MORRISTOWN — The 24-year-old man who was charged in an indictment last month with killing a Kentucky family of three while under the influence of opiates and alcohol on Route 80 in July 2015 lost a motion on Tuesday seeking to dismiss the most serious charges against him, the Daily Record reported. Bhavuk Uppal, of Mountain…
Man accused of killing family of 3 in fiery crash loses bid to dismiss charges
Nearly 80 Percent of New Jersey Residents Can’t Stand Governor Christie
Arguably the only person having a worse year than Donald Trump is his part-time lapdog Chris Christie. The Governor’s already depressing favorability rating in the state has continued to sink in the wake of the revitalizing of the bridgegate scandal. This month, a state survey found that only 21 percent of the state’s residents viewed Christie…
Big box stores are closing. What will replace them?
Retail real estate took a beating this year. The hits started in January when Walmart revealed plans to close more than 150 locations throughout the country. Sears joined the brawl in April when the department store chain announced it would close 78 Kmart and Sears stores. The bankruptcy of Sports Authority dealt another blow. The sporting…
NJ Manufacturer Insurance Partners with Junior Achievement to Teach Economic Principles to Northvail Students
PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, October 18, several employees of NJ Manufacturer Insurance volunteered to teach economic principles to students from kindergarten through fifth grade at Northvail Elementary School. Each volunteer was assigned to his or her own classroom using a curriculum that was activity-based, grade-specific, using real-world perspectives within the lessons.
![Northvail's Junior Achievement in a second grade classroom](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2016/10/2nd-grade.jpg?resize=696%2C464&ssl=1)
Junior Achievement is part of the world’s largest non profit organization dedicated to bringing curriculum lessons to classrooms that introduce financial literacy and career and economic readiness through trained volunteers. The program emphasizes social studies, reading, mathematics, and writing skills while supporting the Common Core State Standards. The program reflects a hierarchy of economic concepts, beginning with the kindergarten focus of “Ourselves,” and concluding with “Our Nation,” in fifth grade.
Principal Jeff Martens, with the cooperation of Alicia Fusco from the Junior Achievement Organization, were instrumental in bringing this worthwhile event to Northvail.
![Northvail's Junior Achievement in a fourth grade classroom](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2016/10/4th-grade.jpg?resize=696%2C464&ssl=1)
Letter to the editor: Lake Parsippany is targeting Asian-Indian community
Dear Editor:
I would like to thank Parsippany Focus for bringing the attention about the assessment fee in Lake Parsippany.
I am a resident of Lake Parsippany and I have few other family members living in this area and own property for many years.
This kind of idea to collect assessment fees are direct target to Asian-Indian community since there population is getting larger. We have alot of seniors living here with limited income and can’t afford any additional expenses. Our tax dollars are already going to maintain this lake. If the association can’t manage the lake please surrender the property to the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
If they make the change to impose any fees we will fight this in Morris County Superior Court legally.
There are many things being negotiated behind closed doors and not inviting everyone that is involved to the meetings. At least they could let everyone they will be charging the assessment fee to be heard.
Many residents oppose this annual mandatory assessment.
DD
Prescription Drug Take Back Program
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department is taking back unwanted prescription drugs Saturday, October 22 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in front of the Harmons store located at 3189 Route 46.
They cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, ONLY PATCHES OR PILLS.
This drop off is ONLY for individual citizens. Businesses that deal with pharmaceuticals, doctors, health care providers, and pharmacies are prohibited from disposing of pharmaceuticals at the collection site under FDA/DEA guidelines.
CCM Presents Talk on Citizenship and Homeownership
RANDOLPH — County College of Morris (CCM) will present a talk on Citizenship and Homeownership as part of its “Citizenship Under Siege” project, which aims to investigate the theme of stratified citizenship.
The session, which is free and open to the public, takes place Thursday, November 3, 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) Reading Room on CCM’s Randolph campus, 214 Center Grove Road.
Georgetown University sociologist Brian J. McCabe will speak on homeownership as it relates to notions and rights of citizenship. He will be exploring ideas from his recent book, “No Place Like Home: Wealth, Community & the Politics of Homeownership” (Oxford University Press, 2016).
McCabe is highly critical of the enduring ideology that presents homeowners as better neighbors, citizens and Americans. Instead, he claims that homeownership creates a stratified citizenry – of deserving homeowners versus underserving renters – often along lines of race, class and gender.
CCM was one of seven community colleges, and the only one in New Jersey, to have been awarded a $17,500 grant last year, through the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), to take part in the nationwide “Citizenship Under Siege” project.
Public forums, supported by the grant, are exploring critical questions about citizenship such as historic struggles for social justice and how the humanities can provide fresh understanding for contemporary issues involving equality, individual dignity, opportunity, liberty and happiness.
Women’s Theater Company Presents “Spin”
PARSIPPANY — The Women’s Theater Company, a professional theater company presents Spin, written by Robert William Sherwood. The show runs through October 23.
A story of politics– a ruthless American primary campaign, a vicious rumor involving the candidate’s wife, and a campaign manager who has a single afternoon to determine what the story is, whether it’s true, and what he’s going to do about it.
Spin, starring Nancy Kutzer, Jonathan Fishman, Meridith Johnson, Tom Morrissey, and Lauren Moran Mills. Spin is directed by Barbara Krajkowski, artistic Director at The Women’s Theater Company and Associate Artistic Director Patricia Durante.
Spin runs through October 23 Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 for adults and $20.00 for seniors.
To purchase tickets online please click here or call (973) 335- 3038.
![_5jg3851](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2016/10/5JG3851-1.jpg?resize=350%2C528&ssl=1)
The Women’s Theater Company is located at the Parsippany Playhouse at 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. For GPS driving directions, please enter the town of Boonton, 07005.
ABOUT WOMEN’S THEATER COMPANY:
The Women’s Theater Company’s mission is to provide a fertile environment for the advancement of professional women theater artists and to provide quality theater for the community at large. Through their main stage, educational outreach, and new works development programs, the Women’s Theater Company supports the development of new women artists, promotes new works in the American theater, and provides entertaining and enriching productions for growing audiences. Women’s Theater Company is located at The Parsippany Playhouse, 1130 Knoll Road. For more information contact (973) 335-3038, or email by clicking here.
The Women’s Theater Company is proud to be a member of the New Jersey Theater Alliance.
Funding for the Women’s Theater Company has been made possible in part by funds for the Morris Arts through the New Jersey State Council on the Art/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Women’s Theater is proud to be a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Intervale Reading Music Video
PARSIPPANY — Intervale School Reads in this music video based on Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling”
Military Ordnance found on Lake Place; No threat to the public
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department’s Communication Center was contacted and advised about a military ordnance that was found in a basement of a residence on Lake Place at 11:45 a.m. on Monday, October 17.
Upon arrival Patrol Sergeant A. Keiser and Patrol Officer A. Sadowski, the area was secured and the residence was evacuated. The Morris County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad arrived on scene and secured the ordnance.
It was determined by Bomb Squad personnel that is was a training ordnance and did not pose a threat to the public.
Parsippany teen charged in assault at Centenary University dormitory
An 18-year-old woman was charged with simple assault and related crimes after a fight at a Centenary University dormitory in Hackettstown, police said. It happened about 4:25 p.m. Friday on the third floor of Bennett Smith Hall on the Hackettstown campus. Police said Tatiana Franco, of Parsippany, N.J., resisted as police tried to stop her from…
Nine things you need to know about N.J.’s rising gas tax
TRENTON –It’s official: New Jersey’s gas tax will go up by 23 cents a gallon in a few weeks to restart the broke fund that pays for road and rail projects. But The Auditor knows there’s a story behind such sudden pain at the pump. Here are 9 things you may not have known about the…
New parking spot at Shop Rite?
PARSIPPANY — A vehicle owned by Pearl Stewart, Plainfield, was parked in the parking lot of Shop Rite, 808 Route 46 when a vehicle backed out of its respective parking space and stuck the vehicle causing damage. The second vehicle left the scene.
The investigation was handled by Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Gregory Bloete.
This accident took page on Friday, September 30 at 12:54 p.m.
Parsippany Express Cross Country Results
PARIPPANY — Parsippany Express Cross Country (PECC), led by Coach Tom Metz, had 48 runners finishing the course at Central Park in Parsippany on Sunday, September 25.
Sixteen runners achieved personal best times. Amanda Hoffman became the first PECC runner to win a race, as she was the fastest time for the Girls 11/12 division! PECC also had 6 top twenty runners, as well as 3 teams (grouped by age) finish in the top 3 teams.
Top-20 finishers are shown in the photo above: back row left to right: Madison Richardson, Angelina Fernandez, Kira Chebishev. Front row Callie Sisco, Chase Kosovich.
The photo below Amanda Hoffman, who is the first PECC runner to win a race, running for the 11/12 year-old girls team.
Anthony Duke Claus celebrates his 21st Birthday
PARSIPPANY — Anthony Duke Claus celebrated his 21st birthday with the staff of Kafe Mozart and his loyal fans. He performed on Thursday, October 6 at Kafe Mozart, 2900 Route 46, Parsippany.
Since he was a toddler, Anthony Duke Claus has been in the spotlight.
From international commercials to off-Broadway theater to popular television, the now 21-year-old William Paterson University student has been around the singing and acting block more than a few times.
“I’ve done a lot. I got a little taste of everything,” Claus said, whose passion for his craft is revealed through the excitement with which he talks. “It was actually a big enough taste of every field…from the acting and singing career. I’ve hit all the corners of it.”
Yet Claus’s latest gig–singing show tunes and oldies music at local eateries–is something he hadn’t done before.
And for a young man whose motto is “the bigger the stage, the better,” this new venture seems a bit out of character. But Claus said it was time for a change.
“I’ve done so many big productions that I just wanted to see what it was like to do more simple stuff,” he explained. “It’s good for me, because I’m doing what I love as a job. So many kids my age are working in grocery stores or restaurants. Why don’t I use the gift that God gave me and spread it with the community? I’ve been getting a following from being local.”
“I love singing that music. I have a very powerful, vibrato-sounding voice,” Claus said. “That’s what makes me unique from a lot of other people. I have such an exotic sounding voice from a lot of kids my age.”
But then again, Claus isn’t like many 21-year-olds in general. After being encouraged by a preschool teacher to perform in a talent show at the Wayne Hills Mall, he was discovered by an acting agent and booked his first commercial for Connecticut Light & Power when he was just three years old. (Coincidentally, it was also his first audition.)
Since then, Claus has done commercials for IKEA and Wendys, was on MTV’s “Wonder Showzen” for three years, and even landed a role on the soap opera One Life To Live.
He has also actively participated in theater, from local works like “Fuddy Meers” at Montville’s Barn Theatre to “Home Front” at Le MaMa in Greenwich Village.
“Theater has always been my favorite,” Claus said. “You can combine singing and acting equally on stage. When I’m on stage, there’s a whole different side of me that comes out. It’s always been my passion and desire to be on the Broadway stage singing the songs that I love performing.”
Now attending William Paterson University, Claus said he isn’t thinking of pursuing a singing or acting career after he graduates. He still maintains his dream of playing a high profile Broadway role such as the Phantom in “Phantom of the Opera” one day, but Claus said he wants to learn something new in college, too.
“I want to learn in college something that I can use my entire life as a profession,” Claus said. “I think I want to go into the filmmaking industry. From being on camera all the time, I’d like to really learn about being the director and wearing his shoes.”
Claus said he won’t stop acting or singing, though. It’s quite literally in his blood: Eddie Brigati of “The Young Rascals” is Claus’s cousin.
“I just loved entertaining, because it was in my family,” he explained. “I feel like what I was put on this earth to do was entertain. Words can’t really describe how much I love performing and being on stage and singing for people. It’s the best feeling in the entire world.”
Join the staff and friends at Kafe Mozart and help celebrate Anthony’s 21st birthday on Thursday, October 6. Reservations are suggested.
Kafe Mozart offers a variety of homemade cooking, from soups, appetizers, savory crepes, entrees, fresh tossed salads as well as sweet crepes. Mozart has a complete Gluten Free Menu and has an outdoor pet friendly garden patio. It also features an espresso bar and has free wifi available to its patrons.
Kafe Mozart is at 2900 Route 10 West, at the Powder Mill West Shopping Center in Parsippany. Make reservations by calling 973-998-7788. For more information visitwww.kafemoart.com.
Parsippany Knights of Columbus “Pancakes for winter coats”
PARSIPPANY — It’s that time again. The Parsippany Knights of Columbus, Council 3680, is having an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast on Sunday, October 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at All Saints Academy cafeteria.
Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, donuts, coffee, tea, orange juice. $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for senior citizens and $3.00 for children 4-10 years old. Children under 4 free. All Saints Academy is located on Route 46 and Baldwin Road. We serve breakfast from 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 Noon.
The Knights have been in Parsippany for 63 years, their mission is to raise funds that can be used to fund those Charitable request that come to the Knights, the funds raised from the Pancake Breakfast will be used to buy winter coats for those kids in Parsippany who for whatever reason find themselves unable to afford new winter clothing.
The Parsippany Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Men’s Fraternal organization, Council 3680 is located at 1050 Littleton Road, membership is open to any practicing Catholic man. If you would like additional information on joining the Parsippany Knights of Columbus, please email by clicking here.
Thousands Unite in Parsippany for One Cause Tomorrow
PARSIPPANY — Thousands of local breast cancer survivors, caregivers, volunteers, and corporate and community members unite to help create a world free from the pain and suffering caused by breast cancer at the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk. This noncompetitive, inspirational event raises awareness and funds to end breast cancer and provides hope to ensure no one faces breast cancer alone.
The event will take place in Mack Cali Business Campus, 4 Century Drive on Sunday, October 16. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Walk begins at 10:00 a.m., rain or shine.
For more information click here.
Last year, 15,000 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer participants raised $720,000 in Parsippany for the American Cancer Society to invest in groundbreaking research; provide free, comprehensive information and support to those touched by breast cancer; and help people take steps to reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable.
According to the American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2016, an estimated 246,660 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,450 will die from the disease this year. In New Jersey 7,420 women will be diagnosed this year and 1,280 will die from the disease.
Since 1993, more than 12 million supporters have raised more than $750 million to help create a world free from the pain and suffering caused by breast cancer. Today, walks are held in nearly 300 communities nationwide.
Meet the Candidates: Parsippany Board of Education
PARSIPPANY — A “Meet the Candidates” forum sponsored by the Par-Troy Council of PTA’s will take place on Monday, October 17 at Parsippany Hills High School from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
All four candidates running for election on Tuesday, November 8 were invited to speak and take questions from the audience.
Incumbents Mr. Joseph Cistaro, Mrs. Alison Cogan and Mrs. Fran Orthwein are seeking another three year term on the Board of Education, while Mr. Nick Kumburis is also seeking to replace one of the incumbents.
Parsippany Hills High School is located at 20 Rita Drive.
The Board of Education is made up of nine members who are elected by registered voters of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township. Members are elected to three-year terms. The Board President and Vice-President are elected by the majority vote of their fellow Board members.
Board members voluntarily and generously contribute their time and expertise to the district. They do not receive any payment or benefits for their service. We are fortunate to have specialists from several professional fields represented on our Board.
In addition to their attendance at public board meetings and committee meetings; Board members are also required to attend NJSBA (New Jersey School Boards Association) training sessions.
Members of the current Board: have attended our schools; had children who graduated from Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Public Schools; and have children or grandchildren who currently attend our schools. The decisions affect not only your family, but our own as well. Board members have no legal authority, except when acting as a group at official Board meetings.
Your Board works hard to deliver the best education that it can within the financial constraints imposed by the State of New Jersey.
Burglary at Qin Dynasty
PARSIPPANY — An employee of Qin Dynasty contacted the Parsippany Police Department’s Communication Center to report a burglary to their business. Upon arrival of Patrol Officer R. Howell, he was advised by the victim that an unknown suspect(s) broke into the business between 10:30 p.m. on Monday, October 10 and 11:34 a.m. on Tuesday, October 11 and stole cash from the register. It was also determined that the suspect(s) forced entry through the front door of the business.
Parsippany Police Department Detectives along with the Morris County Sheriff’s Department CID also responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Parsippany Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
Burglary to Vehicles at 1900 Route 10 West
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department’s Communication Center was contacted by two victims reporting burglaries to their vehicles while parked at 1900 Route 10 West during the evening of Tuesday, October 11.
Patrol Officer D. Ross spoke to the first victim at Parsippany Police Headquarters at which time she advised him that she may have left her rental vehicle unlocked and an unknown suspect(s) entered the vehicle and stole a laptop computer. The victim advised the incident occurred between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Patrol Officer D. Ross also responded to the Hilton Hotel and spoke to a second victim. Upon his arrival the victim advised him that he parked his 2003 Honda Civic in the parking lot of 1900 Route 10 West and an unknown suspect(s) broke into his vehicle and removed various electronics. The victim further stated the burglary and theft occurred between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Parsippany Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.