PARSIPPANY — In the summer months, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills experiences extremely high water consumption, much of which can be attributed to the inefficient and, at times, wasteful, overwatering of lawns. To conserve water, the Water Department has implemented permanent lawn water restrictions to level out weekly water usage throughout the Township per Ordinance 420-9E.

Residential Lawn Watering Schedule

From June 1 through September 30 of each year, residential lawn watering shall be permitted for property owners as follows:

• Watering of residential properties having even-numbered street addresses shall be permitted on the even-numbered days of the month.
• Watering residential properties with odd-numbered street addresses shall be permitted on the odd-numbered days of the month.
• No watering shall be permitted on any Friday or the 31st day of the month.
• Watering on the above dates shall be permitted only from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Non-Residential Lawn Watering Schedule

From June 1 through September 30 of each year, non-residential lawn watering shall be permitted for property owners as follows:

• Watering of non-residential properties shall be permitted on Mondays and Thursdays only.
• No watering shall be permitted on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
• Watering on the above dates shall be permitted only from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Exemptions for New Lawns

A temporary two-week reprieve from these restrictions is available for newly installed sod or seed. Property owners shall provide notice to the Water Superintendent by phone or email.

Violations and Enforcement

The water use limitations imposed shall be enforced by authorized Water Utility officials and/or the Police Department, who are empowered to write summonses with mandatory court appearances and associated fines for violations of these water use limitations.
We appreciate your cooperation in our ongoing efforts to conserve water.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Water Department at (973) 263-7099

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MCMUA) will host four Household Hazardous Waste Disposal events in 2024. The dates and locations are as follows:

• Saturday, June 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany
• Saturday, September 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany
• Saturday, October 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany

Morris County residents are invited to drop off unwanted hazardous materials from their households. Please note that businesses are not permitted to participate.

Additionally, electronic devices (e-waste) will no longer be accepted at these one-day household hazardous waste events. Residents are encouraged to call 973.829.8006 for information on e-waste recycling options.

Acceptable materials include:

• Aerosol cans
• Asbestos
• Automotive fluids
• Driveway sealant and roofing tar
• Fire extinguishers
• Gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel
• Household cleaning products
• Lead acid batteries, button cell batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and rechargeable batteries
• Mercury-containing bulbs and devices
• Muriatic acid
• Oil-based paints, stains, lacquers, and varnishes
• Paint thinners, paint removers, and solvents
• Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers
• Photo chemicals
• Pool chemicals
• Propane tanks (20 pounds or less)

Unacceptable items include:

• Alkaline and carbon zinc batteries
• Business waste
• Compressed gas cylinders
• Containers larger than 5 gallons
• Empty containers
• Explosives
• Hazardous waste generated outside of Morris County
• Highly reactive and unstable materials
• Medical waste
• Radioactive materials
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Unknown or unlabeled materials
• Used consumer electronics
• Water-based paint and latex paint

For more information, call (973) 829-8006 or visit the MCMUA website.

PARSIPPANY — Acclaimed Author William Schaible’s “Darla, Mikey, and their Angel: A True Story” appeals to animal-loving children and supports their reading journey. His book is about a small dog named Angel and her furever parents who changed her life forever.

Along the way, Angel discovers a nest of baby cotton-tail rabbits, eventually adopting her two rabbit siblings, Darla and Mikey.

Along the way, Angel, Darla, and Mikey created great memories of fascinating oddball adventures, and a home full of young readers will have an excellent time thinking about the world and the fascinating animals around them. This heartwarming book takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, patience, love, and heartfelt genuine emotions.

Although aimed at young children, Darla, Mikey, and their Angel: A True Story will also appeal to anyone who loves animals.

It is a fun book with valuable lessons, perfect for bedtime reading. William Schaible crafts a narrative that celebrates the beauty of the unconventional. Through the book, he dares readers to embrace life’s peculiarities and find joy in the most unexpected places.

Schaible was born and raised in West Caldwell. He is an avid sports fan, animal lover, and long-time contributor to animal causes. Over the past two decades, Schaible has donated to at least 25 charities. In addition to helping animal causes, he has helped vets, police, children, and seniors.

Schaible now spends his retirement as an active emergency responder in Parsippany, where he and his wife, Connie, reside.

His book is both uplifting and unique, and it will inspire readers, large and small, to have fun and be imaginative.

“Darla, Mikey, and Their Angel: A True Story” will inspire readers. By William Schaible Kindle $4.99; Paperback $13.99; Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online book retailers.

MORRIS COUNTY — The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for our local area until Wednesday morning, June 19.

During the Heat Advisory, heat index values are expected to reach up to 100 degrees. For the Excessive Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values ranging from 100 to 105 degrees are possible.

This advisory applies to portions of northern and northwest New Jersey and east central, northeast, and southeast Pennsylvania.

This week, a prolonged period of excessive heat, with high temperatures in the 90s, is expected. The heat is forecast to intensify as the week progresses, peaking late and into the weekend. These early-season heat events, combined with their prolonged nature, may increase heat-related impacts such as heat illnesses or effects on heat-sensitive infrastructure.

Everyone is encouraged to drink fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, avoid the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors.

PARSIPPANY — Back in 1984, in a local backyard with only a couple of teams, the idea of Wifflemania was born. Since those initial backyard games, the event has grown exponentially over the past 40 years. During those years, the games have moved from that backyard to locations in Knoll Park, Manor Park, and now Smith Field. In addition, the league has expanded from those initial teams to include now two leagues, an American and a National League, comprised of 14 different teams each.

Of course, the players, whose teams are comprised of a mix of young and not-so-young teammates, come out for the fun and competitive nature of the games, but the bottom line is that Wifflemania is a charitable event. All proceeds from the lively and well-attended event go to various local charities, as they have for the past 40 years. 

Wifflemania has long been passionate about Nicky “The Commish” Jannarone, whose hard work, commitment, and effort come to life every year during this highly anticipated sporting event. The outing is sponsored by the Parsippany Athletic League (PAL), Morris County Order of the Sons of Italy Lodge 2561, and local businesses and restaurants.

 On Saturday, June 15th, the crowds came out, set up chairs and tents, and cheered on their favorite team, all while mingling and reconnecting with friends and neighbors. As an added treat, hot dogs, hamburgers, or Italian sausage, freshly cooked right off the grill, was readily available courtesy of the Sons of Italy. Food was free to players and fans, but a small charitable donation to the cause was also appreciated. It would not be easy to imagine a more positive, community-minded event reflective of a strong and healthy commonality than Wifflemania.

The games, which follow a “March Madness” elimination style, began at 10:00 a.m. The final championship game ended around 6:30 p.m. Fortunately, it was a weather-perfect day, with temperatures around 80 and a very mild, comfortable breeze. Nick Jannarone expertly managed to keep the games moving at a lively pace, with three teams competing continuously. Age, physical condition, and skill level may have varied significantly, but it was evident that everyone on and off the field was having a great time.

The last two teams standing at the end of the day were New ERA (National League) and Harry Ballers (American League). This was a championship rematch from 2022, and New Era was going for their 5th title (a new Wifflemania record) while Harry Ballers were seeking their 2nd championship. While games last three innings, the championship game goes for five.  It ended up being an exciting rematch, and things began to look dire for New Era, as the Harry Ballers bats got hot, and they gained a 4-run lead with an inning to go.  Never to give up, New Era rallied and tied the game in the bottom of the 5th, causing the game to go into extra innings. Notably, this was the first extra-inning championship game in 17 years. A dramatic walk-off home run by ERA’s team Captain, Austin DeCotiis, who was also awarded MVP, sealed the deal.

It was a great day, an exciting game, and, most importantly, a home run for charity. Congratulations to New ERA teammates Austin DeCotiis, Jeremy DeCotiis, Matt Ajaj, and Zach Doumas on their hard-won victory.

Commissioner Jannarone is already working on it, and everyone is looking forward to Wifflemania XLI.