PARSIPPANY — In the coming weekends, the Women’s Theater Company at the Parsippany Playhouse presents “Always Patsy Cline.” Starring Patricia Durante as Cline and Barbara Babbitt as Cline’s most avid fan Louise, the play unveils the true story of the celebrity and fan who become deep friends. Their story progresses through the narration of Louise and the music of Patsy.
Durante is the absolute embodiment of Cline, a shy and talented rising country star. An extraordinary performer, Durante brings the songs to life with pitch-perfect perfection and much heart. With each song, you can feel the joy and the heartache of Cline’s life.
As fan Louise, Babbitt engages the audience as she relates her journey with Patsy Cline. Long before meeting Cline, Louise falls in love with the music. Cline’s voice on the Arthur Godfrey show draws Louise out of her kitchen and to the television. It was love at first hearing. When Louise learns that Cline will be appearing in Houston, Louise makes sure she has a place in the honky-tonk. This leads to a chance meeting that further leads to a lasting friendship.
Babbitt’s enthusiasm is infectious, and the audience becomes as excited as she is to know Cline. As Louise, Babbitt brings a down-home humanity to her character which brings a delicate balance to an over-the-top fan and true friend.
In her directorial debut, Grayce Coviello has staged a vibrant production. Even in the midst of poignant moments, Coviello has a touch of humor and lightness. For those who know the story of Patsy Cline, it might have been easier to play to emotion. Coviello takes a subtler, more satisfying approach that brings a wonderful texture to the characters.
Throughout “Always Patsy Cline,” a talented trio of musicians acts as the singer’s stage band while brilliantly punctuating the narrative. Under the tutelage of Regan Ryzuk, the band plays in character to complete the setting’s nostalgic look of 1950s and 1960s Texas.
“Always Patsy Cline” is a lively, touching and uplifting production. A must see!
The show runs May 29, 30, 31 and June 5, 6 and 7.
The Women’s Theater Company is located at the Parsippany Playhouse, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. For GPS driving directions, please enter the town of Boonton, 07005.
To purchase tickets online click here or call (973) 316-3033.
MORRISTOWN — A onetime Parsippany resident who taught at a high school in Paterson was sentenced Wednesday to six years in state prison after admitting he performed sex acts with a 16-year-old female student in 2010. Scott Van Hoven, now 48, who taught music at John F. Kennedy High School in Paterson when the incidents occurred…
John Sette (middle) sitting next to Parsippany's Township Attorney, John Inglesino, at a press conference for Governor Christie
PARSIPPANY — Jose Arango, Chair of the New Jersey Republican Chairman’s Association, and Hudson County Republican Chairman, announced their solidarity with fellow Republican Chairman John Sette of Morris County, and condemned the recent activity of Democrat-funded shadow organizations in the upcoming Freeholder Republican Primary.
As reported in NJ.com, the article titled “As outside money pours into Morris primary, GOP leaders pick side,” (click here to read article) stated “the number of Democrat interests and shadow political groups that are skirting campaign finance laws to evade having to disclose who is funding waves of advertising …”
“I am appalled that our great community of Parsippany was not included since we were the first to expose the Democratic interests invading our Republican Primary. For months Parsippany’s Republican Council campaign has been disrupted by the number of Democrat Interests that are skirting campaign finance laws to evade having to disclose who is funding waves of advertising support on behalf of Mike dePierro, Vinny Ferrara, and Loretta Gragnani. Serious questions are raised about their commitment to our Republican principles. Combine that with mailers, phone calls, and paid out-of-town walkers funded with dark money-where we have no idea who is funding them. It’s skirting the spirit of our play-to-pay ethics laws and transparent government” said Robert Peluso, Republican Municipal Committee person.
Dr. Louis Valori, fellow Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee Member, further added “Our County Republican Chairman John Sette has turned a blind eye to this matter for months and did not take action until yesterday in Morris County, but failed to take the same action in Parsippany. Mr. Sette must be consistent with his message and immediately denounce the Democratic efforts working in Parsippany for dePierro and his running mates by endorsing the candidates who were FIRST targeted by these Democratic influences, Parsippany Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. and council candidates Aida Visakay and John Beehler.”
The Republican Primary election is next Tuesday, June 2.
FLORHAM PARK — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Florham Park Borough Chief of Police Patrick P. Montuore announce that LePolian McConnell, 34, former employee of Kushner Company in Florham Park, has been charged with Second Degree Theft by Deception; Second Degree Attempted Theft by Deception; Second Degree Computer Theft; Second Degree Conspiracy and Third Degree forgery.
Pursuant to an investigation conducted by Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Leah Atterbury along with Florham Park Police Department Sergeant Christopher M. D’Ambola and Detective Sergeant Joseph Orlando, defendant, a staff accountant for Kushner Company, allegedly issued a Kushner Company check in the amount of $125,000 made payable to a construction vendor that he knew was unauthorized to receive payments. The check was allegedly forged with signatures appearing to be that of the Chief Financial Officer and the Controller of Kushner Company. The check was subsequently cashed at Jersey City Check Cashing in Jersey City.
The State is represented by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Francine Ehrenberg.
Prosecutor Knapp thanks the Florham Park Police Department, Kushner Company and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit, whose efforts contributed to this result.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
TRENTON — The state Supreme Court on Wednesday limited the number of damages that plaintiffs can receive in defamation cases in New Jersey. The state’s highest court ruled 5-0 that the managers of a Parsippany hedge fund who accused a consulting firm of defamation cannot recover both actual and presumed damages. Troy Buckner and John Ryan,…
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officers responded to wooded area located near South Beverwyck Road and Troy Meadow Road for a report of shots fired, on Wednesday, May 20 at 8:18 p.m.
Upon their arrival, a complainant advised the officers that he was on a nature walk and observed two young men shooting a revolver-style handgun in the woods.
The officers conducted area check and located a vehicle in a clearing within the woods. They encountered two young males who were later identified as Mr. Thomas McMaster, 18, Parsippany and Mr. Ramzi Musbeh, 18, Parsippany.
After an investigation into the shots fired call, the officers retrieved a paintball gun which the men were allegedly firing.
In addition, several items of drug paraphernalia were confiscated, to include glass bong water-pipes, as well as suspected marijuana.
The men were placed under arrest and transported to Police Headquarters where Mr. Musbeh was issued a summons for Discharging/Use of a Firearm. Mr. McMaster was issued summonses for Discharging/Use of a Firearm, Possession of Marijuana, 50 grams or less and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Both men were released from Headquarters pending court dates.
Editors Note: A complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer Damon Farms responded to the off-ramp to Waterview Boulevard on Route 46 for a reported single-car motor vehicle crash at 10:44 p.m. on Friday, May 22.
Upon his arrival, Officer Farms observed a 2014 black VW Jetta resting in the tree-line, off the roadway.
Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Farms located the driver in the vehicle.
After a brief investigation, Officer Farms placed the driver, Mr. John Simpson, 66, Highland Lakes under arrest for suspicion of DWI.
Mr. Simpson was transported to Police Headquarters for processing where he also received medical attention by Car 65 Ambulance personnel for a minor injury. He was issued summonses for DWI, Open Container in Vehicle and Reckless Driving. Mr. Simpson was released to an acquaintance, pending a court appearance.
Editors Note: A complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officer E. Elston was traveling North on North Beverwyck Road when a 1998 Silver Honda Accord nearly struck his marked Patrol vehicle as the Honda travelled south on North Beverwyck Road partially across the double yellow lines around a curve, on Saturday, May 23 at 2:10 a.m.,
Officer Elston conducted a motor vehicle stop upon the Honda and after a brief investigation, placed the female driver, Ms. Sarah Aubel, 21, Parsippany, under arrest for suspicion of DWI.
Ms. Aubel was transported to Police Headquarters and processed.
She was issued summonses for Failure to Maintain Lane, Reckless Driving and Driving While Intoxicated. Ms. Aubel was released to a family member, pending her court appearance.
Editors Note: A complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRISTOWN — A onetime Parsippany resident who formerly taught music at a high school in Paterson is scheduled to be sentenced this morning in a sex case from 2010. Scott Van Hoven, now 48, pleaded guilty last month to performing sex acts with a 16-year-old female student in 2010. Van Hoven, who has recently been living…
Tuesday, June 2is the primary and I urge all Parsippany Republicans to get out and vote. This is an extremely important primary. Parsippany has two Republican teams vying for 3 seats on the township council. The choices are clear, Team dePierro is being financially supported by a Super PAC (NJFF) with Democratic ties and labor union support. The Carifi team “Parsippany Residents First” is being funded by hard-working taxpayers.
Republican Councilman Michael dePierro has been on the Parsippany council for 30 plus years. I thank him for his service but I am a firm believer in term limits. And after three decades clearly new blood is needed on the Parsippany council.
Recently Councilman dePierro:
Flip flopped on a vote to authorize a forensic audit of township attorney John Inglesino’s invoices showing his firm’s payments to Aurora Security, the company that originally billed the taxpayers of Parsippany over $600,000. dePierro rescinded his yes vote without any real explanation. He left those residents who supported the audit questioning his motives.
Ignored the fact that township attorney John Inglesino hired Aurora Security without the knowledge or consent of the entire council whose job it is to authorize such expenses.
Supports the use of $2 million dollars of open space money for new irrigation and a driving range at the Knoll Country Club, of which he is a member. The Knoll is supposed to be a self- sustaining utility. One concern is whether the $2 million will be recouped by the township, but the bigger issue is the use of open space money to fund a project for a “self sustaining” entity.
Does not have a problem with the township attorney Mr. Inglesino going over his budgeted amount of $420,000 for 2014 by another $402,000. Mr. Inglesino’s 1099 tax form from the township for year 2014 was $822,000.
Another member of Team dePierro, Vincent Ferrara was on the Parsippany council previously and was not re-elected his last time out. Mr. Ferrara has stated on record that “whatever the Mayor wants he will support it” and Mr. Ferrara did exactly that right or wrong. Mr. Ferrara rarely gave an individual opinion on anything. Parsippany needs council members with vision not someone who follows blindly. The dePierro team’s motto “Promoting honest, ethical and stable government” in my opinion has meant a continual rubber stamp for Mayor Inglesino, I mean Mayor Barberio (or do I). If Team dePierro is re-elected it will just be more of the same. Is this what the Parsippany residents want? I believe the residents and taxpayers of Parsippany want more accountability and transparency. It appears ethics and honesty went out the window once the dePierro team aligned themselves with the Super PAC (NJFF) with Democratic ties. This shows signs of desperation. Councilman dePierro is also a member of the Morris County Republican Committee and as such should have denounced and rejected the financial backing of this Super PAC (NJFF) with Democratic ties.
The dePierro team campaign is reminiscent of the 2013 Parsippany mayoral primary. I thought that was dirty politics at its best. Sadly, I was wrong. Could it be possible that one of the most “influential Republican’s” in New Jersey, Mr. John Inglesino has some knowledge of this Super PAC with Democratic ties (NJFF) appearance in Parsippany? Mr. Inglesino has a big stake in this primary as his position as township attorney could be affected…….What lengths would someone go to, in order to hang on to an $822,000 paycheck?
Now it’s up to Parsippany Republicans to make a choice with their vote on Tuesday June 2. While making your decision ponder the following:
Do we elect the Republican team of dePierro that is being financially supported by a Super PAC with Democratic ties (NJFF)?
Do we elect the dePierro team who allows a Democratic Super PAC (NJFF) to continually bombard Parsippany resident’s with vicious mailers (6 to date) filled with distorted facts either to confuse or brainwash Parsippany residents against Council President Paul Carifi. I wonder how much those mailers cost?
In addition to the Super PAC with Democratic ties (NJFF), labor unions have now entered the municipal race in support of the dePierro team. This is unprecedented and one has to wonder what’s in it for the Democratic PAC and the unions to have the dePierro team elected? When the public meetings on the development of the Waterview tract were going on, the only outsiders to attend and support the project were union members. Is a vote for the dePierro team a gateway vote for projects that will strain Parsippany’s fire, police and EMT services, increase road congestion and add to an already inflated school budget? Parsippany residents should be weary of potential council members, a sitting mayor and the township attorney all aligned with a developer that cannot seem to get a major project off the ground through local support. Is the plan to buy votes? Do you want a township government that has sold its soul to outside interests? Something is very, very wrong with this picture.
I have attended about 90% of the bimonthly township council meetings over the past five years. I’ve listen to what council members have said and how they’ve voted on issues that will affect the quality of life for Parsippany residents and I have made my decision.
Paul Carifi, Aida Visakay and John Beehler are the team to support. Visakay and Beehler are the new blood the Parsippany council needs. Both are more than qualified and have the best interest of the Parsippany taxpayers at heart. This is the team that will bring back transparency, honesty and ethics to the Parsippany council. Council President Paul Carifi has shown his concerns for the health, safety and well-being of Parsippany residents many times either in words or actions during his brief time on the council. A great example of that was the defeat of the Waterview project, which was protested by over 500 residents whose quality of life was at stake.
I find Council President Paul Carifi to be intelligent, knowledgeable and most importantly committed to Parsippany and it’s resident’s. Council President Paul Carifi has proven over his time on the council that he is more than qualified and capable of representing Parsippany taxpayers.
June 2 Vote Republican 12, 13 and 14 for Township Council.
MORRIS PLAINS — Terry’s Pet Depot will be hosting a canine casting call for a new book entitled, “The Real Bitches of New Jersey,” on Sunday, May 31 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 1711 Route 10 East, Morris Plains.
“The Real Bitches of New Jersey,” will be the second in a series of “The Real Bitches” photo/caption books by creator/writer, Cathy Comora, (“The Real Bitches of Sarasota”), featuring NJ dogs and their favorite local landmarks. Cathy’s brother, David Comora, is working with Terry Sberna of Terry’s Pet Depot to coordinate the May 31 photo shoot.
“We needed dog photos for the book,” David said, “so I decided to create an event where people could bring their dogs for a photo shoot. I walked into Terry’s Pet Depot, introduced myself to her, and asked her if she might consider having a photo shoot for the book at her store. When I told her the name of the book, she laughed and immediately jumped on board!”
David hired a professional portrait photographer, Renato Sexias, of Renato’s Portrait Studio in Pompton Lakes, to take photos of the dogs. All owners who attend the event with their dogs dressed up will receive a free digital image, and dogs whose pictures are chosen for the book will each receive a free portrait.
David and Terry ask that you please come with your dogs already dressed in a funny costume or fancy dress. “We are primarily interested in dogs dressed as females, but some studs may be included in the book as well.”
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Terry’s Pet Depot at (973) 538-7387.
Council candidates John Beehler, Paul Carifi, Jr, and Aida Visakay
PARSIPPANY — The Primary Election is today, Tuesday, June 2, and Parsippany Focus knows there are many candidates running in Parsippany, both Republican and Democrat.
If you are registered to vote Republican, you can only cast your vote for Republican candidates, likewise if you are Democrat you can only cast your vote for Democratic candidates. New Jersey is a closed primary state. This means that only voters who affiliate with a political party may vote in that party’s candidate selection process (i.e., the primary election). However, unaffiliated voters may declare their party affiliation up to and including the day of the primary election.
Republican
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council – four year term (vote for three)
General Assembly – two year term: Wayne B. Marek and Avery Hart, vote for two.
Board of Chosen Freeholders – three year term: There are no petitions filed
Need to vote early? If you are interested in voting early at the Morris County Board of Elections may do so, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., up until Monday, June 1 at 3:00 p.m. In addition, they will have extended hours for voting until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28 and from 8:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday, May 30. They are located at Administration & Records Building, 2nd Floor; 10 Court Street, Morristown.
Mail-in Ballots: Your Mail-in Ballot must be received by the County Board of Elections before close of polls on Election Day. They are located at Administration & Records Building, 2nd Floor; 10 Court Street, Morristown.
Parsippany Focus will be reporting the results of the election on Tuesday, June 2 as soon as the polls close and results are being released.
You can also view the election results on the Morris County Election site, by clicking here.
Since Parsippany Focus was first printed in 1989, we do not endorse any candidate at any political level.
Don’t forget to sign up on our mailing list to receive daily updates from Parsippany Focus. Focus promises not to sell or lend our mailing list to anyone. Normally, we send only one email per day, unless there is a major story breaking that effects the residents of Parsippany.
Editors Note:A correction to this article was made on May 28 at 11:00 a.m. stating “there are no democratic petitions filed for the Board of Chosen Freeholders.”
CEAR KNOLLS — Sears Cedar Knolls announces the opening of a new Sears Outlet at 235 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls.
Celebrating its grand opening celebration, the Sears Outlet Store welcomes local community to enjoy an additional discount of 10 percent off almost everything in the store* plus special giveaways of a free washer and dryer.
“We look forward to becoming the bargain hunter’s paradise for the Morris County community, offering customers great deals on entry-level priced to high end home appliances, grills, lawn mowers, patio furniture, small kitchen appliances, home goods and more,” said Debbie Tassillo, store manager of the new Sears Outlet in Cedar Knolls.
Each Sears Outlet Store, on average, offers shoppers more than 18,000 square feet of retail space stocked with hundreds of items marked significantly lower than manufacturers’ suggested retail prices. Each location provides customers in-store and online access to new, one-of-a-kind, discounted, used, reconditioned, overstocked and cosmetically blemished products across a broad assortment of merchandise categories – including home appliances, lawn and garden equipment, apparel, mattresses and sporting goods and tools.
In addition to discounted and special-buy products, Sears Outlet offers reconditioned merchandise that undergoes a stringent testing process and, when necessary, have cosmetic parts replaced and/or repaired before becoming approved to be an Outlet Certified item. Customers purchasing a Certified Appliance or other item from a Sears Outlet Store should expect significant discounts off the original retail price, a fully functional and operational unit, and the assurance that the until still meets Sears quality standards as the nation’s leading retailer of appliance and appliance-related products. Customer also benefit from delivery and installation services offered by Sears Outlet.
The Sears Outlet store in Cedar Knolls can be reached at (973) 984-0098 and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
To learn more about Sears Outlet Stores, click here.
EAST RUTHERFORD — Top brass at Hard Rock International and Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment will be unveiling details of a proposed casino in the Meadowlands next week that, if approved, could bring in hundreds of millions of dollars to a state desperate for tax revenue. “A casino at the Meadowlands could generate more than $400 million…
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Redhawks Girls Softball team has made it to the Section 2 State Championship game.
All Parsippany residents should come and support the Redhawk Girls and wish them the very best.
The game will be held on Friday, May 29, at 4:00 p.m. at Bernards High School, located at 25 Olcott Avenue, Bernardsville.
On Wednesday, May 26, The Redhawks played against Caldwell at Parsippany High School in the NJSIAA Tournament, Semifinal Round, North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2 – Softball, and the score was Parsippany 4, Caldwell 2.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Mayor James Barberio presented the Parsippany-Troy Hills Woman’s Club with a proclamation proclaiming the month of May 2015 as Mental Health Month during which time he encourages efforts on public awareness and education related to mental illness.
Mayor James Barberio presenting the Woman’s Club with a proclamation
The proclamation read:
Whereas, mental health is defined as emotional and psychological well-being, which allows individuals to work, enjoy satisfying relationships and participate fully in their communities; and
Whereas, approximately 25 percent of people experience a diagnosable mental health condition in their lifetime; and
Whereas, mental illness accounts for four of the top ten leading causes of disability; and
Whereas, studies show that mental health is a significant component of physical health; and
Whereas, studies have shown that every dollar invested in evidence-based treatment yields $2 to $10 in savings from lost productivity as well as health, criminal justice and other costs; and
Whereas, when offered adequate services, wellness and recovery are possible for all who live with mental illness; and
Whereas, mental health awareness, prevention and education encourage individuals to seek professional and/or social support; and
Whereas, the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of NJ are working together to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to advance treatment opportunities for individuals with mental illness.
Now therefore, I, James R. Barberio, Mayor of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2015 as Mental Health Month during which time I encourage efforts on public awareness and education related to mental illness. I further urge citizens to maintain mental health and learn the symptoms of mental illness in order to get help when it is needed.
The 2006 Nissan Altima driven by Mr. Peter Nagy was towed from the scene by MJ Corigliano Towing
PARSIPPANY — Mr. Nicholas Ruggiero, 72, East Hanover, was making an illegal turn in front of Mr. Peter Nagy, 55, also of East Hanover and slightly entered the parking lot in order to make the turn. Mr. Ruggiero’s 2003 Hummer did not yield to the 2006 Nissan Altima as he was re-entering traffic causing Mr. Nagy’s vehicle to collide with Mr. Ruggiero.
Mr. Ruggiero was at fault, and was issued a summons for “Failure to Observe Stop or Yield Sign.”
Mr. Nagy’s vehicle was towed from the scene by Corigliano Towing.
The accident which on Wednesday, May 20 at 1:27 p.m. was investigated by Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Brian Keek.
Officer Brian Keek investigating the sceneThe 2003 Hummer H2 was able to be driven from the scene
There were no injuries reported. Parsippany-Troy Hills District 5 Haz-mat team responded to clean up the chemicals in the roadway.
Certified Nursing Assistants, Nancy Ochoa and Fatima Salcedo, think Cinco de Mayo is a celebration too big for just one day. The two crafted every detail of a Mexican village, and transformed Harmony Village at CareOne into a month-long Mexican fiesta.
PARSIPPANY — The festivities ofCinco de Mayo are too big to be confined to just one day. At least that is the case at CareOne at Morris Assisted Living, 200 Madzabrook Road. Instead of a one-day celebration, two nurturing staff members, with big imaginations, have transformed CareOne’s Harmony Village, a memory care community, into Fiesta de Mayo, a month-long staycation in Mexico designed especially for the residents of CareOne’s award-winning assisted living community.
Nancy Ochoa and Fatima Salcedo are Certified Nursing Assistants who have worked in Harmony Village at CareOne for ten years.
“There was a Cinco de Mayo party last year,” said Salcedo, “but it wasn’t a big enough celebration, so this year we thought we would really celebrate.”
Using repurposed everyday items, and a brightly colored palette, the two experienced healthcare professionals sculpted, painted, and transformed the halls and community areas of Harmony Village, into a slice of Mexico. Cardboard from delivery boxes, medicine cups, packing Styrofoam, bed sheets, bubble wrap, recycled bottles, and kitchen seasonings were combined with yarn, acrylic paints, crayons, pencils and tissue paper to become intricate ancient Aztec art, colorful sombreros, carved wooden signs, clay pots filled with blooming cacti, dessert scenery, festival flags, Corona hombres party favors, and vistas of Mexican sunsets.
A creative team of two, the pair worked on the scenery, paintings and decorations everyday for almost four months. Every detail, from “Poncho,” the hombre taking a siesta in the hallway, to the “Tequila” Cantina, was meticulously planned and decorated.
“Things were flowing in my brain,” explained Ochoa of the creativity Fiesta de Mayo inspired. “I wanted to show the Aztec civilization and the way that they expressed themselves. I wanted it to look like a piece of Mexico was here.”
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw it,” said CareOne at Morris Assisted Living Executive Director, Vincenzo Manzella. “The details and breadth of the decorations is amazing. It put a smile on everyone.
Ochoa said that she and Salcedo did not run out of ideas for the Fiesta de Mayo celebration. Instead, they stopped building scenery so they could begin displaying their creations in the hallways of Harmony Village. The decorations were completed in time for the community’s Ocho de Mayo party, a celebration which kicked-off early in the day and ran into the early evening on Friday, May 8, 2015. Residents entertained family and friends from CareOne at Morris, and throughout the tri-state area. Over one hundred twenty attended the El Azteca Restaurante feast of tacos, quesadillas, guacamole, “Margaritas” (lemonade and apple juice), and “Coronas” (white grape juice). There was dancing, singing, socializing and deep admiration for the artwork and scenery created by Ochoa and Salcedo.
“The joy Nancy and Fatima bring to our residents is truly touching,” Manzella said. “Fiesta de Mayo is a beautiful celebration that we are excited to enjoy all month.”
With the help of Salcedo, Ochoa created over thirty-five original paintings and sculptures for Fiesta de Mayo. Countless more decorations and favors were also constructed. Plastic medicine cups were decorated to look like colorful shot glasses, and tissue paper was folded into origami to make flowering cacti. Each piece of art depicts a different aspect of Mexico and Mexican culture from ancient times through today.
“Residents thrive in our environment as they, together with staff, run the gamut of sharing, learning, reminiscing and maintaining their creativity and abilities,” said the Director of Harmony Villages, Francine Gerber.
She noted that this type of dedication and attention to detail is not uncommon for Ochoa and Salcedo.
“These multi-faceted and creatively skilled ladies steadily handcrafted each intricate and delicately fashioned item and decoration,” Gerber added. “They used their time, patience, attention to detail and master craftsmanship for their residents.”-
“Our residents and their families are very grateful for Nancy and Fatima,” said Manzella. “Everyday, they put their heart and soul into providing our residents the highest quality of life. They put the same passion and creativity into everything they do here at CareOne of Morris Assisted Living.”
Come June, the Fiesta de Mayo celebration will be replaced by summer fun and down-the-shore themes. In the meantime, however, residents will enjoy another week in sunny Mexico.
The CareOne staff focuses on assisting residents in maintaining vibrant, independent lives, while providing them with the comfort of knowing that a helping hand is always close by. The wide variety of social activities, such as Fiesta de Mayo, contributes to the community’s health, happiness and continued well-being.
A slice of Mexico! – Using repurposed items, certified Nursing Assistants, Fatima Salcedo and Nancy Ochoa, created over thirty-five original Aztec themed paintings and sculptures for Fiesta de Mayo. A creative team of two, the pair worked on scenery, paintings and decorations everyday for almost four months in order to transform Harmony Village at CareOne at Morris Assisted Living into a Mexican village.
PARSIPPANY — Congregation Shaya Ahavat Torah of Parsippany held a Gala celebration to commemorate its 40th anniversary at The Madison Hotel in Morristown, on Sunday, May 17. Gala Honorees included long serving synagogue board members: Gershon Goldberg, recipient of the Hakarat HaTov (Congregation Appreciation Award), Lewis and Linda Golovin, recipients of the Kesser Shem Tov (Crown of Legacy Award), Dr. Louis Goodman, recipient of the Avodat HaKodesh-(Ritual Service Award), which is being dedicated to the loving memory of Eileen Goodman, of blessed memory. Barry Levitt & Constance Pallas, recipients of the Kehillah (Community Builder Award), Rabbi Shalom & Aharona Lubin, recipients of the Rabbinic Leadership Award, and Congregation President Naomi Rotter, recipient of the Community Leadership Award .
Congregation Shaya Ahavat Torah is the longest serving Orthodox synagogue in Morris County, and is located at 113 Hawkins Avenue.
It began in 1974 when Philip Bardash, Stanley Kaplan, Irv Gavrin, and George Kace met to form a minyan to pray according to Jewish law and custom. After renting space for many years, the congregation moved into its current building in 1997. The Shul added “Shaya” to its name in 2001 to honor a bequest made in memory of Samuel Graw. During the past 40 years, Congregation Shaya Ahavat Torah has adapted to meet the changing needs of its community. A welcoming environment to people from all walks of life, it has recently become a destination Shul attracting weekend visitors from throughout the Tri-State area.
Honorees seated from left to right: Lewis Golovin, Linda Golovin, Dr. Naomi Rotter, Constance Pallas, Barry Levitt. Honorees standing from left to right: Dr. Louis Goodman, Aharona Lubin, Rabbi Shalom Lubin, Gershon Goldberg
Dear Editor:
