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.

“As Mayor of a diverse town like Parsippany, I’ve strived to celebrate all of the cultures that make up our community, from Italian to Indian.  I’m proud that our Governor recognizes that our state’s diversity is one of our great strengths, and it was my honor to be recognized at his administration’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.”

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrol Officer Kurza responded to a residence on Kingston Road for a theft at 9:27 a.m. on Tuesday, October 9.

Upon his arrival, he spoke to the victim who stated his Husqvarna 315X Automatic Lawn Mower was stolen from his front yard while it was in the process of cutting the grass. The theft is believed to have occurred around 7:40 a.m.

This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.

PARSIPPANY — The Officers and members of Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5 is holding an open house on Sunday, October 21 between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Fire Prevention Month 2018 focuses on “Look, Listen, Learn.”

Throughout the open house residents will get important information from members on fire safety, ways to prevent fire, and have our members answer any questions you may have.

Also, take the opportunity to a look at all of our apparatus and equipment we use to protect the residents and businesses of not only our District but the Township of Parsippany.

In addition residents will see the specialized equipment such as Hazmat, Vehicle Extrication, and Water Rescue or participate in any or all of the activities that will be set up such as Stop, Drop, and Roll.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department is located at 180 Old Bloomfield Avenue.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the New York Football Giants, William J. Heller, Esq. will be the guest speaker at the kickoff meeting of Explorer Post 22.  Young men and women, ages 14-20, who are interested in careers in Law are invited to attend.  We will meet on Saturday, October 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Patriots’ Path Council, 1 Saddle Road, Cedar Knolls.

Mr. Heller will speak on legal issues such as contract negotiations for players and coaches; licensing, sponsorship and vendor agreements; human resources, workers compensation and privacy issues; legal issues related to operation of Met Life Stadium and Quest Diagnostics Training Center (the Giants’ Training Facility).

This meeting is free but space is limited.  Click here to register.

Law Explorer Post 22 is chartered to the Morris County Bar Foundation.  Post advisors Andrew Jacobs, Esq. and Linda Mainenti-Walsh, Esq. lead monthly meetings and invite guest speakers including judges, prosecutors, and attorneys practicing in fields such as criminal, family, environmental, immigration, and intellectual property.

Exploring is Learning for Life’s career education program for young men and women who are 14 to 20 years old.  Exploring’s purpose is to provide real world experiences to help young people decide what field, or area within a field, they will pursue as their career.

For further information please contact Al Thomas, District Executive at (973) 765-9322 x229,al.thomas@scouting.org.

MORRIS COUNTY — Tuesday is the final day Morris County residents can register to vote in this year’s general elections, happening on Tuesday, November 6.

Although there are no local Parsippany elections (Mayor or Township Council) you will be voting for Morris County Clerk, three positions on the Morris County Freeholder Board, United States Senator, Member of the House of Representatives  (11th Congressional District) and four board of education members.

You are eligible to vote if you are a citizen of the United States; You are a Morris County resident 30 days before the election; You are a resident of the election district in which you expect to vote on Election Day; You will be 18 years of age on or before the next election; and you are not incarcerated, on parole, or on probation due to a conviction for an indictable offense under any federal or state laws. Note: you can register at 17, but can’t vote until you turn 18.

Complete a registration application form at the Morris County Board of Elections’ office or by mail. Click here to download an application.

To find your polling location in Parsippany, click here. If you have any questions regarding your polling location please contact Khaled Madin, Esq., RMC, Clerk at (973) 263-4357.

Forms are also available at the Township Clerk’s office, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, through the League of Women Voters, or other public agencies.

You can also register to vote at your local Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office while applying for/renewing a driver’s license or non-driver ID card.

If you have moved, changed your name, or want to change political party affiliation, you need to fill out the appropriate form and submit it to the Board of Elections.

If you’ve legally changed your name, you must complete the Name Change section of the Voter Registration form and submit it 21 days before an election which is also on Tuesday, October 16.

The mailing address is Morris County Board of Elections, PO Box 900, Morristown, NJ 07963-0900, or Morris County Board of Elections, 10 Court St, Second Floor, Morristown, NJ 07960.

PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Sons of Italy Lodge 2561, in conjunction with the Pine Brook Volunteer Fire Department, is proud to be co-sponsors for a fundraiser to support Kyle Gauweiler.

Kyle is the 14 year old brother, son, and grandson of the Pine Brook volunteer firefighters family. Kyle recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous brain tumor. Proceeds will go directly to Kyle to assist with the expenses of treatment to fight his cancer.

The pasta and meatballs fundraiser will be held at the Pine Brook Volunteer Fire Dept, Station 1, 47 Bloomfield Avenue in Pine Brook on Saturday, October 13, from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The cost is $15.00 per adult, $10.00 per child (5-12 yrs) and free for children 4 and under.

The menu of Sons of Italy cooked pasta and meatballs, will be sure to please all pallets attending. If you have any questions or would like to send a donation, or donate an item for the silent auction that will take place, please contact Chief Jim Schmitt at (973) 809-4324, or email chief371@optonline.net.  Donations can also be mailed to the Pine Brook Fire Dept, PO Box 204, Pine Brook, NJ 07058

There is also a GoFundMe donation page set up. Click here for more information.

PARSIPPANY — Based on a recent article in NewJerseyGlobe.com, it was reported that “Grossi Rejects High Rate of Vote-By-Mail (VBM) Applications of Asian Indian Parsippany Voters.”

Based upon a number of inquiries concerning the processing of Vote by Mail (“VBM”) applications, the following procedure required by NJ State Law are explained and stringently followed by the Morris County Clerk’s Election Office.

Vote-By-Mail applications and ballots are governed by N.J.S.A. 19:63-1 et al., commonly known as the Absentee Voter Act (“ACT”).  The purpose of the ACT is to “facilitate exercise of franchise of voters, while preventing fraud and preserving secrecy and integrity of voting process.” Barrett v. Monmouth County Bd. of Elections, 307 N.J. Super. 403, 403 (1997).

In compliance with the ACT, the Morris County Clerk’s Election Office is responsible for processing all VBM Applications, reviewing the application to ensure that it meets certain criteria, if not, the VBM Application must be rejected and, if verified, the Vote-By-Mail Ballot is mailed to the voter.  Once these steps are completed, the County Clerk’s Office is no longer involved with processing the actual VBM ballot.  That is the responsibility of the County Board of Elections, which is a separate entity from the County Clerk’s Office. All completed VBM Ballots, by law, should be returned to the County Board of Elections and not the County Clerk’s Office.

Concerning the Vote-By-Mail Applications, the County Clerk’s Election Office is required to input every VBM Ballot application it receives into the New Jersey State Voter Registration System (“SVRS”) and is required to compare the “signature block against” what appears in the “SVRS”. N.J.S.A.19:63-8.

The SVRS contains a list of enumerated reasons why an application shall be rejected.  Those reasons are as follows:  not registered in the county, name does not match the registration files, no “X” on application, no witness on application, not at address given on application, application received after deadline, changed party after 55 day deadline (refers to primary elections), county address required, criminal conviction, damaged application, incomplete assistor portion, moved out of county, signature does not match, other, voter status – deleted, power of attorney not allowed, and over 3 voters per messenger (refers to vote by mail ballot received by the Board of Elections).

By way of example, in the 2017 Parsippany election cycle, VBM Applications were rejected for the following reasons: signature on application does not compare with the signature of record, birth dates did not match, assistor portion not filled out or not completed properly, application not signed, registered at a different address, application received after deadline, signature missing, on the criminal disqualification list, registered under a name other than one listed on their application, etc.

In the event that a Vote-By-Mail Application is rejected, the voter is notified in writing and provided with an explanation of the reason for the rejection. 

This way the voter is given the opportunity, if possible, to cure the defect and resubmit a corrected VBM Application.  However, even if the voter does not cure the defect and provided that they are a registered voter, they are always permitted to vote at their local polling location.

The most important thing to note is that no one is ever disenfranchised or denied the right to vote.