PARSIPPANY —Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Jay Webber requiring companies to inform users of online security breaches was signed into law.
Webber’s measure (S52/A3245) protects consumers by expanding a list of breaches requiring notification to include more online-oriented, but no less important, information, such as user names, email addresses, and any identifying information that can be used with a password or security question to access an online account. Driver’s license and social security numbers, account numbers, and credit or debit card numbers were already included.
“Digital security breaches can result in financial loss or identity theft for innocent victims just as much as breaches concerning traditional tools of identity theft,” said Webber (R-Morris). “Customers should be informed of any breach that threatens their online accounts as soon as it is discovered to allow them to change passwords and monitor accounts for fraudulent activity. Online customers rightfully expect their personal and financial data to be protected, and this new law will help meet that expectation.”
More than five billion records were exposed by breaches in 2018, according to a report released in February by security intelligence vendor Risk Based Security.
Recently, Marriott announced that more than a half million customer accounts were exposed to hackers. Last year, customer data was compromised at Uber, Facebook, Dunkin’ Donuts, British Airwaves and T-Mobile.
The largest online breach occurred in 2013-2014, when the accounts of three billion Yahoo users were jeopardized.
DENVILLE — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon Immediately deployed the highly-trained, tactical Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT), the K-9 Section and Bomb Unit upon learning the Morris County School of Technology went into lockdown mode at 7:35 a.m. Friday, May 10, based upon what police believed at the time was a credible threat of violence targeting the Denville-based school.
Denville Police Capt. Jeff Tucker addressing the media. He is flanked on the left by Morris County School of Technology Superintendent Scott Moffitt and on the right by Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon
Denville Police at 7:35 a.m. Friday received information reporting that an act of violence was going to occur at the School of Technology, and almost simultaneously, the school itself received similar information from a second source.
As both staff and students were arriving on campus for the school day, an immediate decision to ensure the safety of the students, staff and campus was made and the school was placed on lockdown. Students and faculty on site initiated lockdown procedures by securing themselves in classrooms. All arriving students and faculty were turned away to return to their sending districts, home or to a supervised staging area to await further instructions from the school.
Sheriff Gannon immediately responded to the school on Route 53 and Morris County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Mark Spitzer, who oversees the Bureau of Law Enforcement, went to the area designated for parents to gather.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office SERT team, K-9 and Bomb Unit detectives remained on the premises while a Sheriff’s Officer assisted Denville police in conducting a room by room search that lasted more than 100 minutes before the premises were deemed to be safe.
As soon as the school was placed in lockdown, an intensive investigation into the initial reports, which originated on the Snapchat social media platform, was conducted with the assistance of the Butler Police Department and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department.
Authorities determined that a current threat did not exist at the Morris County School of Technology and the search concluded around 9:20 a.m., when the lockdown was lifted. School administrators determined that school would continue for the day but students were free to leave, under parental supervision.
Standing alongside Morris County School of Technology Superintendent Scott Moffitt, Denville Police Captain Jeff Tucker, Principal Lynn Jackson, and School Resource Officer Kristian Sandman, Sheriff Gannon addressed parents and students in the school cafeteria around 10:30 a.m.
“We take these incidents extremely seriously. Our most vulnerable populations are in schools. They’re our students. They’re our grandchildren. They’re our children. They’re professionals, paraprofessionals, teachers, all the people who make it work,” Sheriff Gannon said to the students and parents.
The Sheriff praised the response of the school district and the Denville Police Department to what was treated as a credible threat to the lives of students and faculty at the Morris County School of Technology.
“A threat came in this morning. It was deemed a credible threat by the police department. An unknown actor and the time of it was around 7:35 a.m., which was consistent with students arriving at the school. There was no other decision to make than the decision that was made. And everyone stands by that,” Sheriff Gannon said.
Sheriff Gannon, in collaboration with the Morris County Chiefs of Police Association, Morris County school districts, and mental health professionals, in 2018 founded the RSVP-3 program, which stands for Responsible School Violence Prevention, Preparation, Protection.
RSVP-3’s components include tactical training for police departments so they are fully prepared to enter schools in the event of violence and developing a system of assessing threats so that none fall through the cracks. The federal Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and the Morris County Board of Freeholders have contributed $75,000 each to the RSVP-3 program.
lso responding to the incident at the school were the Denville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Denville Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Task Force, Denville Township Office of Emergency Management, New Jersey State Police, Parsippany Police Department and the Montville Township Police Department.
After reading Democratic Council Vice-President Janice McCarthy’s recent letter to the editor (“The Financial Harm the 2019 Budget Causes,” April 26, 2019), one thing is very clear- the Parsippany Democrats know they screwed up and now they are desperately seeking someone to blame.
Mayor Michael Soriano and the Democrats on Council again put forward a budget this year that proposed a big tax increase on local residents. Last year it was about a 6% increase and this year taxes were slated to rise 4.7% – each well above the statewide average.
Luckily, the three Republicans on Township Council said “NO” and did their best to reduce the tax hit on residents by reducing the size of government. The Republicans also rightfully called out Mayor Soriano for crying poor in his budget, but still finding the money to hire his former political staff to patronage jobs in town hall that they are vastly under qualified to do.
The election this year in Parsippany means a lot. If Democrats win, there will be nobody to stop Soriano from raising taxes every year and then spending our hard-earned money pursuing the same liberal fantasies that Governor Murphy does in Trenton. The choice is clear: Vote dePierro, Carifi, Jr. and Gragnani for Council.
DENVILLE — The Morris County School of Technology is lockdown this morning as police investigated a shooting threat.
Parsippany Police issued the following statement:
Morris County Vocational Technical School (Denville Campus) implemented a Lockdown this morning. Parsippany students being transported on buses were rerouted to Parsippany Hills HS and are safely there. Those students who are shared time will either remain at PHHS or be transported to PHS for the remainder of their classes today. Parsippany Police are assisting with security at our district schools.
While the Denville Police Department conducts their investigation, will have an increased Police presence at area schools. The increased presence is strictly precautionary and no threats have been made towards any school in the district.
At the same time, Parsippany Hills High School was on lockdown.
In response to a perceived student threat at Parsippany Hills High School, the school implemented a lockdown. The situation has been secured and Parsippany Police are handling the matter. The lockdown has ended and students and staff have returned to regular instruction. A student sustained minor injuries during the lockdown and is being treated by EMT. The injuries the student sustained were caused when the student attempted to exit through a first floor window and cut himself.
PARSIPPANY — Since 1970, children of all ages and from regions beyond the greater Parsippany area have assembled for not just a Christian education, but a launching pad for their future. The brick building on the Northbound side of Littleton Road, between the corporate campuses and the on-ramp to Route 80, is home to Parsippany Christian School (PCS).
Schools are often looked at for their academic prowess, sports dominance and extra-curricular offerings. All those things are good, but for the majority of us school is about the relationships made and the experiences that prepare you for what’s next. And often enough, what’s next is rarely something you can learn in a textbook.
For PCS, what’s next is the end of a story that spans nearly five decades. At the end of this school year, PCS will close its doors in a bittersweet goodbye.
Declining enrollment and the variety of alternative educational opportunities have impacted PCS for the last few years and this year it came to a point that financially the school could not keep its doors open.
Teachers will be seeking other employment. Parents are left to make new plans for their kids. Students are having to prep for a future outside of PCS. And I just happen to be one of them.
You see PCS is more than just a school. It’s a family. Whether you like it or not those who walk through the doors there are connected to it. There was a point in time where I was embarrassed about going there, but like most things the foolishness of a junior high boy turns into a more realistic view of the world with age. “Mrs. Christman, who teaches second grade, has known me since I was nine and has taught my three eldest sons. Mr. and Mrs. Van Riper have been teaching there since I was in high school and now have my oldest who is a freshman. Everyone knows everyone by name. Doesn’t matter the difference in grade. Parents who only see each other at programs and sporting events are able to pick up conversations left off weeks earlier. It’s a Christian community of people who genuinely care for each other, said David Marine.
This is more than just a school closing. It’s saying goodbye to family, possibly for good. While the faculty and students have come to deal with the changes ahead as we approach the end of the school year, things will suddenly become more real.
PCS, however, will not quietly exit. The last two months have seen some unprecedented achievements. In the Garden State Association of Christian Schools (GSACS) Fine Arts competition, PCS students brought home more first place trophies in speech than any year before and saw all of them compete at a national competition held at Bob Jones University where one student, Logan Marine, was able to place second nationally in the Bible Memory category.
On top of that at the GSACS Junior High Fine Arts competition, PCS took home 1st place in total points in its division and won the Quality Award which takes into the account the amount of points per student competing. This marks the first time in over a decade that PCS has won both of those awards in the same year.
While small in number, the talent at PCS is bigger than one might think. That’s why on May 17th at 7 pm PCS will present a Farewell Concert showcasing speeches from its winning students, musical performances and a special tribute from the faculty.
If you’ve ever darkened the doors of PCS, they want to personally invite you to come back one last time to support these students and say goodbye to an institution that, whether you want to admit or not, has shaped who you are.
James 1:17 says that ” Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” PCS is a good gift from God that for 49 years has not just educated children, but aimed to shape Godly individuals to be kind, loving and faithful citizens that our world so desperately needs right now. While the lights may be turned off and students find other institutions of learning, those involved with PCS can and should appreciate the ministry they’ve been a part of.
As the saying goes, you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. I’m sure that sentiment will set in for many of us, but let’s not wait that long to celebrate it. Come to the Farewell Concert on May 17 at 7:00 p.m. You know the address…
…but in case you forgot it is 1179 Littleton Road in Parsippany.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department’s Community Policing Division and Youth Services Section have teamed up to create a “Police Officer Trading Card Program.”
Officer Robert Smolen “Police Officer Trading Card”
Earlier this year, Youth Services Counselor, Ms. Sullivan-Fullerton presented the idea and once the department got the program rolling, 53 of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers decided to join in on the fun.
They encourage all kids, including teenagers in our community to introduce themselves to a Parsippany Police Officer to get one of their trading cards. Officer Robert Smolen had an opportunity to speak to two year old Jackson Kobeszko and give him one of his card at Lake Parsippany Park.
After a conversation with the Officer, they will give you one of their trading cards. If they don’t have one, that’s okay too, you made a new friend! Parsippany is a wonderful community and we are excited that our Officers can interact with the children on a friendly and positive basis.
Here is a list of the officers participating in this program. You can click here to download the list, print it out and collect all 53 cards.
PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) voted to protect New Jersey residents living with pre-existing conditions. H.R. 986, the Protecting Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions Act, rescinds guidance issued by the administration that promotes junk insurance plans that lack coverage for pre-existing conditions, limits access to comprehensive coverage, and raises healthcare costs. The bill also prohibits any similar future guidance from being proposed.
“New Jerseyans and their loved ones who live with a pre-existing condition should not have to worry whether or not their health insurance plan will cover them,” said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. “We need to strengthen our healthcare system, not weaken protections for our residents, or open the floodgate to junk health insurance plans. The 300,000 residents in my district living with pre-existing conditions deserve no less.”
This vote follows Representative Sherrill’s votes yesterday in favor of two bipartisan bills to lower the price of prescription drugs and to remove barriers to generics coming to market.
PARSIPPANY — The sign on the door of Parsippany Retro Fitness says this location is permanently closed. Customers were not informed and the location closed abruptly on May 5. The interior was clean out very quickly. When customers arrived on the morning of May 6 they were informed by the sign taped to the door that said this location is permanently closed.
If you are a current customer, your membership has been assigned to Retro Fitness, 60 South Jefferson Road, Whippany. The Whippany location can be reached by email at whippanynj@retrofitness.net or by phone by calling (862) 701-2560.
Customers were not informed and the location closed abruptly on May 5Customers were not informed and the location closed abruptly on May 5
Parsippany Retro Fitness was located at 1440 Route 46.
PARSIPPANY — Mayor Michael Soriano promoted Detective George Tsimpedes to the rank of Sergeant, on Thursday, May 9.
Sergeant Tsimpedes graduated from the Passaic County Police Academy in 2006 and began his career with the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office. He transferred to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department in January, 2008.
He started his career in Parsippany assigned to the Patrol Division and was later transferred to the Investigative Division. While assigned to the Investigative Division, he began working with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Unit as a Task Force Officer.
Tsimpedes received numerous awards throughout his career to include the Combat Cross, Meritorious Service Award, Unit Citations, Command Citations, Lifesaver Awards, NJ PBA Valor Award, 200 Club Valor Award and the 2016 Narcotics Detective of the Year Award. He has also received numerous commendations from the New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
He received his Master’s Degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from St. John’s University. He is also a certified Alcotest Operator and has advanced training in narcotics investigations. He will return from his assignment as a Task Force Officer and be assigned to the Patrol Division.
When asked what he likes most about serving the Parsippany Community, he stated he appreciates the diversity of the residents he serves and their overwhelming support for Parsippany Police Officers.
PARSIPPANY — All news on nature isn’t bad. Looking at the enthusiasm and effort of BAPS Charities Walk Green 2019 participants, one can certainly say, there is hope.
Shivani Patel, 19, of Parsippany will be taking part in the event for the fourth time. “It’s about doing something to raise funds to plant trees and bringing awareness about the environment,” Patel said. “For the first time in human history, our environmental impacts are happening at a scale that is affecting life on Earth. It gives me solace participating in the walk and doing something about it.”
BAPS Charities Walk Green 2019
BAPS Charities Walk Green 2019 in Parsippany was an event to raise funds for The Nature Conservancy, and Carol G. Simon Cancer Center. This year, BAPS Charities supported The Nature Conservancy’s efforts to plant one billion trees by 2025 through their Plant a Billion Trees initiative. Generations of changemakers from 6-year-old first-time fundraisers to senior citizens—came together, with over 250 members of the community participating in total.
“It’s amazing and heartwarming to see how much support has been generated for the walk and how much it has grown over the years,” said Nilkanth Patel, President, BAPS Charities. “This year over 23,000 walkers in over 76 cities in North America joined the walk to help us protect our environment – for our generation and for generations. The collective actions of the community have helped plant helped The Nature Conservancy plant 61,000 additional trees in 2019. During the last four years, from 2016 to 2019, BAPS Charities Walkathons have helped plant a total of 361,000 trees.”
BAPS Charities Walk Green 2019
“It means a lot to us that your support is made possible by the thousands of BAPS Charities volunteers who believe like we do, that a healthy planet is critical to building healthy communities where both nature and people can thrive,” said Mark Tercek, President and CEO of The Nature Conservancy.”
In addition to fostering a spirit of service across generations of participants to support a cause touching the world, BAPS Charities involved young adults in high school and college in business sponsorship initiatives. The youth participants worked to secure partnerships from local businesses to support the Walkathon efforts.
BAPS Charities Walk Green 2019
Chandu J. Bhoraniya, Walk participant, said, “I was inspired to see so many teenagers participating, not just in the walk but also in the opening ceremonies, and management of the walk. Engaging the next generation is very crucial, and I am glad BAPS Charities shares that commitment.”
Gilbert Baez, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, said, “Baps Charities is really an important part again in commitment we have to community.”
Drashti Patel, event lead said, “I thank all the sponsors, the individual fundraisers and all who came out today morning to take part in this walk. We greatly appreciate your support.”
In addition to the annual Walkathon, BAPS Charities actively supports environmental sustainability efforts throughout the year through recycling projects, water conservation and utilizing solar power. BAPS Charities also organizes other humanitarian events throughout the year like Health Fair, Blood Donation Drive, Food Drive, and Children’s Health and Safety Day. The activities of BAPS Charities are centered on improving the quality of lives of individuals and their families. For additional information on BAPS Charities and its philanthropic activities click here.
Democratic Council Vice-President Janice McCarthy has said ” it’s understandable that taxpayers are angry at Mayor Soriano for raising our property taxes again.” She also indicated that she supports taxes for the upcoming years! I am very concerned about this mindset and policy taking control of Parsippany government.
Mayor Soriano and the Democrats have supported a local budget that contained significant property tax increases while blaming the previous administration for the Township’s financial position. However, the current administration has spent hundreds of thousands of additional monies creating jobs throughout the township’s government for political supporters. Also, some of the existing positions have removed qualified people and replaced them with unqualified people.
The Mayor supports the policies of his Political ally Governor Murphy. He has been committed to raising taxes which has resulted in chasing jobs out of New Jersey. People are leaving New Jersey more than any other state, and it is because of the heavy tax burdens on our residents.
Here is the bottom line. If voters elect just one Democrat to the Council in November, it will give the administration complete control of the government. Our township needs balanced government and a check on the agenda of both the Mayor and the Governor.
That is why I am proudly supporting Mike dePierro, Paul Carifi, Jr and Loretta Gragnani. They will be the Republican team that we need.
PARSIPPANY — Todd Deremer, Matheny Adult Day Habilitation Coordinator at Hillsborough, with Randy Stodard, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Delta Dental of New Jersey, Dennis Wilson, President and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey, and two New Jersey Symphony Orchestra musicians who performed recently for clients at Matheny’s Adult Day Center in Hillsborough. The concert was sponsored by Delta Dental of New Jersey.
Clients from Matheny’s Adult Day Center in Hillsborough are pictured with bass-player Jonathan Storck from the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra; Dennis Wilson, President and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey; violinist Fran Storck from the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra; and Randy Stodard, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Delta Dental of New Jersey. Delta Dental of New Jersey recently sponsored a performance Jonathan and Fran gave to clients at Matheny. The Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation has awarded nearly $1 million over the past 17 years to support Matheny’s dental center located in Peapack.
PARSIPPANY — If you’ve visited the Parsippany Main Library, 449 Halsey Road, in February, you might have seen prom dresses in the lobby or even grabbed one for a steal at the sale. There’s a great story behind the bargains, however, that the Friends want to share with the community.
This year’s prom dress sale raised over $2000 for the library’s teen programming and collections, which is especially critical in this time of mandated funding not being able to cover all of the needs voiced by the community. In order for the library to continue offering quality free programs and the latest materials, fundraising like this is essential.
In addition to local young women receiving dresses at a fraction of their retail cost, the Friends were able to connect with the Paterson Neighborhood Assistance Office. All remaining dresses were donated and were being given away at no cost to young women in the area who would not otherwise be able to afford a dress for their prom.
Since 1984, The Friends of the Parsippany Library have been committed to improving our libraries by raising funds that may be used in various ways, such as to sponsor events and programs; supplement children’s programs; and purchase books, computers, software and audio visual materials.
Funds come from book sales, revenue from “The Book Nook” (the Friends’ used book store) and various fundraisers. The remainder of the budget is made up of annual dues paid by the membership (whether individual or corporate), donations, and grants.
To learn more about how you can contribute to the growth of Parsippany’s libraries, visit the Friends of the Parsippany Library website by clicking here.
Last month, the Parsippany Township council passed a resolution objecting to Parsippany becoming a “sanctuary city,’’ which has not happened, and new state attorney general guidelines that prevent local law enforcement officers from acting outside of their jurisdiction and using department resources to enforce federal immigration law.
I am concerned that pushing to abolish these guidelines would endanger public safety. It could potentially enable officers to stop residents they suspect are undocumented, and in other cases, release them to ICE for deportation proceedings when they aren’t suspected of serious crimes. Studies have shown crimes rises in towns where undocumented residents and residents with undocumented loved ones don’t report crimes for fear of deportation.
I am also concerned that the resolution describes undocumented immigrants as “dangerous criminals” who are siphoning resources from citizens. It exploits and perpetuates fears that they are more violent and criminal than other groups. Language like this fuels hostility against immigrants, many of whom are people of color, at a time when they are demonized by the Trump administration. In contrast, undocumented immigrants of European ancestry are seldom portrayed as a threat by our president or the media. Since Trump’s election, there has been a well-documented link between rhetoric that disparages immigrants of color — including many Muslims, Mexicans and those from Africa and Haiti — and hate crimes. Parsippany Police Chief Andrew Miller supports the attorney general guidelines.
Finally, I wonder if council members are fully aware of the impact that the policies they champion could have on families in Parsippany, a town with a large percentage of immigrant residents. I’m sure the vast majority are citizens, but those who aren’t are also a part of our community who contribute to Parsippany. Many pay income and property taxes but, unlike citizens, are barred from accessing benefits they fund as taxpayers.
Undocumented immigrants in Parsippany and beyond include people who have lived and worked here for many years and have American-born children. They include the friends and classmates of our non-immigrant children and grandchildren. They are young adults who came to the U.S. as children and grew up as Americans.
They are people given temporary protection status under U.S. policy after fleeing natural disasters and violence, who have lived here for decades, under a program renewed each year by both Republican and Democratic presidents. But they are now scheduled to be deported under the Trump administration’s new regulations.
They are green card holders who may have committed a minor offense 20 years and in the past would not have been a priority for deportation. They are citizens or legal residents who may have committed no offense at all but were mistakenly caught in the system and detained indefinitely.
If Parsippany officers enforce federal immigration laws, residents who’ve harmed no one are more likely to spend months in prison-like detention centers which have been documented to be filled with mold, rotten food, cruel solitary confinement measures and lack of access to health services.
Worst of all, these Parsippany residents – and immigrants passing through town — could be separated from family members and sent back to countries they fled while seeking refuge.
For Parsippany to become complicit in this process is immoral and inhumane.
PARSIPPANY — The Whippany River Watershed Action Committee (WRWAC) coordinated a cleanup for congregation members of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church at Veterans Park in April 28. The WRWAC supplied contractor bags, work gloves, hand held trash pickers and refreshments for all volunteers. Rev. Susan Sica helped organize the clean-up for her congregation located at480 South Beverwyck Road.
Among the many items removed were shoes, tires, metal pipes and a stereo boombox, as well as a bevy of aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic bottles and bags.
The Township of Parsippany supplied containers to properly recycle/separate glass, aluminum, plastic, trash and other items found.
“THE WRWAC’s mission is to preserve, protect and maintain the land and water of the Whippany River Watershed.” states WRWAC Co-Chair Len Cipkins. “Every year we identify several locations in our watershed in need of a clean-up.”
The Whippany River Watershed Action Committee is a non-profit, grassroots organization based in Morris County, comprised of members representing thirteen municipal governments, the Board of Chosen Freeholders, and other stakeholders.
PARSIPPANY — More than 160 student researchers presented their work at New York Institute of Technology’s “SOURCE” (Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression), sponsored by NYIT College of Arts and Sciences. Topics spanned the range of the university’s academic programs, including physician assistant studies, life sciences, biomedical sciences, behavioral sciences, interior design, digital art and design, and others.
The following local students shared their work at SOURCE:
Jeet Vaishnav who worked in a team on “Connexin 43 Mutations Effect Brain Myelination.”
Usman Niaz who worked individually on “Klebsiella Pneumonia.”
This year’s 16th SOURCE took place at NYIT’s New York City campus, at Columbus Circle. The all-day event featured oral presentations and poster exhibits by students from across the university, including undergraduates and graduate and professional students. Attendees also heard a keynote address from lawyer and art historian Amy Herman, on “The Art of Perception.”
Roger Yu, Ph.D., Chair of the SOURCE Committee, noted on the occasion, “Creative expression and participating in research with faculty members have become integral parts of a student’s educational experience at NYIT.”
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) offers 90 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in more than 50 fields of study, including computer science, data, and cybersecurity; biology and biomedical studies; architecture and design; engineering; health professions and medicine; IT and digital technologies; management; communications and marketing; education and counseling; and energy and sustainability. A nonprofit, independent, private, and nonsectarian institute of higher education, NYIT welcomes more than 9,000 students worldwide. The university has campuses in New York City (Manhattan) and Long Island (Old Westbury), New York; Jonesboro, Arkansas; and Vancouver, British Columbia, as well as programs around the world.
NYIT embraces its mission to provide career-oriented professional education, give all qualified students access to opportunity, and support research and scholarship that benefit the larger world. More than 100,000 NYIT alumni comprise an engaged network of doers, makers, and innovators prepared to change the world, solve 21st-century challenges, and reinvent the future. For more information, visit nyit.edu.
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, May 4, one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing churches and recently ranked #43 in Outreach Magazine’s list of the Top 100 Fastest-Growing Churches In America, Liquid Church, stepped away from social media and modern comforts to sleep outside for a cause: To raise awareness and life-giving resources for the homeless population in New Jersey.
Over 500 participants slept outside at two locations
Homelessness has spiked in New Jersey – and today, more families, teens, and veterans are finding themselves without shelter and security. As of January 2019, nearly 10,000 people in the state experienced homelessness, which is a 9% increase since 2017 reports.
Over 500 participants slept outside at two locations, Parsippany and Sayreville o raise a grand total of $50,000 for New York City Relief
For each person who slept out overnight in Liquid’s “cardboard city,” during their Homeless Church event, Liquid will donate $30.00 to the ministry of New York City Relief in celebration of the organization’s 30th Anniversary. Each $30.00 donation will give New York City Relief the ability to provide an individual on the street with four servings of food and drink, two hygiene kits, and one metro card. They were blessed by an anonymous donor who doubled our donations, so instead of $30.00, $60.00 was given on behalf of every participant.
“Serving the poor and homeless is central to our ministry of compassion at Liquid Church. As Christians, we know it’s not enough to sympathize with the homeless…We must take action!” said Tim Lucas, lead pastor and founder of Liquid Church. “Several years back, I spent one night on the streets around Newark Penn Station in an attempt on my part to understand, in a small way, the challenges of being homeless. This experience expanded my heart for our friends living on the streets, and it’s why today, Liquid Church is committed to serving alongside incredible organizations like New York City Relief.”
The event continued until Sunday, May 5 at 8:00 a.m. with a breakfast and special service at Liquid Church.
Over 500 participants slept outside at two locations
“At New York City Relief we believe homelessness is a struggle, not a life sentence! That’s why our goal is to mobilize thousands of volunteers to compassionately serve those struggling with homelessness by providing hope and resources that lead towards life transformation,” said Juan Galloway, President & CEO of New York City Relief. “Since we were founded in 1989, we have served alongside so many churches who go the extra mile to love our brothers and sisters on the streets, and we look forward to continuing to partner with Liquid Church as they seek to catch God’s heart for the homeless on May 4.”
PARSIPPANY — March for Babies 2019 event held at the Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment on Sunday, April 28.
Parsippany Hills High School students volunteered their time to set up and serve at the refreshment tent. Creative students set up a private table in the PSEG tent for the emcee of the event. Natalie Pasquarella from NBC attended the event. Many family friendly activities were offered to keep everyone entertained.
When you March for Babies, you make a statement that you want to live in a world in which healthy moms and strong babies are a priority.
PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, May 5, the Parsippany Hills High School Wind Ensemble performed at the 2019 NJ State Band Gala, held at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.
Only twelve high school bands from the state (the top four groups from each region, North, Central, and South) are invited to participate in the NJ Band Gala each year. It is a highly selective and prestigious event reserved for the absolute best bands in the state. This year marks the fourth consecutive gala appearance for the Parsippany Hills Wind Ensemble. Only four other high school bands in New Jersey have performed at the last four galas and just one other band from the North Jersey Region.
“On behalf of the executive board of the New Jersey Band Association (NJBA), it is my pleasure to congratulate the band directors and their student musicians for their dedication to excellence, which has lead to their participation in this year’s annual New Jersey State Band Gala. Their outstanding achievements serve as a model and inspiration to all of us who find great satisfaction in the fact that quality music education does reside in New Jersey. Congratulations!”
Thomas N. Connors, Executive Board Chair, NJ Band Association
Over the past twenty years, the NJ State Gala concert has highlighted the accomplishments of over 150 outstanding ensembles and this event continues to serve as a strong advocate of the instrumental music programs in the New Jersey public schools.
Parsippany Hills High School Band Directors Mike Iapicca and Michelle Christianson, along with the students, parents and community friends, wish to thank the Parsippany District administrators, Board of Education members and school staff members who actively champion music education in the school district. They also express a very special thank you to Dr. Barbara Sargent, Superintendent of Schools, and Dr. Tali Axelrod, Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for joining them during this milestone Gala event.