PARSIPPANY — The MOMS Club of Parsippany Area East is hosting a dine-out event at Habit Burger on Tuesday, February 6 to help benefit one of our members.
Michelle and her husband Francis are parents to a beautiful three year old daughter. They currently reside in Parsippany and are members of TLCC (Francis can often be seen on stage playing the guitar during Sunday services). In early 2017 Michelle was diagnosed with a very rare Lymphoma (Subcutaneous Panniculitis like T-Cell Lymphoma or SPTCL) at which time it became aggressive. On top of this diagnosis, she was diagnosed with another disease (HLH or Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis) which is a life-threatening immunodeficiency. Michelle will undergo six sessions of chemotherapy and a STEM Cell transplant. Medical bills are piling up quickly and unfortunately her Health Insurance doesn’t fully cover the services and medications that she now requires. A go fund me page has been set up to help with her extensive medical bills. If you cannot make it to the event, please consider making a donation by clicking here.
Join us at Habit Burger, 3043 Route 46, Morris Hills Shopping Center) on Tuesday, February 6 between 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to benefit Michelle. She will receive 20% of the profits from that night from everyone who shows a print out of the form or shows it on their phone. Applies to dine in and take out! Click here to download flyer.
The MOMS Club of Parsippany East is a local chapter of an international non-profit support group focused on the stay at home mom. We offer support and enriching activities to both mothers and their children. Although we focus on the stay-at-home mom, we support all moms and have mothers who work part-time or full-time among our members. Our activities include a monthly meeting; organized family activities and outings; a book club (for the moms); playgroups; service projects to benefit both children in need and our communities; and, of course, MOMS Night Out!
Due to Parsippany’s size and number of schools, we are divided into East and West chapters. To find out more about our club find us on Facebook or email us at Parsippanymomsclubeast@gmail.com.
Dear Family, friends, neighbors, work colleagues of Bill Foote and residents of the Parsippany community:
FIRST, Susan Giordano, Daniel Gaestel and Delia Petrula, friends of Bill have organized this gofundme for Bill Foote. His illness in the prime of his career impacts his future plan for his children Billy and Rebecca realizing their goals in completing college. Bill will have medical, illness and assistive technology bills over and above insurance coverages. We want to help with that, too. Please consider donating to this fund. Your GIFTS will go directly to Bill and family to help with these expenses.
NEXT, please read below the words of Delia Petrula, asking you to support Bill, her very good friend:
Our good friend, Bill Foote, needs your support! As many of you know, over the years, Bill has donated his time to numerous organizations. Many of you know Bill from the countless hours Bill has spent on the Parsippany Football fields, selflessly helping to shape the minds and bodies of young men.
You may recognize Bill from his participation in the Parsippany Christmas parades where he has been Santa to many, many children throughout the years. Bill has also mentored young accountants new to the field with his employer, Bruno, DiBello & Co., L.L.C.
Maybe you recognize him from his association with the Cherry Ridge Gun Range where his is a member.
After losing his beloved Alaina in April of 2013, Bill joined the Soaring Spirits Widow/Widowers Group.
Bill quickly became well known in the group, someone you could turn to for advice, a shoulder you could lean on day or night.
Today, one of the group’s favorite Bill phrases “my friend” resonates throughout the Wednesday dinners.
Memories of Christmas parties where Bill volunteered to dress as Santa and surprised the crowd along with his elf helper, KDD will NEVER be forgotten. Recently Bill was diagnosed with ALS. ALS is a rapidly progressive, fatal neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle nerves to die and affecting voluntary muscle movement.
For years, Bill has been an inspiration to many, many people with his uplifting spirit and great sense of humor.
NOW, Bill needs YOUR help to ensure a great future for his two wonderful children. Rebecca is studying at the Parsons School of Design in New York City and Billy is studying at County College of Morris.
PLEASE, take a moment now and help Bill the way Bill helped so many in the past. Your generosity is greatly appreciated by Bill and his family.
PARSIPPANY — One of New Jersey’s fastest growing Christian churches, Liquid Church, has once again been selected to host Night To Shine sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, an unforgettable prom night experience designed especially for teens and adults ages 14+ with special needs. New this year, Liquid Church is turning the special event into New Jersey’s largest Night To Shine prom, with 500 guests and 1000 volunteers gathered under one roof – the church’s brand-new Broadcast Campus in Parsippany. The event will be held on Friday, February 9. Beauty Bar from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Main Event from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Guests at Night To Shine will receive the VIP treatment, with a red carpet prom entrance and friendly paparazzi snapping their photo. Once inside, guests will visit stations for shoe shining, corsages and boutonnieres, limo rides, and games before moving on to the main event – dancing! The highlight of the evening will be the crowning ceremony, where each Night To Shine guest is crowned a prom king or queen.
Also new in 2018, Liquid Church is hosting an All-Day Beauty Bar with free hair and makeup stations for guests and their caregivers to help them get prom-ready before the big event. Liquid Church is expecting over 500 prom guests to attend, and 1,000 Liquid Church volunteers will be on hand to create this special event, including 500 “buddies,” who will serve as personal hosts for each and every prom guest.
“It’s truly our privilege and passion to serve families with special needs. We want our honored guests to feel supported as they engage with their peers, to feel a sense of belonging, and to recognize their God-given potential. Hosting Night To Shine is an incredible way that we do this at Liquid Church,” said Tim Lucas, lead pastor and founder of Liquid Church. “We know that New Jersey has the highest rate of Autism in the nation. The need here is tremendous, and so we’re not only hosting this event for the third year in a row, but in 2018 we’re turning it into one of New Jersey’s biggest parties – gathering more guests and volunteers in one location than ever before!”
Worldwide, 375 churches honored more than 75,000 kings and queens of the prom in 2017 with the help of 150,000 volunteers across 50 states and 11 counties, showing tremendous growth since Night To Shine launched in 2015 with 44 host churches, 7,000 guests and the help of 15,000 volunteers. Night To Shine 2018 promises to be the biggest event yet, with over 500 locations already signed up to participate around the world.
“Night to Shine is my favorite night of the year! It’s also a favorite night for thousands and thousands of kings and queens all over the world that we crown at the end of this prom. Every town, every village, every state, and every country needs to host a Night to Shine for their special needs community. It’s a time in which people can work together and be a part of something significant and life-changing – and be blessed in the process. It’s about being a part of one team, God’s team,” said Tim Tebow, founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation.
For additional information on Night to Shine hosted by Liquid Church in Parsippany click here.
For more information on the worldwide movement of Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation click here.
Liquid Church is one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing Christian churches. Officially launched in 2007 by Lead Pastor Tim Lucas, the church’s vision and mission is to “Saturate the State with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” with six campuses in Essex, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, and Union Counties. Each week, over 4,000 people experience Liquid Church’s worship services in New Jersey and around the globe through Church Online. As part of its global outreach, Liquid provides clean drinking water to the poorest of the poor, with dozens of completed wells in several countries including El Salvador and Nicaragua – and most recently, Rwanda! Liquid Church’s innovative approaches to outreach and ministry have been spotlighted by CNN, FOX News, and The Today Show. For more information click here.
The Tim Tebow Foundation exists to bring Faith, Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. That mission is being fulfilled every day through the foundation’s seven areas of outreach, including W15H, Timmy’s Playrooms, Orphan Care, Adoption Aid, the Tebow CURE Hospital, Team Tebow and Night to Shine. For more information on the Tim Tebow Foundation click here.
Project Help a local charity devoted to helping veterans, is hosting their first annual Poster contest for students all over New Jersey.
The theme is “I Love America” and open to all budding young artists. Prizes will be awarded in each category grade category and will be judged on design, originality and content. There will be three place winners in each of the category grades of K-4. 5-8. 9-12.
All artwork must be 2 dimensional, no digital entries will be accepted. Poster should include the project Help Logo and size cannot exceed 18” x 24”. Entries must include a signed (by parent) entry form can be downloaded by clicking here.
All entries must be received by February 23 at Project Help, 55 Bank Street, Sussex, New Jersey 07461. All entries become the property of Project Help.
The awards ceremony will be in March and entrants will be notified of the date, time and place. Once the awards are given, the posters will go on display all around the area at schools, Libraries and other public places.
Through this Poster Contest, we hope to engage our young people with a renewed sense of patriotism and respect for our wonderful country and for the men and women who served in the Military to preserve our freedom.
Project Help, Inc., a 501(c)(3) Charity, is incorporated in Sussex County. “Our mission, said Sandy Mitchell, Executive Director, is to help Veterans and their families during difficult times. We cover the seven northern counties and moving to the southern counties, assisting Veterans in getting their lives back together.” She is also the founder of Project Help and knows only too well the aftermath of war. She was married to a Vietnam Vet and has a special place in her heart for all veterans of every war. “Many are lost in war and many as the result of being in war”, said Sandy, who lost her husband after he returned home from Vietnam.
Project Help is growing quickly and expansion creates a massive need for reliable volunteers, committee and board members. If you would like to help, just contact them at (973) 875-2068.
PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company held its annual Fire Company Dinner Dance and Awards Ceremony at the Mansion at Mountain Lakes on Saturday, evening, February 3.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano thanked the members of District 2 for their outstanding volunteer service to the residents and businesses of Parsippany.
Many members were recognized for their contributions to the Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company. Deputy Chief Joe Reeber was recognized as the “Firefighter of the Year”.
The next special event will be the annual fish and chicken fundraiser dinner on Friday, February 23, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with take out available.
Tickets are $16.00 for adults and $12.00 for children.
On the first “Friday Without Frelinghuysen” since Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11th Dist.) announced his retirement plans, new Parsippany Mayor Michael Soriano praised the “warriors” of NJ 11th for Change and thanked the 12-term congressman–for galvanizing him to run for office. “Going against the good Congressman was one of my main reasons for running, because it was…
PARSIPPANY — At the conclusion of the 2004 NFL season, the Patriots beat the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX. If you’ve been waiting ever since for the rematch, you’re in luck. The teams will face off again on Sunday in Super Bowl LII.
In that meeting 13 years ago, the Patriots, of course, won 20-17, although the game wasn’t that close. The Eagles and Patriots will battle again beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, with the Lombardi Trophy again on the line.
The first Parsippany connection is the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The Vince Lombardi Trophy is the trophy awarded each year to the winning team of the National Football League’s championship game, the Super Bowl. The trophy is named in honor of NFL coach Vince Lombardi.
The moment of victory at the Super Bowl, the World Series and every major championship is commemorated for all time by the presentation of custom-designed sterling silver trophies from Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany has created the most revered symbols of athletic achievement in every notable field of sport. From the beginning, Tiffany designers were dedicated to the highest level of quality and craftsmanship that would pay tribute to the athletes’ skill and prowess.
Tiffany & Company is at 15 Sylvan Way.
Super Bowl LII is Sunday, February 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium (home of the Minnesota Vikings) in Minneapolis, Minn. The Twin Cities last played host to the Big Game 26 years ago, when Washington beat Buffalo 37-24 at the Metrodome in Super Bowl.
The second Parsippany connection is Zygi Wilf.
Zygi Wilf
The Minnesota Vikings is owned by Zygi Wilf. Zygmunt “Zygi” Wilf (born April 22, 1950) is a German-born Jewish-American billionaire real estate developer. He is the principal owner of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings. After working as an attorney, Wilf joined the family business and became head of one of the company’s affiliates, Garden Commercial Properties. Wilf has grown the company from four shopping centers in Northern New Jersey to over a hundred properties, including several large malls. In addition to the commercial properties, the Garden companies also own and manage 90,000 apartment units around the country.
More recently, Parsippany Littleton, LLC purchased the property of the former GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) located at 1500 Littleton Road on October 6, for $8,500,000.00. The buyer is listed as Parsippany Littleton, LLC. The office address is listed as 820 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills.
Also listed at the address of 820 Morris Avenue is Garden Homes. Garden Homes is owned in part or wholly by Zygi Wilf. Zygi Wilf is the Owner/Chairman of the Minnesota Vikings (click here for additional details).
Wilf joined the family business and became head of one of the company’s affiliates, Garden Commercial Properties. Wilf has grown the company from four shopping centers in Northern New Jersey to over a hundred properties, including several large malls. In addition to the commercial properties, the Garden companies also own and manages 90,000 apartment units around the country. In Parsippany, Garden Communities consists of Powdermill Heights, Knoll Gardens, Mill Run at Parsippany, Redstone Gardens, Ridgeview Gardens, Redstone Apartments, Vail Gardens and Westgate Apartments.
Garden Homes is also involved with Forge Pond, a new townhouse development with a price tag ranging from $435,000 to $535,000; Puddingstone Ridge, single family homes with a price tag of approximately $825,000; In Budd Lake, Lakeview Homes, single family homes with a price tag of approximately $600,000; In Fairfield, The Reserve at Fairfield, with homes ranging from $829,000 to $1,014,000. Mazdabrook Commons is listed as one of their past projects.
Other projects of Garden Homes is located in Bergen, Essex, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset, Warren Counties and Hartford Connecticut.
Garden Communities offers apartment rentals throughout New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. They offer 1, 2 or 3 bedroom units, studios, townhouses/duplexes, luxury apartment rentals, affordable housing or 55+ active adult communities. Their properties offer residents access to extensive shopping, entertainment, the best schools in the area and recreational activities for all ages.
Garden Commercial Properties also is listed at 820 Morris Avenue. Some of the properties in that portfolio include Parsippany’s Arlington Plaza, among over a dozen other shopping centers in New Jersey. Rutgers Village, Powder Mill East Shopping Center, and Powder Mill West Shopping Centers are part of Pineview Homes, which is a subsidiary of the Wilf empire.
PARSIPPANY — Students from the Chinese Exchange Program visited Town Hall on Friday, February 2. Township Clerk Khalid Madin conducted a tour and explained to the students the different parts of Municipal Government and visited the different departments.
A shared partnership with the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township and the Board of Education, they host the AEE (American Educational Exploration) winter Chinese Exchange Program.
Chinese Exchange Program
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Township Clerk Khalid Madin discussing the functions of the Clerk
Township Clerk Khalid Madin discussing the functions of the Clerk to the Chinese Exchange Students
Jonathan Nelson, Director of Utilities, talking to the Chinese Exchange Students
Chinese Exchange Students in the Business Administrator's Office
Chinese Exchange Students had fun with the fake arm hanging from a cabinet in the Business Administrators Office
Chinese Exchange Students conducting Township Business in the Council Chambers
The Chinese Exchange Students in the Township Council Chambers
Mayor Michael Soriano shaking hands with the students
The Chinese Exchange Students posing with Mayor Michael Soriano and members of the Council
Mayor Michael Soriano posing for a selfie with the students
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani and Council Vice President Janice McCarthy
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Township Clerk Khalid Madin and Council Vice President Janice McCarthy
Familes in Parsippany hosts the Exchange student during their two week stay in Parsippany. The students are attending regular classes at Brooklawn Middle School and Central Middle School for two weeks to experience the difference between the school systems in China and the United States. The students will attend local school activities and programs as they tour Parsippany. The host family’s responsibilities include a safe nurturing home environment, the opportunity to participate in your family’s life and events, breakfasts, dinners, and transportation to and from school or afterschool activities. “Being a Host Family and enjoy the experience that can change their view of the world…can change yours too!”
The fourteen students visiting Parsippany are from Macau, China. Macau is a region on the south coast of China, across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong. A Portuguese territory until 1999, it reflects a mix of cultural influences. Its giant casinos and malls on the Cotai Strip, which joins the islands of Taipa and Coloane, have earned it the nickname, “Las Vegas of Asia.” One of its more striking landmarks is 338m-high Macau Tower, with sweeping city views.
Mayor Michael Soriano posing for a selfie with the students
PARSIPPANY — Assemblyman Jay Webber announced his intention to run for the Republican nomination in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.
The 2018 elections present our great nation and Republican Party with an important choice. We can give in to the angry intimidation of the far left who seek to ‘resist’ every idea that comes from someone who doesn’t share their outlier extremism. Or we can stand up for the beliefs and principles that have served our country so well for so long and continue the progress we’ve made in the last year toward reviving our economy, creating more and better paying jobs, strengthening the rule of law, and restoring America’s security and standing in the world. I choose the latter,” said Assemblyman Webber.
Assemblyman Jay Webber
Over the last several days, citizens across the 11th District and the country have urged me to step forward to represent our shared values. I accept that challenge, and taking on tough challenges is nothing new to me. I’ve led the fight on the Assembly floor against the Democrats’ reckless tax hikes. I have been on the forefront of a bipartisan effort to improve our public schools by rewarding and encouraging good teachers, and making it easier to fire bad ones. And when the Democrats – and some in my own party – wanted to throw billions of tax dollars at the richest companies in the world instead of providing property tax relief for everyone, I said no,” said Assemblyman Webber.
In the coming months, I will offer a candidacy, first to Republicans in the primary, and then to the general electorate, that will provide solutions to our country’s most troubling issues. Those solutions will be guided by my recognition that so many of our citizens sit at their kitchen tables each day not caring about ‘blue’ or ‘red.’ They simply want a limited and responsible government that respects their rights to live freely, and doesn’t bother them without good reason,” said Assemblyman Webber.
Assemblyman Webber begins the race uniquely positioned to know the priorities of the people of the 11th Congressional District. A native of Passaic County and a resident of Morris County, Assemblyman Webber’s roots in the 11th District run deep. He has represented residents of broad parts of Morris, Passaic, and Essex Counties during his ten years in the State Legislature. Assemblyman Webber has competed in contested primaries and general elections before voters making up much of the electorate of the 11th Congressional District, and those citizens have strongly and repeatedly validated his representation at the ballot box. And during his visits to Sussex County as a Republican Leader, he always has found a warm and welcoming reception from the good residents of the northern part of the 11th.
Assemblyman Webber leads broad coalitions within the GOP, as a former New Jersey Republican Party Chair who also has earned the support of grassroots conservative activists in the pro-taxpayer, pro-life, and Second Amendment communities. Known as a Reagan conservative for his service preserving and protecting Rancho del Cielo, President Reagan’s former ranch home in California, Assemblyman Webber has earned a reputation for taking tough, independent stands for taxpayers, even in the face of powerful forces. Assemblyman Webber also has forged bipartisan coalitions to advance legislation to lower property taxes, support battered women’s shelters, and protect schoolchildren from sexual abuse from predatory teachers.
Jay is fortunate enough to have married the love of his life, and he and his wife of sixteen years, Johanna, have seven children ages three to fifteen. Every day Johanna and Jay perform the same balancing act so many 11th District families perform: paying the bills, getting the kids to schools and sports on time, caring for elderly parents, and all the while trying to keep their priorities straight and see the humor in life.
Jay graduated with a B.A. in International Studies from Johns Hopkins, where he was Phi Beta Kappa, a Rhodes Scholar Semi-Finalist, and a Second Team Academic All-American in baseball. He received his J.D. from Harvard Law School, where, most importantly, he met his classmate and future bride, Johanna.
PARSIPPANY — Registration is now open for children age four and up who attend or will be attending the following schools: Rockaway Meadow, Troy Hills, Lake Hiawatha, Knollwood, Northvail, Central, Parsippany High, and All Saints Academy. Registration will run through February 28, 2018. After that time, your child will be placed on waitlist and placement on a team will not be guaranteed. A late fee of $25.00 will automatically apply to any registrations received after February 28, 2018.
Open to all children ages 4-16
Baseball age cutoff date: must be four by August 31, 2018
Softball age cutoff date: December 31, 2017
You can register using one of the following 2 ways
Online Registration – All players can register online. If you have a new player in your family you can add your child/children when registering online. Just mail in a copy of their birth certificate with payment. Click here; You must first create an account to begin the registration process. Once you create your account click register, fill out Parent/Guardian info first and then fill in your child’s information.
In-person Registration – A date will be determined for an in-person registration for players. Please check the website for dates. Please bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate if your child is new to the league. Ages need to be verified by birth certificate.
Spring season runs from April until the end of June. Most games are held at the PTE complex, located in the back of Northvail School. T-ball & farm will play one night during week and one game on Saturday. Weekday games start at 6:00 p.m.; time varies for Saturday. Other divisions will play approximately two nights and one Saturday game. Some divisions play inter-league which will require travel to other local towns. Parents are expected to stay at all practices and games. Managers and Coaches cannot be responsible for your child. PTE is run entirely by volunteers. Parental support is needed to maintain a safe and happy environment for your children. Volunteers who have direct contact with the children (coaches, managers, etc.), must attend and pass a certified safety course (RUTGERS). A background check will be run on all volunteers as mandated by Little League. There is a $50.00 volunteer fee required for each family which is earned back through any one of the opportunities around the complex (i.e. Concession Stand, Coaching). To receive volunteer fee back, you must complete your task, fill out a refund form and submit to the concession stand by August 1, no refunds will be given after that date. Any withdrawals after April 1, 2018 are subject to a $50 penalty. There will be an annual mandatory fundraiser fee of $30.00 per family that will be collected during registration.
PARSIPPANY — Thirteen members of the Parsippany Hills High School Competition Cheer team will be leaving on Thursday, February 8 for Orlando, Florida to participate in a competition being held at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
The Competition cheer team worked hard to achieve the ultimate goal of being the FIRST team in PHHS history to compete at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships.
The lucky thirteen are: Seniors: Tia Cherbaka, Jenna Gabriele, Victoria Guarino, Kristine Guevara, Sherilyn Ostlin, Olivia Santore, Kirsten Taylor and Megan Tolosi. Juniors: Ashley Davis, Alyssa Ferrante, Ayira Tuprah, Sophomores: Emily Chan and Jade Schroeder.
Lead by Coach Nicole Berkman and Assistant Coach Amanda Corigliano the team will be competing in two divisions; D2 Small Varsity and Small Game Day. The competition takes place over two days as teams need to qualify to advance to each round.
Proud Coaches: Nicole Berkman and Amanda Corigliano
Being the first time PHHS Viking Cheerleaders is competing at this level, they are looking forward performing the routines they are proud of and they want to compete at Finals on Sunday Night.
Little Viking Cheerleaders
PHHS Cheerleading Team
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Gifts for the cheerleaders
Cheerleaders showing their routines during the Nationals Send Off event held on Friday, February 2
Cheerleaders showing their routines during the Nationals Send Off event held on Friday, February 2
Cheerleaders showing their routines during the Nationals Send Off event held on Friday, February 2
Cheerleaders showing their routines during the Nationals Send Off event held on Friday, February 2
Cheerleaders showing their routines during the Nationals Send Off event held on Friday, February 2
Cheerleaders showing their routines during the Nationals Send Off event held on Friday, February 2
PARSIPPANY — Montville resident Marc Demetriou held a book launch on Wednesday, January 31, at The Knoll Country Club West. He presented his new book “Lessons From My Grandfather; Wisdom for Success in Business and Life” which offers an inspirational and actionable roadmap for building both business and personal success, based on key principles articulated by Marc’s grandfather, Charlie.
It is never the wrong time to make your dreams come true no matter how old or how young; how rich or how poor; or where you come from. Marc Demetriou, one of America’s top mortgage experts, learned early on in life how to take control of life rather than let life control him, thanks to the lessons of wisdom passed on by his grandfather, Haralambos “Charlie” Pistis, the archetypical self-made immigrant who left Cyprus as a teenager and lived the American Dream with personal success and financial fortune.
Just a little over ten years after Charlie’s death in November 2006, Demetriou has penned a moving book, Lessons From My Grandfather; Wisdom for Success in Business and Life, to share Charlie’s 15 ageless principles for success that Demetriou feels carefully guided his grandfather’s journey to fulfilment.
“I have to share the gifts and lessons of my grandfather. I wrote the book to inspire people. I believe if they read the book and understand it, they will be able to use it to truly succeed. His story is compelling and timeless,” Demetriou says.
“Lessons From My Grandfather; Wisdom for Success in Business and Life”
The final product is a blueprint for personal and financial success, providing tools of both clarity and vision to help you recognize your unique talents and reach goals in life and business, according to Demetriou. And Charlie’s story is indeed a compelling one. He left his native Cyprus at age 16-with nothing but a bag full of dreams, courage, wit and the desire to succeed-first going to Greece and then to London. He arrived in New York City passing through Ellis Island, just weeks after the Black Tuesday Wall Street Crash.
Though this marked the beginning of the Great Depression for his new country, this also marked the beginning of Charlie’s journey toward fulfillment in his personal and professional life. As if the ailing economy was not tough enough, Charlie faced other struggles too. He didn’t have a high school education. He had no family here.
But Charlie was intent on making it and took any job he could find. He shined shoes to start, moving on to become a bus boy and eventually a waiter. Then he got a job at the Zeta Psi Club which marked a turning point for him. He eventually worked his way up to managing the club and enjoyed the opportunity to network and build working relationships with many business people. The Zeta Psi job led to another great opportunity as one of the managers of the West Side Tennis Club in Flushing, Queens.
Despite hardship and challenges of life, Charlie managed to beat all odds and ultimately retired at the age of 60 as a millionaire. He enjoyed an amazing 37 more years with friends and family until he passed at the age of 97.
Many friends, family, supporters, clients joined Demetriou at The Knoll Country Club West to celebrate his success with the book.
“I have known Marc for many years. He is the consummate professional and one of the best networkers I have ever met. I am glad he was able to write this book to share how his Grandfather made a such a great impact on his life both personal and professional,” said Harvey Topitz.
Marc autographing a copy of “Lessons From My Grandfather; Wisdom for Success in Business and Life” for Harvey Topix
“We can all learn from our fathers and grandfathers…if we listen. Marc has spent the time to listen, absorb and share the wisdom of his grandfather, a truly self-made man, in a way like no other. Marc’s book captures not only the optimistic, entrepreneurial spirit of Charlie and his generation, but more importantly serves as a guide to the young and old how to succeed in business and life with honor and principles,” said Brian Spector, Esq.
Frantz Pierre-Louis and Marc Demetriou
Also joining the celebration was Frantz Pierre-Louis. Frantz. Frantz Pierre-Louis played college basketball at Wagner College in Staten Island, New York and also spent time in the NBA with the Boston Celtics.
Caryl Cozin and Kathleen Alexander
Caryl Cozin said “The passion with which Marc approaches business and life was never so evident as this evening. What a wonderful tribute to a grandfather that cultivated his enthusiasm & resulting success.”
Marc Demetriou
Marc Demetriouis a top-rated speaker at accounting and attorney seminars as well as at other financial services firms and mortgage conferences throughout the greater New York City area and beyond.
As an authority on real estate and finance, Marc has been featured in articles in The Huffington Post, The New York Times, Reuters, The National Herald, Suburban Trends, Meadowlands USA Magazine, Top Agent Magazine, and The National Mortgage Professional Magazine.
Marc, a branch manager with Residential Home Funding Corp., is consistently ranked among the top one percent of loan originators in the country by Scotsman’s Guide, Mortgage Executive Magazine and The National Mortgage Professional Magazine.
For more information on “Lessons From My Grandfather; Wisdom for Success in Business and Life,” click here.
Soothing music during the book launchFrantz Pierre-Louis and Josie Payoute
PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, February 6 at 7:30 p.m., Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano and Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Council Vice President Janice McCarthy, and Council Members Emily Peterson, Michael dePierro and Loretta Gragnani will unview a plaque in memory of Mayor Henry N. Luther, III.
The plaque will be placed on a wall of honor outside council chambers in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
Luther, a well-respected attorney and statesman, died peacefully on Saturday, May 13, 2017.
He will always be remembered as a man of integrity. He was born in Teaneck to a railroad engineer, Henry N. Luther, Jr. and a housewife, Mary (nee Phelan).
He was raised in Jersey City. In his youth, he developed a love of swimming that he kept all of his life. He was recognized as a Lincoln High School and Jersey City YMCA champion. He held many jobs as a lifeguard, including a stint at the famed salt-water pool at Palisades Amusement Park.
Henry Luther III
Henry enlisted in the United States Marines Corps in 1952 and was sent for recruit training at Parris Island, S.C. and received recognition as the Outstanding Member of his platoon. He served during in the Korean conflict and received a Good Conduct Medal on January 16, 1955 for his honest and faithful service in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1955. He said he benefited more from his time in the Marine Corps than at any other experience in his life. Henry’s service taught him the value of standing on his own two feet but also stressed the importance of having individuals around you on whom you can depend. Before being deployed overseas, he met his wife, Irene (nee Johnson), through a Marine buddy. After a short courtship, the couple married on November 29, 1952.
After his honorable discharge, he worked nights as a Signal Operator on the Pennsylvania Railroad and during the day attended Rutgers University and, later, Rutgers Law School. He graduated in 1961 and was admitted to the New Jersey Bar. He began his law career with the Law Office of Steven Neville, Denville.
He moved his young family to Parsippany-Troy Hills in 1962. Henry was asked if he would be interested in running for council on the Democratic ticket. After discussing it with his wife, Irene, he decided to “throw his hat in the ring.”
He was elected to the Township Council and then selected to be the Council President. Upon the untimely death of Mayor John E.J. Walsh, Henry was appointed to fill the unexpired term of the late mayor. He was then elected in a general election in 1967 and re-elected in 1969. Although he was a popular mayor he did not run for re-election in 1973, because he believed that elective office should not be a lifetime appointment. At the time, he announced his decision to not seek re-election, Daily Record reporter Mike Stoddard wrote: there is little doubt Luther would have been re-elected if he chose to run, but it takes guts to admit that public service is a trust and a duty.
After completing his second term as Mayor, he resumed the practice of law, but only briefly. In 1975, he went to Trenton for the first of several jobs in the administration of Governor Brendan T. Byrne. Henry first served as Director of the Lottery Commission, then was asked to serve as the Governor’s Executive Secretary. In 1977, he left State government to serve as Campaign Manager for Governor Brendan T. Byrne’s re-election campaign. After leading the Byrne campaign to victory, he returned to the practice of law with a well-established Morristown law firm, that was renamed Dillon Bitar and Luther. When Mimi Letts became Mayor of Parsippany in 1994, she appointed Dillon, Bitar & Luther as the Township Attorney.
On December 9, 1977, Henry was sworn in as the New Jersey Commissioner for The Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor, a bi-state agency. In nominating Henry, Governor Byrne said he was recognizing Henry’s skill as an administrator, mediator and negotiator, which would assure that the public interest would be well represented. At the time, Henry down-played his talents and told a reporter that he was reluctant to take the position because he gets seasick. He told the Governor he would only take the appointment if he was assured he would not have to board any ships. He served on The Waterfront Commission until 1983.
His greatest role in life began in 1982 when he became “Poppy.” He zealously accepted the role as a lifetime appointment. While he was very accomplished at his prior positions, he was unrivaled as Poppy. Many people, who witnessed or were regaled with his adventures with his grandchildren joked, “In my next life I want to come back as one of Henry’s grandchildren.” Henry loved to play cards with his grandchildren. It would start as a match game when they were young, with two or three cards, and eventually they all would play 10-card Gin Rummy. He also had a love for the New York Times crossword puzzle, which the grandchildren also came to love. He always stressed the importance of reading to his children and grandchildren. Whether it was a newspaper or a book (or two) he always had something to read wherever he went.
Henry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Irene, and his son, Matthew. He is survived by his daughter, Patty; his son, Michael and his wife, Pegeen; his grandchildren: Cerissa Cafasso, Lauren Luther, H. Nicholas Luther IV, Connor Luther, and Matthew Luther; and, many cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters: Jean Sunyak, Marilyn Reilly, and Joan Goceljak.
PARSIPPANY — Raquelle Rocco was been named to the Marist College Dean’s List for the Fall 2017 semester. Rocco is a 2017 graduate of Parsippany High School
Raquelle is a member of the Class of 2021 and is majoring in History.
Marist College, recognized for excellence by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Barron’s Best Buys in College Education, and Entrepreneur, is a highly selective comprehensive liberal arts institution noted for its leadership in the use of technology in and out of the classroom.
Founded in 1929, Marist overlooks the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie, New York, midway between New York City and Albany, the state capital. Marist is ecumenical in character and reflects the ideals of the founder of the Marist Brothers, St. Marcellin Champagnat: commitment to excellence in education, a pursuit of higher human values, and dedication to the principle of service.
Marist is dedicated to helping students develop the intellect and character required for enlightened, ethical, and productive lives in the global community of the 21st century. Marist educates 4,700 traditional-age undergraduate students and over 1,300 adult and graduate students in 47 undergraduate majors and 14 graduate programs, including fully online MBA, MPA, MS, and MA degrees.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer Gregory Lowe conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2005 Hyundai Elantra after conducting a random plate inquiry which revealed that the registered owner had an active warrant from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Officers made contact with the driver, Paul Dennis, 58, Old Bridge, and placed him under arrest. This arrest occurred on Saturday, January 27 7:13 a.m. on New Road and Old Bloomfield Avenue.
He was also found to be in possession of two marijuana cigarettes. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was charged with Possession of less than 50 Grams of Marijuana and Obstructed View (Traffic Offense).
He was released on his own recognizance on the Parsippany charge and turned over the custody of the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office.
PARSIPPANY The Parsippany Police Department’s Communication Center received a 911 call reporting that a blue Subaru Outback was swerving all over the roadway, on Monday, January 22 at 7:46 p.m.
Responding officers located the vehicle in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn, 707 Route 46, and made contact with the driver, Shaffi Varghese, 52, Parsippany.
While speaking to Mr. Varghese, officers observed an empty vodka bottle on the passenger front seat and noted the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. After a brief investigation he was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. He was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated; Consumption of an Alcoholic Beverage in a Motor Vehicle; Possession of an Open Container in a Passenger Vehicle; Revocation for Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test; Failure to Consent to taking of Samples of Breath; and Reckless Driving.
He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.
Editors Note: A charge 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 — Officers responded to 1480 Route 46, Troy Hills Garden Apartment, on a complaint of criminal mischief.
The victim advised the responding officer that between 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 20 and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 21 an unknown suspect(s) scratched the entire length of the bed of his pickup truck.
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-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to a burglary of a motor vehicle in the parking lot of 14 Walsh Drive.
The victim advised the responding officers that she was last in her 2005 Ford Explorer at 2:00 p.m. and may not have locked it when she exited. She stated that cash and jewelry were stolen from her vehicle. This incident was reported on Monday, January 22 at 5:06 p.m.
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 — While on patrol, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers Zachary Koch and Gregory Bloete observed a 2011 Volkswagen GTI fail to signal two different times while changing lanes on January 24 at 10:24 a.m.
A motor vehicle stop was conducted on Route 280 and Officers made contact with the driver, Rebeca Prince, 43, Tobyhanna, PA and her passenger.
After a brief investigation, Mrs. Prince was placed under arrest for being in Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (empty glassine folds commonly used to package CDS). She was transported back to police headquarters and processed. While there she was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
She was released on her own recognizance.
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.