LACEY — A popular holiday gift that has had problems with catching on fire struck a home in the Lanoka Harbor section of town on Sunday. Fire department officials said the hoverboard went up in flames while it was charging — which is consistent with reports of hoverboard fires across the country. “Be careful when charging…
Captain James Carifi Wins Another One
PARSIPPANY — On October 25, 2015 the Township’s Hearing Officer, retired Rockaway Township Police Chief, Joseph Devine, Devine Leadership Concepts, ruled in favor of Captain Carifi and stated that Parsippany lacked jurisdiction to proceed against an officer who retired over a year and a half ago and retired in “Good Standing.” However, Parsippany’s Town Council was never made aware of Chief Devine’s ruling.
Devine Leadership Concepts was hired by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills to serve as a “Hearing Officer” in disciplinary proceedings/employment matters within the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department.
Parsippany Police Chief Paul Philipps testified under oath in front of Morris County Superior Court Judge Ahto in Morris County Superior Court on November 10, 2014 that there was not going to be any administrative action taken against Captain Carifi. Then Carifi was subsequently served with a Preliminary Notice of Discipline on Christmas Eve the following month.
Devine was quick to criticize the Township’s actions by stating in his ruling that the “Service of the Preliminary Notice of Discipline on Christmas Eve does little to enhance the credible intent of this process. Since a period of one year, eight months and 24 days transpired between Captain Carifi’s retirement and service of the administrative action on Christmas evening 2014”.
Even after being served with the administrative action on Christmas Eve, three months later in March of 2015, Chief Paul Philipps certified under oath in front of Superior Court Judge Ahto that Captain Carifi did in fact retire in “Good Standing”. This was also mentioned as a basis for Chief Devine’s ruling.
On October 9, 2015, Pre-hearing motions were argued in front of the Township’s Hearing Officer, Joseph Devine. Ed Bilinkas and Christopher Deininger appeared on behalf of Captain Carifi. Both Denis Driscoll, a partner in Inglesino, Webster, Wyciskala & Taylor, LLC., and Steven Trimboli, represented the Township.
According to the transcript both sides wanted Chief Devine to rule on certain aspects of the case in their favor should it move forward.
Bilinkas and Deininger wanted the Hearing to be open to the public, which would allow anybody to come and observe the hearing. They also wanted to be able to call to the witness stand Township Attorney John Ingelsino and Mayor James Barberio.
Driscoll and Trimboli were against these positions and wanted Chief Devine to rule that the Hearing would be closed to the public, that Ingelsino and Barberio could not be called to the stand to testify and that the Hearing Officer issue a confidentiality order prohibiting Carifi’s attorney’s from discussing or disclosing any information about the case with the public/press.
However, these were all moot points since Chief Devine ruled that Parsippany lacked jurisdiction against Captain Carifi to proceed in the first place.
In further development, Parsippany Focus attended a Civil Court hearing held in Morristown Superior Court on November 4 & 5, 2015, in which the head of Parsippany Police Department’s Internal Affairs testified that Captain Carifi’s file was tampered with and certain documents and emails were removed from the file.
Upon further questioning by Mr. Deininger, it was discovered that this was never to happen and that the file is suppose to remain intact and never is suppose to change. It was also revealed the items that were removed showed the direct involvement of John Ingelsino in Captain Carifi’s case.
When questioned about the documents being removed from the file, it was discovered that they may have been removed after a meeting that Lt. Keith Veletto had with Chief Paul Philipps and Parsippany’s attorneys.
Through OPRA requests, Parsippany Focus has learned that this administrative action that was recently dismissed by Chief Devine, cost the Township over $90,000. Regarding the total amount that Inglesino, Webster, Wyciskala & Taylor, LLC., and Aurora Information Security & Risk have billed the Township regarding Captain Carifi is approximately 1.9 million dollars.
Finally, court documents show that Federal Court Judge Caproni from the Southern District Court of New York, found Aurora’s Founder, Matthew Ferrante to be not credible during a recent Court case, which was recently decided in October of 2015.
Ironically, Captain Carifi’s computer expert, John Luich from eForensix, a regular of Fox news and also a former employee with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, has previously documented in Court submissions that Aurora and Mr. Ferrante were in fact misleading the Court in their submissions.
PHS Marching Band performs half-time show at Jets-Patriots game
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School Marching Band performed the half-time show on Sunday, December 27 at MetLife Stadium during the Jets vs. New England Patriots game.
The Jets organization sent coach buses to Parsippany High School to pick up the band, at 8:00 a.m. to head to MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford.
The members of the band also ate lunch in the AT&T pavilion and was provided with tickets to see the game.
The Parsippany High School Marching Band are the 2015 USBands Group IV A New Jersey State and National Champions. The band is led by Drum Majors Dev Lad, Megan Wang and Miki Hansen, and under the direction of Mr. Gregory Dalakian
The National Anthem was performed by Raymond Luke Jr. from Broadway’s “Motown.”
The game was televised on Channel 2, WCBS New York. The New York Jets beat the New England Patriots 26-20 on overtime.
The NFL postseason doesn’t officially begin until the second weekend in January. But for the New York Jets it started today.
The 9-5 Jets were currently on the outside of the playoff picture, thanks to losing out on a tiebreaker with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall says he knows this week’s tilt against the New England Patriots will be arguably the biggest game he’s ever played. The Jets are now 10-5, and the Patriots are now 12-3.
The Parsippany High School Marching Band will perform on Prudential Center concourse before the Thursday, January 21 Devils game against Ottawa Senators. Click here for more information.
PHS Marching Band to perform during Jets game
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School Marching Band will be performing on Sunday, December 27 at MetLife Stadium during the Jets vs. New England Patriots game. They will perform during half-time.
The Jets organization will be sending coach buses to Parsippany High School to pick up the band. They are leaving Parsippany High School around 8:00 a.m. to head to MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford.
They are providing the members of the band lunch in the AT&T pavilion and tickets to see the game.
The Parsippany High School Marching Band are the 2015 USBands Group IV A New Jersey State and National Champions. The band is led by Drum Majors Dev Lad, Megan Wang and Miki Hansen, and under the direction of Mr. Gregory Dalakian.
The National Anthem will be performed by Raymond Luke Jr. from Broadway’s “Motown.”
The game will be televised on Channel 2, WCBS New York.
Parsippany Focus will be at the game taking pictures of the Parsippany High School Marching Band and will provide coverage.
Clothing Drive for Chennai Floods was a huge success
PARSIPPANY — During December 2015, Chennai was hit by several storms, which caused incessant rainfall for about three weeks, which led to flooding, which was attributed to poor infrastructure of the city. The 2015 South Indian floods resulted from heavy rainfall during the annual monsoon in November to December floods 2015. The flooding has been attributed to El Nino phenomenon, which broke a 100 year record and the areas effected were capital of Tamil Nadu – Chennai and adjacent villages and cities. Nearly 400 people have died and 1.8 million have been displaced, with damages exceeding $15 billion.
Abhishek Parthiban, 15, a sophomore in the Healthcare Care Academy at Morris Votech School. His family is originally from Chennai, Tamil Nadu in India. His father is from Chennai and mother, Seema is from Hyderabad. He has a younger brother Divyesh, a sixth grader at Central Middle School.
The Parthiban’s family was not able to make contact with their family, for about a week as the city had lost power and was disconnected from rest of the world. Finally when they heard from them, it was a great relief, but also were saddened by the massive devastation, which rendered people homeless. People were in immediate need of food, shelter and clothing. Their immediate concern was to provide help to the people effected in any way they could.
A massive clothing drive was initiated in New Jersey. Parthiban’s family immediately pitched in to initiate the clothing drive in Parsippany. With great support from the Parsippany PAL, PAL director Tony Bonavitacola, serving as a great drop off location. About 90 medium sized boxes were collected. VT-Seva, the local volunteer’s group pitched in to help in sorting and packing the boxes. A total of 300 boxes would be collected from different areas of New Jerset, to be shipped on a container to India.
All the boxes were transported to Central Jersey, which would be delivered to Delaware for their final destination.
Many thanks to the Indian community in Parsippany and surrounding areas for making this event a great success.
Santa arrives on a Fire Truck on Christmas Eve
PARSIPPANY —Santa may live in the North Pole, but on Christmas Eve, December 24 he visited sections of Parsippany on his “sleigh” – a fire truck.
Volunteer fire fighters from Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department 2 made sure that residents got a healthy dose of Christmas spirit by sending Santa around with his escort to deliver goodies and smiles to children, seniors and residents alike.
Holiday Pet Fostering Gives Shelter Pets a Home for the Holidays
PARSIPPANY — Everyone loves to be home for the holidays, enjoying the comfort and warmth of the season – but many homeless pets in our area spend their holidays in shelters. However, St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, they have a plan for shelter pets who haven’t found a home by December 24.
Thorough St. Hubert’s Home for the Holidays program, shelter dogs and cats are given a break from the shelter and the opportunity to enjoy a holiday vacation with foster families. Holiday foster parents are given everything they need to take care of their foster pet, from food to supplies – and even a wrapped present to be opened on Christmas morning!
Janet Saulter-Hemmer of Parsippany was looking to bring some joy to a shelter pet’s life this holiday season and stopped in at St. Hubert’s Madison shelter to meet an animal to bring home for the holidays.
“I love to foster pets to get them ready for adoption because it is so rewarding to help socialize them, and help them learn to love people. When they go to their furever home I know I helped them have a great start,’ said Parsippany resident Janet Saulter-Hemmer.
“It’s great because it gives the animals a chance to get out of the shelter,’ said Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill. “I been fostering dogs to save a dog’s life. For every dog that goes into a foster home, it makes room for a dog that is on death-row to be saved and have a place to sleep. It’s always a pleasure to find a fur-ever home for the dogs.”
The program is run by Foster Coordinator Kim Lehner, who also facilitates fostering opportunities throughout the year.
“If you’re looking to make a difference in the life of an animal, but can’t make the commitment to adopt, fostering is a great way to help,” said Lehner. “It can be rewarding, fun experience for the whole family, and it enables our shelter pets to experience home and family life and become ready for adoption.”
Foster families, who provide temporary care for a pet while the pet waits for permanent adoptive homes, are needed year-round, and all supplies and training are provided by St. Hubert’s staff.
For more information about fostering a shelter pet, contact Kim Lehner or learn more by clicking here.
Founded in 1939, St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center operated a renowned dog training center and three adoption cents with a fourth opening in 2016. St. Hubert’s provides animal control services to a number of municipalities in Somerset and Morris counties and provides a variety of programs including humane education throughout northern New Jersey, pet therapy, a pet food pantry, low-cost spray/neuter of community cats, a pet help line, a professional education and training series. St. Hubert’s is a regular response agency for local, regional and national disasters. The organization also houses the ASPCA Behavior Rehabilitation Center, a ground-breaking behavior program for dogs that were victims of puppy mills, hoarding or other abuse.
Morris County Crimestoppers celebrates 30th Annual Holiday Fundraiser
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Crimestoppers celebrated its 30th Annual Holiday Fundraiser on Monday, December 14 at Birchwood Manor.
Proceeds from the event are used to fund anonymous tips received and forwarded to local police departments. The Denville Police Department received this years “Leaping Leo” Award.
Morris County Sheriff Edward Rochford was presented with a plaque and a flag flown over the World Trade Center on November 2, 2015 to honor the memories of those who tragically fell on September 11, 2001 and serve as a reminder of America’s Commitment to the Defense of Liberty and Freedom.
Boy Scouts earn merit badge at Council meeting
PARSIPPANY —Two members of Parsippany Boy Scout Troop 72 attended the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council meeting on Tuesday, December 15 to earn a “Citizenship in the Community” badge.
Crin Vricoli and Thomas Goetschkes attended Tuesday’s meeting to earn their badges.
Requirements to earn the badge include:
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- A) Attend a city or town council or school board meeting, or a municipal; county, or state court session.
- B) Choose one of the issues discussed at the meeting where a difference of opinions was expressed, and the Scout must explain to their counselor why they agree with one opinion more than you do another one.
There were other optional requirements, but both scouts choose to attend the township council meeting.
At the end of the meeting they had the opportunity to speak to Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.
Doctor admits role in bribe-for-blood scheme from Parsippany lab
NEWARK — The kickbacks of around $3,300 a month were not enough for Dr. Bret Ostrager, according to authorities. The physician, who has a practice in Nassau County, New York, also enjoyed music and sports, so he asked for, and got, tickets to Justin Bieber and Katy Perry concerts, the Broadway show “Newsies” and Knicks and…
Former Parsippany cop’s drug charges dismissed due to police entrapment
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A former Parsippany police sergeant who successfully sued his department for harassment, recently had drugs charges in Florida dismissed due to alleged police entrapment, the Sun Sentinel reported. Kevin Pisano was arrested in Dec. 2011 while on duty as a Fort Lauderdale police officer on charges of possessing and delivering prescription drugs…
Help Save Lives in Your Community During National Blood Donor Month
PARSIPPANY — Community Blood Services extends a sincere thank you to its many blood, plasma and platelet donors for their ongoing lifesaving donations during 2015 and invites those donors who are eligible this January to help celebrate National Blood Donor Month by making their next donation.
“We want to thank our volunteer donors during National Blood Donor Month for their ongoing donations and remind them how important they are to the patients whose lives they help to save in our community hospitals,” said Karen Ferriday, director of community affairs at Community Blood Services.
Donors will receive a mystery gift card as a thank you when they donate on Sunday or Monday, January 3 or 4 at a New Jersey donor center to help boost the post-holiday supply. The Paramus and Parsippany centers are open on Sunday and the Paramus, Montvale and Lincoln Park donor centers are open on Monday.
Ferriday said there is a critical need for Type O negative blood and platelets to rebuild the supply following the holiday season when the supply traditionally dips.
“It’s important that we continue to build our supply in case illness and inclement weather during the winter months keeps donors away or result in canceled blood drives,” Ferriday said. As the new year begins, she asked that donors consider donating blood regularly in 2016, noting more than 44,000 blood donations are needed daily throughout the U.S.
Donors can call (201) 251-3703 or click here to make an appointment to donate or to find a convenient donor collection site or mobile blood drive in New Jersey. Whole blood donors also can walk in to any donor center but appointments are needed to donate platelets.
Donors must be 17-75 years old (16 and 17 years old with parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds.
All blood types are needed to meet the needs of patients in the more than 20 hospitals Community Blood Services serves in New Jersey and New York but O negative is in most demand by hospitals because it can be transfused to any patient in need regardless of their blood type. Platelets are also needed to treat patients diagnosed with cancer or other blood disorders and AB male plasma is needed for trauma victims.
CCM Awarded Grant to Become Part of ‘Citizenship Under Siege’ Project
RANDOLPH — County College of Morris (CCM) is one of seven community colleges, and the only one in New Jersey, awarded a $17,500 grant through the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) to take part in a new nationwide project on “Citizenship Under Siege.” AAC&U, along with The Democracy Commitment, is providing the funding through a $200,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to sponsor a series of public forums around the country. The project builds on a previously NEH-funded initiative, Bridging Cultures to Form a Nation: Difference, Community, and Democratic Thinking, in which CCM also was a recipient and participant.
“We’re honored to receive this support to continue the work CCM has undertaken through The Bridging Cultures project as part of our commitment to supporting diversity and civic engagement,” said Dr. Edward J. Yaw, CCM president. “Through this grant, we will be able to facilitate public dialogue on how we as a nation can bridge differences and build stronger communities.”
In announcing the grants, AAC&U noted that since the nation’s origins, who counts as a U.S. citizen has been hotly contested, and today those divisive debates are as intense as ever.
Public forums, supported by the grant, will explore 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.
Dr. Jill Schennum, chair of the Department of Sociology, Economics and Anthropology, and Dr. Michael Parrella, chair of the Department of History and Political Science, applied for and will be overseeing the grant at CCM.
Schennum explained that the funding will be used to develop a public forum to investigate the theme of stratified citizenship. Faculty and students then will expand upon the themes raised and discussed in the forum and develop a series of resources for the college community and general public.
The Learning Center at the Morris County School of Technology Accepting Preschool Applications
DENVILLE — Morris County School of Technology’s learning center, located in Denville, will be accepting applications for the Fall 2016 preschool program.
The Learning Center runs a morning and afternoon program for children in Morris County who are 3 – 5 years of age and toilet trained.
Students in the full time high school Academy for Education and Learning teach the program which runs Mondays through Thursdays for two sessions each day from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. School is in session from the end of September to the middle of June. Additionally, two certified teachers supervise the program.
Children must be 3 years old by October 2016 and residents of Morris County. Enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. Current tuition for the year is $1350 (anticipated to increase 2% for 2016), which is broken into four payments. The first ¼ payment is due by May 2016 to hold a spot.
For more information on how to enroll a child in The Learning Center, call (973) 627-4600 ext. 276 or email skomialj@mcvts.org. Applications and additional information can be found at www.mcvts.org under the Programs tab (The Learning Center).
Allegro Music Academy presented a holiday concert
PARSIPPANY — The Music Shop presented the “Allegro Music Academy in Morris” in concert on Friday, December 11 at the Parsippany High School.
The performing ensembles included the Suzuki Plus beginning violin classes, the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Strings and the Encore adult full orchestra. The finale was the “Children’s Christmas March” which included all the players, with ages from 4-74.
All participating musicians brought wrapped diapers to donate to the Parsippany Rotary Club to assist local families in need.
The wrapped packages decorated the stage during the concert and afterwards were distributed by the Rotary. The members of Allegro was pleased to be able to share their music and their gifts with the community.
The Allegro Music Academy in Morris is located at the Music Shop, 56 Fanny Road, Boonton, and offers lessons on all instruments and ensembles and workshops for the most complete music education in Morris County.
All programs are offering an Open House in January.
For more information contact Debra@themusicshop.com or Diane@themusicshop.com.
Brooklawn Middle School raises money to support Alex Gallego
PARSIPPANY — The students of Brooklawn Middle School held a fundraiser for “IM4ALEX.”
The Brooklawn spirit was everywhere as they were for 4Alex, just like in 2005 when he made the school proud as a State Officer.
On Wednesday, December 23 students donated a buck and were able to wear a hoodie, and teachers who donated $3.00 were able to wear jeans.
On Wednesday the students and faculty of Brooklawn Middle School raised over $1,300 to support Alex Gallego and his family, with more donations on the way from people who saw their posts. The students proved that “Once a Black Knight, always a Black Knight!”
Alex was the student council president at Parsippany Hills High School during his senior year. He graduated in 2010.
On Sunday, January 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Applebee’s, 1057 Route 46 will be holding a flapjack fundraiser for Alex. Alex was a server at Applebee’s.
Tickets are available at the door for $10.00. Parsippany Applebees’s employees will be wearing tye dye ribbon for Alex.
Alex suffered injuries recently and currently is in the ICU fighting to get better. He and his family will undoubtedly have innumerable medical bills and any support that we can give, especially this time of year, will never be forgotten. Please help us reach the goal and show Alex and his family how much love and support he has on his road to recovery. To donate to Alex, please click here.
Italian American Police Society held Christmas Party for children in need
MORRIS COUNTY — Italian American Police Society of New Jersey Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Morris, Bergen and Passaic counties held its Annual Christmas Party for children in need. The event was held at the American Legion Hall in Whippany.
The US Customs and Border Protection Law Enforcement Explorers helped to make the holiday party for Big Brothers and Big Sisters a huge success. These young men and women did an outstanding job.
Over 200 children received an afternoon of gifts, enjoying pizza, cake, brownies, soda, face painters and Elmo and Sponge Bob and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. They gave away truckloads of toys and gifts to the young children who enjoyed spending time with police officers from the area. Undersheriff William Schievella said “Thank you so much to all that worked hard to make our event another success. I also want to thank those who generously gave to help those in need. There is nothing better than serving the community around the holidays.”
Narcotics Task Force Arrest Three Individuals for Bulk Cocaine Distribution
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Chief Mark West of the Lincoln Park Borough Police Department, and Chief Brian Spring of the Pequannock Township Police Department announce the arrest of three individuals for distributing bulk quantities of cocaine.
Over the past several months, members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) received information concerning cocaine distribution in the Borough of Lincoln Park. Detectives from the Morris County Narcotics Task Force, Lincoln Park Borough Police Department, and Pequannock Township Police Department jointly conducted an investigation that resulted in the seizure of over four ounces of cocaine, approximately $3,800.00 in United States currency, a digital scale, and a 2000 Toyota Camry that was utilized in the drug distribution scheme.
The retail street value of the seized narcotics is over $7,000.00.
The investigation culminated late yesterday evening with the arrest of the three individuals that were charged with the following offenses:
Mr. Alexis R. Rosario, 34, Lincoln Park, who was charged with the following:
- 3 counts of second-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine).
- 3 counts of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine).
- 3 counts of third-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine).
- 4 counts of second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances (cocaine).
- Rosario’s bail was set by Superior Court Judge James DeMarzo at $150,000, no 10% option and a bail source hearing required. The defendant was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in default of bail.
Ms. Randee M. Lotterman, 30, Lincoln Park, was charged with the following:
- 1 count of second-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine).
- 1 count of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine).
- 1 count of third-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine).
- 1 count of second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances (cocaine).
Lotterman’s bail was set by Municipal Court Judge Andrew Wubbenhorst at $100,000, no 10% option and a bail source hearing required. The defendant was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in default of bail.
Mr. Vincent P. Fierro, 20, Pequannock, was charged with the following:
- 5 counts of second-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine).
- 5 counts of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine).
- 5 counts of third-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine).
- 4 counts of second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances (cocaine).
Fierro’s bail was set by Superior Court Judge James DeMarzo at $150,000, no 10% option and a bail source hearing required. The defendant was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in default of bail. Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp wishes to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit (Narcotics Task Force), the Lincoln Park Borough Police Department, Pequannock Township Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team and K9 Unit.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Sons of Italy donates to Jersey Battered Women’s Services
Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 purchased $3,000 worth of gift cards this holiday season for donation to needy families. President, Joe Jannarone, Jr., presented Regina Braham, Director of Community Relations at Jersey Battered Women’s Services, with $750 worth of Walmart gift cards for victims of domestic violence. Sons of Italy, united by their Italian heritage, is a constant contributor to various charities and always willing to help the community.
Remember to recycle your wrapping paper and holiday cards
During this holiday season, Parsippany Focus reminders it’s readers that all holiday cards and wrapping paper (with the exception of foil wrapping paper) are recyclable.
Ah, the day after Christmas – if you’ve been greening your holiday thus far, why stop now? Parsippany resident Roy Messmer said “One of the simplest ways to keep up the great eco-work is to recycle that colorful mound of ripped-up wrapping paper left in the aftermath of Christmas day.”
If you need ideas, we’ve got five easy ways to reuse your gift wrap:
1) RECYCLE IT: Shredding before recycling is one option, and if you have a manual shredder, you use no electricity.
2) COMPOST IT: Shredded paper is a great starter component for that vermicompost you always wanted to try, but which gave you the creepy crawlies. As one blog commentator wrote, “I use [shredded paper] in my worm composting bin. They love it and then the castings are great for the garden, house plants, even as a type of fertilizer for your yard.” Something to jot on your list of New Year’s resolutions.
3) STUFF IT: When shredded, gift-wrapping paper makes a great packaging tool. This of course means you would have to save the stuff for the next time you’re snail-mailing a delicate gift cross-country to grandma. You can also use it to return that sagging bean bag chair to its original, more rounded, shape.
4) MUSH IT: Make paper mache masks! What kid wouldn’t love his or her very own personalized mask? And it’s easier than you think. All that is required is equal parts flour, water and imagination. If the idea of a mask spooks your kid, make a papier mache bowl instead. Painted Fish Studio has a great tutorial.
5) PET IT: When minced into tiny bits, discarded paper makes great bedding for small pets. I’ve been doing this for over a year now, and our pet bunny couldn’t be happier. It does absorb less than store-bought bedding, does not contain deodorizers and so will require more frequent changes.
If all else fails, you can go the route of this resourceful recycler: “I stuff torn pantyhose and knee highs with shredded paper, spray with Febreze and stuff this into my kids’ stinky sneakers!” But I’d suggest a quick Google search first.