PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Express Track and Field team is off to a great start having won each of their first three meets. At their latest meet, held on April 30, they ran, jumped, and threw their way to victory over a solid Mendham team. The final score was 218 – 191.
Prior to that, they defeated Denville by a score of 252-156, and Long Valley by a score of 206-203.
Their next stop will be in Randolph on Sunday, May 7 where they will be hoping to surge ahead to a 4-0 record.
The Parsippany Express Track and Field Team competes in the Lakeland Junior Track and Field League, which is comprised of approximately 15 other Morris County teams. The events athletes compete in are the 100 meter, 200 meter, 400 meter dashes; the 800 meter and one mile runs; as well as the long jump and shot put. Home meets are held typically held on Sunday afternoons at Parsippany Hills High School, and away meets are held at the hosting town’s high school. The season runs between early March through June and is open to athletes between the ages of 9 and 15.
The other day, I received a campaign flier from Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce in which she argued she’s a conservative.
Her mailer attacks Morris County Freeholder and Assembly Candidate Hank Lyon as being a fraud and a person who isn’t capable of fighting the Democrats in Trenton. I find this flier humorous because Assemblywoman DeCroce is anything but a conservative, which is evidenced by her “D” grade from the taxpayer watchdog group Americans For Prosperity-New Jersey. Given her few accomplishments during her tenure in Trenton, it’s also funny she’d say she “gets things done.”
The Assemblywoman claims that she is fighting to control property taxes. However, according to the Star-Ledger, New Jersey had a 2.35 percent property tax increase in 2016! What has the Assemblywoman actually done or proposed to reduce property taxes for the residents of our state?
The Assemblywoman’s mailer also says that she eliminated the estate tax. While I agree the estate tax should be eliminated, the reality is that most residents aren’t impacted by this particular tax since it only applies to estates above $675,000. While the Assemblywoman’s special interest donors might benefit from the estate tax repeal, most of us won’t.
With regards to the sales tax reduction the Assemblywoman is so fond of touting, most people won’t see any meaningful savings, unless they buy a new car every year! However, residents will pay the 158% increase in the gas tax the Assemblywoman fought so hard for.
Finally, the Assemblywoman DeCroce is arguing that she ensured money for roads and bridges will go to its intended purpose, rather than pet projects. This is a lie because we, as the citizens, went to the polls last year and voted for a constitutional amendment dedicating gas tax revenues to fix our roads and bridges. It’s unfortunate that the Assemblywoman would take credit for something she had nothing to do with.
Here in the 26th District, we have a Republican Assembly primary that offers us what President Ronald Reagan called a time for choosing. Do we let the Trenton politicians continue to waste our hard-earned tax dollars? The flier Assemblywoman DeCroce sent to GOP primary voters is an insult to the hard-working taxpayers of New Jersey.
On Tuesday, June 6, I’ll be voting for Morris County Freeholder Hank Lyon for Assembly, and not Assemblywoman DeCroce. While Chair of the Freeholder Budget Committee, Lyon froze taxes for three years and controlled spending, showing his commitment to taxpayers. I hope you’ll consider joining me in supporting Lyon for Assembly in the Republican primary.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Music Program won top honors as they participated in the Virginia International Music Festival this past weekend in Norfolk, Va.
Bands from around the globe participated in the 64th Annual Parade of Nations celebrating NATO, as well as school competitions for marching band, concert band, and choral programs.
Participants also witnessed the Annual Tattoo – which is largest spectacle of Music and Might in the United States of America, an astounding display of inspirational military music, majestic massed pipes and drums, and show stopping drill team maneuvers.
This year the Tattoo also marked the 100 year Anniversary of the USA’s entry into WW1.
The PHS Marching Band took home the gold medal for marching bands in their division, the concert took the gold medal for Division 2, and the Concert Choir received the silver for Division 2.
PHS Music Program wins top honors
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Raquel Rocco and Josh Gonzales hold the Silver Award for Concert Choir
Miki Hansen and Isabella Cacciottolo, PHS Drum Majors hold the Gold Award for Marching Band
Nic Colella and Daniel Wang hold the Gold Award for Concert Band
The Battleship Wisconsin resides at the Nauticus Museum
PHS in Parade of Nations
The Navy's newest state of the art Carrier USS Gerald Ford Awaits Commissioning at Norfolk Naval Base
The following letter was sent to all of the Board of Education members.
I am writing to you to ask you to reconsider your decision to possibly remove Reading and Writing from the middle school curriculum as well as possibly terminate the positions of some very valuable teachers and faculty. I am well aware that this is a budget issue but I am also aware that the previous Superintendent and his regime where quite the “spenders,” but our children should not pay the price for that.
I always thought it was a shame that Reading and Writing wasn’t taught beyond eighth grade so you could imagine what I think of it not being taught beyond fifth grade. There is nothing more powerful then the written word and good writing skills are skills that will help you with everything you do in life, as it teaches you how to organize and articulate your thoughts. The Reading and Writing course is the cornerstone to a good education as it is necessary in nearly every class they will ever take and it teaches critical thinking skills which this generation so desperately needs. Siri should not be teaching our children grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation.
If I am not mistaken, a meeting was held to discuss these plans with fifth grade parents. Why weren’t third and fourth grade parents notified? I am a proud mother of twin fourth graders and I was not notified nor were the parents of the third graders. This decision will surely impact them in the next two to three years, wouldn’t it?
Parsippany Focus shed light on a meeting that recently took place in which Senator Sweeney and Senator Pennacchio visited to discuss the fact that the Morris Country schools are possibly the most “underfunded” in the state. Their plan as I understand is to try to get more money into this particular district. If this happens our little budget problem is solved, no?
Once again I am politely asking you to reconsider this decision as it will have a lasting negative impact on the students in this district. If the previous regime came up with millions to put in turf fields against the taxpayers wishes surely you can find somewhere else to pull funds from, or come up with money to keep this essential subject in our curriculum and some great staff employed, right?
Eight Communities have united in the fight against cancer through American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Central Morris County
PARSIPPANY — These eight towns are staunch supporters of the Relay for Life of Central Morris County. Relay is not a race or run; it’s an opportunity for YOU to make a difference and support the efforts of the American Cancer Society. You can make that difference by getting involved.
Whether you have ever had cancer or been a family member, friend, provider, colleague or person to offer support and encouragement to someone who has, they hope you will join to CELEBRATE YOU – the treasured survivors and caregivers. Ever lost someone to cancer? Join us as we REMEMBER with you through the breathtaking and memorable Luminaria Ceremony. Just want to put an end to cancer? Then join and let’s FIGHT BACK together! At the event, survivors and caregivers will be treated to exclusive delights including survivor shirts, gifts, a dinner reception, special activities and more. All participants are treated to a variety of activities and entertainment for all ages. Vendors will also be on-site.
From now through June 10, the event leadership committee is busy joining together with YOU as friends, loved ones, colleagues, students, religious friends – as a community to help people battling cancer and to put an end to cancer. You can form a team of one or join with others to fundraise and educate others on how the American Cancer Society family is helping people in your local community by providing free services including rides to/from treatment, wigs, support groups, research, and more.
Sound rewarding . . . like fun? There’s nothing else more impactful! Join your local Mayor and community on Saturday, June 10 at 4:00 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park, Route 46 and Vail Road for opening ceremonies (registration starts at 2:00 p.m. ) through Sunday, June 11 at 6:00 a.m. (overnight not required) at Relay For Life of Central Morris County as together we CELEBRATE, REMEMBER, and FIGHT BACK.
For more information on volunteering, being a vendor; sponsoring or getting involved contact Karen DeChristopher, Event Co-Lead at karen.dechristopher@gmail.com.
For event details, registering a team or donating visit their website by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School Wind Ensemble was invited to perform, for the second consecutive year, at the New Jersey State Band Gala, held at The College of New Jersey.
The preliminary selection process includes more than 150 high school bands and a series of three competitive rounds in three regions of the state (North, Central and South). Only twelve bands are ultimately selected to participate.
This is quite an honor for Parsippany Hills High School and for our District. Congratulations to the PHHS Band Director, Mr. Mike Iapicca and the PHHS Wind Ensemble.
Business people joining Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce during a breakfast meeting at IHOP
PARSIPPANY — There was a time when social media was considered by some as a passing fad. Something that “the kids” were using, that businesses could never really benefit from. Today roughly eight-in-ten online Americans (79%) now use Facebook, a 7-percentage-point increase from a survey conducted about one year ago.
Popular social platforms have become marketing giants, offering businesses valuable data about their customers and a (mostly) free way to reach them. Social media for business is no longer optional.
Come to the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce next breakfast networking meeting on Tuesday, May 9, and learn the “10 Benefits of Social Media” and why you MUST be engaged – from Main Street to the Board Room. Find out who is using social media, how often they engage and which ones. Social Media helps you get: Exposure • Brand Awareness • Customer Loyalty and more.
The event is held at IHOP, 792 Route 46 and includes beverages and breakfast. Members $10.00, non-members $15.00. To register click here. Event starts at 8:00 a.m.
Bring plenty of business cards, this is also a great networking event.
PARSIPPANY — Car enthusiasts were definately in attendance at Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Firehouse Frenzy Volume 2 held at 1515 Route 10.
The event was a fundraiser to help Parsippany District 6 raise money to buy equipment for their firehouse. There was plenty of food being cooked by the Volunteers of District 6.
The days activities was hosted by Xpression Motorsports Lifestyle.
The many vendors included Speed Proven, Elite Tuner, Moduhfied, Vracework, Maxum Cigar, Vinyl King, Vraceworks and Blou.
There were ten trophy categories: Best of Show, Female presenter, Crew/club, Domestic, Engine, Euro, Import, Interior, Wrap and Plastidip.
First and second place trophies for Acura, Audi /VW, Mercedes, BMW, Classic, Chevy/GM , Chrysler/Dodge, Ford/Mercury, GTR, Honda (2 door) and (4 door), Infiniti, KDM, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Off Road, Race Inspired, Subaru, SUV/Van, Scion, Toyota, Truck
and two wheeler.
Firehouse Frenzy
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Firehouse Frenzy Vol. 2 was a fundraiser for District 6
T-6 Flying the flag along Route 10
Vraceworks was one of the many vendors at the event
One the vehicles entering the
Andrew Lysandrou, Brian Stanton and Nicolas Limanov
Elite Tuner was one of the many vendors at the event
One the vehicles entering the competition
Andrew Lysandrou's 1991 Mazda RX7FD3S. Andrew is pictured with Council Candidate Brian Stanton
PARSIPPANY — Funnybooks Comics & Stuff — The Iconic, Red-Brick Comic Shop located at 98 North Beverwyck Road, in the Lake Hiawatha section of Parsippany, will host the “Annual Free Comic Book Day” on Saturday, May 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to stop by and join the fun.
This year’s freebies include great pop culture and all-ages titles, including a free, Guardians of the Galaxy Comic from Marvel Comics, and a free, Wonder Woman comic from DC comics (Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy sequel hits theaters on May 5, and DC’s New Wonder Woman movie is set to hit theaters on June 2).
Also look for free comics starring Spider-Man, DC Super Hero Girls, Betty & Veronica, the Simpsons, Spongebob Squarepants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more. There’s even a free Rick & Morty comic this year.
For the complete FCBD list, visit Funnybooks’ click here, and go to the promotions page. Funnybooks has also set-up a Facebook event page for all the latest free comic book day news.
“Free Comic Book Day is always the most exciting day of the year for Funnybooks, and the best day of the year for local comic book fans.” notes Funnybooks owner, Steve Conte. “We pair free comic book day with a huge storewide sale, and it’s always a fun-filled comic book celebration.”
Speaking of celebrations… Funnybooks will celebrate its milestone 25th birthday in June.
The leasing sign sits among the many trees that will be replaced with tar and concrete when Waterview Marketplace is built on Waterview Boulevard
PARSIPPANY — The proposed Waterview Marketplace (with Whole Foods occupying 47,558 square feet) to be built on Waterview Boulevard is moving forward through the system.
Site Plan of Waterview Marketplace
According to RD Realty Management they describe the property as “Waterview Marketplace is located in Morris County at Bloomfield Avenue Route 46 and Waterview Boulevard in Parsippany. The site is situated in a high density, high income trade area with numerous office parks surrounding it.”
Whole Foods will occupy 47,558 square feet and have 4,100 square feet of indoor and outdoor seating totally 203 seats.
The remainder of the site hasn’t been leased. It states the following units are available: 21,540 square feet, 15,600 square feet, 14,520 square feet, 13,260 square feet, 11,140 square feet, 10,010 square feet, 7,260 square feet, 4,270 square feet and a proposed 3,550 square feet bank pad with a drive-thru.
The center will have a total of 679 parking spaces.
Tenants in other RD Management properties include Chili’s, TGIF Friday’s, Sears, Best Buy, Ruby Tuesday, Lowe’s, KMart, Marshalls, Barnes & Noble, The Home Depot, BJ’s, Staples, PetSmart, PepBoys Auto, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Kohl’s, Party City and McDonalds. They have properties in 24 states. They are currently constructing a new approximately 120,000 square foot BJ’s Shopping enter in Hanover on Hanover Avenue between Horse Hill Road and Martin Luther King Avenue. BJ’s will occupy 89,770 square foot, with two remaining sites available.
On Tuesday, April 25, The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township council was presented with resolution (No. R2017-065) to approve a “Developers Agreement with RD Realty.” The resolution was passed 5-0.
The resolution stated “Developer applied to the Township Planning Board requesting minor subdivision and preliminary and final major site plan approvals with waivers and bulk “C” variances (Planning Board Application No.: 16:504), to permit the subdivision of the Property into two individual lots, with one lot consisting of approximately 16.01 acres being for the construction and operation of a new development containing approximately 153,510 square feet of retail and other nonresidential uses, related parking, and on-site and off-site improvements, and one lot consisting of approximately 10.63 acres of undeveloped land to be transferred to the Township for open space in accordance with the Settlement Agreement.”
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board took jurisdiction and conducted public hearings on the application at its meetings on March 21, 2016, April 4, 2016 and April 18, 2016, at which time the Planning Board considered the application materials submitted and plans and reports presented; and the Planning Board voted to grant Developer minor subdivision approval, preliminary and final major site plan approval, “C” variance relief and waivers, with said approvals being memorialized by way of written resolution adopted by the Planning Board on May 9, 2016.
Then, the Developer applied to the Planning Board for amended preliminary and final major site plan approval (Planning Board Application No. 16:504), to reduce the square footage of the Shopping Center to approximately 150,150 square feet, and permit other design revisions to on-site and off-site improvements relating to the Shopping Center, with no changes to the subdivision of the Open Space Parcel.
The Planning Board took jurisdiction and conducted a public hearing on the application at its meeting on November 7, 2016, at which time the Planning Board considered the application materials submitted and plans and reports presented; and the Planning Board voted to grant Developer amended preliminary and final major site plan approval, with said approvals being memorialized by way of written resolution adopted by the Planning Board on November 21, 2016.
In a settlement agreement with RD Realty dated November 10, 2015 it requires RD Realty to convey the Open Space Parcel to the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. On November 11, 2015, Parsippany Focus reported “The rear and western side of the property which totals 10.63 acres will be sold to the Township for $3.5 million. Parsippany will use funds from its Open Space Trust Account to make the purchase. The area of land the Township will purchase will forever be deed restricted from ever being developed.” The Township Council will present Ordinance No. 2017-17 for second reading and final passage thereof at a Meeting to be held on May 16, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. (Click here to review Ordinance)
In September 2014, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township applied to the Morris County Open Space Committee for the 9.26 acre triangular buffer and appraised it at $3.5 million in the open space application. Eventually the Morris County Open Space Committee denied the application.
At this point the Mayor is authorized to sign the “Developer’s Agreement,” and to take possession of the open space. Sources close to the project state construction is in the planning stages.
PARSIPPANY — As reported in Parsippany Focus on April 10, ” Tarn Drive and Moraine Road slated for road reconstruction,” the work has begun. (Click here to read previous article)
The Township Council voted unanimously on April 4 on Resolution R2017-053 for the road reconstruction project for Tarn Drive and Moraine Road for a total bid price of $1,015,889.10.
Construction has started in Glacier Hills
The project includes replacing granite block curb and resurfacing the roadway as well as replacing numerous fire hydrants.
Amelia Shappell, Abigail Thurkauf, Ava Turrisi and Chloe Young selling girl scout cookies in front of Quick Chek, North Beverwcyk Road
PARSIPPANY — Amelia Shappell, Abigail Thurkauf, Ava Turrisi and Chloe Young were selling girl scout cookies in front of Quick Chek, North Beverwcyk Road for Troy Hills Junior Troop #5089 on Saturday, April 29.
Abilgail Katz and Saloni Shah was advertising the Girl Scout Cookie Sale on North Beverwyck Road.
Abilgail Katz and Saloni Shah was advertising the Girl Scout Cookie Sale on North Beverwyck Road
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is fun for girls, but also helps girls develop their leadership and entrepreneurial skills. As the largest girl-led business in the country, the program allows girls to earn proceeds which can help girls reach their dreams. Cookie proceeds are often used to fund service projects right in the community. Girls also learn goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.
Sean Sean Ries, Mt. Tabor School 4th grade classmate was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2012 and has been 'winning' every day! Funds will help support Sean and his family with medical related expenses as well as donated to the Children's Brain Tumor Family Foundation.
PARSIPPANY — Fourth and Fifth grade students were out on Saturday, April 29 at the Mount Tabor Fire Department washing cars to help raise funds for Sean Ries, a 4th grade classmate, friend and community member who was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2012 and has been ‘winning’ every day.
Funds will help support Sean and his family with medical related expenses as well as donated to the Children’s Brain Tumor Family Foundation, registered 501(c)(3), 50/50 split.
Lani Duffy was in line to have her car washed. Brenda Reis was collecting the money for the Mt. Tabor Car WashAmy Trella, Sean and Devin Patel were holding signs up promoting the car wash on Route 53Raina Parikh was helping washing the vehicles at the Mt. Tabor School Car WashAll hands! Uma Sofia Srivastra was washing cars with two hands to make sure she got all the dirt off the vehiclesSean Reis was washing the cars at the Mt. Tabor School Car Wash
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department was taking back unwanted prescription drugs in front of the Harmon Stores, Morris Hills Shopping Center, on Saturday, April 29.
Pictured above is Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrolman Remo D’Alessandro, Officer Michael Ruggier and Sgt. Craig Brooks, Morris County Sheriff Officer.
The Prescription Drug Take-Back Program is focused on alleviating the health and safety concerns from the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs by helping our citizens properly dispose of unused prescription medications. Many young people who abuse prescription drugs take them from medicine cabinets. Keeping unused opioids or other common drugs of abuse in a medicine cabinet is no longer safe or responsible.
Prescription drug misuse, abuse and overdose are growing concerns across the nation. According to a 2015 survey 41.0% of prescription-drug-using students indicated taking the drugs from a family member living in their home, 41.8% indicated that a friend or family member gave them to the student, 26.9% indicated that they bought them from someone, 14.1% indicated they took them from someone not related to them, and 12.9% indicated they took them from relatives who were not living in their home.
Kiwanis Club President Greg Elbin, Ria Balli, Yash Patel, Mayank Govilla and Sravan Jayanthi
PARSIPPANY — NanoGurus, Team #4347, the flagship robotics team of NanoGurus Robotics visited the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
The team competed at the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania State Championships, winning the top and most prestigious award in New York, The Inspire Award, and the Winning Alliance in the Robotics Tournament in New Jersey, earning their spot at the FTC Super Regional in Scranton, Pennsylvania and the World Championship.
In addition to helping them learn the hard skills of building and programming, coaches Shikha and Anil Saxena have opened their home to instilling essential life skills such as organization, problem solving and teamwork in these young members. The NanoGurus are supported by generous sponsors and mentors and mark their tenth successful year of robots this season!
Ria Balli, student at Morris Hills High School; Yash Patel, a student at Parsippany High School Mayank Govilla, Morris Hills High School and Sravan Jayanthi, Academy of Math, Science and Engineering.
his year’s team members include Yash Patel and Sabarish Selvarajan, both seniors at Parsippany High School, Mayank Govilla and Sravan Jayanthi, sophomores at the Academy for Mathematics Science and Engineering at Morris Hills High School, Siddarth Swaminathan, Parsippany Hills High School, rookie members Ria Balli is a freshman at The Academy of Mathematics Science and Engineering, and Jeffrey Zhang, an eighth grader at Briarhill Middle School.
The NanoGurus is always looking for new parent coaches and mentors to extend more students this fun learning FIRST experience! This season, the team established eight new FIRST Lego League teams, all of which are coached by parents, and mentored by experienced members of this flagship team. New teams start with a training session, followed by mentoring throughout the competition season.
Kavitha, mother of member Siddharth who also coaches a middle school FLL team said that “Coach Shikha takes extra efforts to bring out the best from the kids at the same time gives an opportunity to identify the limitations and improve upon them. Overall this is the place for the young minds to learn and develop important life skills and not limited to communication, organization, presentation skills to help them achieve their dreams and goals. We are proud to be part of Nanogurus.”
Paul Carifi, Jr., Michael dePierro, Council President Louis Valori, Loretta Gragnani and Council Vice President Robert Peluso
PARSIPPANY — Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Louis Valori has rescheduled its regular meeting that was originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 2, 2017.
The rescheduled date will be Monday, May 8, 2017 at 7:30 p.m., in the Municipal Building located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany.
Formal action may or not be taken.
At this time there is no agenda prepared for the rescheduled date.
PARSIPPANY — Jaya Minhas, an Albright College senior French/Spanish major presented research at the Higher Education Council of Berks County’s 18th annual Undergraduate Research & Creativity Conference, held at Penn State Berks on April 22. She is a a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, Class of 2012.
Jaya Minhas
Minhas presented “The Condition of Indigenous Women in Bolivia.”
This year’s conference theme was sustainability.
The conference highlights undergraduate research from the five Berks County colleges and universities in the sciences, humanities, social sciences and arts. Students present papers, posters, performances and artwork.
The Higher Education Council of Berks County includes Albright College, Alvernia University, Kutztown University, Penn State Berks, and Reading Area Community College.
The Condition of Indigenous Women in Bolivia This project explores the condition of women and their rights within the indigenous communities of the Andean Region. Within such communities, issues of domestic violence stress the presence of a patriarchal rule, contributing to the present situation of female inferiority and a lack of access to human rights. Domestic violence and sexual abuse, most commonly from male relatives and employers, is normalized for indigenous women. A gap in research in this area results in the status quo and calls for further studies to highlight injustices. Prior to the 16th century arrival of conquistadors, Andean communities were egalitarian, and women held positions of power. The present research references articles exploring the gender identity in Andean society,and patriarchy, which creates financial dependency of the victim on her abuser. Conclusions reflect the condition of indigenous women as a lasting effect of Spanish colonization. The present study analyzes and connects various resources as an impetus to positive social change impacting women’s rights in indigenous communities, as they suffer from cycles of injustice without political or social representation.
Bella Rocco with Sons of Italy President Joseph Jannarone Jr. Sons of Italy. Sons of Italy donates to The Valerie Fund on behalf of Bella.
Harriet Greenholtz
The Valerie Fund, a nonprofit that provides support for the comprehensive health care of children with cancer and blood disorders is proud to announce Harriet Greenholtz will serve another term on the organization’s Board of Trustees.
The Valerie Fund Chairmen Dominic DiBari said, “Harriet is a passionate champion of the Valerie Fund mission since its origin and her advice and counsel is valued.”
Harriet said, “I am excited about The Valerie Fund Board’s direction and its recent expansion at St Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Paterson. The value and importance of our mission is self- evident every day in our centers. It is a joy to be part of this organization.”
Harriet has been involved with The Valerie Fund since it was founded in 1976. In addition to being a past Chairperson of the Board, Harriet has served on the Roast Committee and worked on numerous holiday parties, fashion shows, and the annual Thanksgiving Ball (which was founded while she was Chair). Currently, Harriet serves on the Major Gifts Committee. A long time Short Hills resident, she was an elementary school teacher and now runs her own company, Tagsale Unlimited as well as being very active in the community.
ABOUT THE VALERIE FUND: After their nine-year-old daughter Valerie succumbed to cancer, Sue and Ed Goldstein were determined that no family should have to travel great distances to receive superior medical care. Along with a group of close friends, they began fundraising efforts from their living room—tireless work that would lead to the 1977 opening of New Jersey’s first pediatric oncology facility at Summit Overlook’s Hospital.
Forty years later, The Valerie Fund’s mission remains that of supporting comprehensive health care for children battling cancer and blood disorders.
PARSIPPANY — Hard work truly does pay off. The sport of wrestling takes a lot of dedication and sacrifice. PJ Gohn knows the true meaning of hard work, dedication and the amount of time, it takes to get to where he has gotten today.
PJ taking sixth place in the State of New Jersey
Every year, PJ continues to grow and expand his wrestling knowledge. At the start of the summer 2016, PJ wrestled in FILA Cadets in Ohio placing sixth place in Greco-style wrestling. He continued to perfect his wrestling which lead him to place fourth in Fargo. PJ totaled roughly forty-five matches in the off-season. His off season wrestling better prepared him to start his senior year. PJ took the season head on while battling a persistent injury. PJ had many accomplishments his senior year.
PJ wrestled in the Morris County Tournament and walked away with first place and Most Outstanding Wrestler. PJ moved ahead to Districts where he placed first and helped the Parsippany High School wrestling team become District champs which hasn’t happened since 1999. Regions was the next step for PJ where he placed first; gaining his third opportunity to return to states. This time, PJ made it his goal to place in top eight at 132 in New Jersey. Overcoming many obstacles, PJ’s tough wrestling lead him to place sixth in the state of the New Jersey.
PJ will be attending Edinboro University in Pennsylvania in the fall
PJ wanted to thank the Parsippany High school staff and administration for supporting him all four years in his academic and wrestling career. PJ says, “Thank you to coaches and wrestlers who helped me reach my goals in wrestling.” PJ says, “To my Edge Family especially Dave Esposito, Ryan Wilson, and Ernie Monaco, a truly special thanks for everything you all have done for me. I will never forget the time and effort you have given to me. To the Edge coaches, thank you for keeping me focused and mentally prepared.”
PJ says, “To Mike Kennedy at Pinnacle Athletic Development, a very special thank you for always being there since I was eight years old, even when I was down and didn’t think I could do it. You always gave me confidence and knew I could do it. I will always remember all the laughs we had and of course, all the hard work.” PJ wants to express his gratitude to all of his opponents, win or loss, and all the coaches; whether that be duels, tournaments, practices, clinics, etc. because of you, you all have made me a better wrestler and person.
PJ and his family are excited for the next adventure where he will continue his academics and wrestling Edinboro University in Pennsylvania, a D1 school. We are all excited to see what the next chapter in his life has to offer. PJ is very excited to work with Coach Flynn, the other wrestling coaches and wrestlers at Edinboro University.