PARSIPPANY — Par-Troy East Little League boys took on Madison for the 2020 District 1 Championship in Game 5 and won 7-4.
The boys lost the first two games in Madison 11-7 and 10-9 then won game three 9-8 in extra innings and Game Four 9-4 at Jannarone Park.
A coin flip after game four won by Par-Troy East determined the deciding game five would be held at Jannarone Park where they came back from an early 1-0 deficit to win 7-4.
They are on to the Final Four single elimination for the State Championship on September 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Berkeley Township (South Jersey). They would like to see all Parsippany residents attend and show their support. A possible Championship Game would be September 27.
Players: Nick DePietro, Sy Gosh, Andrew Vasquez, Landon Weiss, Jason Intrabartolo, Andrew Niedermaier, Derek Furfaro, Dominic Rocco, Michael DelViscio, DJ Obrien, Aaron Morton. Manager: RJ Orr Coaches: Paul Furfaro and Vince DelViscio.
I am saddened to learn Beth Am will be selling their property.
I have had so many positive experiences throughout the years attending special Friday night services that featured M.L.K. Jr. remembrance programs and Holocaust-related speakers, Edwin Black, author IBM, and the Holocaust, and Harry L. Ettlinger, one of the Monument Men, a group of men given the task of reclaiming stolen artwork to their rightful owners. Harry, a Morris County resident, and I keep in contact and I will always cherish our conversations.
Thank you, to the congregation of Beth Am for opening your doors to the Parsippany community with the hope your Temple will continue with the enlightenment programs in your new home.
Like the classic dessert, this two-year-old Pit Bull mix is as sweet as can be
PARSIPPANY — What is sweet and heavenly that makes everything better? Sundae! Like the classic dessert, this two-year-old Pit Bull mix is as sweet as can be!
Sundae is a spunky, fun girl who will keep you on your toes. She would be great in a home with kids of 13 and up and she is also dog-friendly (males only).
Nothing makes Sundae happier than being in your company, specifically cuddled up in your arms
Nothing makes Sundae happier than being in your company, specifically cuddled up in your arms. She is a true love bug that will cover your face in kisses and make sure your lap is always warm!
She loves receiving any affection you have to offer and will return the favor in double! Sundae loves being active and playing.
Sundae is working on her house training and leash training in her foster home. She cannot live with cats. She does well in the crate but at night prefers to be in bed with you or in her doggy bed.
Sundae will certainly add some sweetness to your life.
If you are interested in adopting Sundae, please fill out an application by clicking here.
NEW JERSEY — Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy, along with national, state, and local leaders, attended the 2020 Commemoration Ceremony for the 19th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks. United States and New Jersey flags were lowered in tribute to the victims of the attacks.
“The September 11th terrorist attacks occurred nineteen years ago, but the pain and sorrow are still fresh,” said Governor Murphy. “We will never forget the lives cut short that day, and the first responders who selflessly saved so many more from perishing.”
PARSIPPANY — Emma Swan has been chosen to serve as a Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center tutor at Hamilton College for the 2020-21 academic year.
The Writing Center was established in 1987 to help all Hamilton students strengthen their writing abilities.
Writing Center tutors are trained to review such aspects of student work as clarifying ideas, developing a thesis, organizing stages of an argument, and strengthening specific language.
Nominated by faculty members, those chosen as tutors must demonstrate strong writing skills and relate well to their peers. They are considered to be among the best students at Hamilton. In a typical year, Writing Center tutors conduct 3,000 conferences.
Swan, a sophomore, is a graduate of Parsippany High School.
Originally founded in 1793 as the Hamilton-Oneida Academy, Hamilton College offers an open curriculum that gives students the freedom to shape their own liberal arts education within a research- and writing-intensive framework. Hamilton enrolls 1,850 students from 49 states and 49 countries. Additional information about the college can be found at www.hamilton.edu.
MORRIS COUNTY — Please join Morris County – in person (please follow CDC guidelines) or via live stream – for a remembrance ceremony as we honor those lost on 9/11 at the memorial on West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany, on Sunday, September 13, 6:00 p.m.
This year’s guest speaker is Greg Manning, a Hanover Township native. He is a 33-year veteran of Emergency Services and a 20-year member of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). Mr. Manning was assigned to Engine 69/Ladder 28/Battalion 16 on 9/11. He worked at Ground Zero for several months following the attack, which took the lives of 343 fellow firefighters.
PARSIPPANY — Mayor Soriano swore in three Special Law Enforcement Class 3 Officers. Two of which – Richard Howell and John Palardy – are sworn in each year as directed by statue, while Parsippany resident Fred Arnold joined the group as the Township’s newest Class 3 Officer.
Mayor Soriano swore in three Special Law Enforcement Class 3 Officers
“SLEO 3s have a wide-ranging role,” said Police Chief Andrew Miller, in attendance for today’s swearing-in ceremony. “They’re in mentorship roles in addition to safety and security. They interact with principals, superintendents, teachers, and they offer functional education to the schools as well.”
SLEO3s supplement Parsippany’s School Resource Officers, rotating through the Township’s ten elementary schools.
The Township also swore in its newest Public Safety Telecommunicator, Steven Monteforte, joining the Emergency Response Communication Center at the Parsippany Police Department.
“Were thrilled to welcome Steven to the Township,” said Mayor Michael Soriano. “We’re sure with his extensive background that he’ll do a great job as we move into the next chapter of our emergency response capabilities.”
PARSIPPANY — A message from Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department:
We have received many inquires regarding the planned events/rallies that are scheduled for Saturday, September 12.
We have a security plan in place to help assure the safety of anyone present, along with anyone who may be passing through the area.
There are two locations being utilized, the area of Route 46 and Baldwin Road, along with Veterans Park, which is located at the intersection of Vail Road and Route 46 East. A permit was issued to the event being held at Veterans Park. The Route 46 and Baldwin Road location does not require a permit due to the location.
We remind everyone attending the event/rally at Route 46 and Baldwin Road, the designated area for assembly will be on the curb line of Route 46 East in front of Smith Field. Parking for the attendees for the Trump event/rally should park in the Smith Field lot accessed off of Baldwin Road. All other attendees should use the park and ride parking lot on the East side of Smith Field, which is accessed off of Route 46. Officers will be present to assist attendees. Parking on private property is prohibited and property owners can tow your vehicle.
Veterans Park has one parking lot that all attendees will use. Officers will be present for assisting attendees.
All attendees should also take proper COVID-19 precautions, such as utilizing proper social distancing and wearing a face mask/covering when applicable.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Board of Education member Matthew DeVitto announces his candidacy for re-election to the board. Here is his statement:
My name is Matthew DeVitto and I am first on the ballot for re-election to the Board of Education.
I am a life-long New Jersey resident and has been a resident of Parsippany in the Lake Intervale section since December of 2014.
One of the reasons we moved to Parsippany was because we enjoyed living here previously in Lake Hiawatha and in addition, the good ratings of the township’s public schools.
My wife Christine and I have three children ages 14, nine, and nine attending the Township Schools.
I have had the honor of serving on the Board of Education for the past three years. During my term, I have served on the Transportation, Buildings and Grounds, Sports, Communications, Personnel, and Policy committees.
I have been a network engineer for 21 years with FIS Global, a financial services company. I feel today’s children need a good grasp of today’s modern technology to further many of today’s academic goals.
I am active in intramural sports in town coaching with the Parsippany Soccer Club and Par-Troy West Little League baseball. I do see the value of extracurricular activities to supplement our children’s academic education.
I am looking for your vote this election. #1 on the ballot, Matthew DeVitto for Parsippany Board of Education.
PARSIPPANY — Rosemary Becchi, candidate for Congress (NJ-11) introduces the Bill of Rights for All Individuals with Disabilities policy initiative.
“While Washington politicians focus on partisan bickering and putting politics ahead of New Jersey families, our most vulnerable citizens are being left behind during this pandemic, said Becchi. “In Congress, I will always fight for the most vulnerable. That’s why one of the first pieces of legislation I will sponsor is a Bill of Rights for All Individuals with Disabilities.”
“Rosemary Becchi is a champion for people with disabilities. Rarely has there been a leader who is willing to fight for the rights of underserved and marginalized populations. She will be a game-changer in Congress.” said Dr. Steven Perlman, Global Clinical Director and Founder of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes.
Upon the release of the initiative, Rosemary Becchi stressed the goal to protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of children and adults living with a disability. “I am a fighter- I have personally advocated for resources and fairness for my family and now I want to continue this fight on a broader level for the people of New Jersey.”
The Bill of Rights strives to raise awareness, fight discrimination, and foster respect for the rights and dignity of those marginalized individuals.
The Bill of Rights For All Individuals with Disabilities focuses on 7 major pillars:
Community: Access to in-home, community, and mobility support services so that those with disabilities may live independently.
Accessibility: Providing a means for those with disabilities to access the world around them.
Employment: Providing an equal right to seek employment in the public and private sector with reasonable accommodations, while also promoting entrepreneurship.
Education: Providing inclusive, primary and secondary education, vocational training, adult education, and lifelong learning.
Healthcare: Eliminating current barriers to health and wellness services, while providing the disabled with facilities within their residential communities that ensure quality and affordable healthcare.
Advocacy: Affording disabled individuals the right to support and protect their own best interest or having a family member/caregiver protect their rights on their behalf.
Awareness: Providing public awareness campaigns designed to promote positive perceptions and greater social awareness, while promoting their contributions as well.
“Too often individuals with disabilities experience discrimination and barriers that prevent them from participating in everyday life. These individuals are exposed to a greater risk of exploitation and restrictions of obtaining a full life. Rosemary Becchi recognizes the need to protect the civil, social, and economic rights of all individuals with disabilities by pursuing the establishment of the bill of rights for all individuals with disabilities.” Ashley Moore, BCBA Director.
Becchi has a daughter and nephew with disabilities, making this topic a personal one for her and she has made this initiative a cornerstone of her campaign.
For more information, including full text click here.
PARSIPPANY — There will be two rallies for President Trump on Saturday, September 12 in Parsippany. President Trump is not expected to be there.
The first rally organized by Harry Martin will be at the intersection of Route 46 and Baldwin Road and will start at 11:00 a.m. and continue to 3:00 p.m. (Editors Note: This rally was planned, and Focus first published a press release on August 28)
The second rally organized by Bethann Figueria and Scott Vanderbly, entitled “Pro-police, Pro-military, Pro-Trump” will be held in Veterans Park and will start at 11:00 a.m. and continue to 3:00 p.m. Public parking is available at the park. (Editors Note: Focus received a press release on September 9)
Wear your Trump gear, hats, etc. Bring American flags, Trump flags, and signs.
Both rallies will be following COVID-19 guidelines. Make sure you wear a mask and social distancing.
A message from Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department:
We have received many inquires regarding the planned events/rallies that are scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, September 12.
We have a security plan in place to help assure the safety of anyone present, along with anyone who may be passing through the area.
There are two locations being utilized, the area of Route 46 and Baldwin Road, along with Veterans Park, which is located at the intersection of Vail Road and Route 46 East. A permit was issued to the event being held at Veterans Park. The Route 46 and Baldwin Road location does not require a permit due to the location.
We remind everyone attending the event/rally at Route 46 and Baldwin Road, the designated area for assembly will be on the curb line of Route 46 East in front of Smith Field. Parking for the attendees for the Trump event/rally should park in the Smith Field lot accessed off of Baldwin Road. All other attendees should use the park and ride parking lot on the East side of Smith Field, which is accessed off of Route 46. Officers will be present to assist attendees. Parking on private property is prohibited and property owners can tow your vehicle.
Veterans Park has one parking lot that all attendees will use. Officers will be present for assisting attendees.
All attendees should also take proper COVID-19 precautions, such as utilizing proper social distancing and wearing a face mask/covering when applicable.
PARSIPPANY — Cub Scout Pack 142 invites families to join on Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held outdoors. Please contact Cubmaster Steve Tizzoni, info@pack142.net, (570) 212-2036 for the location.
Cub Scouts is fun for the whole family. Cub Scouts meet in small groups called dens made up of children in the same grade.
There are dens for boys and dens for girls but everyone has the same Cub Scout fun.
We will follow all COVID-19 guidelines for outdoor events. Wear your mask!
Please note children must be accompanied by a parent during this event. No drop-offs.
If you paid basic maintenance member fees according to N.J. S.A. 45:22A.1 you are a member in good standing of the Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association and have the right to vote. There should be no discrimination in whether you pay full member fees which entitles a property owner full recreation rights or you pay basic member fees for the basic lake upkeep with limited recreation use. Both basic and full member fees under the court ruling of October 2019 states all easement owners were required to pay maintenance fees.
The LPPOA board of trustee built into the invoice member fee a basic member fee which demands that you give up your right to vote or hold office. In order, to pay you had no choice but to lose your right to vote and hold office.
The LPPOA would not accept a basic payment from any homeowner, who felt that the New Jersey Statutes reinforced the fact they had the right to vote since they paid the required maintenance fees. The LPPOA refused any payment with a note or a notation on the check which stated the property owner wished to comply with the requirement to pay the maintenance fee and have limited recreation access to the lake but would not under New Jersey state statutes give up the right to vote.
Now, these BASIC MEMBERS in good standing are BEING DENIED THE RIGHT TO VOTE IN THE LPPOA SEPTEMBER 13, 2020 election.
Denying the right to vote under the guise “that the waiver of rights is the choice of the individual property owner, not determined by LPPOA” is an insult to all who believe that this country is based on the principle of democracy and equality. The election poll tax of the 20century was judged as unconstitutional in the United States and in all-state. All owners of property in Lake Parsippany, as defined as members in chapter V, are members in the LPPOA. There is no mention of full or basic members. The social economy factor should not be used to determine voting rights. One who cannot afford the added cost to become a full recreational member. Should not have to give up the right to vote to assure them by New Jersey Statutes. This policy discriminates between the “those who have and those who have not”. It must be corrected now.
Support equality -voting right for all property owner members
Vote for REFORM, Work together, Live together for a better lake.
PARSIPPANY — It’s been 19 years since that fateful day in New York City when the whole world came to a halt to watch the horrors unfolding before our eyes.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather J. Darling and Deputy Surrogate Christopher Luongo were guest speakers at the Morris County Funeral Directors Association meeting in Randolph.
Surrogate Darling spoke about the Surrogate’s Court and her efforts to update and modernize operations since taking office in January. The Surrogate also discussed how her office and the New Jersey Superior Courts worked through the state shut-down, challenges, and difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As many of Morris County residents endured hardships during this difficult time, my staff remained ready and able to continue to provide needed services,” said Darling. “As the state slowly continues to reopen, I welcome any opportunity to speak in person with the business community as well as Morris County residents. I look forward to reengaging with people on a personal level because this office deals in very personal matters,” Darling added. “I will also continue to provide my “Surrogate Sessions” (virtual seminars) to address important community issues relevant to my office and its services. My goal is to be accessible to all residents, especially those who cannot get out to attend public and in-person meetings.”
To schedule a public speaking engagement, contact the Surrogate’s Office at (973) 285-6500.
For more information on the Morris County Surrogate’s Court and/or upcoming educational sessions are known as the “Surrogate’s Sessions” click here.
PARSIPPANY — James B. Burns Jr., 77, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2020 at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown.
James was born in Orange and grew up in Livingston before moving to Cedar Knolls 52 years ago. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War before being honorably discharged on September 30, 1968. James proudly served the people of Hanover Township as a police officer for many years before retiring. He was a devoted member of the Parsippany Elks Lodge No. 2078 and the Knights of Columbus Post 6904 in Whippany. Survivors include his wife, Maria (nee-Salwik); his son, Steven; his daughter, Jennifer Zicker and her husband, Chris; his sister, Martha McGregor and her husband, Al; and his three grandchildren: Lucas, Samantha, and Lindsey. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2020, at the Par-Troy Funeral Home. 95 Parsippany Road Parsippany (973) 887-3235 or click here.
Interment: St. Mary’s Cemetery, Whippany. Visiting hours are on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In Lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the Elks National Foundation. 2750 North Lakeview Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60614-2256 or click here.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany has seen an uptick in new cases even before Labor Day Weekend. It’s important to remember the safety precautions that have helped slow the spread of COVID-19 for our Township over the past many weeks:
😷 Wear A Mask
🚿 Wash Your Hands
💧 Disinfect Surfaces
👩🚀 Practice Social Distancing
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders formally announced the retirement of Lawrence “Larry” Ragonese, whose service over the past five years as Director of Communications for Morris County capped off a career in New Jersey media and public relations that spanned more than 40 years.
Larry Ragonese
“I just want to say what an asset he has been to me, to the entire freeholder board and to all of Morris County. Aside from his sense of humor and charm, we will miss Larry’s strong work ethic, his genuine concern for helping people who come to the county seeking assistance, and his extensive knowledge of Morris County,” said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.
Ragonese officially retired on September 1 but continued for the past week in assisting in the transition of a new director. He had become an enduring presence in the Morris County Administration & Records Building in Morristown, as well as the Morris County Courthouse, largely because of his many years as a news reporter in the area. But the freeholders and county administration also hailed his work in modernizing the county Office of Public Information and expanding constituent relations.
“The legacy of Larry Ragonese will remain a treasured institution within Morris County for years to come, for in so many ways he has touched each of us — and through his too numerous to mention contributions, has improved our lives,” said Morris County Administrator John Bonanni. “As a journalist, as well as a Communications Director, Larry approached every issue with both integrity and a smile, the mark of a true gentleman. I wish him and his family the very best!”
Ragonese, a Cedar Knolls resident, had covered the Morris County government as a news reporter from the 1980s until 2010. He began his career as a deejay in Parsippany for WQTK 1310 a.m. in 1977, but by 1978 he moved on to become news director at WSUS 102FM in Sussex County before taking on a reporting position at The Daily Record of Morristown in 1980.
At the time, The Daily Record was privately owned and had a large circulation throughout northwest New Jersey. Ragonese originally served as The Daily Record’s Sussex County bureau chief, but quickly became the Morris County courthouse reporter. By 1984, he ascended to The Star-Ledger, the state’s largest newspaper, where he covered Morris County government until April 2010.
He subsequently joined the administration of then-Governor Chris Christie as Director of Communications for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, holding the post until becoming the Director of Communications in Morris County in February 2015.
“I just want to give a very heartfelt congratulations to Larry Ragonese on his retirement from Morris County. For many years, Larry has been the voice of Morris County,” said Freeholder Doug Cabana, who has been on the board since 1997, when Ragonese was already considered the dean of county government reporting in the region.
“He should be proud of what he’s done. He’s going to be missed, and I just wish him all the best in his retirement. I wish he would stay a little longer,” Cabana added.
Ragonese spoke briefly at the August 26 freeholder meeting about his retirement, calling it a bittersweet decision and sharing fond memories about his time in Morris County, conjuring “the ghosts” of the many county officials he knew, wrote about, and developed friendships with over the past 40 years.
“It’s been my privilege to walk in their great footsteps,” Ragonese said. “So I leave you with a smile and a thank you, and I hope the best for all of you in the county government. And I have just one request: Please, Freeholder Krickus, keep my taxes low.”
The freeholders honored Ragonese with an official resolution recognizing his service.
The post of Director of Communications has been assumed by Brian T. Murray, also a Morris County resident who spent more than 30 years in the daily news business in New Jersey, including more than 20 years as a reporter at The Star-Ledger with Ragonese.
In 2011, Murray followed Ragonese into state government, serving as Communications and Marketing Director for the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, until leaving in 2015 to become Press Secretary and Communications Director for Governor Chris Christie. He founded BurnPin, a communications and public relations company, after leaving state government in 2018.
Dear Editor:
PARSIPPANY — Cub Scout Pack 142 invites families to join on Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held outdoors. Please contact Cubmaster Steve Tizzoni, 
