PARSIPPANY — Mr. Brian Lucchese, 38, Succasunna, was traveling South on Lake Shore Drive, Lake Hiawatha when he stated a deer came out in front of the 1990 Ford he was driving, which caused him to hit a parked vehicle, continuing and striking a curb, driving onto the grass of a Lake Shore Drive residence and then striking bushes.
The parked vehicle was owned by Mr. William Saller, Lake Hiawatha. His 2001 Toyota was towed from the scene by C & L Towing.
Mr. Lucchese’s vehicle was also towed from the scene by C & L Towing.
Mr. Lucchese was charged with driving while intoxicated and failure to maintain in a lane.
This incident occurred on Monday, May 11 at 3:24 a.m., and was investigated by Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Michelle Kardos.
Editors Note: A 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.
PARSIPPANY — The calls comes over police dispatch. A man and his ex-girlfriend have called police, because the new girlfriend’s standing in the man’s driveway, and they’re screaming at each other. Someone needs to de-escalate this situation. Here comes Chris Hayes. Wait … that Chris Hayes? The political commentator and host of MSNBC’s “All In with…
Dr. Edward J. Yaw, president of County College of Morris. Photo Credit: Life in MoPhoto
RANDOLPH — Dr. Edward J. Yaw, president of County College of Morris (CCM), announced that he has informed the CCM Board of Trustees that he will not seek renewal of his contract when it expires in August 2016.
Yaw told the college community of his decision this morning at CCM’s spring Professional Day for faculty and staff.
“I want to express my deep sense of gratitude for what we have been able to accomplish here,” said Yaw. “I am especially proud of our faculty. It is because of their dedication that our academic programs are so widely recognized in the state and even around the nation.”
Yaw was appointed the second president of the college in 1986, following the retirement of CCM’s first president, Dr. Sherman H. Masten. Yaw first joined CCM in 1980 as Dean of Academic Affairs. Prior to that, he served as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Adelphi University in New York.
Under his leadership, CCM has become one of the state’s leading community colleges. As a result of his vision and guidance, the college has one of the highest combined transfer and graduation rates among community colleges in New Jersey. Students and faculty also are regularly presented with awards and honors for their accomplishments.
In addition, Yaw has played an instrumental role in shaping higher education in New Jersey through his work on professional and educational councils. During his service as chair of the New Jersey Presidents Council – representing all of the state’s colleges and universities – he led the effort to enact a statewide transfer agreement to ease the process for students seeking to pursue their educations beyond an associate degree. An active community leader, he has served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and the Urban League of Morris County, offering his time and expertise to improving the lives of others.
Yaw earned his Ed.D. from Columbia University, his M.S. from Southern Illinois University and his B.A. from Harpur College, SUNY Binghamton.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School will hold its annual Redstock on Saturday, June 13, inviting the public to participate in many sports activities and games behind the high school. The highlight of the festival will be the Powder Puff flag football game between the senior and junior girls.
This event focuses on bringing local families, students, school-based organizations and area businesses together for a FREE day of entertainment, music, games, food and fun! This year’s festival will feature a vendor area for local businesses to meet and interact with current and potential customers giving them the opportunity to directly distribute samples, promotional items and other marketing material, as well as sell.
The event starts at 12:00 Noon and ends at 4:00 p.m. offers food, live music, face painting, arts and crafts, bounce house, local businesses, dunk tank ($1.00), games and prizes and live entertainment. The PTSA will hold a Tricky Tray and Raffle.
Each business that participates will have their name printed on the back of all Restock tshirts and on sponsorship signage for the event. Parsippany High School will provide tables, chairs and electricity if needed. If any local business would like to participate, complete a 2015 PHS Redstock form, by clicking here and sending it to Chrissy Russell at Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 with a $25.00 registration fee. Questions can be directed to crussell@pthsd.k12.nj.us.
Due to the fields being worked on, the Central Middle School Flag Football game will start at 5:00 p.m. at Smith Field.
The Hawkeye Community awards will begin at 6:00 p.m., also at Smith Field, and the Juniors vs. Sensiors Powderpuff Football game will start at 6:30 p.m., also at Smith Field.
In addition, they will be collecting canned foods at the gate, so please donate.
PARSIPPANY —On Tuesday, May 12, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Schools kicked off a ground breaking event at Parsippny High School and now the Turf Fields are becoming a reality.
PHS Cheerleaders and Marching Band performed during the ceremony
Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education President Fran Orthewin addressing the audience
Superintendent Scott Rixford
PHS Principal Denis Mulroony
Dr. Norman Francis, Coordinating Principal of Athletics
Gregory Dalakian, Alumnus and Band Director
Fran Orthwein during the groundbreaking ceremony
Dr. Denis Mulroony during the groundbreaking ceremony
Norman Francis during the groundbreaking ceremony
Scott Rixford during the groundbreaking ceremony
Board Vice President Frank Neglia during the groundbreaking ceremony
Councilman Michael dePierro during the groundbreaking ceremony
Mayor James Barberio during the groundbreaking ceremony
On Thursday, May 14, Parsippany Hills High School will have a ground breaking event starting at 5:30 p.m.
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.
PARSIPPANY — Mayor James Barberio presented the members of Relay for Life of Central Morris County with a proclamation on Tuesday, May 12.
The proclamation read:
Whereas, an estimated 51,410 residents in NJ will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and 16,250 will not survive; and
Whereas, no single non-governmental, not-for-profit organization in the United States has invested more to find the causes and cures of cancer than the American Cancer Society. In fact, The American Cancer Society has helped make possible almost every major cancer research breakthrough since 1946, in 2013 having funded more than $150 million in cancer research through money raised in communities across the United States; and
Whereas, Relay For Life is the signature activity of the American Cancer Society and celebrates cancer survivors and caregivers, remembers loved ones lost to this disease and empowers individuals and communities to fight back against cancer; and
Whereas, more than three million people, about one in 99 Americans, will take part in Relay For Life this year, of which a half a million of the participants are cancer survivors; and
Whereas, the money raised at Relay For Life saves lives and creates a world with less cancer and more birthdays through funding fighting cutting-edge cancer research, early detection and prevention education, advocacy efforts, and life-affirming patient services; thus people staying well, helping people to get well, and finding cures for cancer by fighting back; and
Whereas, in 2014, within Relay For Life events held in Northwest New Jersey, $1.2 million was raised, there were over 1,100 teams, 10,000 participants, over 780 survivors, and over 1,400 caregivers who were impacted; and
Whereas, Parsippany, one of seven united communities included within Relay For Life of Central Morris County is joining over 5,200 other communities worldwide to host the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, an event to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those who are no longer with us, and
Whereas, Paint the Town Purple is a celebratory activity of the American Cancer Society, a community-wide campaign that promotes cancer awareness, gives individuals and communities an opportunity to show their support and fight back against all forms of cancer, and
Whereas, Parsippany will be part of the Paint the Town Purple initiative within the month of May and schools, businesses and residents are invited to help spread the message of hope by tying a purple ribbon around a tree or light post and posting signs of support as well as about the event!
Now Therefore, I, James Barberio, Mayor of The Township of Parsippany do hereby proclaim the month of May to be Paint the Town Purple within Parsippany and further proclaim June 6 to June 7 to be American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Central Morris County. In doing so, I urge citizens to celebrate survivorship, remember loved ones lost to the disease, honor caregivers and join Parsippany community’s fight against cancer and encourage citizens to help the fight against cancer by participating in these activities. Only together will we find a cure!
American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Central Morris County will take place on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 at County College of Morris, Randolph. Registration will start on Saturday, June 6 at 2:00 p.m. with Opening ceremony beginning at 4:00 p.m. and the festivities continue all night long until 6:00 a.m. on the Sunday, June 7. There is no obligation to stay all day or overnight, so please join as they walk around the track to Fight Back, Celebrate, and Remember those touched by cancer!
There are three points to every Relay for Life Event – Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back. The celebration portion includes a dinner for cancer Survivors and their Care Givers. The remembrance portion includes a moving Luminaria Ceremony in which friends and loved-ones lost to cancer are remembered. The entire event is a way of fighting back against cancer by raising funds for Research. The American Cancer Society funds research for all types of cancer. 93% of all money raised goes to continuing research efforts.
The Theme for this year’s Relay will be “The 80’s” to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the inaugural Relay for Life in 1985. There will be themed laps, Dance Contests, Face-Painting for Children, and other fun events throughout the course of the event, and a survivor’s and caregivers dinner, as well as the evening Luminaria Ceremony starting at 9:00 p.m. Luminaria bags that line the track to honor or remember loved ones in our lives that are touched by cancer can be purchased online, by clicking here.
By supporting Relay For Life, you help the American Cancer Society save more than 400 lives a day, and that helps us move closer to our ultimate goal of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
For more details, to be a sponsor, sign up a team or to register for the event, click here.
Employment Horizons, Inc. will host its Tenth Anniversary Golf Classic on Monday, June 15 at Spring Brook Country Club in Morristown. This year’s event is sponsored by My Limo of East Hanover, serving as Premier Sponsor with Vision Real Estate Partners and the Steven and Beverly Rubenstein Charitable Foundation serving as Associate Sponsors. The Provident Bank Foundation will serve as our Tote Bag Sponsor.
In our community, hundreds of hardworking people with disabilities dream of earning a paycheck and living as valued, productive members of society. The Golf Classic offers an opportunity for members of the community to help make this dream a reality. All proceeds from the event help fund the agency’s services, which give individuals with disabilities an opportunity to earn a paycheck while receiving valuable training
Golfer registrations and sponsorships will be accepted through May 28 and can be submitted online by clicking here or by contacting Maria Verducci-Florio at (973) 538-8822 ext. 240. Registration includes greens fees, golf cart, lunch, golfer gift, cocktail reception and buffet dinner.
Founded in 1957, Employment Horizons, Inc. is the premier not-for-profit agency providing high-quality competitively priced services to the business community through its commercial operations while at the same time, furthering its mission to assist people with special needs to achieve their vocational objectives and establish self-sufficiency in the community. To learn more, please visit www.emhorizons.org.
NEW JERSEY — The Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (GCADA) has launched a statewide awareness campaign, “Addiction Does Not Discriminate” to help fight drug abuse by showing that no one is immune to the deadly drug problem.
This program provides New Jersey residents with information on preventing abuse, Since April 2015, there have been approximately 400 overdoses involving synthetics along East Coast between Alabama to New York. The current brand associated with this outbreak of overdoses is “K2” (pictured below). This is a popular brand that is available both online and at local convenient stores. Lab analysis is pending to determine the cause of the overdoses. In New Jersey, it is illegal to possess, sell, offer to sell, or manufacture synthetic drugs.
PARSIPPANY — Superintendent of Schools Scott Rixford is planning another open house on Wednesday, May 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Do you have a question, any question, about matters which affect the global operations, district programs, advice, or concerns about the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District?
Mr. Scott Rixford, Superintendent of Schools, has set aside several dates for parents and community members to come in ask those questions one-on-one.
No need for an appointment, we extend the invitation for you to come in and discuss any issue.
All Open Houses will be held at the Board of Education Buildings, 292 Parsippany Road.
The meetings have been scheduled in the late afternoon/early evening, to accommodate parent/community work schedules on the following dates: Wednesday, May 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, June 3 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
This is not the forum to discuss individual student needs; it is important that those concerns be addressed by the person closest to the source and then proceed up the Chain of Command. (Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Central Office Administrator in charge of area [Director of PPS for special education matters, Assistant Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer for instructional matters, Superintendent)
If you have any questions call (973) 263-7200 Ext. 7250.
PARSIPPANY — Thomas Goetschkes, a First Class scout with Troop 72, attended the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council meeting on Tuesday, May 12 to earn his “Communication Badge.”
To earn a communication badge, the scout can select from a list of requirements. The scout can choose to attend a public meeting (city council, school board, debate) where several points of view are given on a single issue.
Practice active listening skills and take careful notes of each point of view. Then the scout had to prepare an objective report that includes all points of view that were expressed, and share this with their counselor.
Communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media. The field of communication promotes the effective and ethical practice of human communication.
This badge is one of the many badges the scout must earn before earning Eagle Rank.
After the meeting was over, Thomas had an opportunity to speak to Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and ask him questions regarding the issues that were discussed during the meeting.
For over 60 Years Troop 72 has served the youth of the general Parsippany area, including Boonton, Denville, Parsippany, and Morris Plains. Boys from ages 11 to 18 are invited to join. For more information, click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Historical Society at Acorn Hall is please to announce that Mary Hastings Hager has joined the Morris County Historical Society’s Board of Trustees for a two-year term. Ms. Hager brings an extensive background in higher education, social services, and in research in the food and drug industries to the Board. Ms. Hager most recently worked in government relations as Director of Regulatory Affairs at the American Dietetic Association (now Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) and served as an interim vice president for their government affairs office in Washington, D.C. Ms. Hager was also a professor of Foods and Nutrition at the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown,NJ, and founding Associate Dean of the College’s Graduate Programs.
While recently residing in Tokyo, Japan, Ms. Hager was elected to the Board of Directors of the College Women’s Association of Japan, a 500-member organization representing 30 countries.She served two terms on the organization’s Board, as Parliamentarian, and also, as Director of Public Relations overseeing Publicity and Donations/Sponsorship activities.
The Morris County Historical Society was founded in 1945. The Society’s mission is dedicated to the discovery, preservation, promotion, and interpretation of Morris County history through events, programs, exhibits, and preservation advocacy. The Morris County Historical Society is a member-supported, 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.
The hottest day of the year is ahead Tuesday for most of New Jersey. Forecasters are calling for the mercury to reach 91 degrees in parts of Bergen County today and 90 at Newark Liberty International Airport. The lingering cloudy skies this morning will give way to sun this afternoon as temperatures soar, the National Weather…
PARSIPPANY — If five words could sum up the 2015 Republican Primary race, those words would be “Democratic Super PAC invades Parsippany.” Last month it was revealed that NJ’s Future First (NJFF), a Super PAC with ties to Essex County Democrats and President Obama was hiring campaign workers to support Councilman dePierro’s Council slate and was mailing flyers in support of him and his running mates, Vincent Ferrara and Loretta Gragnani. dePierro has steadfastly denied all claims.
According to state and federal laws, PACs may support issues, but may not have any contact with individual candidates. When first made aware of the NJFF’s presence in Parsippany, dePierro told Politickrnj that “this must have been arranged by someone who sees what they’re [Councilman Paul Carifi] doing on council and doesn’t like their conduct at council meetings. Parsippany is the largest town [in Morris County] and all these years I never felt completely in control [of what happens in campaigns].”
“I don’t know who the PAC is,” he added. “I haven’t even seen the mailer. I understand they misspelled my name. I haven’t seen this.”
In an article published today and written by the Star Ledger and re-posted by Parsippany Focus, Timothy White, the Super PAC’s spokesman told the Star Ledger that NJFF represents “the collaboration of several New Jersey business professionals who were concerned that the partisan gridlock stymieing Washington, D.C. was being replicated on all levels of government. A network was created with intent on providing a new voice….NJFF has identified Parsippany Councilman Carifi as being a particularly divisive individual who is more concerned with political ambitions and personal vendettas than providing good government to the township.”
Waterview Developer Partner Steve Kalafer
Parsippany Focus has learned that Timothy White is no stranger to Parsippany. White, a vice president at the Beckerman public relations firm, has previously been retained by Steve Kalafer, one of the investors of the controversial Whole Foods development plan at “Waterview”, a project, Carifi and his team oppose, and one that dePierro and his slate support.
In 2013, White, working for Waterview developer partner Kalfer, penned “letters to the editor” on behalf of various individuals in support of the project and issued press releases for the building trades unions, of which NJFF director Robert Dombroski is a member of.
In one email, White wrote Kalfer and his personal assistant:
Bob Grieb from the Pipefitters was nice enough to lend his name to the quote in the press release, I thought we can follow up with a letter to the editor from Bob that we can publish in the Daily Record, The PATCH and The Star-Ledger.
Attached is a draft of a letter from Bob. Do you think we can get him to approve this letter? If so I would just need his phone number and e-mail address for verification purposes and I will submit on his behalf.
Thanks again, TW
In another email, Mr. Kalafer’s assistant asked another Waterview development partner, Joseph M Forgione, to forward a Timothy White authored press release to Parsippany Township attorney John Inglesino.
A Photo Tells a Thousand Words
Parsippany Focus recently compared three photos being used by the dePierro, Ferrara, and Gragnani team and the Super Pac. All three photos are the same except for some cropping. The first photo was taken from dePierro’s official Facebook page. There is a watermark showing the photographer who took the official portrait.
The second photograph shows an official dePierro campaign flyer. The same official photograph is used, but it was cropped to fit within the flyer.
The third photograph is a flyer produced by the Super PAC NJ’s Future First. Again, the official diPierro photograph is used, however without any cropping (the misspelling of dePierro’s name has since been corrected on more recent flyers) this time.
So what does this mean? The laws of physics say that it is impossible to un-crop a photo without first having the original, and although it can be argued that the Super PAC obtained the photograph for its flyer directly from dePierro’s Facebook page, the original Facebook photo is a much lower resolution photograph and it would be impossible to be used on NJFF flyer. NJFF, (which by law may not have any contact with candidates or their proxies) could have only received the photograph from one of the candidates on dePierro’s team, their representative, or the photographer hired by the dePierro team.
Official Campaign photo on dePierro Facebook page with photographer’s watermarkOfficial dePierro Campaign Flyer. Same official photo, cropped.Flyer produced by Super Pac using official dePierro photo, uncropped.
Jeffrey Brindle, the executive director of Nj’s Election Law Enforcement Commission recently blasted the Super PAC in an Op-ed for PolitickrNJ.
Parsippany Focus has asked Councilman dePierro and Timothy White, spokesman for NJ’s Future First for comment and will update if and when any are provided.
Update: Councilman diPierro told Parsippany Focus that “No one in my campaign had any contact with that PAC nor did we share any information or photos with that PAC! If you check our facebook site, our web site or the Township website, all of our photos and information are readily available to anyone.”
editor’s note: The photo NJFF used is indeed the same photograph used on Mr. diPierro’s Facebook page. However, Parsippany Focus stands by it’s assertion that it would be impossible to use the Facebook photo on the NJFF’s flyer. NJFF could only have used an original source photo, paid for by dePierro’s team and unpublished anywhere without the photographer’s watermark.
PARSIPPANY — James J. Stefel, 66, passed away on Sunday, May 3, at Morton Plant Mease Hospital in Clearwater, Florida.
Jimmy was born in Newark and grew up in Irvington. He lived in West Orange before moving to Parsippany in 1990.
Jimmy worked for the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills as a Senior Maintenance Repairman. After working for the town Jimmy was a past chief and life member of Parsippany Rescue & Recovery.
He was predeceased by his son, Charles Pizzi and his daughter, Deborah Decker.
Survivors include his wife, Ruthann (nee-Frandsen); his son, J.R. Stefel; his sister, April M. Stefel; his daughter-in-law, Lisa Pizzi; his son-in-law, Dwain Decker; his six grandchildren: Jennifer, Nicole, and Christopher Decker; Anthony, Tiffany, and Juliana Pizzi; and his two great-grandchildren: Gabby and Brody Semple.
His funeral service was held on Saturday, May 9 at Par-Troy Funeral Home. The services continued at Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, where the Last Call was given and then the interment was at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in his memory to United Methodist Church, 903 South Beverwyck Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 or Parsippany Rescue & Recovery, Post Office Box 45, Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey 07034.
The Eulogy for Jimmy Stefel
By Pastor Jeff Edwards, United Methodist Church
Jimmy Stefel was born on February 6, 1949 in Newark, to Margaret and James Stefel, whose parents had both emigrated from Hungary. James had been a POW in Germany during World War II. Jimmy grew up in Irvington, New Jersey with a younger sister April, and with two cousins, Johnny and Valerie, close at hand.
He loved fishing, and when he turned 12 and his mother would allow him to venture off on his own, Jimmy would walk with his cousin Johnny all the way from Irvington to SpeedwellLake in Morristown in order to fish. There were closer places they could have gone, but they just preferred Speedwell Lake.
In the summertime the family would spend a great of time in Chadwick Beach Island at the Jersey shore, where with Jimmy’s help his father was perpetually in the process of building a house there.
After graduating high school Jimmy went off to Chadron State University all the way out in Nebraska. He loved kids and had in mind getting a degree that would allow him to teach handicapped children. His mother would send him care packages with Oatmeal raisin cookies. He made extra money doing ironing. But he wasn’t much inclined to sitting in classrooms, and his dream of working professionally with handicapped kids began to fade when he realized he just didn’t have it in him to be stern with kids.
So after two years he dropped out of college and came back to New Jersey to live in West Orange. He got a job with an asphalt company for a couple of years before getting a civil service position with the Essex Mosquito Commission where he worked for ten years, after which he worked for the Fairfield Road Department for four years. Jimmy attended Lincoln Tech to get a degree in air conditioning and refrigeration, and started a part time business on the side.
In 1974 Jimmy met Ruthann on a date arranged by their best friends, quickly becoming friends, over time becoming each other’s best friends. Ruth Ann had two children from a previous marriage, and she particularly appreciated how loving Jimmy was to her kids. Charlie at age seven loved Jimmy from the get go; Debbie at 12 took more time to win over, but once Jimmy accomplished this, she would adore him from ever after.
As a side bit here, most of you know how Jimmy loved to eat, and how Jimmy was a straight shooter with distinctive tastes, and as such he was quick to let you know when he liked or didn’t like how something tasted. The one exception to this rule was with Debbie who over the years would make Jimmy a Chocolate Cream Pie that he really didn’t care for, but since she held such a soft spot in his heart, he never let her know.
Jimmy and Ruthann were married on June 25, 1977 at the West Orange Presbyterian Church, in a wedding that was delayed because Ruthann’s father forgot to pick her up. The reception was held at the West Orange Elks Club. The couple honeymooned at the shore.
Jimmy took on the role of Dad to Charlie and Debbie, going to all their special events, and becoming Charlie’s baseball coach.
Ruthann’s family up in Massachusetts adored Jimmy. Jimmy didn’t care for New York City, and as a result he had rooted from early age for the Boston Red Sox – the arch enemies of the Yankees. There was something about Jimmy that inspired great love in others, and in particular from Ruthann’s family. In 1986 when the Red Sox made it into the World Series Ginny, Vicky, and Stacie waited in line for a day and a half to get Jimmy third row seats.
In the last eight years Jimmy became particularly close to Vicky’s husband, Bobby Fish. Jimmy taught Bobby to fish, and became his fishing buddy to the end of his life.
Jimmy’s dad had wanted to hold a grandchild in his arms, but it unfortunately he died in 1981 before he could see his dream fulfilled. Jimmy was content to be a step dad, and had knew that the doctors had told Ruthann that there was no way she could get conceive a child. So there was both extreme shock and extraordinary joy present when word came down that Ruthann was in fact pregnant. The doctor said that there were women coming to his office who wanted to get pregnant but couldn’t who didn’t have one quarter of the things wrong inside them that Ruthann had wrong inside her. The pregnancy was a miracle, and Jimmy and Ruthann were sure the miracle had to do with Jimmy’s father pulling strings in heaven. This pregnancy went easier for Ruthann than either of her two previous pregnancies. Jimmy was tickled pink and delighted to attend birthing classes with Ruthann – classes Ruthann probably didn’t need herself having been through this drill twice before.
And when in 1983 JR was born he came out the spitting image of his father, sharing only, it seemed, dirty feet with his mother. And thus began a relationship between father and son that that is best described as that of “best buds.”
In 1989 the family moved from West Orange to Parsippany to share a house with Ruthann’s mother Joy who was alone after the death of Ruthann’s father.
There was a pool out back and many happy hours were spent by Jimmy with his son beside the pool. Particularly with Ruthann’s demanding work schedule, Jimmy became the one to take JR to his roller hockey and baseball games and such. Jimmy taught his son to fish and took him to the beach to go crabbing. They shared a particular passion for professional wrestling, watching it on TV and going to local events, and imitating what they saw with one another.
Before long after arriving in Parsippany, Jimmy was able to get a job utilizing his knowledge of heating and ventilation with the Parsippany Building Maintenance Department. He became deeply involved in the life of his community, getting involved early on with the rescue squad which would, as Ruthann put it, become Jimmy’s church. He never missed a meeting, and served for a time as the chief of the squad. He loved the friendships he made there, and the opportunity to help people in times of desperate need. He was on call, 24 7, going out to drive the ambulance at all hours of night and day.
It wasn’t easy what he witnessed at times. Jimmy would find it particularly hard to be present when young people were maimed or killed in accidents. Jimmy had a tough exterior, and was good in a crisis, but he was a softie inside and really cared about people. He was always willing to do whatever he could to help another human being in need. Jimmy would give you the shirt off his back.
At an early age Jimmy got his son involved at the Rescue Squad, who really enjoyed helping to get the trucks ready to ride in local parades.
Jimmy became particularly close to John Parnie and Joey Belladino; together they were the three musketeers, known for their practical jokes.
Another particularly close friend was Charlie Bedy.
Ruthann and Jimmy were always each other’s best friends. They told each other everything. When Charlie reported to his mother that at that World Series game his step-dad had been flirting with some Boston girls there, he was surprised when she laughed and told him Jimmy had already told her all about it. She knew how her husband liked to joke around, and she also knew her husband’s heart and his devotion to her.
He had that gruff exterior, but people quickly learned that he was a dog who was all bark but no bite. There was a child-like quality to Jimmy. He didn’t filter what he had to say; it would just come out – these wonderful, funny one liners that would speak the truth and make everybody laugh. He loved his dogs: Beauty, Casey and Willy and he grew to love JR’s cat, Petey, too.
Three years ago Jimmy was diagnosed with hepatitis C. He didn’t react well to the medications. His liver was deteriorating, but a heart condition kept Jimmy from receiving a liver transplant. But through it all Jimmy kept working. As I said before, there was something about Jimmy that would move people to do things for him. He was given a job that was less physically taxing working for Barbara at the Seniors Center. Even so, he was constantly exhausted, and had to take naps, but people like Barbara loved him so that they did what the could to accommodate him just so they could keep him coming to work.
Finally last December, Jimmy became so depleted that he stopped going in to work, and Ruthann cared for him at home.
Every October Jimmy, Ruthann and JR would fly` down to Florida to sit on the beach and fish and be with Ginny and his husband Victor, as well as Jesse their daughter and Jimmy’s godchild. In recent years Jesse would treat her uncle to back rubs that would always bring a smile to his face.
As Jimmy neared the end of his life, he became insistent that he wanted one last trip to Florida. And so it came to pass that exactly two weeks ago on Ruthann and Jimmy flew to Florida, where to Jimmy’s surprise he was met by JR. Jimmy spent three days in a beachside condo that Ruthann had rented. Ginny, Victor, and Jesse were there, and Bobby Fish too.
Jimmy had a bucket list he wanted to cross off:
He wanted to go to the flea market.
He wanted to buy a new fishing poll and go fishing.
He wanted to eat stone crabs.
He wanted to eat ice cream with jimmies; and Turkish taffy.
He accomplished everything on his list except to get a hair cut, though he asked to do that in the middle of the night Tuesday. Instead, with his consciousness fading, he checked into the hospital. The last really clear words he spoke were to JR, “I love you, too Buddy.” He died peacefully on Sunday. He was met on the far side by his parents and Ruthann’s parents, by Debbie and Charlie.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Jazz Ensemble performed on Wednesday, May 6 to a packed audience in the Cafeteria of Parsippany High School. The Jazz Ensemble Director is Mr. Gregory Dalakian.
The members of 2015 PHS Jazz ensemble include: Alto Saxophone: Kentaro Hansen and Samir Gandhi Tenor Saxophone: Ethan Kaplan and Nic Colella Baritone Saxophone: Craig Hunt Trumpet: Miki Hansen, Michelle Inn, Adam Ye and Jyotsna Ramaswamy Trombone: Kyle Ting, Megan Wang, Anthony Martucci and Brendan Laux Rhythm Section: Yang Fu, Piano; Joshua Lustig and Jacob Curley Guitar; Stephen Giercyk, Bass; Mitchell Ryzuk and Brian Carter, Drum set; Eric Lai, Auxiliary Percussion.
PHS Jazz Cafe
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Director Gregory Dalakian addressing the audience
Members of PHS Jazz Ensemble
Senior Brian Carter, on the drums
Isabella Cacciottolo singing "At Last"
Board of Education member Tim Berrios, Superintendent of Schools Scott Rixford, Board President Fran Orthwein, Board members Alison Cogan and Andrew Choffo ejoying the Jazz Cafe
Director Gregory Dalakian with Parsippany-Troy Hills Supeintendent of Schools Scott Rixford
The members of the Jazz Ensemble
The Tomaro twins return to watch the performance. Both boys were on the Jazz Ensemble, and graduated in 2014
Brian Carter
Rev Dr. Stacie Turk and Luca Cacciottolo enjoyiing the Jazz Cafe
The students performed the following during the Jazz Cafe:
Birdland: Joe Zawinul; Arranged by Victor Lopez
No Business Blues: Jeff Jarvis
Sir Duke:Words & Music by Stevie Wonder; Arranged by Dave Wolpe
As Time Goes By: Words & Music by Herman Hupfeld; Arranged by Mike Carubia
Sarah Ferguson, Monique Mendoza, Sienna Lafuente, Jailene Veloz: Vocal Quartet
A Night in Tunisia: “Dizzy” Gillespie & Frank Paparelli; Arranged by Sammy Nestico
Hit the Bricks: Gordon Goodwin
Jericho: African-American Spiritual; Arranged by Chris Sharp
Samba Kinda Mambo; Michael Philip Mossman
At Last: Music by Harry Warren, Lyrics by Mack Gordon and Arranged by Dave Wolpe with Isabella Cacciottolo – Vocals
Chameleon: Herbie Hancock, Paul Jackson, Harvey Mason, Jr. & Bennie Maupin; Arranged by Victor Lopez
Sister Sadie: Horace Silver, Arranged by Mike Dana
The lncredibles: Michael Giacchino, Arranged by Stephen Bulla (From Walt Disney Pictures’ THE INCREDIBLES — A Pixar Film
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany presented a $500.00 check to Family Promise of Morris County’s Jolin Food Box Program at a recent meeting at the Empire Diner in Parsippany. For more information on the Jolin Food Box Program click here.
Family Promise partners with Jolin Food Boxes, a private organization, to help formerly homeless families and single women prepare nutritious meals on a budget. Buying food in large bulk quantities for over 20 years, Jolin Food Boxes partners with local non-profit organizations, churches, senior centers, housing projects, and other organizations dedicated to assisting needy community members. Each food box contains $100.00 worth of frozen, refrigerated, and other grocery items unobtainable from other sources for $39.00.
Social workers at Family Promise report that donations have already made a significant difference in the lives of families with interrupted benefits and other emergency situations. Community support is particularly helpful, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture no longer permits individuals to use SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – aka food stamps) to purchase food boxes.
Serving Morris County since 1988, Family Promise is dedicated to ending the crisis of homelessness by partnering with public and private agencies, congregations and 1600+ community volunteers to provide shelter, case management, and mentoring services leading to self-sufficiency.
For more information regarding Family Promise of Morris County and Jolin Food Boxes, please contact Joann Bjornson at j.bjornson@familypromisemorris.org or (973) 998-0820, or click here.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets on Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at the Empire Diner, Route 46. For more information, click here.
Eagle Scout Service Project completed by Michael Voeller
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Rescue & Recovery helped Madison Elementary School Student Michael Voeller to complete his Eagle Scout Award in Norman, Oklahoma.
The significance of the project lies in the fact that April 19, 2015 was the twentieth anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.
Bill Sanford, President of Parsippany Rescue & Recovery, connected with Michael Voeller on Facebook where he read about Michael’s Eagle Scout project to beautify the Madison Elementary School Peace Garden with the intention of serving as a place of peace, hope and serenity for those still in need of comfort. This was to include the planting of a tree grown from a seedling that originated from the Oklahoma City Memorial Survivor tree at the site of the Alfred P. Murrah bombing.
Because the project sounded interesting to Bill Sanford, he shared the information with members of the Rescue & Recovery squad who were most receptive and excited to participate. It hit home because many members of our rescue community went to Oklahoma to assist with the rescue efforts of the bombing in 1995. The response of rescue personnel from New York & New Jersey set the standard called “The Oklahoma Standard”.
When the World Trade Center Memorial was opened in New York City, a tree that grew from a seedling of that same Oklahoma Memorial Survivor tree was planted there also. When Rescue & Recovery volunteers learned of the importance of Michael’s project, they were eager to provide support.
In preparation of the twentieth anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, Michael Voeller worked diligently to replace the tree wall at Madison Elementary School and installed a new plaque stand to accommodate the original plaque from the tenth anniversary of the bombing, a plaque to honor those lost or forever changed by the events of that day and a plaque listing project supporters. Parsippany Rescue & Recovery provided two benches for the peace garden.
Michael continued to work with the principal and faculty of the school to educate the students about the preservation and purpose of the memorial and why, at the twentieth anniversary, it is important to come together in remembrance.
Michael Voeller and Parsippany Rescue & Recovery are selfless community champions who serve as role models who have utilized their talents to make a difference in the world.
It is quite disturbing to realize Parsippany’s senior most Councilman and most likely his allies and members of the present administration do not believe nor comprehend the situation and present dilemmas of sustainability concerning water and landscapes; statements made that no water problems exist in Parsippany and that somehow only land development needed or not is good for the township, because of tax ratables and jobs is where Parsippany should be in this time and place.
So they say any landscape any proposal dam the actual facts concerning that landscape. Waterview because of it being privately owned, and along Highway Route 46 issyllogistically condemned through a narrow minded induction away from its natural assets, character and proper place in the ecology of biodiversity, ground water recharge, flood control, steep slopes and forests that enhance a traditional neighborhood, and ensure long-term water health through, its unique features identified in a Troy Brook Storm water study. Loss of this landscape will spell long-term future costs in infrastructure and water health through injury to sustainability of which Waterview landscape is an aid and asset in our waters quality and quantity. It’s destruction for market speculation land development, will surely cost tax-payers later and would bring immediate demise of the quality of life here. No new land development of a corporate market nature is needed anywhere in the region or Parsippany-Troy Hills itself.
Let us examine our water situation and some facts most people and official ignore this information comes from the NJDEP and Highlands Council. “Water use restrictions are used routinely for conservation. In the case of Parsippany, it is a buried valley aquifer with heavy drawdown during summer months and limited rate of recharge to the aquifer. If you reference the deficit/surplus table you will notice that the system has contracts to purchase water from JCMUA & MCMUA. Without these contracts in place, Par-Troy would have a shortfall in available water”. Now examine this statement from NJ Division of Watersupply & Geoscience. “
The Division of Water Supply & Geoscience does not track discharge by watershed, we account for diversion not discharge. Safe yield is a term associated with the yield of a surface water system through the drought of record. Parsippany-Troy Hills does not have surface water sources but they do purchase water from Jersey City which uses the Boonton Reservoir”
Here in lies the contradiction; notice Parsippany-Troy Hills does not have surface water sources; they purchase water. These sources are now privately owned and in the future especially when because of drought or excessive drawdowns water becomes less and shared by many sources, not only Parsippany water prices will surely increase. Homeowners will have to share in the costs for all water use, be it drinking water or water used for lawns or other desires not of a thirst or washing necessity. The thing to remember is “Without these contracts in place, Par-Troy would have a shortfall in available water” a water deficit which it does in fact have of its own without the sources.
Therefore we need to understand the limitations of the NJDEP water regulations. Just because we adhere to them, doesn’t mean we will have enough water. The regulations do not look at the sustainability of the aquifer.This explains how we have arrived at the present situation with conflicting viewpoints. The administration advises that the borough meets the NJDEP regulations and could continue to meet the regulations no matter what new developments.
Let us thanks to Highlands Council examine this contradiction further.
1. Sustainability: Let’s start with the basic assumption that our goal is to keep our aquifer at historic water levels by not withdrawing more water than the system can safely sustain over time. In other words we will not add to a water deficit over the long-term.
2. Water Deficit: Before we increase the demand for water, we need to determine whether current water withdrawals exceed the natural replenishment of the aquifer. We may decide to look into this further, but it appears that the experts are telling us that indeed we do have a water deficit. The Environmental Commission reported on March 10, 2014 that calculations by the New Jersey Highlands Council for the Regional Master Plan determined that our watershed has a significant water deficit.
The abstract of the Regional Master Plan states the following: “A central goal of the Regional Master Plan is to determine the amount and type of human development and activity that the ecosystem of the Highlands Region can sustain while still maintaining the overall ecological values thereof, with special reference to surface and ground water quality and supply. Based on an analysis of available methods and available data, the Low Flow Margin method was selected as the best scientific approach available at this time for estimating capacity of ground water supplies across the entire Highlands Region, to maintain both ecological flow needs and estimate sustainable levels of human consumption.”
Thus, as stated above, a central goal of the Regional Master Plan was to come up with data on the capacity of ground water supplies in the Highlands. Their 2007 Water Resources Technical Report on net water availabilityfound a water deficit in our watershed and in many others. See map attached.
3. NJDEP Water Regulations: Your next question might be to ask how has it come about that we have a water deficit when the borough has been meeting the water diversion limits and firm capacity* regulations of NJDEP.
The answer to this inconsistency lies in the fact that the NJDEP regulations are based on a different set of criteria than are discussed above in items 1 and 2. NJDEP looks at past water use in the Borough and the adequacy of our wells’ pumping equipment. NJDEP is saying to us, if the water is there, these are the regulations for how much you can pump out. NJDEP is not addressing the important question of how much can safely be withdrawn from the system over time.
We must say to ourselves of these two facts concerning water which one should we all use in relation to deciding, actual need in new land development, where should the development go, what landscape should not be developed, and most importantly what criteria for water conservation and method of allocation should be allowed in local Planning Board Standards or revisions?
It now should be obvious that any official claiming there are no problems with water and that Parsippany has plenty of it is not quite a truth but a fiction favoring corporate developers in a short-term sense costing tax payers and residents in a long term outcome. Water first and foremost is a common public trust and belongs to us all. Parsippany being in the Highlands be it planning zone, or not has a responsibility to do what is best in landuse matters by ignoring its responsibility to long term water health and developers effects on water and landuse is simply adding to the accumulative sure to come future problems.
Our new Master Plan update of 2014 has done little if anything to revise our community defenses in its long term quality of life our zoning, ordinances and regulations remain virtually unchanged. No new safeguards or proactive measures were incorporated; we still stand in a state of reaction rather than being proactive. Our watershed is in deficit as many others now are. In 10 years the whole of New Jersey will be. New Jersey is going backwards is continued sprawl, in not being responsible for maintaining and repairing water infrastructure, 25% or more water is lost to leaks and seeps, and many sewer systems of the State suffer ‘combined source overflow” where sewage and stormwater runoff mixes as it empties into streams and rivers; one gallon of clean water and one of dirty equal two gallons of dirty water. We as a people have ignored water for too long; it is now catching up with us all.
Parsippany’s biggest mistake was and is not continuing the regional Master Plan Conformance as its benefits far outweigh any possible drawbacks. In fact regional Conformance has more transparency and encouragements in citizen participation and education. Corporate developers are given many opportunities, however best management practices and proper land use criteria are all in a higher state that in the long run preserves, protects and enhances any required land use. Home Rule is developers rule; saving money while avoiding lawsuits is not in the best interest of our Township. Conformance also gives legal protections why would anyone deny the people in the here and now and the future this advancement? Ask our senior Councilmen; who says what is good for the region may not be good for Parsippany, absurd! Unless one is powerless or in cahoots; which is it? Conformance would be instilling power, while “home rule” obviously is in cahoots with outside forces, caring less for anything less than their interest. The lessons of RD Realty and Waterview still unlearned.
Waterview Landscape can be saved by good leadership and using water as the element of salvation in being human not corporate. One additional fact from Clean Water Action, right now in the US 1 in 3 and in NJ 1 in 2 people suffers either in additional costs or health issues associated with water supply. We are not exactly sure what is in our water supply. Besides pollution urban decline and sprawl are the main culprits.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Lacrossee Club held “Parsippany Lacrosse Day” on Saturday, May 9 at Jannarone Park.
The U13 Girls are ready to play Montville
The two teams ready to start the game
Council Candidate John Beehler, Alison Beehler, Sydney Beehler, Becky Crucken, Jordyn Bucken, Abigal Collins, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Council Candidate Aida Visakay
Council Candidate John Beehler, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Prsident Paul Carifi, Jr., and Council Candidate Aida Visakay watching the game during Parsippany Lacrosse Day
Madelyn Wright (#7), 10, Alex Wright (#14), 10, Abigail Colllins (#44), 9, Joanne Huang (#19), 9, and Kimmie Jandora (#26), 9, with Coach Steve Collins. The girls play on the 3/4 team.
On Thursday, April 30, the Parsippany-Troy Hills School budget was passed. This means that the youth of Parsippany will have Lacrosse at both High Schools starting in the Spring of 2016!
This great news means that our children have a spring sport option that they can pursue up to, and possibly through college. This program was started with the intention of teaching this great sport to our youth and showing them how it applies to life. In 3 short years eveyone helped get this program going and now it’s being taken to the next level.
Lacrosse is a great metaphor for life. We all “drop the ball” every once and a while, and when we drop it, every effort is made to pick it back up. Once we have it in our possession again, we look to achieve our goal. We know that doing it alone can be difficult, if not impossible, so we look to others for “help”. In our family, when we see someone struggling to achieve their goal we let them know “ I got your back”, and “here’s your help”. The pace of life is fast, and planning is important but often spontaneous creative thinking on the fly gets us to our goal faster. “Dodging” the obstacles in life is often the most efficient way to get there.
Our program is going to grow with the news of Lacrosse at Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School.
To learn more about Parsippany Lacrosse Club, click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Stickley Museum held its third annual Family Fun & Games program on Saturday, May 9. The day’s activities were built around the theme “My Home.” Children of all ages attended to explore and learn about homes of all kinds, including the Stickley family’s home, the Log House at Craftsman Farms.
Birds are good architects – they choose soft natural materials when building nests for their eggs. The visitors took a bag and gathered nesting materials to take home to the birds in their yard – some moss or twine a colorful piece of ribbon, cotton. Birds will use them to build their nests.
Children visited the Education Room for a chance to get up close and personal with live animals from Animal Experiences, an outreach program developed by the Happy Tales Animal Sanctuary. Children had the opportunity to pet and ask questions about the animals and their homes in nature in a fun and safe environment.
To top off the day, Story Time was in the Log House, brought to you by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library.
While focused on family fun, this program also encouraged children to consider concepts that Gustav Stickley held dear, like the value of nature and the meaning of home. Family Fun Day included scavenger hunts, both indoors and out, that encouraged a fun exploration of the Log House and its beautiful natural environment, craft activities, and games. To end the day, visitors had snow cones from Kona Ice!
Julie Peterson showing a guest how to make bubbles
Edward Limanov holding one of the animals
Edward Limanov at the Animal Experiences
Kona-Ice was being served.
Four year old Amanda taking materials for a bird nest
Kim McCauley explaining how birds make the best nest
Six year old Erin Nangle blowing bubbles
Sean Curran blowing bubbles at Family Fun Day
Sean Curran with the biggest bubbles
Robert Peterson making bubbles
Council Candidate John Beehler, Edward Limanov and Council President Paul Carfifi, Jr. at Family Fun Day
Council Candidate John Beehler, Vonda Givens – Executive Director and Council President Paul Carfifi, Jr. at Family Fun Day
Linda Blume, Liz Hook, Susie Traverso, Emily Embler, Vonda Givens and Eric Traverso was greeting the guests at Family Fun Day