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Oct 20, 2015

Morris County has initiated a new state-approved and state-financed pilot program for Medicaid that will employ an outside contractor, Xerox Corp., to process tens of thousands of Medicaid eligibility determinations annually, which should reduce case backlogs and result in more timely decisions, without adding new full-time staff to the county’s payroll.

The County Department of Human Services recently finalized a Memorandum of Understanding with the state Department of Human Services to shift the processing of Medicaid eligibility determinations from the County Welfare Office to Xerox, which is the state’s Health Benefits Coordinator.

However, long term care and emergency applications will remain with the county. Also, county employees will continue to assist clients to apply for Medicaid on-line using the NJ FamilyCare application that will be sent directly to Xerox for processing.

The transfer of Medicaid determinations will free up county Human Services employees to provide additional support in other benefit programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, General Assistance and Supplemental Nutritional Assistance.

Freeholder Hank Lyons — Freeholder Hank Lyon

“This pilot program will have a positive impact on our community, reducing the backlogs and wait times, better serving individuals, families, seniors, people with disabilities and veterans, while also benefitting the taxpayers of Morris County,” said Freeholder Hank Lyon, who is the county governing board’s liaison on Human Services issues.

“For the past several years, the economic climate has been fraught with challenges for government, particularly for the Human Services system,’’ said Morris County Director of Human Services Jennifer Carpinteri. “With the implementation of Medicaid expansion and changes in various funding streams that support some of our most critical services, we must look at our infrastructure to find efficiencies while continuing to provide high quality services.”

“This pilot program will have a positive impact on our community, reducing the backlogs and wait times, better serving individuals, families, seniors, people with disabilities and veterans,” said Freeholder Hank Lyon, who is the county governing board’s liaison on Human Services issues.

The goals of the Morris County pilot project are to improve timely and appropriate eligibility determinations and improve customer experience:

All new and re-determination community Medicaid cases in Morris County would be shifted to Xerox. As of October 15, there were 33,253 Medicaid cases in Morris County in 2015.

New Morris County applicants would be directed to apply online by clicking here. Online applications would be routed electronically to the Health Benefits Coordinator’s state-approved system, which would assume responsibility for the case with state oversight.

Morris County will maintain eligibility determination responsibility for all new and existing long-term care, aged, blind and disabled, and medical emergency cases.

MORRIS COUNTY — Some Morris County staff will be re-assigned to provide additional workers in other units to reduce backlogs and help meet compliance and timelines issues in other benefit programs.

This pilot will allow the county to ensure federal compliance without hiring additional staff.

As a result of Medicaid expansion in 2014, county caseloads increased by more than 50 percent statewide, including in Morris County. County welfare agencies struggled to keep pace with increased volume. It resulted in significant backlogs in Morris County.

To reduce the strain, the state shifted pending cases and new online applications to Xerox. While this action helped a bit, Morris County still was unable to keep pace with the need for public assistance. The new pilot project is expected to make a major difference.

“This “out-of-the-box” business model will be the first of its kind in New Jersey, and the state and county are equally motivated to explore this pilot together,” said Valerie Harr, Director of the Department of Human Services’ Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, which administers Medicaid.

“Partnering with the state is advantageous to both the state and Morris County,” she added.

To further explore efficiencies, Morris County will partner with community providers to assist clients is applying for Medicaid online, with applications sent directly to Xerox for processing. This is an opportunity to potentially save transportation costs and overtime costs, while fostering a client-friendly approach to accessing services.

For more information, click here.
For more information on Medicaid, click here.
For the NJ FamilyCare application, click here.

Update: Stabbing at Parsippany Inn

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Oct 20, 2015

(c) 2015 Parsippany Focus — Parsippany Inn and Suites, 2939 Route 10

PARSIPPANY — Patrolmen E. Giordano, E. Ebanks, and J. Mendez responded to the Parsippany Inn, 2939 Route 10, at 1:21 a.m. on Friday, October 16 for an active fight between two individuals. Upon arrival of Patrolman E. Giordano, found William Cole, 47, Morris Plains, outside the building with facial injuries and Victor Columbo, 37, Parsippany, inside the building with a stab wound to the abdominal area.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police spokesman Patrolman Brian Conover, stated on Tuesday, October 20, “Mr. Columbo was not released from the Morristown Medical Center on Friday and his bail of $35,000 was rescinded. He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.”

First Aid was immediately rendered to Mr. Columbo by Patrolman E. Giordano. Patrol Lieutenant D. McConnell, Patrol Sergeant R. Carrozzino, Detective M. Czajka, Patrolwoman M. Kardos, Patrolman C. Silva along with Patrol units from Denville Police Department and Morris Plains Police Department arrived on scene to assist.

Two ambulances from the Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance squad treated Mr. Columbo and Mr. Cole.

Detective M. Czajka conducted his preliminary investigation and both individuals were placed under arrest and transported to Morristown Medical Center for treatment of their injuries.

Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scene and assisted with processing the area. A kitchen type knife was recovered from the scene.
Once Mr. Columbo and Mr. Cole were released from Morristown Medical Center they were transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility.

Mr. Columbo was charged with Aggravated Assault Causing Serious Bodily injury with a bail of $35,000.

Mr. Cole was charged with Aggravated Assault causing injury with a Weapon, Possession of a weapon with a purpose to use it unlawfully against the person or property of another, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon with a bail of $50,000.

This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Investigative Division at (973) 263-4313.

Editors Note: A complaint or a charge is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Letter to the editor: Vote on Tuesday, November 3

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Oct 20, 2015

Dear Editor:

With the Autumn upon us, we enjoy the upcoming traditions the season brings: crisp weather, hot apple cider and … the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education election!

We encourage all residents, whether or not you have children in the district, to come out and vote on Tuesday, November 3. Keep an eye out in the mail for your sample ballot.

If you need to register to vote, confirm your polling location or have other questions, please call the town clerk at (973) 263-4350 or click here. You can also call the county Clerk’s Office at (973) 285-6066 or click here.

As incumbents, we are seeking re-election. Even though we are running unopposed, please do not let this deter you from exercising this most basic, yet important, right: your right to vote. And please do not think that we take your vote for granted. It’s just the opposite actually.

We know that this has been a tough time for students, teachers, parents and the community. We, too, have been deeply moved by these challenges and we want you to know we hear you. Our children deserved better. We are on the right path, but we have lots more to do. So now, we are more dedicated than ever to serve and advocate for our beloved community.

Thank you for the opportunity to make meaningful changes and allowing us to serve the school and taxpayer communities. We hope to see you at the polls in November!

Best regards,
Frank Neglia & Judy Mayer

Valori appointed to Morris County Park Commission

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Oct 20, 2015

valoriandbarberio — Former Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Dr. Louis Valori and Former Mayor James Barberio (File photo)

PARSIPPANY — During last Wednesday’s freeholder meeting, Freeholders John Krickus Hank Lyon, Thomas J. Mastrangelo and David Scapicchio voted in favor of Resolution No. 24 to appoint Dr. Louis Valori, Parsippany, to the Park Commission to fill the unexpired five-year term of Judith Schleicher, which ends December 31, 2017. Schleicher stepped down earlier this year because she was moving out-of-state.

Freeholders John Cesaro and Doug Cabana abstained, since they work for the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, where Dr. Louis Valori is a councilman. Cabana serves as municipal prosecutor and Cesaro serves as municipal public defender.

Freeholder Director Kathryn A. DeFillippo expressed full opposition to opening up seats on the commission to politicians. She believes Valori is a qualified candidate but she does not want to see the position politicized and wants to give citizens the volunteer opportunity.

The appointment to the Commission is a non-paid position.

The Morris County Park Commission is the largest county park system in New Jersey based on acreage with over 18,730 acres of parkland including 38 facilities: historic sites, golf courses, outdoor educational and recreational facilities, arboretum, conservation areas, 150 miles of trails, ice skating arena, and an artificial turf field complex with two inline hockey rinks.

Last year more than 3.5 million visit the parks. The parks offer award-winning programs, special events, and activities for all ages.

The Morris County Park Commission has a staff includes 156 full-time, 149 seasonal and part-time employees and hundreds of volunteers contribute more than 13,000 hours annually.

For more information on Morris County Park Commission, click here.

Christie Administration Proposes Overhaul to Water Quality Management Rule

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Oct 19, 2015

MORRIS COUNTY — The Christie Administration today proposed a significant overhaul to the state’s Water Quality Management Planning (WQMP) rule that will provide county and local planning agencies with flexibility to maintain high standards of environmental protection while balancing opportunities for economic growth, N.J. Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin announced today.

The Water Quality Management Planning rule requires local planning agencies to identify areas suitable for wastewater infrastructure based upon the ecological capacity of water bodies to accept future wastewater, as well as other environmental factors.

The proposed WQMP rule, published in the New Jersey Register, will give county and local planning agencies more flexibility in making land-use decisions and evaluating environmental impacts when mapping areas suitable for wastewater infrastructure.

It also will eliminate duplication of overlapping DEP regulatory requirements to provide for greater consistency and clarity as plans are developed.

There will be three public hearings, including a November 10 hearing at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum–Haggerty Center– in Morris Township.

“These revisions are consistent with the Governor’s goals of reducing unnecessary red tape while maintaining the high standards of environmental protection New Jersey residents expect,” Commissioner Martin said.

“Through these rule changes, the DEP is adopting an approach to water quality protection that recognizes that sound planning can and does occur at the local level. We will foster better planning by providing county and local planners with the flexibility to consider a range of options to address issues and solve problems.”

Specifically the proposed rule will:

Provide for comprehensive planning of water quality infrastructure to better protect the environment in the long term;

Limit where sewers can be located, thus allowing denser development only in those areas that are not environmentally sensitive and where it is consistent with local zoning;
Protect groundwater quality by setting goals for nitrate dilution from septic systems;

Allow counties and other planning entities more flexibility in preparing water quality plans;

Promote more cooperation between the DEP and counties in finding solutions to environmental issues;

Allow for the continuation of approvals of sewer service area amendments consistent with environmental standards and local planning objectives;

Defer to management plans for the Pinelands and Highlands concerning development decisions in those regions; and

Enhance the DEP’s ability to resolve capacity issues at wastewater treatment plants.

County and local planning agencies will have a year following final adoption of the rule to adopt wastewater management plans. At its discretion, the DEP may choose to develop plans for any agencies that do not meet this deadline.

“Through these changes, the DEP will be able to work collaboratively – not as adversaries – with county and local planning agencies, who know their communities best, to achieve the shared goal of sound planning policies that protect the ecologically sensitive areas that ought to be protected and direct development to where it is appropriate,” said Dan Kennedy, DEP’s Assistant Commissioner for Water Resources Management.

The DEP is concurrently proposing a related Capacity Assurance Program (CAP) rule to ensure that wastewater treatment systems avoid overloads that could result in discharges that don’t meet water quality requirements.

While the WQMP rule takes a longer-term look at future circumstances and development, the CAP rule focuses on the near-term implementation of capital improvements or other measures to handle today’s flows.

The DEP has been meeting with stakeholders since 2012 to identify and correct numerous problems with the existing Water Quality Management Planning Rule, adopted by a previous administration in 2008.

Many counties were unable to complete a requirement that they prepare extremely detailed wastewater management plans, which include detailed projections of growth and sewer capacity, in part because this required zoning impacts that could only be decided at the municipal level. This hampered the adoption of sewer service area mapping that is essential to sound planning and environmental protection.

This rule also was extremely complex, overly broad, lacked flexibility, was duplicative of existing planning requirements, and deterred economic growth in areas where development is appropriate.

Despite additional guidance and time provided by both the Legislature and DEP, county planning agencies were having an extremely difficult time meeting deadlines and complying with the rule. The current rule proposal has been deemed consistent with the goals of the State Development and Redevelopment Plan by the State Smart Growth Ombudsman.

Today’s publication in the Register triggers a 60-day public comment period ending December 18, 2015. Comments may be submitted electronically by clicking here or in writing to:

Gary J. Brower, Esq.

Attention: DEP Docket Number 10-15-09

Office of Legal Affairs

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

401 East State Street, 7th Floor

Mail Code 401-04L; P.O. Box 402

Trenton, NJ 08625-0402

Public hearings will be held on the following dates:

Tuesday, November 10, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Freylinghuysen Arboretum

Haggerty Room

353 East Hanover Avenue

Morris Township, NJ 07962

Tuesday, November17, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Gloucester County Clayton Complex

Clayton Auditorium

1200 Delsea Drive

Clayton, NJ 08312

Monday, November 30, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

DEP Public Hearing Room

401 East State Street

Trenton, NJ 08625

For more information, including FAQs, guidance documents and the full versions of the WQMP rule proposal and concurrent CAP rule proposal, click here.

House fire on Hiawatha Boulevard; Residents relocated

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Oct 19, 2015

Andres Giraldo (right) entering the home through the front door

PARSIPPANY — A smoke condition coming from the furnace was called in at 112 Hiawatha Boulevard at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 19. Upon arrival of firefighters they discovered a “working fire”.

Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire District 4, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department 5, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6 and Boonton’s Rapid Intervention Team arrived at the scene along with Rockaway Neck’s First Aid Squad.

Shortly thereafter it was identified to be an “attic incident” with smoke pushing from eaves on the house.

The firemen stretched a hose through the front door of the home. Parsippany-Troy Hills Rescue and Recovery was called to the scene with the air truck to fill air bottles.

The building inspector and board of health were requested to the scene since the home was deemed uninhabitable.

The residents are staying at a friend’s home located on North Beverwcyk Road. There were no injuries reported.

The home is owned by Newbridge Services, a non-profit organization.

Matt Palmieri heading toward the fire truck

Two cars collide in Parking Lot

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Oct 19, 2015

Both vehicles were towed from the scene by Powdermill Towing

PARSIPPANY — Ms. Dorothy Lisa, 57, Parsippany, was travelling south in the parking lot of Arlington Plaza, 808 Route 46 at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 15.

Ms. Lisa stated she stopped at the intersection and attempted to cross the intersection, and did not see the vehicle driven by Ms. Carol Melois, 64, Parsippany, in the intersection.

Ms. Lisa was at fault for the collision for driver inattention and failure to yield right of way.

Ms. Lisa was driving a 2000 Acura, and the vehicle was towed from the scene by Powdermill Towing. Ms. Melois was driver a 2011 Lexus Wagon, and was also towed away from the scene by Powdermill Towing.

According to police records, there were no summons issued at the time of the incident.

The accident was investigated by Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrolman Gregory Bloete.

Daiichi Sankyo to cut up to 1200 jobs, primarily in Parsippany

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Oct 19, 2015

PARSIPPANY — Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. announced today that it will reorganize its U.S. Commercial organization as it begins to transition from a maturing primary care product portfolio to a differentiated specialty portfolio that will include areas such as cardiovascular, pain management and oncology. Daiichi Sankyo is located at Two Hilton Court.

“As we face the loss of exclusivity in the coming year of our largest product, we also look ahead to great opportunities with our emerging portfolio in cardiology, oncology, fibromyalgia and pain relief,” said Ken Keller, President, U.S. Commercial, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. “This calls for us to restructure our organization into a smaller, highly targeted and efficient operating model, with a greater emphasis on customer-facing roles.”

As part of the reorganization, the Company will reduce expenses, including a reduction in headcount, from its U.S. Commercial operations. The Company expects to eliminate 1,000 to 1,200 positions across the U.S. Commercial function, through voluntary and involuntary displacements as well as eliminating open positions. The eliminated jobs will come from the U.S. Commercial Home Office, located in Parsippany, as well as field-based sales and other positions throughout the country. This reorganization is not focused on U.S.-based R&D functions, which have staff concentrated in Edison, or its packaging plant in Bethlehem, PA.

“Daiichi Sankyo recognizes the macro changes occurring in the U.S. healthcare system that place a greater emphasis on managing the needs of patients with more complex healthcare needs. As a specialty company, we will be positioned to meet those needs and invest in advancing technologies that will make a significant difference in patient lives,” said Keller. “While this initiative will place us on the path toward long-term success, it does require us to make some difficult decisions. We are grateful for the contributions of all of our employees and are committed to making this process as easy and streamlined as possible for them through outplacement services and other support.”

Mild temps return to Parsippany later in week

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Oct 19, 2015

It’s another frosty start to the day in New Jersey on Monday morning with widespread temperatures below freezing. The lowest temperature in the state as of 6:50 a.m. is 21 degrees in Lafayette. Even in the warmest spot, Harvey Cedars, it’s only 37 degrees according to the state climatologist’s office. While it will be sunny and…

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Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Dive Demonstration at Atlantis

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Oct 18, 2015

Members of Parsippany Rescue and Recovery and Parsippany Volunteer Squad and Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s Rescue and Recovery, Boonton, Denville, Pequannock Fire Department’s dive teams and the Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance at a Dive Team demonstration for the New Jersey First Aid Council’s annual conference at the Parsippany Sheraton Hotel.

dive2 — The Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Dive Team at the Atlantis Spa at the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel

Sophomore goalkeeper Bobby Edwards made five saves in men’s soccer

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Oct 18, 2015

jeffedwards — Sarah Edwards, Bobby, Jeff Edwards, and his trainer Mark Williams from Williams Sports Training, Whippany during his signing at St. Joseph's University in 2014

PARSIPPANY — Senior midfielder Tim Lazorko (Philadelphia, Pa./Holy Ghost Prep) converted a 71st-minute penalty kick to earn the Saint Joseph’s men’s soccer squad a 1-1 draw with George Mason in Atlantic 10 action on Sweeney Field on Saturday evening. With the draw, the Hawks improve to 3-9-2 overall and 1-2-1 in league play.

With just 19:56 remaining in regulation, Lazorko calmly blasted his shot past George Mason’s Michael Butts to equalize the score, 1-1.

George Mason (4-6-3, 0-1-3 A-10) scored in the 34th minute off of a throw-in opportunity, as Jordan Edwards found Jannik Eckenrode, who headed his shot into the back of the net to put the Patriots up early, 1-0.

For the match, George Mason held a slight 16-14 edge in shots, while Saint Joseph’s earned the 7-6 advantage in shots on goal. The Hawks doubled the Patriots in corner kicks, 8-4.

Lazorko (4) and freshman midfielder Lou Vilotti (3), who made his first collegiate start, led the Hawks with a combined seven shots and landed two on goal each. Both nearly made match-winning plays for the Hawks, as Vilotti blasted a shot in the 64th minute that nearly went in for the equalizer but was saved and Lazorko sent a free kick just high in the 87 minute.

Sophomore goalkeeper Bobby Edwards (Parsippany/St. Benedict’s Prep) (2-6-2, 1-2-1 A-10) made five saves – including two in the final 15:00 of regulation – in the full 110:00. Edwards made a phenomenal diving stop in the 76th minute, cleared out by Lazorko. Immediately following that play, Edwards intercepted George Mason’s deep throw-in to regain possession for the Crimson and Gray.

Saint Joseph’s will play its next three matches on the road, beginning at Davidson this Wednesday, October 21. Start time at Davidson’s Alumni Stadium is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Fundraiser at the Parsippany Playhouse to benefit the Woman’s Club of Parsippany Community Projects

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Oct 18, 2015

PARSIPPANY — To raise money for club and state projects, the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills (WCPTH) has joined forces with the Women’s Theater Company to present a showing of Love, Loss and What I Wore, a play by Delia and Nora Ephron, based on the bestselling book by Ilene Beckerman.

The special evening is on Thursday, November 5 at the Parsippany Playhouse at the Parsippany Community Center.

WCPTH club members will be selling tickets for an evening of theater, appetizers, wine, and goodies. There will also be a silent auction and door prizes.

Tickets are $30.00. 7:00 p.m. for appetizers and drinks. 8:00 p.m. the performance starts.

For more information or tickets contact Mary Ann at (973) 285-0762 or email by clicking here.

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 more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or check here to visit their website.

Sons of Italy cooks for Par-Troy Wrestling Club fundraiser

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Oct 18, 2015

Sons of Italy cooking pasta for the event

PARSIPPANY — Sons of Italy Chapter 2561 donated the pasta, sausage, meatballs, sauce and then cooked the food for the fundraiser for Par-Troy Wrestling Club. Also included in the meal was salad, bread and dessert.

Pat Rocco volunteering during the fundraiser

The Cooks: Joe Jannarone Jr.,, Domenic Rocco, Mayor James Barberio, Ralph Rocco, Juwan Rodriguez and John Gangone

Ronnie Petzinger, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Angela Petzinger

Council Vice President Robert Peluso being served by Secretary Cris Parente

Past President Par-Troy Wrestling Team June Madina presents plaque of “Thank You” to Joe Jannarone, Jr.

Glen Foli, Dive coordinator Parsippany Rescue and Recovery enjoying the Italian dinner

Council candidate Nick Kumburis enjoying the delicious Italian cooked meal

The team is raising funds to purchase a new mat.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5 also donated the space for the event.

Children had the opportunity to play games and bingo.

Past President Par-Troy Wrestling Team June Madina presented Joe Jannarone, Jr., President of the Sons of Italy 2561 with a plaque reading “In the sincere appreciation for the support and sincere dedication you have given to the Par-Troy Wrestling Team.”

Parsippany is such a large town that its children’s wrestling programs are traditionally split into two teams – the Parsippany Redhawks and the Parsippany Hills Vikings. Both had long-established histories, successes, and victories. As strong as both teams functioned separately, coaches, wrestlers, and parents knew that if they joined forces to create one team Parsippany Wrestling would become a major squad.

This became a reality in the spring of 2010. The Par-Troy Wrestling Club was formed with the motto, “One Town. One Team.”

PTWC registers children from grades kindergarten through eighth grade and participates in a number of competitive wrestling leagues. Their function with a full Executive Board and Executive Committee Members. Their major annual fundraiser is a two-day Holiday Tournament with teams gathering from all over. Over the years PTWC boasts successes of all the kids, including:

New Jersey Kids State Qualifying Wrestlers, Place Winners and Champions
Participation and Great Success in Numerous Leagues: Grade School, Passaic County, Tri-County, Future Stars, Northwest NJ K-6, North Jersey, Northern NJ Gold and Silver Teams, and King of the Mat
Place Winners and Champions at Competitive Tournaments
Bronze Certified Coaches
Alumni Wrestlers who move on and are highly successful at Parsippany High School, Parsippany Hills High School, and local private programs

The full roster looks forward to more success under the club’s long list of qualified coaches. The 2015-2016 season will include participation of teams in five competitive leagues – King of the Mat, Future Stars, North New Jersey Gold, and the New Jersey Grade School League.

For more information on Par-Troy Wrestling, click here.

United Methodist holds successful Ham Dinner fundraiser

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Oct 17, 2015

Susan Elbin was one of the food servers at the fundraiser

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany United Methodist Church held a successful all-you-can-eat Ham Dinner fundraiser. The dinner included Ham, Corn, Marconi and Cheese, String Beans, Baked Beans, and Rolls. Also, members of the church cooked homemade desserts.

Joseph McCarthy and Council Candidate Greg Elbin

Council Candidate Janice McCarthy with Former Councilman Jonathan Nelson

Council Candidate Janice McCarthy with Joanne Rich

Bob Keller with Council candidate Nick Kumburis

Betty Polen was serving the delicious desserts

The cooks: Jack Walsh, Len Bostwick, Tracy Booth, Bill Gripp and Justin Cogan

Smiling faces: Hwa Chun, Susan Elbin and Laurie Wilken

Brieanna Lomieo and Marissa Cogen tasting a piece of cake

Karen Gajewski and Tony enjoying the delicious Ham Dinner

The Parsippany United Methodist Church (PUMC) is located at 903 South Beverwyck Road. You can reach them by calling (973) 887-4657, or click here to visit their website.

The Parsippany United Methodist Church congregation was founded in 1830. In 1962, the century-old original church building was torn down to make room for an interstate highway. An education building and fellowship hall were built on a new location, but for years the congregation dreamed of a new, dedicated sanctuary. An identity was shaped over the course of the forty years between the evacuation of the original church building and the completion of the new sanctuary.

The PUMC congregation worshipped together in a fellowship hall that was also used for church dinners and play productions. People were drawn to the congregation not for the edifice — the school-like building wasn’t much to look at — but by qualities they experienced in the fellowship and worship. Together we shaped a congregational life characterized by unusual warmth, inclusion, artistic creativity, humor and prayerfulness.

Following Pastor Jeff Edwards arrival in 1989, PUMC congregational growth made it possible for the church to actively plan for the construction of a new worship space. Together they engaged in a long process of envisioning, fundraising, and planning for a new sanctuary that, with its simple and open design, was in keeping with the spirit of our congregation.

Construction began in November of 2001, in the midst of the national grief of 9/11. As they witnessed people spontaneously flock to communal holy spaces seeking contact with the Eternal, there seemed a rightness to building the sanctuary as an expression of hope in unsettling times.

Six months into construction, amid the typical frustrations and setbacks that are a part of this process, the chairperson of the building committee suddenly died. Shortly thereafter his wife also died. When finally the new sanctuary was dedicated six months later in December of 2002, the joy they felt was mixed with sadness that this much beloved couple who had been so instrumental in sustaining our dream of the new sanctuary for forty years was not with us to share in the celebration.

Services are held on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

The PUMC Youth Group meets approximately every other Sunday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All 8th through 12th graders are invited.

Breakfast for Men is held Tuesday mornings at 7:15 a.m. at the Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46 East. Free form discussion is concluded with a prayer. All men are welcome.

Sixth Annual St. Francis Fall Festival was a huge success

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Oct 17, 2015

Michael Hartmann, Karen DeChristopher from Parsippany CERT and member of Denville CERT

Betsy Lowry with her precious dog, Penny

DENVILLE — The Sixth Annual St. Francis Fall Festival, a one-day charity event to benefit the St. Francis Residential Community. St. Francis Residential Community is a ministry of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother that provides unique and affordable options for senior living in a dignified and beautiful setting was held on Sunday, October 11.

The festival is a family oriented and traditional day of fall fun. For many years, Denville hosted the former St. Clare’s Harvest Festival at the same location – a former working farm with barns and fields providing a picturesque backdrop. Since the Harvest Festival event ended the demand for a fun, family oriented autumn event has been met.

Denville is a lovely old-fashioned town located in the center of affluent Morris County. The town is filled with quaint shops, cozy restaurants, and spas. The event draws people directly from three bordering counties as well as New York and Pennsylvania. The event was an enjoyable high quality experience for the whole family, including German Food, Beer Garden, 50/50 tickets, rides, games and many other crowd drawing events.

Kiwanis Club “Knits” to help educate parents to prevent Infant Abuse

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Oct 17, 2015

Joyce Garrow, Kiwanis Club President Connie Keller and Karen DeChristopher

PARSIPPANY — Volunteers and friends of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany participated in “Click Your Knitting Needs Together, To Prevent Infant Abuse.”

They knitted and crocheted caps that are given to baby boys and girls in November and December to help educate parents about the “Period of Purple Crying,” a normal, but frustrating period of increased crying all infants experience in the first few weeks and months after birth.

The PURPLE program is designed to help parents of new babies understand a developmental stage that is not widely known. It provides education on the normal crying curve and the dangers of shaking a baby.

Additionally the program tries to create a cultural change in how parents, caregivers, and everyone in the community understand the normalcy of this early infant crying and the dangers of reacting to an infant’s crying in frustration. The program is based on over 50 years of scientific research on infant crying, the connection between the crying curve and the incidence of SBS. It has undergone extensive evaluation with randomized controlled trials with 4400 participants and 32 parent focus groups. Therefore, in order to achieve consistent results, the program is delivered using a very specific protocol.

Prevent Child Abuse – New Jersey is the New Jersey Chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, a network of chapters in all 50 states. Our mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect, in all forms, for all New Jersey children. Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey is the only statewide non-profit dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect in all forms, for all New Jersey children.

Why PURPLE?

The acronym PURPLE is used to describe specific characteristics of an infant’s crying during this phase and let parents and caregivers know that what they are experiencing is indeed normal and, although frustrating, is simply a phase in their child’s development that will pass. The word Period is important because it tells parents that it is only temporary and will come to an end!

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets on Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. For more information, click here.

Home Depot hosts Fire Prevention Day

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Oct 17, 2015

IMG_2842-1 — Taner Uygun, Rachael, Home Dept, Dave Cavaliere, Nick Cucchiara, Mike Lambert, Brian Ricci and Andres Giaraldo

PARSIPPANY — Home Depot, 780 Route 46, held a fire prevention day on Saturday, October 17. Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5 participated in the event with members Taner Uygun, Rachael, Home Dept, Dave Cavaliere, Nick Cucchiara, Mike Lambert, Brian Ricci and Andres Giaraldo.

Brian Ricci, newly appointed Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Inspector was guiding the children through the fire safety trailer and showing them methods of escape in the event of a fire, as well as answering questions.

Children had the opportunity to explore the fire truck and explored the various apparatus.

Home Depot employees set up work station for children to paint and learn to use some hand tools.Home Depot treated all the volunteer to lunch.

Funeral Services set for Kristen Ritter, 38, resident of Parsippany

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Oct 16, 2015

PARSIPPANY — Kristen Leigh Ritter (Taylor) passed away unexpectedly on October 14, 2015 at the age of 38.

From the day she was born she touched this world and everyone in and around her. Kristen’s love and energy was so infectious that she elevated people to raise their game and strive to do more. She loved to travel, and with her husband T.J. they visited over 53 countries. She also loved music, cars and especially the NY Jets.

Kristen was born in Manhattan, NY and has lived in Parsippany for the last nine years.

She received her Bachelor’s degree from American Military University and her Master’s degree in Science from College of St. Elizabeth. Kristen was very influential at Newscorp where she worked for many years before becoming the head of internal communications at Aetna a year ago. She was on the board of directors for the Special Olympics where she helped to raise over 20 million dollars.

Kristen is survived by her beloved husband and best friend of 17 years, Thomas “T.J.” Ritter of Parsippany. She is also survived by her mother Celia Thompson and her father Peter Taylor, as well as her siblings Samantha Taylor of Los Angeles, CA, Heather and her husband Thomas Kelly of Staten Island, Nicole Thompson of Staten Island, and Anthony and his wife Kristyn Thompson Allentown, PA. Also surviving her are her nephews Thomas, Michael and Nicholas Kelly, and her nieces Alexis and Amelia Thompson, as well as her brother in law Timmy Ritter and her mother in law Judith Ritter, both of FL. She was predeceased by her father in law John Ritter and her beloved grandparents Nanny & Popoo, Frank and Margaret Laricchia.

Funeral services will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday October 20, 2015 at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, and then going to St. Christopher’s Church in Parsippany for a 10:00 a.m. Liturgy of Christian Burial Mass. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to: Special Olympics of NJ, One Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.

Zinburger raises money for Big Brothers Big Sisters

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Oct 16, 2015