Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, will stop selling merchandise bearing the Confederate battle flag and copies of the flag as the long divisive symbol comes under yet more scrutiny following the fatal shooting of nine African-Americans in a South Carolina church last week, CNN reported Monday. “We never want to offend anyone with the products that…
Township Receives “Clean Communities Grant”
PARSIPPANY — Each year, Parisppany-Troy Hills Township receives grant money through the New Jersey Clean Communities program. Parsippany received a grant of $111,553.58 of the total distribution for fiscal year 2015 of $18,494,161.22. (Click here to review full report)
The program is designed to support municipalities in their effort to educate citizens and abate littered areas.
The Township will kick off its program within the next couple of weeks. Mayor Barberio is asking residents to help identify areas within our Township that are in need of a cleanup.
Residents are asked to contact the Department of Public Works at (973) 263-7273 to report cleanup locations.
The Clean Communities Program was created in 1986 with funding from taxes levied on the sale of litter generating products. In 2002, the Clean Communities Fund was reauthorized. Twenty-one counties and five hundred fifty-nine municipalities are eligible to receive funding.
State Police ID woman killed in Route 280 crash
PARSIPPANY — A 59-year-old Orange woman was killed Tuesday morning in a single-vehicle crash on Route 280, State Police said. Lucia Luxama was driving a silver 2003 Infiniti at 6:41 a.m. westbound on Route 280 near milepost 1.8 — located near the border of Parsippany and East Hanover — when she lost control of the vehicle…
Parsippany Business owner, Local Author and Performing Strongman Will Bend Steel
PARSIPPANY — New Jersey resident and Parsippany business owner Eric Moss recently released his autobiography “The Performing Strongman’s Experience: Real Stories and the Lesson’s Learned While Becoming A Modern Day Man of Steel.” His book is an inspirational story about him overcoming adversity as a child and moving on to become part of a unique subculture of entertainers who bend steel. To celebrate the release of his book, he will be performing feats of strength at his first book signing.
Spectators will be in for a treat because Eric plans on bending a structural steel bar, twisting a horseshoe, roll up a frying pan, drive a nail through a board without using a hammer as well as other feats of strength. Listed among the feats is the rarely performed feat of bending a reinforcing bar on the bridge of the nose, a specialty of his.
“Whenever I would do a show, people always asked me how I got involved doing this stuff.” Eric says. “And when I told them they said I should write a book, so I did and everybody who has read it seems to really enjoy it.”
The event will take place at Miami Mike’s Sports Zone, 130 Route 10, East Hanover, on Sunday, June 28 between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. It is welcome to the public and will be kid friendly.
Change of plans: Weather forecast forcing high school graduations indoors
Some New Jersey high school graduating seniors were slated to receive their diplomas outside and throw their caps up in the air this evening, but those plans could change. High schools that planned to host graduations tonight are starting to make decisions to change the ceremony locations, thanks to a warning of possible hail, severe thunderstorms…
Thunderstorms, hail, strong winds possible in N.J. this afternoon
Don’t let the dry start to Tuesday weather-wise fool you. Forecasters expect conditions to change drastically this afternoon. Be ready for heavy downpours, thunderstorms and possible small hail beginning as early as 1 p.m., the National Weather Service says. The storms could be accompanied by strong and damaging winds anytime between the early afternoon and early…
Pet Valu Holds Fundraiser for The United States War Dogs Association
PARSIPPANY — Pet Valu, Morris Hills Shopping Center, a specialty retailer of premium pet food, treats, toys and accessories will hold a fundraiser from July 4 to September 11, 2015 for The United States War Dogs Association, a national nonprofit that promotes the long history of military service dogs, establishes permanent War Dog Memorials and educates the public about the invaluable service of these canines to the United States.
Customers can purchase American flag bandanas for $5.00 each or give a donation of any denomination to have their names posted on paper paws in their local Pet Valu stores. All proceeds will benefit The United States War Dogs Association and provide state-of-the-art equipment, fund transportation back to the United States after service, help find forever homes for Veteran War Dogs and memorialize fallen four-legged soldiers.
“The work of The United States War Dogs Association is very near and dear to our hearts at Pet Valu,” said Joe Dent, Vice President and U.S. General Manager for Pet Valu. “We are honored to say this is our fifth year raising funds for this worthy nonprofit.”
More than $400,000 has been raised for The United States War Dogs Association, through the Pet Valu fundraiser, since its inception in 2010. During last year’s event alone, $215,000 was raised. The money has enabled the creation of The United States War Dogs Association’s free prescription drug program for veteran War Dogs, many of which require multiple expensive prescriptions after service.
“We are incredibly grateful for the money and awareness Pet Valu raises for our organization each year,” said Ron Aiello, President of The United States War Dogs Association. “Thank you to Pet Valu and to all who donate to our organization.”
Customers are encourage to share photos of their pets wearing the bandanas on social media with the #PatrioticPets. For more information click here.
ABOUT PET VALU:
Pet Valu is a specialty retailer of premium pet food, treats, toys and accessories. Their pet friendly stores offer over 7,000 products including holistic and premium brands of pet foods and treats as well as a wide selection of essential and innovative pet supplies to suit every budget. Chain-wide, Pet Valu is dedicated to helping local pets in need and by partnering with local shelters, rescues and charities through national donation drives and fundraising campaigns. Pet Valu employees are Pet Experts and pet lovers, too.
2015 BAPS Charities Walkathon raised funds for Cancer Center
PARSIPPANY — The 2015 BAPS Charities Walkathon was held to raise funds to aid the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital. The center has provided award winning cancer care to patients in the NY/NJ metro area and has been a premier tertiary care institution for patients and their families for a number of years.
The BAPS walkathon brought 260 people between the ages of five to 83 for a 2.8 mile walk around Lake Parsippany. The walk was launched with a traditional prayer for world peace and speeches by dignitataries.
VTSeva held its First International Yoga Day
PARSIPPANY — VTSeva held it’s first International Yoga Day celebrations at PAL building,33 Baldwin Road. The event was very successful and attended by over 150 people. Art of Living volunteers Sowmya Ramakrishnan, Khevana, Deepak and Nirav coordinated and helped in organizing the event. Yoga was led by Mr. Srinivas Kopishetti and Deepak. Sowmya led the meditation while Khevana MCd the event. Gopalji from Hindu Swamyam Sevak Sangh and Anjani Katikaneni from VTSeva spoke for couple of minutes about out organizations. There were tables with all the informational materials.
Fresh fruit, Fig bars and water bottles were given to participants.
For more information on VTSeva, click here.
Randolph Man Enters Guilty Plea To Official Misconduct
RANDOLPH — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Scott Forsbrey, 52, Randolph, has pleaded guilty to one count of third degree Official Misconduct. The guilty plea was entered into before the Honorable Robert J. Gilson, J.S.C.
On January 9, 2014, a Morris County Grand Jury returned an indictment against Scott Forsbrey, charging him with two counts of second degree Official Misconduct in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:30-2 and one count of second degree Theft in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-9.
An investigation revealed that Forsbrey allegedly converted approximately $112,000 from monies he collected in executing upon levies for judgment creditors. These monies were in excess of the amounts he was permitted to retain for a commission as a Morris County Special Civil Part Court Officer in collecting the judgments and were in actuality proceeds which should have been turned over to creditors.
On June 22, 2015, Forsbrey entered a guilty plea to third degree Official Misconduct. The State agreed to recommend a sentence of three (3) years in New Jersey State Prison, with a two (2) year period of parole ineligibility. The Defendant also must forfeit all public office/employment and agree to restitution in the amount of $112,874.61.
The Defendant is scheduled for sentencing on September 18, 2015 before the Honorable James M. DeMarzo, J.S.C.
Assistant Prosecutor Sahil Kabse represented the State in this matter.
Any inquiries can be directed to Morris County Deputy Chief of Investigations Denise H. Arseneault at 973-285-6262 or darseneault@co.morris.nj.us.
The 2015 Morris County 4-H Fair is scheduled for July
MORRIS COUNTY — Just a few days to go until all the summer fun kicks into full gear at the annual 2015 Morris County 4-H Fair at Chubb Park, Wednesday, July 15 through Sunday, July 19. The Fair will be open Wednesday 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“The 4-H Fair is a showcase and celebration of the achievements of 4-Hers around the county. It is a great opportunity for all in the community to come out for wholesome family fun,” said Kathy Murarik, Morris County 4-H Program Associate.
Daily schedules and fairground maps are available in the Information Booth. The Exhibit Tent is packed with arts and crafts entries, informational displays, and hands-on activities for visitors. The Entertainment Tent features live musical performances and interactive demonstrations. Other tents house animals belonging to Fair entrants, including dogs, horses, goats, reptiles, poultry, rabbits, and small animals. Most animal tents have a petting area, in addition to the Petting Barn full of farm animals. Non-profit organizations will be in the Food Tent selling items ranging from tasty snacks to full meals. Fairgoers can enjoy traditional Fair food and even a cold root beer float or the famous 4-H Chicken BBQ dinner.
A whole host of fun activities are lined up, including pony and hay rides, a model rocket launch, watermelon eating and cake decorating contests, a talent show, Dress-a-Pet and Dress-a-Cage contests, a children’s pet show, and of course amusement rides. A special $10.00 pay-one-price for all kiddie rides is scheduled for Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., and a $25.00 pay-one-price for all amusement rides will be offered on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday night’s activities will be capped with a spectacular fireworks show!
The popular Tricky Tray will once again be a highlight of Saturday evening. The Tricky Tray allows everyone the chance to win a donated gift. Prizes can include anything from a healthful gift basket to a bicycle.
Cow Pie Bingo, a well-known game with a unique agricultural twist will be featured again for the third year in a row. A fenced area will be marked with lines to turn it into a bingo grid, and fairgoers will be able to choose specific squares. Then a cow will be turned out to graze in the area. The location of the cow’s first “pie” will determine the winner. Another popular attraction is the Car Cruise, where people can show off their special set of wheels to an admiring crowd on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Registration for the Car Cruise is $10.00.
Other activities include make-your-own T-shirts that are limited only by your creativity, and a scavenger hunt that will get you exploring every tent on the Fairgrounds!
There is no admission fee to the Fair; however a parking donation of $5.00 per vehicle is requested. Friday evening, in preparation for the fireworks, parking will be $10.00 and will include free 3-D Fireworks Glasses.
The Fair is sponsored by the Morris County 4-H Association in support of the 4-H Youth Development Program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. 4-H members, volunteer Fair managers, 4-H Club leaders and parents work together to make this a major event in Morris County. 4-H alumni are invited to stop by the 4-H Information Booth to pick up a special gift.
Dogs may be brought to the Fair, but they must be on a 6-foot leash. Retractable leashes are not allowed in the park. Canine Good Citizen testing will be available for dogs to take on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A small fee applies. Please bring a dog brush with you to complete the test.
All Morris County residents are invited to enter the 4-H Fair, serve as a volunteer at the Fair or participate in the many activities and contests open to the public. Come out and enjoy the “country-fair” atmosphere, great entertainment, good food, and informative educational demonstrations.
For more information about the Fair, 4-H clubs, or becoming a 4-H volunteer, visit the 4-H website at or contact the 4-H office (973) 285-8301 or email by clicking here. All 4-H programs are offered to all youth, grades K -13, on an age-appropriate basis without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, or disability.
The 4-H Youth Development Program is part of Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K-13, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, military service, veteran status, and any other category protected by law. For additional information about 4-H or the Fair, click here, or contact the 4-H office at (973) 285-8301.
Student hits Board of Education Vehicle
PARSIPPANY — A 17-year-old Parsippany High School student hit a Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education White 2006 Ford Truck on Wednesday, June 17 at 2:25 p.m. on Baldwin Road, near Vail Road.
The 17-year old was driving a 2013 White Mazda M3S. The White Mazda was towed from the scene by Corigliano Towing, and the Board of Education vehicle was driven from the scene.
The student claimed the brakes failed as he made continuous attempts to apply the brakes. The officer observed the tow truck driver drive the vehicle onto the truck and observed an issue with the brakes.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Paul Levi investigated the incident.
There were no summons issued at the scene. Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance responded to the scene.
14 brands of bottled water recalled over E. coli fears
Fourteen brands of bottled water have been recalled due to a potential E. coli contamination including food store brands Shoprite, Stop & Shop, Giant, Acme and Wegman’s. Niagara Bottling has issued the voluntary recall for water bottled in its Pennsylvania facilities in Allentown and Hamburg mark with a code that begins with A or F respectively.…
LISTEN: Attorney claims Morris prosecutor is ‘in my pocket’
MORRISTOWN — NJ Advance Media has obtained a recording of a conversation in which a Morristown attorney claimed that Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp is “in my pocket.” William Laufer made that comment to his opposing counsel, Angelo Sarno, in a Morristown family courtroom on Dec. 1, 2014 while court was in recess but the recording…
First full day of summer will be dry and hot
The first full day of summer will be a warm one across New Jersey. Temperatures are expected to approach 90 degrees Monday under sunny skies, the National Weather Service said. It’s already in the low 70s as of 7 a.m. across much of the state. Expect a mostly clear evening before skies turn cloudier closer to…
Funeral services set for ex-wife gunned down by Neptune cop
ASBURY PARK —Funeral services have been set for the Neptune mother of nine gunned down in Asbury Park by her former husband, a Neptune police officer. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m. at Holy Spirit Church in Asbury Park followed by a funeral mass at noon Monday at the church, according to…
Dog grooming business accused of paralyzing 6-year-old terrier
CRANFORD — A dog grooming business is facing animal cruelty charges after a 6-year-old terrier was returned to his owner paralyzed after a grooming appointment last month, authorities said. The dog, Ozzie, was later euthanized due to the extent of his injuries, New Jersey SPCA Humane Police said in a Facebook post. Two civil summonses were…
Albert Einstein: A Driven, Curious and Innovative Mind That Changed the Course of History
This article appears in the Newsweek’s special edition, 100 People Who Shaped Our World, by Issue Editor Tim Baker. Everything is relative. It’s a statement made across cultures, languages and geographical barriers. Despite being a profoundly abstract statement, it somehow explains a great deal about subjectivity, objectivity, measurement and observation—in short, the human experience. And Albert…
Cops: ‘Dazed’ driver had 10 heroin folds in car
RIVERDALE – An Odgensburg man faces numerous charges, including drug possession and driving under the influence, after police pulled him over early Wednesday morning for weaving between lanes on Route 23 north, police said. When Riverdale Police Sgt. Chuck Quant stopped Thomas Curtin, he not only detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage on the driver’s…
15 inspirational quotes to kick off summer
In keeping with the spirit of Mayor Barberio’s daily inspirational quotes tweets, Parsippany Focus has compiled a list of 15 to kick off the summer.
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“Summer set lip to earth’s bosom bare, And left the flushed print in a poppy there.” — Francis Thompson
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“If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance.” — Bern Williams
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“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” — John Steinbeck
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“A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.” — James Dent
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“What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade.”— Gertrude Jekyll
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“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” — Albert Camus
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“The summer night is like a perfection of thought.” — Wallace Stevens
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“Summer has set in with its usual severity.” — Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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“Do what we can, summer will have its flies.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
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“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald
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“Green was the silence, wet was the light, the month of June trembled like a butterfly….” — Pablo Neruda
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“Each fairy breath of summer, as it blows with loveliness, inspires the blushing rose.” — Author Unknown
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“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” —Henry James
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“Love is to the heart what the summer is to the farmer’s year — it brings to harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul.” — Author Unknown
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“Then followed that beautiful season… Summer….Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape, Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow