Stickley Museum Family Fun Day attended by children of all ages

PARSIPPANY — The traditional 12th Annual Fall Family Day festival is Craftsman Farms’ biggest family program of the year was celebrated on Saturday, September 15.

Fall Family Day featured seasonal fun with hayrides around the grounds of Craftsman Farms, and pumpkin painting.  Indoor and outdoor scavenger hunts encouraged children to explore the landscape that was once the Stickley family’s home and farm. Craft activities and handicraft demonstrations exercise young minds and hands.  Families were invited to stroll through the museum Open House at their own pace.

Family Fun Day was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.

Vonda Givens on a hay ride
The field was filled with events for the children
Metal Embossing was another popular activity for the children
Nancy Willans making Farm Animal Crowns
Pumpkins painted by the children
Six year old Rajanya Sengupta painting pumpkins
Davey Willans with Heather Dantec and seven year old twins, Alex and Thomas

Parsippany Regional Ice Hockey held a Shredding Fundraiser

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Regional Ice Hockey held a Shredding Fundraiser on Saturday, September 15 at Parsippany Elks Club, 230 Parsippany Boulevard.

Parsippany residents had an opportunity to shred those important confidential documents.

There was a requested donation to the Parsippany Regional Ice Hockey.

Residents brought old checkbooks, papers, hanging files, magazines, books and notepads.

Mayor Soriano with members of the Parsippany Regional Ice Hockey

Parsippany PAL Redhawks Football and Cheer Team Pep Rally

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany PAL Redhawks Football and Cheer Teams kicked off their season with a Pep Rally at Smith Field on Saturday, September 8.

Parsippany PAL Redhawks Football
Red Hawk with Scott Massefski and Max and Sophia
PAL Red Hawk Cheerleaders
Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Red Hawk and the PAL Red Hawk Football Players
Parsippany PAL Redhawks Cheerleaders taking a selfie with Mayor Michael Soriano
Parsippany PAL Redhawks Football

Parsippany Teachers Rally for a Fair Contract

PARSIPPANY — On Thursday, September 13 the Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association (PTHEA) members gathered to demonstrate at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education Building prior to BOE closed session meeting.

About 150 PTHEA members attended the Board of Education meeting wearing black Association shirts.

The teachers marched peacefully, carrying signs, on the sidewalks adjacent to BOE office building to make the Board of Education, at its regularly scheduled meeting, aware that the professional staff expects fair compensation.

“In response to a private and internal memorandum to fellow PTHEA members, the Parsippany Board of Education has published on its web site a “response to a PTHEA statement concerning job actions.” Although the PTHEA were not ready to take the contract negotiations public, thy feel they must respond. Whether or not one would identify the Board’s proposals as “fair” or “generous” (as they do), the basic and incontrovertible fact is that their offer would result in yet another year of reduced take-home pay. They cannot deny this; it is simple math. Their statement does correctly note that one of their offers would actually allow slightly more take-home pay, but only if we accepted a health care plan that required greater out-of-pocket costs. In other words, it offers a slight increase in take-home pay, but necessitates that we quickly give that money (and more) away to doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. It is another offer to work for less money masquerading as generosity,” stated PTHEA members in a press release.

“These offers came after eight months negotiations, during which time the PTHEA accepted numerous concessions, moved away from its original proposals, and told the Board it would accept any deal that led to even a small increase in take-home pay. During this time they didn’t protest, hold rallies, or make statements. They presented evidence that such a deal was both affordable and practical and were given indications that agreement was close. And then, at the 11th hour, just as their old contract expired, the Board came back with the offers noted above. And that is why the 750 members of the PTHEA across all 14 schools feel they have no choice, and have overwhelmingly decided that they can no longer volunteer their free time for activities that go beyond contracted responsibilities. The teachers are not willing to divert time from their own families for voluntary and/or uncompensated work as long as they continue to realize less real income year after year. During this time, teachers will continue to discharge their duties fully and completely, according to the contract with the Board of Education. They will perform all the functions required of them during class, duty, and contracted meeting times. The professional dedication that parents and students have come to expect from the Parsippany education professionals will remain unchanged, and the level of instruction, coaching, counseling, and care that Parsippany schools are known for will not be curtailed.”

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates new office

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated their new offices with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, September 13.

A display of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce services

The ceremony was crowded with business leaders and elected officials.  There was a lot of discussion circulating the room about how open and spacious the new location is.

Chamber President Robert Peluso said that there are now over 125 businesses as part of the Chamber and that the new space is meant to provide a place for them to meet and network.

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso and Executive Board Member Frank Cahill

Executive Board Member Frank Cahill said “The Board of Directors are committed to serve its members. We added exciting member benefits this year. From monthly “Lunch Dozen Networking Series,” their “Juice up your morning,”  a business database from CoreFacts. database.  Members can access more than 7,500 Morris, Sussex and Warren County Businesses. They can search by company name, zip code, SIC Codes and more, and can even export to Excel to print mailing labels or do a mail merge. This normally is sold to businesses for $345.00 per year and is included in your 2018-2019 membership fees.”

Members can supply brochures to be distributed through our new Rack on display at IHOP

Cahill also discussed the “Member Brochure Rack” at IHOP.  Members supply brochures which are available for the public. He also talked about the “Staples Business Network” program.  This program is also a member benefit where you can have a display table at Staples and pass out literature to create awareness of your business.

In addition to President Robert Peluso and Executive Board Member Frank Cahill was Board Members Ildiko Peluso, Nicolas Limanov, Alan Golub, Esq. Also joining the celebration was Mayor Michael Soriano, Council Vice President Janice McCarthy, Township Clerk Khaled Madin, CFO Ann Cucci, Dr. Barbara Sargent, Superintendent Parsippany Board of Education and Representing Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce was her Chief of Staff George Dredden who presented the Chamber Board with a Proclamation from the State of NJ. Council Vice President Janice McCarthy presented a certificate of recognition to Executive Board Member Frank Cahill. Also in attendance was Councilman Michael dePierro and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani.

The new office is located in the Halsey Corporate Center, 90 East Halsey Road, Suite 322.

Council Vice President Janice McCarthy presenting a “Certificate of Recognition” from the Township Council
Robert Peluso, Councilman Michael dePierro, Frank Cahill, and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani

For more information on the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce you can visit their website by clicking here or call Executive Board Member Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400.

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso and former Board Member Joseph Nicastro
Members of Picatinny Federal Credit Union with Executive Board Member Frank Cahill and President Robert Peluso. Picatinny will be opening a new branch location at the Baldwin Shopping Center.

PurpleStride 5K Will Bring 2,500 People to Fight Pancreatic Cancer

PARSIPPANY — More patients die from pancreatic cancer than breast cancer, making pancreatic cancer the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Additionally, only 9% of patients live five years. To change the course of this disease, the New Jersey Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is inviting the community to attend PurpleStride New Jersey: The Walk to End Pancreatic Cancer.

The event takes place during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month on Sunday, November 11 at the Mack Cali Corporate Complex, One Campus Drive, days before World Pancreatic Cancer Day on November 16. PurpleStride will raise much needed awareness and funds to support the mission of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to advance research, support patients and create hope. Their goal is to raise $545,000.

To register and to learn more click here.

“We’re saving lives at PurpleStride New Jersey,” stated Sandi Field Affiliate Chair of the New Jersey Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. “Every stride we make directly impacts the course of this disease. Our community needs this uplifting celebration of hope that unites families affected by the deadliest cancer. It’s time to take action against pancreatic cancer and make vigorous steps to double survival by 2020!”

The family-friendly 5K timed awareness walk/run will include:

• Registration at 7:30 a.m., Opening Ceremonies begins at 9:00 a.m. Special guest: Erin Willett

9:30 a.m. 5K Run/Walk Begins

11:00 a.m. Closing Ceremonies

• Kid-friendly activities and “purple play zone”

• Opening ceremony featuring live entertainment

• National Gold Sponsor: AbbVie and Ipsen

Gold Sponsor: RWJ Barnabas and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

• National Presenting Sponsor: Celgene

Gold Media Sponsors: WCBS/FM and WFAN

• Regional Silver Sponsor: Immunovia

The American Cancer Society reports an estimated 53,670 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and approximately 43,090 will die from the disease this year. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is working to double survival by 2020 by continuing to directly fund research, advocate for increased funding and resources from the national government, raise awareness through community outreach, and provide excellent patient services and support for novel initiatives like Clinical Trial Finder, Know Your TumorSM personalized medicine service and the Patient Registry.

We love animals just as much as you do! However, due to safety and liability reasons, pets are unfortunately not allowed at Pancreatic Cancer Action Network events. Service animals are, of course, welcome.

Learn more about how you can support your local New Jersey Affiliate and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network by clicking here.

Special Guest will be Erin Willett. Willett brings her raw energy to New York City by way of Gaithersburg, Maryland. With the musical influence of her father, a member of the 1960’s band The Newports, Erin has music in her blood. Growing up in the 90s, pop records constantly rotated in her walkman. Every Sunday her outlet for music was church choir, were she became enamored with gospel singers and soul performers. This vocal ability combined with fascination from the performances of her brother’s punk bands, produced a powerful performance style that is all her own.

During season 2, Erin became a semi-finalist on NBC’s hit show The Voice. Known for her powerhouse vocals and infectious spirit, she became one of the final two contestants on Blake Shelton’s team. Following the show, she released her self-titled debut EP which is available on iTunes. Erin has also opened for notable acts including Twenty One Pilots, Adam Lambert, and Third Eye Blind.

She continues to give back as an Influencer of Hope for The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network; an organization fighting the disease that took her fathers life in 2011. Along with songwriters Liz Russo and Tova Litvin, she helped co-write and performs the Anthem of Hope for PanCan, “Hope’s Alive”. The single can be found on all music streaming and downloading platforms and the first $1 Million raised from the sale of “Hope’s Alive” will go to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Erin is slated this year to perform “Hope’s Alive” at PurpleStrides all over the country. The funds raised during the 5K Run/Walk series will help to continue research, educate the public, and provide services that give current and future pancreatic cancer patients a chance for survival.

After a lifelong struggle with her weight and body image issues, Willett had the opportunity to compete in the fall of 2015 on Season 17 of NBC’s The Biggest Loser. During the airing of the show Yahoo.com exclusively premiered her single “Out of the Darkness” chronicling her struggle with depression and self discovery. At the Live Finale Erin lost an astonishing 87 Pounds and the following day Billboard.com exclusively premiered the music video for the single. Following the show, Erin partnered with Planet Fitness and toured the the country; engaging in conversations about lifestyle change, leading fitness classes, and sharing her own weight loss journey. She maintains a healthy lifestyle with an affinity for spin and hot yoga classes. In addition,Erin is an avid runner and has completed five half-marathons.

Erin brings her eccentric, jubilant attitude to the radio waves and can be heard on a number of Entercom stations throughout the east coast as an on-air personality. She has filled-in on morning shows such as WNEW’s The Karen & Jeffrey Show, WIAD’s The Tommy Show, and WCBS FM Scott Shannon in the Morning.

In 2018, Erin is will continue to release new music. Her new single “Try” with Brooklyn based producer, DULSAE, is out August 10th! You can catch her performing with her lively 7- piece band as well as her acoustics shows as The Erin Willett Trio around the NYC area.

PHHS Vikings: 29-0; 5th Annual Gold Out Game

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills Vikings held their fifth annual “Gold Out Game” on Friday, September 14 to support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

At the game vs. Roxbury High School, both varsity football teams, cheerleaders, and fans in the stands wore gold to help bring awareness to this heartbreaking disease. The Gold Ribbon symbol is used to express support and generate solidarity for the fight against childhood cancer. Gold t-shirts, hats, pins, etc. were available for purchase, and can be purchased by clicking here.

Eleven year old Sean Ries

All proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Brain Tumor Family Foundation in honor of TEAMSean and local brain cancer warrior/honorary Par Hills Football Captain Sean Ries, who has been fighting a battle against this disease since 2012. For more information on Team Sean, click here.

#ForTheKids
The players wore gold socks to support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Go Gold For Hannah
Hannah Cerullo
Emma Marie Wyman

The final score
The students in the stands all wore gold for the fifth annual Gold Out Game
Dennis Wilson (#8) and JD Breslauer (#12). In the first quarter a 65 yard pass by JD Breslauer to Dennis Wilson, scoring the first touchdown and Anthony Memoli scored a point after touchdown, bringing the score to 7-0.  Then another 35 pass by JD Breslauer to Wilson scoring the second touchdown and Anthony Memoli scored a point after touchdown, bringing the score to 14-0. Then JD Breslauer in a 6 yard pass to Ty Salie for the third touchdown and Anthony Memoli scored a point after touchdown, bringing the score to 21-0. In the second quarter a 15 yard screen pass by JD Breslauer to Dominick Verducci to score another touchdown and a two point conversion by Kevin Minardi, bringing the score to 29-0.
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Roxbury Gaels 0 0 0 0 0
Parsippany Hills Vikings 21 8 0 0 29

 

On September 7, the Vikings lost to River Dell 37-0.

The team:

# Name Positions Gr. Ht Wt
1 Ty Sallie WR, DB So. 5-8
2 Jack Bellardino QB, DB So. 5-6 130
3 Riyank Patel WR, DB Jr. 5-10 150
4 Chris Rapp WR, LB Jr. 6-2 165
7 Anthony Memoli K, DB Jr. 6-0 170
8 Dennis Wilson WR, DB Jr. 6-0 180
9 EJ Comerford WR, LB Jr. 6-0 195
10 Jayson Marte WR, OLB Sr. 5-10 170
11 Jordan Thompson WR, DL So. 6-3 195
12 JD Breslauer QB, DB Jr. 6-1 185
14 GJ Nazziola WR, DB Jr. 5-6 125
16 Devesh Naik WR, DB Jr. 5-11 165
19 Kevin Minardi WR, DB Sr. 5-9 185
20 Matt Batroney WR, DB Jr. 5-10 155
21 Adney Suvil RB, LB Sr. 5-7 150
22 Jacob Smith WR, DB So. 5-8 130
23 Thomas Lally WR, DB So. 5-10 140
24 Matt Morales WR, DB Sr. 5-9 150
25 Greepan Patel WR, DB Jr. 5-8 150
27 Jake Jasiecki WR, DB So. 5-3 140
28 Dominick Verducci RB, LB Fr. 5-11 167
30 James Garcia RB, LB So. 5-10 152
35 Joey McClusick WR, DB So. 5-9 130
44 David Giraldo RB, LB Jr. 5-11 190
46 Brian Brisson WR, DB Jr. 5-8 140
50 AJ Stark OL, DL So. 5-10 185
51 Zack Taylor OL, DL So. 5-10 185
52 Marcus Celestino OL, LB So. 5-7 175
54 Jon Pietrowicz OL, DL So. 5-10 185
55 Connor Schaefer (C) OL, LB Sr. 5-7 180
56 Christopher Dogbe OL, LB So. 5-9 150
57 Chris Meumann OL, LB Jr. 5-7 175
59 Derek Plata Teutle OL, DL So. 5-6 240
62 Richie Wright OL, DL Jr. 5-8 250
63 James Koegler OL, DL Sr. 6-0 210
65 Peter Nardi OL, DL Jr. 5-8 220
67 Alan Copeland OL, LB Jr. 5-8 160
69 Jarod Palatini OL, DL So. 5-8 195
70 Andrew Loesch OL, DL Jr. 5-10 230
71 Jack Shields OL, DL So. 6-2 220
72 Chris Montoya OL, DL Jr. 5-10 146
73 Patrick Whalen OL, DL Jr. 5-6 140
76 Ryan Christofferson (C) OL, DL Sr. 6-1 190
79 Brandon Perot OL, DL Jr. 6-2 273
80 Emirhan Ziya WR, DB Jr. 5-11 155
82 Brian Davies WR, DB Jr. 5-7 173
85 Angelo Varcadipane WR, DL Jr. 6-2 175
Shane O’Connor Sr.

Storybook Breakfast Serves Up Fun to Benefit Library

PARSIPPANY — The Friends of the Parsippany Library and Woman’s Club of Parsippany are joining forces on Saturday, September 22 to raise funds for the Parsippany Library.  The downstairs of the Parsippany Main Library at 449 Halsey Road will be transformed into a children’s book lover’s paradise, with a continental breakfast served by storybook characters, a children’s book sale, raffle for book-themed prizes, and a special storytime and craft by author Tara Lazar.

Thanks to the donation of Children’s Day decorations by Mount Tabor residents, attendees will be able to interact with replicas of the Magic School Bus, Goodnight Moon, Very Hungry Caterpillar, and more during the event.

Volunteers dressed as characters including the Man in the Yellow Hat, Miss Frizzle, Pete the Cat, and Pinkalicious will help serve the continental breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  Donations from Udi’s, Lifeway Kefir, Cream-o-Land Dairy and Starbucks will be among the offerings and options will be available for individuals with food allergies.

New Jersey resident Tara Lazar is the featured author and will read one of her humorous picture books to the audience.  Her work is highly regarded by children, whose votes earned her most recent book, 7 Ate 9: The Untold Story, the 2018 Irma S. & James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature. She is also a recipient of the SCBWI Crystal Kite and co-chair of the Rutgers University Council on Children’s Literature One-on-One Plus Conference.  Tara will also conduct a craft with attendees and speak about a day in the life of an author.

This event is made possible by sponsorships from Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Wegmans, and Springboard Therapy.  Applebee’s was the first sponsor to sign on and Wegmans is a returning sponsor, having previously supported an anniversary gala and Bollywood Night event that benefited the library.  Springboard Therapy rounds out the sponsorships and reflects the event’s focus on children.  Springboard Therapy was created with a vision to provide a safe, fun and respectful environment where children who struggle with a variety of developmental and sensory processing difficulties can thrive and build skills, confidence and a positive sense of self.

Not able to make the event but still want to support?  Donate a “donut” by making a donation of $5.00 per donut on the registration page and your donut will be displayed at the Main Library.  If you would like to have your name written on your donut, simply enter in the comment area during checkout.  Donuts may also be purchased at the Main Library.

Registration is required for this event by clicking here.

To learn more about how you can contribute to the growth of Parsippany’s libraries and community, visit the Friends of the Parsippany Library website by clicking here and the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills by clicking here.

 

St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church Celebrates “Blessing of Animals”

PARSIPPANY — Furry, fluffy, feathered, or fuzzy – all are welcome to join the congregation of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, October 7 at 5:00 p.m. for the annual blessing of Animals Liturgy celebrating the life of St. Francis who is remembered as having a deep appreciation for all of creation and a special bond with animals.

All God’s creatures are welcome however, for safety concerns, participants are asked to bring their pets leashed or caged.  Following the liturgy, refreshments are provided as an opportunity for people and pets socialize.

To support the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter donations of dog or cat food, paper towels and cleaning supplies are requested.  (For more information about Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter click here).

St. Gregory’s is a progressive, inclusive and affirming, community of faith joyfully sharing the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ with all God’s Children, we are located at 480 South Beverwyck Road.  Please call the church at (973) 887-5879 or email saintgregoryschurch@gmail.com for additional information.

Ann Grossi appoints Campaign Manager

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, the “People’s Clerk,” announces that Nicholas P. Tworischuk will manage her reelection campaign,

Campaign manager Tworischuk has political experience dating back to his days as a student at Marquette University in Milwaukee, when he was chair of the university Republican club and was elected the chair of the State Wisconsin College Republican organization.

He holds a PhD in higher education administration from Seton Hall University and a Masters in Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Tworischuk spent 45 years as a public research university and municipal finance executive and is an adjunct instructor in management, public finance and cyber security risk.

Looking ahead, Tworischuk said Grossi plans an active, informative campaign.

The Headquarters for the Reelect Ann Grossi County Clerk organization is located at 1711 Route 46 East, Suite 200.  The office phone number is (973) 588-5957.