Marijuana candy can look like a chocolate bar, gummy candy, jelly bean or caramel
MORRIS COUNTY — Celebrate the return of spring with a ride on the Whippany Railway Museum’s 25th Annual “Easter Bunny Express,” a 10-mile, 45-minute round trip excursion from Whippany to Roseland with the Easter Bunny on board on Saturday, April 8; Sunday, April 9 and Saturday, April 15.
During each excursion, the Easter Bunny makes his way through the train and visits with the children on board. The bunny’s helpers follow along, giving the kids a special Easter Gift.
This year, special guests Cinderella and her stepsisters will be along as they help the Easter Bunny welcome spring.
The 10-mile, 45-minute round trip excursion from Whippany to Roseland and return will allow children to learn about and experience the history of New Jersey’s railroad and transportation heritage.
The Whippany Railway Museum’s Easter train is the original excursion of its type in the North Jersey area. Since 1992 the Easter Trains have been complete sell-outs. Passengers can combine the thrill of riding the Springtime Streamliner along with touring the museum site, with its collection of historic railroad locomotives, rolling stock, operating model train layouts and vintage farm tractors.
In addition to the regular coaches that make up the train, make the day extra special by purchasing limited tickets for a nostalgic Easter ride aboard the museum’s elegant 1927-era Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ) ‘Club Car’ Jersey Coast.
The car has the look and feel of a private club with individual leather chairs, mahogany interior accented with stained glass, built-in tables and period ceiling fans. The Jersey Coast recalls the 1930’s when the CNJ operated its deluxe coach train, The Blue Comet between Jersey City and Atlantic City. The striking, authentic exterior paint scheme of cream and blue reminds one of a comet streaking through space. It is the only car of its type operating in New Jersey.
Departures are 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 p.m., rain, snow or shine from 1 Railroad Plaza, at the intersection of Route 10 West and Whippany Road.
Train fare is, adult: $14.00; child under 12, $9.00; infants one year and under, free. The fare includes admission to museum building and grounds.
For tickets and more information click here or call (973) 887-8177.
Ava Arthurs at Pinwheel Garden for Child Abuse Prevention Month
PARSIPPANY — April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month and throughout the year, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Parsippany-Troy Hills a better place for children and families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help prevent child abuse and neglect by making meaningful connections with children, youth and families in our communities. Research shows that protective factors are present in healthy families. Promoting these factors is among the most effective ways to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. They are:
Nurturing and attachment
Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development
Parental resilience
Social connections
Concrete supports for parents
Social and emotional competence of children
“April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children and strengthening families,” said Karen DeChristopher, Co-Director and Committee Chair of Kiwanis Club’s Young Children Priority One (YCPO) service projects. “Everyone’s participation is critical. Focusing on ways to connect with families is the best thing our community can do to strengthen families and prevent all forms of child abuse”, she continued.
IHOP will be collecting donations for Kiwanis Club and promote the campaign for the month of April as they have for the past three years.
The pinwheels represent our commitment to Great Childhoods – happy and safe – for all children of our communityCo-Director of Young Children Priority One service projects, Nicolas Limanov, Mayor James Barberio, Kiwanis President-Elect Frank Cahill, Co-Director & Committee Chair of YCPO Karen DeChristopher, YCPO Committee member Barbara Lysenko, Robert Peluso, Jr., Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Kiwanis Community Director and YCPO Committee member Carol Tiesi in front of the display at Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal BuildingNicolas Limanov, Casey Parihk, Karen DeChristopher and Carol Tiesi at the pinwheel display at Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal BuildingKaren DeChristopher at Parsippany Municipal Building placing a pinwheel in the Kiwanis garden displayFrank Cahill in front of Parsippany Municipal Building placing a pinwheel in the Kiwanis garden displayKaren DeChristopher and Mo Abdelhadi in front of the display at IHOPCouncil Vice President Robert Peluso, IHOP Manager Jonathan Lemos, Frank Cahill, Karen DeChristopher, Nicolas Limanov and Carol Tiesi at IHOP, 792 Route 46. IHOP collects donations for Kiwanis and promotes the campaign for the month of April as they have for the past three yearsThe staff at IHOP promoting “National Child Abuse Prevention Month.” IHOP Manager Jonathan Lemos, Suhayl Magsudi, Daniel Arguelles, Nicolas Lopez, Christina DeLaEspnella, Tiffany Abiukuu and Stephanie Reyes holding a pinwheel.Members of First Baptist Community Church, 800 Vail Road, show their supportJoyce Garrow and Carol Tiesi at Governor Livingston Park on Parsippany Road
Parsippany's annual fire hydrant inspection and flushing is in progress
PARSIPPANY — On or about Sunday April 9 the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Water Department will begin its annual Hydrant Flushing Program.
The work will be conducted during overnight hours, when water consumption is at a minimum, and is expected to conclude on or about May 7.
This program is essential to maintaining the water system which involves us systematically opening fire hydrants to increase water flows, therefore allowing us to flush any minerals and deposits from the water mains. While flushing the system won’t interrupt your water service, when crews are working in your neighborhood you may notice a temporary drop in your water pressure or discolored water. This is normal and is not a health hazard. If this occurs, simply let your cold water tap run until it is clear. Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher. If water pressure or water volume seems low after flushing has been completed, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.
If you have any specific questions about the hydrant flushing in your area you may contact the Water Department at (973) 263-7099 Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Parsippany Area Chamber President Robert Peluso and Nicolas Limanov presenting Marisa Giordano in 2016
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) is pleased to offer two scholarship opportunities for graduating high school senior at Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School who have exhibited excellence in studies, and plan to pursue a business major or other related field at an accredited institution or acknowledged business school. The individuals must have a 3.0 GPA or greater and be community service oriented.
The Annual Scholarships, in the amount of $500.00 each were created to recognize excellence, encourage business students of the future, and to demonstrate the value of success to the human experience.
Parsippany High School or Parsippany Hills High School seniors graduating in June 2017 who are currently attending are eligible. Applicants must (a) be Parsippany residents, (b) plan to pursue post-secondary studies in business, (c) have demonstrated community service and (d) have a 3.0 GPA grade average or greater.
“The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and its Board of Directors are committed to serving our community and encourage our young adults to pursue their unique dreams. We encourage all graduating seniors to continue their education and to participate in our community, said Robert Peluso, President.”
“The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship was established in 2015 and I am very proud to start such program to help the graduating class pursue their education dreams” said Nicolas Limanov, Board Member, Chairman of the Scholarship Program. Limanov, a graduate of Parsippany High School received many scholarships to pursue his college education and is very active in community service programs.
Application information has been sent to the high school guidance offices for distribution. Applications are available through high school guidance offices as well as online by clicking here.
Applications must be postmarked or delivered to the the guidance department or Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, Post Office Box 6205, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2017. Applicants will be judged by a committee consisting of panelists representing each artistic discipline. All panelists are professionals with a high level of expertise and professional business experience. Winners will be notified at the annual awards presentations at each high school.
PACC is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents, and volunteers that provides education, information, and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area. PACC works with our local and county governments and stand ready to pursue any matter that can make our community a better place in which to live, conduct business, and make a living. We promote a healthy and more prosperous economic climate.
For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce please call (973) 402-6400 or click here.
The 2003 Red Ford Explorer that crashed into the residence at 134 Marmora Road
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Police Officers along with Parsippany Fire Districts 3 and 6 and Parsippany Ambulance Cars 69 and 65, responded to Marmora Road shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon their arrival, they located a 2003 Red Ford Explorer that crashed into the residence at 134 Marmora Road.
During the investigation officers determined that the driver, later identified as Ms. Carla Marcella Martinez, 25, Bound Brook, was traveling east on Marmora Road at a high rate of speed while attempting to negotiate a right curve.
A sign knocked over is laying on the front lawn
Ms. Martinez ran off the road, struck a street sign, side swiped a tree, drove through the grass of 134 Marmora Road, and struck the house causing extensive damage to the house and the vehicle. Ms. Martinez was transported to the Morristown Medical Center for complaints of pain.
Another sign hit by the driver
The investigation also resulted in charging Ms. Martinez with Driving While Intoxicated. She was issued additional summonses for: Unregistered vehicle; open container of alcohol in vehicle; failure to maintain lane; unlicensed driver; reckless driving; no seat belt, and destruction of agricultural property. She was released on her own recognizance at the hospital to a sober adult pending her court appearance.
The home was stabilized by members of Parsippany Rescue and Recovery and a construction official from the Township of Parsippany Housing Department deemed the home safe for re-entry.
No injuries were reported by the occupants of the home.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Which way to Route 80?The driver was traveling east on Marmora Road at a high rate of speed while attempting to negotiate a right curve
PARSIPPANY — Northvail Elementary fourth grader, Janhavee Kulkarni walked away with two First Place trophies at this weekend’s Spring Mid Atlantic Music Teacher Guild Festival held on Friday, March 31; Saturday, April 1; and Sunday, April 2 at the Hanover Marriott in Whippany.
Miss Kulkarni sang “Amarilli Mia Bella” for the Voice Open Art Solo – Elementary category and “Climb” for the Voice Standard Pop Solo – Elementary category!
Congratulations!
The Spring Music Festival is All About The Kids. Students of all ages attend the annual Spring Music Festival and perform in music competitions, music evaluations and ensembles showcases. Each musical instrument category includes several types of events that promote musical excellence for students of varying performance ability levels.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — In recognition of Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Month in April, the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA will be offering information to help prevent child abuse during the entire month. The Y encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making our local communities a better place for children and families.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany has been placing pinwheels throughout Parsippany. The pinwheel serves as the national symbol for child abuse prevention. It is a reflection of hope, health and safety.
Together we can prevent child abuse by ensuring that adults have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly.
One in ten children experiences the trauma of child sexual abuse before age 18, typically at the hands of someone they know and trust.
As adults, we are responsible for protecting children and educating ourselves to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.
The Y promotes the following five Steps to Protecting Our Children™ (an initiative of Darkness to Light): Learn the Facts, Minimize Opportunity, Talk About It, Recognize the Signs, and React Responsibly. “Protecting children is of the utmost importance and April reminds us that child abuse is a threat to children in all communities,” said Vik Joganow, CEO at Lakeland Hills Y. “Adults should learn the facts about child sexual abuse and be prepared to intervene to protect the children in their lives.”
Everyone is invited to a special workshop presented in partnership with Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey and the Kiwanis Club of Greater called “Prevention Matters: Child Abuse and Neglect” on Thursday, April 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pre-registration is preferred either online or by calling the Y at (973) 334-2820.
The Lakeland Hills YMCA is located at 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes. Click here for additional information on programs and activities.
Catherine Grusovnik is the new manager of Atlantis Sports Club & Spa
PARSIPPANY — Catherine Grusovnik is the new manager of Atlantis Sports Club & Spa inside the Parsippany Sheraton Hotel.
She has been the Activities Director at the Appalachian Hotel where she instructed yoga and meditation classes and acted as a guide on hikes. She is also a group fitness instructor and a personal trainer. She assists each individual with their personal fitness goals while making it fun. Her extensive knowledge of personal training and nutrition helps individuals feel and look their best.
“My desire to be in the fitness industry has many facets that have come full circle. I was always around fitness as a child because my dad had the old, hard core style gym in our basement. He and his friends would work out often and eventually my dad began cycling. So I always had the idea of health and wellness around me. However, I didn’t find my passion until I was much older,” said Catherine.
She continued “Having gone through two spinal cord surgeries and overcoming being bed ridden for six weeks after the second one, I put on considerable weight and lost myself in food. Working an exceptionally stressful job and hitting my highest weight, I reached my breaking point and made some changes. I went to school to become a personal trainer. I believed that I as I journeyed through to a healthier life I could absolutely inspire others because I understand what it’s like to be stuck on the couch and look in the mirror and not like the reflection.”
The indoor pool at Atlantis
“Since then I train clients, teach classes including boot camps, circuits, yoga and meditation. I have run multiple 5ks, 10ks, half marathons and triathlons. I am currently training for the Chicago Marathon this October. And I love talking about it to everyone and bringing them along my journey, struggles and all. Every step I run, I run in gratitude for the strength to overcome obstacles,” said Catherine.
Whether you are new to fitness, seasoned athlete, want to relax in our sauna and steam rooms, or swim in our salt water pool, at Atlantis Sports Clubs our goal is for you to succeed in achieving your health and fitness goals. They believe that results are attained by a great fitness experience that will restore and enhance your mind and body leaving you feeling refreshed, alive, and ready to meet life’s challenges.
Atlantis Sports Club & Spa is located at 199 Smith Road, inside Parsippany Sheraton Hotel. They are open Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
PARSIPPANY — Over 400 people packed the Parsippany PAL Youth Center on Friday, March 25 to support “Love Like Ashley Bingo Night.”
This picture of the Love and Support of the 400 people who attended on Friday, March 24
“It was truly an HONOR to be part of the event planning for the Love Like Ashley Bingo Night! So very proud to live in Parsippany and be part of such a loving and caring community! #lovelikeashley,” said Marni Deuer.
Joseph Cistaro with Mayor James BarberioJoseph and Christina Cistaro
“Love like Ashley” Bingo night. Such a special event for a wonderful and beautiful girl
The Love Like Ashley Memorial Fund, established in 2016, is a tribute to Ashley Nicole Cistaro. Ashley passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly on March 27, 2016.
Ashley was a sweet, loving, kind and happy nine year old whose scrunchy smile warmed the hearts of everyone who knew her. All it took was an introduction, and Ashley considered you her friend.
She welcomed everyone into her circle with open arms. Even as a young girl, her empathy and compassion for others extended well beyond her years.
She lived her life to make others feel accepted and always celebrated others’ successes regardless of her own. Her heart, mind and soul were filled with kindness, joy, love and so many sparkles. She wasn’t afraid to be herself and never felt the need to follow the crowd. Ashley truly was an angel on earth.
Ashley Cistaro
Ashley loved and adored her people: Mommy, Daddy, big sister Ella, Huey, Charlie, her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and each and every one of her teachers and friends with her whole heart. She loved cupcakes, cookies, all things peanut butter, lip gloss morning, noon and night, cheerleading, dancing, being silly, the beach and anything pink, purple and sparkly. Ashley was a joy to be around, and truly left a little sparkle wherever she went.
The Love Like Ashley Memorial Fund exists as a community fund to support local, philanthropic causes that honor Ashley’s all-accepting, selfless, empathetic spirit. In addition, an annual scholarship will be awarded to a student who has overcome personal challenges and has demonstrated the qualities that Ashley possessed throughout their high school career.
Ashley Cistaro
While donations are much appreciated and what will keep this fund going for years to come, the Love Like Ashley Memorial Fund is solely about honoring Ashley’s beautiful spirit in all that we do. Be a friend to someone who needs one. Enjoy the little things in life… Snuggle with your loved ones. Say I love you any chance you get. Be silly and make people laugh. When life gets difficult, keep going and don’t ever give up. Most importantly, spread kindness where it is needed most.
Ashley was taken from us far too soon. In her short time here she created a legacy with her kind, sparkly spirit. Above all things, it is our hope that all who come upon this fund will dedicate their lives and choose to live and Love Like Ashley.
Miss Natalia Shubitidze and Dr. Stephen J. Roman, Jr.
PARSIPPANY — Mr. Stephen J. Roman Sr. of Parsippany is pleased to announce the Engagement of his son Dr. Stephen J. Roman, Jr., of Ewing, to Miss Natalia Shubitidze, of Brooklyn, New York.
Miss Shubitidze is a Professional Model appearing in many magazines, commercials and fashions shows in both Europe and New York City, currently she is an instructor at the Barbizon School in New York City.
Dr. Roman is a triple board certified medical doctor, he attended Seton Hall University for his undergraduate degree, University of Medicine of New Jersey for his MD, and Emory University, where he undertook his fellowship training, he is currently studying for a fourth Board Certification from the Harvard Medical School. He is a senior partner in The Trenton Orthopedic Group.
Rishi had support from many other Boy Scouts who celebrated in his Eagle Award
PARSIPPANY — An Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held on March 25 at Parsippany PAL Youth Center for Rishi Sai Konkesa for achieving the highest rank by the Boy Scouts of America, that of Eagle Scout.
The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks, the highest being that of Eagle Scout. Officially, the trail starts with the Tenderfoot rank and continues through Second and First Class ranks. Then, the mountain climbing begins. The path is marked with merit badges, leadership responsibilities, service projects, and the practice of Scouting skills and ideals. The first peak reached is that of Star Scout, the second is Life Scout, and, finally, Eagle Scout.
1 of 20
Boy Scout Troop 173
Rishi's Scout Journey
Rishi Konkesa and his grandparents
Mayor James Barberio presenting Rishi with a proclamation
Councilman Michael dePierro, Robert Peluso and Louis Valori presenting on behalf of the Council Members
Karen DeChristopher and Greg Elbin presenting on behalf of Kiwanis Club
Bruce Michels presenting on behalf of Parsippanong Post 249 American Legion
Robert Peluso presenting on behalf of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce
Carol Dadaian, Fishawack District Unit Commander presenting Rishi with a certificate
Keith Porcelli congratulating Rishi
Rishi pinning his father with the Eagle Dad's Pin
Rishi pinning his mother with the Eagle Scout Mom Pin
Rishi pinning Shane Moravsik with the Eagle Mentor's pin
Rishi Konkesa
Shane Moravski and Rishi Konkesa reciting "The Eagle Scout Charge"
Friends with Rishi Konkesa
Shane Moravsik, Karen DeChristopher, Rishi and Carol Dadaian
Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Satya Konkesa (father), Rishi and his mom Anuradha Konkesa
Parents, Grandparents and Rishi cutting the celebration cake
The celebration cake. Congratulations Rishi!
Eagle Scout is the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting. Since 1912 more than two million Boy Scouts have earned the Eagle Scout rank. In the words of the Eagle Scout Promise, Eagles do their best each day to make their training an example, their rank and their influence count strongly for better Scouting and for better citizenship in their troop, in their community, and in their contacts with other people. To this they pledge their sacred honor.
In Parsippany, there have been 68 other boys receiving such honor since 1957. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million young men. Only 4% of the Boy Scouts actually earn this rank.
Rishi began his Scouting experience in Cub Scout Pack 5 joining as a Webelos 2 Cub Scout. Following his time in Pack 5, Rishi joined Troop 173 in fifth grade and quickly advanced through the first few ranks through special guidance of Robert Ebel, Danny Metcalf, and Scoutmasters John Worthington and Les Wu.
As a member of Troop 173, Rishi held a variety of leadership positions including Scribe, Troop Guide, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader. His most valuable experience in his Scouting experience is his time as Patrol Leader where he learned invaluable communication, organization, and leadership skills.
Boy Scout Troop 173
In addition, Rishi accumulated over 127 Scouting related service hours and participated in both the National Youth Leadership Training Conference and the Woodsman Thong leadership training programs.
For his Eagle Project, Rishi designed and marked three walking trails around Lake Parsippany Park. He also constructed a kiosk containing a map of the park along with contact information for town officials and town resources for parks and recreation. Along with the trail system, Rishi constructed a 45-foot walking path along with a small garden in order to reduce foot traffic on a grassy area. He thanks his Eagle Scout coach, Shane Moravsik, for helping him complete his project in a timely manner.
Rishi is a senior at the Morris County School of Technology in the Academy for Healthcare Sciences. In school he participates in the National Honors/Technical Honors Society and serves as treasurer for the Health Occupations Students of America Club, Robotics Club, and Student Council.
He is also an active member of the Parsippany Hills High School tennis team and the Morris County Relay for Life event for which he has served as a team leader for two years raising over 2,000 dollars in donations for cancer research.
During the past two summers, Rishi served as an Intern at the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, MD where he conducted research in microvilli formation. During this experience he was fortunate to develop a research paper for which he earned a semifinalist position in the Siemens Science Competition in Math, Science and Technology. He currently serves as an intern at the Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research. In the future, Rishi wishes to pursue a career in medicine and would like to return to the community some of the benefits he has received from it. He also plans to remain active in Scouting after college and help younger Scouts along their Scouting journey because he recognizes the positive influence Scouting has had on him during his formative years.
During his Scouting career, Rishi accumulated 79 total camping nights earning the BSA National Outdoor Award for Camping with three gold devices. In addition Rishi earned 30 Merit Badges including:
Archery
Basketry
Camping*
Citizenship in the Community*
Citizenship in the Nation*
Citizenship in the World*
Collections
Communications
Cooking*
Emergency Preparedness*
Environmental Science*
Family Life*
Fingerprinting
Fishing
Indian Lore
Leatherwork
Model Design
Music
Nature
Personal Fitness*
Personal Management*
Pioneering
Pottery
Rowing
Small Boat Sailing
Space Exploration
Swimming*
Wilderness Survival
Wood Carving
To earn the Eagle award the Scout must complete 21* required merit badges. Rishi earned a total of 30 Merit Badges.
Boy Scouts of America Troop 173 Eagle Scout Honor Roll includes Norman Schofield, Jr., Michael Gottschalk, James Searing, Geoffrey Brown, John Chervenak, Guy Corbett, Tim Corbett, Robert Burney, Juan Correa, Richard Lauber, Tim Roche,,Christopher Callahan, Thomas Cook, Stephen Corcoran, Stephan Pirylis, Brian Stewart, Patrick Roche, Edward Chiorazzi, Brian Pomarlen, Simon Healey, Keith Henderlong, David Chezem, Alex Lin, Robert Strechay, Jr., John Oleske, Daniel Strechay, Joseph Strechay, Kevin Smithers, Joseph Stevens, James Ward, Jason Viglione, Michael DeGuarde, Michael Smith, Tim Foster, Christopher Malcolm, Mark Viglione, Gary Hwang, William Barcliffe, IV, Jonathan Cook, Daniel Aguanno, Anthony Valvano, Eric Kratz, David Kratz, Thomas Corigliano, David Kinskey-Lebeda, Ryan Diggle, Mike Fulton, Dan Fulton, Brian Galley, Shane Moravsik, Paul Rossnagel, Jesse Garbarino, Shay Grabinsky, Joseph Stretavski, Brendan Barwick, Eric Galley, Bobby Ebel, Sean Michie, Michael Ludwig, Matthew Luther, Chris Gardner, Chris Worthington, Cameron Boone, Daniel Metcalf and Rishi Konkesa. Noah Munn will be honored with a Eagle Scout Court of Honor in the upcoming weeks.
Woman's Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills members Terry Gerber (on left) and Terri Wohld are the club's Chairmen for the Prevent Child Abuse :NJ Project. Every year, clubwomen across the country raise awareness of child abuse and promote healthy childhoods by planting Pinwheel Gardens. This year the Pinwheel Garden is in front of Parsippany Library – Main Branch.
PARSIPPANY — In April, Women’s Clubs across the country support Prevent Child Abuse America in its Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign. Every year, clubwomen raise awareness of child abuse and promote healthy childhoods by planting pinwheel gardens. Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the pinwheel in 2008 as the official symbol of great childhoods.
The pinwheel reminds everyone of their own childhoods and the fact that all children deserve to be happy and healthy. Here in New Jersey, the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC have made Prevent Child Abuse its Special State Project for the next two years. Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey is the only statewide non-profit dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect in all forms, for all New Jersey children. For more information on PCA-NJ click here.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.
The April General Meeting is on Monday, April 24 at 7:00 pm, at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. All area women are welcome. For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, click here to view their website.
Puzio Farm is located east of Knoll Road, south of the Knollwood School within a densely populated section of Parsippany. The property was acquired in 2016 with Open Space Funds
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Department of Planning and Public Works, Division of Planning and Preservation, has announced that the 2017 grant application for funding of open space projects under the Morris County Preservation Trust are now available online by clicking here.
Any of Morris County’s 39 municipalities and qualified charitable conservancies are eligible to apply for grant funding, said Barbara Murray, open space program coordinator.
Funding for the grants comes from the county’s Preservation Trust Fund, which generates revenues through a voter-approved special county tax.
The tax, set at 7/8 of a cent per $100 of tax assessment, should generate about $8 million this year. Of that money, the county allocates 2/8 of a cent to the Park Improvement Trust used by the Park Commission to restore facilities and 5/8 of a cent is allocated to the other Preservation Trust Programs.
Freeholder Christine Myers
In addition to open space projects, the county’s preservation fund also helps finance farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, recreational trails project, and the purchase of residential properties prone to flooding.
“Preserving our natural areas is vitally important to maintaining our great quality of life in Morris County,’’ said Freeholder Christine Myers, who is the county governing board’s liaison on preservation issues. “Our parks, trails, and nature areas offer a great variety of recreational opportunities for our residents, sometimes just giving us a place to breathe and think, so it is vital to ensure that we have green spaces in each of our towns.’’
The freeholders in 2016 approved funding for six preservation projects at a cost of nearly $3.75 million and totaling more than 270 acres in five Morris County towns. Included were two projects in Denville, and one each in Parsippany, Kinnelon, Randolph, and the first-ever grant award to Mt. Arlington.
They ranged from six-acres in a heavily populated section of Parsippany — and one of the last remaining undeveloped large open spaces in town, to 179-acres of forested land in Kinnelon that is contiguous to a county greenway and a local park in neighboring Pequannock.
Puzio Farm, is located east of Knoll Road, south of the Knollwood School within a densely populated section of the township. The property was a former tree farm and is one of the few remaining large open space tracts left in the township. The level property is contiguous to preserved open space and located across the street from watershed lands surrounding the Jersey City Reservoir. Preservation will create a greenway of close to 35 acres in the region and protect water quality. The grant amount approved in 2016 was $772,500.
More than 13,750 acres of open space have been preserved with the assistance of grant funding from the county program since its inception in 1993, according to Murray.
The deadline for submitting 2017 open space applications and appraisals is Friday, June 16. The Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee will visit proposed sites in September, with final presentations made in October, and recommendations made to the freeholder board in early November.
You can obtain additional information by contacting the Morris County Division of Planning and Preservation at (973) 829-8120.
Charles Rowan, Chelsea Collins, Lisa Adams, Peter Mazzagatti, and Debra Gulick.
DENVILLE — Morris County Vocational School District English Teacher and 2014 Morris County Teacher of the Year, Lisa Adams, served as the New Jersey State teacher representative at the State Teacher Leadership Convening on February 13-14 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Given the increased flexibility from the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), state education agencies are able to advance their approaches to teacher leadership. The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) in collaboration with Leading Educators convened states interested in further refining their teacher leadership strategies. Adams joined a vertical team of five people from the state to refine their theory of action for teacher leadership with supported, specific, tested strategies. Adams joined Chelsea Collins, Program Manager, New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE); Debra Gulick, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, East Brunswick Public School District; Peter Mazzagatti, Policy Analyst, NJDOE Office of Evaluation; and Charles Rowan, Assistant Principal, North Plainfield High School.
The state team had the opportunity to create and adapt a variety of resources from other states and collaborated through extensive, facilitated time to engage in strategic conversations as a team. The team left the convening with a clear action plan to guide their work over the course of 2017 – 2018 as it relates to the New Jersey Teacher Leader Endorsement.
The Teacher Leader Endorsement will be available to teachers who are eligible and complete an approved program of study and will recognize educators who take on leadership positions in their schools while maintaining their roles as teachers.
The Morris County Vocational School District (www.mcvts.org) offers programs for Morris County high school students, including Career Academies, Share Time Programs, and Continuing Education programs. For additional information, call the Morris County School of Technology at (973) 627-4600 ext. 277.
CEDAR KNOLLS — Clothing and fashion accessories for men, women and children will be collected as Employment Horizons holds its annual spring clothing drive April 19 to 21. The clothing drives offers an opportunity to spring into spring while benefiting area residents with disabilities.
Items to be collected also include stuffed animals and hard toys, such as dolls and action figures (must be below 14” in size), as well as household linens (blankets, sheets, curtains, etc – no fabric scraps or carpet). All items should be placed in well-tied plastic bags. Shoes, boots, and sneakers are also accepted. No single shoes, winter coats, or winter boots, please. All donated items will be distributed to needy families overseas. The clothing will be turned over to a company that will in turn pay Employment Horizons for each pound collected. Their goal is to collect 5,000 pounds.
Bags may be dropped off at Employment Horizons, 10 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls from April 19 to 21, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Donations are to be placed in the box truck marked “Clothing Drive” located in the Employment Horizons rear parking lot. Items may not be dropped off prior to these dates.
Don’t forget, Employment Horizons also has an on-site book bin where you can drop off books, textbooks, CDs, DVDs, and video games. Please no encyclopedias, magazines, VHS tapes, or water damaged items.
Employment Horizons is a local not-for-profit organization which serves individuals with disabilities, empowering them to earn a paycheck and live as productive citizens in the greater Morris County area. For more information, contact Maria Florio, Director of Community Relations at (973) 538-8822 ext. 240 or at mariaflorio@ehorizons.org.
PARSIPPANY — Jaya Minhas, an Albright College senior French/Spanish major/women’s and gender studies minor will present at the 2017 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). The scholarly gathering, marking its 31st year, will be held at the University of Memphis, April 6 to 8. Minhas is a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, Class of 2012.
Minhas will present “The Condition of Indigenous Women in the Andean Region.”
Established in 1987, the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research promotes undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, this gathering of young scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all corners of the academic curriculum, creating a unique environment for the celebration and promotion of undergraduate student achievement, providing models of exemplary research and scholarship, and helping to improve the state of undergraduate education.
Founded in 1856, Albright College educates creative, curious students to become adaptable, global citizens who discover and reach their full potential. The College’s flexible interdisciplinary curriculum encourages students to combine majors and disciplines to create individualized academic programs. Close faculty mentorship, numerous experiential learning options, and a diverse, supportive and nurturing community of scholars and learners help students exceed their own expectations and graduate with a commitment to a lifetime of service and learning. Located in Reading, Pennsylvania, Albright enrolls more than 1,800 full-time undergraduates and 700 adult learners and graduate students.
PARSIPPANY — Faculty and Staff from Central Middle School and teachers from Eastlake Elementary School purchased t-shirts that have the quote “Be The Change You Wish To See In The World.”
The t-shirts also had the school name on them. Proceeds from this fundraiser went to the students in the National History Day Club at Central Middle School and at Eastlake Elementary School, the funds went to help students purchase books at their school book fair.
Dave Fulton, Chairperson; John Powers, Secretary. Front row: Melissa Muilenburg, Vice Chairperson; Marci Racaniello, Vice President; Georgiann Hook, Vice President; Beverly Cooper, Campaign Director.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Y believes that all kids have the potential to grow up and change the world if they’re nurtured properly and supported along the way. With that in mind, the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA kicked off their annual GIVE A KID THE Y campaign on Saturday, April 1.
This annual effort primarily supports financial aid scholarships for childcare, after school care, and summer day camp, providing dollars of financial assistance to those in the local area who are less fortunate. Last year the Y provided almost $185,000 in financial aid scholarships for membership and specifically toward these areas: $53,905 Early Childhood Learning Center, $85,475 Day Camp, $23,688 After School Childcare, $6,059 Aquatics, and $1,765 Youth Fitness.
The Y invites you to become a part of GIVE A KID THE Y by supporting this vital cause. Your gift will provide programs and services that give all kids what they need to succeed from childhood and beyond – regardless of their financial circumstances. Please pledge (payable by 12/31/17) your support when one of their volunteers contacts you or pledge/donate online at www.lakelandhillsymca.com
PARSIPPANY — The EastLake School PTA will be holding a Tricky-Tray on Friday, April 21. The event will be held at Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road. Pre-sale ticket check in is at 5:30 p.m. and general admission (if tickets remain available) starts at 6:00 p.m.
Click here to down load a pre-sale ticket form. Pre-sale tickets are due by April 14. Admission ticket is $20.00 which includes admission, coffee, dessert and three sheets of level 1 tickets. Advanced Admission Ticket bundles is $40.00 includes admission, coffee, dessert, three sheets level 1 tickets, 5 level 2 tickets and 1 level 3 ticket.
Night of the event, Admission is $20.00, which includes coffee and dessert (while tickets last). Ticket sales are $5.00 for level 1 tickets, $2.00 for level 2 tickets and $5.00 for level 3 tickets.
Print out the attached form and mail it to Eastlake Elementary School, 40 Eba Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 in a sealed envelope, attention 5th Grade Committee or contact eastlake5thgrade17@gmail.com. Make all checks payable to Eastlake PTA.
By Kim Guadagno Is the Office of the Governor in New Jersey too powerful? If you believe it is, like I do, it’s time to have an honest conversation about how to fix it. I have put forward a bold plan that will begin to restore trust in state government by establishing an independently elected attorney…
MORRIS COUNTY — Celebrate the return of spring with a ride on the Whippany Railway Museum’s 25th Annual “Easter Bunny Express,” a 10-mile, 45-minute round trip excursion from Whippany to Roseland with the Easter Bunny on board on Saturday, April 8; Sunday, April 9 and Saturday, April 15.
She has been the Activities Director at the Appalachian Hotel where she instructed yoga and meditation classes and acted as a guide on hikes. She is also a group fitness instructor and a personal trainer. She assists each individual with their personal fitness goals while making it fun. Her extensive knowledge of personal training and nutrition helps individuals feel and look their best.
