PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Public Schools open for the 2018-2019 Calendar year on Tuesday, September 4.
Grades K-12 are scheduled for 184 days, which allows for four snow/emergency days. If not used, they will be given as vacation days at the end of the school year. If there are two two emergency closings prior to January 2, the make-up day will be January 21. If there are three emergency closings prior to March 1, the make-up day will be March 18.
If additional days are required, the calendar will be reviewed and days reinstituted during spring break or at the end of the school year. School personnel and students will be expected to attend on contingency days.
PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, August 5, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael A. Soriano proclaimed the first Sunday in August to be Raoul Wallenberg Day. He encourages all citizens to foster the message of Courage and Compassion.
The proclamation reads:
Click on Proclamation to download a PDF version of the Proclamation.Rabbi Andrew Sklarz, Temple Beth Am; Mayor Michael Soriano and Rabbi Moshe Rudin, Adath Shalom
During the ceremony Artist Edward Adams addressed the audience and explained how he was the fortunate artist chosen to fulfill the vision of the committee determined to pay homage to a man who helped save over 100,000 lives, Raoul Wallenberg. The design of the sculpture began as an idea and grew into a 12-inch model shown to the selection committee. Once commissioned, it matured into a thirteen foot fabricated bronze sculpture weighing over 1500 pounds. Today, Courage and Compassion is one of 31 Wallenberg monuments in twelve countries on five continents.
Edward Adams
“Over 20 years ago, it was the collaborative efforts of many people who possessed the foresight, wisdom, and dedication that made this sculpture become a reality; a sculpture that honors the deeds of a heroic man,” said Edward Adams.
Adams stated “As I was imagining and designing this sculpture, I asked myself, “Do I design a sculpture that pays tribute to a particular man or do I design a sculpture that honors the human qualities that provoked him to accomplish extraordinary deeds? I chose to create a sculpture that pays tribute to the Courage and Compassion that inspired Raoul Wallenberg … a sculpture that celebrates the strength of this man’s character and the impact of his deeds. In truth, Raoul Wallenberg was an ordinary person. He was the same as you and I. Yet, he was compelled to act upon powerful qualities stirring inside his humanity, qualities that made a difference between life and death. In the face of indifference, in the midst of brutality, and standing in the center of profound suffering, Raoul Wallenberg confronted that suffering and acted to relieve it. So today we focus on a sculpture, and we honor a man who performed exceptional deeds. But in fact, we all stand in tribute to two human qualities inside each and every one of us, … Courage and Compassion. Are we any less challenged by the conditions in the world today? Are we less likely to be indifferent to the suffering of others? Are we any less vulnerable to be blamed, diminished of our dignity, or persecuted for our beliefs? I think the answer is no.”
Parsippany resident Edward Mosberg. Mosberg, born in 1926, is a sole survivor out of sixteen members of his family of the Holocaust
This sculpture has value beyond aesthetics, it will be because every time you see it, play near it, drive by it, or read about it, you may feel uneasy inside. if you do, this uneasy feeling may be evoked by a question that poses a challenge inside your own heart and mind.
The plaque during the dedication held in June 1998
This question asks, “Do I have the courage to see and acknowledge suffering inside myself and others and if so, do I have the compassion to take small steps in everyday life or large steps like Raoul Wallenberg to relieve or eliminate that suffering?” The moment you ask that disquieted question and accept the challenge, this sculpture takes on meaning. It will do what only art can. It holds a mirror that reflects how deep our darkness can fall and how high our better angels can fly. For the sake of us all and generations to come, I hope the courage and compassion residing inside you, and me, and the persons standing all around us, … will prevail, said Adams.
Committee to honor Raoul Wallenberg in June 1998. Founding Chair:Kayla Bergeron, Past Co-Chair: Marilee Goldberg; Co-Chairs: the Rev. Richard W. Horn and Harry L. Ettlinger.Wallenberg Sculpture Benefactors
Raoul Gustaf Wallenberg (born August 4, 1912, disappeared January 17, 1945) was a Swedish architect, businessman, diplomat, and humanitarian. He is widely celebrated for saving tens of thousands of Jews in Nazi-occupied Hungary during the Holocaust from German Nazis and Hungarian Fascists during the later stages of World War II. While serving as Sweden’s special envoy in Budapest between July and December 1944, Wallenberg issued protective passports and sheltered Jews in buildings designated as Swedish territory.
Jennifer Jean placing a yellow rose on behalf of a survivor on the Raoul Wallenberg sculpture
PARSIPPANY — A vendor at the Coin Show being held on Sunday, August 5 at Parsippany PAL Youth Center responded to Parsippany Police Headquarters to report a theft.
He advised Patrol Officer G. Lowe that he was a vendor at the coin show taking place at the PAL Youth Center and an unknown suspect stole an 1850 U.S. Silver Dollar from his table. The coin was valued at $2,000.00.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department’s Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Junior Squad held a car wash fundraiser on Sunday, August 4.
Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Inc has been serving the community since 1942. They are your “Neighbors helping Neighbors”.
Disha Karale washing carsCars being washed during the fundraiserParsippany Volunteer Ambulance Junior Squad Car WashEvan Gruber cleaning the windows of the SUVDev Patel washing carsIshanee Kulkarni washing vehiclesMelinda Ernst hosing off the carAbby Wilson washing the vehicle
Interested in Joining the Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Junior Squad?
Are you interested in joining PVAS, but aren’t 18 years of age yet? Not a problem! PVAS maintains a Junior Squad for anyone interested in riding that is at least 16 years of age.
You will ride with a crew of at least two Senior member EMT’s on a regular shift once a week: Monday through Friday: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday or Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
You will assist Senior EMT members on calls and squad related business.
After a firm commitment Jr. members may also be eligible to become certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT).
For more information email the Junior Squad Advisor by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — The B-Street Band a Tribute to the Boss” to hundreds of Parsippany residents on Wednesday, August 8. The concert was held at Liquid Church, 499 Webro Road, due to the predicted thunderstorms.
From the heart of the Jersey shore, “Backstreets” was the first band in the world to do a unique tribute to a live performer. There are now an estimated 14,000 tribute bands following their lead and performing all over the world.
Nearly 5,500 performances and 34 years later, the B-Street Band is still the hardest working tribute band on the circuit, with almost 200 shows per year throughout the country.
Pastor Time joined B-Street Band on the stage and sang “Sherry Darling” with the band .
Provident Bank: Andrew Mathews, Wyatt Mathews, Christine Mathews, Mercedes Covert-Muzio, Nikhil Shah and Sergio GonzalezPastor Tim Lucas sings “Sherry darling” with the band
Two-year old Vivian MotisiFour-year old Alessandra Motisi with Two-year old Vivian Motisi dancing all night logProvident Bank: Andrew Mathews, Wyatt Mathews, Christine Mathews, Mercedes Covert-Muzio, Nikhil Shah and Sergio GonzalezParsippany-Troy Hills Recreation Director Joe PlesciaMayor Michael SorianoPastor Tim LucasGlenn StuartSteve MeyersGlenn Stuart
DENVILLE — “Dogs Gone Wild” swimming party will be held on Sunday, September 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Cook’s Pond Denville Recreation, 19 Entrance Way, Denville.
Off leash swimming and playing for your dogs enjoyment, picnic area and playground for your enjoyment the entire facility is fenced in and safe for your dogs. Fee for the event is $20.00 (includes family and two dogs).
Dogs Gone Wild Spring Break entry fee is $20.00 for family and two dogs. Feel free to stay and play all day or just enjoy an hour of play free from the big boys.
Hot Dog, Hamburgers, Veggie Burgers and Drinks will be available for purchase.
All dogs must enter facility leashed and will be let off leash once inside. All dogs all shapes and sizes are invited.
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and Sons of Italy 2561 cordially invites all Parsippany residents to the “First Annual Italian Cultural Festival” to be held on Sunday, October 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 59 North Beverwyck Road.
The event includes food trucks, live music and bocce ball.
MORRIS COUNTY – Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces the arrest of Shamus McGuire, 48, Randolph, for three counts of fraud. Shamus McGuire was charged with one count of second degree Insurance Fraud, one count of second degree Healthcare Claims Fraud, and one count of third degree Obtaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance by Fraud.
The investigation was initiated by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Insurance Fraud Unit following notification to this Office by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Prescription Monitoring Program (NJPMP) of potential illegal activity involving fraud.
During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Shamus McGuire allegedly used a combination of different prescribers, pharmacies and payment types, over an approximate five month period to acquire over seventy-five prescriptions.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank Detective Brad Palatucci and the legal staff of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Insurance Fraud Unit for their diligence during this investigation. He would also like to recognize the effectiveness of the New Jersey Prescription Monitoring Program.
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.
PARSIPPANY — Andre Fernandes, a 2015 Graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, was among the 38 University of Scranton students who studied abroad during the Spring 2018 semester.
Fernandes, a international business major at Scranton, studied at Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, Italy.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Units responded to AJACO Towing, 1029 New Road on a report of a vehicle crashing into a pedestrian on Monday, August 6 at 4:00 p.m.
Upon arrival of responding officers, the caller and the victim advised the officers that they impounded a 2003 Honda CRV earlier in the day due to it being improperly parked on private property.
They further stated the owner, Amanda Baez, 21, Kearny, called stating she would be coming by to get the vehicle. Upon the arrival of Ms. Baez the victim advised her that her vehicle was parked up front, but she had to pay the bill prior to taking possession of it.
The victim stated that Ms. Baez went into her car with two other people and attempted to leave without paying.
The victim stated that he attempted to stop the Honda, but was struck by it. The victim initially complained of knee pain and later refused any further medical attention from Par-Troy Emergency Medical Services who had arrived on scene.
Ms. Baez was contacted and she responded to Parsippany Police Headquarters. After a brief investigation she was placed under arrest and charged with one count of FourthDegree Theft of Services; one count of Assault by Auto, a Disorderly Person’s Offense; Reckless Driving (Traffic Offense); and Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Injuries (Traffic Offense).
She was released on her own recognizance pending her court date.
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.
PARSIPPANY — While patrolling Route 10, Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer R. Taylor observed a 2005 Nissan Maxima commit a traffic violation and conducted a motor vehicle stop. He made contact with the driver, Andre Valentino, Jr., 25, Parsippany.
After a brief investigation Mr. Valentino was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing.
While there he was charged with Possession of Less than 50 Grams of Marijuana, a Disorderly Person’s Offense; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Disorderly Person’s Offense and Failure to Maintain Lane (Traffic Offense).
He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.
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 — Nick Sauter has been a pillar of the community for countless years and has touched the lives of so many as a former vice principal, athletic director, teacher, football and track coach at Passaic Valley High School.
As an active member of St. Agnes Episcopal Church in Little Falls, he’s been a member of the vestry, and was involved with the church’s food pantry for many years. He’s helped countless local families who are struggling to get the assistance they need.
A graduate of Passaic Valley High School in 1973 and Rutgers University in 1977, Sauter discovered he was in need of a kidney last year, according to his sister-in-law Donna Tissot. Nick continues to suffer from end stage renal failure, also known as end stage kidney disease, and is in need of a living kidney donor to undergo kidney transplant.
When we first ran Nick’s story in May 2017, he was already receiving dialysis three times a week, but in the meantime Nick developed a blood infection that traveled to his 21 year old knee replacement. Due to the infection, Nick had to sustain two additional surgeries on his knee this past year and his hopes for a kidney was put on hold. Nick went through three months of physical therapy along with his dialysis. With these ongoing challenges, his sister-in-law Donna Tissot says, “Nick tries to stay positive through his good and bad days”. For those who are dependent on dialysis, life is grim and challenging and time is of the essence to find a healthy living kidney donor in order to go through transplantation.
Anyone who might be interested in being a donor, or knows of someone who would like to be a donor, please contact Donna Tissot at (973) 714-7016 who will provide additional information and connect you with the transplant coordinator. In the meantime, the appropriate links and forms have been included.
As Nick’s blood type is A-, interested donors can also be type A-, as well as O, A+ and O+.
However, in addition to blood type there are other ways to determine if someone is a match so please do not let your blood type deter you from thoughts of being a donor.
The family is still hopeful that by continuing to get the word out they will soon find a match for Nick so he can once again lead a normal life and enjoy watching his family grow.
Nick and his family are very thankful for the outpouring of love and support and thank you from the bottom of their hearts.
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany welcomed new member Ann Cucci at a recent meeting. Club President Frank Cahill presented Ms. Cucci with her membership plaque and Club Secretary Karen Gajewski placed the official Kiwanis pin on Ann
Frank Cahill said “We welcome Ann Cucci to this global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Karen Gajewski places the official Kiwanis pin on new member Ann Cucci
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is the fastest growing Kiwanis Club in the State of New Jersey with 72 members.
PARSIPPANY — Carousel of Learning, 244 Kingston Road, celebrated its 30th Anniversary on Wednesday, August 1.
Joining in the celebration was Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Members Nicolas Limanov, Tina Valgemae, Executive Board Member Frank Cahill, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Advisory Committee member Thomas Williams.
In 1988 Debbie Arntzen had been directing a childcare center and her father mentioned that she should look at Carousel of Learning because it was for sale. She was 28 at that time and had only dreamed of owning my own center.
It became reality on September 1, 1988 when she took ownership of Carousel of Learning. The center needed a lot of work and the paperwork was incomplete. The State helped her to get things in order.
In 1995 Arntzen was able to purchase the building and property.
In 1998, Carousel held it’s 10th anniversary expansion celebration! They added another classroom in order to start accepting infants. They also updated many things inside.
Carousel of Learning is in the process of obtaining Grow NJ Kids accreditation which will make them even better. They keep adding new technology to keep up with the times.
The pony was waiting for children
They are Angel Watch accredited: a security network that provides parents with camera access to their child’s classroom. Each child also has the bright wheel app that is a personal feed to keep parents updated on all their child’s activities throughout the day.
Debbie said “I have watched hundreds of children grow up! I have had some alumni come and work here, others have had their children attend! It’s wonderful that so many families keep in touch through visiting, holiday cards etc. We are truly a great big family!! I feel honored to be the head of the Carousel family!”
“It’s amazing that it has now been 30 years here and I’m still loving it,” said Arntzen.
Carousel of Learning 30th Anniversary CelebrationThe plaque from Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee congratulating Carousel of LearningThe staff at Carousel of LearningThree year old Dakota Petrovich riding the pony during Carousel of Learning 30th Anniversary CelebrationChildren playing during Carousel of Learning 30th Anniversary CelebrationChildren playing during Carousel of Learning 30th Anniversary CelebrationChildren playing during Carousel of Learning 30th Anniversary CelebrationDelicious outdoor picnic at Carousel of Learning 30th Anniversary CelebrationPresentation of the plaque from Parsippany Economic Development Advisory CommitteeParsippany Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates Carousel of Learning. Board members Nicolas Limanov, Tina Valgemae, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill, Carousel of Learning owner Debbie Arntzen and Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano
Their commitment to child care is of the highest degree. Since 1997, they have been voted “Best Day Care Center in Morris County” in the Daily Record by “Readers’ Choice”.
Carousel of Learning provides Day Care, Infant Care, Toddler Programs and Pre-School Programs.
They are a fully-licensed day care center offering high quality services for children six weeks to five years old.
NEW JERSEY — The 2020 Donate Life Transplant Games are coming to New Jersey! The Donate Life Transplant Games is a multi-sport festival for individuals who have undergone life-saving transplant surgeries. Competition events are open to living donors, organ transplant recipients, and bone marrow, corneal and tissue transplant recipients. More than 12,000 people are expected to attend the six-day festival, July 17-22, 2020, recognizing the success of donation and transplantation and honoring the generosity of donors and their families.
PARSIPPANY — Baby Weichert was found in Mountain Way park/playground, emaciated and starved to the point where she could barely walk. Luckily they were able to rescue her in time so that she has a chance to live a healthy and happy life.
Funds are being asked to help cover the initial exam, full blood work, diagnostics, fluids and boarding expenses until she has a foster or furever home. If you would like to foster or adopt her, please email Parsippany Focus at news@parsippanyfocus.com. We know that no one has any “extra” cash, but please find it in your heart to give as much or as little as possible as every little bit will help.
Feel free to share this article! You know the Weichert saying, “Icare”, now let’s show baby Weichert that “wecare” and provide legendary assistance.
PARSIPPANY — Several children from the Glacier Hills Swim Team qualified for the Meet of Champions for the Morris County Summer Swim League on Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29. The event was held at Pleasant Valley Park in Basking Ridge for the 12 and Under Swimmers and held in Chester for the 13 and Over Swimmers.
There was a lot of gold, silver, and bronze medals collected by these swimmers in the final meet. A complete list of swimmers and times can be found at the Morris County Summer Swim League by clicking here.
First place – Boys 8 and Under 100 Meter Free Relay – Calum Munn, Tyler Sabatini, Christopher Roman, Neal Spickert-Fulton 1:35.16
Ian Reo set a new meet record in the Boys 13-14 50 Meter Backstroke.
First Place – Boys 13-14 50 Meter Backstroke – Ian Reo 28.68 *New Meet Record