PARSIPPANY — Lake Hiawatha Fire Department District 4 was called to the scene of a working fire at 43 Chesapeake Drive, at approximately 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.
The fire started and gutted the detached garage where ammunition was stored. Lake Hiawatha Chief Brian Cleary had Command while Deputy Chief Chris Cleary was assigned Operations.
Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 5 responded along with the Boonton Township Rapid Intervention Crew.
Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad was also at the scene. There were no injuries reported.
Cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire Inspectors David Cavaliere and Detective M. Czajka are investigating the incident.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) is pleased to announce the release of its latest “Membership Directory” titled “Discover Greater Parsippany.”
The new directory, which will be mailed to Parsippany residents this week inside Parsippany Life has been updated to include all of our current members. Please remember to Shop Local, Shop Parsippany.
PACC is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents, and volunteers that provides education, information, and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area. They work with our local and county governments and stand ready to pursue any matter that can make our community a better place in which to live, conduct business, and make a living. PACC promotes a healthy and more prosperous economic climate.
“At the heart of the local economy and the backbone of the nation’s economy, you will find a Chamber of Commerce. The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce focuses on a broad range of activities to support its businesses and the community rather than narrowly focus on one particular industry, issue, cause, or activity. When you are looking for information or a way to be connected in the Parsippany Area, look no further, because the Chamber has something for everyone,” said President Robert Peluso.
Started in 1956 as a non-profit organization, the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce has been providing Parsippany and Morris County residents and visitors information through our local offices, the Parsippany Area Visitor Center, our print media, and our informative websites. Together with talented volunteers from our Chamber membership, the Chamber supports economic development in our community through effective programs and services that result in business attraction, creation, retention, expansion, and transition. The Chamber is the primary economic developer in the Parsippany Area and responsible for marketing the community to recruit new businesses to the area in order to fill vacant offices and retail spaces. The Morris County Economic Development Corporation, the NJ Small Business Development Center, and the Small Business Administration as a Regional Resource Center support these initiatives. In addition to marketing our communities to business entities, we are also the primary tourism bureau for the Parsippany Area and responsible for marketing the community to tourists along with our partner, the Morris Tourism Bureau.
Business owners look to the Chamber for a venue to network and highlight their business from sole proprietors to the largest companies and employers in the Parsippany Area. We provide information for starting a business as well as business-building programs, trade shows, employment outreach programs, and custom research for our chamber members. We encourage you to join our affiliates and us in order to create a strong dynamic community that benefits everyone. As you can see, the Chamber has something for everyone; all you need to do is take the first step. We welcome new members and volunteers and invite you to contact us at www.parsippanychamber.org or (973) 402-6400. We also provide information through our websites: www.visitparsippany.org, www.employmentoutreach.org , and greaterparsippanyrewards.com.
All members of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce will receive the new directory in early January in the mail. The directory is also available at every networking meeting, as well as available in select locations throughout Parsippany. You can also download our directory by clicking here.
As new businesses move into Parsippany, PACC will supply each new Parsippany employee with a directory and advertisements from local members. If you are a new Parsippany business, contact Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400 to participate in this promotion.
For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here.
This new directory is just another member benefit of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
PARSIPPANY — This Friday night’s boxing event at the Parsippany PAL has been postponed due to a logistical emergency.
Fans who have purchased tickets may refund them at the point of purchase.
The new date will be announced by GH3 Promotions shortly.
GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Hector Frometa, Jerrell Harris & Keenan Smith, Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell, Jr. Lightweight O’Shanique Foster & Super Middleweight Andrew Hernandez to the GH3 Promotions stable.
Mr. Dave Kaplan, I want to memorialize my appreciation to the Citizens For Health, Safety andWelfare for the many arduous hours and years your organization committed to the development of this 16 acre parcel and your well written summation of said development printed November 18, 2015 in Parsippany Life, Letters to the Editor. Though we will see the last wooded area along Route 46 in Parsippany be developed (I’ll miss seeing the turkeys) your group did a yeoman’s job.
Please fellow residents, keep abreast, get involved, attend town meetings or watch tape on Parsippany-Troy Hills website or on Parsippany Focus.
MONTVILLE — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces the sentencing of Christopher T. Conzola, 39, of Montville, which occurred on December 8, 2015, before the Honorable Catherine Enright, J.S.C.
Judge Enright sentenced Conzola to an aggregate sentence of six-years in New Jersey State Prison. Conzola was sentenced to three-years New Jersey State Prison on the charge of Criminal Restraint, three-years New Jersey State Prison on the charge of Endangering the Welfare of Children (Possession of Child Pornography), and three-years New Jersey State Prison on Possession of Methamphetamine.
Judge Enright also sentenced Conzola to pay various fines for the offense of Failure to Make Lawful Disposition of CDS. The aggregate sentence on all three indictable offenses is six-years. The charge of Endangering the Welfare of Children (Possession of Child Pornography) was run consecutive to the charge of Criminal Restraint, and the remaining charge of Possession of Methamphetamine was run concurrent.
On October 19, 2015, Conzola entered guilty pleas before the Honorable William J. McGovern, III, J.S.C., to these crimes and offenses. The guilty pleas represented charges against Conzola from three separate dates in April 2014, March 2015, and April 2015.
The State was represented at sentencing by Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Montville Police Department, members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes and Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Units, members of the Morris County S.E.R.T., and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigation Section (CIS), whose efforts contributed to Conzola’s arrests and conviction.
PARSIPPANY — Santa Claus will make his annual visit to the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company at 255 Halsey Road, Lake Parsippany on Saturday, December 12, from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Santa stays in the firehouse rather than going around on the fire trucks because it’s safer for the children and gives him the opportunity to talk with each child to hear those special Christmas wishes. Be sure to bring your camera and take lots of pictures to catch that special time you spend on Santa’s lap!
Parking is available at the rear of the firehouse.
ROCKAWAY — As other 7 year old children shred wrapping paper and pretty ribbons off toys this Christmas, Christian Portuguez will receive a gift often more suited to a builder or contractor.
You see, aside from autism and epilepsy, Christian is G-tube dependent and power has gone out on his street three times in less than a month leaving him without the electricity needed to run his equipment.
“The power has gone out about 10 times in the last year or so,” said Danielle Portuguez, “if it is out for too long we sometimes have to call the fire department…” She continued.
This Christmas, with the help of promoter Dan Glenn and club owner Bobby Scerbo, the Portuguez family will receive the gift of “peace of mind” in the form of money to purchase a generator and other equipment necessary for Christian’s challenging future.
“I found out about Christian through a friend and decided to put together a benefit concert to help his situation” said Glenn, “several bands and volunteers stepped forward to help out.’ he said.
The show will take place at The Main Street Exchange in Rockaway, and is scheduled for Wednesday, December 23 at 7:00 p.m. featuring Buddy Sparrow and Friends, The Jake & Dan Duo and Bubba Grouch. Guitar raffle donated by Richie’s Music Center and admission is $5.00 at the door which includes a free download of Sparrow’s latest album.
To help directly you can find Christian Portuguez on GoFundMe.com and make a contribution online. For more information on the show contact Dan Glenn at (908) 723-3118.
PARSIPPANY — Moe’s Southwest Grill will be reopening in Parsippany on Route 46 East in the Harbor Freight Shopping Center, 745 Route 46.
On Wednesday, December 2, The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Adjustment approved an “Application for Restaurant with Dining of 1305 square feet, front of house 614 square feet for a total of 1,919 square feet. There will be seating for 80.
Moe’s Southwest Grill previously was located in the Troy Hills Shopping Center, 1131 Route 46 and closed for business in April 2014.
Moe’s Southwest Grill, referred to informally as Moe’s, was founded in Atlanta, Georgia, in December 2000, by Raving Brands. In August 2007, the brand was purchased by FOCUS Brands. As of July 14, 2014 the number of Moe’s locations increased to over 550 in the US after signing 120 new franchises in six months.
There is also another local location at 16 West Main Street, Denville.
Chipotle Mexican Grill opened in the location previously occupied by Moes in the Troy Hills Shopping Center in November 2014.
There is no date set for the grand opening of the new Moe’s Southwest Grill.
Stores that are available in the Harbor Freight Shopping Center
Mayor James Barberio and Santa lite the tree at Town Hall
PARSIPPANY — Santa arrived in Parsippany-Troy Hills just in time to light the tree at Town Hall on Sunday, December 6.
Santa arrived with a police escort sitting on a fire truck from Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6 just in time to help Mayor James Barberio light the Christmas tree at Town Hall.
Immediately following the tree lighting Santa met with children, and wanted to know what each child wanted him to bring to their home on Christmas eve. The children also received candy canes from Santa.
Mayor James Barberio and Santa lighting the tree
13-year old Davin, 10-year old Julia and Linda Budich with Santa
Councilman Louis Valori and Council Vice President Robert Peluso with Santa
3-year old Mason and 5-year old Andrew Macedo with Santa in 2015
Brenda and Jamie Barberio with Santa
Ruby Beg, Beg Niclaus, Lynda Palmer, Judy Larick and Donna Stratigis, the wives of Parsippany Rescue and Recovery hands out cookies to the children
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Robert Peluso, Jr., and Council Vice President Robert Peluso
Refreshments of hot chocolate and cookies were served to all the children by the Wives of Parsippany-Troy Hills Rescue and Recovery afterwards.
Have you been good girls and boys? Do you want to know what Santa Claus has in store for you for Christmas? Do you want to know when Santa and his sleigh will be getting to your house?
We can’t answer the first two questions. Only you can answer the first one. Only Santa can answer the second one.
But thanks to the wonders of the NORAD we can give you an idea where Santa is on Christmas Eve. Children can track Santa Claus on Christmas Eve by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Applebees, 1057 Route 46, celebrated its annual “Breakfast with Santa” fundraiser on Saturday, December 5. Over 195 people attended the event, and Parsippany Applebees raised $3,150, in which Doherty Enterprises matches the amount raised and donates to the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots program.
The fundraiser supports the efforts of the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots program, currently in its 67th year, which distributes new toys to underprivileged children to brighten the holidays, unify local communities and deliver a message of hope.
The bicycle was part of the Tricky-Tray
Applebee’s was crowded during the Breakfast with Santa event
Kayla Leon, Rachael Gaida, Kim Leandry, Toni Bizarro and Murphy McDaniels gathered around the Christmas Tree
Children visiting Santa
Applebee’s Manager Rachael Gaida, David Gaida and Santa Claus
The Applebees staff volunteered their time for the fundraiser
Guests enjoyed breakfast compliments of Applebee’s along with goodies, raffle tickets for door prizes and the opportunity to take a photo with Santa Claus.
Tickets to Breakfast with Santa were $10.00 each.
Applebee’s raised additional funds by selling paper “gift packages” for $1.00 each, which were displayed in the restaurant. 100% of the proceeds from the Breakfast with Santa events and “gift package” purchases will be donated directly to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program to be distributed to local families.
“We are proud to once again partner with Toys for Tots for the 2015 holiday season, said Ed Doherty, founder and CEO of Doherty Enterprises. “Charitable giving is a focus within our company and the restaurants we operate, and our employees go above and beyond to do all they can to raise awareness and funds. As is it the season of giving, we are proud to be able to support this fantastic organization and its efforts within our local communities.”
Heading into its 17th year, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises, which owns 107 Applebee’s restaurants across New Jersey, New York, Florida and Georgia, have raised over $3.6 million for the Toys for Tots initiative to date, helping to spread holiday cheer to over 230,000 deserving children.
“We are grateful to Doherty Enterprises and their continued support over the last sixteen years as a corporate sponsor,” said retired Marine General Pete Osman, the President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Ed Doherty and everyone on his team work extremely hard to make this program a success year after year, and we are fortunate to have them as a partner, as their generous contributions help us continue toward our goal of building better communities by providing support and hope.”
In addition to Toys for Toys, Doherty-owned Applebee’s restaurants provide support for charitable causes in the communities they serve year-round under the leadership of CEO Ed Doherty. To date, Applebee’s has raised and donated over $1.9 million for local charities through 1,350 events and sponsorships.
Just in time for the holidays, for every $50.00 gift card purchase, guests will receive a mystery bonus card, containing a value of up to $25.00. Offer valid now through December 31. Bonus cards valid from next visit through February 28.
About Doherty Enterprises, Inc. 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 10th largest franchisee in the United States as ranked in the Restaurant Finance Monitor, operating eight restaurant concepts including: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, Quaker Steak & Lube, Noodles & Company, IHOP, and two of its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas. In 2015, Nation’s Restaurant News ranked Doherty Enterprises as the 78th largest U.S. Foodservice revenue company, up from 85 in 2014. To date, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates over 160 restaurants in northern, southern and central New Jersey, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Florida and Georgia – including newly acquired locations in the Miami area. 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).
Toys for Tots, a 66 year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each Christmas holiday season. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Last year the Marine Corps fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 6.8 million less fortunate children in 762 communities nationwide. Since 1947 over 222 million children have been assisted. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.
PARSIPPANY — Santa arrived on Sunday, December 6 at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5 to greet the many children. The children had the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas, as their parents took many pictures.
The volunteers also cooked up a delicious pancake, scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon breakfast.
Brandon Schweizer, David Cavaliere, Boston Bob Morrisson, Chief Robert Campbell, Jr. and Undersheriff William Schievella
Alex, Genny, James, 6, Kate, 4, Nielsen with Parsippany Council-elect Loretta Gragnani and Santa
Volunteer Firemen TJ and Adam Campbell serving breakfast
Former Councilman Jonathan Nelson, Lonnie Ruland posing with Santa
Edward Limanov sitting with Santa
Firefighters Patrick Fales and Ryan Scott were collecting the money at the door
PARSIPPANY — New Jersey State Police and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department responded to a two car head on collision on the exit ramp from Route 287 (Exit 42) onto Parsippany Boulevard, at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Saturday, December 5.
The vehicle crossed lanes and ended on the wrong side of the road
Vehicle hit in a head-on-collision
State Police investigating inside the vehicle
Initial reports indicate Parsippany Rescue and Recovery was called to the scene as reports indicated both drivers were trapped in their vehicles.
Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 6, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance and Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance were called to the scene.
Initial reports indicate two individuals were transported to Morristown Medical Center. At this time the condition of either individual in unknown.
Calls to New Jersey State Police for details went unanswered at the time of publishing this article. Parsippany Focus will update this article as details become available.
Jadon Hoyt erupted for four goals and two assists to power Parsippany Regional to a 10-0 victory over Gill St. Bernard’s at Mennen Ice Arena in Morris Township. Anthony Caccavale struck for the first of his two goals 2:21 into the opening period and the Vikings broke the game open with five goals in the first.…
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Education Foundation is excited to present a check in the amount of $27,264.86 to the Parsippany Board of Education. This check represents the total amount of grants awarded to the school district for the 2015-2016 school year.
The Parsippany Education Foundation is a non-profit organization established to enrich the opportunities and experiences of the students in the Parsippany-Troy School District. The Board of Directors consists of volunteers committed to developing a community of learners.
They are currently running a 50-50 cash raffle and we will be having a Golf Outing in the Spring. More information can be found on their Facebook or click here to visit their website by clicking here.
You can view their website for more information on grants donated in previous years and for a list of grants.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Focus has learned that Aurora Information Security & Risk, the computer firm hired by Township Attorney John Inglesino and which billed Parsippany nearly 1 million dollars for imaging the hard drive of a Parsippany Police Captain, was operating under a suspended business registration in the State of New Jersey from the period of January 16, 2014 through May 13, 2015.
During the period Aurora was suspended from doing business with government entities, they billed the Township of Parsippany via Inglesino’s firm, $564,697.88
It was during this timeframe that the Township entered into an ‘Accord and Satisfaction’ agreement with Aurora.
Click here to view official document from State of New Jersey.
N.J.S.A. 52:32-44 imposes certain requirements upon a business competing for, or entering into a contract with a State Agency. Chapter 57 expands the requirement of business registration to business organizations competing for, or entering into contract with the following public contracting agencies.
A contracting agency may not enter into a contract with a contractor unless it has received proof of business registration: (a) at the time of bid or proposal submission, in response to a request for bids or proposals; or (b) for all other transactions, prior to issuance of a purchase order or other contracting documents.
For any purchases of goods or services made by a contracting agency under a State of New Jersey Purchasing Contract, or any other authorized cooperative purchasing agreement, the contracting agency awarding the contract shall receive and hold the proof of registration.
For bids and request for proposals, the contracting agency must keep the proof of business registration in the file where documents relating to the contract are maintained.
On Monday Parsippany Focus emailed Mayor Barberio, Mr. Inglesino, Aurora founder Matthew Ferrante, Township Labor Attorney Stephen Trimboli, current and former Council members, Business Administrator Ellen Sandman, and Township Purchasing Agent Michael Hardie for a comment.
PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3 held their annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, November 29.
The volunteers served pancakes, sausages, bagels, donuts, coffee and orange juice to hundreds of guests.
The Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the following companies for their support: Annabella’s Restaurant, Anthony Francos Pizza, Atlanta Bread, Baldwin Bagels, Bangiola’s Sandwich Shoppe, Evonik, Fuddruckers, General Store, Great Wazu, Houlihan’s Restaurant, Longhorn Steakhouse, Marco’s Pizzeria, Marino’s Pizzeria, McDonalds, Outback Steak House, Pro-Haircutters, Quick Chek, Redstone Tavern, Shear Creations, Smash Burger and Zinburger.
And Barry Eckenthal, Birchwood Manor, Cain & Sons, Castle Printing, David Brask, Eagle Auto Body, Election Graphics, Fire & Safety Services, IBEW Local Union 102, Glatfelter Insurance, Mama Louisa’s Italian Deli, New Jersey Fire Equipment, Robert J. Iracane, CPA, Tri-State Technical Service.
Each year over 10,000 visitors come to The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township view more than 200 awe-inspiring edible gingerbread creations.
“Gingerbread Wonderland and Craft Show is a special event because it celebrates the imagination and creativity of individuals,” said Lesley Parness, Superintendent of Horticultural Education at the Morris County Park Commission.
Past creations have included, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Santa’s Workshop, Hanukah Menorahs, a grand piano, the nutcracker, and even the White House.
Gingerbread Wonderland is held from Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays until 7:30 p.m. at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 East Hanover Avenue, Morris Township.
The Holiday Craft Show is open weekends, December 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Artists and crafters offer a variety of unique handmade gifts. Different crafters setup displays each weekend to provide a wide selection of products.
In the mood for yummy treats after smelling the delicious candy? Head over to Matilda’s Café for seasonal delights. The Cafe is opened Monday-Thursday, 12:00 Noon to 8:00 pm.; Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Weekends 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission is $2.00 per person and children under two are free. Groups of eight or more must make a reservation by calling (973) 326-7601.
To submit an entry to the exhibit, registration materials can be found by clicking here. For more information, please call (973) 326-7601 or click here
The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 18,730 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!
Community Blood Services invites its volunteer blood, platelet and plasma donors to give the gift of life this holiday season to ensure there is enough blood on the shelves for local patients who might need it.
Donors who donate at the Parsippany Donor Center on Monday, December 21, or at the Paramus, Montvale or Lincoln Park donor centers on Tuesday, December 22 or Wednesday, December 23, will get Snowball the Holiday Bear as a thank you for their life-giving donations. Community Blood Services is located at 1259 Route 46 East, Building 4E, Suite 12.
Donors are asked to call (201) 251-3703 for locations and holiday hours and to make an appointment to donate. The centers will be closing early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Traditionally, there is an urgent need for more donations at this time of the year because there are fewer blood drives and donors are away on vacation. At the same time there is an increase in demand because it is a heavy travel time that can leads to more accidents requiring blood transfusions, said Karen Ferriday, community affairs director at Community Blood Services.
Platelets, which only have a shelf life of five days, are especially needed right before and after Christmas and New Year’s, as is Type O negative blood, the universal blood type that can be transfused to any patient during an emergency regardless of the patient’s blood type. AB male plasma is also needed to treat trauma patients and patients with blood disorders.
“One way we are trying to address the holiday shortfall is by increasing the number of donations made using our automated technology. By asking our donors to make automated donations we are able to collect more life-giving products during one donation and better target our hospitals’ needs,” Ferriday said.
Automated donations allow multiple products to be collected during one donation (double red cells, platelets and/or plasma), therefore helping even more patients who need transfusions, she explained.
There has been an ongoing shortage of Type O negative blood, the universal blood type that can be used for all other blood types during emergencies like car accidents and for premature babies. Fr this readon it is the blood type most in demand by hospitals. Only 7 percent of the population has Type O negative blood which means the supply must continuously be replenished. In addition platelet donors are urgently needed to treat cancer patients, as well as male plasma donors for trauma and burn patients.
To donate, donors must be healthy, 17-75 years old (16 and 17 year olds need parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds.
Community Blood Services is a not-for-profit organization that provides blood and blood products for patients in 20-plus hospitals in New Jersey and New York, including Atlantic Health System, HackensackUMC, St. Joseph’s Healthcare System in Paterson/Wayne and The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood.
Maj. John Broderick, master resilience trainer with the Army Reserve’s 99th Regional Support Command, teaches a resiliency class to Army Reserve Soldiers and their families during a Yellow Ribbon event hosted by the 99th RSC at the Sheraton Hotel
PARSIPPANY — Having Soldiers who are able to bounce back from adversity and function while under great stress is one of the keys to the Army Reserve’s success as part of the nation’s Total Force.
While this resiliency is important on the battlefield, it is just as important on the home front when Soldiers return from deployment and rejoin their families.
“It’s important for Soldiers to get those (resiliency) skills, especially coming back,” explained Trey Nichols, Yellow Ribbon program manager for the Army Reserve’s 99th Regional Support Command. “Studies show that 90 to 180 days (after returning) is when suicide rates start spiking, so that’s when the resiliency training comes into play so they can get those skills and not react negatively to those life events that happen.”
The Yellow Ribbon Program is a Department of Defense-wide program that addresses Soldiers’ and Families’ concerns before, during and after deployments through a series of scheduled weekend events.
“It’s important for Soldiers and Family members to come to the Yellow Ribbon events because it allows them to reintegrate, reconnect and get their lives back into focus,” Nichols said. “Having resiliency training at Yellow Ribbon events adds value to the program because everybody needs to know how to bounce back, everybody needs to know how to put it into perspective.
“If Soldiers and Families get the skills that are being taught here at Yellow Ribbon, they’ll be able to take those skills home and use them in a broader spectrum for every facet of their life,” he added.
The DoD launched the Yellow Ribbon program in 2008 to ensure reserve-component Soldiers have access to the information and resources they need to reintegrate with their families, their communities and their employers effectively.
Unlike their active-duty counterparts who return to the extensive support of an installation after deployment, reserve-component Soldiers return to communities that may not understand the depth of their experience and to families that may be unfamiliar with military demands.
“When you come back from deployment, everything has changed,” said Maj. John Broderick, master resilience trainer with the 99th RSC. Whether you intended it to, no matter how much you stayed in touch while you were deployed, it has changed.
“Not only do you have to recognize that change is there, but you have to connect with your family member, your battle buddy who maybe didn’t deploy, your friends back here who don’t know what you went through,” Broderick explained. “You need to reach out to them in an effective manner so that they have some understanding of where you’re coming from so they can be there for you, because you’re not going to be able to do it all on your own.”
The 99th RSC’s mission is to provide facilities, programs and services to Soldiers, civilians and their families in the Northeast Region, to support Army readiness, to sustain the All-Volunteer Force and to ensure infrastructure for current and future mission requirements.
The 99th RSC provides vehicle maintenance at 26 Area Maintenance Support Activities, equipment storage and maintenance at nine Equipment Concentration Sites, administrative support at 14 Regional Personnel Action Center hubs and satellite offices, and training support at more than 250 Reserve Centers located throughout its 13-state region stretching from Maine to Virginia.
PARSIPPANY — Ms. Sofia Ahmad, 34, Boonton was traveling south on Greenbank Road, towards the intersection of Knoll Road, when Mr. Frank Zoulias, 88, Montville, was traveling east on Knoll Road towards the intersection of Greenbank Road and Lake Shore Drive. Ms. Ahmad entered the intersection while having the right-of-way. Mr. Zoulias also entered the intersection in from of Ms. Ahmad causing Ms. Ahmad to hit Mr. Zoulias in the drivers side door. Mr. Loncia did not yield to the right-of-way.
Ms. Ahmad was driving a 2016 Honda Odyssey and Mr. Zoulias was driving a 2012 Honda Civic which was towed from the scene by Eagle Towing.
Parsippany Emergency Medical Services arrived at the scene and transported Mrs. Zoulias, a passenger, to Morristown Medical Center.
There were no summons issued at the time of the accident. Parsippany-Troy Hills Officer Andy Van Orden investigated the accident.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) is pleased to announce the release of its latest “Membership Directory” titled “Discover Greater Parsippany.”
Each year over 10,000 visitors come to The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township view more than 200 awe-inspiring edible gingerbread creations.
