On Friday I was honored and privileged to attend the Flag Day Ceremony at the BPO Elks in Parsippany. The tuxedo clad Elk officers chronicled the history and sacrifice which shaped each iteration of the US Flag. From the “Liberty tree” to “Don’t Tread on Me” to the Stars and Bars of old Glory. The Boy Scout’s served as standard bearers, proudly parading each flag in turn. The ceremony was a touching and educational tribute to our nation’s flag. The Elk Officers were passionate about our flag and what it represents. As a veteran, I was deeply moved.
My chest was bursting with pride as I left the Elks to continue my weekend. I stepped out onto Parsippany Road, which itself was adorned with flags on each service pole. I walked by neighbors who also proudly displayed the red, white, and blue to my own home in front of which flies old Glory.
I have been to many meetings and school assemblies and my heart smiles as each is started with the Pledge of Allegiance. This Flag day I am happy to see patriotism is still alive and well in Parsippany.
PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany Fire District 3 and Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6 were called to Macrosoft, Two Sylvan Way on a report of a fire alarm on Monday morning, June 15.
The fire alarm emptied the building for 30-40 minutes while the firemen checked everything and made sure it was safe for the employees to return to work. The cause of the alarm was a bad fire detector.
Macrosoft thanks the dedicated/brave fireman from Parsippany.
The fire trucks arriving at the sceneParsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6Employees waited in the parking lot for clearance to return to work
On Tuesday, June 9, 2015 the Parsippany Troy-Hills Council, under the Administrations recommendation, voted unanimously to purchase property for $775,000. This property, located at 805 South Beverwyck Road contains 3.45 acres and includes a house and a few other stuctures. With this purchase the township will own five homes (2 homes at Watnong Garden, 1 at the Sheep Farm, and the Baldwin House).
Homes require a great amount of up keep, operating expenses, and management, thus, decreasing our open space tax money for raw land that provides outdoor activity, water collection, and development buffers.
My opinion is that the township should not purchase this property. The Township must also lower our open space tax. Please contact your elected officials with your opinion.
*Roy’s opinions are his own and are not endorsed by those of Parsippany Focus
The wet weather that rolled in Sunday night is expected to continue through the morning and into the early afternoon for much of New Jersey. Scattered showers could turn to heavy rain and thunderstorms at times on Monday, according to the National Weather Service. In addition, some areas could experience strong winds gusts and localized flooding…
HANOVER — A police officer was taken to the hospital and a drunk driver was taken away in cuffs after a serious motor vehicle crash on Route 287. Hanover police said in a Facebook post Sunday that the officer was assisting State Police on Route 287 when the speeding drunk driver, in a Jeep, rear-ended his…
Kristin Chenoweth performs at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, Sept. 11. A Sept. 11 concert by Broadway and film star and recent Tony co-host Kristin Chenoweth will be the official kick-off for the 2015-16 season at the Mayo Performing Arts Center. It’s one of more than 150 events to take place from July through…
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education recently honored the following staff members who have served in the district for twenty-five years: Karen Ambrose, Johanna Andrews, Rosalinda Aveni, Dorothy Barron, Michele Bodtmann, Marguerite Caikowsky, Ann Marie Carrasca, William Cleary,Louise Corforte, Nancy Douglas, Esperanza Garcia-Vallejo, Mario Idrobo, Joann Koeck, Judith Kret, Gloria Lieberman, Ruth Madpak, Louis Miller, Ethel Obenauer, Peter Pettinelli, Denise Pietropinto, Virginia Rivera, Jose Rodriguez, Philip Santiago, Valerie Steward, Nancy Tauriello, Diane Vaglio and Ellen Ventola.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education Vice President Frank Neglia, Rosalinda Aveni from Intervale School, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education President Fran OrthweinParsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education Vice President Frank Neglia, William Cleary Vice Principal Brooklawn Middle School, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education President Fran OrthweinParsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education Vice President Frank Neglia, Judith Kret, Secretary at Parsippany High School and Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education President Fran Orthwein
PARSIPPANY — At age thirteen and ready to enter into High School next year, Jaclyn Carifi an eighth grader, has added to her already impressive softball resume. Predominantly a pitcher, the most noteworthy accomplishment on that resume was pitching a perfect game with striking out all 18 batters in a row against a Rockaway “All Stars” team while playing for Par-Troy West Little League in June 2012.
Now, Carifi, a three-year starter and a Captain of the Brooklawn softball team can add another perfect game, the most strikeouts in a game, the most Hits, Doubles, Triples, Homerun’s, RBI’s, Runs Scored, Stolen Bases, Wins, Shutouts and Strikeouts in a season to that resume. Also, the lowest ERA in any season. Although Carifi broke the school record as a sixth grader for the most amount of strikeouts in a game with 15 against East Hanover. Carifi was able to break her own record this year with throwing 18 strikeouts in two different games. One against Florham Park and also in the semi-finals of the County Championship against Long Valley. The previous school record for most strikeouts in a season was 101 by Ali Walek in 2011. However, Carifi far exceeded that by throwing 242 strikeouts in 2015.
Victoria Huss and Jaclyn Carifi
Jaclyn Carifi is pitching the ball
Jaclyn Carifi throwing a pitch to Long Valley
Amanda Lalicata running to second base
Victoria Huss up at bat
Gianna Orricho
Gianna Orricho
Izzy Mansur
Carifi, who bats lefty and throws righty has a total of seven pitches. Her favorite pitch to throw is her Screw ball because “It jumps and moves and hitters have a problem adjusting to it”. Victoria Huss, also an eighth grade Captain on the team is Brooklawn’s catcher. Huss describes Carifi’s pitching as “She makes my job easy, it’s a pleasure catching for Jaclyn but, if I’m not paying attention I pay for it in bruises. So, I have to stay focused because she throws so hard”. Ironically, Huss was the same catcher who caught Carifi’s perfect game with 18 in a row strikeouts in 2012.
Carifi, who trains at Pinnacle Athletic Development in Parsippany, and receives pitching lessons from Holy Cross alumni Erica McCrystal, attributes her success to working and training hard and the motto her father (James) instilled in her at an early age. “If you want to be good at anything in life you have to prepare relentlessly.” “I try to do just that. I’m preparing all the time.” Carifi also credits her teammates. “I wouldn’t be successful if it wasn’t for my teammates. They do an amazing job and without them we wouldn’t be good”.
Brooklawn’s head softball coach Edward Young, says “I tell anyone who will listen that Jaclyn is the best softball player I have ever coached and probably the best athlete in any sport I have coached in 20 years. She has a great competitive spirit, sportsmanship and is also a great leader.” “I will root for her in High School”.
A straight “A” student, Carifi has had offers to play softball at private schools but, wants to stay and play with her friends in Parsippany. “My goal is to play Division 1 softball in college and I believe if you’re good enough, you will be recognized no matter where you play,” said Jaclyn.
PARSIPPANY — In the annual Parsippany High School tradition, the Senior Girls beat the Junior Girls, 26-0, in Powderpuff. Amanda Angulo completed a 110 rush yard touch down and Veronia Shaw had three interceptions and completed a touch down. Both girls were named Co-MVPs.
The senior and junior cheerleaders performed a routine during halftime. The event was a success and well attended by many students and parents.
The Junior players entering the field
Best Friends, James Breenan and Andrew Massefski
The senior cheerleaders marching onto the field
Amanda Angulo and Kaila Migliazza leading the senior players onto the field
The Senior Cheerleaders dragging the pool on the field
Enzo Gaya excited during the game
The Junior Cheerleaders
Logan Van Wingerden taking laps on the track course
Many students and parents came out to support the game
Malik Frances celebrating a touchdown
The Junior Cheerleaders dragging the pool away from the Senior Cheerleaders
Student Council Advisor Melissa Van Wingerden and her son Logan watching the game
The seniors playing the game
Kaila Migliazza on defense
Amanda Angulo makes a 100 yard touchdown
Skyler Gohn and Amanda Angulo are a celebrating a touch down
Domenick Castellano stated “The Givers” last year and participated again this year because Domenick wanted to see how many of his friends really are very kind and care about others. It is a special day to walk together blessed. Domenick’s Uncle Ed and Aunt Sue started the Valerie Fund to honor their very brave daughter.
Domenick’s mom is also the director of the “Mom 2 Mom” program and she and the whole family love to help others.
Dear Editor:
