Dear Editor:
Letter to editor: Where does Webber and Sherrill stand on gun control?
Mayor Soriano Visits Northvail Elementary School
PARSIPPANY — On Thursday March 22, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano took the time out of his busy schedule to visit with the Northvail School third graders. The third grade is currently learning about their local government. He explained to the children how as Mayor he works with all of the township’s departments and services such as the town administrators, police and fire departments, parks and recreation, and utilities.
The children were given the opportunity to ask Mayor Soriano questions about his job as Mayor. He took the time to answer each of their questions. One student asked, “What is the most difficult task you have had as Mayor so far?” He told the children about a recent challenge helping the hundreds of residents who were left without power during the recent snowstorm. Mayor Soriano spoke to the power company throughout the restoration period and even went personally to assist older community members shovel their driveways. Another student asked “What do you want the people living in the community to do for Parsippany?” He encouraged the students to volunteer in the community and help their neighbors whenever possible.
He also offered the students advice by quoting one of his favorite quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” He explained to the children that they should try to find the positive in any given situation and always face challenges and conflict with a positive attitude and kindness.
The third-grade teachers Mrs. Diggle, Mrs. Garcia and Mrs. Messier would like to thank the Mayor for sharing his time with the children. The students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet Mayor Soriano and learning about his role as a leader in our community.
Cell Tower Batteries Stolen
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer Lampros Nicos responded to a cell tower on Eastmans Road for a reported theft. Upon his arrival he met with a technician who stated between February 20 and March 17 sixteen batteries with an approximate value of $6,000.00 were stolen.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
Warrant Arrest at Quick Chek
PARSIPPANY — While investigating a complaint at Quick Chek, 490 North Beverwyck Road, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers made contact with Robert Barthelus, 27, Lake Hiawatha. This incident occurred on Saturday, March 17 at 10:51 p.m.
After a brief investigation it was determined that he had an active warrant for his arrest issued by the Morristown Municipal Court.
He was advised of the warrant and was also found to be in possession of marijuana. He was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing.
While at Police Headquarters, Mr. Barthelus was charged with possession of less than 50 grams of Marijuana and failure to give CDS to Law Enforcement
He was released on his own recognizance on the Parsippany charges pending his court date. He was also released on his own recognizance pending a new court date for his warrant from Morristown Municipal Court.
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.
Lake Hiawatha resident charged with DWI
PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, March 14 at 11:52 p.m. while travelling South on North Beverwyck Road behind another vehicle, Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer John Garza observed a 2017 Ford Fusion driving North in the Southbound lane.
The Ford then swerved back into the correct lane narrowly missing a head-on collision with the vehicle in front of his patrol car.
Officer Garza was able to turn around and conduct a motor vehicle stop on the Ford Fusion in the area of North Beverwyck Road and Farrand Drive.
Officer Garza made contact with the driver, Robert Horvath, 60, Lake Hiawatha. After a brief investigation he was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters.
While there Mr. Horvath was charged with Driving While Intoxicated
and Careless Driving.
He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.
Letter to the editor: Inappropriate Marijuana Resolution Proves Nothing
Scout Shabbat to be held at Temple Beth Am
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Girl and Boy Scouts of all ages are invited to join Temple Beth Am in celebration of “Scout Shabbat” this Friday night, March 23, at 7:30 p.m.
Scout Shabba celebrates the shared values of Scouting and Judaism, and scouts of all faiths are invited to attend. Scouts are asked to attend in uniform.
An RSVP is requested; call Lynn Anne Cutler at (9730887-0046 x12, or email school@tbaparsippany.org, with name, troop/den town and number, and the number of scouts attending.
Morris County Narcotics Task Force Indicts Three on Drug Charges
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces the indictment of Jose M. Mejias, Ines M. Rivera-Rodriguez, and Casimiro Richiez-Martinez on numerous CDS charges arising out of their distribution of cocaine and fentanyl in Mount Olive Township, Rockaway Township, and Rockaway Borough.
The CDS distribution charges relate to five separate alleged distributions of fentanyl and/or cocaine. This investigation culminated on September 21, 2017, when a motor vehicle stop was made by the Rockaway Borough Police Department, which resulted in the arrests of Jose M. Mejias and Ines M. Rivera-Rodriguez. Subsequent investigation led to the seizure of approximately seven ounces of cocaine and 2,450 dosage units of heroin. The estimated street value of the illegal drugs seized is in excess of $20,500.
Jose M. Mejias, arrested in September 2017, was indicted on the following charges:
- one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in an amount of five ounces or more, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(1), a crime of the First Degree;
- one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in an amount of one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(2), a crime of the Second Degree;
- one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount of one ounce or more, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(4), a crime of the Second Degree;
- five counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount less than one ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(5), crimes of the Third Degree;
- five counts of Distribution of Fentanyl in an amount less than one ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(5), crimes of the Third Degree;
- five counts of Possession of Fentanyl, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(1), crimes of the Third Degree;
- two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in an amount less than one-half ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3), crimes of the Third Degree;
- two counts of Distribution of Cocaine in an amount less than one-half ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3), crimes of the Third Degree;
- four counts of Possession of Cocaine, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(1), crimes of the Third Degree;
- one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an amount of five ounces or more, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(1), a crime of the Second Degree;
- one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount of one ounce or more, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(4), a crime of the Second Degree; and
- one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount less than one ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(5), a crime of the Third Degree.
Ines M. Rivera-Rodriguez, arrested in September 2017, was indicted for the following charges:
- one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in an amount of five ounces or more, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(1), a crime of the First Degree;
- one (1) count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in an amount of one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(2), a crime of the Second Degree;
- one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount of one ounce or more, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(4), a crime of the Second Degree;
- two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount less than one ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(5), crimes of the Third Degree;
- two counts of Distribution of Fentanyl in an amount less than one ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(5), crimes of the Third Degree;
- two counts of Possession of Fentanyl, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(1), crimes of the Third Degree;
- one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in an amount less than One-half ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3), a crime of the Third Degree;
- one count of Distribution of Cocaine in an amount less than one-half ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3), a crime of the Third Degree;
- three counts of Possession of Cocaine, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(1), crimes of the Third Degree;
- one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an amount of five ounces or more, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(1), a crime of the Second Degree; and
- one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount of one ounce or more, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(4), a crime of the Second Degree.
Casimiro Richiez-Martinez, arrested in February 2018, was indicted for the following charges:
- one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount less than one ounce, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(5), a crime of the Third Degree;
- one count of Distribution of Fentanyl in an amount less than one ounce, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(5), a crime of the Third Degree;
- one count of Possession of Fentanyl, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(1), a crime of the Third Degree; and
- one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl in an amount less than one ounce, in violation of J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(5), a crime of the Third Degree.
Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp wishes to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit (Narcotics Task Force and its participating agencies), the Mt. Olive Police Department, the Rockaway Borough Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts related to this investigation.
Prosecutor Knapp said, “This investigation targeted individuals responsible for importing and distributing a steady supply of Fentanyl in Morris County. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and its Narcotics Task Force partners will continue to combat the opiate epidemic through enforcement efforts targeting for profit drug dealers.” This investigation was conducted under the direction of MCPO Captain Brian Keane, Commander of the Narcotics Task Force, and Detective Lieutenant Luis Sanchez of the Mt. Olive Police Department.
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.
Resolution approved to endorse “Governor Murphy’s Directive to investigate JCP&L”
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council passed Resolution No. R2018-45, “Endorsing Governor Murphy’s Directive to The Board of Public Utilities to investigate and hold hearings on how Jersey Central Power & Light responded to the recent Winter storms leaving thousands of Township Residents without power.”
The resolution passed 3-2, with Councilman Michael dePierro and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani voting against the Resolution.
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., stated “I think it is important that this issue be looked into. I know the crews on the road worked very hard at restoring power but if something was not handled correctly by upper management then that needs to be addressed, so that power outages are handled more efficiently in the future. The investigation may turn up nothing but at least the state is doing its due diligence. I have no idea why Mr. dePierro and Ms. Gragnani would vote no in supporting this investigation. I have spoken to many residents in town who were without power for many days, they deserve answers.”
“JCP&L is a utility that reports to the Board of Public Utilities. The BPU is already investigating JCP&L’s slow response to the outages at the Governor’s request. I read that JCP&L had 1400 telephone poles down and 2800 miles of cable to run. This was compounded by downed trees blocking many roads. The BPU will determine if better planning or preparations could have improved upon that. No-one likes to experience power outages, including my family. My home was without power for 11 days during Hurricane Sandy. I just felt that this Resolution was unnecessary. We will all read about the results of the BPU’s findings and recommendations for improvement when their investigation is complete, stated Councilman Michael dePierro.
The resolution read:
TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
RESOLUTION R2018-045: RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL ENDORSING
GOVERNOR MURPHY’S DIRECTIVE TO THE BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES TO INVESTIGATE AND HOLD HEARINGS ON HOW JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT RESPONDED TO THE RECENT WINTER STORMS LEAVING THOUSANDS OF TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS WITHOUT POWER
WHEREAS, many residents and businesses of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
(the “Township”) have been without power since the March 2, 2018 Nor’easter storm; and
WHEREAS, thousands of additional Township residents and businesses lost power during the March 7, 2018 snow storm; and
WHEREAS, at the height of the most recent storm, more than 350,000 New Jersey residents were without power; and
WHEREAS, Jersey Central Power & Light (“JCP&L”), which services the Township, has been identified as the utility company responsible for the most outages; and
WHEREAS, JCP&L has failed to restore power to Township residents and businesses in a timely manner, which has jeopardized the public health, safety and well-being of Township residents; and
WHEREAS, Governor Philip D. Murphy has directed the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (“BPU”) to complete an assessment and investigation of how state utility companies responded to these winter storms leaving hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents without power; and
WHEREAS, Governor Murphy has further announced that as part of the investigation hearings will be held in areas served by JCP&L.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, County of Morris, State of New Jersey as follows:
- That the aforesaid recitals are hereby adopted and incorporated herein as if repeated in full;
- The Township Council hereby endorses Governor Murphy’s directive to the BPU to complete an assessment and investigation of JCP&L’s response to the recent winter storms and its inability to timely and efficiently restore electric service to the residents of the Township.
- The Township Council hereby requests that the Mayor pursue all available actions to ensure that the BPU hold hearings in the Township as part of its investigation so that JCP&L’s response to winter storms in the Township can be properly assessed and remedies to JCP&L’s deficient service can be identified;
- If any part of this Resolution shall be deemed invalid, such parts shall be severed and the invalidity thereby shall not affect the remaining parts of this Resolution.
- A copy of this resolution shall be available for public inspection at the offices of the Town Clerk.
- This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE IS A TRUE AND LAWFUL COPY OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS, COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY AT ITS MEETING OF MARCH 20, 2018.
Township Council Passes Marijuana Resolution; 3-2
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council passed Resolution R2018-044 on Tuesday, March 20. The resolution “Township Expressing Its Opposition to Proposed Legislation to Permit the Recreational Use of Marijuana in the State of New Jersey,” was passed 3-2. Councilwoman Emily Peterson and Council Vice President Janice McCarthy voted against the resolution.
Before introducing the Resolution, Councilman Michael dePierro stated “There are studies, one of them from National Academies of Scientists, Engineering and Medicine. They did a pretty thorough study, and I can’t pretend to understand a lot of medical journals and technical journal, but the statement I made when I introduced this ordinance was prenatal, perinatal and neonatal exposure. With this substance taken enough times; Alcohol is more soluble, so your body dissipates everything you drank, within seven hours its out of your body. It’s gone. But marijuana component in there THC is fat-soluble, that’s absorbed by the fat cells in your body, and it stays there for a very long time. And the second time you smoke and get more, it builds up, its cumulative in your body. This can affect young people and it definitely affects pregnant people or women who expecting to become pregnant.”
TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
RESOLUTION R2018-044:
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS TOWNSHIP EXPRESSING ITS OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO PERMIT THE RECREATIONAL USE OF MARIJUANA IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
WHEREAS, recent news stories have indicated that the Governor of the State of New Jersey will move to legalize recreational marijuana use within bis first 100 days in office; and WHEREAS, the United States of America outlaws recreational cannabis pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act, 21 USC Section 811; and
WHEREAS, only eight states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana; and
WHEREAS, Colorado, one of the states that legalized recreational marijuana has seen an increase in documented traffic deaths involving drivers that had used marijuana (in 2013, the year before marijuana was fully legalized in Colorado, there were 55 documented traffic deaths and in 2016 the number was 125); and
WHEREAS, in 2016 the Rocky Mountain High Density Drug Trafficking Area (RMHDDTA) annual report shows that the number of medical marijuana centers in Colorado is greater than the number of Starbucks coffee shops, and the number of recreational marijuana outlets is greater than the number of McDonald’s Restaurants; and
WHEREAS, the RMHDDTA report also demonstrates that marijuana use among Colorado teens aged 12 to 17 is 74% above the national average; and
WHEREAS, medical marijuana is generally carefully controlled for the amount of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol generally referred to as “THC”; recreational marijuana, on the other hand, is specifically designed to have as much “THC” as possible; and
WHEREAS, “THC” is known to impair physical function in the user including reaction time while operating a vehicle and the user’s ability to perceive danger; and
WHEREAS, New Jersey utilizes Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) to determine whether someone is under the influence of a drug including marijuana when operating a motor vehicle and there is no current objective standard for operating under the influence of drugs like marijuana as compared to standards established for driving while intoxicated (.08%); and
WHEREAS, the enforcement of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs such as marijuana is very difficult; and
WHEREAS, many health professionals consider marijuana a “gateway” drug; and
WHEREAS, the opioid epidemic is well known to residents of the County of Morris and the State of New Jersey even though opioids are currently “legal” and available by prescription and has not been controlled and, in fact, has become an epidemic.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills that its opposes legislation that would permit the recreational use of marijuana in the State of New Jersey; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parsippany Township Clerk shall forward a certified true copy of this resolution to the Governor of the State of New Jersey, Lieutenant Governor of the State of New Jersey, the members of the Morris County Legislative Delegation, the members of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and the Mayor and Council of all municipalities within the County of Morris.
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE IS A TRUE AND LAWFUL COPY OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS, COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY AT ITS MEETING OF MARCH 20, 2018.
Letter to the editor: They warn we’ve woken up one day in a Sanctuary City
Dear Editor:
Woman’s Club Donates to Parsippany Library’s Spheros Robotic Learning Program
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills (WCPTH) just made a generous donation to the Parsippany Library System to purchase six additional Spheros, an app enabled robotic ball for students to play with and at the same time learn programming and coding. Students can program and drive the Sphero robots using the Sphero Edu app on a Smartphone or tablet. The Parsippany Library System uses the Sphero robots during STEAM programs and at outreach visits to Parsippany area schools. The Sphero robots encourage endless creativity and at the same time learning in children.For more information on Spheros click here.
WCPTH holds fundraisers throughout the year to support its many educational programs. Besides this donation to the library, WCPTH awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors, Citizenship Awards to graduating 8th graders, 5th Grade Reading Awards, a Spelling Bee, and Dr. Seuss reading events.
This year the Woman’s Club of Parsippany Troy Hills’ primary fundraiser, its 37th Annual Tee Off for Education Golf Classic & Luncheon, will be held on Tuesday, July 10 at the Knoll Country Club. If you would like to attend the event, please contact Marilyn Z. at (973) 539-3703 or WCPTH, Golf Outing, P.O. Box 98, Parsippany, NJ 07054.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs, which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. Upcoming General Meetings are on Monday, March 26 and on Monday, April 23, both at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive.
For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, or click here to view their website.
Meeting schedule is subject to change. Please contact Cathy (Membership Chairman) if interested in attending a meeting or to confirm date and time.
Parsippany Resident Attends National United Nations Leadership Summit
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany resident Colin Smith, 15, recently attended the United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets Leadership Summit in Washington DC.
Smith, a sophomore at Parsippany Hills High School, has conducted fundraising events during the Parsippany Adult and Communication Education’s (PACE) “Wide World of Summer” camp program held at Central Middle School. “Wide World of Summer” is an eight-week camp program filled with outdoor sports and indoor activities, educational enrichment programs and field trips. Smith is a member of the camp’s Counselor in Training leadership program.
Smith’s programs have raised money for the UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign. The campaign aims to prevent malaria, a leading cause of death among children in Africa by purchasing and distributing long-lasting, insecticide-treated anti-mosquito nets, and educating families on their use. Smith’s fundraising activities included a soccer goal shootout, basketball shooting contests and a collection jug for spare change. In partnership with his sister Jacqueline, the Smith siblings have now raised a total of $4,000 for the organization, enough for 400 nets for families in affected countries. Both Colin and Jacqueline have been named to the Nothing But Nets “Champions Council” for their efforts. Colin recently attended the non-profit Leadership Summit in Washington DC, including scientific discussions, leading advocacy sessions on Capitol Hill, networking opportunities with United Nations leaders, and discussion of future fundraising events. His future malaria advocacy projects include events in conjunction with World Malaria Day on April 25, and continuing Wide World of Summer educational activities.
Soriano plans Town Hall meeting for Sedgefield/Glacier Hills area
PARSIPPANY — If you live in the Sedgefield/Glacier Hills area, join Mayor Soriano’s series of neighborhood Town Halls to speak with your public officials. Mayor Soriano would like to hear your comments, questions and concerns on how to improve your quality of life in Sedgefield and Glacier Hills. This meeting will be held on March 27 at 7:00 p.m.
If you have any questions about the event, feel free to email Tom Jones, Public Information Officer at tjones@parsippany.net
Please be advised this meeting is not a meeting that is open to the governing body nor will it be held with the intent to discuss or act upon specific public business. A quorum will not be present and no formal action will be taken.
This Town Hall meeting will be held at Brooklawn Middle School, 250 Beachwood Road.
Click here to make a reservation.
Sponsors Wanted: Spring Family-Friendly Parsippany Walk/Run Event
PARSIPPANY — Diverse demographics. Prominent advertiser banner and giveaway bags that can include your premium items, coupons or business cards.
The Lake Hiawatha School PTA is hosting its 3rd annual Fundraising Rainbow Run event at Veterans Memorial Park in Parsippany, on Friday, April 27.
Sponsors are needed now!
This outdoor event is attended by local children, parents and citizens throughout the community. There is live entertainment, food and giveaways. Each run/walk participant receives a bag with premium items and coupons donated by sponsors. In addition, there are prizes that are awarded over the loudspeaker. All of these marketing opportunities are available, and the PTA is open to other creative messaging ideas that allow you to promote your business, and participate in this wholesome, spring activity.
All proceeds raised from the event will be used to support Lake Hiawatha School’s cultural art assemblies, field trips, classroom supplies and other opportunities that help children in our community.
All donations of products, services or financial contribution are greatly appreciated. Your donation is fully tax deductible, as the Lake Hiawatha School PTA is a non-profit, tax exempt, charitable institution. Please contact Halia Centeno, Lake Hiawatha School Committee Chair at haliacolor@gmail.com to sign up to be a sponsor today, or for more information.
Kiwanis Club to host “Trivia Night”
PARSIPPANY — It’s back again, for the 16th consecutive year. The Ultimate Trivia Contest will be held on Saturday, April 14. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., and Trivia starts at 7:00 p.m. Gather your friends, family, co-workers and come out for a night of fun. Each team can have up to eight people.
2017 First place winners: Michele Reutty, Joanne Roukens, Arlene Sahraie, Kelsey Young, Tim Dartucci, Sara Weissman, Cristian Maiullo and Steve Vega. Will you be the 2018 winner?
Bring your own food and BYOB. Soda, coffee, water, plates, cups, napkins, and utensils will be provided.
To play fair there are a few simple rules: The use of ANY electronic device whatsoever during competition will immediately disqualify the offending team. This includes but is not limited to I-Pod’s, PDA’s, ICBM’s, drones, etc. The use of printed material such as encyclopedias, almanacs, National Geographic, and the like, is strictly prohibited and of course no tweeting!
The fee is $20.00 per person. The event is held at Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road.
For more information or to download a flyer, click here.
Please bring an extra, non-perishable food item to be donated to our community food bank.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany chooses their own service projects that they feel need their attention. They are all local people that volunteer our time and talents to make our community a better place to live. The members, like you, are busy with making a living, church, family, and many other activities. The members, however, have found that Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany not gives a chance to give back to the community in a meaningful way, but they enjoy the fellowship, networking, and fun aspects as well.
If you are interested in Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, visit the group Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. You can also find more information by clicking here.
Girls on the Run of New Jersey East To Offer Spring Program at Veterans Memorial Park
PARSIPPANY — Girls on the Run of New Jersey East will serve Parsippany-area girls at its Veterans Memorial Park program site the spring, which will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that inspires girls in third through eighth grade to be joyful, healthy, and confident. The volunteer-led program brings together groups of 8-20 girls for a ten-week program that encourages personal development, team building, and connection to the community while training to complete a 5K run.
Participation in Girls on the Run results in lasting, transformative change in the lives of girls. “Madison,” an alumna of a local GOTR site who now serves as a junior coach, shares about the program’s impact: “The Girls on the Run lessons have helped me throughout my life. I remember being more confident after Girls on the Run. I was so inspired to make a difference, especially after completing the community impact project. It made me the person I am now, caring and inspiring others, and it’s why I coach now. It shaped me into the person I am today.”
Girls on the Run New Jersey East was established in 2000 and has impacted more than 10,000 girls throughout Burlington, Mercer, Essex, Morris, and Union Counties. GOTR is generously supported by presenting sponsor R. Seelaus & Company, Inc., a Summit, NJ-based financial services firm. The program fee for the spring season is $199, and financial assistance is available based on a sliding scale. Visit the Girls on the Run of New Jersey East website, girlsontherunnj.
Girls on the Run is a national physical activity-based positive youth development program that results in lasting, transformative change in the lives of 3rd-8th grade girls. Participants learn critical life skills such as helping others, resolving conflict, managing emotions, and making intentional decisions. Each session is led by trained volunteer coaches who guide and mentor the girls. The ten-week program concludes with all participants completing a celebratory 5K event, which gives them a tangible sense of achievement as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals. Girls on the Run has served nearly 1.5 million girls since its inception in 1996.
Foster Families need to foster puppies
RANDOLPH — To All Dog Lovers! Our rescue group needs more foster families, would you like to help us?
Furever Home Dog Rescue needs foster homes! As a shelterless rescue, we don’t have a building where our dogs are housed until they get adopted. We are lucky enough to have loving foster families who open their hearts and homes to our dogs until they are placed. However, we need more foster homes so we can save more dogs! You can try it once and see how rewarding it can be, you even get to pick the puppy or dog you want to foster!
Fosters open their homes (usually a month or two on average) to foster a pup until they are adopted to their furever homes. Fostering is a rewarding experience and you will help save a dogs life. There are puppies, young dogs, adult dogs and special needs dogs of different breeds that need foster homes, and our foster families choose the type of pup they want to foster.
Every month we save dozens of wonderful dogs from the southern kill shelters or the Caribbean kill shelter and place them in safe, nurturing homes. Please consider joining us in the effort to help even more of these wonderful dogs get a second chance, we would love to have you!
With your help, we can save more dogs from being euthanized simply because there is a lack of space at the shelter. If you would like to be a part of our rescue efforts and are interested in short term fostering, please email FureverHomeDotRescue@gmail.com
The more fosters we have, the more dogs we can save!
Norman, a Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso Mix, is looking for his furever home
PARSIPPANY — Meet Norman, an 11-year-old Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso Mix who couldn’t be better looking if he tried! And, yes, his tongue really does always hang out!
Norman was rescued from Newark-AHS where he was surrendered by the family he had his entire life. Norman was abandoned at the shelter because he had a tumor growing out of his ear that his family did not want to pay to have removed. The shelter was caring for Norman and asked that we consider him for rescue and we can’t express enough how amazing it has been to have him!
Norman is currently 25 lbs but on a diet and will weigh 20 lbs once he’s bikini ready. He likes other dogs with similar, relaxed personalities and we feel he can probably live with a cat.
As a more mature gentleman, he’d prefer a quiet household so no children under the age of 16. Norman can be left alone in the home and will not destroy anything. He is also potty-trained. All he asks is that you leave him with his bed to nap on in the sun.
Norman loves to give kisses (only out of the one side of his mouth, of course) and be held in your lap. Occasionally, he gets a bit goofy and can be found doing puppy things like chasing his tail.
His foster mom says the best part of the day is waking up. He happily barks and wags his tail every morning when he first sees her and his two fur siblings. Norman enjoys walks around the neighborhood to meet new people and dogs (especially the ladies!)
Norman underwent multiple surgeries to have the tumor removed in his ear and his testicles/testicular tumor. He also had a full dental done. Norman is happy, healthy, and ready to go home!!
If you’re interested in making this Instagram-worthy guy your own, apply by clicking here.
PLEASE NOTE: No applications will be processed unless you have donated toward his extensive medical bills.
Guest Readers at Northvail School
PARSIPPANY — Last week our parents were guest readers in each classroom as Northvail celebrated Read Across America. The event is timed to coincide with the birthday of children’s author, Dr. Seuss and is designed to increase awareness and motivation among children to encourage reading and literacy. The first-ever Read Across America Day was held on March 2, 1998. As the nation’s largest reading celebration, more than 45 million students, parents, educators and others participate every year.
Each parent shared one of their favorite books as students listened attentively.
A special thanks to Diana Mazzarella and all the parents who volunteered their time in making this program a success.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go!”~ Dr. Seuss