Karen DeChristopher and Margie Forman holding a sign .. Join the fight against cancer!
PARSIPPANY — Relay For Life Member Karen DeChristopher and Margie Forman were starting to “Paint The Town Purple” which is a great way to spread the word about Relay For Life to be held on June 6 and June 7 at County College of Morris. Cancer touches us all in one way or the other.
As the American Cancer Society Relay For Life marks 25 years of bringing hope to communities nationwide, volunteers from all over the world have an opportunity to celebrate the progress made in the fight against cancer.
Each year, more than 4 million people in over 20 countries raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer through the Relay For Life movement.
There are an estimated 14.5 million cancer survivors in the United States, and that number is expected to grow significantly by 2024.
In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, ultimately raising $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight the nation’s biggest health concern cancer. A year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight event. Since those first steps, the Relay For Life movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, raising nearly $5 billion to fight cancer.
As the nation’s largest fundraising event, Relay For Life of Central Morris County rallies families, friends, businesses, schools, hospitals, service and faith based organizations in communities throughout Morris County and beyond and is asking you to participate in the event by: starting or joining a team, making a donation, sponsoring the event, purchasing a track sign or just coming out to show your support to those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and by providing an opportunity for everyone to fight back against the disease.. They are also looking for survivors and caregivers, as they would love for you to join Relay For Life so that we can celebrate and honor you during our special Survivor activities and dinner, as well as during the Luminaria Ceremony.
The light pole decorated with a purple ribbon
Karen DeChristopher and Margie Forman holding a sign .. Join the fight against cancer!
Karen DeChristopher placing a Relay For Life sign
Karen DeChristopher and Margie Forman at Krausers on Parsippany Road where they just placed a window sign
Margie Forman putting finishing touches on the ribbon
Tie a purple ribbon
For more information about getting involved, making a donation, sponsoring the event and/or purchasing a track sign, contact Bonnie – bonnie@rainbowpeace.net or call (201) 317-0810. Visit their website by clicking here or like their Facebook page for event details.
Warmth will surge into Parsippany through the start of the new week as a storm heads slowly out to sea.
Temperatures will trend upward through the beginning of the new week with highs in the 70s on Sunday, followed by 80-degree warmth in many areas Monday and Tuesday.
Following clouds and spotty afternoon showers on Saturday, Sunday and Monday will be free of rain and generally sunny.
The warmth will hang on through Tuesday, but an advancing cold front will ignite an afternoon shower or thunderstorm.
While the front will cut into the warmth and lead to some cooling for the midweek, highs will remain above normal for early May. A quick rebound in temperatures will then follow for later in the week.
TRENTON — You can add Gov. Chris Christie’s name to the top of the list of thousands inconvenienced by Bridgegate’s traffic delays. Even though Christie was not named in the Bridgegate indictment, delaying his presidential campaign until after he was cleared of wrongdoing means he has almost no chance of prevailing in Iowa, and is facing…
Federal authorities released long-awaited charges in the George Washington Bridge closure scandal Friday, outlining a dizzying play-by-play of the events that led to four days of gridlock allegedly crafted as political payback. Here’s an A to Z guide to the federal Bridgegate charges. Access lanes It all started with some local access lanes. Three local lanes…
TRENTON — Before the George Washington Bridge lane closure controversy rocked Gov. Chris Christie’s administration and delivered a blow to his presidential ambitions, politicking and campaigning converged on an arm of state government that was supposed to work above the fray. Bridget Anne Kelly, a former top Christie aide, was charged with federal crimes Friday for…
MORRIS COUNTY — 72 students graduated from Morris County Law Enforcement Development Course on Monday, April 27.
The Law Enforcement Development Course is a 10-week course for college students interested in developing a career in law enforcement.
The course is a cooperative venture of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the county’s Department of Law and Public Safety and the New Jersey Community Affairs Officers Association in partnership with colleges, universities and law enforcement groups throughout New Jersey.
Participants were introduced to the work of law enforcement to broaden their perspectives and understanding of the criminal justice system and to better understand what it takes to enter the field of law enforcement.
“The image of a law enforcement officer, for many, is formed by what they see on television or in the movies,” Kathy DeFillippo said. “The students who take this career development course will soon learn their perception of what it’s like to be a law enforcement officer is not reality.”
“This course was truly amazing, very informative and fun, and I got to meet some real professional law enforcement officers and build relationships with them and with the other students in the class as well, said Nicolas Limanov, one of the graduates. “I learned some neat tricks on how to stand out at an interview and what a perfect resume should look like. And best of all it was all for free because of the so many volunteers from various agencies who took the time out of their busy schedules to come and teach us. Special Thanks to William Schievella for all your hard work in putting together and running this program and the Morris County Freeholders as well for having this in the budget,” he said.
The Law Enforcement Career Development Course is a highly competitive program that was created in 2010, and it is the first of its kind in New Jersey. The course is recommended for college students interested in criminal justice, social sciences, and justice studies, as well as those students who are undecided but have an interest in pursuing careers in the field of legal justice.
Students got a closer look at law enforcement by being exposed to practical scenarios and hands-on instruction.
“The hands-on instruction given to the students is the critical component of this course,” said Freeholder Doug Cabana, the freeholder board’s liaison to Law and Public Safety. “It provides the students with exposure to the real world of law enforcement to help them determine if this career field is right for them.”
The Law Enforcement Career Development Course covered topics ranging from domestic violence, mock crime scenes and defensive tactics to dressing for success, health and wellness and preparing for the written and psychological exams.
The Morris County Public Safety Training Academy is located at 500 West Hanover Ave. in Parsippany.
Butler Police Chief Ciro Chimento, Susan Hunter, Sheriff Department, William Schievella and Phil DiGavero
William Schievella with Nicolas Limanov at the graduation ceremony
Susan Hunter with Nicolas Limanov
Nicolas Limanov with Parsippany-Troy Hills Lt. Yvonne Christiano
William Schievella holding Nicolas Limanov’s certificate
Parsippany residents graduating the class: Aafon Bauer, Samara Forbes, Ali Iabal, Gbunuguo Kassor, Courtney Terwaarbeek, Donna Herbst, Veda Mayers and Nicolas Limanov
US Attorney Paul Fishman has 1000 ways to say “no comment.” As US Attorney for New Jersey Paul Fishman held what was perhaps the most high profile press conference of his tenure to announce charges against three allies of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie in the investigation into the George Washington Bridge lane closures, the buttoned-down,…
A 21-year-old South Korean student from New Jersey was arrested on charges of illegally entering North Korea, the North’s official news agency said Saturday. Korean Central News Agency identified the New York University student as Won Moon Joo and said he was taken into custody April 22 after crossing the Amnok River from Dandong, China. Joo…
PARSIPPANY — In its latest legal bid to halt the demolition of the old Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, a preservation group’s new lawsuit contends a historic gas plant located on the hospital grounds means the hospital’s main Kirkbride Building may not be torn down. Preserve Greystone has filed a lawsuit citing a rule requiring that “any…
The church was organized on April 14, 1963 with the name of First Baptist Community Church of Parsippany, NJ.
The vision of thechurch shall be to live as an inclusive community of faith, embracing people from all cultural backgrounds and demonstrating that …Christ is our peace who has made us one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility…Ephesians 2:14.
There was a large assortment of clothing, housewares, books, electronics and more
There was a large assortment of clothing, housewares, books, electronics and more
Rev. Dr. Stacie Turk (right) with Church volunteers Jeffrey Haynes, Sandy Cosseos, Tina Smith, Sandra Venable and Janette Walker.
The Fifth Grade Class at Lake Parsippany School washing cars
PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany Fifth Graders held a car wash on Saturday, May 2 at the Parsippany Elks No. 2078 located at 230 Parsippany Road. The students were raising money for their upcoming graduation from Lake Parsippany School. In September the students will be attending Brooklawn Middle School
The Fifth Grade Class at Lake Parsippany School washing cars
The Fifth Grade Class at Lake Parsippany School washing cars
5th Grader holding the sign promoting the event
The Fifth Grade Class at Lake Parsippany School washing cars
The Fifth Grade Class at Lake Parsippany School washing cars
The Fifth Grade Class at Lake Parsippany School washing cars
PARSIPPANY — Spencer Savings Bank, 1699 Littleton Road, held a grand opening celebration on Saturday, April 24 with lots of fun and promotional offers, iPad raffles, giveaways for everyone in the family.
The main attraction was “Foobie” the friendly talking robot. Hurricane Hank and Jinxx entertained the children by making balloon figures. Terry Carr, WDHA, Radio Personality was at the event meeting people, had games and prizes and was on the air inviting everyone to the event.
In the morning they served breakfast items, including bagels, fruit salad, coffee and more… then around lunch time they turned the menu into sliders or burgers or vegetable burgers, chicken, salad, and other assorted hot items.
Spencer Savings Bank had “goodie” bags filled with gifts for everyone attending.
The new branch is located at 1699 Littleton Road, in the Mack Cali Business Campus.
Their lobby is open Monday thru Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Drive through is open Monday thru Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
WDHA Radio Personality Terry Carr being entertained by Foobie
Hurricane Hank with Lauren
Hurricane Hank with Rehanna and Piqz Syed
Hurricane Hank with Weichert Realtor’s Linda Bronfman
Lauren Tavares, Cyndy O’Malley and Branch Manager Afroza Patel
The staff at Spencers Saving Bank
Mike Bufis and Terry Carr from WDHA Radio
Rehana and Riqz Syed with Foobie
Hurricane Hank and Jinxx with 3-1/2 year old Ryan Leslie
Spencer Savings Bank is a full service, mutually owned and operated, community bank headquartered in Elmwood Park. For more than 100 years, Spencer has been maintaining its distinct image of trust, security and commitment to our customers.
Their strong reputation stands out among our competition. By providing a unique and personal approach to banking, we are able to service our customers with an exceptional level of care that can rarely be found at larger banks. They understand the importance of getting to know you as a customer. They focus on providing value, convenience, and personal attention to each and every individual. By taking the time to understand your needs, we become partners in the success of your business and personal financial goals.
Spencer has grown over the years to now operate twenty branch offices throughout North Jersey. Their management team of seasoned bankers leads more than 265 dedicated employees in delivering premier banking services. With their roots as a community bank, they proudly support local business and workforce initiatives in the market areas that we serve, in addition to numerous civic groups, charitable organizations and youth programs.
Freeholder David Scapicchio, Freeholder John Krickus and Freeholder Candidate Deborah Smith
PARSIPPANY — During an April 1st meeting with Morris County Republican Chairman John Sette, Freeholders John Krickus, Dave Scapicchio, and Denville Councilwoman Deborah Smith, longtime Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio’s GOP political consultant Alan Zakin shared with the group that he was working with an organization spearheaded by Fairview Insurance Executive Ryan Graham that was going to spend money in the Parsippany Republican Primary to aid incumbent Councilman Mike dePierro and his team to help defeat incumbent Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. and his running mates, said Freeholders Krickus and Scapicchio today, along with Councilwoman Smith. (To see related article, click here)
Graham and a relative who works at Fairview Insurance, have contributed $5,100 to Freeholder John Cesaro in the past, and recently promoted a fundraiser for Cesaro and his Freeholder running mates. Graham has also given $3,000 to Cesaro’s running mate, Angelo Tedesco. Given those close connections, Krickus and Scapicchio suggested that they might be the next targets of the Democrat PAC, NJ’s Future First during their upcoming Republican Primary for Freeholder against Cesaro and Tedesco.
“We are deeply concerned about deep-pocketed Democrats from Washington, DC and Essex County meddling in Morris County Republican Primary elections,” said Freeholders Krickus. “It started in Parsippany, but the County Freeholder race may very well be next. We’re speaking out because allowing this to go unchallenged would set a terrible precedent.”
Krickus, Scapicchio and Smith urged Chairman Sette to echo his own sentiments expressed at their meeting and in a recent email where the Chairman said he was “shocked and against” the Super PAC’s attempt to influence an intraparty contest in Morris County.
John Sette (middle) and John Inglesino (right) at a press conference of Chris Christie
“During the meeting Chairman Sette was as shocked as we were that Alan Zakin was working for an outside group taking sides in a local Republican primary,” stated Freeholder John Krickus.
“Every Republican in the county should be concerned that Democrats are interfering in our elections. Moreover, every taxpayer in the county should be alarmed that out-of-county special interest groups who refuse to disclose their donors are trying to buy local elections,” said Smith.
“Frankly, the whole things stinks to high heaven,” added Freeholder Scapicchio.
Krickus and Scapicchio said multiple news reports about the emergence of a mysterious Democrat Super PAC based in Washington, DC and directed by an Essex County Democratic Committeeman just two weeks after Zakin’s comments was troubling. But it wasn’t until after the pair saw the first Super PAC mailer and a PolitickerNJ.com article linking the outside group to people with taxpayer-funded contracts in Parsippany, that they were convinced there was a connection.
Ryan Graham, who has been the subject of pay-to-play allegations in other New Jersey municipalities, is the insurance broker in Parsippany-Troy Hills. Council President Carifi has sought to oust Graham and his firm from that spot for what Carifi alleged was political favoritism and excessive costs to taxpayers. According to Federal Election Commission reports, Graham is a big-time donor to national Democrats, which would put him in contact with the high-powered Democrat fundraiser serving as Treasurer of the controversial Super PAC operating in Parsippany according to Internal Revenue Service records made public last week.
Parsippany’s Pay-to-Play Ordinance
Parsippany’s pay-to-play ordinance, 2010:02 was one of the first ordinances Mayor Barberio and then Parsippany Councilman, John Cesaro, had directed Township Attorney John Inglesino to re-write. The original ordinance, created a year earlier, prohibited professionals who contracted with the township from donating to Morris County Political parties. The amended ordinance, removed that prohibition. “At the time I did the analysis back in 2010, I concluded that the Morris County Republican Committee is not a “continuing political committee,” Inglesino told Parsippany Focus. “That conclusion is consistent with the 2009 ordinance because the 2009 ordinance limited contributions to ‘contributing political committees’ AND the Morris County Committees. The 2009 ordinance made clear that Morris County Committees stood alone and was not a term to be included within the definition of “contributing political committee”. The express purpose for removing the Morris County Committees from the ordinance was so that Township vendors who made contributions to the Morris County Republican and/or Democratic County Committees would not be in violation of Parsippany’s pay to play ordinance. Therefore, the Parsippany pay to play ordinance does not apply to Parsippany vendors who make contributions to the Morris County Republican and/Democratic Committees.”
To read Parsippany’s pay-to-play ordinance, Click here.
Editors Correction:In a previous version, the first paragraph included the word “and” after Mayor James Barberio’s name, which appeared that he was at the meeting. Mr. Barberio was not at the meeting, just longtime Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio’s GOP political consultant Alan Zakin.
Parsippany Focus is also adding another quote from Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Attorney. Before the story was published, there were rumors circulating that Parsippany’s Pay-to-Play ordinance was allegedly violated, and Parsippany Focus requested information from Mr. Inglesino, and in his response he stated “Please be advised that I, as Township Attorney for the Township of Parsippany – Troy Hills (the “Township”), review all allegations of violations of the Township’s pay to play law, and that I have reviewed the alleged violations referenced in your email to the Township’s Business Administrator, Ellen Sandman, on even date herewith. If I were to find a violation of Parsippany’s pay to play law by a Township professional, then that professional’s contract with the Township would be terminated in accordance with the subject ordinance. With respect to the allegations involving Mr. Trimboli and Mr. Graham, please be advised that the original ordinance was subsequently amended several years ago to remove prohibitions regarding contributions to County Committees (both Republican and Democrat) and Political Action Committees. Thus, any contributions made to the Morris County Republican Committee are NOT covered by the subject ordinance.”
We did not publish this in our story, because after investigation we determined, as did Mr. Inglesino, that there was no violation in the Parsippany ordinance, and felt this quote (information) did not apply to this story, but Mr. Inglesino requested that we publish this quote, as promised.
PARSIPPANY — Shreya Durbha was crowned Miss Teen India International at the Jewel of India Pageants held in Delaware, USA.. She was crowned by model and actress, Jinal Pandya.
Shreya, who is fluent in both Telugu and English will go on to represent India in Jacksonville, Florida this July for the Miss Teen International Pageant attended by teens of different nationalities.
Sixteen year old Shreya attends the Morris County School of Technology persuing Finance and International Business. She is a model,singer , dancer, and straight-A student.
She is part of NJ State choir and has performed in the renowned Carnegie Hall.
In her free time she volunteers at St. Claire’s Hospital, VT Seva, CareOne Senior Home, and Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, and is on her way to chosing a platform to advocate in her reign.
New Jerseyans won’t see much of the sun on Friday, but a fourth straight weekend of generally nice spring weather awaits. Expect a mostly cloudy day with temperatures only reaching the lows 60s, slightly below normal for the first day of May. There’s a slight chance of afternoon showers and winds will be light, according to…
NEWARK — Former Port Authority executive David Wildstein pleaded guilty Friday to his role in the politically-motivated closure of local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge. Wildstein, 53, admitted to conspiring with former Port Authority Deputy Director Bill Baroni and Gov. Chris Christie’s former Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Anne Kelly to “punish” Fort Lee…
The lady Redhawks line up at the start of the game
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Hills Vikings Softball team put up a good fight but the Parsippany High Redhawks soared in the 7th inning for the 6-3 win bringing their season record so far to 11-4.
Veronica Shaw had two runs for the Redhawks and Caitlin Brennan, Megan Leitner, Kaila Migliazza and Victoria Rossi each contributed one.
Victoria Rossi and Caitlin Brennan pitched for the Redhawks.
The Redhawks advanced to the Morris County Quarter Finals for the first time in 10 years after they beat Mendham earlier this week.
The Redhawks will play Hopatcong today Friday, May 1 at 4:00 p.m. at Parsippany High School and The Vikings will play Mount Olive on Monday at 4:00 p.m. at Parsippany Hills High School.
Parsippany High School is located at 309 Baldwin Road and Parsippany Hills High School is located at 20 Rita Drive.
Tonight. Friday May 1 at 7:00 p.m. the Parsippany High School Baseball Team will take on Parsippany Hills at Smith Field, in the Mayors Trophy Game.
The lady Redhawks line up at the start of the game
Senior Teddi White sings the National Anthem
The lady Redhawks about to enter the feild
Alivia Mercuro concentrates on catching the ball
Senior Kaila Migliazza hits the ball
Senior Veronica Shaw practicing catching before the game
Senior Victoria Rossi up at bat
Senior Victoria Rossi running to first base
Megan Leitner (#12) waiting for pitcher to pitch the ball
Parsippany Hills Viking (#17) concentrating on the ball
Daniella Saggio pitched for the Vikings
Parsippany Hills Viking throwing the ball back to the pitcher
PARSIPPANY — Applebee’s Family Restaurant, 1057 Route 46, held a “Flapjack” fundraiser on Sunday, April 26 to raise funds for St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. The mission of St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital is to find cures for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases through research and treatment. And no family ever pays St. Jude for anything.”
Morris County addresses Opiate Abuse and Correctional Facilities
Morris County Sheriff Edward Rochford
Group Supervisor Phil Streicher, Tactical Diversion Squad, Drug Enforcement Administration
Former Governor James McGreevey
Dr. Sindy Paul, Medical Director, New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners
Morris County addresses Opiate Abuse and Correctional Facilities
MORRISTOWN – Physicians in Morristown and neighboring counties had the opportunity to learn more about the prescription drug and heroin abuse epidemic in New Jersey, and the effect of the epidemic on our correction facilities.
The Do No Harm Symposium featured expert speakers from law enforcement, the medical community, and treatment and prevention fields. The symposium is hosted by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, Morris County Sherriff, Morris County Prevention is Key, and the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Jersey Division. Former Governor James McGreevey, executive director of the Jersey City Employment and Training Program, Dr. Sindy M. Paul, the medical director of the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners, and Phil Streicher Tactical Diversion Squad, Drug Enforcement Administration – New Jersey Division presented to the audience.
Angelo M. Valente, executive director of PDFNJ, explained, “with prescription drug abuse at catastrophic levels in our state, the Do No Harm symposium allowed leaders and stakeholders from the medical community and law enforcement to come together to discuss solutions for prescription drug abuse in our state.”
“The opioid abuse problem is a plague currently threatening our communities locally and nationally. The Do No Harm symposium stressed that this is not a problem that can be solved by any one entity. There needs to be cooperation among law enforcement, prevention organizations, physicians and pharmacists to help tackle this issue,” said Carl J. Kotowski, Special Agent in Charge of the New Jersey Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Morris County Sheriff Edward Rochford concluded, “It is important to me that all inmates are treated with the utmost respect and are given an environment that encourages success. One measure of success in the facility is determined by the rate of recidivism. If we can assist in an inmate’s ability to give their life a positive direction, it is better for the whole community.”
The Do No Harm Symposium was at the Morristown Correctional Facility, 43 John Street, Morris Township.
