Boy Scout Joshua Knowle, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Robert J. Peluso and Matthew Sonzogni
Citizenship in the Community badge
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.
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.
Board Members Andy Choffo, Judy Mayer, Wrestler Andrew Massefski and Wrestling coach Fred Piotrowsky
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.
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 Sallie
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.
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.
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.
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.
PARSIPPANY — Teddy Comora, a 2014 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, has been placed on the Dean’s List of the Cornell University College of Arts and Sciences at for Excellence in Scholarship, for the Spring Semester of 2015. Teddy is majoring in Economics with a minor in Music.
Click here to view a copy of the certificate Teddy received.
This is a letter sent to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman.
It also appears some contract has already been drawn up before any public debate?
Parsippany’s open space monies should be used for remaining prime habitat preservation for wild animals; primarily birds, migrating and permanent residence. Councilman Peluso spoke of teaching children concern for animals through direct contact; however Westbrook favor “domestic” animals and an artificial setting, not a true farm. Domestic animals already have plenty of advocacy in many spheres of life.
It is not on the list as “Historic” nor as outstanding natural area. That is why it was mentioned Parsippany has no Natural Resource Inventory, so in reality we don’t know where to look. Visiting Block 136 Lot 43.3 on June 9th, may I state this small landscape is quite a gem, its loss for another office complex seems almost sinful. If the owner of Westbrook was that devoted in a deep valued sense he would simply donate the property, and most likely still make out quite well as he already has in life. Too many other critical landscapes important to quality of life, in various neighborhoods exists or are forgotten.
Regional Plan Conformance would help us in many of these aspects of keeping a place worth living, called Parsippany. Some people look at a landscape and see emptiness, some see life in its diversity of nature. Some image a place of peace and tranquility for other life forms, some see another opportunity to make short-term profit for another place to shop or eat, with its impacts of noise, traffic, litter and trash, which they do not find of consequence in their self-serving schemes.
Nick Homyak Lake Hiawatha
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.
County College of Morris. Photo Courtesy of Sunlight General Capital
NEWTON — A citizen activist from Sparta has filed three lawsuits seeking to expand public access to the legal settlement of an $88 million, three-county solar project that stalled amid litigation between the contractor and developer. In the suits filed against Sussex County in Superior Court in Newton, Jesse Wolosky said he is asking to see…
The Wieners - Jack Wieners, Gloria Wieners, Capt. John J. Wieners and Irene Wieners. File Photo
Parsippany Police Chief Paul Philipps congratulates Captain John Wieners
Former Parsippany Police Chief Paul Philipps resigned on March 1, 2018
The Wieners – Jack Wieners, Gloria Wieners, Capt. John J. Wieners and Irene Wieners. File Photo
Kim Auriemma, Sgt. James Auriemma, Anthony Auriemma and Debbi Papa
The Oath of Office
PARSIPPANY— Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps promoted two officers at Parsippany Municipal Building on Tuesday, June 9. Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio administered the oath of office to both officers.
Lieutenant John Wieners III received a promotion to the rank of Captain
Captain Wieners, 39, and a native resident of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
He is a 1993 graduate of Parsippany High School and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 1997 from the Mansfield University in Pennsylvania.
Captain Wieners was a Police Explorer for the Parsippany Police Department in 1990 before being hired as a Dispatcher in 1997.
He was hired as a Police Officer in 2000. He has served his assignments in both the Patrol Division and Investigative Division.
He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in March, 2006 and Lieutenant in September, 2011. Captain Wieners received a Life Saving Medal, two Exceptional Duty Awards, and two Unit Citations from the Parsippany Police Department. He also received a Valor Award from the Morris County 200 Club and NJ State PBA.
Captain Wieners also volunteers with the Lake Hiawatha Fire District 4. He is married to Irene and his father is a retired Detective from the Parsippany Police Department.
Officer James Auriemma was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
Sergeant Auriemma, 48, began his law enforcement career with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in 1998.
He was hired as a Patrol Officer by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department in 2000 after graduating the Morris County Public Safety Academy ‘s 56th class for Basic Police Officers.
Sgt. Auriemma was assigned to the Patrol Division before being transferred to the Traffic Section in 2006.
He is a Crash Investigator and Radar Instructor for the department. He also serves on the department’s Tactical Rifle Team and Honor Guard and is the supervisor for the Township’s Crossing Guards. Sergeant Auriemma also received a Life Saving Award and Exceptional Duty Award during his time at the Parsippany Police Department.
“It is truly an honor to celebrate the exceptional service John (Jay) Wieners and Jim Auriemma continuously provide to our community. Jay and Jim’s tireless work ethic is unparalleled and sets a true model for all law enforcement in New Jersey and throughout the country. Our township is so grateful to Jay, Jim and all our police officers who risk their lives every day to protect us from harm,” said Councilman Louis Valori.
A new deal reached between the owner of the former Revel Casino in Atlantic City and the energy company that serves the shuttered resort will keep the power on at the boardwalk property. But a long-term agreement has yet to be reached. The deal between Florida developer Glenn Straub’s Polo North Country Club and ACR Energy…
PARSIPPANY — Police Officer Jesse Hughes graduated from the 84th class of the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy. Officer Hughes will begin training immediately with the Patrol Division.
Hughes, 25, is a former Marine who had been assigned to the Ninth Engineer Support Battalion in Cherry Point, North Carolina and Okinawa, Japan.
He is a graduate of High Point High School in Wantage and Sussex County Community College where he obtained an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. He is an active volunteer with soup kitchens at the Manna House in Newton and Harvest House in Sussex.
TRENTON — A key figure in the George Washington Bridge scandal claimed in a sworn statement that Gov. Chris Christie revealed information about a grand jury proceeding, thus breaking federal law, according to a report by the New York Times. David Wildstein, the former Port Authority official who pleaded guilty to federal charges last month for…
David Wildstein, the former Port Authority official who has pleaded guilty in the Bridgegate scandal, accused Governor Chris Christie of revealing secret Grand Jury testimony during a 2010 meeting about Port Authority Police leadership, a violation of federal law, according to a report in The New York Times. In answering Interrogatories in a civil case unrelated…
TRENTON — Hillary Clinton and Ted Cruz announced it on Twitter. George Pataki used a video on his website. Others, such as Marco Rubio and Mike Huckabee, took the more traditional route: delivering a speech in front of supporters. Now, the question is: How will Gov. Chris Christie tell the world he is officially running for…
EAST RUTHERFORD — Police arrested 61 people Sunday outside of Summer Jam. New Jersey State Police said in a statement that eight troopers received minor injuries in clashes with crowds. Concert goers tried to climb fences and push past security at the MetLife Stadium entrance gate, police said. RELATED: Witnesses describe chaotic scene outside Summer Jam…
PARSIPPANY — The spirit of giving takes many forms and should pervade all year round. This was a common sentiment as individuals gathered at the BAPS Charities Blood Donation Drive on Sunday, May 31.
A staggering rise in the number of individuals requiring blood and an existing shortage of it coupled with recent natural calamities has escalated the need for donors now more than ever before. According to the American Red Cross, currently only 3 out of every 100 people in America donate blood but this falls short of the more than 38,000 donations that are needed daily.
Recognizing this need, BAPS Charities organized its 7th annual blood drive with this year’s drive in partnership with the Red cross and other blood banks nationwide. Often commended as the “gift of life,” blood donation is a great way for individuals to give back to their communities. BAPS Charities sincerely believes in this cause and actively organizes blood donation drives for the benefit of one and all. Just one unit of blood can save up to three lives!
At the blood drive held in Parsippany, over 30 donated nearly 27 pints of blood and gained satisfaction of possibly saving someone’s life.
“You have to donate. If you don’t think of it as helping someone, think of it as ensuring a future supply for you and your loved ones. What if you were to need blood tomorrow? Wouldn’t you be thankful that someone had donated theirs?” Dr. Hiren Makwana, a long time blood donor from the area said. “BAPS Charities is doing a tremendous service by organizing these drives and encouraging people to donate.”
Many like Dr. Hiren Makwana at BAPS Charities consider blood donation their duty rather than an optional choice.
“The fate between life and death of millions in the U.S. depends upon blood availability, and if BAPS Charities can inspire even one more individual to donate blood then these drives can be considered an incredible success,” said Tejas Patel, a BAPS Charities spokesperson.
In the last 5 years BAPS Charities Blood Drives were organized at 113 centers collecting over 5000 pints of blood helping to save up to 15000 lives. This year too, BAPS Charities will continue their commitment to helping save lives by organizing blood drives across the nation.
BAPS Charities has treated over 2 million patients worldwide. Through various activities such as, health fairs, bone marrow and blood drives, nationwide walkathons, and disaster relief operations, BAPS Charities sincerely serves the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities.
About BAPS Charities
BAPS Charities is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit international charity organization committed to sincerely serving the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities. It is affiliated with BAPS as an independent charity and social services arm. The 55,000 BAPS volunteers networked in over 3,300 centers around the world provide over 12 million volunteer-hours of service annually.
Among social service charities, BAPS Charities is a well-respected and trusted name. It has amassed over 50 years of firsthand experience in initiating, managing, and sustaining 160 humanitarian operations throughout the world in such diverse fields as: medical services, environmental services, community services, tribal services, and disaster relief services.
For additional information on BAPS Charities and its international and local philanthropic activities, click here.
PARSIPPANY — Anna Rose Detaranto, 86, passed away Wednesday afternoon, June 4, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida, following a long battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).
Born and raised in Boonton, she had been a resident of Parsippany for over 55 years, living briefly in Cedar Knolls, followed by 6 years in Denville at Franciscan Oaks retirement community.
Anna had relocated to the Desoto Palms Assisted Living Community in Sarasota, Florida in March.
Born on September 4, 1928, the daughter of Salvatore and Stefanina (Perrotta) Cerbo, sister of the late Filomena Cerbo, the late Rocco A. Cerbo, and Nicolas J. Cerbo,.
Anna married Joseph R. Detaranto, Jr. of Morristown on June 5, 1948.
Loving mother of five, and devoted wife of 60 years, Anna was predeceased by Joseph on May 6, 2009.
Survivors include brother, Nicolas Cerbo of Parsippany; five children, Joe Detaranto of Rockaway, Nina Martinelli of Sarasota, FL, Frank Detaranto (Peggy) of Sterling, VA, Mary Rose Younghouse, and Stephanie Eckert; nine grandchildren, Steve and Mark Younghouse, Nicole, Laura and Dan Martinelli, Tina and Michael Detaranto, Kevin and Julia Eckert; four great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Evelyn, Liliana and Giada Younghouse; and Maureen Detaranto and Frank Martinelli, her “forever” daughter-in-law and son-in law.
Anna was a graduate of Boonton High School and attended The College of St. Elizabeth. A dedicated homemaker, she was also active in the PTA and Golden Age Society. Anna worked part-time in her family’s business and enjoyed her volunteer time at Cheshire House in Madison. Her warm and loving nature earned her the name “mom” from many of her children’s friends. Her natural, subtle sense of humor was appreciated by all who knew her.
Relatives and friends are invited to call Friday, June 12, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at S.J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service, 60 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 13, 9:00 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church Church. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Boonton.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Click here to make a donation).
Community Blood Services is encouraging all eligible donors to donate blood to help save lives in their community in recognition of World Blood Donor Day, which will be celebrated this year by countries around the world on Sunday, June 14.
“Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, yet a very small percentage of those who are eligible to give actually donate on an annual basis,” said Karen Ferriday, community affairs director at Community Blood Services. She said Community Blood Services hopes to raise awareness about the need to donate during the upcoming summer months and to thank its volunteer donors for their life-giving donations.
World Blood Donor Day comes at an important time each year. During the summer months, the nation’s blood supply is strained due to fewer donations because of increased vacation schedules and other seasonal distractions. World Blood Donor Day reminds people around the world to donate and enables them to help make an impact in ensuring an adequate blood supply during this time of year.
Donors who help the blood center celebrate by giving the gift of life during the week of June 8 through June 14 will be able to wear a colorful limited-edition Nexcare bandage as their badge of honor for making a difference to patients in their community. Ferriday is asking that donors consider making an automated blood donation during which they can donate multiple products and help save even more patients in one sitting.
Call (201) 251-3703 or click here to learn more about the “Divide and Multiply” automated donation program, for hours/locations of our Paramus, Lincoln Park, Montvale and Parsippany donor centers in New Jersey or a mobile blood drive, and to schedule your next donation appointment.
Community Blood Services, whose headquarters is in Montvale, has been serving the community for more than 60 years. The not-for-profit organization provides blood and blood products for patients in 20-plus hospitals, including HackensackUMC, St. Joseph’s Healthcare System in Paterson/Wayne, The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood and Atlantic Health System hospitals in New Jersey and Orange Regional Medical Center in New York.
RANDOLPH — 43 teams and 314 participants have raised $68,621.38 for Relay for Life of Central Morris County. In the fight against cancer, silence is the last thing we need. This year, Relay for Life was held at Community College of Morris on Saturday, June 6 through Sunday, June 7.
Saint Clare’s Health Systems was a Gold sponsor and Western Pest Services was a Bronze sponsor.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement symbolizes hope and our shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people we love. If cancer has touched your life, participating in Relay For Life of Central Morris County encompassing Parsippany, Denville, Dover, Mt. Lakes, Randolph, Rockaway Borough, and Rockaway Township is a great way to take action and help finish the fight. This is your opportunity to honor cancer survivors, remember those we have lost, and raise funds and awareness to fight back and help end cancer forever.
At Relay For Life events, communities across the globe come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much. The funds raised truly make a difference in the fight against cancer just ask one of the nearly 14 million cancer survivors who will celebrate another birthday this year!
Relay For Life teams camp out overnight and take turns walking or running around a track or path at a local high school, park, or fairground. Relay for Life Central Morris County is 14 hours long because cancer never sleeps, each team is asked to have at least one participant on the track at all times.
Members of Parsippany CERT
Ralph DeChristopher, with grandson Frankie
CURE
The Empty Table
One of the most inspiring moments during a Relay For Life event is the Luminaria Ceremony. Honor or remember someone you love who has been touched by cancer through the dedication of a luminaria.
HOPE
PHHS Key Club member Tara Srinivasan placing the Luminaria bags
PHHS Key Club members helping in the event were Vanesssa Ting, Vaishman Guddeti, Michael Tran and Tara Srinivasan.
Frank Cahill, Publisher of Parsippany Focus, placed PHS Megan Barry in jail until someone bailed her out. Megan Barry is the PHS Key Club Advisor,
PHS Key Club members participated in the days events. Some of the members included Yang Fu, Amanda Chen, Astha Singhal, Adam Wlech, Stephanie Shen, Samantha Lee, Anthony Martucci, Rohan Khajuria, Eric Lai, Eric Schlosser, Thomas Mercado, Aran Pasumpadiyar and Ran Chothani.
Parsippany residents Robert and Tammy Whiteman
Teams were walking throughout the day
Parsippany Boy Scout Carlo Pecoraro donated his time to Relay for Life
PHS Key Club was serving the suvivors dinner. Pictured is Christina Xu, Spencer Chen, Anne Cheng, Marine-Ayan Ibrzahim Aido
Lakers for Life. The team raised a total of $5,437.34. They also won first prize for best sign.
Donna Martone, a cancer suvivor wiith Parsippany Boy Scout Matthew Sonzogni
Andrea Martone and Karen DeChristopher
Andrea Martone and her mom, Donna
IHOP Parsippany was one of the many vendors that purchased a sign.
Western Pest Services was a Bronze sponsor
The Caregivers Walk
Karen DeChristopher during the Suvivors Walk
The Survivor Walk
Dr. Andy was one of the many businesses that purchased a sign.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce was one of the many businesses that purchased a sign.
Andrea Martone and Paul Cristelli was one of the many businesses that purchased a sign.
Caregiver Margie Forman addressing the audience
Assemblyman Anthony Bucco addressing the audience
Parsippany Hills High School has 11 team members and raised $1,174.00
The Mayors or Councilmen of the communities showing their support
Hundreds of people showed up to participate in Relay for Life
Country Singer, Nikki Briar
Members of Parsippany’s CERT team
Parsippany Boy Scout Troop 72 entering the field
Rhianna Lees and Josh Vergara, Walking for Angels. The team raised $900.00
Contestants of the Mr. Relay contest
Boyden of NJ was one of the many businesses that purchased a sign.
30th Anniversary of Relay for Life. Betty Boyer, Margie Forman and Karen DeChristopher cutting the celebration cake.
Luminary Bag for German Restrepo
The Luminaria Ceremony occurs at every Relay For Life event. As the sun sets, luminaria lining the track light up the night. A hush falls over the crowd that had been overflowing with celebration. Relay For Life participants, survivors, and caregivers then gather to remember loved ones lost to cancer and to honor those whose fight continues.
Karen DeChristopher explained “The Empty Table.” She said “We call your attention to the small table that occupies a place of dignity and honor. It is set for one, symbolizing the fact that some of our loved ones are missing from this gathering. They have been diagnosed with cancer, and they are some of the names and faces behind luminaries.
The chair is empty. Many of those who fought the battle with cancer are no longer with us, but rather than mourning their loss, we choose to celebrate their life.
These people are unable to be with their loved ones and families now, so let us join together to recognize and honor them, and to bear witness to their struggle and their memory.
The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of a single patient, sometimes alone in the fight against his or her disease.
The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the medical profession: doctors, nurses, and researchers who help fight the battle for life.
The single rose in the vase signifies the enduring love of their families and friends and the strength of a patients’ will to fight the disease that ultimately claimed many of them.
The pink ribbon on the vase represents the ribbons worn on the lapels of millions who support a continued search for a cure not only for breast cancer, but for other cancers as well — cancers that are expected to kill over half a million people in the United States this year.
A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of the bitter battle against a deadly disease, a battle fought by more than 1.3 million new patients each year.
The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless tears of personal anguish shed by the patient and those shed by family members and friends who have lost a loved one.
The glass is inverted in memory of those people who are not here to join our celebration of successes.
But, the lantern represents the light of hope that lives in the hearts of all of us — hope represented by cancer survivors and the hope for a cure discovered as a result of the detailed work of the medical profession made able through funds generated through events such as Relay For Life.”
It’s not too late to donate. Click here to make your donation to the Relay For Life Central Morris team.
Dear Editor:
