PARSIPPANY — In a resounding testament to dedication, leadership, and community spirit, Emily Scharf has been named President of the New Jersey District Kiwanis Foundation, marking a new chapter in her 25-year journey with the Kiwanis family.

Scharf, who has been serving as Vice President of the Foundation, brings a wealth of experience and heart to her new role. Her Kiwanis résumé reads like a blueprint for servant leadership: Membership Chair and past President of the Kiwanis Club of Phillipsburg, Vice President and Social Media Chair for the District Foundation, and Financial Counselor for the New Jersey District of Circle K.

Her past service reflects a steady rise through the ranks, always with a focus on mentorship and growth. She served on the Key Leader Committee from 2011 to 2013, led the Hamilton Kiwanis Club as President during those same years, and later became Lieutenant Governor of Division 3 from 2014 to 2015. Scharf went on to guide the Kiwanis Club of Phillipsburg from 2019 to 2021, served as a trustee for the District Foundation from 2022 to 2023, and is completing her current vice presidency for the 2023–2025 term.

Newly elected Governor of the New Jersey District of Kiwanis International, Frank Cahill, renewed Scharf’s term on the Foundation Board and nominated her to serve as President. She was unanimously voted in by her peers. It is my privilege to renew Emily Scharf’s term on the Foundation Board and to nominate her for President,” said Governor Frank Cahill. “Her dedication, service, and leadership over more than two decades have proven her to be more than deserving of this responsibility. I am gratified that her nomination was met with unanimous support by her peers—there is no better person to lead the New Jersey Kiwanis Foundation into its next chapter of impact and growth.”

Beyond Kiwanis, Scharf is a Senior Associate in Worldwide Research & Development at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in Parsippany. A proud New Jersey native, she was born in Old Bridge and has lived in Edison, Glassboro, Princeton, and now Stewartsville. She is married to a fellow Kiwanian, and together they are raising a 9-year-old daughter who proudly considers herself an honorary Kiwanis member.

Her life outside of work and service is just as vibrant. Scharf sings soprano and serves on the Executive Board of the Warren County Community Singers. She also enjoys art, puzzles, time at the beach, and sharing meaningful moments with family and friends.

With her blend of strategic vision, heartfelt service, and creative flair, Emily Scharf is poised to lead the New Jersey Kiwanis District Foundation into a future of inclusivity, growth, and lasting community impact.

About the New Jersey Kiwanis Foundation

The New Jersey Kiwanis Foundation is the charitable arm of the New Jersey District of Kiwanis International. Its mission is to provide funding for youth leadership, scholarships, and community health and welfare programs, while supporting Kiwanis clubs in implementing impactful local projects. The Foundation Board reviews contributions, awards grants and scholarships, and develops fundraising strategies to expand the reach of Kiwanis service across the state. By working hand-in-hand with local clubs, the Foundation helps ensure that Kiwanis’ mission—improving the world one child and one community at a time—remains at the forefront in New Jersey.

MORRIS COUNTY — Preschool Advantage, the Morristown-based nonprofit dedicated to funding preschool tuitions for families in need, proudly announced that it has placed 113 children in high-quality preschools for the 2025-2026 school year—its largest class ever. The organization also reported a record number of applications. This represents a 40% increase since 2018, underscoring the urgent demand for affordable early childhood education in Morris and Somerset Counties.

“Reaching this milestone shows just how great the need is in our communities and how much families trust us to step in,” said Nancy Bangiola, Executive Director of Preschool Advantage. “We are thrilled to support so many children this year, but we also know there are still too many families waiting for support. That is what drives us to keep pushing forward so every child has the chance to thrive in preschool and beyond.”

The need has grown even more acute following the recent shutdown of New Jersey’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which closed to new applicants on July 31, 2025, leaving thousands of families without the childcare and preschool support they depend on. This crisis makes the role of organizations like Preschool Advantage more critical than ever. Preschool Advantage stands ready to bridge this gap, ensuring every child, regardless of family income, has access to the life-changing foundation of preschool.

This year’s class reflects the diverse needs and realities of local families:
• 96% of families fall at or below the income level required to meet basic needs in these counties
• 35% come from single-parent households
• 23% speak a language other than English at home
For thirty years, Preschool Advantage has partnered with 30 high-quality preschools to level the playing field for children ages 3–4. Studies show that children who attend preschool enter kindergarten better prepared, while those who do not risk falling behind early. Access to high-quality preschool can reverse these trends, giving children from all backgrounds a strong start.

Since its founding, Preschool Advantage has funded more than 1,500 tuitions, helping children enter kindergarten ready to succeed.

Applications for the 2026–2027 school year open on January 15, 2026. Parents and caregivers can learn more by clicking here.

Supporters are invited to join Preschool Advantage at its 30th Anniversary Gala, celebrating three decades of impact and rallying community support to meet the urgent demand for preschool tuition assistance.

For more information, click here or call (973) 532-2501.

PARSIPPANY  — Get ready for a spooky and fun-filled evening as the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills invites everyone to its Trunk or Treat event! It promises to be a spooktacular gathering, scheduled for Saturday, October 25, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Smith Field, come rain or shine.

A Community Endeavor 🕸️

The township is calling upon residents, local organizations, and businesses to come together to make this event a resounding success for the children. Attendees are encouraged to go with their vehicles decorated in festive and spooky themes. For those preferring a stationary setup, eight-foot tables will be available for displaying treats.

Registration and Contributions 🦇

Registration is mandatory for those setting up trunks or tables, ensuring a well-organized and smooth-running event.

Children attending are required to contribute one bag of factory-sealed candy or a sealed bag of non-food treats with at least 50 wrapped pieces, ensuring a safe and enjoyable treat collection for everyone. There’s no admission fee, making it a fun, accessible event for all families in the township.

Trunk & Table Registration 🍬

To register your trunk or table click here.

Join the Frightful Fun 🌟

This event is not just about treats; it’s about community bonding, fun, and creating delightful memories. So, gear up with your spookiest decorations and join the township in making this Halloween a memorable one for the children! Food trucks and a Pumpkin Patch, too!

PARSIPPANY — The Indian Community Center of Garden State (ICCGS) will host its 33rd annual Durga Puja celebration on Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5, at Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Road, Parsippany, NJ, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. each day.

A Tradition of Devotion and Community

At the heart of the festival is the awe-inspiring image of Goddess Durga, standing in majestic poise atop her lion, subduing the demon Mahishasura. The celebration is more than ritual—it is a living expression of the Devi Mahatmya, a 700-verse epic of divine power and triumph over evil. For 33 years, ICCGS has woven tradition and togetherness into a cultural fabric that unites the Bengali community and friends throughout New Jersey.

A Cultural Panorama

From volunteers building and adorning the Puja mandaps to preparing bhog and Prasad, every detail reflects devotion and selfless service. The halls of Parsippany High School will come alive with music, dance, art, and adda, offering both nostalgia and new memories. The spirited Dhunuchi Naach and the vibrant Sindoor Khela will mark the grand farewell, symbolizing Maa Durga’s blessings until her return next year.

Why You Should Attend

• A living celebration blending prayer, performance, and devotion.
• A home away from home for the diaspora, filled with alpona designs, Mahalaya chants, and heartfelt fellowship.
• A stage for talent showcasing artists, dancers, and musicians from the community.
• Savory Bengali cuisine and vibrant décor to complete the experience.

Event Details

• When: October 4 & 5, 2025 (10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
• Where: Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Rd, Parsippany.
• How to Attend: Register online at www.iccgs.org

Durga Puja is a luminous festival of victory, devotion, and belonging. Whether you come to pray, feast, dance, or simply soak in the festive spirit, your presence will make Durga Puja 2025 unforgettable.

PARSIPPANY — As Chairman of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee, Frank Cahill was no stranger to connecting local businesses and nonprofits with opportunities that strengthened the community. In September, 3 Century Drive became the focus of such efforts when the building’s owners, Kushner Real Estate Group, coordinated with Nicolas Limanov, Executive Board Member of Parsippany Rescue and Recovery.

Before the property is demolished to make way for a new warehouse — approved by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board — Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, the Morris County Sheriff’s Department, and other first responders used the building to conduct specialized training exercises.

“When Parsippany’s EMS and fire departments approached us about conducting training exercises in our vacant office building on Century Drive, we were happy to help,” said Doug Mineur, representing the Kushner Real Estate Group. “It gave first responders a realistic environment to practice critical skills. We were also glad to donate the remaining office furniture, which the departments shared with local nonprofits, turning unused resources into something valuable for the community. Supporting the towns where we work was something we were proud to do.”

Limanov coordinated the donation process, ensuring that usable furniture and equipment were distributed to organizations that could put them to immediate use. “This project showed how teamwork can benefit everyone,” said Nicolas Limanov. “Instead of letting valuable items go to waste, we worked together to make sure libraries, nonprofits, and law enforcement agencies received resources that strengthened their work.”

Through this collaboration, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, Visions and Pathways, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and several other organizations received valuable donations.

Cahill, the incoming Governor of NJ District Kiwanis International, personally reached out to Visions and Pathways to help identify items that could benefit the nonprofit. The organization received a variety of much-needed resources, including desks, filing cabinets, bookcases, tables, chairs, shelving units, and other office equipment that immediately enhanced their operations.

One of the largest beneficiaries, Visions and Pathways, had a long-standing mission of protecting, educating, and empowering at-risk youth and young adults. For more than 50 years, the nonprofit had provided safe housing, counseling, life skills training, and educational support to help young people overcome crises such as homelessness, abuse, and neglect.

Founded in 1970 as Somerset Home for Temporarily Displaced Children, Visions and Pathways expanded over the decades to serve youth throughout New Jersey. Its programs included residential care, outreach to runaway and homeless youth, mentoring, and vocational training — all to equip young people with the tools they needed to achieve independence and stability.

The donations from 3 Century Drive helped the organization furnish living spaces for residents and improve work areas for staff, directly enhancing the quality of services provided.

“We are greatly appreciative of Frank Cahill’s commitment to Visions and Pathways,” said David Walker, Executive Director of Visions and Pathways. “Thanks to Frank’s leadership and the generosity of Kushner Real Estate Group, our organization received high-quality furniture that will directly enhance our programs. This support helps us give youth a home, the tools to become self-sufficient, and the chance to build a brighter future. We are fortunate to have friends like Frank and the Kiwanis community standing with us as we provide for abused and neglected children.”

Cahill praised the collaboration, emphasizing how vital partnerships like these were to strengthening the community. “When the business community and nonprofits worked together, we created an immediate, positive impact,” he said.

PARSIPPANY — St. Andrew Lutheran Church and St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church will host their annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 5, at 1:00 p.m.

The event will take place on the front grounds of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, located at 335 Reynolds Avenue. Community members are invited to bring their pets of all shapes and sizes to receive a special blessing.

“All animals are welcome—whether furry, feathered, or scaled,” organizers shared. The Blessing of the Animals tradition celebrates the bond between people and their pets while honoring St. Francis of Assisi, known as the patron saint of animals.

For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with St. Andrew Lutheran Church at (973) 887-6713 / [email protected] or St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church at (973) 887-5879 / [email protected]

New York City welcomes tens of millions of visitors yearly, but accidents can happen during your stay. Your dream vacation might turn stressful after a taxicab accident, a trip on a broken sidewalk, or a slip and fall at your hotel.

Legal rights protect you when accidents occur while exploring the city’s bustling streets or cultural landmarks. You can file a lawsuit against the responsible party even if you live outside the city or country. This protection extends to tourists injured anywhere from the Hudson Valley to New York’s popular attractions.

What to Do Immediately After Getting Injured in NYC

Quick action is vital if you get into an accident during your NYC trip. Seek medical attention right away – your injuries might seem minor at first glance. Some health issues like concussions or internal bleeding don’t show symptoms immediately. The nearest emergency room or urgent care facility should check you out properly. Keep in mind that NYC hospitals provide emergency care whatever your immigration status or knowing how to pay.

After getting medical help, make sure to report the incident to the right authorities. Traffic accidents need a police report – just call 911. Let the manager or property owner know right away if you get hurt at a hotel, store, or restaurant. The MTA or relevant city agency needs to know about any accidents that happen on public transit.

On top of that, you need to document everything really well. Get clear photos and videos that show the accident scene, dangerous conditions, and your visible injuries. Get contact details from anyone who saw what happened. Your medical paperwork matters most – keep all bills, prescriptions, and treatment records.

Your chances of getting compensation get better if you act fast after getting hurt while visiting New York. Leaving town without reporting injuries or getting medical care can hurt your chances by a lot to receive compensation for damages from your trip.

How to Document Your Injury and the Scene

Good documentation is vital evidence when you need to file a claim after getting injured in New York. Get medical help first, then focus on gathering a complete record of the whole ordeal.

Photograph everything. Take multiple photos of the accident scene with your smartphone from different angles. Get wide shots to show context and close-ups for details. Take pictures of any dangerous conditions like cracked sidewalks, wet floors, or poor lighting that led to your injury. Document your visible injuries and take photos as they change over time.

Collect witness information right away. Ask people who saw what happened for their names and contact details. Their independent accounts can prove your version of events. Their testimonies often provide viewpoints you might have missed.

Preserve all documentation about your injury. Save every medical record, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans. Keep track of all your expenses – medical bills, medications, transportation costs, and any changes to your travel plans because of the injury.

Note that evidence doesn’t last long. Skid marks disappear, hazards get fixed, and witnesses move on. Quick action to document everything creates a strong foundation for your potential claim. This is especially important since New York has a three-year statute of limitations for most injury claims.

Understanding Your Legal Rights as a Tourist

New York law protects every visitor’s rights after an injury, whatever you call home. Non-residents hurt while visiting New York have similar legal rights to seek compensation as local residents.

Time limits matter when taking legal action. You have 3 years from your accident date to file a personal injury claim. Claims with government entities like the MTA or injuries on public property need special attention. You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days and submit a lawsuit within 1 year and 90 days.

New York’s pure comparative negligence rule means you can get compensation even if you were in part responsible for your accident. Your compensation will be reduced based on your share of responsibility.

Good news for tourists – you don’t need to come back to New York to pursue your case[131]. A skilled NYC attorney can handle most of the work remotely. This includes paperwork, interviews, and court hearings.

Your compensation could cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. International visitors have the same rights – your immigration status won’t affect your ability to seek damages.

A local attorney’s early guidance will help you meet vital deadlines while evidence stays fresh.

Conclusion

Getting injured during your NYC trip can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re away from home. The legal protections for tourists are strong and available. Quick action after an accident substantially strengthens your case. Getting immediate medical care protects your health and creates an official record of your injuries.

Proper documentation is a vital part of your case. Photos, witness statements, and medical records create a complete picture of the incident and its impact on you. This evidence becomes especially valuable as memories start to fade over time.

Note that being far from New York won’t stop you from seeking justice. You can handle most personal injury claims without coming back to the city. However, you need to watch out for key deadlines – particularly the strict 90-day window for claims against government entities.

You deserve fair compensation if you got hurt from a broken sidewalk, had an accident in a taxi, or suffered an injury at a tourist spot. An injury might disrupt your vacation plans, but taking the right steps in the first 24 hours protects your rights and helps you recover – both physically and financially. A skilled NYC attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing and getting back home safely.

MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) is featuring a retrospective exhibition honoring long-time CCM Professor Keith Smith, an acclaimed educator, artist, author and poet. The exhibit is on view now through Tuesday, November 4, in the CCM Gallery, located in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center. As Smith celebrates 30 years of teaching at CCM, the community is invited to experience his expansive body of work, which includes ink, paint, collage, photography, video, poetry and electrostatic media. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, September 25, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, with wine and light refreshments served. 

This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of an artist whose work has been featured at leading institutions, including The Museum of Modern Art (NYC), The Smithsonian Institute (Washington, D.C.), The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and The New Jersey State Museum in Trenton. His art is represented in major collections nationwide and has been featured in numerous publications and media, including Choices in Healing (MIT Press), Creative Healing (Harper), Animals As Teachers and Healers (New Sage Press), Arts Alive (PBS) and New Morning (Hallmark Channel). 

“Art is the language I use to understand the world, to question it, and to reflect the human experience,” said Smith. “This exhibition is not just a look back—it’s a map of the journey.” 

At CCM, Smith has shaped generations of students, having served as professor of Art, dean of the School of Liberal Arts and chairperson of the Art and Design Department. He also played a key role in designing the CCM Gallery, a non-profit exhibition space on campus serving a vast group of established and emerging artists. 

Smith holds BFA and MFA degrees from the California College of the Arts. He is the author of “Mourning Sickness: The Art of Grieving” and recipient of numerous awards, including a Ford Foundation Fellowship, Gold Medals in Painting and Drawing at the California State Exposition and a National Merit Award in Experimental Media from the American Film Institute and Sony Corporation. 

The CCM Gallery is located in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center on the college’s campus, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, click here.

To explore CCM’s associate degree programs in the creative arts, click here.