The blazing heat across New Jersey is expected to continue for one more day, forecasters says. Much-needed rain is on the way, though. A partly sunny day with highs in the low 90s is likely to give way to rain later Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. The chance of showers and thunderstorms will increase…
Operation Giveback Veterans Program Sign-ups at Town Hall
PARSIPPANY — The office of the Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi will be on the road making it easier for veterans, many of whom are older, to come to Parsippany Municipal Building to sign up for the program. The dates they will be in Parsippany are Thursday, September 17 and Tuesday, October 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Operation Giveback, is a program initiated by Ann Grossi, County Clerk. The program establishes discounts for participating veterans in Morris County.
To get discounts, veterans would be required to show an ID card which can be obtained by going to the Office of the County Clerk in Morristown.
As a courtesy to the courageous men and women that have served in the armed forces, the Morris County Clerk’s Office is proud to offer free ID cards to honorably discharged veterans. All that is required is one form of identification proving Morris County residency and the original or certified copy of the DD 214 discharge papers. If there has been a legal name change from the name found on the discharge document, a certified copy the legal name change document, such as a marriage certificate or final judgment from the court, will be required. If the DD 214 is already on file with our Registry Department, the original is not necessary. We will be happy to look up the record.
These cards not only provide an additional form of identification but also discounts at many businesses in Morris County. County veteran ID cards are not designed to replace the federal veteran identification needed to access government programs such as VA hospitals and clinics.
If the original discharge document has been lost or damaged and is not already on file with us, you may obtain a certified copy with a raised seal by contacting the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO, by clicking here or calling 1-866-272-6272. For discharge records prior to 1953, click here.
All original or certified copies of discharge papers that are not already on file with our Registry Department will be permanently recorded and returned to the veteran. All discharge documents filed with our office are considered confidential and can only be accessed by the veteran or a member of their family.
Visit the Morris County Department of Human Services website for more information on services and resources offered to veterans by clicking here.
Update: Driver crossed median and crashed into utility pole
PARSIPPANY — As previously reported in Parsippany Focus (click here for previous article), Mr. Mitchell Morris, 54, Parsippany, was traveling south on Littleton Road when he crossed the median, continued in the on-coming lane of traffic, and left the roadway to the left striking a utility pole and coming to a stop. Ms. Linda Carubia, 57, Basking Ridge, was traveling north and was unable to avoid striking the Morris vehicle. Mr. Morris was driving a 2015 Black Jeep Cherokee, owned by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Ms. Carubia was driving a 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene by C & L Towing. There were no summons issued at the scene.
The road remained closed until after Midnight while Jersey Central Power and Light were repairing the down wired and replaced the utility poles.
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Update: Express check-in? Vehicle crashed into hotel lobby windows
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department responded to the Fairfield Inn Suites, Route 46 and Cherry Hill Road on Saturday morning after a vehicle crashed into two lobby windows near the entrance to the hotel.
Mr. Michael Williams, 61, Brewster, MA was driving a 2009 Honda CRV when his foot slipped off the brake while parking. He drove over the curb and into a plate glass window causing damage to both his vehicle and the glass windows.
The accident occurred some time at 10:21 a.m. on Saturday, August 29. A Parsippany police officer responded to the scene along with a Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance squad.
A hotel employee said two window panels were damaged. No one was injured.
Boonton carnival ends with a blast!
BOONTON — It was a busy four days over the Labor Day weekend in Boonton. Starting on Thursday and Friday, the carnival was in town at the Boonton High School.
Then on Saturday, the parade started at 1:30 p.m. (click here to read article) and then trophies were awarded at 6:00 p.m. (click here to read article), along with the carnival and the final day on Sunday, the carnival was open until midnight and there was a Pig Roast at 5:00 p.m., Fireworks at 10:00 p.m. and the Super 50/50 drawing was held at 10:30 p.m.
Each night also featured a live band.
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Man faces vehicular homicide trial in 2012 death of Parsippany man
MORRISTOWN — A 61-year-old Dover man is headed for trial later this month on a vehicular homicide charge in the death of a pedestrian in 2012 on Route 10 in Parsippany. Fabio Aristizabal was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when he struck and killed Richard Oberst, 64, of Morris Plains on Dec. 22, 2012. Oberst…
Heat records fall in Parsippany as early September sizzles
Mother Nature seems determined to squeeze every last drop out of the last few weeks of summer. Temperatures soared into the upper 90s today, breaking daily high temperature records in places like Newark and New Brunswick as the Garden State’s bout with hot, dry conditions continued. Newark reached an unofficial high of 97 degrees, which would…
New substance abuse counseling center opens in Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — NewBridge Services has opened a 15,320-square-foot, centralized service center providing counseling, substance abuse treatment and other programs to better serve Morris County residents.
“NewBridge has long served Morris County, but with the opening of this center in the county’s most populous town, near the crossroads of routes 80 and 287, we’ve greatly improved accessibility,’’ NewBridge CEO Robert L. Parker said. “Throughout the region, residents have had to endure long waiting lists to get the care they need, but NewBridge has the capacity to accept new clients immediately,” Parker noted.
Located in the in the Troy Office Center off eastbound Route 46 in Parsippany, the facility has 20 counseling rooms and spacious group therapy rooms, as well as a drop-in center for clients. It’s also the new home of NewBridge Jobs Plus, a free program that has helped more than 3,000 young adults earn their high school diplomas and prepare for careers.
![Amy Sheppard, supervisor of NewBridge Jobs Plus, looks at framed photos waiting to be hung in the new building.](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/09/IMG_0380-300x225.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1)
NewBridge has made significant investments in its information technology to meet federal health care requirements and changes to state funding formulas, and expanded its evidenced-based practices. Last fall, NewBridge opened a 13,000-square-foot center in the Haskell section of Wanaque Township, expanding the nonprofit’s presence in Passaic County.
“NewBridge has a strong reputation for innovative programs and community responsiveness, and our new center in Parsippany gives Morris County residents easy, immediate access to our highly regarded services,’’ Parker said.
NewBridge is hosting an open house on Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 4-6 p.m., at the center, located at 1259 Route 46, Building 2. At 5 p.m., NewBridge will dedicate one of the two NewBridge Jobs Plus classrooms to the memory of founder Jim Ryan and his wife, Marie, both champions of people with mental illnesses. For more information, visit newbridge.org or call (973) 316-9333.
Genesis portal is not the issue; Students were given updated copies of schedules
PARSIPPANY — This afternoon, the Board of Education released the following information: “All Middle School students were given updated copies of their schedules this morning. A small percentage of students still needed assistance in completing their academic core (Language Arts/Reading and Writing, Math, Social Studies, Science) schedules. For the balance of this week students will be given updated schedules that may or may not contain schedule changes. The Genesis student information portal is fully working as expected. We have focused all of our resources on our students and their schedules, said Joan F. Benos, Chief of Staff/Public Information Officer.”
Over the weekend, the district released another statement, claiming the Genesis portal is not the issue, rather a longer-range problem: “We would like to inform you that the issues we are having with our middle school schedules do not have anything to do with our student information system software, Genesis. The design of the middle school schedule presented our district with various problems when it came time for implementation. When solutions were chosen as a means to correct the problem, the staff at Genesis was completely supportive and willing to help. They came to our district, conferenced with key personnel on the phone, and answered questions as they arose. Genesis remains fully capable of handling all of our student information needs, including scheduling, and we are grateful to them for their assistance throughout our efforts to correct this problem.”
Meanwhile, on Friday, September 4, on the second day of the new school year, Dr. Nancy Gigante, Assistant Superintendent, stated Scott Rixford is taking a 30-day medical leave of absence effective immediately. Calls to Mr. Rixford’s cell phone went to voice mail, and the voice mail box was full.
Parents and students were able to obtain their schedules over the weekend, although many have complained to missing classes or missing teachers assigned to classes.
The statements and updates released by the Board of Education regarding the issues weren’t enough for students and parents. Parents didn’t understand the problem since schedules were completed by families in January 2015, giving the district some seven months to iron out the problems.
Parents are urging everyone to attend the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, September 10 at 7:00 p.m. to be held at the Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Road.
Spruce Up Your Closet for a Cause with Employment Horizons’ Drive
CEDAR KNOLLS — Clothing and fashion accessories for men, women and children will be collected as Employment Horizons holds its annual fall clothing drive September 30 to October 2. The fall clothing drive offers an opportunity to get a fresh start for fall while helping to raise money to assist people with disabilities.
Items to be collected also include stuffed animals and hard toys, such as dolls and action figures (must be below 14” in size), as well as household linens (blankets, sheets, curtains, etc – no fabric scraps or carpet). All items should be placed in well-tied plastic bags. Shoes, boots and sneakers will be accepted. No single shoes, please.
All donated items will be distributed to needy families overseas. The clothing will be turned over to a company that will in turn pay Employment Horizons for each pound collected. Our goal is to collect 5,000 pounds!
Bags may be dropped off at Employment Horizons, Inc. at 10 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls from September 30 to October 2, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Donations are to be placed in a box truck marked “Clothing Drive” located in the Employment Horizons rear parking lot. Items may not be dropped off until Wednesday.
Employment Horizons is a local not-for-profit organization which serves individuals with disabilities, empowering them to earn a paycheck and live as productive citizens in the greater Morris County area.
For more information, contact Maria Florio, Director of Community Relations at (973) 538-8822 ext. 240 or at mariaflorio@ehorizons.org.
Woman’s Club donates school supplies to Jersey Battered Women’s Service
![The Woman's Club donated school supplies to Jersey](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/09/womansclubschool1.jpg?resize=696%2C522&ssl=1)
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills recently conducted a collection of school supplies, backpacks and lunch packs to donate to the children living at Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS) of Morris County residences.
JBWS provides a safe house and transitional living accommodations for victims of domestic abuse and their children.
The Woman’s Club members and friends donated school supplies with a total value of over $735.00 and passed along a check for $20.00 made out to JBWS.
A $25.00 gift card donated by Target was used there to purchase additional school supplies. The total value of the donations was over $780.00.
The collection helps to provide these children with the things they need to perform their school work and enrich their education.
For additional information on JBWS, please contact info@jbws.org. For information on the Woman’s Club involvement with JBWS call Cathy Haney at (973) 335-9769.
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.
For membership information call Cathy Cerbo at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or check us out on the web www.parsippanywomansclub.org.
“Feng Shui” seminar to be held at Community Center
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills invites all Parsippany Seniors to attend a Seminar on “Feng Shui” presented by Judith Ryan on September 17, 2015 in Room A at the Parsippany Community Center starting at 10:00 a.m.
Feng Shui is an approach to life enhancement by design which dates back over 5,000 years. Feng Shui is the “Eastern Art of Placement.”
Judith Ryan has developed her innate gifts of psychic insight and extrasensory awareness to a very high level of consciousness. As a child she was recognized as having traits that caused her to be able to read people, events, and future happenings spiritually and accurately. Her grandmother, a gifted clairvoyant, nurtured this rare talent. She believed the greatest legacy she could bestow upon her grandchild would be to help her accept and develop her instinctive gifts, so she could use them to help others.
Judith’s career as a professional astrologer and Feng Shui master has spanned over 25 years and six continents. During this time, she has delivered lectures and seminars to audiences in North and South America, Europe, Australia, the South Sea Islands, and North Africa.
Light refreshments will be served.
The Parsippany Community Center is located at 1130 Knoll Road.
The Attic: Antiques, Collectibles & Curios Show and Sale
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society will be holding and antiques, collectibles and curios show called “The Attic.”
The members encourages you to visit The Old Littleton School House, located at 1780 Littleton Road near Route 10 on Saturday, September 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Various items will be on sale for purchase.
The Old Littleton School house was built-in 1796. It started as a one room schoolhouse in 1706 and became a Church School in 1810. In 1876 it became the Union School in Public School District 85, School No 5. It functioned as a school or church until 1964.
350 Jersey Songs: The 10 most popular posts
Carole King’s 2012 album, “The Legendary Demos,” included her original recording of “Pleasant Valley Sunday.” When the 350 Jersey Songs project hit the halfway mark in March, I did a post on the 10 most popular songs in the series, based on page views. Now that the project is almost over (the last pick will be…
A Simple Blood Test Accurately Predicts Risk Of Alzheimer’s
Commonly, we use birth dates to judge whether people are young, qualified, and even healthy. Yet, chronological age often has little to do with biological age or biological ability. Aiming to define what represents healthy aging for 65-year-olds, researchers say they have developed a genetic profile (based on simple blood test) that could be used to…
Kiwanis Club announces 19th Annual Grand Tasting
![Camp Nejeda offers new year-round programs for specific groups of people with diabetes.](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2014/08/grandtasting2014art2.jpg?resize=696%2C611&ssl=1)
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation is hosting a “Grand Tasting” benefitting the Camp Nejeda, serving children with Type 1 Diabetes since 1958, and other charitable projects on Thursday, October 22 starting at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Hanover Manor, 16 Eagle Rock Avenue, East Hanover.
Cost is $60.00 per person and includes a Dinner Buffet, Hors d’oeuvres, Fine Wines, Craft Beers, Single Malts, Select Spirits, Silent Auction and much more. Tickets are also available through Kiwanis Club members.
Tickets are available by sending checks made payable to “Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation,” P.O. Box 5342, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054, or through Eventbrite, by clicking here.
You can also pay by credit card through Liquor Outlet Wine Cellars 289 Myrtle Avenue, Boonton. You can call Liquor Outlet at (973) 334-1331.
For more information, please call (973) 549-4185.
Wines arranged by Liquor Outlet Wine Cellars www.liquoroutletwinecellars.com. Permit #15009660.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation.
Camp Nejeda has been in continuous operation since 1958 and at our present location since 1960. They are funded by the Camp Nejeda Foundation, Inc, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Camp Nejeda is located at 910 Saddleback Road, Stillwater, New Jersey.
At Camp Nejeda youth with diabetes are given the opportunity to live, if only for one or two weeks, in a world where having diabetes is the norm and where there is no need to explain blood sugar testing, finger pricks, insulin injections, ketones, ‘lows’ (insulin reactions), boluses or ‘carb’ counting because everyone here already understands.
Camp Nejeda children with diabetes are free to be just children. This normalizing of their condition combines with both formal and informal educational moments to promote good diabetes management and healthy, active living.
The addition of Family Camps and other Extended Programs offered throughout the year provides the empowering fellowship and educational opportunities for individuals with type 1 diabetes of all ages and for their families.
As the only facility of our kind in New Jersey and its neighboring states, Camp Nejeda hosts children, teens and families from across the region. While most are from New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, we have regular campers from Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and elsewhere. Diabetes does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, geography, or class and neither does the Camp Nejeda Foundation. We welcome our campers from all walks of life and all backgrounds.
Camp Nejeda is fully licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and accredited by the American Camp Association. ACA accredited camps meet up to 300 standards for health, food service, safety, and program quality.
The Camp Nejeda Foundation subsidizes the cost of camp for all our campers and provides additional financial assistance to approximately 30% of our campers each year. Campership awards range from 20% to 100% support. Most awards are for 100%.
PHS Color Guard needs new uniforms
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Marching Band Color Guard members were at Shop Rite, 808 Route 46, raising money to purchase new uniforms.
They will be collecting money on Sunday, September 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Quick Chek, 480 North Beverwcyk Road.
Pictured above is Ashwini Walmiki, Anshul Walmiki, Emily Guzman, Sachi Walmiki, Luoyao Mia Lin and Emma Swan collecting money at Shop Rite.
![Members Luoyao Mia Lin, Bethany Goordman, Mary Franchini and Sara Greenzweig were collecting money at Shop Rite](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/09/IMG_9343.jpg?resize=696%2C464&ssl=1)
Annual 9/11 Memorial Service to be held
PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders invites the public to join them in observing the 14th anniversary of 9/11 at a Remembrance Service and Candlelight Vigil on Sunday, September 13.
The ceremony will begin at 5:00 p.m. at the Morris County September 11th Memorial on West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany-Troy Hills, across from the Morris View Healthcare Center and adjacent to the Morris County Public Safety Academy.
The event will include a march with a color guard up West Hanover Avenue to the Memorial by police, fire, rescue and emergency personnel from across Morris County.
The observance will include a special invocation, a lighting of candles, and reading of the names of each of the Morris County victims, plus a 21-gun salute, and keynote remarks.
Elizabeth Schrier, the widow of the late Freeholder Jack Schrier, who was instrumental in getting Morris County’s 9/11 Memorial constructed, will carry the American flag during the ceremony.
Morris County’s September 11th Memorial pays tribute to all of those who died in the terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C., on Sept. 11, 2001, with a special emphasis on the 64 victims from Morris County whose names are etched in plaques that are affixed to the Memorial.
The names of all of the nearly 3,000 people who died that day are engraved in ruby-colored paving stones that have been set in the ground as a walkway surrounding the Memorial.
“It is vitally important to gather each year on the anniversary of 9/11 to recall every single one of the nearly 3,000 people who were tragically lost to us on that day, including 64 of our Morris County residents,’’ said Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo. “Their families and friends should know that the lives of their loved ones will never be forgotten.’’
Since seating at the Memorial is limited, the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs to the outdoor observance. Parking will be available at the Morris County Department of Human Services building at 340 West Hanover Avenue, Morris Township, across from the Academy. Shuttle buses will be available to transport those in need to the Memorial.
The freeholders also invite police and fire departments and rescue squads from across the county to participate by sending one apparatus per department and assembling at 6:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue, in Parsippany-Troy Hills. From there, a procession will be held to the Sept. 11th Memorial.
Parsippany Fire Districts, Rescue & Recovery shine at annual Boonton Labor Day Parade
BOONTON — The Annual Labor Day carnival hosted by the Boonton Fire Department is a big attraction this Labor Day weekend. The fair features rides for all ages, games, food, live music and much more! The fair is located at Boonton High School near Route 287.
![Bethany Dyer with Four-year old Cayman and three-year old Beckham](https://i0.wp.com/parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2015/09/IMG_9287-1024x681.jpg?resize=696%2C463&ssl=1)
Part of the weekend activities includes the annual parade, which was held on Saturday, September 5 at 1:30 on Main Street. Firetrucks from many towns including Boonton, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Madison, Chester, Mountain Lakes, Lincoln Park, Pequannock were all part of the festivities.
Parade Trophies were awarded at 6:00 p.m. Click here for related article on which Parsippany Volunteer organizations were awarded trophies. Fireworks will be held on Sunday at 10:00 p.m.
PHS Girls Soccer Team Car Wash
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Girls Soccer Team held a car wash on Saturday, August 29 to raise money for the team activities.
The Parsippany Redhawks girls soccer team has an away non-conference game at Whippany Park on Thursday, September 10 at 4:00 p.m.