s franchise restaurants in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and 13 other countries. Applebee’s is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world’s largest full-service restaurant companies.

About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). In 2000, 4-year-old Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of supporters across the country carrying on her legacy of hope. To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $150 million toward fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 800 pediatric cancer research projects nationally. In addition, ALSF provides support to families affected by childhood cancer through programs such as Travel For Care and SuperSibs. For more information on Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, visit AlexsLemonade.org.