Taylor Donnelly is Parsippany’s newest Police Dispatcher
PARSIPPANY — Taylor Donnelly was sworn in as Parsippany’s new police dispatcher by Mayor Barberio on Thursday, June 9.
Taylor comes to Parsippany after being employed for 2½ at the County of Morris as a police dispatcher. He is State certified as a Basic Telecommunicator and New Jersey Emergency Medical Dispatcher.
Taylor graduated Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2012. He also studied at County College of Morris. Taylor is a volunteer with Mount Tabor Fire Department and a Volunteer EMT at Parsippany Volunteer Medical Services.
Taylor’s twin brother, Luke, is in the United States Air Force.
Meet Willow!
RANDOLPH — Willow is cute as a button! She is about 9 to 12 weeks old and has a very sweet natured.
Willow was rescue along with her brother, Willard, from a high kill shelter in NC and is now living in a foster home in New Jersey.
Willow foster family says…..”Willow is friendly, sweet puppy!! Anywhere you are, Willow will be right there with you and she is a cuddle bug! This sweet puppy enjoys playing with toys, playing with other dogs and exploring in the yard. Willow has a gentle, easy going personality and we just love her!”
We know when you meet Willow, you will fall in love!!!
If you have a furever home for this pet, please e-mail FHDR@att.net and request an adoption application. To see more photos of Willow or to see our other adoptable pups, please go to www.fhdr.petfinder.com
How did Parsippany Vote in the Primary?
PARSIPPANY — Boonton resident James Gannon won 37 of the 39 municipalities in Morris County in the Republican primary election for sheriff to beat opponent John G. Sierchio, who was endorsed by retiring Sheriff Edward V. Rochford.
The incumbent Morris County freeholders seeking re-election to three-year terms — Director Kathy DeFillippo, Douglas Cabana and Thomas Mastrangelo — also won by large margins, with Mastrangelo the top vote-getter of the trio. But how did Parsippany voters cast their vote?
The incumbent Freeholders outspent challengers by approximately 15:1, due to several hundreds of thousands of dollars from unions, specifically the Carpenters’ Union of New Jersey, that had endorsed the Mastrangelo, DeFillippo, and Cabana team, and for whom the incumbents had pledged to enact an apprenticeship resolution.
This resolution, that has been “deferred” from a vote twice by the Board in the last several months due to public pressure, would basically exclude any smaller and non-union shops from bidding on County public works projects, as it would require bidders to have an apprenticeship training program, which of course are only provided by union shops.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that the total votes for freeholder among the “other than incumbents” candidates was higher than the incumbents. John Krickus received 14% of the vote, compared to the incumbents’ 20%. The other challengers, Lou Valori, Roman Hirniak, and Peter King, received between 7 and 10% of the vote, so challengers took between 21 and 24% of the vote totals. While they won by comfortable majorities in terms of total votes, the majority of voters voted for someone other than the incumbents.
Parsippany Focus has prepared a break down by district on how the voters of Parsippany cast their votes.
Voter turnout in Morris County was only 29.1% of the registered voters.
Office of the Morris County Sheriff (Choose 1)
James M. Gannon | John G. Sierchio | ||
District | Registered Voters | Total Votes | Total Votes |
District 1 | 1478 | 64 | 76 |
District 2 | 1075 | 52 | 47 |
District 3 | 515 | 71 | 49 |
District 4 | 910 | 67 | 59 |
District 5 | 752 | 76 | 31 |
District 6 | 802 | 84 | 53 |
District 7 | 1045 | 66 | 57 |
District 8 | 964 | 67 | 47 |
District 9 | 660 | 65 | 40 |
District 10 | 777 | 51 | 50 |
District 11 | 993 | 73 | 69 |
District 12 | 1170 | 68 | 78 |
District 13 | 715 | 46 | 39 |
District 14 | 641 | 50 | 42 |
District 15 | 926 | 63 | 69 |
District 16 | 326 | 7 | 5 |
District 17 | 669 | 44 | 53 |
District 18 | 699 | 72 | 44 |
District 19 | 747 | 16 | 34 |
District 20 | 803 | 83 | 56 |
District 21 | 863 | 33 | 32 |
District 22 | 857 | 27 | 16 |
District 23 | 779 | 58 | 37 |
District 24 | 1690 | 73 | 148 |
District 25 | 1212 | 88 | 72 |
District 26 | 739 | 20 | 22 |
District 27 | 832 | 65 | 63 |
District 28 | 783 | 57 | 61 |
District 29 | 657 | 59 | 34 |
District 30 | 563 | 54 | 24 |
District 31 | 950 | 89 | 50 |
District 32 | 883 | 29 | 25 |
District 33 | 694 | 60 | 34 |
District 34 | 943 | 50 | 53 |
District 35 | 558 | 31 | 31 |
District 36 | 742 | 59 | 35 |
District 37 | 482 | 47 | 42 |
District 38 | 477 | 54 | 38 |
District 39 | 1193 | 42 | 45 |
Mail-In Ballot | 0 | 61 | 74 |
Provisional | 0 | 0 | 0 |
32564 | 2241 | 1934 |
Morris County Board of Freeholders (Choose three)
DeFillippo | Cabana | Mastrangelo | Valori | Hirniak | King | Kirckus | ||
District | Registered Voters | Total Votes | Total Votes | Total Votes | Total Votes | Total Votes | Total Votes | Total Votes |
Total | 1993 | 1911 | 1887 | 1708 | 1097 | 1295 | 1043 | |
District 1 | 1478 | 55 | 50 | 51 | 76 | 42 | 55 | 20 |
District 2 | 1075 | 49 | 52 | 52 | 37 | 26 | 29 | 29 |
District 3 | 515 | 62 | 65 | 63 | 61 | 30 | 34 | 23 |
District 4 | 910 | 58 | 69 | 63 | 49 | 31 | 45 | 34 |
District 5 | 752 | 48 | 49 | 38 | 37 | 28 | 35 | 32 |
District 6 | 802 | 74 | 73 | 70 | 51 | 28 | 40 | 32 |
District 7 | 1045 | 59 | 55 | 60 | 43 | 32 | 42 | 25 |
District 8 | 964 | 49 | 50 | 44 | 44 | 29 | 29 | 37 |
District 9 | 660 | 56 | 51 | 45 | 42 | 24 | 41 | 20 |
District 10 | 777 | 58 | 45 | 46 | 48 | 23 | 28 | 39 |
District 11 | 993 | 69 | 71 | 80 | 74 | 33 | 39 | 38 |
District 12 | 1170 | 65 | 65 | 59 | 62 | 44 | 50 | 36 |
District 13 | 715 | 32 | 40 | 35 | 32 | 19 | 21 | 29 |
District 14 | 641 | 50 | 40 | 38 | 39 | 25 | 29 | 19 |
District 15 | 926 | 53 | 53 | 53 | 67 | 43 | 55 | 37 |
District 16 | 326 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
District 17 | 669 | 41 | 45 | 40 | 37 | 24 | 31 | 23 |
District 18 | 699 | 53 | 57 | 55 | 43 | 29 | 32 | 30 |
District 19 | 747 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 28 | 24 | 27 | 6 |
District 20 | 803 | 78 | 58 | 60 | 46 | 36 | 42 | 44 |
District 21 | 863 | 30 | 28 | 31 | 24 | 20 | 30 | 22 |
District 22 | 857 | 20 | 25 | 22 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 13 |
District 23 | 779 | 37 | 41 | 37 | 46 | 31 | 28 | 18 |
District 24 | 1690 | 62 | 59 | 59 | 141 | 118 | 124 | 31 |
District 25 | 1212 | 71 | 78 | 66 | 49 | 24 | 35 | 47 |
District 26 | 739 | 19 | 15 | 13 | 21 | 12 | 14 | 6 |
District 27 | 832 | 68 | 55 | 57 | 47 | 25 | 33 | 38 |
District 28 | 783 | 72 | 67 | 75 | 39 | 23 | 34 | 24 |
District 29 | 657 | 41 | 47 | 43 | 31 | 21 | 27 | 25 |
District 30 | 563 | 33 | 41 | 36 | 25 | 10 | 18 | 15 |
District 31 | 950 | 76 | 64 | 73 | 45 | 33 | 33 | 42 |
District 32 | 883 | 30 | 31 | 27 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 22 |
District 33 | 694 | 49 | 51 | 60 | 31 | 17 | 20 | 20 |
District 34 | 943 | 57 | 48 | 59 | 38 | 21 | 16 | 34 |
District 35 | 558 | 38 | 24 | 28 | 20 | 12 | 15 | 15 |
District 36 | 742 | 55 | 51 | 45 | 35 | 19 | 24 | 22 |
District 37 | 482 | 45 | 39 | 45 | 36 | 23 | 25 | 22 |
District 38 | 477 | 58 | 45 | 46 | 35 | 20 | 16 | 22 |
District 39 | 1193 | 36 | 41 | 41 | 24 | 21 | 17 | 25 |
Mail-In Ballot | 0 | 64 | 51 | 51 | 80 | 56 | 58 | 24 |
Provisional | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total | 32564 | 1993 | 1911 | 1887 | 1708 | 1097 | 1295 | 1043 |
Wegmans is now hiring and training for new store in Mack-Cali Campus
HANOVER — Wegmans Food Markets is now hiring and training for full-time positions at its Hanover Township store, set to open in spring 2017. Available full-time openings range from customer service and entry-level management to culinary positions, such as line cooks. The new store will employ approximately 500 people, 450 of whom will be hired locally. Of these, there are 170 full-time positions to be filled. Hiring for part-time positions will begin at a later date.
Full-time job applicants are invited to apply online at www.wegmans.com or call 1-877-WEGMANS (934-6267) for more information. Applications will not be accepted at the store or construction site, nor will interviews be conducted there. The company plans to begin scheduling interviews at its Parsippany employment office later this month.
Tim Lockwood, a 27-year Wegmans veteran and manager of the Hanover store will oversee the hiring process. Lockwood shared his perspective on the qualities Wegmans looks for in new employees: “We want people with a passion for incredible service and great food. Skills and experience are taken into consideration, but more importantly, we hire people who are friendly, enthusiastic, and eager to learn. In-depth training begins quickly after a new employee joins our team.”
Hanover Wegmans, a 125,000 square-foot supermarket, is part of the Mack-Cali campus at the intersection of I-287 and Route 10. The store will include The Burger Bar by Wegmans, a casual, family-friendly restaurant within the Market Café. The menu, developed by Wegmans chefs and made fresh to order, offers a mouth-watering lineup of burgers, salads, sandwiches, soups, sides, specialty milkshakes, and kids’ meals.
“Wegmans is a 100-year-old family-owned company with a reputation for putting employees first,” said Lockwood. “We offer flexible scheduling, competitive pay and benefits, and a fun place to work – all of which contribute to our #4 ranking on FORTUNE magazine’s list of 100 Best Companies to Work For.”
Wegmans currently operates seven stores in New Jersey. Once the Hanover store opens, Wegmans will have created more than 4,300 jobs in New Jersey since opening its Princeton location in 1999. That number will continue to increase with another new store slated to open in Montvale later in 2017.
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is an 89-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The family-owned company, recognized as an industry leader and innovator, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for 19 consecutive years, ranking #4 in 2016.
Lenny would like to go home with you
MORRIS COUNTY — Hi, my name is Lenny! I am about 12 to 13 weeks old and I am hoping you will be my new family!
He was rescued from a high kill shelter in North Carolina and now living in a nice foster home in Morris County.
Lenny’s foster family says…..” Lenny is soooo cute! He is a typical puppy….friendly, curious, active and playful.
He is learning to walk on a leash, he has become friends with our cat and loves to play with our dogs. Lenny is so happy to be held and snuggles into the crook of my arm or neck like a baby. He sleeps through the night on his dog bed in our room and does not have an accident.
And, Lenny is doing good with house training. His favorite toys ALL squeak so we know where to find him! Lenny is a puppy who likes to be in the middle of things, he doesn’t want to miss anything!! He is a phenomenal eater and enjoys his treats and his favorites may be bananas and carrots. We love him he is a sweetie with LOTS of energy. He is just so darn cute.”
Lenny will win you over with his charm!
If you have a furever home for this pet, please e-mail FHDR@att.net and request an adoption application. To see more photos & video clip of Lenny and our other adoptable pups, please go to fhrd.petfinder.com
Special Olympics Torch Run charges through Parsippany (PHOTOS)
PARSIPPANY — With a police escort leading the way and blocking traffic, Special Olympic athlete Desi Cleary carried the torch for the annual N.J. Special Olympics summer games through the township Friday afternoon. Desi’s mother, Mary, told NJ Advance Media her daughter joined the Special Olympics about three years ago and the experience has broadened her…
Full coverage: W. Deptford’s controversial win over Parsippany for Group 2 crown
It was a thrilling extra-inning game that turned strange, to say the least, ending with umps being escorted from the field amid screaming coaches, players and fans. In the end, West Deptford is thye Group 2 champ. Here’s our complete coverage of the game. • In 8 innings and amid controversy, West Deptford wins 1st crown…
Urban League of Morris County announces grand re-introduction
MORRIS COUNTY — The Urban League of Morris County has announced it will hold a grand re-introduction at George and Martha’s Restaurant, 67 Morris Street, Morristown at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 20.
The featured speakers are Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty and Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, who are long-time supporters of the Urban League of Morris County. Chairman George Martin commented, “we feel now is a good time to re-introduce the Urban League of Morris County to the public.
The organization has served the community over many generations in areas such as fair housing, education assistance, and aid to families in need of temporary assistance in addition to many other services. It is a good time to let new generations know of our commitment to the community and that we are here to help. Having our longtime supporter and friend Congressman Frelinghuysen as our keynote speaker is a testament to the value the Urban League provides to the greater Morris County community” The event is not a fundraiser though donations are welcome and a raffle will be held. It is the goal of the Urban League to raise awareness of the services it performs and to encourage a new generation of members to become active in its mission. The Urban League of Morris County is a non-for profit organization with over a 72+ year history in Morris County.
In addition, the founding members of the National Urban League a 106 year old organization with over 100 affiliates was started by residents of Morristown.
Their Mission: The Urban League of Morris County (ULMC), Inc., has been a vital affiliate of the National Urban League, the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans and other underserved communities and individuals to enter the economic and social mainstream, for over 72+ years.
The mission of the ULMC is to enable persons to achieve their highest human potential and secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights through its programming and services. The Urban League has offered programs in housing, employment services, job skills development, education, entrepreneurship, health and wellness, weatherization, sustainable communities and youth development. We are dedicated to empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban & suburban communities and provide assistance to any resident desirous of improving their quality of life.
Those interested in attending please call The Urban League offices at (973) 539-2121. Refreshments will be available.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Is Re-Accredited
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief of Investigations John Speirs announce the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was awarded with re-accreditation status by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. (NJSACOP)
The NJSACOP Accreditation Program consists of one hundred and five professional standards, many of which have multiple objectives. These standards address numerous issues including, but not limited to Direction of Personnel, Training, Selection of Personnel, Arrest, Search and Seizure, Interview and Interrogation, and the Quality Control of Evidence. The process is a rigorous three year internal self-analysis of agency operations. It ensures that policies and procedures are current, reflect societal demands, and are consistent with best practices for law enforcement in the state of New Jersey. After the three year process, a team of NJSACOP trained and independent assessors review the policies, procedures and agency operations as a whole. To become accredited, the policies and procedures must be approved by the assessors, and there must be definitive proof of personnel adherence.
Initially accredited in 2013, this is the first re-accreditation award that the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has received. It is the intention of this office to maintain accreditation status for future years.
Prosecutor Knapp said “Anytime you have independent professionals examining how you conduct business and ultimately endorsing your performance, it is very satisfying. The fact that the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is accredited is directly attributed to the fine men and women of this office who serve the residents of Morris County every day”
Inquiries concerning this Media Release should be directed to Agent Paul Merkler at pmerkler@co.morris.nj.us. or (973) 285-6215.
Opiate And Heroin Epidemic Program was Educational
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces the recent Community Outreach Program about the Opiate and Heroin epidemic was productive and educational. The event was a joint effort by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Rockaway Borough Police Department to provide valuable information to the community. The event held at the Morris Hills High School in Rockaway was filled with many concerned residents and those affected by the epidemic, was captivated by what they heard.
Rockaway Borough Police Chief Doug Scheer opened the event with passionate remarks about the epidemic, and how the community of Rockaway Borough has been affected. Chief Scheer was followed by Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp.
Prosecutor Knapp conveyed that, as with many counties throughout New Jersey, Morris County has been adversely affected by the Opiate and Heroin epidemic. He emphasized that the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is aggressively pursuing “For-Profit” distributers of Opiates and Heroin with vigorous prosecution and incarceration. Moreover, Prosecutor Knapp is a proponent of intervention and treatment for the nonviolent drug addicted user, rather than incarceration. He agrees that addiction is a disease that many people suffer from and should be treated as such. Lastly, Prosecutor Knapp discussed the relatively new introduction of Narcan, which is now supplied to first responders as a life saving measure, for use on those who overdose on Opiates or Heroin and face imminent death. Narcan reverses the effect of the overdose on the body, and since its implementation in Morris County, has resulted in 44 lives saved by police officers during 2015. Unfortunately, during that same year, 43 people lost their lives due to an Opiate overdose.
Parsippany Residents Graduate from Marist College
PARSIPPANY — The following Parsippany residents graduated from Marist College the weekend of May 20:
Kelsey Bradley, a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2012, received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication.
Subramanya Rohit Karra received a Master of Science in Information Management Specialization.
Vineet Paladi received a Master of Science in Information Management Specialization.
![Marist College](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2016/06/Marist-College-300x199.jpg?resize=300%2C199&ssl=1)
Marist-College is located in the historic Hudson River Valley and at its branch campus in Florence, Italy. It is a comprehensive, independent institution grounded in the liberal arts. Marist is dedicated to helping students develop the intellect, character, and skills required for enlightened, ethical, and productive lives in the global community of the 21st century. The College is consistently recognized for excellence by top organizations like The Princeton Review, which included it in its latest book, Colleges That Create Futures: 50 Schools That Launch Careers By Going Beyond the Classroom. It has also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report (13th Best Regional University), Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (Best Values in Private Colleges), and others. Though now independent, Marist remains committed to the ideals handed down from its founders, the Marist Brothers: excellence in education, a sense of community, and a commitment to service. Marist educates 4,700 traditional-age undergraduate students and more than 1,300 adult and graduate students in 46 undergraduate majors and 13 graduate programs, including fully online MBA, MPA, MS, and MA degrees.
Girl Scouts Troop 6229 Fights Hunger
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Girl Scout Troop 6229 is working on earning their bronze awards.
The bronze award is the highest award a junior Girl Scout can receive.
The girls picked their project to help collect food for people struggling to afford buying food. The name of their project is “Let’s Fight Hunger Together.”
The troop is having a food drive at their school and two of the girls are doing it at their place of worship as well.
They also raised awareness about reasons that cause people to end up struggling with money and not able to afford food, statistics of child hunger, and how they can help to the second, third, fourth, and fifth graders at their school. All food collected will be donated to the Interfaith Food Pantry, which helps many families throughout Morris County.
Dalia Ibrahim is the troop leader.
The girls are having a food drive at the Parsippany Shop Rite on Saturday, June 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
PHS students arrive in style at Senior Prom
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School students arrived in style Thursday, June 9 at the Birchwood Manor, Whippany for the school’s senior prom.
Seniors will graduate on Thursday, June 23 at Parsippany High School at 9:30 a.m.
Relay for Life Central Morris County raises over $38,000 in fight against cancer
RANDOLPH — 35 teams and 259 participants have raised $38,573.94 for Relay for Life of Central Morris County. In the fight against cancer, silence is the last thing we need. This year, Relay for Life was held at County College of Morris on Saturday, June 4 through Sunday, June 5.
The three top individuals for 2016 are Karen DeChristopher raising $6,680.00; Olivia O’Donnell raising $3,438.00 and Marjorie Forman raising $1,824.04.
The three top teams were Angels for Hope raising $8,545.00; Lakers For The Fight raising $6,080 and Sweet Livy’s raising $3,713.00.
The top company was Western Pest Services raising $8,695.00.
Saint Clare’s Health Systems and Western Pest Services were major sponsors.
Karen DeChristopher was awarded the “Eternal Flame Award.” The “Eternal Flame Award” is presented by the American Cancer Society in recognition of people who have taken their “cancer experience” and turned it into something positive by helping others facing the disease. The chosen nominee will receive an engraved plaque and the nominator will have the opportunity to read a short speech sharing why they submitted their nomination.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement symbolizes hope and our shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people we love. If cancer has touched your life, participating in Relay For Life of Central Morris County encompassing Parsippany, Denville, Dover, Mt. Lakes, Randolph, Rockaway Borough, and Rockaway Township is a great way to take action and help finish the fight. This is your opportunity to honor cancer survivors, remember those we have lost, and raise funds and awareness to fight back and help end cancer forever.
At Relay For Life events, communities across the globe come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much. The funds raised truly make a difference in the fight against cancer just ask one of the nearly 14 million cancer survivors who will celebrate another birthday this year!
Relay For Life teams camp out overnight and take turns walking or running around a track or path at a local high school, park, or fairground. Relay for Life Central Morris County is 14 hours long because cancer never sleeps, each team is asked to have at least one participant on the track at all times.
The Luminaria Ceremony occurs at every Relay For Life event. As the sun sets, luminaria lining the track light up the night. A hush falls over the crowd that had been overflowing with celebration. Relay For Life participants, survivors, and caregivers then gather to remember loved ones lost to cancer and to honor those whose fight continues.
Karen DeChristopher explained “The Empty Table.” She said “We call your attention to the small table that occupies a place of dignity and honor. It is set for one, symbolizing the fact that some of our loved ones are missing from this gathering. They have been diagnosed with cancer, and they are some of the names and faces behind luminaries.
The chair is empty. Many of those who fought the battle with cancer are no longer with us, but rather than mourning their loss, we choose to celebrate their life.
These people are unable to be with their loved ones and families now, so let us join together to recognize and honor them, and to bear witness to their struggle and their memory.
The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of a single patient, sometimes alone in the fight against his or her disease.
The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the medical profession: doctors, nurses, and researchers who help fight the battle for life.
The single rose in the vase signifies the enduring love of their families and friends and the strength of a patients’ will to fight the disease that ultimately claimed many of them.
The pink ribbon on the vase represents the ribbons worn on the lapels of millions who support a continued search for a cure not only for breast cancer, but for other cancers as well — cancers that are expected to kill over half a million people in the United States this year.
A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of the bitter battle against a deadly disease, a battle fought by more than 1.3 million new patients each year.
The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless tears of personal anguish shed by the patient and those shed by family members and friends who have lost a loved one.
The glass is inverted in memory of those people who are not here to join our celebration of successes.
But, the lantern represents the light of hope that lives in the hearts of all of us — hope represented by cancer survivors and the hope for a cure discovered as a result of the detailed work of the medical profession made able through funds generated through events such as Relay For Life.”
It’s not too late to donate. Click here to make your donation to the Relay For Life Central Morris team. Donations are accepted until August 31.
Fifth Annual Anti-Drunk Driving Program held at PHS
![IMG_1477](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2016/06/IMG_1477.jpg?resize=696%2C464&ssl=1)
PARSIPPANY — On Friday, June 3, Parsippany High School held their Fifth Annual Anti-Drunk Driving Program for seniors. This program was created to help raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. Parsippany-Troy Hills law enforcement officials worked closely with school administrators, Parsippany Rescue Squads, Parsippany Fire Department and Atlantic Air Medical Unit and other community stakeholders, to help raise student awareness against drunk driving, especially at this time of the year with upcoming prom and graduation celebrations.
The program is so unique from year to year which adds to the impact that is left on the students. The students created the video from beginning to end and take complete ownership of the project. Statements from participating students:
Jessica Phillips said “Being apart of the anti-drunk driving program was an unforgettable experience. During the presentation I had to pretend to be dead and hearing my mom cry over my body was so scary, I would never want her to experience that pain ever again. After it was all over I was very emotional, I didn’t expect it to have such a great effect on me. Teenagers are told all the time by their parents not to drink and drive, but seeing the accident and what emergency workers have to do in this kind of situation is the best way to show them the consequences of drinking and driving. I’m so grateful I was able to participate in this program and I hope it had a great impact on the students because no family should have to lose a loved one due to one horrible mistake.”
Kevin Jones stated “I think the fact that something like this can happen at any moment makes it so important for kids to be aware and to think about things before making a bad decision.”
“I knew going into today that it was going to be emotional, but I didn’t realize how much of an impact it would have on me. Sitting in the cop car after I got arrested, I had this guilty feeling in my gut that I had done something wrong even though it wasn’t real. After today, I know I never want to experience that feeling ever again said Daniella Spillert.
Melissa Novotny stated “When we began recording I knew I was going to be emotionally affected but I would have never thought I would’ve felt the way I did during the accident. It was an amazing experience that really opened my eyes to how extreme the consequences can be.”
Kevin Jones was paralyzed and will never be able to walk again; Melissa Novotny died during transport; Daniella Spillert was charged with Driving Under Influence, two charges to vehicular manslaughter and received a prison term of sixty years, and Jessica Phillips died at the scene.
Cast and students participants are:
Kevin Jones, Melissa Novotny, Daniella Spillert and Jessica Phillips.
Parents participating are: Ellen and Doug Jones; Bonnie and John Novotny; Michael and Dorotea Spillert; and Annmarie and Robert Phillips.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department; Parsippany Rescue and Recovery 69; Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad and Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad; and Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department Districts 4 and 5.
TV Production Teacher: Andy Nicholes; TV Production students: Jacob Feldman and Sarah Di Pippa; Sound and Lighting Advisor: Steve Gilgur; Autos Teacher: Matt Lazzari; Emergency Room Doctor: Dr.William Gluckman; Makeup Artists: Michelle Stanel and Nikki Ilic . Special Thanks to Atlantic Health Systems, Video On The Go, Parsippany-Troy Hills Detective Bob Lenahan and Tyler Smith from Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad.
Due to weather conditions, the Atlantic Air Medical Unit was cancelled for safety reasons.
Don’t drink and drive. If you been drinking, always call someone. Don’t let your friends drink and drive.
This presentation was filmed by Video-On-The Go.
The Worob welcome their second child
PARSIPPANY — Andrew and Lauren Worob welcomed their second child, Emily Madelyn Worob, on May 15 at 6:15 a.m. Emily was born at Morristown Medical Center.
She weighed 5 pounds and eight ounces, and measured 19 inches.
Grandparents are Jeff and Helene Worob, and Joe and Toby Mann.
Katherine Cascioli Named Teacher of the Year
PARSIPPANY — Katherine Cascioli, Third Grade Teacher at Troy-Hills Elementary School receives the Morris ARC 2016 Teacher of the Year Award.
Katherine celebrated this honor with many students and parents, her Father Vito, teachers, friends and parents. Katherine humbly spoke about the various, ‘teachers’ in her life. With passion, she spoke about the work of the Morris ARC and her dedication to the organization.
Among the 17 nominations, the most ever for the ARC Morris Teacher of the Year Award, were her principal, teachers and parents.
Katherine’s mother, Diane Cascioli was dedicated to the mission of the ARC Morris. Katherine is an embodiment of her mom’s values of inclusion, love, and family. When Katherine’s mom passed seven years ago, she was asked to become involved with the ARC Morris as a board member. Katherine will become the president of the ARC Morris next year.
Robert N. Miceli, 36, passed away
PARSIPPANY — Robert N. Miceli, 36, passed away suddenly on Sunday June, 5 at his home.
He was born in Paterson and raised in Lake Hiawatha where he lived all his life.
Robert was an Emergency Medical Technician for Cardinal Ambulance Service in Totowa prior to that he worked for Atlantic Ambulance in Livingston.
He was a dedicated and life member of the Rockaway Neck Ambulance Squad in Lake Hiawatha where he served as Past Senior Lieutenant and current Duty Lieutenant.
Robert is pre-deceased by his mother Ann Marie (nee-Picarillo) who passed away on September 2001.
Survivors include his father, Gino; his Step-Mother: Eva; his sister Deanna Miceli; his Maternal Grandmother Christina Picarillo and his niece: Evamarie Schwartz; his very best friend Peter Blin. Robert is also survived by many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.
Relatives and Friends are invited to attend his Funeral on Thursday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. from the Par-Troy Funeral Home. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, 179 Baldwin Road.
Visiting hours are on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Rockaway Neck 1st Aid Squad, P.O. Box 41, Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034.