3-year old Mason and 5-year old Andrew Macedo with Santa in 2015
Mayor James Barberio and Santa lite the tree at Town Hall
PARSIPPANY — Santa arrived in Parsippany-Troy Hills just in time to light the tree at Town Hall on Sunday, December 6.
Santa arrived with a police escort sitting on a fire truck from Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6 just in time to help Mayor James Barberio light the Christmas tree at Town Hall.
Immediately following the tree lighting Santa met with children, and wanted to know what each child wanted him to bring to their home on Christmas eve. The children also received candy canes from Santa.
Mayor James Barberio and Santa lighting the tree
13-year old Davin, 10-year old Julia and Linda Budich with Santa
Councilman Louis Valori and Council Vice President Robert Peluso with Santa
3-year old Mason and 5-year old Andrew Macedo with Santa in 2015
Brenda and Jamie Barberio with Santa
Ruby Beg, Beg Niclaus, Lynda Palmer, Judy Larick and Donna Stratigis, the wives of Parsippany Rescue and Recovery hands out cookies to the children
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Robert Peluso, Jr., and Council Vice President Robert Peluso
Refreshments of hot chocolate and cookies were served to all the children by the Wives of Parsippany-Troy Hills Rescue and Recovery afterwards.
Have you been good girls and boys? Do you want to know what Santa Claus has in store for you for Christmas? Do you want to know when Santa and his sleigh will be getting to your house?
We can’t answer the first two questions. Only you can answer the first one. Only Santa can answer the second one.
But thanks to the wonders of the NORAD we can give you an idea where Santa is on Christmas Eve. Children can track Santa Claus on Christmas Eve by clicking here.
Applebee's Manager Rachael Gaida, David Gaida and Santa Claus
PARSIPPANY — Applebees, 1057 Route 46, celebrated its annual “Breakfast with Santa” fundraiser on Saturday, December 5. Over 195 people attended the event, and Parsippany Applebees raised $3,150, in which Doherty Enterprises matches the amount raised and donates to the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots program.
The fundraiser supports the efforts of the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots program, currently in its 67th year, which distributes new toys to underprivileged children to brighten the holidays, unify local communities and deliver a message of hope.
The bicycle was part of the Tricky-Tray
Applebee’s was crowded during the Breakfast with Santa event
Kayla Leon, Rachael Gaida, Kim Leandry, Toni Bizarro and Murphy McDaniels gathered around the Christmas Tree
Children visiting Santa
Applebee’s Manager Rachael Gaida, David Gaida and Santa Claus
The Applebees staff volunteered their time for the fundraiser
Guests enjoyed breakfast compliments of Applebee’s along with goodies, raffle tickets for door prizes and the opportunity to take a photo with Santa Claus.
Tickets to Breakfast with Santa were $10.00 each.
Applebee’s raised additional funds by selling paper “gift packages” for $1.00 each, which were displayed in the restaurant. 100% of the proceeds from the Breakfast with Santa events and “gift package” purchases will be donated directly to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program to be distributed to local families.
“We are proud to once again partner with Toys for Tots for the 2015 holiday season, said Ed Doherty, founder and CEO of Doherty Enterprises. “Charitable giving is a focus within our company and the restaurants we operate, and our employees go above and beyond to do all they can to raise awareness and funds. As is it the season of giving, we are proud to be able to support this fantastic organization and its efforts within our local communities.”
Heading into its 17th year, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises, which owns 107 Applebee’s restaurants across New Jersey, New York, Florida and Georgia, have raised over $3.6 million for the Toys for Tots initiative to date, helping to spread holiday cheer to over 230,000 deserving children.
“We are grateful to Doherty Enterprises and their continued support over the last sixteen years as a corporate sponsor,” said retired Marine General Pete Osman, the President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Ed Doherty and everyone on his team work extremely hard to make this program a success year after year, and we are fortunate to have them as a partner, as their generous contributions help us continue toward our goal of building better communities by providing support and hope.”
In addition to Toys for Toys, Doherty-owned Applebee’s restaurants provide support for charitable causes in the communities they serve year-round under the leadership of CEO Ed Doherty. To date, Applebee’s has raised and donated over $1.9 million for local charities through 1,350 events and sponsorships.
Just in time for the holidays, for every $50.00 gift card purchase, guests will receive a mystery bonus card, containing a value of up to $25.00. Offer valid now through December 31. Bonus cards valid from next visit through February 28.
About Doherty Enterprises, Inc. Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises, Inc. is recognized as the 68th largest privately-held business in the New York Metro area by Crain’s Business and the 10th largest franchisee in the United States as ranked in the Restaurant Finance Monitor, operating eight restaurant concepts including: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, Quaker Steak & Lube, Noodles & Company, IHOP, and two of its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas. In 2015, Nation’s Restaurant News ranked Doherty Enterprises as the 78th largest U.S. Foodservice revenue company, up from 85 in 2014. To date, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates over 160 restaurants in northern, southern and central New Jersey, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Florida and Georgia – including newly acquired locations in the Miami area. The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow Our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.” (www.DohertyInc.com).
Toys for Tots, a 66 year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each Christmas holiday season. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Last year the Marine Corps fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 6.8 million less fortunate children in 762 communities nationwide. Since 1947 over 222 million children have been assisted. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.
Loretta Gragnani, Santa, Justin Campbell and the grand children of Robert Campbell, Sr. (all children are Campbell's, except on right in grey is Margaret Lubarsky)
PARSIPPANY — Santa arrived on Sunday, December 6 at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5 to greet the many children. The children had the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas, as their parents took many pictures.
The volunteers also cooked up a delicious pancake, scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon breakfast.
Brandon Schweizer, David Cavaliere, Boston Bob Morrisson, Chief Robert Campbell, Jr. and Undersheriff William Schievella
Alex, Genny, James, 6, Kate, 4, Nielsen with Parsippany Council-elect Loretta Gragnani and Santa
Volunteer Firemen TJ and Adam Campbell serving breakfast
Former Councilman Jonathan Nelson, Lonnie Ruland posing with Santa
Edward Limanov sitting with Santa
Firefighters Patrick Fales and Ryan Scott were collecting the money at the door
PARSIPPANY — New Jersey State Police and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department responded to a two car head on collision on the exit ramp from Route 287 (Exit 42) onto Parsippany Boulevard, at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Saturday, December 5.
The vehicle crossed lanes and ended on the wrong side of the road
Vehicle hit in a head-on-collision
State Police investigating inside the vehicle
Initial reports indicate Parsippany Rescue and Recovery was called to the scene as reports indicated both drivers were trapped in their vehicles.
Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 6, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance and Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance were called to the scene.
Initial reports indicate two individuals were transported to Morristown Medical Center. At this time the condition of either individual in unknown.
Calls to New Jersey State Police for details went unanswered at the time of publishing this article. Parsippany Focus will update this article as details become available.
Jadon Hoyt erupted for four goals and two assists to power Parsippany Regional to a 10-0 victory over Gill St. Bernard’s at Mennen Ice Arena in Morris Township. Anthony Caccavale struck for the first of his two goals 2:21 into the opening period and the Vikings broke the game open with five goals in the first.…
Parsippany Board of Education President Fran Orthwein, PEF Foundation Stella Gizas and Vice President Valerie Recchia.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Education Foundation is excited to present a check in the amount of $27,264.86 to the Parsippany Board of Education. This check represents the total amount of grants awarded to the school district for the 2015-2016 school year.
The Parsippany Education Foundation is a non-profit organization established to enrich the opportunities and experiences of the students in the Parsippany-Troy School District. The Board of Directors consists of volunteers committed to developing a community of learners.
They are currently running a 50-50 cash raffle and we will be having a Golf Outing in the Spring. More information can be found on their Facebook or click here to visit their website by clicking here.
You can view their website for more information on grants donated in previous years and for a list of grants.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Focus has learned that Aurora Information Security & Risk, the computer firm hired by Township Attorney John Inglesino and which billed Parsippany nearly 1 million dollars for imaging the hard drive of a Parsippany Police Captain, was operating under a suspended business registration in the State of New Jersey from the period of January 16, 2014 through May 13, 2015.
During the period Aurora was suspended from doing business with government entities, they billed the Township of Parsippany via Inglesino’s firm, $564,697.88
During this timeframe, the Township entered into an ‘Accord and Satisfaction’ agreement with Aurora.
Click here to view the official document from the State of New Jersey.
N.J.S.A. 52:32-44 imposes certain requirements upon a business competing for, or entering into a contract with a State Agency. Chapter 57 expands the business registration requirement to organizations competing for, or entering into contracts with the following public contracting agencies.
A contracting agency may not enter into a contract with a contractor unless it has received proof of business registration: (a) at the time of bid or proposal submission, in response to a request for bids or proposals; or (b) for all other transactions, prior to issuance of a purchase order or other contracting documents.
For any purchases of goods or services made by a contracting agency under a State of New Jersey Purchasing Contract, or any other authorized cooperative purchasing agreement, the contracting agency awarding the contract shall receive and hold the proof of registration.
For bids and requests for proposals, the contracting agency must keep the proof of business registration in the file where documents relating to the contract are maintained.
On Monday Parsippany Focus emailed Mayor Barberio, Mr. Inglesino, Aurora founder Matthew Ferrante, Township Labor Attorney Stephen Trimboli, current and former Council members, Business Administrator Ellen Sandman, and Township Purchasing Agent Michael Hardie for a comment.
PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3 held their annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, November 29.
The volunteers served pancakes, sausages, bagels, donuts, coffee and orange juice to hundreds of guests.
The Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the following companies for their support: Annabella’s Restaurant, Anthony Francos Pizza, Atlanta Bread, Baldwin Bagels, Bangiola’s Sandwich Shoppe, Evonik, Fuddruckers, General Store, Great Wazu, Houlihan’s Restaurant, Longhorn Steakhouse, Marco’s Pizzeria, Marino’s Pizzeria, McDonalds, Outback Steak House, Pro-Haircutters, Quick Chek, Redstone Tavern, Shear Creations, Smash Burger and Zinburger.
And Barry Eckenthal, Birchwood Manor, Cain & Sons, Castle Printing, David Brask, Eagle Auto Body, Election Graphics, Fire & Safety Services, IBEW Local Union 102, Glatfelter Insurance, Mama Louisa’s Italian Deli, New Jersey Fire Equipment, Robert J. Iracane, CPA, Tri-State Technical Service.
Each year over 10,000 visitors come to The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township view more than 200 awe-inspiring edible gingerbread creations.
“Gingerbread Wonderland and Craft Show is a special event because it celebrates the imagination and creativity of individuals,” said Lesley Parness, Superintendent of Horticultural Education at the Morris County Park Commission.
Past creations have included, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Santa’s Workshop, Hanukah Menorahs, a grand piano, the nutcracker, and even the White House.
Gingerbread Wonderland is held from Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays until 7:30 p.m. at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 East Hanover Avenue, Morris Township.
The Holiday Craft Show is open weekends, December 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Artists and crafters offer a variety of unique handmade gifts. Different crafters setup displays each weekend to provide a wide selection of products.
In the mood for yummy treats after smelling the delicious candy? Head over to Matilda’s Café for seasonal delights. The Cafe is opened Monday-Thursday, 12:00 Noon to 8:00 pm.; Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Weekends 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission is $2.00 per person and children under two are free. Groups of eight or more must make a reservation by calling (973) 326-7601.
To submit an entry to the exhibit, registration materials can be found by clicking here. For more information, please call (973) 326-7601 or click here
The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 18,730 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!
Community Blood Services invites its volunteer blood, platelet and plasma donors to give the gift of life this holiday season to ensure there is enough blood on the shelves for local patients who might need it.
Donors who donate at the Parsippany Donor Center on Monday, December 21, or at the Paramus, Montvale or Lincoln Park donor centers on Tuesday, December 22 or Wednesday, December 23, will get Snowball the Holiday Bear as a thank you for their life-giving donations. Community Blood Services is located at 1259 Route 46 East, Building 4E, Suite 12.
Donors are asked to call (201) 251-3703 for locations and holiday hours and to make an appointment to donate. The centers will be closing early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Traditionally, there is an urgent need for more donations at this time of the year because there are fewer blood drives and donors are away on vacation. At the same time there is an increase in demand because it is a heavy travel time that can leads to more accidents requiring blood transfusions, said Karen Ferriday, community affairs director at Community Blood Services.
Platelets, which only have a shelf life of five days, are especially needed right before and after Christmas and New Year’s, as is Type O negative blood, the universal blood type that can be transfused to any patient during an emergency regardless of the patient’s blood type. AB male plasma is also needed to treat trauma patients and patients with blood disorders.
“One way we are trying to address the holiday shortfall is by increasing the number of donations made using our automated technology. By asking our donors to make automated donations we are able to collect more life-giving products during one donation and better target our hospitals’ needs,” Ferriday said.
Automated donations allow multiple products to be collected during one donation (double red cells, platelets and/or plasma), therefore helping even more patients who need transfusions, she explained.
There has been an ongoing shortage of Type O negative blood, the universal blood type that can be used for all other blood types during emergencies like car accidents and for premature babies. Fr this readon it is the blood type most in demand by hospitals. Only 7 percent of the population has Type O negative blood which means the supply must continuously be replenished. In addition platelet donors are urgently needed to treat cancer patients, as well as male plasma donors for trauma and burn patients.
To donate, donors must be healthy, 17-75 years old (16 and 17 year olds need parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds.
Community Blood Services is a not-for-profit organization that provides blood and blood products for patients in 20-plus hospitals in New Jersey and New York, including Atlantic Health System, HackensackUMC, St. Joseph’s Healthcare System in Paterson/Wayne and The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood.
Maj. John Broderick, master resilience trainer with the Army Reserve’s 99th Regional Support Command, teaches a resiliency class to Army Reserve Soldiers and their families during a Yellow Ribbon event hosted by the 99th RSC at the Sheraton Hotel
Maj. John Broderick, master resilience trainer with the Army Reserve’s 99th Regional Support Command, teaches a resiliency class to Army Reserve Soldiers and their families during a Yellow Ribbon event hosted by the 99th RSC at the Sheraton Hotel
PARSIPPANY — Having Soldiers who are able to bounce back from adversity and function while under great stress is one of the keys to the Army Reserve’s success as part of the nation’s Total Force.
While this resiliency is important on the battlefield, it is just as important on the home front when Soldiers return from deployment and rejoin their families.
“It’s important for Soldiers to get those (resiliency) skills, especially coming back,” explained Trey Nichols, Yellow Ribbon program manager for the Army Reserve’s 99th Regional Support Command. “Studies show that 90 to 180 days (after returning) is when suicide rates start spiking, so that’s when the resiliency training comes into play so they can get those skills and not react negatively to those life events that happen.”
The Yellow Ribbon Program is a Department of Defense-wide program that addresses Soldiers’ and Families’ concerns before, during and after deployments through a series of scheduled weekend events.
“It’s important for Soldiers and Family members to come to the Yellow Ribbon events because it allows them to reintegrate, reconnect and get their lives back into focus,” Nichols said. “Having resiliency training at Yellow Ribbon events adds value to the program because everybody needs to know how to bounce back, everybody needs to know how to put it into perspective.
“If Soldiers and Families get the skills that are being taught here at Yellow Ribbon, they’ll be able to take those skills home and use them in a broader spectrum for every facet of their life,” he added.
The DoD launched the Yellow Ribbon program in 2008 to ensure reserve-component Soldiers have access to the information and resources they need to reintegrate with their families, their communities and their employers effectively.
Unlike their active-duty counterparts who return to the extensive support of an installation after deployment, reserve-component Soldiers return to communities that may not understand the depth of their experience and to families that may be unfamiliar with military demands.
“When you come back from deployment, everything has changed,” said Maj. John Broderick, master resilience trainer with the 99th RSC. Whether you intended it to, no matter how much you stayed in touch while you were deployed, it has changed.
“Not only do you have to recognize that change is there, but you have to connect with your family member, your battle buddy who maybe didn’t deploy, your friends back here who don’t know what you went through,” Broderick explained. “You need to reach out to them in an effective manner so that they have some understanding of where you’re coming from so they can be there for you, because you’re not going to be able to do it all on your own.”
The 99th RSC’s mission is to provide facilities, programs and services to Soldiers, civilians and their families in the Northeast Region, to support Army readiness, to sustain the All-Volunteer Force and to ensure infrastructure for current and future mission requirements.
The 99th RSC provides vehicle maintenance at 26 Area Maintenance Support Activities, equipment storage and maintenance at nine Equipment Concentration Sites, administrative support at 14 Regional Personnel Action Center hubs and satellite offices, and training support at more than 250 Reserve Centers located throughout its 13-state region stretching from Maine to Virginia.
PARSIPPANY — Ms. Sofia Ahmad, 34, Boonton was traveling south on Greenbank Road, towards the intersection of Knoll Road, when Mr. Frank Zoulias, 88, Montville, was traveling east on Knoll Road towards the intersection of Greenbank Road and Lake Shore Drive. Ms. Ahmad entered the intersection while having the right-of-way. Mr. Zoulias also entered the intersection in from of Ms. Ahmad causing Ms. Ahmad to hit Mr. Zoulias in the drivers side door. Mr. Loncia did not yield to the right-of-way.
Ms. Ahmad was driving a 2016 Honda Odyssey and Mr. Zoulias was driving a 2012 Honda Civic which was towed from the scene by Eagle Towing.
Parsippany Emergency Medical Services arrived at the scene and transported Mrs. Zoulias, a passenger, to Morristown Medical Center.
There were no summons issued at the time of the accident. Parsippany-Troy Hills Officer Andy Van Orden investigated the accident.
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills held its Annual Candy and Cookie Meeting and wrapped over 175 tins of holiday goodies for area nursing and care homes. The cookies have been donated to residents of Sunrise Assisted Living Facility, the Country Home, both in Morris Plains, and the Eric Johnson House in Morristown.
Operation Cookie/Candy has been a project of New Jersey Women’s Clubs for over 50 years. Another recent holiday project of the club is Boatsie’s Boxes. Club members filled 56 Christmas stockings with toiletries, games, telephone cards and other items for members of the military serving overseas.
In December club members will be donating clothes, toys and other gifts to a family in the Head Start Community Program of Morris County.
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 next General Meeting is on Monday, January 25.
For more information about the January General Meeting or the club, call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or visit them on the web by clicking here.
After a couple of days of rain, the sun will shine again in New Jersey on Thursday. Forecasters are calling for clear skies and highs in the low 50s. Winds of 10-15 mph will make it feel a bit chillier, though. Expect a clear, cool evening with temperatures dropping into the 30s. Thursday marks the beginning…
Soccer Zone USA opened on Friday, November 27 in the Baldwin Shopping Center
PARSIPPANY — Frank Giuliano Sr. had a passion to help soccer grow in the Northern New Jersey area. Since moving to the United States from his native country Italy, he knew that it was only a matter of time until soccer would start to become popular in the states.
Little by little he began to build great relationships with important soccer figures in the area. Around this time kids were taking a liking to soccer, especially due to the growing success of the first professional soccer league in the United States called the North American Soccer League. Frank knew that these children needed quality soccer gear and equipment to be able to properly train with their teams.
It was in 1976 that Frank founded Universal Sporting Goods. Home to a variety of sports gear, including a large assortment of soccer gear. Over the years, Frank began printing the uniforms for most of the soccer teams in the area. As time went on, Universal Sporting goods was geared primarily towards the ultimate soccer fan and player.
It was in 2008 that Frank Giuliano Jr. took over the reigns of the business. His dedication and commitment to helping his father’s business grow was very notable from a young age. In 2012, Frank Jr. officially turned Universal Sporting Goods into The Soccer Zone. In Decemeber 2013, Frank took the company to the next level by opening a second location in North Bergen. After seeing the success of the first two locations, Frank decided to open up the third location in Parsippany-Troy Hills at 120 Baldwin Road (Directly across from Smith Field).
The decision was based on the town’s love for soccer and need to have a soccer specific store in the area.
Soccer Zone USA is located at 120 Baldwin Road, Baldwin Shopping Center. They are open 7 days a week. Monday and Tuesday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can reach them by calling (973) 616-4449 or visiting their website by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys (“AIOPA”) has recognized the exceptional performance of New Jersey Personal Injury Attorney E. Drew Britcher and named him to its 10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys for Client Satisfaction list for 2015.
The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys is a third-party attorney rating organization that publishes an annual list of the top 10 personal injury attorneys in each state. Attorneys who are selected to the “10 Best” list must pass AIOPIA’s rigorous selection process, which is based on client and/or peer nominations, thorough research, and AIOPIA’s independent evaluation. AIOPIA’s annual list was created as a resource for clients during the attorney selection process.
One of the most significant aspects of the selection process involves attorneys’ relationships and reputation among his or her clients. As clients should be an attorney’s top priority, AIOPIA places the utmost emphasis on selecting lawyers who have achieved significant success in the field of Personal Injury law without sacrificing the service and support they provide. Selection criteria therefore focus on attorneys who demonstrate the highest standards of Client Satisfaction.
Britcher, who co-founded Britcher Leone, LLC, in Glen Rock, has also been named to New Jersey Super Lawyers for the last 11 consecutive years. In addition, in 2015 he was named for the fourth consecutive year among the state’s Top 10, and for the 10th consecutive year he was named among the Top 100. As head of the firm’s trial practice, he has successfully prosecuted or resolved hundreds of complex medical, negligence, liability and other personal injury claims. Certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Civil Trial Attorney, he has served as either counsel of record or amicus counsel in more than 30 reported decisions of the United State Supreme Court, the New Jersey Supreme Court and New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division.
Britcher has also been named one of the 500 Leading Lawyers in America by Lawdragon Magazine and among “Bergen’s Best” by 201 Magazine. In addition, he has received numerous awards for his service to the American Association for Justice and its New Jersey Chapter.
He is a past-president of the New Jersey Association for Justice and has served as the chairperson of its Amicus and Medical Malpractice Committees for over a decade. Britcher is also a member of the Board of Governors for the American Association for Justice.
Britcher was a founding member of the Board of Trial Lawyers Care, an organization that provided pro bono legal representation to victims and families of victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. He also helped shape the language of New Jersey’s Patients’ First and Patient Safety Acts and is an adjunct professor at Seton Hall Law School, where he teaches courses in medical malpractice law and litigation.
He earned a J.D. from New York Law School and a B.A. from Rutgers College, where he has been inducted as a Loyal Son. He is a resident of Parsippany.
About Britcher Leone LLC Britcher Leone, LLC is a law firm specializing in personal injury and medical malpractice, with offices in Glen Rock and Parsippany. The firm is also focused on such matters as serious/catastrophic injury, birth injury, vehicular accidents, product liability, nursing home negligence, wrongful death, and defective drugs and medical devices. For more information, visit www.medmalnj.com.
Jenna Leahey, a former English teacher at Parsippany Hills High
MORRISTOWN — A judge denied a motion Tuesday to dismiss two charges of child endangerment against a former Parsippany Hills High School teacher. Jenna Leahey, a former English teacher and field hockey coach at the school, is accused of sexual conversations and sexual contact with a 16-year-old male student. Her attorney, Judson Hand, had asked Judge…
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Councilman Lou Valori visiting Santa last year at Town Hall
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will be expecting Santa’s arrival on Sunday, December 6. He will need everyone there to help him light the Trees.
Santa will be arriving at 5:00 p.m. by fire truck.
Immediately following the tree lighting Santa will be meeting with children, so be sure to have your wish list with you. Please bring a camera as we encourage you to take your child’s photo with Santa!
Refreshments will be served after each child’s visit with Santa.
PARSIPPANY — Local residents will be hosting the Good Cookie Bake Off in support of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a national 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to funding the development of less toxic, more effective treatments for children battling cancer.
Two local “tough cookies” will be honored at the event: former Parsippany resident Elizabeth “Bizzie” Stein, who was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center before losing her brave battle to DIPG at age three, and current Parsippany resident Emma Wyman, who recently turned one and is courageously undergoing chemotherapy for sarcoma at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will be earmarked by Cookies for Kids’ Cancer to be directed to pediatric cancer research at these hospitals (25 percent toward each).
The event will be held on Sunday, December 6 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Bethel (across from Mount Tabor branch of Parsippany Library) in Mount Tabor and will be comprised of a holiday cookie contest, bake sale, and silent auction. There will also be hourly giveaways to add to the festive mood.
With amateur and kid (12 and under) divisions and multiple contest categories (traditional/family recipe, slice-and-bake/bar, decorated, and overall) for the holiday cookie contest, there are many opportunities to participate.
In addition to being voted upon by the general public, all entries will be judged by a panel of local figures/expert judges including representatives from the Mount Tabor Camp Meeting Association, Parsippany Public Library, Denville Foodtown, HB&M Truffles, and Ava’s Cupcakes.
Category winners will receive prizes and the overall winners will also determine where the remaining 50 percent of the proceeds are directed within the charity. These monies can be designated for use by the General Fund Directed by the Medical Advisory Board or toward a specific type of childhood cancer. A full list is available on Cookies for Kids’ Cancer’s website.
Attendees are asked to make a donation to sample the cookie entries and to vote on their favorites. Donations will also be accepted in exchange for bake sale goods. For those without a sweet tooth or who are looking for another way to help, there will also be a silent auction.
The organizers have been overwhelmed by the support the business community has shown for this event.
Donors include: Ava’s Cupcakes, Blue Apron, Curly’s Boonton, David’s Cookies, Denville Foodtown, Depasquale The Spa, Florham Park Roller Rink, Flowers by Candle-Lite, Grassroots Natural Market, HB&M Truffles, Kidenetic, Kidville of Denville, Liberty Science Center, Mancino’s, McLoone’s Boathouse, Messy Artist, Plum Print, Powerplay Gaming, Prana Yoga, Pump it Up Randolph, Uptown Art, and Wild Basil.
About Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a national 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for pediatric cancer research. The organization provides support & resources for individuals & businesses to host grassroots events, as well as other simple ways for anyone to get involved. Founded in 2008 by parents inspired by their young son’s courageous battle, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has granted $5 million to childhood cancer research, and has helped seven promising new treatments advance to clinical trial, where children are receiving them today. Learn how you can get involved by clicking here.
ROCKAWAY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Rockaway Police Department and the US Customs & Border Protection Law Enforcement Explorers Post from Newark to bring shoppers a unique opportunity to experience first-hand some of the ways law enforcement is protecting each of us on a daily basis. This event will be held on Saturday, December 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Rockaway Townsquare, 301 Mount Hope Avenue, Rockaway.
A child identification booth will be set up along with officers from the partnering agencies to assist in taking your child through the fingerprinting process. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Special Units’ tactical equipment and law enforcement educational programs will also be on display.
Stop by and say hello while you are getting your holiday shopping done. For more information, contact Undersheriff William Schievella at wschievella@co.morris.nj.us.
Each year over 10,000 visitors come to The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township view more than 200 awe-inspiring edible gingerbread creations.
