PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills Vikings Boys Baseball team beat Parsippany High Redhawks during the Mayor’s Trophy game held in Jannarone Park. The final score was 4-2.
The Cogan family works with Seeing Eye Dogs
PARSIPPANY — Congratulations to the Cogan family for their successful training of Seeing Eye working dog, Kerry.
The Seeing Eye’s mission is to enhance the independence, dignity and self-confidence of people who are blind, through the use of specially trained Seeing Eye® dogs.
The Seeing Eye breeds and raises puppies to become Seeing Eye dogs, trains Seeing Eye dogs to guide blind people, instructs blind people in the proper use, handling, and care of the dogs and conducts and supports research on canine health and development.
The Seeing Eye, Inc., serves an average of 260 people who are blind and visually impaired each year. Individuals in training with a Seeing Eye® dog are referred to as students. Once the students complete training and return home with their dogs, they are referred to as graduates.
- Over 17,000 partnerships between individuals and dogs have been created since 1922
- 1,770 is the approximate number of current Seeing Eye dog users in the United States and Canada
- Approximately one-third of graduates are first time students at The Seeing Eye each year
- 25 days is the length of training for first time students; 18 days for returning students
- 12-13 classes with a maximum of 24 students are held annually
- Approximately 300 educational presentations are made by The Seeing Eye to public groups each year
The Seeing Eye is supported by contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations, and bequests and other planned gifts. The Seeing Eye does not qualify for government funding.
For more information click here.
We wish Kerry all the best in her future career.
Mikie Sherrill Announces Week Focused on Gun Violence
MORRIS COUNTY — In wake of the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, the need for federal action on the issue of gun violence is more urgent than ever. Students in New Jersey have taken the lead in calling for leadership on this issue, organizing walkouts, marches, and town halls across the state. The New Jersey Assembly passed six bills to improve our state laws. We are still waiting for Congress to act. Over the course of the next week, the Mikie Sherrill for Congress campaign will address the issue of gun violence in the United States.
Mikie Sherrill said: “Across the country, students, parents, and law enforcement are standing up to demand action in addressing the crisis of gun violence.
But in Washington, Congress remains silent. Now is a time for courage: We deserve new leaders who will enact common-sense reforms that will make our country safer. I look forward to traveling around our community over the next week to listen to our residents, talk about my ideas, and work to change the culture of gun violence in America.”
Mikie Sherrill is a former Navy helicopter pilot, a former federal prosecutor, and a mother of four. Mikie spent nearly 10 years on active duty flying missions throughout Europe and the Middle East. She eventually joined the U.S Attorney’s Office in New Jersey where she worked to help keep illegal guns off our streets.
Mikie Sherrill will attend the following events over the next week:
Saturday, May 5
Team 26 Rally
Town Hall, 200 South Street, Morristown
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday, May 7
Student Roundtable on Gun Violence with Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and Captain Mark Kelly
West Orange High School, West Orange
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 8
Assembly with the Civics & Government Institute Program Students
Montclair High School, Montclair
8:50 a.m. to 9:40 a.m.
Brooklawn Middle School production of “The Little Mermaid”
PARSIPPANY — Brooklawn Middle School production of “The Little Mermaid.”
The Little Mermaid is a 1989 American animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Based on the Danish fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen, The Little Mermaid tells the story of a Ariel, a mermaid princess who dreams of becoming human.
The 28th Disney animated feature film, The Little Mermaid was released to theaters on November 17, 1989 to largely positive reviews, garnering $84 million at the domestic box office during its initial release, and $211 million in total lifetime gross worldwide.
Members of VFW are distributing poppies
PARSIPPANY — Commander Richard Kunz VFW Post #10184 was at Quick Check, 170 Parsippany Road offering VFW Buddy Poppies to the public, hoping for a small donation.
The VFW Buddy Poppy program provides compensation to the veterans who assemble the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home For Children.
Before Memorial Day in 1922, the VFW conducted the first poppy distribution, becoming the first veterans’ organization to organize a nationwide distribution. The poppy soon was adopted as the official memorial flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, as it remains today.
During our 1923 encampment, we decided that VFW “Buddy”® Poppies would be assembled by disabled and needy veterans who would be paid for their work to provide them with financial assistance. The next year, disabled veterans at the Buddy Poppy factory in Pittsburgh assembled VFW Buddy Poppies. The designation “Buddy Poppy” was adopted at that time.
In February 1924, we registered the name Buddy Poppy with the U.S. Patent Office. A certificate was issued on May 20, 1924, granting our organization all trademark rights in the name of Buddy under the classification of artificial flowers. We’ve made that trademark a guarantee that all poppies bearing that name and the VFW label are genuine products of the work of disabled and needy veterans. No other organization, firm or individual can legally use the name Buddy Poppy.
Today, Buddy Poppies are still assembled by disabled and needy veterans in VA Hospitals.
Funnybooks to hold Free Comic Day
PARSIPPANY — Funnybooks Comics & Stuff, located at 98 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha, will host the annual Free Comic Book Day, on Saturday, May 5 (Cinco De Mayo) from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Everyone who stops by will receive a selection of free comics produced especially for Free Comic Book Day 2018.
Funnybooks, “The Family-Friendly Comic Shop,” will once again focus on ALL-AGES comics for this year’s event, including comics featuring, Captain America and the Avengers, Spider-Man, Star Wars, Power Rangers, Spongebob, the Simpsons, and DC’s Superhero girls! There are also plenty of free Comics for older fans.
Funnybooks’ owner, Steve Conte, has also created a special free comic book day edition of his own comic book series, Action Figure Kingdom, which will be a Free Comic Book Day Exclusive at Funnybooks. The Special afk free comic book day edition, will introduce a new character, Rapido — a speedster from Mexico City — who arrives just in time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Free Comic Book Day.
Anyone headed to Free Comic Book Day at Funnybooks is welcome to wear their favorite costume or superhero accessories, and Funnybooks will also have a storewide sale to go along with the free comics.
“This is always our biggest day of the year.” Said Conte “And this year there are really great Free Comic Book Day titles! We have over 3,000 comics to give away and we can’t wait!” For more information on Free Comic Book Day at Funnybooks click here.
Francisco, a three-year-old Chihuahua needs a new home
PARSIPPANY — Francisco is ready to conquer your world! I mean, be a part of your world. Unlike his explorer name inspiration, there is no other place he would be than by your side. Francisco is a three-year-old Chihuahua who is a shy guy with a gentle disposition.
Francisco LOVES to give kisses!! He follows his foster mom all around the house. He is a quiet, laid back boy who doesn’t ask for much, just a couch to lay on and someone to love him!
Francisco was rescued from a hoarding situation. He received very little socialization until he went into foster care. Now, Francisco has been making strides and is blossoming into the most loving dog. He has ways to go until he reaches his full potential but will get there with patience.
Francisco is working on his potty training and leash training. He sleeps through the night in his crate without making a peep! He does well with other dogs, cats, and kids above the age of thirteen.
Francisco is looking for a home that will properly socialize him and teach him how to be an actual dog. Once he comes out of his shell and warms up to you, he will be your buddy for life! He can’t wait to explore what will be in store for him. Family Ahoy?
If you are interested in adopting Francisco, 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’s (W.A.R.) goal is to find the perfect family dynamic and place our dogs in a loving, safe and permanent home. All of our dogs available for adoption are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on shots and microchipped.
Our adoption process starts with filling an application, home visit, meet and greet and then finalizing with an adoption contract and fee.
Adoption fees range from about $300.00 to $600.00. These fees help defray costs of veterinary and foster care and are tax deductible.
Two Acre Brush Fire in Jannarone Park
PARSIPPANY — An approximate two acre brush fire was reported in Jannarone Park on Thursday, May 3. Initial reports state Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department District 1, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire District 6 are on scene along with New Jersey Forest Fire. Kinnelon Fire Department was dispatched to the scene. The smoke was very heavy.
Mountain Lakes and Denville requested to expedite to Clairview Road for fire protection.
The fire is approximately 30 feet from a residence structure.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Rescue And Recovery with the Rehabilitation Trailer was called to the scene. Rockaway Neck Ambulance Squad was also on the scene.
Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3 is standing by at their fire station to cover districts 1,3, and 6. Morris Plains engine requested to standby at Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department District 1. Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5 requested to standby at Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire District 2 with one engine and one ladder. Rainbow Lakes Chief requesting Lake Hiawatha District 4 to standby at their fire station.
According to a source at the scene the fire was contained at approximately 5:10 p.m.
When more information becomes available Parsippany Focus will update this article.
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Bonnie needs a new home; Housebroken and very healthly
PARSIPPANY — Hello, I’m Bonnie. I am approximately six years young and I am a Rhodesian Ridgeback/Lab Mix. My family rescued me from a shelter, five years ago, where I came from an abusive home.
I have lived with and loved my family for the past five years but lately I get jealous of my new little family member and the newest one is due in four weeks. I’ve been making Mommy and Daddy nervous when I let out a little growl so we all feel it’s best to find me a home where I can get the love and attention I deserve.
I love to snuggle, cuddle and wrap my body around yours for kisses. I am completely housebroken and am very healthy. I am up to date on all my shots and I weigh 55 pounds. I sit and will give my paw on command. I love all of my toys and I take good care of them. I even put them back where they belong when I am done playing with them. I love to go for walks and sit in the sun.
My family thinks I would do best in a household with older children/no children and no other dogs. If you would like to meet me please contact my family. I can’t wait to meet you! XO
For more information about me please send an email to: sjj425@yahoo.com or call (201) 741-3985.
Daniel J. Blank; Parsippany Sewer Department Plant Operation Supervisor passed away
PARSIPPANY — Daniel J. Blank, 60, passed away on Tuesday May 1, at his home in Rockaway.
He was born in Hackensack and grew up in Teaneck. Daniel moved to Parsippany in 1972 before moving to Rockaway in 1992.
Daniel worked in the Parsippany Sewer Department as a plant operation supervisor for over 30 years.
He was avid golfer and a member of A.F.S.C.M Nation Wide where he was a past officer.
Daniel is pre-deceased by his mother, Geraldine P. (nee-Kujawski) who passed away on September 12, 1997 and his brother Scott R. who passed away on July 15, 1993.
Survivors include his son: Isaac S.; his father: Daniel E.; his brothers: Stephen D. and his wife Dody, and Richard T. and his wife Darlene; his sister: Cathleen Pipi and her husband James; his nephew: Stephen D. Blank. Jr. and his wife Stephanie; his three nieces: Callan Schaffer and her husband Matthew; Amberlyn Blank; and Rebecca La Porte. Daniel is also survived by his three great-nieces and three great-nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service at Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road on Thursday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. Cremation: Private. Visitation will be 5:00 – 8:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.
Mayor Soriano presents Nicolas Limanov with a proclamation
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano presented Nicolas Limanov with a proclamation on Tuesday, May 1.
Nicolas Limanov has provided volunteer services for residents all across the Township, most importantly to those who need them most and over each storm that has occurred during this year Nicolas has provided aid in clearing numerous sidewalks and driveways of those unable to do so themselves.
Parsippany residents Laurie Altman, (Maggie Altman, dog), Jan Altman and Harvey Altman came to Town Hall to thank Nick for all of his hard work during the storms.
Nicolas has dedicated a significant portion of his free time in dedication to bettering our community through volunteer work.
PHHS Viking Football to hold car wash
PARSIPPANY — The 2018 Parsippany Hills Viking Football will be holding a car wash event at the IHOP, 792 Route 46. The event will be held on Saturday, May 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Cost is $5.00 for each vehicle.
Fundraising events are very important to the Par Hills Football Parents Association which support the overall operations and experience for the Football teams and fans.
Please put this event on your calendar and share it with Friends and Family.
Letter to the Editor: Do kids need to be part of the policy debate?
Dear Editor:
Legislative District 35 Senator Nellie Pou (Paterson) cause quite a stir this week related to the NJ-11 Congressional Campaign. Let’s review. Pou called into question Jay Webber’s consistent voting record against legislation to support women…
“Why Webber would not support countless pieces of legislation that would have ensured equal pay for equal work as well as equal access to healthcare is yet another sign of the grossly distorted worldview that Webber has deliberately tried to make a reality despite the truly cruel and vicious effect that his voting record and rhetoric has had on not just his four daughters but every woman throughout the state of New Jersey.”
Weber’s opponent Anthony Ghee probably summarized it best “Has our political discourse gotten so bad, that we need to drag the children of candidates into political statements about the critical issues impacting our community?” It’s a valid point. Regardless of Weber’s policy positions that might prove detrimental to their future – his kids didn’t ask to be part of this discussion. While I cannot dispute that by definition Weber’s daughters might someday become adult “women in NJ” perhaps Ms. Pou probably could have made her point better.
But I must note the particular consternation of Morris County Chair Patti Paige in asking the campaign of Democratic front-runner Mikie Sherrill to apologize on behalf of Senator Pou. This is an odd request. If we’re going to go down the road of apology-by-political-
Ms. Page does also make an interesting point about school safety – which reminded me that we all should get back to discussing real issues. Recently a group of kids – organizers for the Morristown March for Our Lives – willingly and very enthusiastically chose to become part of the political debate. They organized a march, and a candidate information session to hear each NJ-11 candidate’s views on gun control. Mr. Webber – while not being able to attend due to “scheduling conflicts” accepted a meeting from the group where they expected to ask him the same questions posed to the other candidates. Instead – they were surprised by additional attendees – a group of pro-gun-rights teens who Weber invited to encourage a debate among the students while refusing to answer any of the questions from the March for Our Lives students.
Yes – let’s stop using the kids as human shields to avoid the issues. And let’s start taking their future seriously.
Tom Wyka
Parsippany
Caitlyn Capurso Receives Degree from East Stroudsburg University
PARSIPPANY — A total of 1,205 students will receive degrees from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania at separate commencement exercises for undergraduate and graduate students on Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5. ESU will hold three graduation ceremonies: one for graduate students on Friday, May 4 at 6:45 p.m. and two ceremonies for undergraduate students on Saturday, May 5. Caitlyn Capurso of Lake Hiawatha will receive a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management. Caitlyn is a graduate Parsippany High School Class of 2014.
The undergraduate ceremonies will take place at 8:45 a.m. (College of Arts and Sciences and College of Education) and at 1:15 p.m. (College of Business and Management and College of Health Sciences). All three ceremonies will be held in Koehler Fieldhouse.
A total of 1,010 bachelor’s degrees, 191 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees will be awarded.
East Stroudsburg University, one of the 14 institutions in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, opened in 1893 as East Stroudsburg Normal School. Today, ESU is a comprehensive university in northeastern Pennsylvania offering 55 undergraduate programs, 22 master’s programs and one doctoral program. More than 6,800 students are enrolled for the high quality, affordable, and accessible education ESU provides. Nearly 30,000 ESU alumni live in Pennsylvania.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle During Mental Health Awareness Month
PARSIPPANY — Getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly and managing stress can go a long way to preventing the onset of mental illness, reducing its impact, and promoting recovery, research shows. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and NewBridge Services is joining with Mental Health America to raise awareness about lifestyle changes that promote mental and physical health.
The #4Mind4Body Challenge urges everyone to make small changes each day this month. First week challenges include making better food choices, adding movement into the day, helping others, reducing stress, sleeping better and being mindful. Click here for additional details.
“A healthy lifestyle, sometimes in combination with counseling and medication, can help people achieve mental health and enjoy fulfilling lives,” NewBridge CEO Robert L. Parker said. “The goal is overall well-being.”
Mental Health Statistics
About 20 percent of adults and children in the U.S. have mental illness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 44.7 million adults had some form of mental illness in 2016. (Young adults, ages 18 to 25 years, had the highest prevalence.) Nearly 10 million of those individuals have a serious mental illness that interferes with their daily routine.
An estimated 15 million children in the U.S. have some form of mental illness, including nearly 5 million with a serious type, according to WebMD. Half of mental health conditions begin by age 14, and 75 percent of mental health conditions develop by age 24.
Mental illnesses can affect thinking, mood, and behavior. They include: anxiety disorders like phobias; mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder; behavioral disorders like ADHD; personality disorders, psychotic disorders like schizophrenia; and trauma- and stress-related disorders.
Symptoms of Mental Illness
The severity of mental illness can be reduced through early intervention, and it is possible to prevent serious mental illness, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Warning signs of mental illness, according to NIMH, include:
- Anger, irritability or aggressiveness
- Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge
- Increased worry or feeling stressed
- A need for alcohol or drugs
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions
- Engaging in high-risk activities
- Ongoing headaches, digestive issues, or pain
- Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior
- Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life
- Unusual thinking or behaviors that concern other peopleIf a person has several symptoms, he or she should see a mental health professional, Parker said.
Mental Health America offers free online mental health screening tools to help people determine if they have symptoms of mental illness click here for additional details.
Stigma remains a barrier to people seeking help, Parker noted. Only 43 percent of people with mental illness in 2016 received treatment.
Getting Help
NewBridge offers the public training in both Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid, teaching people to recognize the signs of a mental health crisis and how to effectively respond. Residents interested in taking an eight-hour, evidence-based training can contact NewBridge Services Director of Community Response and Education Mary Vineis Vineis at mvineis@newbridge.org or (973) 686-2228.
If you or somebody you know needs professional help, contact NewBridge Services at (973) 316-9333 or services@newbridge.org. Since 1963, NewBridge has been bringing balance to people’s lives through counseling, housing and education. Last year alone, NewBridge helped nearly 8,000 children, adults and seniors overcome adversity and live better.
NewBridge Services, a 501c(3) nonprofit, is a premier provider of counseling services, housing and educational programs in northern New Jersey serving nearly 8,000 adults and seniors last year alone. NewBridge treats mental illnesses and addictions; teaches skills for coping with stress, grief and challenging relationships; builds and manages affordable housing; offers school-based programs that teach children and adolescents resiliency skills for healthy emotional development; helps young adults succeed in their education and prepare for careers; and supports seniors so they can remain independent. Throughout its more than 50-year history, NewBridge has remained true to its mission of bringing balance to people’s lives by tracking shifts in communities’ needs and providing innovative, effective programs to meet them.
Join Cara DiFalco for lunch at Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce is featuring Cara DiFalco during its monthly “Lunch Dozen Networking Series,” to be held on Wednesday, May 9 at 12:00 Noon.
The event will be held at the offices of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, 90 East Halsey Road, Suite 322.
Cara DiFalco has been a journalist on News 12 NJ, and FoxNY. She is combining her love for food with the talent for storytelling! As a journalist, she love the stories behind family dishes, the memories they bring back, and the cultures and traditions built around them. As a home cook she developed the passion for food through her family. Born and raised in New Jersey as a second generation Italian-American, she grew up making fresh pasta, pots of gravy or sauce, (depending which side of the family it was) and holiday feasts with her mother, grandmothers and even a great-grandmother as her guides.
Now as a wife, she is expanding what she know into my husband’s Latino traditions. She is also an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, so she knows the power food has on our bodies, minds and homes. If you’ve been told to eat a specialized diet, she would love to help you find foods and dishes that fit into your lifestyle!
Join Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce during her presentation “Health and Nutrition at the workplace.” She will also be preparing some healthy food.
Tickets are going fast so if you are interested, reserve today before you miss out on this great speaker and networking opportunity. Click here for tickets.
Successful Heart Transplant Roundtable Held in Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Organ Transplant Group hosted a discussion on heart disease and transplantation during their May monthly meeting.
George “Sage” Mitchell, Betty Fanelli, John Parks, Paul Vico and Josephine Riley shared their unique journey leading up to a heart transplant.
Dr. Marc Goldschmidt, Medical Director of the Heart Success Program and Mechanical Circulatory Support Programs at Atlantic Health Services, shared his perspective on heart failure treatments and advancements in mechanical pumps (VADS).
The transplant group is sponsored by the NJ Sharing Network. The group is open to anyone who has had an organ or tissue transplant, has donated, is waitlisted as well as their family. To learn more about the Morris County group Nick at (973) 984-6966 or e-mail mcorgantransplantgroup@gmail.com.
For more information on the NJ Sharing Network and their upcoming 5K Run/Walks on May 20 in Long Branch and June 3 in New Providence call (908) 516-5400 or click here for their website.
Parsippany High Redhawks Softball beats PHHS
PARSIPPANY — Congratulations to the Parsippany High Redhawks Softball team for winning the Mayors Trophy Game against Parsippany Hills, 12-5.
Update: Fire in Cambridge Village condos; 6 residents and 1 firefighter were transported to hospitals
PARSIPPANY — There was a fire reported in the condominiums located in Cambridge Village, 189 Littleton Road, Building 9, at approximately 10:05 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2. Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6, Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire District 1, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5 and Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire District 4 were dispatched to on the scene. Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad and Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad was on the scene.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6 fire chief was first to arrive and recorded heavy smoke and fire coming from the first floor apartment (Unit 59). Parsippany Police Department reported to Chief Vincent Petito that someone was hanging out of the second floor apartment back window (Unit 61), and advised officers that he could not exit down his staircase. District 6, Engine 62 arriving soon after and threw up ground ladders and removed one male from the second floor apartment. He was taken to Morristown Hospital for evaluation. Five residents on the first floor fire apartment were also taken to Morristown. Lake Hiawatha Fire Chief Cleary assisted District 6 and entered unit #61 via the stairway and rescued the occupant’s German Shepard.
EMS personnel transported a total of seven people to Morristown Medical Center and treated 1 person at the scene:
• 3 children and 2 adults from unit #59 (precautionary)
• 1 adult from unit #61 (smoke inhalation)
• 1 firefighter (smoke inhalation)
• 1 police officer treated on scene for smoke inhalation
Units #59 and #61 were deemed uninhabitable and the Red Cross was contacted for assistance. Parsippany Rescue and Recovery responded to the scene and boarded up the windows and doorways.
Parsippany Police Department Fire Arson Investigator Detective M. Czajka, Morris County Prosecutors Office Arson Unit and Morris County Sheriff Crime Scene Unit were investigating the cause of the fire. Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano also responded to the scene.
Fire was under control around 10:20 p.m.
