Rainbow Lakes Memorial Day Ceremony

Frank L. Cahill
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Rainbow Lakes Memorial Day Ceremony

PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, May 26 members of the Rainbow Lakes Community held a Memorial Day ceremony. Sponsored by the Rainbow Lake veterans and Parsippany District 2 Fire Company, the event was part of a 68-year tradition and featured a parade of township fire trucks, emergency service units, Scout troops and pipers.

Local officials attended a commemorative service held at the Rainbow Lakes ballfield, including Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, who spoke about the meaning of Memorial Day to a crowd of over 100 local residents and guests.

Charlie Engfer is a Vietnam Veteran who served with the United States Marine Corps in 1969 and 1970.

Charlie Engfer, serving as master of ceremonies, opened the ceremony with the following speech:

“It’s an honor to be here with you today as we come together to remember and to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s finest and bravest. “As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” We find ourselves here on this day, gathered together to reflect on this one sentiment, uttered many years ago by President John F. Kennedy. Words, he believed, were useless unaccompanied by action.

This is why we – the many – gather here to honor our veterans – the few 1who were so willing to give of themselves to defend their brothers and their country. It is a small fraction of our population charged with keeping us safe, with keeping our liberties intact. So how do we properly thank this fragment of the population who has done so much to keep this country, our prosperity and freedoms in place. It’s interesting how different generations of veterans respond to being thanked for their service. Our World War II veterans generally seem to receive it politely – stoically – knowing that they had simply fulfilled their patriotic duty by fighting abroad. Korean and Vietnam War veterans) at times overlooked, seem genuinely touched when welcomed home and remembered.

For our most recent generation of veterans, who represent an even smaller percentage of the population than in previous wars, the gratitude is accepted but many feel a sense of disconnect from their civilian peers. What is common throughout all generations of veterans, however, is the absolute insistence that  the gratitude truly belongs – not to them – but to  their fallen brothers and sisters who paid the  ultimate sacrifice for this country. This leads us to overlook that the best way to thank them is to honor their fallen, to care for their  wounded brothers and sisters, and to safeguard  their families. Warriors are selfless creatures. They fight as a team and as a family, and they look out for one another to their last dying breaths. It is easy to surmise there is no better way to thank a veteran than to protect their brethren.

For those who never left the battlefields, we must hold them up in our hometowns and honor their memories. We should spend today reflecting on their service and sacrifice, and live in gratitude each and every day for the precious gift they have given to us. As a nation, we made a promise – a promise that must be kept. To honor our fallen, we must keep that promise.

We keep those promises by strengthening the programs and services that our injured and ill veterans rely on. We must ensure they and their caregivers are properly supported. We thank our veterans by fighting for them when they can’t. By ensuring they and their survivors get the care they earned when they wrote a blank check “up to, and including their very lives.”

In closing I would like to recognize those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty to this country. It doesn’t matter how much time has passed-no words of condolence can even begin to adequately console a survivor’s grief. And while grief from loss may change throughout the years it never leaves us.”

Engfer is a 39-year Rainbow Lakes resident and Vietnam Veteran who served with the United States Marine Corps in 1969 and 1970.

Councilman Michael dePierro, Vietnam Era Veteran and US Air Force, placed a flag on the monument representing the 116,700 dead soldiers from World War I.

Resident Phil Smith, US Navy World War II Veteran, placed a flag on the monument representing the 407,316 dead soldiers from World War II.

Rainbow Lakes resident Jerry Manning, US Army Veteran, Cold War Era, placed a flag on the monument representing 36,914 dead soldiers from Korea War.

Greg Smith, Viet Nam, Vet, US Air Force, placed a flag on the monument representing 58,220 dead soldiers from Viet Nam.

Bob Freeman, US Navy Corpsman, The Lifeline of the US Marine Corp, placed a flag on the monument representing dead soldiers from Lebanon, Grenada and Panama.

Jason Dieh, Six year Army Veteran, served three tours in Afghanistan, Recipient of the Bronze Star for Valor and will start his 4th Afghanistan tour in January 2019, placed a flag on the monument representing  dead soldiers from The Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Rainbow Lakes Fire Chief Doug Reighard placed a flower bouquet to honor all of those who have fallen.

 

Rainbow Lakes Memorial Day Parade

Frank L. Cahill
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Rainbow Lakes Memorial Day Parade

PARSIPPANY — The Rainbow Lakes Memorial Day parade was held on Saturday, May 26 starting at the firehouse in Rainbow Lakes and proceed to the ballfields off Oakdale Road, where there was a ceremony.

Marchers included members of the Cuchullain  Marching Band, firemen from area districts–including Rainbow Lakes, Lake Parsippany, Lake Hiawatha, Parsippany, Mt. Tabor, Boonton Township, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, police officers, boy scouts, families and friends alike.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Janice McCarthy, Councilman Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Emily Peterson and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani also marched along with guests.

CCM Holds 49th Commencement Ceremony with Its Largest Number of Graduates

Frank L. Cahill
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CCM Holds 49th Commencement Ceremony with Its Largest Number of Graduates

MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) presented diplomas to the Class of 2018 on Friday, May 25, at Mennen Sports Arena during its 49th commencement, which consisted of the largest number of graduates in the college’s history to participate in the ceremony.

The Class of 2018 includes approximately 1,400 students, many of who are transferring to top four-year institutions to earn their bachelor’s degrees. The graduates received their diplomas in one of four degrees: Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science. The graduates completed their studies between August 2017 and May 2018.

Approximately 500 students from the Class of 2018 took part in this year’s commencement ceremony, marking the largest number of students to participate in a CCM graduation.

Dr. Aaron R. Fichtner, president of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, served as the keynote speaker.

“You have learned to solve problems, to work in teams, to gather and evaluate large amounts of information, to respect and understand people who are different from you. And you have learned to learn. It is essential that you keep learning throughout your career and your life,” said Fichtner. “As you embark on your next adventures and opportunities, may you always have faith in the future, have a vision and work hard to achieve it, have the imagination to dream of a better world and the courage to work to create it.”

Also providing remarks was Douglas Cabana, director of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders. “Whatever you imagine as your future can become a reality if you have the courage and determination and are willing to put in the hard work necessary to pursue your dream,” noted Cabana. “You already have taken a major step in pursuing your future by working hard to achieve the degree you will receive today. You did that. Be proud of it.”

Members of the Class of 2018 at County College of Morris are full of smiles as the college’s 49th Commencement gets started

During his remarks to the graduates, CCM President Anthony J. Iacono took advantage of the opportunity to highlight the diversity of students who benefit from a CCM education.

Included among the students he highlighted was Erin Foody, 18, of Rockaway, who earned her associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and two certificates before receiving her high school diploma as a result of participating in a share-time program developed by the Morris County Vocational School District and CCM.

Also highlighted was Andrea Lucia Alfonso of Parsippany, who as a CCM student performed research in artificial tissue engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and was one of only ten students nationwide to receive a $7,500 Phi Theta Kappa Hites Transfer Scholarship.

Andrea Lucia Alfonso

Also highlighted were Ranell Bell, of Dover, who came to CCM on the GI Bill and excelled both in the classroom and on the college’s basketball team; Jaida Schettino, of Sparta, who served as president of the college’s Phi Theta Kappa national honor society, played on the women’s soccer team and was named a nationally recognized Coca Cola Scholar; and Darrin Pulver, of Great Meadows, the third generation nurse in his family to graduate from CCM.

Standing with tradition, this year’s CCM Peace Prize was awarded at commencement. This year, there were two winners, Diana Boehm, of Kenvil, and Mary Rose Cortes, of Morristown, both members of the CCM Student Nurses Association, who produced a video “Appalachia: Chasing Hope.” They, along with several other members of the Student Nurses Association, traveled to Gary, WV in May 2017 to share their time and training with the families of that distressed community, whose high rates of childhood poverty, diabetes, malnutrition and other health-related needs warrant attention. The video Boehm and Cortes produced chronicles the Student Nurses Association’s efforts to assist and offer hope. The video can be viewed by clicking here.

The creator of the winning entry each year receives a $1,000 award, provided by the CCM Foundation. This year that award, at the request of Boehm and Cortes, is being donated to the School for Life in Gary, WV. Their faculty mentor for the project was Professor Buffy Reilly from the Department of Nursing.

This is the 17th year the college has awarded its Peace Prize, which is organized and administered by Professor Peter Maguire of the Department of English and Philosophy.

The Class of 2018 saw many significant accomplishments at the college during their educational journey. In 2017, the college became the first community college in New Jersey to gain designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. PayScale also rated the college number one in New Jersey based on the earnings of CCM graduates.

Members of the Class of 2018 at County College of Morris take a look at their diplomas during the college’s 49th Commencement

As part of the college’s 50th anniversary celebrations, CCM this year also launched a 50th Anniversary Campaign focused on funding programs and facility upgrades, including the Paragano Family Foundation Medical Simulation Center, a Cyber Security Suite, an enhanced Culinary Arts Training facility, a new Manufacturing and Engineering building, student scholarships and the Faculty Innovation Fund. In addition, two new academic programs in animation and virtual reality were developed, to start this Fall Semester, to meet the demand for employees in these rapidly growing areas.

Andrew Aguilera graduates Seton Hall

Frank L. Cahill
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Andrew Aguilera graduates Seton Hall

PARSIPPANY — Andrew Aguilera, a Parsippany High School graduate Class of 2014, recently graduated from Seton Hall University.

Andrew graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting and Information Technology Management. He also received a certificate in Leadership and Supply Chain Management.

Aguilera will be taking portions of the CPA exam this summer and will start a job in September as an Assurance Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). 

Andrew Aguilera
Andrew’s brother Dominic Masherelli, Andrew, Gianna Masherelli and Andrew’s mom, Regina Masherelli
Grandmoter Josefina Aguilera, Andrew and Andrew’s father, William Aguilera
Andrew’s cousin Alex Bahia and Andrew
Andrew with his friend Megan Sundberg
Andrew with Michael Reuter, Director of the Gerald P. Buccino ’63 Center for Leadership Development

PACC hosted successful breakfast networking event

Frank L. Cahill
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PACC hosted successful breakfast networking event

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its monthly “Juice Up Your Morning” networking event on Thursday, May 24 at its offices on 90 East Halsey Road, Suite 322, Parsippany.

The “Juice Up Your Morning” business meetings are the perfect way to start your day! Members join the Chamber for some early morning networking and learn ways to address the day-to-day challenges that businesses face. At our events you’re sure to pick up a valuable tip or two that you can take back with you to the office to improve your bottom line. At our Breakfast Meetings each member has the opportunity to showcase their business with the group, and then there is plenty of time for networking.

With over 25 businesses represented, from savings and loans, bookkeeping services, tax accountants, financial services, advertising, website design, internet advertising, sporting facilities, and more everyone had plenty of time to exchange business ideas and create connections.

PACC is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents, and volunteers that provides education, information, and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area. We work with our local and county governments and stand ready to pursue any matter that can make our community a better place in which to live, conduct business, and make a living. We promote a healthy and more prosperous economic climate.

For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here.

Kiwanis Club donates to Camp Nejeda

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Club donates to Camp Nejeda

PARSIPPANY — Recently Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany donated $6,000 to Camp Nejeda.

Presenting the check was Michael Mulhaul, Chairman of the Grand Tasting Committee to Camp Nejeda Executive Director Bill Vierbuchen. Joining Mr. Mulhaul was Joe Canal owner  Nikul Patel and Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill.

This year wine selection at our annual Grand Tasting Fundraiser was provided by Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet, 799 Route 46 East.  Joe Canal’s is known for sizable selection of discount wine, beer and spirits.

There is a very diverse selection of wines from all parts of the world with descriptions, recommendations and ratings available on display at Joe Canal’s.  This is super helpful and takes the intimidation of selecting wine a breeze for any novice.

Grand Tasting Chairman Michael Mulhaul said “We raised over $300,000 in the past twenty one years, in which Kiwanis Club was able to donate to other non-profit organizations, including Camp Nejeda, New Jersey Sharing Network, Lake Drive Program – Mountain Lakes School District, Morristown Memorial Hospital, Eliminate and Autism.

In addition to the Camp Nejeda, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation donated $6,000 to NJ Sharing Network.

At Camp Nejeda youth with diabetes are given the opportunity to live, if only for one or two weeks, in a world where having diabetes is the norm and where there is no need to explain blood sugar testing, finger pricks, insulin injections, ketones, ‘lows’ (insulin reactions), boluses or ‘carb’ counting because everyone here already understands.

Camp Nejeda is fully licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and accredited by the American Camp Association. ACA accredited camps meet up to 300 standards for health, food service, safety, and program quality.

Grand Tasting Chairman Michael Mulhaul said “We are already planning our 22nd Grand Tasting which will be held on October 25, 2018.”

Parsippany resident Joyce Garrow honored with Cecilia G. “Cissy” Laureys’ Award

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany resident Joyce Garrow honored with Cecilia G. “Cissy” Laureys’ Award

MORRIS COUNTY — In May 2015, County Clerk Ann F. Grossi established the annual Cecilia G. “Cissy” Laureys’ Award, in honor of Older Americans Month.

This year the award was celebrated with a ceremony at Frelinghuysen Arboretum on Tuesday, May 22.

While serving as Morris County Freeholder and later as a member of the Netcong Borough Council, Cecilia G. “Cissy” Laureys was known for her tireless dedication to human services, assisting the County’s senior citizens, those with addiction or mental health issues and others less fortunate. She wanted to make sure that every member of the public had a voice and was represented, regardless of their social status. Cissy was a public servant Morris County elected officials as well as members of Cissy Laureys’ family in its purest sense of the word, so it was only attended the award ceremony held at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum on May 3rd. fitting that the award should bear her name. The Cecilia G. “Cissy” Laureys Award will be presented every May, during Older Americans Month, to an individual that goes above and beyond for Morris County’s senior citizens.

Parsippany resident Joyce Garrow was among the honorees.

Joyce Garrow is a volunteer with the Retired Senior Volunteers Program teaching Healthy Bones, an exercise program for senior citizens. She’s a member of the Parsippany Historical Society and has been on the Friends of the Library Committee. As a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, Joyce supports and oversees the activities of the Aktion Club, providing adults with disabilities an opportunity to develop initiative, leadership skills, and the chance to serve their communities. In 2013, Joyce received the “Tablet of Honor” award from Kiwanis International for having exemplified “dedicated service to Kiwanis, her club, community, or mankind.”

This years honorees in addition to Joyce Garrow from Parsippany; Harry Radell from Butler; from Chatham Borough, Kate Murphy; Dolores Yurkovic from Chester Township’s Senior Resource Center; Charlene Sozansky from the Florham Park Seniors Club; George F. Coppola from the Hanover Township Senior Citizen’s Club; Edna Deacon from Mine Hill and the Township First Aid Squad; Marianna Quagliano from the Morris Township Senior Club; President  Judy Loughridge from The Mount Arlington Seniors; Pastor Matt Jones,Senior Pastor of Mountaintop Church, from Mount Olive Township; Rosemary Phalon from Pequannock, from Randolph; Clyde Copeland from Randolph;James Vialard from the Rockaway, Marcella and Denville Memorial Association; Robin Ghebreal from Wharton; Rita Politi from Friends of East Hanover.

Laureys had a “superior intellect” and “an oversized heart,” said County Administrator John Bonanni, who was the county’s director of human services when Laureys was a freeholder and served as the board’s liaison to the human services department. “In many aspects, she is responsible for the quality of human services we have today,” Bonanni said, citing Laureys’ efforts in mental health, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and youth services. “She had a dedication that was unparalleled.”

Laureys, who was serving her 25th year on the Netcong Council when she died, “initiated our recycling program before recycling was even required,” recalled Mayor Joseph Nametko. “If Cissy had something on her agenda and she wanted to get it done, she got it done,” Nametko said. Laureys, the mother of 10 children, including two who predeceased her, was also remembered for her devotion to family and friends. “She had an amazing 81 years as the mother of 10 children and countless foster children,” her daughter, Margaret Laureys, said in a post on her Facebook page. “Politics for mom began at the kitchen table, literally. When she was a young housewife, with kids scampering about the kitchen, she talked on the phone as she did laundry, cooked dinner and started a volunteer church group. In 1970, she started an organization that to this day provides rides for the poor and the infirm and is entirely operated by volunteers,” Margaret Laureys said. Her brother, Christopher Laureys, said their mother began her career as an elementary school teacher and “always thought of everybody but herself. She spent her whole life thinking about her kids, and when she got a little older, she had a chance to go out and do things in a bigger way.” “She didn’t shy away from a fight and she always thought about the greater good,” he added.

The names of all recipients of the award will be featured on a perpetual plaque that hangs in the lobby of the Morris County Clerk’s Office.

The winner of the 2018 Cissy Laureys Senior Volunteer Award, from Friends of East Hanover, Rita Politi
For over 40 years now Rita Politi has been an active volunteer with the “Friends of East Hanover,” a non-profit organization that helps special needs children and adults in the community.

Jaclyn Carifi Achieves Milestone with 100th Base Hit

Frank L. Cahill
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Jaclyn Carifi Achieves Milestone with 100th Base Hit
PARSIPPANY — Jaclyn Carifi of the Parsippany Hills Vikings girls softball team reached a milestone as a high school Junior. Carifi recorded her 100th varsity hit against Summit on Monday, May 21.  Jaclyn, who lead off the game had a 3-2 count before driving the next pitch up the middle of the infield for her 100th base hit.
After the base hit, the softball was removed from the game and was presented to her after the game.  Carifi finished the season with a total of 44 hits, 10 Doubles, 4 Triples and 2 Home runs.

Memorial Day Parade and Road Closure Information

Frank L. Cahill
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Memorial Day Parade and Road Closure Information

PARSIPPANY — On Monday, May 28, Parsippany’s Memorial Day Parade will be held on North Beverwyck Road between 12:00 Noon and approximately 1:45 p.m.

The parade will start at the intersection of North Beverwyck Road and Katherine Drive and end at the reviewing stands near Super Foodtown. Due to the parade, there will be multiple road closures and detours starting at 11:30 a.m. For more information please see below:

  • North Beverwyck Road between Vail Road and Knoll Road will be closed to all traffic from 11:30 a.m. until approximately 2:30 p.m. Traffic will be detoured around the area.
    *During the road closures, residents of Knoll Gardens and Manor Condominiums will need to enter and exit via Mara Road to Knoll Road.
  • Anyone needing access to Super Foodtown or the Quick Chek shopping area should take Rockaway Place to Condit Avenue to Crescent Drive to Claudine Terrace.

Sudden deaths of dogs at groomers prompts Rooney bill

Frank L. Cahill
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Sudden deaths of dogs at groomers prompts Rooney bill

MORRIS COUNTY — In response to the recent deaths of three dogs that died at routine grooming appointments in New Jersey, Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney introduced legislation today requiring pet groomers who have three or more complaints filed against them to register with the state Division of Consumer Affairs.

“Many pet owners consider their pets part of their family,” said Rooney (R-Bergen). “To have them die suddenly at the hands of a pet groomer is tragic. But we shouldn’t penalize all groomers because of the actions of a few.

“Most are mom and pop main street shops who are reliable and survive by having strong relationships with their customers,” continued Rooney. “Requiring them to be licensed in New Jersey would create another unnecessary burden on small businesses. At the same time, we need to provide a level of regulation to ensure the safety of pets in their care. This bill provides the right balance.”

Under the bill (A4055), if three complaints are filed against a pet groomer in a calendar year resulting in the death, injury or severe illness of the animal, the groomer must register with DCA.

Scruffles died at the Flemington PetSmart after the owners dropped him off for a grooming

Two dogs died during appointments at a Flemington PetSmart in December last year. Three months later, another dog died at a Toms River PetSmart after being dropped off for grooming.

For more information on Scruffles, click here, or view his Facebook page by clicking here.

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