PARSIPPANY — While patroling Route 46, on Monday, May 18 at 9:47 a.m., Traffic Officer P. Levi observed a 1998 white 4 door Mercury failing to maintain the lane of travel.
Officer Levi conducted a motor vehicle stop upon the driver, Mr. Victor Barbetta, 46, Caldwell, at 745 Route 46. After a brief investigation, and with assistance from assisting Patrol Officers R. Appel and G. Bloete, Mr. Barbetta was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Mr. Barbetta was transported to the Parsippany Police Headquarters for processing. He was issued summonses for Failure to Wear Seatbelt, Careless Driving and Driving While Intoxicated. Mr. Barbetta was released from headquarters pending a court appearance.
The 200 Club of Morris County, an organization of area businesspeople working to support first responders, awarded scholarships to 20 graduating high school seniors. The recipients are all children of police officers, firefighters or emergency medical technicians.
“The 200 Club works hard to support those who keep us safe,” said Lou Nisivoccia, president of the club. “We’re well known for our Valor Awards, given to public safety people who risk their lives, and for the support we give to widows and orphans of those who die in the line of duty. But giving this scholarship is one of the joyful things we do.”
The $5,000 scholarships were won by 20 seniors who demonstrated extraordinary dedication to their studies. To be eligible, students must demonstrate excellence in academic performance, community service and extracurricular activities. Financial need also is taken into consideration.
Winners this year are:
Farah Randelia, Parsipanny. Public safety affiliation: EMS
Anastasia M. Bohon, Boonton. Public safety affiliation: fire service
Elizabeth M. Boyle, Riverdale. Public safety affiliation: fire service
Eva R. Cavanaugh, Morris Plains. Public safety affiliation: fire service
Kevin Cortright, Whippany. Public safety affiliation: fire service
Abigail J. Davidson, Morris Plains. Public safety affiliation: fire service
Dana N. Demnitz, Morris Plains. Public safety affiliation: police
Jenna M. DeVincenzo, Caldwell. Public safety affiliation: police
Kaileigh E. Estler, Morris Plains. Public safety affiliation: fire service
Nicholas P. Karr, Morris Plains. Public safety affiliation: fire service & EMS
Patrick A. Kennedy, Hackettstown. Public safety affiliation: police
Casey Krickus, Long Valley. Public safety affiliation: EMS
Alexi S. Martin, Oak Ridge. Public safety affiliation: EMS
John K. McNamara III, Morristown. Public safety affiliation: police
Kelsey M. Muir, Woodland Park. Public safety affiliation: State Police
Nicole Pascale, Randolph. Public safety affiliation: police
Olivia P. Polise, Chatham. Public safety affiliation: EMS
Hope E. Schwartz, Stanhope. Public safety affiliation: police
Sarah Serafino, Oak Ridge. Public safety affiliation: EMS
Andrew Robert Vex, Rockaway. Public safety affiliation: fire service
“The parents of these children put their lives on the line to protect us,” said Nisivoccia. “These scholarships are a way to thank them and to assure that we’ll have well-educated, excellent leaders needed to assure a safe and secure society in the future.”
Winners received their awards Monday, May 11 at the Zeris Inn, Mountain Lakes.
The annual scholarship is open to children with a parent actively serving with or retired from a Morris County police department, fire department, ambulance squad, the New Jersey State Police or as a paramedic with a Morris County-based hospital. Students whose parents are actively serving with a federal or state law enforcement agency also are eligible, as are students who, themselves, volunteer as firefighters or EMTs.
Children may be planning to attend college or post-high school vocational school.
The 200 Club began sponsoring the scholarships in 1982. Since then, hundreds of students have received the awards.
Founded in 1971, the club has distributed more than $4 million in benefits to police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services workers and their families.
Benefits take the form of survivor benefits to the families who have lost a spouse who was a first-responder and scholarships that have been awarded to children of emergency workers in Morris County. The organization also recognizes the valor of local heroes with an annual award program. Information about membership in the 200 Club and its programs is available by calling (732) 279-4258 or by clicking on http://200clubofmorriscounty.com.
MORRISTOWN —Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and 2012 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Mary Chapin Carpenter will perform an intimate, acoustic performances at Mayo Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $29-59.
The tour marks Carpenter’s return to singing both timeless hits and deep cuts from her expansive and beloved 13-album catalog after performing with orchestras in early 2014. Carpenter will be joined on stage by longtime friends Jon Carroll (piano) and John Doyle (guitars, bouzouki).
Carpenter has spent the past year performing alongside world-renowned orchestras since the release of her debut orchestral album, Songs From the Movie (Zoë /Rounder), which was conducted and arranged by six-time Grammy Award winner Vince Mendoza. Carpenter’s world debut orchestral concert took place on January 24 at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall alongside the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. In March, she performed two milestone concerts at New York’s Lincoln Center with the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Mr. Mendoza, and was joined by special guests Joan Baez, Shawn Colvin, Jerry Douglas, Tift Merritt and Aoife O’Donovan.
Over the course of her career, Carpenter has sold over 13 million records. With hits like “Passionate Kisses” and “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” she has won five Grammy Awards (with 15 nominations), two CMA awards and two Academy of Country Music awards for her vocals. Her songs speak to the most personal of life’s details and the most universal.
Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2014-2015 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been designated a Major Presenting Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
SOMERVILLE — An Appellate Court ruled Monday that actress Amy Locane-Bovenizer and her husband do not have to turn over their financial records to determine if she’s eligible for a public defender until the courts hear her appeal in a vehicular homicide case, according to a report on MyCentralJersey.com. Locane-Bovenizer, a former actress who was featured…
PARSIPPANY — Kings Food Markets is excited to bring back its exclusive 24 Hour Just Picked Promise this summer, beginning on Friday, May 22. The program is designed to bring Kings’ customers locally grown, farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs within 24 hours of being picked – giving shoppers the benefits of a local farm stand in the convenience of their neighborhood food markets.
“Each summer, we look forward to bringing the Just Picked Promise Program to our customers,” said Judy Spires, president and CEO of Kings Food Markets. “This exclusive program allows us to deliver the freshest produce available from our shoppers’ local community. As soon as customers see the Just Picked Promise seal, they know they are purchasing high quality products just like what they find at their local produce stand.”
Kings works with a network of more than 25 regional farmers – in towns such as Vineland, Mullica Township, Swedesboro, Landisville, Buena, Hammonton, Newfield, Medford, New Lisbon and Millmay – to deliver all of its Just Picked produce fresh to Kings stores within 24 hours of being hand-picked. Local farmers supplying the program select only the freshest, seasonal products in the morning, and through an expedited distribution process, they are delivered to Kings’ stores and prepared for sale the next day. The program is unique to Kings and was developed in partnership with Massachusetts-based Red Tomato, a non-profit organization committed to better connecting farmers and consumers.
“Freshness equals time,” said Paul Kneeland, vice president of Produce, Meat, Seafood and Floral for Kings Food Markets. “That’s why we are so proud to bring back our 24 hour Just Picked Promise. Our growers are committed to bringing the freshest, highest quality local produce to our stores every delivery.”
Kings customers looking to support local farmers and buy the freshest produce available can look for the 24 Hour Just Picked Promise seal in Kings’ stores. The items available at each store will vary daily; although, customers can expect to find such summer staples as arugula, basil, cilantro, lettuce, squash, mint, blueberries, cucumbers, kale and tomatoes with the Just Picked Promise.
The program will run in Kings stores Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
About Kings Food Markets An upscale market chain serving customers throughout New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, Kings provides a unique shopping experience paired with the highest quality foods. From locally sourced, organically grown produce, to hand-selected cheeses from over 20 countries, Kings seeks to bring exceptional gourmet items to shoppers in all of the company’s locations. The in-store experience is enhanced by Kings’ associates, all of whom are passionate about food and eager to help customers create the perfect meal.
Kings is based at 700 Lanidex Plaza and has 25 stores serving the region.
The closest stores to Parsippany are located in Morristown, Boonton, Florham Park and Livingston.
Red Tomato: Fresh Produce. Fresh Thinking. A non-profit organization founded in 1996, Plainville, MA-based Red Tomato works with a network of Northeast fruit and vegetable farms to bring farm-fresh, local produce to consumers throughout the region. Their mission is to connect farmers and consumers through marketing, trade, and education, and through a passionate belief that a family-farm, locally-based, ecological, fair trade food system is the way to a better tomato. Visit them on the web at www.redtomato.org.
As an Uber X driving partner, I have several comments and concerns regarding ride-sharing services and to the current state of legislation regarding ride-sharing services in New Jersey, i.e., S2742 and A3765.
It is a well-known fact that many New Jersey residents struggle to obtain employment or to earn an adequate living and that public transportation and taxi service is limited or non-existent in many parts of the state. Furthermore, there are persons who choose not to or cannot obtain a driver’s license and those who cannot afford the costs associated with owning, maintaining, and insuring an automobile.
Uber X makes it possible for many of its driving partners to earn an adequate income or to help make ends meet. According to a recent article there are approximately 7,500 Uber drivers in New Jersey. Uber X provides quick pick-up times and an economical solution for those seeking dependable transportation. Persons whom I have transported have been overwhelmingly positive about Uber and have commented that taxi service, if available, can require long wait time for pick-up, high costs, fare gouging, and vehicles that are generally not as clean as Uber X partner vehicles.
With regard to the aforementioned legislation, my overall concern is that its impact will be to make it cost prohibitive for ride-sharing services to operate in New Jersey thus creating a hardship for many of its citizens as previously mentioned. Another real concern is that the number of persons driving while intoxicated will increase because alternative transportation will be limited or non-existent, thereby increasing threats to public safety and its associated costs. I will leave the speculation regarding this legislation being driven (pun intended) by insurance companies and other special interest groups to others.
It is my hope that rather than passing reactionary laws regarding ride-sharing services, all concerned parties can engage in an objective, intelligent, and informed dialogue that results in any future legislation being a win-win solution for all.
The mini van on fire before emergency vehicles arrived
PARSIPPANY — There’s a mystery after a body was found inside a burning car on Lake Shore Drive, around noon on Monday, May 18.
It’s still not clear what happened and the body has not been identified.
The Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy to determine exactly how the person died.
Police responded to the scene of a minivan fire on Lake Shore Drive in the Lake Parsippany section of the township. Morris County Prosecutors Office and Morris County Sheriff Department investigated the scene along with the Parsippany Police Department.
The mini van on fire before emergency vehicles arrived
Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department was on the scene putting out the fire
Firemen putting out the car fire
Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department was on the scene putting out the fire
Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department was on the scene putting out the fire
Fire and police on the scene
The scene was drapped off with the red cloth
Investigators on the scene
Morris County Sheriff Crime Scene
One person was found dead inside a minivan that caught fire
All photos (c) Parsippany Focus, 2015 by Nicolas Limanov
The 2012 Toyota was towed from the scene by Corigliano Towing.
PARSIPPANY — Mr. Dennis Hartley, 37, was traveling South on Parsippany Road and stopped at the intersection of Alexander Avenue to make a left turn. Mr. Chandraka Mehta, 75, was traveling behind Mr. Hartley and stopped, when Mr. Richard Cattafi, 67, struck Mr. Mehta’s vehicle, and then Mr. Mehta’s vehicle struck Mr. Hartley.
Mr. Cattafi was driving a 2006 Subaru; Mr. Mehta was driving at 2012 Toyota and Mr. Hartley was driving a 2003 Ford Pick-Up.
Mr. Mehta’s vehicle was towed from the scene by Corigliano Towing.
No summons were issued at the time of this story.
Mr. Mehta was complaining of pain and was treated by Parsippany Emergency Medical Services at the scene.
The 2012 Toyota suffered the most damage
The 2012 Toyota recevied front and rear damage
The 2012 Toyota was towed from the scene by Corigliano Towing.
The 2003 Ford Pick Up had a little damage to the rear bumper.
Mr. Cattafi was checking the damage to his vehicle at the scene of the accident.
PARSIPPANY — Members of the Parsippany Hills High School Key Club visited the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany for breakfast on Thursday, May 14. The members gave a review of their yearly activities they participated in.
Some of the events the PHHS Key Club organized was the Bake Sale. The Key Clubbers brought in their baked goods for sale. They organized a Senior Citizen Dinner: This is one of the biggest service projects of the year. They served senior citizens an Italian dinner and then they presented a show. They offered Lake Intervale School Babysitting. They raised money and visited the Children’s Specialized Hospital. As per its usual Valentine’s Day celebration, Key Club packed candy bags for each Parsippany Hills High School administrator, teacher, adviser, aid, and employee. With several Key Club volunteers, over 10 bags of chocolates and candy, and 180 mini packages of candy delivered, Key Club plans on continuing its small acts of service for the many years to come.
Kiwanis Advisors Ron Orthwein and Davey Willans, along with Kiwanis President Mimi Letts is pictured with the students from the Parsippany Hills Key Club. The PHHS Key Club Advisor is Bonnie Sturm.
Key Club International, the oldest and largest service leadership organization for teens, teaches leadership through service to others. Key Club’s 267,000 members build themselves as they build their schools and communities. Key Club’s 5,000 clubs thrive in 30 nations in North America, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Service and fundraising By performing more than 12 million service hours each year, Key Club members make a difference in their communities and the world, organizing a variety of service projects, such as cleaning up parks, collecting clothing and organizing food drives. They also learn leadership skills by running meetings, planning projects and holding elected leadership positions at the club, district and international levels.
Key Club encourages volunteering and fundraising for partners March of Dimes, UNICEF and the Children’s Miracle Network. Key Club members are currently raising funds for The Eliminate Project, a joint effort of the Kiwanis family and UNICEF to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus from the face of the Earth.
PARSIPPANY — More than 1,900 Lehigh University students were awarded bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees during the 147th Spring 2015 Commencement ceremonies at Goodman Stadium in Bethlehem, PA.
Connor Luther of Mt Tabor, received a B S in Environmental Engineer
Meghan Barwick of Parsippany, received a Bachelor of Arts
Shijue Wang of Parsippany, received a Master of Science
For 150 years, Lehigh University (lehigh.edu) has combined outstanding academic and learning opportunities with leadership in fostering innovative research.
The institution is among the nation’s most selective, highly ranked private research universities. Lehigh’s four colleges – College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Economics, College of Education and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science – provide opportunities to 7,000 students to discover and grow in a learning community that promotes interdisciplinary programs with real-world experience.
Ferring Pharmaceuticals is located at 100 Interpace Parkway
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Police Department was called to Ferring Pharmaceuticals, 100 Interpace Parkway, earlier this afternoon on a suspicious package found.
The Morris County Hazmat team remains on the scene, as well as Rainbow Lakes Fire District 2, Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 5 Hazmat team, and Parisppany Emergency Medical Services.
As details come available, Parsippany Focus will update this story.
Ferring Pharmaceuticals is located at 100 Interpace Parkway
The investigators on the scene
Morris County Hazmat team on the scene
The investigators speaking to employees at the scene
Rainbow Lakes Fire Department and Parsippany Fire District 5 Hazmat is on the scene
The mini van on fire before emergency vehicles arrived
PARSIPPANY — Police are at the scene of a minivan fire on Lake Shore Drive in the Lake Parsippany section of the township. Morris County Prosecutors Office and Morris County Sheriff Department are on the scene along with the Parsippany Police Department. When additional information is released, Parsippany Focuswill update this article.
Parsippany Police stated Lake Shore Drive in Lake Parsippany is closed between Englishtown Road and Califon Road. There is also no access to Freneau Road from Parsippany Road. There is no estimated time for the closures at this time. Please plan accordingly.
At approximately 9:00 p.m. Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps announced the road has been reopened.
The mini van on fire before emergency vehicles arrived
Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department was on the scene putting out the fire
Firemen putting out the car fire
Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department was on the scene putting out the fire
Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department was on the scene putting out the fire
Fire and police on the scene
The scene was drapped off with the red cloth
Investigators on the scene
Morris County Sheriff Crime Scene
One person was found dead inside a minivan that caught fire
PARSIPPANY — On Thursday, May 14, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Schools kicked off a ground breaking event at Parsippny Hills High School and now the Turf Fields are becoming a reality.
The Parsippany Hills High School Choir sang the National Athem, and the PHHS Alma Mater was performed by the PHHS Band and Choir. Welcoming message was presented by Parsippany-Troy Hills Board President Fran Orthwein.
The proud parents of Dylan McDonald
Board President Fran Orthwein welcoming the audience
The Parsippany Hills Varisty Football Team
Superintendent of Schools Scott Rixford addressing the audience
PHHS Principal Michael DiSanto addressing the audience
Todd Ricker addressing the audience
Coach Albano addressing the audience
Baseball Coach Ray Santana durng the ground breaking of the turf fields
Olivia Piccoli and Rochelle Blair, Girls Soccer Captains during the ground breaking of the turf fields
Fran Orthwein during the ground breaking of the turf fields
Board member Frank Neglia during the ground breaking of the turf fields
Scott Rixford during the ground breaking of the turf fields
Board member George Blair during the ground breaking of the turf fields
Michael DiSanto during the ground breaking of the turf fields
Head Football Coach Dave Albano during the ground breaking of the turf fields
Coordinating Principal of Athletics Todd Ricker during the ground breaking of the turf fields
Rochelle Blair, Girls Soccer Captains during the ground breaking of the turf fields
PHHS Principal Michael DiSanto and Board President Fran Orthwein holding the shovel used for the ground breaking
2015 Football Champions
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education held a meeting on Thursday, February 19 and a presentation was made by the architect and engineer explaining the proposed turfing of the high school fields, the rebuilding of the Parsippany High School track and the construction of lights towers at Parsippany High School and the refurbishment of the light towers already at Parsippany High School.
The students were seating guest and taking orders at the fundraiser
PARSIPPANY — The fifth grade class at Northvail School held a fundraiser at Applebee’s to raise funds for their graduation in June. The students will be attending Central Middle School in September.
The parents helping the students at the fundraiser
Parent Trish Weiss serving food, while her son, Ryan Weiss, a student at PHS helps
The students were seating guest and taking orders at the fundraiser
PARSIPPANY — The Fifth Grade class of Lake Intervale School held a car wash on Saturday, May 16 to raise funds to help with their graduation this June. The students will be moving up to Brooklawn Middle School in September.
The fifth grade class washing cars during the fundraiser
Fifth grader Jahre Dorsey
Fifth grader Ashley Kornreich
The fifth graders washing the cars
Matthew Memoli washing the cars during the fundraiser
Parents helped the students
Reagan Murphy, Meeka Vardi, Aatthew Memoil, Matt Santana and Gianna Chraca holding the signs promoting the car wash
Nihar Menon and Naga Vardi holding the signs promoting the car wash
Intervale Elementary School is a kindergarten through fifth grade school where staff and parents work together to provide a nurturing environment for our students. The school’s diverse population provides the students with wonderful opportunities to learn about many different cultures, traditions and life styles.
Volunteer Fireman Michael Ruggier collecting money on North Beverwcyk Road Boot Drive
PARSIPPANY — The Volunteers of Lake Hiawatha Fire Department were holding their annual boot drive on Saturday, May 17 along North Beverwcyk Road.
Pictured is Volunteer Michael Ruggier collecting a donation from a local resident.
If you wish to contribute to their fund drive, send donations to Lake Hiawatha Fire Department, 39 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha, Nwe Jersey, 07034.
How To Join the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department
Policy Overview
The purpose of this policy is to identify who is eligible for membership in the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department and to describe the application and investigation process. In order to maintainits high level of competency and proud traditions, the department must ensure that its new members meet or exceed our standards. Furthermore, it must be recognized that its not everyone, in fact most people, cannot endure the physical and mental challenges of firefighting. For this reason, those applicants who would be a danger to themselves or others as firefighters, must be identified.
Eligibility To Join
A. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 40 years old
B. Applicants must live within the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
C. Applicants must have graduated from high school, vocational school, or possess an approved high school equivalency certificate
D. Applicants must be of sound moral character
Any applicant who has been convicted of a crime, or is currently under indictment, shall be ineligible for membership
Any applicant who has been convicted of a Disorderly Persons offense must satisfactorily explain the circumstances of the offense to the investigation committee
E. Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of a firefighter, to be determined by a licensed physician
Contact the Chief for an Application by clicking here.
Volunteer Fireman Michael Ruggier collecting money on North Beverwcyk Road Boot Drive
The history of the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department….
The section of Parsippany Troy-Hills where Lake Hiawatha is located was settled as a summer community along the Rockaway River in 1932. At the time only 3 streets in town were available for travel: North Beverwyck Road, Dacotah Avenue and Nokomis Avenue and development only reached the lake in 1935. The lake was the center of summer activities for the area, consisting of a white sandy beach with a pavilion, children’s playground and a barbequing area.
On January 3, 1935, the area suffered its first tragedy. A home on Wenonah Ave was completely destroyed by fire and in February six men met to discuss the need for a fire department. In the basement of Ferdinand Kaiser’s home, Al Hoffman, George Eiscamp, Art Everly, Theodore Spatz, Richard Thompson and Mr. Kaiser formed the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department. The first organized meeting was held on February 25, 1935 at the Lake Hiawatha Club House where Mr. Spatz was elected the first Chief and Mr. Kaizer was elected the first President for association functions.
In the beginning the department didn’t have any fire trucks or a fire house. All the men had there three packs that were referred to as “Indian tanks”. These tanks were filled with water with a small hose and a nozzle at the end which sat on their back. If the fire was too large, the LHFD would have to call for the Rockaway Neck Fire Department (now Parsippany District #5) or the Parsippany Troy-Hills Fire Association (currently Parsippany District #6) to assist.
Throughout 1935, the members worked hard to acquire money to obtain a fire engine and a fire house. There were several fundraisers held, the first of which was a professional boxing match that cost 50¢ for general admission and 75¢ for ringside, although the largest money maker was a Minstrel show where four hundred and fourteen people came to watch the firefighters sing, dance and tell jokes all for a worthy cause. In August of 1935 the LHFD raised enough funds and purchased their first fire engine which was a 1913 American LaFrance. Since there was no firehouse, the fire engine was housed behind Thomas Broadways home (today where the Lake Hiawatha Post Office is located).
Now that the LHFD had a fire engine, they wanted a permanent location to store it. Land was acquired in September 1935 by way of donation from Benjamin Kline. Mr. Kline donated two lots on Lake Shore Drive where a 30 x 36 foot building was planned to be built with cement blocks and a stucco finish. The total cost of construction for the two bay building was $1,000.00. No contractors were hired but instead the members of the LHFD donated their free time and put in many hours to have a place to house the vehicle that would eventually save many lives and property in their area.
Also in September of 1935, many of the wives of the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department members wanted to do their part for the community. They started the LHFD Ladies Auxiliary and elected Florence Herdon as their first President. Their main function was to be a support branch of the department and would provide the firefighters with coffee in the winter and cold beverages in the summer. Over the years the Ladies Auxiliary hosted many events to raise funds for the FD and give back to the community, such as dances, lunch with the Easter Bunny, Candle Light bowling and various raffles. The LHFD Ladies Aux. joined the New Jersey Fire Auxiliary in 1977 and were represented by three delegates and two alternates and served a vital role in supporting the firefighting activities. In 1985 the LHFD ladies auxiliary was down to only five members and over time the interest dwindled and auxiliary was disbanded. Although there is no longer a Ladies Auxiliary, they are not forgotten and many of their awards and photos are displayed in the firehouse meeting room.
The Highlight of the October 27, 1935 dedication was the laying of the cornerstone by Mr. Kline. Placed inside the cornerstone was a scroll bearing the charter members signatures. A siren was purchased for the rooftop from the Upper Greenwood Lake Fire Department for $20.00 to notify the volunteers of a fire. Jesse Hendershaw worked as a paid caretaker for the firehouse, maintaining a constant 40°F year round temperature and turning the outside red light on at night and turning it off at sunrise.
The fire department’s rules and regulations are spelled out in its Constitution and By-Laws which were approved by the charter members in 1935. Under the original constitution, the LHFD would have a Chief, Assistant Chief, and three foremen although the word foreman was later changed at the next meeting to Lieutenant. In the following years, a Captain was added to the ranks but in 1947 the office of Captain was replaced by a fourth Lieutenant. In the 2000’s the fourth Lieutenant position was again changed back to Captain. Since 1935 the Association has consisted of a board of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary and a Financial Secretary. Over the years, the Constitution and ByLaws have undergone many revisions. Noteworthy was Article X, Section 2a of the original document which has long been dropped:
Section 2. (a) Any officer or member of this Association shall be subject to fines in the amount for various reasons. Or if the conditions warrant they may be suspended and brought before the Board of Fire Officers on charges.
In January 1936 in conjunction with the other fire departments in Parsippany Troy-Hills Township, the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department became known as Parsippany Fire District #4. Every fire company in town was assigned a number, but never changed from its original name. In becoming a fire district, Fire Commissioners are elected by the residents of Lake Hiawatha to approve purchasing of fire apparatus and equipment. The first elected Commissioners were Dr. Herman Minzesheimer, Al Edelman, Vincent Lubrano, George Eiscamp and George Glaser.
In 1939 the LHFD made plans to build an addition onto the firehouse for a meeting room and a kitchen that became known as the “club room”. A pool table, bar, shuffle board and piano were added to the room so the members could socialize at the firehouse and a heating system was also added to keep the firehouse 70°F year round.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the members of the LHFD rallied in support of America by joining the Military Service Organization of Parsippany Troy-Hills. The department conducted air raid drills, purchased black-out shades and collected $80.00 in a 1942 scrap drive. Those members who were of age enlisted in the U.S. military and were granted military leave as to not affect their standing in the department. During the holidays the department sent cards and gifts to their brother firefighters overseas and proudly displayed a service flag year round inside the firehouse.
In 1960 the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department held a celebration in honor of its 25th Anniversary. The highlight of the weeklong celebration was a parade held on May 28th and gave out trophies to several other departments that participated in the parade.
In 1969 the LHFD broke ground for a new firehouse. This fire station was built at the corner of Lake Shore Drive and North Beverwyck Road, the current location it is today. Much of the construction was done by the members and an extensive building fund campaign was needed. The fire department started the fund drive with a large parade in 1968.
In 1972 Vincent Lubrano was named Fireman of the Year by the Schaefer Brewing Company and James Gill was the Schlitz Fireman of the Year in 1978.
During the year of 1974, the LHFD took delivery of their first “Command Unit” which also was the first that acted as a fire department utility/transport vehicle. It was designed by Firefighter Paul Koert to fit the district’s needs in terms of scene lighting, firefighter transport, and equipment storage.
In 1980 Vice President George Bush visited Parsippany and the LHFD was part of the detail that provided protection for the Vice President. The fire department received no monetary reward for their service and was proud to do their part to provide safety to the Vice President of the United States of America.
In 1995 the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department realized that a small ladder truck would aid the community and bought a 65’ aerial truck. It was the first of its kind for the area and has been a great asset in fighting fires in Lake Hiawatha.
During the year of 2006 it was determined the LHFD needed to expand once again. The fire department hired a contractor to add a fourth bay, an elevator, and a commissioner meeting room with a basement. Along with these other rooms, an outdoor patio was also constructed for members’ use during the summer months.
In 2008 the LHFD dedicated the block of Lake Shore Drive from Washington Ave to N. Beverwyck Rd as “Vincent Lubrano Dr” in honor of the dedication that Mr. Lubrano has had for the LHFD. Mr. Lubrano is still a member of the fire dept. and is the Chairman of the Constitution Committee.
On August 14, 2010 the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department hosted its 75th Anniversary. Unlike the past celebrations, there wasn’t a parade but instead hosted a large barbeque completely funded by the LHFD to give back to the community for their support over the last three-quarters of a century.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Baseball Team held their annual car wash fundraiser on Sunday, May 17 at the school to raise funds for their team.
The team plays in states tomorrow versus Harrison High school at 4:00 p.m. at Harrison High School.
Players on the Parsippany High School Baseball team washing cars during their annual fundraiser
Players on the Parsippany High School Baseball team washing cars during their annual fundraiser
PARSIPPANY — Karley Diane Berrios has Graduated Cum Laude from Ramapo College with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Theater. She was 2011 Graduate of Parsippany High School.
Karley will be starting an internship with a New Jersey Equity Theater.
Karley is the daughter of Timothy and Kathy Berrios, Parsippany. Mr. Berrios is a member of Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education.
PARSIPPANY — Four hundred and fifty-five students graduated as Susquehanna University closed its 157th academic year with annual commencement exercises on May 10.
Students were joined in the commencement ceremony by numerous faculty and the commencement speaker. In her commencement address, Comedienne Carol Leifer brought Susquehanna University’s Class of 2015 to its feet with a range of well-earned advice and wise-cracking anecdotes. Leifer’s appearance at Susquehanna honors the 2014-15 University Theme, “Humor.” Her remarks, while light-hearted, urged graduates to seize every opportunity they encounter, whether it’s their dream job or not.
Lacey German graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in art history. A 2011 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, she is the daughter of Arnold German, and was very active on the field hockey team.
Susquehanna University is a selective, residential liberal arts college that provides a solid background in the liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional experiences. Students develop critical thinking, writing, teamwork and communication skills which, combined with internships and research opportunities, prepare them for a lifetime of personal and professional success. The university is recognized nationally for its commitment to off-campus study through the Global Opportunities program. Small classes enable faculty members to serve as mentors, as well as teachers. Ninety-four percent of Susquehanna students are employed or in graduate or professional school within six months of graduation.
NEWARK — A doctor with a medical practice in Montclair was sentenced Friday to 14 months in prison for accepting more than $100,000 in bribes in exchange for test referrals as part of the $100 million scheme operated by Biodiagnostic Laboratory Services of Parsippany, authorities said. Franklin Dana Fortunato, 65, of Montville, pleaded guilty in July…