Kiwanis Club holds “Touch-A-Truck” this Saturday
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is holding a “Touch-A-Truck” on Saturday, June 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 1719 Route 10 East, Parsippany.
There’s trucks of all shapes, sizes and types. See Fire, Rescue, and Military vehicles up close. Learn about municipal vehicles, especially our police force. There will be Face Painting, Balloons, and a few other surprises.
Aside from being a great time for the family – this event helps support our major initiatives. Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Our Parsippany based group supports and sponsors many community causes.
For more information click here.
Driver hits curb, retaining wall and shurbs due to inattention
PARSIPPANY — Mr. Trilove Patel, 20, Parsippany, was traveling south on Lake Shore Drive, Lake Hiawatha, when his vehicle hit the right hand curb and left the roadway, striking a retaining wall and shrubs on the property of a Lake Shore Drive residence. Mr. Patel stated that he thought he drifted too close to the right hand curb, so he applied the brakes, and accidentally applied the accelerator by mistake driving over the curb and striking the landscaping as a result.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Daniel Ross investigated the accident that occurred on Monday, June 15 at 12:02 p.m. Police investigation found the driver to be at fault due to his inattention, and vehicle position in the roadway and applying the improper device to correct the vehicle course of direction.
There were injuries reported, and no summons were issued at the scene.
The vehicle was towed from the scene.
PHS Girls Softball Team receives proclamation
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School Girls’ Softball Team received a proclamation from Mayor James Barberio for their outstanding 2015 season and for winning the 2015 NJAC Liberty Division Conference title.
In addition, International House of Pancakes (IHOP) will honor the team on Saturday, June 27.
The proclamation issued by Mayor James Barberio read:
Whereas, Parsippany is a township filled with excitement and spirit because the Parsippany High School Girls’ Softball Team has had an outstanding 2015 season and has won the 2015 NJAC Liberty Division Conference title, the school’s first such title since 1991; and
Whereas, in addition, the team has captured the 2015 North II. Group II State Sectional Championship, the first section title for the softball program since 1986; and
Whereas, excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved only through strenuous practice, team work and a dedicated coaching staff. It is important to recognize these young women, who by achieving outstanding success in athletic competition, have inspired and brought pride to Parsippany; and
Whereas, the recognition and celebration of our Championship Team serve to bring our community together in honoring our students and their coaches for a phenomenal softball season resulting in an outstanding record of 24 – 6 with the second most wins in program history and the only team to win a State sectional title in Morris County this season; and
Whereas, by achieving outstanding success in athletic competition, the Parsippany High School Red Hawks were ranked #3 in the State for Group II schools by the Star Ledger; and
Whereas, these achievements could not have been reached without the leadership of the coaches and the encouragement of the players’ parents who together instilled in them the value of teamwork, imparted in them a desire for success and helped them to develop a sense of fair play and competition.
Now therefore I, James R. Barberio, Mayor of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, do hereby proclaim June 16, 2015 as Parsippany High School Girls’ Softball Team Day and hereby extend our expression of pride to the team on their impressive record and many successes in 2015. I further encourage all Parsippany citizens to acknowledge the achievements made by the PHS Red Hawks Girls’ Softball Team and thank them for representing Parsippany as well as the highest ideals of the high school softball program.
Driver hits curb, hydrant, tree and rock wall on Littleton Road
PARSIPPANY — Mr. Christoph Gallo, 19, Mountain Lakes, was traveling south on Littleton Road when Mr. Robert Paganus, 44, Morris Plains attempted to stop excessively quick. Mr. Gallo attempted to move around Mr. Paganus by turning into the left lane, when he also abruptly turned left striking the Gallo vehicle. This caused Mr. Paganus to veer off the roadway, hit a curb, fire hydrant, a tree and a rock wall.
This accident occurred near Sylvan Way, on Tuesday, June 2 at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Mr. Gallo was driving a 2003 Honda Accord and Mr. Paganus was driving a 1998 Chevy. Both vehicles were towed from the scene by Ajaco Towing.
There were no injuries reported, and at the time of this article, there were no summons issued.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrolman James Seeger investigated the accident and determined the damage consistent with the driver statements and that the crash occurred due to Mr. Gallo’s inattention and improper lane change.
Atlantic Health System purchased two buildings in Morristown
PARSIPPANY — Colliers International has arranged the Atlantic Health System (AHS) purchase of a two-property, 128,000-square-foot medical office and office building portfolio in Morristown for $22.5 million. The acquisition includes properties at 55 Madison Avenue and 101 Madison Avenue, both of which are located directly across from the Morristown Medical Center, which AHS also owns, elevating AHS as the largest medical system provider in the area.
Colliers International Managing DirectorJacklene Chesler, Executive Managing Director Bryn Cinque, and Managing Director James Bailey exclusively represented AHS in the transaction. Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P. (HFF) represented the sellers, a joint venture of Ivy Realty and Centersquare.
Of the newly acquired properties, 55 Madison Avenue is an 89,000-square-foot office building, while 101 Madison Avenue is a 39,000-square-foot medical office building, which was renovated in 2008.
“The Madison Avenue portfolio is an optimal location for Atlantic Health System, given its proximity to the Morristown Medical Center,” Chesler said. “The company’s expansion to these buildings will provide ample space for growth as they look to accommodate their operational needs.”
“Our expansion within Morristown demonstrates our continued commitment to the area,” said Robert Peake, Director of Real Estate Facilities and Construction at Atlantic Health System, who noted that AHS was in search of medical office and office space to accommodate their growth. “We look forward to expanding our platform and continuing to provide best-in-class healthcare services to the community.”
The properties at 55 Madison Avenue and 101 Madison Avenue are two miles from downtown Morristown and the Morristown train station, which provides access to New York City’s Penn Station. Additionally, the properties are easily accessible via Interstates 287, 80 and 280, as well as Routes 24, 10 and 202.
“We congratulate Atlantic Health System on their continued success and the growth of their business in Morristown,” added Anthony DiTommaso, CEO of Ivy Realty Group. “They have acquired excellent assets that will serve them well.”
About HFF
HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.) and HFFS (HFF Securities L.P.) are owned by HFF, Inc. (NYSE: HF). HFF operates out of 22 offices nationwide and is a leading provider of commercial real estate and capital markets services to the U.S. commercial real estate industry. HFF together with its affiliate HFFS offer clients a fully integrated national capital markets platform including debt placement, investment sales, equity placement, advisory services, loan sales and commercial loan servicing.
About Colliers International Colliers International Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CIGI; TSX: CIG) is a global leader in commercial real estate services with more than 16,300 professionals operating from 502 offices in 67 countries. With an enterprising culture and significant insider ownership, Colliers professionals provide a full range of services to real estate occupiers, owners and investors worldwide. Services include brokerage, global corporate solutions, investment sales and capital markets, project management and workplace solutions, property and asset management, consulting, valuation and appraisal services, and customized research and thought leadership. Colliers International has been ranked among the top 100 outsourcing firms by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals’ Global Outsourcing for 10 consecutive years, more than any other real estate services firm.
DePierro’s Defenders Wins PTE Championship
PARSIPPANY — Par-Troy East Major’s dePierro’s Defenders outscored their opponent 2-0 in the championship game at the PTE Little League complex on June 10. The game was highlighted by a triple play turned by the Defenders in the third inning. James Riedinger slugged a bases loaded double to bring in the two runs and Landon Weiss pitched a complete game for dePierro’s Defenders.
Patracuolla named to Dean’s List
PARSIPPANY — John Patracuolla, a 2013 graduate of Parsippany High School has been named to the Spring 2015 Dean’s List at Wake Forest University.
Students who achieve a 3.4 grade point average and no grade below a “C” were named to the list.
Wake Forest University was founded in 1834 outside the state capital of Raleigh, North Carolina. In 1941, the medical school moved to Winston-Salem, and the rest of the College followed in 1956.
Enrollment (2014-15): Applicants for first-year admission: 11,119; Freshmen accepted/enrolled: 3,824/1,288; Total undergraduate enrollment: 4,812; Graduate and professional schools: 2,779;
Total University enrollment: 7,591.
PHS Senior Awards Ceremony
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School Senior Awards Assembly was held on Thursday, June 11. Hundreds of Scholarships and Awards were presented to the Graduating Seniors.
PS holds this annual event held a few weeks before the end of the school year. It is an event to showcase the awards, honors, and scholarships received, colleges/universities the seniors will be attending, and community services performed by the senior student.
During this inspirational evening, many hard-working and talented seniors were honored for outstanding academic and extracurricular performance, and for service to the school and community. The awards were a surprise to the seniors. Recognition was given for a wide variety of scholarships, prizes and commendations awarded to PHS students by the school, local businesses and non-profit groups.
PHS Salutatorian Award was presented to Emily Weng and PHS Valedictorian Award was presented to Elizabeth Tu.
Mr. Thomas Rizk, Dr. Gretel Perez and Dr. Denis Mulroony presented the “Outstanding Academic Achievement” Silver Cup Awards to Elizabeth Tu, Emily Weng, Phyllis Chou, Parth Chokshi, Viren Lad, Aleena Kazmi, Kentaro Hansen, Jonathan Di Pippa, Sarah Chen, Zachary Kovacs, Regina Jung, Josh Fortes, Sam Wu, Jordan Imp, Varun Chopra, Shrecvidya Nallan, Parth Chokshi, Jennifer Atherton, Niharika Mamillapal II, Katie Lau, Amanda Chan, Taylor Lewis, Nikhil Jiju, Lilian Peng, Joshua Wong and Jenna Chung.
National Merit Finalist was Emily Weng and National Merit Commended Students Vanm Chopra, Phyllis Chou, Aleena Kazmi, Katie Lau, Joon Lee, Lilian Peng, Elizabeth Tu and Samuel Wu.
The Joe Windish Parsippany Education Foundation Scholarship was presented to Victoria Rossi.
Ms. Kathy Williams presented the “Dr. Vincent Aniello Peer Buddy Scholarships to Brittany Birth Emily Fales, Gabriella Davino, Marla Jamna, John Loaiza, Kristina Ollo, Maya Rudolph, William Snell and Elizabeth Stumpf.
Hebberds Heroes was presented by the Family and Friends of Peter Hebberd to Aarin Feliz and Michelle Burdick.
George P. Johnson Memorial Scholarship was presented to Michelle Burdick.
Mr. Andrew Ladas presented the “Tom Ladas Memorial Scholarship: to Erin Hoffman and Andrew Massefski.
Jordan Imp received the Actavis, Inc. Scholarship.
Parsippany Indian Association Scholarship was awarded to Varun Chopra.
Mrs. Angela Calabria presented “The Dr. Frank A. Calabria Memorial Scholarship” to Katie Lau.
Mrs. Carmella Foehner and Mrs. Judy Kret presented the “Patricia Ann Behnke Memorial Scholarship” to Kyle Ting.
Sunrise Shoprite, Inc. “Continuing Education Grant” was presented to Lilian Peng by Mr. Andrew Leaman.
Mr. Joe Kyle presented the “John ‘Cap’ Capsouras Memorial Award to Lauren Durborow.
Joseph Kloss received the “Police Benevolent Association Scholarship.”
Councilman Michael J. dePierro presented Andrew Massefski with the “Parsippany Republican Club Scholarship.”
Councilman Michael J. dePierro presented the “Basil Ricci Memorial Scholarship” Sons of Italy to John Bucciarelli, Giancarlo Colasuonno, Danielle Jannarone, Kaila Migliazza, David Patracuolla, Victoria Rossi and Matthew Ruggiero.
Samuel Kaplan American Legion Americanism” Scholarship Award was presented to Aarin Feliz.
George Bohr Achievement Award American Legion was presented to Brett Mc Lean and Antonio Ybanez.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Scholarship was presented to Aleena Kazmi and Elizabeth Tu by Ronald Orthwein.
Troy-Hills Memorial Post #101 84 VFW Scholarship was presented to Jacob Helmlinger.
Blue Collar Workers of Parsippany-Troy Hills presented to Elizabeth Tu
Jacqueline Scura “Chance for Success Scholarship” was presented by Mr. Bennett Epstein to Amber Moore.
Mr. Bill Wall presented the Parsippany Elks #2078 Most Valuable Student Award to Viren Lad.
The Valori Family Scholarship was presented to Zachary Kovacs and Danielle Jannarone by Dr. Louis Valori.
Northern NJ Chinese Association Scholarship was presented to Phyllis Chou.
Stephen S. Martino Memorial Scholarship was received by Michele Burdick and Matthew Ruggiero.
Women’s Club of Parsippany Scholarship was presented to Jennifer Atherton, Erin Hoffman and Nicole Scarmazzo by Ms. Penny Radosin.
Mary Ann Augusta Memorial Scholarship was presented to Julianna Kadian.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Senior Citizens Scholarship was awarded to Danielle Jannarone.
Morris County College Fair Committee presented to Brianna D’ Alessio and Nicolas Galvis by Mrs. Aimee Letsch.
Central Middle School Faculty Scholarship was presented to Samir Gandhi, by Ms. Aimee Doyle.
Parsippany High School Faculty Scholarship was received by Joshua Lustig and Malcolm Udoh.
The Dora B. Stolfi Memorial Scholarship was presented to Jenna Chung.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Rotary Club Scholarship was presented to Zachary Kovacs by Bruce Downing.
Project Graduation Slogan & Artwork was won by Michelle Burdick.
Vidyalaya, Inc. Scholarship was presented to Katie Lau by Ms. Asmita Mistry and Mr. Anurag Rochlani.
Gard and Anne O’Harra Scholarship was presented by Ms. Jennifer Hrobuchak to Joseph Kloss.
Joshua Lustig and Aarin Feliz was presented with “The Dr. Rudolph L. Schonfeld Scholarship.”
The Belleville Political and Social Club Award was presented to John Bucciarelli.
Air Force Academy Scholarship was presented to Joshua Fortes.
Board Member Nicolas Limanov and President Robert Peluso presented the “Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Award” to Andrew Massefski.
Student Council Awards were presented to Erick Abinader, Brittany Birth, James Brennan, Michelle Burdick, Jessica Chapman, Aarin Feliz, Danielle Jannarone, Zachary Kovacs, Andrew Massefski and Kaila Migliazza.
PGT Scholarship Parents of the Gifted & Talented was presented to Lilian Peng by Mrs. Barbara Sirvastava.
Troy Hills School Aluni Scholarship was received by Lauren Durborow.
“Lake Hiawatha School Alumni Scholarship” was given to Lilian Peng.
Northvail School Alumni Scholarship was presented to Julianna Kadian.
Rockaway Meadow School Alumni Scholarship was received by Zachary Kovacs.
Knollwood-Melvin Roth Memorial Scholarship was received by Andrew Massefski.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Parent/Teacher Student Association (PTSA) was received by Jennifer Atherton, James Brennan, Michelle Burdick, Lauren Calabrese, Julianna Kadian, Joseph Kloss, Katie Lau, Andrew Massefski, Victoria Rossi and Jenna Scalzo.
Emil Johnson Vocational Scholarship Parsippany Senior Citizens was presented to Ronald Tudorache.
Rocco A. Cerbo Memorial Scholarship was received by Kishan Patel.
Red Hawk Awards were to students with a 3.0 GPA, minimum of three varsity letters from Athletic participation and community service oriented were David Aloisio, Amanda Angulo, Jennifer Atherton, Brinany Birth, Omari Bokhari, John Bucciarelli, Alexis Cavaluzzo, Phyllis Chou, Giancarlo Colnsuonna, Joshua Crawford, Emily Davis, Emily Fales, Aarin Feliz, Joshua Fortes, Malik Francis, Skylar Gohn, Zachary Kovacs, John Lips, Katherine Lips, Andrew Massefski, Kaila Migliazza, Jane Ooi, David Patracuolla, Nicole Polak, Gabriela Rachmaciej, Brian Rodriguez, Victoria Rossi, Maya Rudolph, Matthew Ruggiero, Veronica Shaw, Andrew Smith, Christopher Tang and Ronald Tudorache.
The academic awards are:
MUSIC:
High Note Awards: Maire Burder; William Leys PHS Choral Parents Association Scholarship: Matthew Marinelli; Sarah Ferguson PHS Band Boosters Association Scholarship: Brian Carter, Jenna Chung, Sarah Ferguson, Kentaro Hansen, Joshua Lustig, Samantha Natoli, Henry Shen, Kyle Ting, Joshua Wong and Christopher Yang; Eddie Jackson Memorial Scholarship: Kyle Ting; Mt. Tabor Outstanding Music Award: Joshua Lustig; Alice S. Windish Music Award: Joshua Lustig.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Civics Award: Jenna Chung and Joon Lee; Excellence in Writing Award: Jonathan Di Pippa;
“Theodore Roosevelt Award” Kentaro Hansen;
WORLD LANGUAGES:
Excellence in French: Nicolas Galvis; Excellence in Italian: Nicole Scarmazzo; Excellence in Spanish: Jonathan Di Pippa
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Outstanding Physical Education: Andrew Ybanezefski; Students of the Year: Victoria Rossi.
ATHLETIC AWARDS
Blue Collar Workers of Parsippany-Troy Hills: Kaila Migliazza; Parsippany Soccer Club Scholarship: Brittany; Birth Par-Troy Little League East Scholarship: John Bucciarelli, Giancarlo Colosuonno, Zachary Kovacs, Kaila Migliazza, Ryan Orr, Victoria Rossi, Matthew Ruggiero and Andrew Smith; U.S. Anny Reserve National Scholar: Jennifer Atherton; Athletes Award: Andrew Smith; U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award: Emily Davis and Nikolajs Grinvalds; Northwest Jersey Athlete Conference Award: Joshua Fortes and Katherine Lips; NJSIAA Scholar Athlete: Aaron Feliz; The Michael R. Codella Female/Male MVP Trophy: Andrew Massefski; Victoria Rossi Morris County Scholar/Athlete Award: Gabriela Rachmaciej and Joshua Crawford.
Jablonka named to Saint Francis University Dean’s List
PARSIPPANY — Melanie Jablonka, a Health Science (OT) major was among over 700 students to be named to the Saint Francis University Dean’s List for the spring 2015 semester.
To achieve Dean’s List at Saint Francis University students must have full-time status and must attain a quality point average of at least 3.5 for the given semester.
Zoning Board to hear site plan for 212 apartments on IMS Drive
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment will be hearing an application for MCRT Investments, on Wednesday, June 17, at 7:30 p.m. MCRT is seeking preliminary and final site plan in connection with a previously granted use variance to construct to construct 212 residential dwelling units on Interpark Boulevard. Interpark Boulevard is located off Route 46, near the newly opened Houlihans Restaurant.
The application is a companion application to use variance approved under Case # 14:30 on April 1, 2015.
On the same property, IMS Health leased 62,000 square feet in the building adjacent to the proposed residential building, which is located at 100 Interpark Boulevard.
Parsippany resident arrested with $3,000 worth of heroin
PARSIPPANY— A Parsippany man was arrested on Monday, June 15, with 750 glassine envelopes of heroin in the Sixth Ward, Paterson, according to Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik.
Ricky Moncion, 33, Parsippany, was arrested on drug charges following a surveillance operation, authorities said. Detectives observed Moncion as he exited his 2003 Lexus in the Sixth Ward, Paterson. He entered a black Range Rover occupied by Edwin Acosta, 33, Woodland Park.
Authorities said the 750 glassines valued at $3,000 was recovered from Moncion’s trunk.
Detectives located $16,530 inside a shoe box in the back seat of Acosta’s vehicle, Berdnik said.
“The large quantity of money found in the rear of Acosta’s vehicle was seized, as suspected proceeds from illegal activity and he was released pending further investigation, additional charges are possible,” Berdnik said.
Moncion was transported to the Paterson Police Department’s holding cell pending bail.Acosta was brought into headquarters for further investigation and was not charged at this time, according to the report.
Sheriff Berdnik said charges are possible against Acosta.
Letter to the editor: Flag Day, Alive and well
Dear Editor:
On Friday I was honored and privileged to attend the Flag Day Ceremony at the BPO Elks in Parsippany. The tuxedo clad Elk officers chronicled the history and sacrifice which shaped each iteration of the US Flag. From the “Liberty tree” to “Don’t Tread on Me” to the Stars and Bars of old Glory. The Boy Scout’s served as standard bearers, proudly parading each flag in turn. The ceremony was a touching and educational tribute to our nation’s flag. The Elk Officers were passionate about our flag and what it represents. As a veteran, I was deeply moved.
My chest was bursting with pride as I left the Elks to continue my weekend. I stepped out onto Parsippany Road, which itself was adorned with flags on each service pole. I walked by neighbors who also proudly displayed the red, white, and blue to my own home in front of which flies old Glory.
I have been to many meetings and school assemblies and my heart smiles as each is started with the Pledge of Allegiance. This Flag day I am happy to see patriotism is still alive and well in Parsippany.
Nick Kumburis USN
Bad Fire Detector at Macrosoft causes building to be evacuated
PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany Fire District 3 and Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6 were called to Macrosoft, Two Sylvan Way on a report of a fire alarm on Monday morning, June 15.
The fire alarm emptied the building for 30-40 minutes while the firemen checked everything and made sure it was safe for the employees to return to work. The cause of the alarm was a bad fire detector.
Macrosoft thanks the dedicated/brave fireman from Parsippany.
Roy’s Corner: Township already owns too many homes
On Tuesday, June 9, 2015 the Parsippany Troy-Hills Council, under the Administrations recommendation, voted unanimously to purchase property for $775,000. This property, located at 805 South Beverwyck Road contains 3.45 acres and includes a house and a few other stuctures. With this purchase the township will own five homes (2 homes at Watnong Garden, 1 at the Sheep Farm, and the Baldwin House).
Homes require a great amount of up keep, operating expenses, and management, thus, decreasing our open space tax money for raw land that provides outdoor activity, water collection, and development buffers.
My opinion is that the township should not purchase this property. The Township must also lower our open space tax. Please contact your elected officials with your opinion.
*Roy’s opinions are his own and are not endorsed by those of Parsippany Focus
Board of Ed Honors Staff Members for 25 Years of Service
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education recently honored the following staff members who have served in the district for twenty-five years: Karen Ambrose, Johanna Andrews, Rosalinda Aveni, Dorothy Barron, Michele Bodtmann, Marguerite Caikowsky, Ann Marie Carrasca, William Cleary,Louise Corforte, Nancy Douglas, Esperanza Garcia-Vallejo, Mario Idrobo, Joann Koeck, Judith Kret, Gloria Lieberman, Ruth Madpak, Louis Miller, Ethel Obenauer, Peter Pettinelli, Denise Pietropinto, Virginia Rivera, Jose Rodriguez, Philip Santiago, Valerie Steward, Nancy Tauriello, Diane Vaglio and Ellen Ventola.
Jaclyn Carifi Shatters School Softball Records
PARSIPPANY — At age thirteen and ready to enter into High School next year, Jaclyn Carifi an eighth grader, has added to her already impressive softball resume. Predominantly a pitcher, the most noteworthy accomplishment on that resume was pitching a perfect game with striking out all 18 batters in a row against a Rockaway “All Stars” team while playing for Par-Troy West Little League in June 2012.
Now, Carifi, a three-year starter and a Captain of the Brooklawn softball team can add another perfect game, the most strikeouts in a game, the most Hits, Doubles, Triples, Homerun’s, RBI’s, Runs Scored, Stolen Bases, Wins, Shutouts and Strikeouts in a season to that resume. Also, the lowest ERA in any season. Although Carifi broke the school record as a sixth grader for the most amount of strikeouts in a game with 15 against East Hanover. Carifi was able to break her own record this year with throwing 18 strikeouts in two different games. One against Florham Park and also in the semi-finals of the County Championship against Long Valley. The previous school record for most strikeouts in a season was 101 by Ali Walek in 2011. However, Carifi far exceeded that by throwing 242 strikeouts in 2015.
Carifi, who bats lefty and throws righty has a total of seven pitches. Her favorite pitch to throw is her Screw ball because “It jumps and moves and hitters have a problem adjusting to it”. Victoria Huss, also an eighth grade Captain on the team is Brooklawn’s catcher. Huss describes Carifi’s pitching as “She makes my job easy, it’s a pleasure catching for Jaclyn but, if I’m not paying attention I pay for it in bruises. So, I have to stay focused because she throws so hard”. Ironically, Huss was the same catcher who caught Carifi’s perfect game with 18 in a row strikeouts in 2012.
Carifi, who trains at Pinnacle Athletic Development in Parsippany, and receives pitching lessons from Holy Cross alumni Erica McCrystal, attributes her success to working and training hard and the motto her father (James) instilled in her at an early age. “If you want to be good at anything in life you have to prepare relentlessly.” “I try to do just that. I’m preparing all the time.” Carifi also credits her teammates. “I wouldn’t be successful if it wasn’t for my teammates. They do an amazing job and without them we wouldn’t be good”.
Brooklawn’s head softball coach Edward Young, says “I tell anyone who will listen that Jaclyn is the best softball player I have ever coached and probably the best athlete in any sport I have coached in 20 years. She has a great competitive spirit, sportsmanship and is also a great leader.” “I will root for her in High School”.
A straight “A” student, Carifi has had offers to play softball at private schools but, wants to stay and play with her friends in Parsippany. “My goal is to play Division 1 softball in college and I believe if you’re good enough, you will be recognized no matter where you play,” said Jaclyn.