Wednesday, December 25, 2024
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PHHS Evacuated; Officers on scene securing the area

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PARSIPPANY — There is a situation being investigated at the Parsippany Hills High School.
Students are being safely as a safety precaution. Officers are on scene and securing the area.

Please refrain from going to the school at this time.

This is to prevent traffic/safety issues as we investigate the incident.

Parsipany Volunteer Ambluance Squad and Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire District 2 have been dispatched to the scene.

When more information is available Parsippany Focus will update story.

Parsippany resident named branch manger of Provident Bank

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Ricardo Agostinho
Ricardo Agostinho

PARSIPPANY — The Provident Bank has named Ricardo Agostinho, Parsippany, banking center manager of its Morris Township branch located at 166 Ridgedale Avenue.

In this position, Agostinho will lead and manage a team of sales and service professionals, as well as oversee daily branch operations.

“Agostinho has the skills and experiences needed to effectively lead the team in Morris Township,” said Lucio Valerio, Area Manager, Provident Bank. “We are confident in Ricardo and excited to have him join us.”

Prior to joining Provident Bank, Agostinho worked at PNC Bank for 14 years in numerous positions spanning from sales to management. He also participated on a nationwide merger and acquisition team while at PNC.

Agostinho holds a business degree from Kean University. In addition, he is also a trained personal and business lender and held a Series 62 and Series 63 license prior to working in banking.

Provident Bank also has a branch located at 401 Smith Road, Parsippany

Man Arrested for Possession of Weapons Charges in Morristown Pleads Guilty

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MORRISTOWN — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Andrew Pfitzenmayer, 27, Peapack reached a plea agreement with the State.

Pfitzenmayer was arrested on July 29 at approximately 10:00 a.m., when the Morristown Police Department responded to the Headquarter’s Plaza building, located at 19 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, regarding a male acting suspiciously.  Pfitzenmayer was placed under arrest on scene for possession of weapons charges.

Pfitzenmayer pled guilty today before the Honorable Salem V. Ahto, J.S.C. to one count of second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, the State has agreed to recommend at the time of sentencing that Pfitzenmayer receive 3 years in New Jersey State Prison, with a one year period of parole ineligibility. In order to make this sentence recommendation, the State must make an application to the Honorable Stuart A. Minkowitz, A.J.S.C., the vicinage Assignment Judge.

The Court also received a copy of the psychiatric evaluation that was previously ordered by the Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J. Cr. Pursuant to the previous court order, this was filed under seal and will not be available to the general public.

The sentencing for Pfitzenmayer is scheduled for December 3 before the Honorable Salem V. Ahto, J.S.C.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Pfitzenmayer, through his attorney Frank Pisano, Esq., agreed that all previous bail conditions will remain in place until the time of sentencing. These conditions include not returning to the Headquarters Plaza in Morristown or having any contact with its tenants.

 

           

David J. Woelk passed away; Services on Wednesday

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PARSIPPANY — David J. Woelk, 35, passed away on Friday, October 23 at Saint Clare’s Hospital, Denville.

David was born in Boonton and lived in Lake Hiawatha all his life.

He worked for the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills as a Sanitation Engineer.

Survivors include his wife, Deanna E. (nee-Lawrence); his daughter, Morgan Taylor; his father, Frank H.; his mother, Margaret “Marge” (nee-Rippey) and his brother, Michael.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28 at the funeral home. Cremation is private. Visiting hours are on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Par-Troy Funeral Home, 292 Parsippany Road.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in his memory to his daughter, Morgan’s Education Fund. Complete address will be available at the funeral home.

Urgent Help: These dogs are scheduled to die on Wednesday

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I was saved. I will be moving into my foster home on Saturday. Woof Woof

MORRIS COUNTY — They all die tomorrow. Kaden, Shadow, Lee, Spencer, Cooper, Turner and Lennie are scheduled to die on Wednesday. Eleventh Hour Rescue wants to help but they have no space. They are begging for short term fosters for just a week or two so they can be saved.

They will be totally vetted and they are good with other dogs. Some of these are just babies. They would come Saturday, October 31 if Eleventh Hour Rescue can save any of them.

You can save their life by fostering or adopting. They are desperate and their lives are at stake.

Eleventh Hour Rescue is being told that the shelter has two chihuahuas and a boxer that are also in danger.

Pictured are only two of the dogs. There are many more. Please save a life.

Please click here and fill our an application today or call (973) 927-1123 (from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) or after 3:00 p.m. call (973) 664-0865.

Eleventh Hour Rescue is located at 861 Route 10, Randolph.

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Eleventh Hour Rescue is a volunteer based, non profit, 501c3 organization that literally saves dogs and cats from death row.
Editors Note: These dogs are not at the Parsippany Animal Shelter.
 

Bridge players needed

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PARSIPPANY — The Bridge Group at the Parsippany Community Center is looking for more card players. Bridge is played every Tuesday between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m.

There is no charge, and no reservations are needed. The only requirement is a basic knowledge of the rules. Come by and play a game or two.

The Community Center is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is located at 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha.

Many activities for senior citizens are offered throughout the day. If you’ve never been to the center before, it’s truly something to see. Come by for a tour anytime. Questions call the Office on Aging, (973) 263-7351.

Letter to the editor: Parsippany is in need of officials who honestly care

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MailboxsmallDear Editor,

Parsippany is in need of officials who honestly care for environmental values over private economic concerns. The present administration has failed to protect our remaining landscapes from improper land-use. Quality of life issues seem not to matter to our present administration or Planning Board.

Certain “SuperPac” influences make it doubtful that Parsippany’s best interests will be forthcoming; rather corporate developers will consume what landscapes remain. Behind much of this land is our aquifer where 65% of all Parsippany’s water comes. The rest from two private sources. Paving over the earth will lead us to even higher water bills in the future, accumulative impacts will lead to health issues. Politicians not true leaders that still go for the tax-rateable chase have not learned from the past, that these rateables do not compensate for addition costs and loss of quality of life by additional sprawl and unneeded land development.

A post development mentality must take us into the future. Property in many senses is the end of community; Parsippany has failed to latch on to regional Planning which provides many benefits for all; ignoring all other positive outcomes of regional planning. Our present Master Plan is constantly changed by large developers, at will. We have also failed to upgrade our Master Plan and give it legal standings under regional conformance. What is Home Rule when a developer can sue; whereas regional planning gives legal protections, saving tax-payers and giving transparency and encourages public participation.

This administration failed to save Greystone landscape, which most certainly could have occurred, by contacting the State Historic Trust, and they the National Park Service, which has a Kirkbride division in their Northeast office. Forge Pond may also be lost for failure of action giving back 130 acres allegedly earmarked for open space to developers. Waterview, where the administration without considering the immediate neighborhood or the unique landscape itself in the Troy Brook watershed, a beautiful enhancing feature to the area given over to a nasty inconsiderate developer RD Realty, which our present administration encouraged, and played divide and conquer with their own community. The Turf Field, Fields of Dreams, voted no; went forward anyway with our tax-dollars. The phony case trumped-up against Captain Carifi, costing tax-payers, and the Public Housing Fears used to help developers and deceive the public; the phony choice; either a supermarket, or public housing.

Politicians, not organically linked to their community or environmental issues of the time must not be reelected. Instead of loving our lands they see them as mere commodities available for market speculation; having developed areas not used, they advocate for more development of the same nature. The UPS deal where another office complex in a land littered with offices will destroy another environmental sensitive zone. The administration calls the UPS deal “redevelopment”, in reality it is rezoning and new land development.

There is no place in local elections for SuperPacs, this betrayal of the community, must not manifest at the polls. If voters care for the community and not their own self-interest they will vote their conscience not their party.

In this election, Paul Carifi deserves our support as he has stood for the people, where as the others have placed themselves above the people and ignored the voters.

It is also time for the Democrats to be elected; read their contentions, they are in Parsippany’s best interest. Vote Parsippany’s Best Interest: Vote Carifi, and Two Democrats.

Nicholas Homyak

Become a part of Gingerbread Wonderland

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MORRISTOWN — Create a gingerbread masterpiece that more than 10,000 people will view this holiday season. Each year, more than 200 gingerbread houses are displayed at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum’s ‘Gingerbread Wonderland.’ This year, become a part of the show! 

“The creation of the gingerbread house is a unique experience, and provides an excellent team building project. It’s thrilling to have thousands of people view, admire, photograph, and tweet your finished creation,” Lesley Parness, Superintendent of Horticultural Education, at the Morris County Park Commission stated.

Previous entries have included a scene from Snow White, Santa’s Workshop, a grand piano, a Hanukah Menorah, Chinese pagoda, a Nutcracker, and even the White House.

There is a special excitement in the air on Wednesday, December 2 when you bring your masterpiece for display and meet other entrants. Be prepared for the Ohhs and Ahhs, and to share stories about your creation. It is so much fun! Enjoy complimentary apple cider and holiday cookies.

For information on all you need to know to enter your own creation, click here  to download the Gingerbread Wonderland Entry brochure, and you can also view previous creations for inspiration. There are helpful recipes for gingerbread baking, and frosting tips.

Gingerbread registrations must be submitted by November 23. For more information and to register, visit arboretumfriends.org or call (973) 326-7603.

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.

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Whole Foods Market considering move to Parsippany Pathmark

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PARSIPPANY — With more than than 430 stores throughout the U.K., Canada and 42 U.S. states, upscale food market Whole Foods has expressed interest in leasing space currently occupied by Parsippany Pathmark in the Troy Hills Shopping Center on Route 46.

Pathmark, owned by A&P, and in bankruptcy, recently announced that the Parsippany Pathmark store will not be sold and has begun a liquidation sale at the location ahead of its permanent closing.

A source at Whole Foods Northeast Regional office who is not authorized to publicly speak on the matter has told Parsippany Focus that Whole Foods, which has specialized in organic food since 1980, is considering abandoning its plan to lease space on the controversial Waterview tract and instead open at the location Pathmark currently occupies.

This would not be a first for Whole Foods. In this region, Whole Foods opened in Morristown in a space which was formerly an A&P and the current Whole Foods in West Orange was previously a Pathmark.

Whole Foods originally expressed interest in opening on the Waterview Tract in 2012, but in 2013 the Parsippany Township Council voted against creating an Overlay Zone which would have permitted the supermarket along Waterview Boulevard.

RD Management, the contract purchaser of the land has submitted an application with the Board of Adjustment to build 120 affordable housing units on the property. That application is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at the Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

Three car accident sends two to hospital

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Three car accident sends two to hospital

PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, October 18 at approximately 11:56 a.m., Ms. Sung Park, 63, Parsippany was slowing down in traffic on Route 46 east, in the vicinity of 755 Route 46, when a vehicle driven by Ms. Joan Albanese, 66, Towaco, it the rear of a vehicle driven by Mr. Christopher Brown, 42, Parsippany, which caused Mr. Brown to hit Ms. Park’s vehicle.

Two passengers in Ms. Brown’s vehicle was transported to St. Clare’s Hospital, Denville.

Ms. Park was driving a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL, and was able to drive from the scene of the accident.

Ms. Brown was driving a 2002 Ford Explorer, and was able to drive from the scene of the accident.

Ms. Albanese, wa driving a 2013 Volvo S60 which was damaged and Lake Hiawatha Towing removed the vehicle from the scene.

There were no summons issued at the time of the report.  Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrolman David Cavaliere investigated the accident.

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The owner fo the 2013 Volvo S60 had extensive damage to the vehicle.

Parsippany Hills falls to Sparta in a Thriller

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Blocked Punt Touchdown

PARSIPPANY — The Vikings traveled to Sparta expecting a tough game and that is exactly what they got. It started on the Spartans first play from scrimmage.

The Spartans scored on a 75-yard touchdown pass and the conversion failed.

On Parsippany Hills first drive, they drove down the field but missed a short field goal. The Spartans took over and drove down the field for a second score and added the 2-point conversion for a 14-0 lead.

The following kick-off was short and fumbled with Sparta recovering the ball. But, their first play was a pass that was picked off by Ryan Hill and that was the start of the Vikings comeback. The possession stalled at the Sparta 45 yard-line and Parsippany punted the ball deeper into Sparta territory. The Spartans possession stalled after 3 plays and they had to punt. The punt was blocked by Ryan Hill. He knocked a Sparta player out-of-the-way, picked up the ball and ran it into the end zone for Parsippany’s first touchdown of the game. Sparta received the kick-off and again went 3 and out and punted to Parsippany.

There was a huge return of the punt by Alex Lerman, all the way down to the 30-yard line. The drive ended on a 13-yard TD pass from Nick Verducci to Nick Ho. That completed the scoring in the first half with the scored tied at 14.

The second half started with Sparta scoring again to take a 21-14 lead for the only scoring in the third quarter. Parsippany had one long drive in the quarter but it ended with an interception in the end zone.

The fourth quarter started out with Parsippany scoring a Touchdown on a 6-yard pass from Nick Verducci to Alex Lerman. The 2-point conversion was successful on a run around right end by Jared Salgado. Sparta again retook the lead on 73-yard touchdown run that left the Parsippany sidelines screaming at the officials for the lack of holding penalties on the play. The conversion failed as Sparta attempted a flea-flicker pass that was incomplete in the end-zone. Parsippany next possession had them drive down the field to the Sparta 5-yard line but they were unable to punch the ball into the end-zone.

The Vikings had 1 more chance to score after Sparta had a 3 and out but were unable to get the ball past mid-field after 2 sacks and 2 incompletions.

The Vikings have painted themselves into a corner if they are to repeat their great season from last year and return to the state playoffs. They better beat Chatham next week. Both teams have 4-2 conference records. They host the Cougars on Friday, October 30 at 7:00 p.m.

Brooklyn Brewery Beer Pairings Event with Garrett Oliver

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Garrett Oliver
Garrett Oliver

PARSIPPANY — Delve into the art of pairing beer with food at a special Beer Pairings event hosted by Garrett Oliver, brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery, to benefit the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms.

Guests will enjoy a specially-curated five-course small plate dinner, each plate expertly paired by Garrett with Brooklyn Brewery craft beers.

Garrett will guide guests through the event, offering insights into the selected beers and pairings notes and entertaining with his charismatic style and depth of knowledge that has made him world-renowned as a lecturer on the subject of beer.

Garret Oliver is a 2014 James Beard Award Winner and is internationally recognized as an expert on traditional beer styles and their affinity with good food.  He has hosted more than 900 beer tastings, dinners and cooking demonstrations in 16 countries and writes regularly on the subject of beer and food.

The Beer Pairings Dinner will be held on Friday, November 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Park Avenue Club, Florham Park.  Tickets are $100.00 per person ($50.00 per ticket is tax deductible) and reservations are required.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the Stickley Museum’s website by clicking here or call (973) 540-0311.

 

 

 

Girl Scouts decorate North Beverwyck Road for Halloween

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parsippany focus
Ali Hagag, Malak Hagag and Medina Kandil, Troop #62269, Knollwood Elementary School

PARSIPPANY — The “Friends of Lake Hiawatha” is sponsoring a Scarecrow Contest.  The scarecrows are created by the local girl scout troops.  There is a first prize (Ice cream party at Lake Hiawatha Dairy) and a second prize (Pizza party at Avellino’s Pizza & Grille). There will be two honorable mentions awards of $30.00 each.

The Friends of Lake Hiawatha is a non-profit organization established in 2011 for the purpose of enhancing and improving the appearance of the business district area of Lake Hiawatha.  Many of our merchants give generously toward this cause.  As a result of their donations the organization:

    • Purchased enough snowflakes and wreaths to decorate the 40 lamp posts along North Beverwyck Road
    • Purchased 24 barrels in which flowers are planted in the spring and mums in the fall  (The flowers are provided by the town)

The following Girl Scout Troops participated in the Scrarecrow contest:

Troop 96229 – Knollwood Elementary School

Troop 96134 – Rockaway Meadow Elementary School

Troop 96310 – Troy Hills Elementary School

Troop 96057 – Knollwood Elementary School

Troop 95613 – Brooklawn Middle School

Troop 96318 – Mt. Tabor Elementary School

Troop 96326 – Troy Hills Elementary School

Troop 96192 – Littleton Elementary School

Troop 80685 – Central Middle School

The Friends of Lake Hiawatha also sponsors a yearly “Winterfest” at the town gazebo which will take place this year on Friday, December 11.

At this event, we have Santa arriving on a fire truck, girl scout troops caroling, hot chocolate, cookies and they raffle off a girl and boys bicycle.  And of course Santa takes pictures with all the kids.

Paul Miller Porsche held ribbon cutting grand opening

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For every car, Paul Miller donated $200 to Breast Cancer Awareness.

PARSIPPANY — Paul Miller Porsche cut the ribbon at its newest 30,000 square feet facility located at 3149 Route 46.  The new showroom replaces a smaller older building that was located on the west end of Parsippany near New Road.

Paul Miller Auto Group one of the newest businesses to join Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.  Presenting Paul Miller with their membership certificate is Board Member Ildiko Peluso and Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.,

Next year Paul Miller Auto Group will celebrate 40 years of bringing Porsches to the public in Parsippany.

Paul Miller also has other showrooms in Parsippany where it sells Rolls Royce, Bentley, Jaguar, Audi and Land Rover.

For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here.

Economic Development Committee Welcomes Paul Miller

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PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Board congratulated Paul Miller Porsche on the recent grand opening of their new showroom located on Route 46 at Cherry Hill Road. Presenting Paul Miller with a plaque is Ganesh Persaud, a member of the Advisory Board.

On Thursday, October 22, Paul Miller’s new 30,000-square-foot Porsche facility on the west side of town, which replaces a much older, smaller Porsche building on the east end of Route 46 in the township held a ribbon cutting grand opening.

The new dealership doubles the capacity of the service department and adds a fully staffed boutique to support sales of an expanding line of high-end vehicles. Once known exclusively for two-seat sports cars, the Porsche line now includes sport-utility vehicles and sports sedans that have significantly increased overall sales.

Paul Miller Porsche is located at 3419 Route 46. For more information, click here.

The Purpose of the Economic Development Advisory Committee is to serve in an advisory capacity and shall, upon request of the Township Council, provide information, advice and recommendations relating to the promotion of Economic Development in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. Members shall be Township residents who have knowledge of or have demonstrated an interest in the economic well-being of the Township. Each member shall be chosen with a special view to qualifications and fitness for service on the Committee.

Members of the committee include Chairman Frank Cahill, Vice Chairman Eric Seguin, Secretary John Beehler, Ganesh Persaud, Thomas (Tom) Williams and  Raviram Medapati. The committee meets the fourth Monday of the month at Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, 449 Halsey Road at 7:00 p.m. The public is invited.

Attorney Charged by the Prosecutor’s Office

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PARSIPPANY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Neil Gross, 47, Livingston, has been charged with Theft (second degree), Identity Theft (second degree), Forgery (third degree), and Unauthorized Practice of Law (third degree).

Gross, a former partner in the law firm of Ward & Gross, Flanders, was suspended from the practice of law in October of 2012, and subsequently disbarred on October 21, 2014 for a series of violations of professional conduct.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office received a referral of this matter from the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection in July of 2015. Pursuant to an investigation by the Financial Crimes Unit, Neil Gross is alleged to have used the name of another attorney in a real estate closing in 2013, during his period of suspension. As part of that closing, Gross allegedly held over $75,000 in a trust account, but failed to disburse the funds to the seller of the property. He ultimately diverted the funds to a personal account. In so doing, it is also alleged, he forged the name of the other attorney.

Charges against Gross were signed October 23, 2015 by Morris County Detective Joseph Soulias and the matter will be prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Michael Rappa. Gross was charged following the investigation and was released on his own recognizance.  His initial court appearance will be scheduled by the court on a later date.

Prosecutor Knapp thanks the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit, whose efforts contributed to this result.

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.

 

Mt. Tabor Fire House Holds Open House

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Rahim Sayed, 9, a student at Littleton School

PARSIPPANY — Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire District 1 held an open house on Sunday, October 25.  Children had an opportunity to tour the fire safety trailer, climb and explore the fire trucks and even go high in the sky in Tower 1.

October is fire safety month, and it was a great day for families to join the firemen learn about fire safety.

Kiwanis Club holds 19th Annual Wine Tasting fundraiser

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PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation hosted its 19th Annual “Grand Tasting” benefitting Camp Nejeda, serving children with Type 1 Diabetes since 1958, and other charitable projects on Thursday, October 22 at the Hanover Manor, 16 Eagle Rock Avenue, East Hanover.

Cost for the fun-filled event was only $60.00 per person and included a Dinner Buffet, Hors d’oeuvres, Fine Wines, Craft Beers, Single Malts, Select Spirits, Silent Auction and much more.

Wines were arranged by Liquor Outlet Wine Cellars, click here for more information.

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%.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets at the Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46, each Thursday at 7:15 a.m. for breakfast.

For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, click here.

Pink Out Day to support Breast Cancer Awareness

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PARSIPPANY — Teachers, administration and students at Parsippany High School, Central Middle School and Brooklawn Middle School participated in the Beards Against Breast Cancer Fundraiser on Friday, October 23.

Male staff members (and some female staff members) attempted to grow the toughest beard this side of the Mississippi.  Students and staff members had the opportunity to vote for who they think will have the best beard.  In order to cast a vote a donation must be made.  The fundraiser began Monday, October 5, and ended on Friday, October 17.  All contestants painted their beards pink on Friday, October 23 to support this great cause.  Students and staff members were encouraged to wear pink to school on that that day.

Letter to the editor: Safety Concerns about Turf Fields

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MailboxsmallDear Editor: 

I recently submitted a letter to Parsippany Focus asking what due diligence the Board of Education had conducted with regard to the questions that have been raised about the potential health safety issues that may be associated with the Board’s decision to replace the grass football fields at Parsippany Hills High School and Parsippany High School with turf fields made up of rubber tire crumbs. To my knowledge, there has been no response from Board President Fran Orthwein and/or Vice President Frank Neglia which leads me to believe that either they and the rest of the Board of Education did not conduct the required due diligence to ensure the safety of Parsippany’s children or that they have information that they are  afraid to share.

While we wait to learn if  and when the Parsippany Troy Hills  BOE will respond, it is important to note that on October 23rd, Republican and Democratic members of the House of Representative’s Commerce Committee escalated the issue by submitting a list of  10 questions to the  Environmental Protection Agency directing that Agency to determine if it believed that turf fields constructed with ground up car and truck tires are safe  for children to play on. One of the questions asked if chemical substances in chrome rubber present a hazard to human health.  Another question asked if the  incidence of cancer for persons who play on fields treated with crumb rubber was higher than the general population. The EPA has been directed to respond to Congress by November 6th.

With Congressional Republicans and Democrats now united on getting to the bottom of this safety issue hopefully parents across America will soon get the answers that we all need. With the millions of dollars that have been spent in Parsippany to replace our grass fields with crumb rubber turf, hopefully we will learn that safety issues do not exist. However, should potential safety issues be identified by the EPA hopefully, the Board of Education will do what it has failed to so far to do which is to act in an open and honest way.    

Bob Crawford

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