PARSIPPANY — Registration is now open for Par-Troy West Little League for Spring Baseball and Softball.
Registration open for Ages 4 – 16. To determine age for softball use age as of December 31, 2018 and for Baseball use age as of August 31, 2019.
Cost for first child is $95.00, second child $155.00, third child $195.00 and $20.00 for each additional child. Plus there is a candy fundraiser fee per child, $30.00 buyout or $60.00 box to sell). Plus in a separate check $100 work bond per family.
Eligible requirements are based on your home address in one of the following school districts: Littleton Elementary, Mt. Tabor Elementary, Eastlake Elementary, Lake Parsippany Elementary, Intervale Elementary, Brooklawn Middle School and Parsippany Hills High School.
Register online by clicking here. Teams are generally formed in early March.
For additional questions, please email volunteer4ptwll@gmail.com
Pvt. Jacob "Jack" Nussbaum, Santa and Applebee's Manager Rachael Guida
PARSIPPANY — Applebee’s® Neighborhood Grill + Bar restaurants owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises, a local Applebee’s franchisee with locations in New Jersey, on Long Island and throughout Florida and Georgia, are proud to announce a donation of $238,496.00 to The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and its annual U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. Throughout 2018, Applebee’s locations contributed to the fundraising total by hosting a number of charitable initiatives, including a Christmas in July Barbecue, Breakfast with Santa fundraisers and many more.
Applebee’s® Neighborhood Grill + Bar is located at 1157 Route 46 in the Troy Hills Shopping Center.
Doherty Enterprises has been a longstanding partner of Toys for Tots, entering its 20th year of contributions in 2018. Locally, restaurants throughout New Jersey were able to contribute an impressive $114,651.00 to the $238K+ total; restaurants throughout New York on Long Island were able to raise $84,686.00, and restaurants throughout Florida and Georgia were able to provide $39,159.00, raised locally in each restaurant through a variety of fundraising activities. The highest fundraising stores, going above and beyond to smash their charitable goals for Doherty Enterprises’ longest running and largest partnership include Lindenhurst, Shirley, Westbury and Patchogue, New York, Venice, Cape Coral and Port Charlotte, Florida and Tinton Falls and Butler, New Jersey.
“We couldn’t be prouder of our contribution to Toys for Tots this year,” said Tim Doherty, President & Chief Operating Officer, Doherty Enterprises. “We hope Toys for Tots is able to continue their hard work helping children everywhere. What they do is so important and truly betters the lives of our community members nationwide, and we anticipate many more years of successful partnership between Doherty Enterprises and Toys for Tots.”
Over the past 20 years, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises have raised over $4.6 million to benefit The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Doherty Enterprises is committed to giving back to the communities it serves, and each Doherty Enterprises restaurant stays engaged in its neighborhood through participation in community events, donations, sponsorships and fundraisers to help local organizations grow and flourish.
Since its inception 70 years ago, Toys for Tots has aimed to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joys of Christmas. Funds raised by Applebee’s have helped to further Toys for Tots’ objective to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.
PARSIPPANY — William C. Taylor Jr., 75, passed away on Friday, January 11 at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.
Bill was born and raised in Paterson. He lived in Wayne and Lincoln Park before moving to Parsippany 1980.
In 1962, he graduated from Don Bosco Tech in Paterson where he was a Redshirt Freshman in Baseball and Basketball and continued on Varsity all four years. He still holds Nationwide records at the school for pitching and was offered a minor league baseball contract but instead of accepting the offer, Bill decided to proudly serve his country in the United States Marine Corps where he was a Decorated Marksman/Sniper and also served as Military Police onboard the U.S.S. Springfield . All this starting on May 23, 1962 until being honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal on September 22, 1966. Being in the Marine Corps allowed Bill to live in many parts of the world including France, Portugal, Africa and Santo Domingo. His Squad was among the first to arrive in the Dominican Republic to aid in Dominican Civil War.
Upon returning home, Bill attended William Paterson University where he received his Bachelors and Masters degrees. He then went on to graduate from La Salle Extension University in Chicago, Illinois with a diploma in American Law and Procedure as well as a Bachelor of Laws Degree. He also earned a Diploma in Data Processing & Computer Programming at the School of Business Machines.
Bill was a hardworking man. During high school, not only was he committed to his school work and various sports teams, he also worked with his mother at the General Electric Facility in Paterson. Later , Bill began his career student teaching in the English Department at William Paterson University. He then was a sales Rep for Texaco which led him to become Owner of a Texaco Station here in Parsippany from 1975-circa 1985. While owner of the Texaco, he donated the chain link fence that surrounds Parsippany Hills High School.
After owning the Texaco Station, He formed and owned the Colonial Couriers Service. Around the same time he began working in Commercial Real Estate for Gallo & DeCroce and campaigning and fundraising for Congressman Dean Gallo NJ. After that he became the Director of Government Affairs at Trammell-Crow where he designed the Mazdabrook Development on Smith Road. After leaving Trammell Crow, he co-owned the Brink Road Builders; Eckstein/Taylor before going on to create the William C. Taylor Jr. Co., LLC. which he has owned and operated for the past 22 years.
Bill was the epitome of someone who loved and served his community. The Town of Parsippany was better for having him as part of everyday life. Bill won the vote for Unexpired Term (R) on the Parsippany Town Council, as well as President and Liason on the Township Planning Board, all a part of his tenure on the Board. He was President of the Par-Troy Little League West and took great pride in building all of the baseball fields located there. He also served the community of St. Clare’s Hospital for over eight years where he was on the Riverside Hospital Long Range Planning Board and was instrumental in the development and building of the Franciscan Oaks Health Center.
He is survived by his wife: Patricia A. (née-McMickle) his sons: William C. III and his wife, Leida; Sean P. and his wife, Nikki; his daughter, Amanda R. Palmieri and her husband, Matthew; and his five grandchildren: Logan, Ashley, Molly, Liam and Angelina Rose.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Liturgy of Christian Burial to be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 17 at St. Christopher R.C. Church, 1050 Littleton Road, Parsippany. Cremation: Private.
Visiting hours are on Wednesday, January 16 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road. (973) 887-3235.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Taylor Family.
WCPTH Fourth Annual Spelling Bee Club Members and Winners. From top left, Mary Ann Coyne and Diana Freidinger. From lower left, First Place Winner - Sahaj Bhandari, Third Place winner Sanjana Sri Veggalam and Second Place Winner Genevieve Owusu-Ansah
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany Troy Hills (WCPTH) held its Fourth Annual Spelling Bee on Friday January 11.
Twenty-five students were selected from area Fifth Grade Elementary Schools to participate in the Spelling Bee, which was held at Parsippany Hills High School (PHHS).
Over 100 parents and family members watched the students. Judging the event were; Michael DiSanto, Principal of Parsippany Hills High School. William Westhoven, reporter at Gannett NJ Daily Record and Melissa Okerblom, Parsippany Library Head of Children’s Services. Mary Ann Coyne, WCPTH club member and chairman of the Fourth Annual Spelling Bee, was the Moderator and club member Marianne Burke was the Pronouncer.
After 25 exciting rounds the First Place winner was Sahaj Bhandari from Northvale Elementary School. Second Place winner was Genevieve Owusu-Ansah from Rockaway Meadow Elementary School and Sanjana Sri Veggalam from Mount Tabor Elementary School was Third place winner.
The winners are invited to participate in the New Jersey State Federated Women’s Club (NJSFWC) Regional Spelling Bee on Saturday, February 2 in Rockaway. The Regional winners will then be invited to the State Championship at the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC) Headquarters on Saturday, March 2 in New Brunswick.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of NJSFWC, which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. The next General Meeting, which is open to area women, will be held on Monday, January 28 at 7:00 pm at Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery, 100 Centerton Drive.
For more information call Marilyn at (973) 539-3703, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, click here or follow the club on FACEBOOK.
WCPTH Fourth Annual Spelling Bee Judges, Club Members and Winners. From top left, Judges – Melissa Okerblom, Michael DiSanto, Mary Ann Coyne, William Westhoven, Joan Garbarino, and Diana Freidinger. (WCPTH CO-Presidents) From lower left, First Place Winner – Sahaj Bhandari, Third Place winner Sanjana Sri Veggalam and Second Place Winner Genevieve Owusu-AnsahWCPTH Fourth Annual Spelling Bee Judges and WCPTH Club Chairman. Judges – Michael DiSanto, William Westhoven and Melissa Okerblom. From lower left, Mary Ann Coyne.
Photos courtesy of Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills
Armed robbery at the Exxon, Route 10, East Hanover
EAST HANOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Investigations Stephen F. Wilson, Jr., Chief Christopher F. Cannizzo of the East Hanover Police Department, and Chief David N. Stokoe of the Randolph Police Department announce an active investigation into a series of armed robberies that occurred on January 10, in East Hanover and Randolph.
The assailant is described as a black male, thin build, approximately 20- to-25 years old, carrying a black handgun. He was wearing black pants, a black and white top, grey hoodie sweatshirt, gloves and a ski mask
At approximately 12:13 a.m., law enforcement officers were dispatched to the Exxon Gas Station, located at 349 Route 10 East, East Hanover, on a report of an armed robbery.
The gas station clerk reported that while he was counting cash, a man entered the store carrying a handgun and demanded money.
The clerk dropped the money on the ground, which was picked up by the man. The man left the store with the cash and fled on foot.
The assailant is described as a black male, thin build, approximately 20- to-25 years old, carrying a black handgun.
He was wearing black pants, a black and white top, grey hoodie sweatshirt, gloves and a ski mask.
At approximately 1:36 a.m., law enforcement officers were dispatched to the 7-11 store, located at 155 South Salem Street, Randolph, on a report of an armed robbery. The store clerk reported that he was working at the counter when a man entered the store, showed a black handgun, and demanded money. After the clerk provided cash to the man, the man left the store with the cash and fled on foot.
The armed robber at 7-11 in RandolphArmed robbery at the Exxon, Route 10, East Hanover
The assailant is described as a black male, thin build, carrying a black handgun. He was wearing black pants with a white checkered pattern on the legs, a grey hoodie sweatshirt, black gloves, and a ski mask.
Numerous law enforcement agencies are currently investigating this incident, including the East Hanover Police Department, the Randolph Police Department, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office – Major Crimes Unit, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with information about this incident, including the identity of this assailant, is asked to call the East Hanover Police Department at (973) 887-0432, Randolph Police Department at (973) 989-7000, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office – Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200, or Crimestoppers at (973) 267-2255 or click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Weichert Family of Companies successfully completed its 40th Annual Toy Drive, collecting more than 13,100 new toys for families and children in need this holiday season. In addition, cash and gift cards were collected and donated to various charities, along with food, clothing, diapers and art supplies.
The toys were donated to several charities throughout the regions in which Weichert does business, including Goryeb Children’s Hospital, Oasis – A Haven for Women and Children, Holton’s Heroes, Market Street Mission, OneUmbrella Foundation, CASA for Children, Third Street Alliance for Women & Children, Ocean of Love for Children with Cancer, and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, to name just a few. Employees at Weichert’s corporate headquarters donated more than 350 toys to the New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency’s Holiday Appeal, which provides gifts to children who have been victims of child abuse or neglect.
“For 40 years, the Weichert Family of Companies has been holding its annual toy drive to benefit those who need help in the communities where we do business. We are honored to continue this tradition year after year, as it brings a great deal of joy to so many children and their families during the holiday season,” said Jim Weichert, president, chairman and CEO of Weichert Companies. “Once again, there was tremendous support and generosity from Weichert sales associates and employees, as well as our clients and the residents and businesses in the communities we serve.”
The new, unwrapped toys and other contributions were collected at Weichert, Realtors sales offices throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., as well as the company’s corporate office in Morris Plains.
Since 1969, Weichert, Realtors has grown from a single office into one of the nation’s leading providers of homeownership services by putting its customers first. A family of full-service real estate and financial services companies, Weichert helps customers buy and sell both residential and commercial real estate, and streamlines the delivery of mortgages and home and title insurance. Weichert leverages its customer website, www.weichert.com, one of the most visited real estate websites in the nation, to help families and individuals realize the dream of homeownership through quick and easy access to listing information and the services of its real estate professionals nationwide. Like other family-owned and -operated businesses, Weichert enjoys greater public trust according to several national surveys. For more information, Weichert’s customer service center can be reached at 1-800-USA-SOLD.
PARSIPPANY — Lauren Calabrese, a 2015 Graduate of Parsippany High School, has been named to the Fall 2018 Dean’s List at Roger Williams University, in Bristol, R.I. Full-time students who complete 12 or more credits per semester and earn a grade point average of 3.4 or higher are placed on the Dean’s List that semester.
With campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, R.I., Roger Williams University is a forward-thinking private university committed to strengthening society through engaged teaching and learning.
At RWU, small classes, direct access to faculty and guaranteed opportunity for real-world projects ensure that its nearly 4,000 undergraduates – along with hundreds of law students, graduate students and adult learners – graduate with the ability to think critically along with the practical skills that today’s employers demand.
Roger Williams is leading the way in American higher education, confronting the most pressing issues facing students and families – increasing costs, rising debt and job readiness.
MORRIS COUNTY — Veteran, educator, and Republican leader William Felegi of Lake Hopatcong announced that he will seek the GOP nomination for Morris County Freeholder in the June 2019 primary.
“I am running for Morris County Freeholder to offer Republican primary and general election voters new leadership committed to public service and embracing all that is great about Morris County while bringing people together in order to confront the challenges that lie ahead,” Felegi declared.
Serving eight years in the National Guard and earning the rank of sergeant, Felegi is now a special education teacher and adjunct professor at William Paterson University of New Jersey. He is also former President of the Jefferson Township Republican Club, former Chair of the Morris County Young Republicans, and a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Former Morris County Freeholder Hank Lyon praised the candidate for his public service and offered an endorsement of his candidacy.
“Whether it was volunteering to serve our country in uniform or pursuing a career educating the next generation, Will Felegi has demonstrated a commitment to service above self. He represents the very best of America and Morris County. Will is someone who can be trusted to faithfully represent the people of Morris County as Freeholder,” Lyon stated.
Jordan Chester, who served with Felegi on the executive board of the Morris County Young Republican Organization from 2013-2016, also praised the candidate.
“I have seen Will Felegi’s exceptional work ethic, ability to forge alliances, and passion for the Republican cause firsthand. It’s these qualities, coupled with his intellect and strong moral compass, that make him well-prepared to serve on the freeholder board,” Chester said.
Felegi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and Social Studies from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and a Masters of Education from William Paterson University of New Jersey. During his free time, he enjoys fishing, hunting, watching football and spending time with his dog, Angel. Felegi resides in the Lake Hopatcong section of Jefferson with his wife, Amanda.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders received a detailed briefing last night on the need and specific reasons for consideration of a potential expansion and renovations to the Morris County Courthouse in Morristown.
The Morris County Board of Freeholders held a special public session on January 9, 2019, to outline specific reasons for the consideration of a Morris County Courthouse expansion and renovations, to meet the needs and requirements for state judicial facilities in Morris County. Officials from the Morris County courts, law enforcement, engineering, and public safety made brief presentations on the courthouse issue to outline the needs during this special session
Morris County Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz, Sheriff James M. Gannon, County Law and Public Safety Director Scott DiGiralomo, and County Engineer Christopher Vitz each made presentations that detailed specific issues related to legal, public safety, and security shortcomings of the current courthouse.
County Engineer Christopher Vitz
County Law and Public Safety Director Scott DiGiralomo
Morris County Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz
Morris County Sheriff James Gannon
Public comment may be offered to the Freeholder Board at its January 23, 7:00 p.m., meeting in Morristown and submitted electronically for the next month.
Providing adequate court facilities and securing those facilities are the sole responsibility of each respective county in New Jersey. Previously, the Morris County Freeholder Board commissioned a Space Needs and Facilities Assessment pertaining to the judiciary and county government. That Space Needs Assessment identified a significant shortfall in criminal, family and civil court facilities.
At a December 12 meeting, the Freeholder Board, by a unanimous vote following a public hearing process, adopted two capital ordinances totaling $5 million that could finance a design of the proposed new and expanded court facilities.
Updates on the project, including information of future meetings or actions, will be posted by clicking here.
In Morris County, the county government, the state courts, and related nonprofit organizations currently operate from the Morris County Courthouse, the Morris County Administration and Records Building, and the Schuyler Annex Building in downtown Morristown, with additional state‐level court services housed in leased space.
Over time, as the needs of the county and the state have grown, so has the need for more secure and accessible facilities from which to operate. Morris County has attempted to meet these needs on a project-by-project basis, utilizing available facilities and space in the most efficient manner possible.
In late 2016, it became apparent that an analysis of existing available space was needed, coupled with a comprehensive and long‐term examination and evaluation of current and future space needs. In early 2017, Morris County retained a team of consultants led by consulting firm Dewberry to undertake this needs assessment and master planning effort.
The study was scoped with addressing the capital facility needs of Morris County for both county government and state court functions, looking at least 20 years into the future, and developing a capital facility master plan level strategy to meet those needs.
Following months of data gathering, interviews with key officials and stakeholders, in‐depth analyses, and development and evaluation of optional solutions, several key findings emerged that defined the recommended solution.
Douglas Cabana, Kathy DeFillippo and Thomas Mastrangelo
MORRIS COUNTY — Freeholders Douglas Cabana, Thomas Mastrangelo, and Kathy DeFillippo today announced their candidacy for re-election in 2019. All three will run together as a team in the 2019 Republican primary in June.
In the last three years Cabana, Mastrangelo, and DeFillippo have worked with the other members of the Freeholder Board to bring lower taxes, reduced debt and improved infrastructure to Morris County. Their experience and broad backgrounds have allowed them to bring innovation and accountability to county projects and financial decisions.
“I look forward to running for re-election with Kathy and Doug in 2019. We have worked well together over the last six years and hope to have an opportunity to continue the successes of the last six years,” stated Mastrangelo.
While serving together, the team has guided the county to annual fiscal responsible budgets including multiple ZERO tax increase budgets and reduced the county debt by tens of millions of dollars.
“We have demanded accountability and responsibility from everyone involved in county government, beginning with our own Board. It is imperative that we continue to ensure that taxpayers get the most from their hard earned tax dollars,” stated DeFillippo.
Doug Cabana, the longest serving of the three, reflected on the new challenges that face Morris County:
“When I first was elected to the Freeholder Board, many of the technologies available today were in their infancy. By working with county employees and vendors to integrate new technology into county government we are able to improve services while being more economically efficient.”
Cabana, Mastrangelo, and DeFillippo will be opening their campaign headquarters in January and look forward to getting started on the 2019 campaign.
PARSIPPANY — Rocky is an eight-month old Beagle Pug mix, also known as a Puggle. He currently weighs 23 pounds and will not be much bigger.
It doesn’t get more perfect than Rocky! Along with his cute, squeezable wrinkles, he has the sweetest personality! He loves to give kisses to everyone he meets! He enjoys being the center of attention and receiving lots of pets!
Rocky LOVES to play and explore! He is up for any activity involving the great outdoors, but is just as happy playing indoors as well! Some of his favorite hobbies include chasing tennis balls and proudly carrying his collection of toys around the house.
He would make a wonderful companion for an active family who will keep him entertained. When he is not busy playing, he enjoys lounging on the couch watching television, ideally snuggled up next to you.
Because Rocky is still a puppy, he needs a home that will provide him with proper obedience training and structure. He is working on crate training and potty training and has been improving day by day. He is very quiet and rarely barks. He does amazing with other dogs and can live with children 13 and up! Especially when they will play ball with him!
Rocky can’t wait to find a forever family to spend the rest of his days with!
If you are interested in adopting Rocky, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Like Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
Wise Animal Rescue (W.A.R.) is a 501c3 non-profit organization, located in Parsippany, is dedicated to the well-being of dogs of all breeds. We are comprised of a network of caring people with a grassroots approach working towards a world where no dog is neglected, abused, or homeless.
W.A.R. is dedicated to rescuing dogs of all ages and breeds from places where they are no longer wanted or are not being properly cared for. By partnering with veterinary practices that support our work, we are able to save dogs’ lives and restore them back to health.
Central to our mission is to ensure that all dogs are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on shots, and microchipped. Prior to adoption, all of our dogs are placed into responsible loving foster homes to be socialized and trained rather than put in a shelter environment.
PARSIPPANY — Brooklawn Middle School students Sophia and Saanvi won the Morris County recycling poster design contest. Here are their creations. Go Knights!
PARSIPPANY — Southbound North Beverwyck Road is closed between Lake Shore Drive and the area of Foodtown. Southbound traffic is being diverted onto Lake Shore Drive, then left onto South Roosevelt Avenue, and left onto Vail Road. Northbound lanes remain open. Lanes should reopen at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 10.
Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, New Jersey State PBA President Patrick Colligan, Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, Rockaway Police Chief Conrad Pepperman, and New Jersey PBA Executive Director Marc Kovar display donated Feel Better Bears
MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, the New Jersey State PBA and the Morris County Police Chiefs Association came together today to celebrate the collection of hundreds of stuffed bears for juveniles that law enforcement personnel encounter in the line of duty.
The “Feel Better Bears“ program helps children feel better during emergencies, giving them brand-new toys to hug during a time of need.
“It seems most fitting that it is today, on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, that we celebrate such a special program,” said Bucco (R-Morris). “In addition to the daily acts of heroism our police officers perform, they also comfort these innocent children in very difficult situations. It really helps underscore what makes these men and women so special.”
NJ State PBA President Patrick Colligan is enthusiastic over the difference the donations will make on the lives of children that receive them. “When dealing with emergency situations where a child is involved, having these toys will help an officer make a child feel safe. I couldn’t be more proud to be involved with the program.”
“The community support for this project was tremendous,” said Gannon. “I want to thank all the people that contributed to the program. I’m sure these bears will make a difference in the lives of a lot of children.”
“In situations like these, our officers are aware that there’s more to being a public servant than upholding laws. We are a part of the community, and always strive to make a difficult situation easier on children,” said Rockaway Police Chief Conrad Pepperman.
“As president of the Morris County Chiefs of Police Association, I am honored that Assemblyman Bucco has chosen to partner with our organization and our endeavors to support the Feel Better Bear Program,” said Chief Ciro Chimento. “Since this program directly affects our most innocent little ones, we appreciate Assemblyman Bucco’s compassion. We are happy to collaborate and know that this program will provide comfort to the children of Morris County.”
John Duff and Katy White of Baker & Taylor, Assistant Morris County Library Director Darren O’Neill and Morris County Library Director Susan Calantone
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Library is offering new Pop-Up Libraries that will offer folks in waiting rooms at four county government locations and at a homeless shelter for families a chance to access the library’s e-book collection on their smartphones or tablets.
Katy White of Baker & Taylor holds the small device that powers the Pop-Up Libraries, along with Marianne McCrone of the Morris County Family Justice Center
Visitors to the Morris County Jail, Juvenile Detention Center, Youth Shelter, Family Justice Center and the Homeless Solutions shelter will be the first in line to be able to access and download library e-books, even if they are not card-carrying County Library members.
With the support of the Morris County Board of Freeholders, the County Library has invested $13,000 in the small mobile devices that are being installed at these five locations, allowing for access to a portion of the County Library’s e-book collection.
Morris County is the first library system in the state to employ Pop-Up Libraries, using innovative technology provided Baker & Taylor publishing company, which is the product distributor.
“This is an interesting use of new technology that can benefit our residents and visitors to county government by allowing them to read while they wait,’’ said Freeholder Heather Darling, the county governing board’s liaison to the County Library. “I commend our library team for their efforts to bring this technology to our county.’’
“The modern library is no longer constrained by brick and mortar. The idea of ‘bringing the books to the people’ – instead of the other way around – is the best way to foster a lifelong love of reading while emphasizing the social need for public library services,” said Morris County Assistant Library Director Darren O’Neill.
The Pop-Up Library system allows individuals to access e-books within direct proximity, or about 40-feet, of a small device (about the size of a deck of playing cards) that generates its own Wi-Fi signal. Once connected, smart phone users can visit a website, which serves as the catalog, and download the e-content.
Not to worry, once a user leaves one of the connected Pop-Up Library locations she or he can continue to read the book. The e-content can be saved in the user’s cache for access outside the perimeter of the Pop-Up Library device for a period of about two weeks
The Morris County Library, in partnering with Baker & Taylor, initially will make about 335 titles (in English and Spanish) available for sharing. The e-content periodically will be refreshed.
For security reasons, the Wi-Fi signal generated by the device can only access the website for the e-content. It cannot connect to sites such as Google or others. Also, these devices will not interfere with any of the other Wi-Fi connections supported by the Morris County Office of Information Technology.
In connection with this new initiative, the County Library has purchased ten easy to use Kindle Fires for on-site use at the five initial Pop-Up Library locations for persons without smartphones or tablets.
EAST HANOVER — As reported in Morris Focus, East Hanover Police Department was dispatched to the Exxon, 349 Route 10 just before 12:30 a.m. on reports of an armed robbery. A black handgun was shown and the suspect is believed to be a male around 5’10’ wearing a black ski mask, gray hoodie and black gym pants with checkers down the side and black sneakers.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene with a K9 but was unable to track the suspect.
Additional reports, about an hour later a hold up alarm was received by 7-Eleven, 115 South Salem Street, Randolph, approximately ten miles away. Randolph Police arrived and confirmed a robbery took place with the description matching the East Hanover robbery.
No injuries were reported in either incident, and the suspect is still at large.
Anyone with Information should contact the East Hanover Police Department at (973) 887-0432, Randolph Police Department at (973) 989-7010 or the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200.
When additional details become available Morris Focus will update this article.
Justin Sarno, 31, of Parsippany and Angela Markoska, 26, of Lake Hiawatha
PARSIPPANY — The New Jersey State Police have arrested Justin Sarno, 31, Parsippany, and Angela Markoska, 26, Lake Hiawatha, and seized heroin and crack cocaine during a traffic stop.
On Saturday, January 5, at 4:36 p.m, troopers from Totowa Station stopped Sarno for a traffic violation at the intersection of Passaic Avenue and Daniel Road in Fairfield. During the traffic stop, troopers determined Sarno was under the influence and arrested him for DWI. After further investigation, troopers discovered Sarno and his passenger Markoska were in possession of heroin, crack cocaine, hypodermic needles, and drug paraphernalia.
Justin Sarno was charged with possession of heroin, possession of crack cocaine, possession of hypodermic needles and DWI. Angela Markoska was charged with possession of heroin, possession of crack cocaine, possession of hypodermic needles and possession of drug paraphernalia. Markoska and Sarno were lodged at Essex County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY —Here’s some sound advice on how to spend a midwinter Sunday afternoon: Stop by the Morris Museum to see the exhibit called “Trumpets Weird & Wonderful: Treasures from the National Music Museum,” followed by a fabulous concert by the Hanover Wind Symphony at the museum’s Bickford Theatre at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 10. The HWS concert is called “And the Trumpets Shall Sound.”
The Morris Museum, which opens at noon on Sunday, and the Bickford Theatre are located at 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown.
Says HWS music director and conductor Matthew Paterno of Parsippany, “This concert promises to be a wonderful complement to the museum’s ‘Trumpets, Weird and Wonderful: Treasures from the National Music Museum’ exhibit. We are proud to feature professional trumpet/cornet player Michael R. Baker as well as some great band literature that highlights the HWS trumpet section.”
The Hanover Wind Symphony “And the Trumpets Shall Sound” program will include:
Galactic Fanfare by Randall D. Standridge
At Morning’s First Light by David R. Gillingham
Concerto for Trumpet and Symphonic Band by Alexander Arutiunian, with a solo by Michael R. Baker on the trumpet
Danzon by Leonard Bernstein, with associate music director and conductor Kurt Zimmermann of Rockaway conducting
Ride by Samuel R. Hazo, with Richard Barriers conducting
Willow Echoes by Frank Simon, with a solo by Michael R. Baker on the cornet
Gabriel’s Oboe by Ennio Morricone, arranged by Robert Longfield, with a solo by Michael R. Baker on the piccolo trumpet
The Falls by Rossano Galante
HWS soloist Michael R. Baker began his studies on the cornet at the Salvation Army with Derek Smith at the age of nine. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the Juilliard School, where he studied trumpet with Philip Smith, Mark Gould and Edward Treutel. Besides his second trumpet position with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, he is a busy freelance musician in the New York area, playing with the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera. He has also performed in the orchestra of several shows on Broadway. Baker is also a member of the prestigious Brass Band of Battle Creek.
He can be heard on many recordings of the New York Philharmonic, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and both the Montclair Citadel Band and the New York Staff Band of the Salvation Army. The guest soloist teaches trumpet at William Paterson University in Wayne. Baker has performed as a soloist in America, Japan, Australia, the UK, Canada, Norway, Sweden, and Korea. In 2014, Baker was a guest soloist at the International Trumpet Guild Conference.
The Hanover Wind Symphony is a unique extension of the great American tradition of adult music performance. One of only a handful of outstanding community-based adult wind bands in New Jersey, the Hanover Wind Symphony delights audiences of all ages by giving a contemporary twist to traditional favorites. The large orchestra, made up exclusively of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, embraces as its mission bringing “music to people and people to music.”
For more than 30 years, the Hanover Wind Symphony has played to enthusiastic audiences. HWS members are volunteers who share a love for music and a passion for enriching the cultural fabric of the community with the thrill of live wind band performances.
By day, HWS members are accountants, engineers, teachers and executives. They come together to connect musically with others, share the enjoyment of music with live audiences, and help mentor the next generation of wind musicians.
Tickets to “And the Trumpets Shall Sound” are $25.00 general admission; $20.00 for seniors, Morris Museum members and Theatre Guild members; and $15.00 for students (18 and under or with a valid college ID). Call (973) 971-3706 for reservations. For an additional $3, concert attendees can tour the museum’s exhibit called “Trumpets Weird & Wonderful: Treasures from the National Music Museum.”
For further information about the Hanover Wind Symphony click here.
On January 9, 2019, partnering organizations in support of law enforcement officers nationwide will promote a National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.). In light of recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally, there is a need to show law enforcement officers that our citizens recognize the difficult and sometimes impossible career they have chosen, in public service to us all.
Can you imagine going to work each day and wondering if you’ll survive your shift and see your family that night? Most people can’t. But in law enforcement, this is a fact of life. Each day 780,000 police officers across our country put a badge on and go to work knowing they may face extremely dangerous situations. Yet, they go to work anyway. Being a law enforcement officer is not just a job, it is a calling. The pay is low, the hours can be terrible, and there is sometimes little appreciation for what you do. Yet, they do it anyway.
What the public doesn’t see is the toll law enforcement takes to keep our communities safe. On average, between 105 and 203 officers die in the line of duty each year, 50,000 officers are assaulted in the line of duty each year, 14,000 officers are injured in the line of duty each year, and over 300 officers commit suicide each year. There is no other profession in the world, except possibly the military, where you will find these kinds of statistics.
Being a law enforcement officer truly is an impossible job. You must be professional, courteous, caring and yet be ready to protect the public at all times. You must be prepared to make life and death decisions in a moment’s notice. You take an amazing amount of abuse at times, but have to view this abuse as just “part of the job.” You do not have the liberty to express your emotions during many situations.
Parsippany Police Chief Paul Phillips stated “The last few months of 2014 were difficult, demoralizing and in some cases deadly for American Law Enforcement Officers. This is because some political figures and “self-proclaimed” community leaders have exploited tragic and unusual events to stoke hatred toward police officers and divide our communities. The National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day will let our police officers know that members of our communities recognize the difficult and sometimes impossible job they do.”
Law enforcement officers play such an integral part in our society. Without law enforcement officers, chaos would reign. Have you ever thought about what you would do if you were in trouble – a car accident, a home invasion, an assault – and you did not have someone to call for help? No matter how much abuse law enforcement takes, they continue to do their job, and do it well. They are the guardians of our way of life and they deserve our support.
On January 9, we call our nation’s citizens to action in support of law enforcement. Those citizens who appreciate law enforcement and are discouraged about the negative attention being given to law enforcement are encouraged take time on Friday, January 9 to show their support. Our citizens can show their support in a number of ways:
• Change your profile picture on social media to the .jpg image (click here)
• See a police officer? Thank a police officer
• Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement
• Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency
• Share a positive story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media
• Ask children in your community write letters in support of law enforcement
• Participate in Project Blue Light. Proudly display your blue light in support of law enforcement.
• Organize an event or a rally in support of your law enforcement officers
PARSIPPANY — Rocky is an eight-month old Beagle Pug mix, also known as a Puggle. He currently weighs 23 pounds and will not be much bigger.
On January 9, 2019, partnering organizations in support of law enforcement officers nationwide will promote a National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.). In light of recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally, there is a need to show law enforcement officers that our citizens recognize the difficult and sometimes impossible career they have chosen, in public service to us all.