Today is Primary Day…. Polls open 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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)
Paul Carifi, Jr., Aida Visakay and John Beehler – www.parsippanyresidentsfirst.com
Michael dePierro, Vincent Ferrara and Loretta Gragnani – www.facebook.com/parsippanywins
General Assembly – two year term: Jay Webber and BettyLou DeCroce are the only candidates, vote for two.
Board of Chosen Freeholders – three year term: vote for three.
John Cesaro, Christine Myers and Angelo Tedesco, Jr. – www.morrisfirst.com
David Scapicchio, John Krickus and Deborah Smith – www.morrisconservatives.com
Thomas Mulligan
Democrat
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council – four year term (vote for three)
Nicholas Kumburis, Janice McCarthy and Gregory B. Elbin – www.positiveparsippany.com
Thomas C. Fulco
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.
Where to vote: Click here to find where to vote.
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.”
Attention Bargain Hunters: New Sears Outlet Store Opens in Cedar Knolls
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.
Redhawks Girls Softball team will play in State Championship
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.
Mayor presents Woman’s Club with a proclamation
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.
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.
Hummer makes it out ok; Nissan towed from scene: No Injuries
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.
There were no injuries reported. Parsippany-Troy Hills District 5 Haz-mat team responded to clean up the chemicals in the roadway.
CareOne staff expands Cinco de Mayo to Fiesta de Mayo
PARSIPPANY — The festivities of Cinco 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.
Congregation Shaya Ahavat Torah Celebrates its 40th Anniversary
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
JBWS Kicks Off Dating Violence Prevention Program for Teen Athletes
MORRIS COUNTY — As domestic violence incidents continue to pervade the world of professional sports, the Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS) is excited to announce the launch of the Yellow Card Campaign, a program that will reach out to young athletes with a proactive message to encourage them to become leaders in preventing dating violence.
Basketball players from Morris Knolls High School’s boy’s and girl’s teams helped shape the Yellow Card campaign that JBWS will now take to colleges, schools and independent sports programs throughout the area. On Wednesday, May 27, the teams will come together at the school to celebrate the launch of the program that they helped shape. Athletes will receive Yellow Card t-shirts, sign a large pledge poster for display at their school, and hear program endorsements from their coach and teammate. The event will take place at 2:00 p.m. inside the Morris Knoll’s gymnasium.
“Morris Knolls basketball helped us determine how we would move forward with this important new program that we believe can be a model for high school and college teams everywhere,” said Patricia Sly, executive director of JBWS. “Now, we’re excited to come back and officially launch the program with them.”
Though estimates of dating violence vary, one study funded by the National Institute of Justice found the following results from a sample of middle and high schools in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania:
- 33% of students responding reported experiencing psychological dating abuse
- 18% reported experiencing cyber dating abuse
- 21% reported experiencing physical dating violence
- 9% reported experiencing sexual coercion
These numbers are unacceptable.
Through Yellow Card, JBWS will leverage our expertise to communicate a basic but crucial message to college and high school athletes: you can help prevent dating violence. By tapping into the natural leadership role that athletes often enjoy, the program is designed to inspire athletes to set the tone in the locker room and the classroom that abuse in relationships is unacceptable.
“Yellow Card reaches these athletes at an important and vulnerable time in their lives and teaches them not just how to make the right choices in their own relationships, but how to promote healthy behavior in their peers,” Sly said.
Yellow Card will educate athletes on the warning signs of dating abuse so that they can first learn to model healthy behavior in their own relationships, then to encourage it in others. Dating abuse is cultural problem and Yellow Card will enlist athletes, a crucial component of the high school culture, to stop it.
The program involves direct training sessions with teams and groups of athletes as well as a wealth of supporting activities and materials including game-day awareness events, a broad media campaign and No2DatingAbuse.org, our resource-laden website. Every athlete involved is asked to sign a three-part pledge that addresses the tenets of the program. This pledge is available for anyone who wants to read and sign it on our website as well.
This campaign has been made possible thanks to the support of the Community Foundation of New Jersey, Morristown Medical Center-Community Health, Becton Dickinson, Verizon, F.M. Kirby Foundation, Inc., Laurie Peter and Betsy Bernard, Brushfire Inc.’s professional marketing services, and several key individual donors.