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Jun 13, 2015

Dear Editor:

Home Rule without Chutzpah is a farce and with Chutzpah is very expensive. That is just one simple reason why in 2015 regional Planning is superior wiser and beneficial to all. Elected officials have a responsibility to ensure and advocate when necessary for the best interest of their communities in all matters concerning land use be the property private or not. This “best interest” which is a public trust issue seems to be lacking in Parsippany, where we are surrounded by many corporate owned tracts of land brought cheaply and sold for high profits on the commercial market. We have seemed to have lost ourselves in property rights rather than community values. Parsippany has had more than its share of market driven speculation land development, the need for more is questionable. There also is a definite lack of transparency in our Planning Board, in its master plans constantly undermined and not advanced through knowledge available in examining various landscapes for possible other uses and natural resource value, which would make them possible candidates for protections and condemning in the best interest of Parsippany. Waterview the best example and perhaps others as the property known as Block 136 Lot 43 is being proposed for a new office complex by UPS with the support of MCEDC; Morris County Economic Development Corporation. This little known landscape gem off Hill Road contains quite an extensive wetlands complex. The immediate area contains an already empty office complex, as Morris County has more vacant office inventory than anywhere in the State and ranks high in the Nation along with NJ as having such wasted space of office; how can this new complex be justified and in such an environmentally valuable area of wetlands, wellhead protections, no present sewer or water systems for the allotted development, This property could be considered a community environmentally constrained sub-zone under higher standards.

It must be asked what is going to happen to the present UPS facility on Jefferson Road? In the immediate area of the proposed new UPS complex a large corporate office complex remains vacant on Interpace Parkway as do several other vacant offices on Interpace alone..

Parsippany’s Planning Board has called this “redevelopment”, even though it did not follow any real redevelopment principles. Let us use the American Planning Board’s own criteria to access this unnecessary land destruction.

Conserve land resources by attracting new development to infill and brownfield sites rather than converting raw agricultural or undeveloped acreage;
Take advantage of existing infrastructure rather than requiring the construction of expensive new infrastructure
Reuse existing resources;
Recycle materials and structures;
Conserve energy and other non-renewable resources;
Adapt historic or culturally significant existing buildings to new uses;
Improve or restore natural systems such as streambeds, drainage courses, wetlands, rivers, ports, ambient air quality, and other ecological features;
Embrace the principles of sustainable community planning enunciated in the APAPolicy Guide on Planning for Sustainability;
Are designed to promote long-term economic sustainability.
Address potential oversupply of land for development.

Parsippany having itself surrounded by corporate property owners and being under home-rule leaves itself vulnerable to have its best interest undermined and exchanged for poor land use promoted as economic stimulus and jobs. Parsippany’s first and foremost responsibility is to its residence in their quality of life here through proper land use and natural resource protections. Parsippany lacks many of the elements needed for this for example: we do not have a natural resource inventory of properties, nor do we have an accurate detailed report showing Prime Ground Water Recharge Areas. This is also lacking in our Stormwater Management Plan.

We start to see that our Planning Board is not somehow working in our best interest, for the outside corporate developers to undermine our natural assets keeping them off the screen. This is breach of the public trust, in that with public trust, the State cites the doctrine to support State action that protects trust resources from private actions; the resources here our landscapes, water, air and bio-diversity, trees being the best example. In a nutshell tax payers are not being served but used to aid developer’s first community second. In a relationship of power, status and responsibility it is understood that power is not equal, however the responsibility of trust must remain within any such structure. The problem is the relationship has become one of power alone, the private over the public. Home rule fearing lawsuits from corporate power throws in the towel and tells the tax-payers they are saving them money, while their community’s quality of life runs out slowly but surely. When State and Local sources do not limit, but relinquishes or overly compromises trust resources we have no longer a local community, but an open market not concerned with local traditions, history, and ecology, only their investments in a pool of wealth that benefits few and takes away from many.

The only remedy available is regional planning. Only the realization that a strong state can overcome this lack of public trust and will benefit and advance the commonwealth can see us through. Are we a United States on any level or has the private interest destroyed our democracy? Let us unite ourselves unto the regional master plan, which will bring more, trust, transparency and public participation. Pride in Parsippany cannot presently exist under home-rule. Wake Up People. Political centralization strengthens rather than weakens local government and the health of local communities. Just ask the depression generation. FDR we need you, and George Washington too.

Nick Homyak
Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034

Letters to the Editor: Do you have an opinion to express? Send letters toflcahill@parsippanyfocus.com. Disclaimer: To be considered for publication, letters to the editor must include the writer’s full name, address and daytime phone number. Letters may be condensed, although care is taken to preserve the writer’s comments (maximum 200 words). Copyright in material submitted to Parsippany Focus and accepted for publication remains with the author, but Parsippany Focus may freely reproduce it in print, electronic or other forms. We are unable to acknowledge receipt of letters.

Parsippany weekend weather: Heat, humidity eases up but thunderstorms on their way

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Jun 13, 2015

The Garden State will get a break from the heat and humidity this weekend, but residents should be sure to get their umbrellas ready for Monday. A cold front will spread cooler, less humid air across the region starting late Saturday, dropping temperatures to the mid to low 80s Sunday, according to Accuweather. The National Weather…

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Letter to the editor: Memorial Day

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Roy Messmer

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Jun 13, 2015

Dear Editor,

Parsippany’s 2015 Memorial Day remembrance service on Monday, May 25, at Veterans Park, Parsippany was what a remembrance service should be. It covered history, past and present, and it left you with tears in your eyes to remind us of the sacrifice our Armed Forces and their families have made for this country.

I received a phone call a few days prior to Memorial Day that Parsippany’s remembrance service format has changed. This years service acknowledged all that have served. I am forever touched by this year’s program. Thank you, Michele Sylvin for your thoughtful remembrance program.

If you could not attend watch the service on Video-on-the-Go, by clicking here.

May God watch over our veterans and Armed Forces

Forever thankful,
Roy Messmer

Parsippany Town Council Meeting 06/09/2015

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Jun 13, 2015

Parsippany Police participates in 32nd Annual Torch Run

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Jun 12, 2015

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department participated in the 32nd Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for the New Jersey Special Olympics on Friday, June 12.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey is a statewide campaign coordinated and managed by all divisions of Law Enforcement officers and officials from throughout the state. Through their efforts, events are conducted year round by the Law Enforcement Community to raise funds for the Special Olympics Movement, serving the athletes of New Jersey. In addition to fundraising, Law Enforcement volunteer at athlete events year round while serving as ambassadors in local communities.

In 1982, the late Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Officer Steven Vitale was asked to take photos at a local Special Olympics competition in New Jersey. He was so moved by the determination exhibited by the athletes that he asked other police officers to volunteer at the Summer Games.

In 1984, the first New Jersey Torch Run was conceived to raise funds and public awareness for the Special Olympics New Jersey program. The course ran from Liberty State Park in Jersey City to Rutgers Stadium in New Brunswick through eight towns covering 43 miles and raising $7,000. In each succeeding year, the dollar amount became greater and the number of volunteers increased substantially.

Over $2 million is raised annually by more than 3,000 officers through local and statewide events including the Law Enforcement Torch Run as part of the annual Summer Games in June.

Special Olympics New Jersey is a not-for-profit organization that provides sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Our 25,000 athletes enjoy camaraderie and gain a sense of pride and accomplishment through participating in our events.

Captain Andrew Miller, Detective Marcin Czajka, Sergeant Steven Miller, Detective Joseph Puso, Kyle Chmura, Patrolman Matthew McAuliffe, Patrolman Gregory Bloete, Patrolman Joseph Chmura and Lieutenant Daniel Bendas.

Christie is least conservative 2016 Republican hopeful, analysis says

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Jun 12, 2015

TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie likes to label himself as a conservative in a largely Democratic state. But of all the Republicans eyeing the presidency in 2016, the New Jersey governor is the least conservative, according to an analysis by the Huffington Post. The news site ranked where all of the declared and potential contenders from…

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N.J. revokes license of doctor in massive ‘blood for bribes’ scheme

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Jun 12, 2015

TRENTON — The state disciplinary board for doctors has revoked the license of a Monmouth County physician who pleaded guilty to accepting bribes in exchange for steering patients to a laboratory at the center of a $100 million scheme, according to the state Division of Consumers Affairs. Anthony C. DeLuca, 52, of Point Pleasant cannot ask…

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Parsippany Hills High School Prom Class of 2015

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Jun 12, 2015

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2015 celebrated its “Senior Prom” at The Atrium, West Orange, on Thursday, June 11.

Kathy Walker, Kathy Kelly and Pam Cotton, staff members at PHHS

Assistant Principal for Building Operations Rich Fonti, Carly Stout, Asst. Principal and Retired Detective Joseph Selitto

Seniors Talia Antonacci, Madeline Sanchez and Isabella Manzano

Jesse Smith, Catherine Chen, Jeevat Chhatwal, Meredith Giovanelli and Alezander Wu

Alezander Wu, Social Studies Teacher Steve Bechtler and Meredith Giovanelli

Brianna Starke, Himmy Bedoya and Gianna Norelli-Cicerone

Assistant Principal for Building Operations Richard Fonti and Assistant Football Coach Ron Cupitt

Curtis Curb, Nicolas Lopez, Ashwin Balani, Neha Zahid, Dhrun Patel, Bansri Mangaroli, Pooga Bamkev and Rushi Patel

Paola Perez, Guillermo Castillo, Jessica Canales and Luis Negra

Archen Patel, Vaidehi Parikh, Kishan Patel, Vishwa Vyas and Leeh Patel

Neena Andiran, Ryan Stensgaard and Catherine Mon

Seniors will graduate on Thursday, June 25 at County College of Morris, at 2:00 p.m.

“Race to the Finish” Challenger Games held at PAL

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Jun 12, 2015

PARSIPPANY — “Race to the Finish” was developed for students in Kindergarten through eighth grade who have special needs enrolled in a self-contained classroom in the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District.

Approximately 110 students in grades K-8 participated this year.

Another 100 students from the two high schools, Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High Schoo,l were selected to help guide the students through the games and obstacle courses.

The groups were divided into teams, such as Kit Kat, Snickers, Twix, M & M and Gummy Bears.

The goal is not for the students to “win,” but rather for them to finish what they started. The day is split up into two groups, K-3 and 4-8, with different activities based on age appropriateness. Students are encouraged to try their best, to socialize with peers, and to simply, have fun. The games were played inside the PAL Building and the outside field with two blow up obstacle course.

This is run in conjunction with the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education.

The entire day is funded by a grant through the PAL and Barbara Miller. Jennifer is in charge of “Peer Buddies” at Parsippany High School and organizes student volunteers to staff the challenger games every year. They work closely with Tony Bonavitacola, Parsippany PAL to ensure the day runs as smooth as possible!

PHS Seniors Andrew Massefski and Aarin Feliz were two of the coaches

PHS Senior James Brennan was one of the Coaches

Matteen Paniane, Morgan Atienza and Joe Primamore

Joe Randazzo, Group Leader, Purple Group

Join Bella’s Bunch in the 2015 Valerie Fund Walk on Saturday

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Jun 12, 2015

Bella's Bunch from the 2014 Walk — Bella’s Bunch from the 2014 Walk

PARSIPPANY —The 2015 Valerie Fund Walk will be held on Saturday, June 13 in Essex County’s Verona Park.

The walk will mark the tenth time supporters have come together to celebrate the courage and hope of children battling cancer and blood disorders.

Bella Rocco, Parsippany, a 13 year-old former patient has been attending the Walk since 2009 and each year her team, Bella’s Bunch has the distinction of fielding the most participants. As of today, Bella’s Bunch raised over $6,400.00 for this year’s walk.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., Opening ceremony 9:30 a.m. and Walk begins 10:00 a.m.; Awards begin at 11:00 a.m.

To join Bella’s Bunch or make a donation, please click here.

More than one million dollars has been raised in each of the last three years and nearly 5,000 people are expected to attend. In addition to the 5K Run and mile walk around the park, participants will receive a t-shirt, be entertained with live music and children’s activities. A variety of free food will be available.

Nearly 40 years ago, Sue and Ed Goldsteinbegan The Valerie Fund to honor the memory of their nine-year old daughter. During the six years of her treatment, Valerie and her parents would often travel several hundred miles a week to a hospital in NYC and they wanted to spare other families with critically ill children the additional suffering of traveling to and from the city for treatment. Their dream was to help children receive high-quality care in a nurturing environment close to their homes.

Today, there are seven Valerie Fund Children’s Centers located in top pediatric hospitals in New York, New Jersey and metro Philadelphia and more than 4,000 patients are treated annually—one of the largest networks of healthcare facilities for children with cancer and blood disorders in the country.

For more information about The Valerie Fund & JAG Physical Therapy 5K Run, please visitTheValerieFund.org/walk.

Thirty-eight employees retire from Parsippany School District

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Jun 12, 2015

Diance Vaglio, a teacher at Parsippany High School and Central Middle School is one of the teachers retiring

PARSIPPANY— The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education announced the following employees are retiring:

Robin Antoshkiw, Raymond Bajor, Dorothy Barron, Michelle Bodtmann, Lynn Burck, Joanne Caponegro, Anne-Marie Carey, June Caron, Keki Dadachanji, Esther Davila, Jean Delardo, Kathleen Finch, Joanne Fisher, Ann Marie Fitzgerald, Grace Fulgraff, James Groome, Emily Hannan and Angela Jovino.

Also retiring are Barbara Labonia, George Lambe, Louis Maccarella, Ruth Madpak, Jacqueline Materek, Thomas McNeel,y Vita Morales, Ethel Obernauer, Robert Petrozza, Ann Phillips, Fred Piotrowsky, Huan-Chu Pohlman, Catherine Posselt, Susan Raymond, Mary Ellen Romano, John San Giovanni, Marty Siegel, Michelle Tobia,s Diane Vaglio and Margaret VanDyke.

The retirees range from teachers, principals, maintenance workers, transportation and district workers.

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education is proud to honor the careers of the staff members.

Lake Parsippany School teacher Michelle Bodtmann is retiring

Coach Albano honored for his achievements

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Jun 10, 2015

The Vikings Football team waiting for Coach Albano to enter the Cafeteria

Coach Albano was told to come to the cafeteria for a difference reason, he didn’t know he was the guest receiving multiple awards

Mayor James Barberio congratulating Dave Albano

Luke Haltigan, Kyle McGinley, JD Keyes, Coach Albano and Angelo Gallego with the Daily Record Football Team of the year award

The first award presented was the team award. The announcement of the team award from the Daily Record:

Matt Joyce turned and threw his arms straight up into the air. Angelo Gallego ran up to Ryan Shaw and lifted Shaw high off the MetLife Stadium turf. Coaches hugged. Players high-fived. Fans stood up and screamed. Before long, the stadium’s field was a sea of black, white, and blue. The Vikings concluded the 2014 season in a way that they never have before: with a state championship. Parsippany Hills held on for a pulsating 20-13 victory over Cranford in NJSIAA North 2 Group 3 for the first sectional football title in school history.

Albano also receive the following awards:

The first is the USA Today All USA NJ Football Coach of the Year.

Mugs Media Coach of the Year Award – Mugs Media is a full service video production company based out of Sparta, New Jersey. Mugs Media is the premier video production company in the area. Mugs Media offers athletic recruitment videos for your Son or Daughter to assist them in getting noticed in the college selection process.

Morris Sussex Football name Dave Coach of the Year. Morris Sussex Football wrote the following: Dave Albano took a freshman quarterback, an undersized running back, a bunch of scrappy tough kids from the streets of Parsippany and then physically kicked the crap of everyone they faced until they won the ultimate prize. Albano has been ranked as the preseason favorite to win states quite a few times but was never able to bring it home. This year the Vikings were rated as a solid team but nobody picked them to win states. But Albano had his team believing that nothing could get in their way. All season, the Vikes pounded, pushed and clawed their way until they ended up beating Cranford at MetLife Stadium to win Albano his first state championship.

New Jersey Football Coaches Association awarded Dave with their Coach of the Year Award – Their Mission Statement reads: The purpose of the New Jersey Football Coaches Association is to maintain the highest possible standards in football and in the profession of coaching football; to promote the highest level of interscholastic competition and to honor the young men who play this great game. In addition, the goal of the association is to have a strong voice in legislation that affects football programs across the state.

Luke Haltigan, JD Keyes, Kyle McGinley, Angelo Gallego and Coach Albano and with the plaque

Angelo Gallego, JD Keyes, Luke Haltigan, Kyle McGinley with Coach Albano

Coach Albano holding the frame the team presented him with

Coach Albano, Luke Haltigan, Kyle McGinley, JD Keyes and Angelo Gallego with the team presentation

Boy Scouts Attend Council Meeting to earn badges

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Jun 10, 2015

IMG_5948-1 — Boy Scout Joshua Knowle, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Robert J. Peluso and Matthew Sonzogni

PARSIPPANY — Two members of Parsippany Boy Scout Troop 72 attended the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council meeting on Tuesday, June 9 to earn a “Citizenship in the Community” badge.

Joshua Knowle and Matthew Sonzogni attended Tuesday’s meeting to earn their badges.

Requirements to earn the badge include:

A) Attend a city or town council or school board meeting, or a municipal; county, or state court session.

B) Choose one of the issues discussed at the meeting where a difference of opinions was expressed, and the Scout must explain to their counselor why they agree with one opinion more than you do another one.

There were other optional requirements, but both scouts choose to attend the township council meeting.

At the end of the meeting they had the opportunity to speak to Council Vice President Robert Peluso.

Student Awards for Excellence in Wrestling

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Jun 10, 2015

Board Members Andy Choffo, Judy Mayer, Wrestler Andrew Massefski and Wrestling coach Fred Piotrowsky

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education presented “Student and Staff Awards” on Tuesday, June 9 at Parsippany High School.

The Board of Education congratulated and presented certificates or plaques to the students listed for their fine achievents.

Students receiving awards for Wrestling included Michael IIic, Aarin Feliz, Andrew Massefski, Ganesh Persaud, Philip Gohn, Kevin Jones, Brandon Leibfred, Brandon Jones, Nigel Feliz, Carlos Huaman and Christopher Gentile.

Announcing the honors was Coordinating Principal for Athletics K-12, Physical Education & Health (Parsippany High School and Central Middle School) Norman Francis, Jr., Ed.D.

Coordinating Principal for Athletics K-12, Physical Education & Health (PHS/CMS) Norman Francis, Jr., Ed.D.

Board Members Andy Choffo, Judy Mayer, Wrestler Aarin Feliz and Wrestling coach Fred Piotrowsky

Aarin Feliz was honored for his performance in First Team – All Conference; Second Place in the Hopatcong Tournament Parsippany Tournament and Morris County Tournament; Third place in District 9 and in Region 3.

Andrew Massefski was honored for his performance in First Team -All Conference; First place in the Hopatcong Tournament, Parsippany Tournament, Morris County Tournament, in District 9, and Region 3; Fifth place in the NJSIAA Tournament and received the Outstanding Wrestler Award.

Board Members Andy Choffo, Judy Mayer, Wrestler Ganesh Persaud and Wrestling coach Fred Piotrowsky

Ganesh Persaud was honored for his performance in First Team – All Conference; First place in the Hopatcong Tournament, and Parsippany Tournament; Third place in the Morris County Tournament; Second place in District 9 and fourth place in Region 3.

Board Members Andy Choffo, Judy Mayer, Wrestler Kevin Jones and Wrestling coach Fred Piotrowsky

Kevin Jones was honored for his performance in Second Team – Alt Conference; First place in the Hopatcong Tournament; Second place in the Parsippany Tournament, Morris County Tournament, in District 9, and Region 3.

Also honored was Michael Ilic for his performance in First Team – All Conference; Second place in the Hopatcong Tournament and Parsippany Tournament; Third place in the Morris County Tournament and Second place in District 9.

Philip Gohn was honored for his performance in Second Team – All Conference; First place in the Hopatcong Tournament; Second place in the Parsippany Tournament and Third place in District 9, and in Region 3.

Brandon Leibfred was honored for his performance in Second Team – All Conference; and Second place in the Hopatcong Tournament.

Brandon Jones was honored for his performance in Second Team – Alt Conference; Second place in District 9; Third place in the Hopatcong Tournament and Morris County Tournament and Fourth place in the Parsippany Tournament.

Also honored was Nigel Feliz for his performance in Second Team – Alt Conference; Third place in the Parsi ppany Tournament; Second place in the Morris County Tournament; and Third place in District 9.

Carlos Huaman was honored for his performance in Second Team – Alt Conference; Second place in the Hopatcong Tournament; Third place in District 9 and Fourth place in the Parsippany Tournament.

Christopher Gentile received a Honorable Mention – All Conference; and First place in the Parsippany Tournament.

Ty Sallie was selected to play on the 11u NorthEast All-American Team

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Jun 10, 2015

PARSIPPANY — After winning first place at Yankee Stadium in the Pitch, Hit and Run contest in 2013, Ty Sallie, 12, of Mount Tabor has made two more amazing major strides in his baseball career:

On Tuesday, June 9, it was announced on www.usssa.com live stream that Ty Sallie was selected to play on the 11u NorthEast All-American Team for the USSSA All-American Games.

The Northeast region consists of New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Delaware.

Each of the eight regions throughout the country have local tryouts for ages 9-14. Ty was also selected as one of the top performers of the Northeast Try-out in North Branford, CT. The All-American Games are scheduled for August 2 to August 7 at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida.

Ty was also selected as one of top 100 12u players to participate in the 2015 National Open for 12u Team USA. Each state throughout the country has one local tryout and current Major League scouts and former professional players evaluate each player. The 2015 National Open will be held July 13 to July 15 at the MLB Youth Academy in California. From there, 24 players from the National Open will be selected to participate in the Team Trials July 16 to July 18. The last stage will be 12 players selected from the Team Trials to represent their country at the 12U World Cup in Tainan, Taiwan from July 21 to August 3.

Ty has been playing Par-Troy West Little League since he was five years old. He currently is a sixth grader at Brooklawn Middle School and resides in Mount Tabor.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help with expenses of the trip. Click here for more information.

“Pedals For Progress’’ Used Bikes Collection

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Jun 10, 2015

RANDOLPH — The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority, in concert with non-profit Pedals for Progress, will collect used bicycles in reasonably good condition, plus used sewing machines in working order at a collection event set for Saturday, June 13. The event will run from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. at the County College of Morris, Parking Lot #1, at 214 Center Grove Road.

Pedals for Progress collects thousands of bicycles and sewing machines annually and sends them to needy people in developing countries. Over the past 25 years, the group has collected more than 144,000 bikes, and collected more than 3,000 sewing machines in recent years.

The bikes are reconditioned by partner agencies and distributed at low cost to poor working adults, providing them with reliable transportation for commuting to work and school, transporting produce to markets, accessing health care and other essential services.

A $10.00 fee per bicycle is required to help defray the more than $30.00 in costs for shipping, reconditioning and distributing each bike. Bikes with bent or very rusty frames, disassembled bikes, bike parts and tricycles will not be accepted.

Bike helmets will be collected free of charge as will small hand tools such as wrenches for the overseas shops.

Working sewing machines, both electric and non-electric, also will be collected. There is a $10.00 fee for the sewing machines to help defray the cost of shipping them to qualified nonprofit partners to set up small cooperative clothing businesses around the world.

All cash and material donations are tax deductible, and a receipt will be available at the collection site.

For more information or directions, please call the MCMUA at (973) 285-8393, or click here.

Additional information about Pedals for Progress and its various overseas projects is available on its website, www.p4p.org.

Authorities Release Cause And Manner Of Death Of David Bird

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Jun 10, 2015

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp reports that a determination as to the Cause and Manner of David Bird’s death has been completed.

After an examination by Dr. Carlos A Fonseca of the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office, the cause of David Bird’s death was certified as drowning and the manner of death was certified as an accident.

The Bird family has requested that the community and media respect their privacy at this time.

There will be no further information released from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office regarding this matter.

Letter to the editor: Board of Education President Fumbles Music Committee Appointment

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Jun 10, 2015

letters Dear Editor:

I attended the Board of Education on Thursday, May 30, because I wanted to voice my support for the Music Program in Parsippany’s School District. Over the past 2 years, the music program has been the target of budget cuts and what appears to be strategically planned personnel and scheduling changes by Superintendent Rixford, which seem to be designed to undermine or dismantle the music program.

Several months ago, the Superintendent proposed moving all instrument lessons to after school. This was opposed by music students and their parents because many of the children were involved in after school activities and athletic events. Fortunately, the Board of Education pushed back on this plan and required the Superintendent to come up with another alternative. His alternative was for children to take their private lessons during their band practice period, which is like asking the manager of a baseball team to give private batting lessons while managing a scrimmage. It was an illogical solution, which either expressed a fundamental ignorance of music education or possibly revealed an underlying goal of removing music from the public school system.

At the Board of Education Meeting on May 30th, many parents and children spoke, during the public session, to express their concerns for the changes that the Superintendent has proposed and the importance of music education. It seemed as if their arguments were well received by the Board. Frank Neglia proposed creating an Ad Hoc committee to look into what the Board can do to find time for private lessons to take place during the school day, and not in conflict with band class, as has always been the case. Andy Choffo, immediately indicated that he would like to be the Chair of that committee and other board members expressed interest in being part of the committee as well. This left Board of Education President, Fran Orthwein, with what would appear to be the logical task of forming the committee, with Andy Choffo as the chair.

Well, something apparently happened which prevented Ms. Orthwein from doing the “logical” thing. Yes, she did form a committee, but, she didn’t appoint Mr. Choffo as the chair of that committee.

In fact, to the surprise of many, she didn’t appoint Mr. Choffo to the committee at all. As a Parsippany taxpayer, I have to wonder why Ms. Orthwein chose to snub Mr. Choffo in this fashion? I am hopeful that the new committee will come up with viable alternatives to maintain the integrity of the music program. However, my understanding is that the Superintendent serves at the pleasure of the Board of Education.

I am concerned that this President of the Board of Education may have been either influenced or intimidated by the Superintendent, and if that is the case, that is not a good thing for our students and our residents.

David Comora
Parsippany

Letters to the Editor: Do you have an opinion to express? Send letters to flcahill@parsippanyfocus.com. Disclaimer: To be considered for publication, letters to the editor must include the writer’s full name, address and daytime phone number. Letters may be condensed, although care is taken to preserve the writer’s comments (maximum 200 words). Copyright in material submitted to Parsippany Focus and accepted for publication remains with the author, but Parsippany Focus may freely reproduce it in print, electronic or other forms. We are unable to acknowledge receipt of letters.

Teddy Comora is placed on Cornell University Dean’s List

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Jun 10, 2015