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…
Board of Ed Honors Staff Members for 25 Years of Service
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.
Jaclyn Carifi Shatters School Softball Records
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.
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.
PHS Seniors beat Juniors in Powderpuff; 26-0
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 Givers” participated in the Valerie Fund 5K Walk and Run
The Givers can change the world!!!!
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.
Click here to donate to “The Givers.”
Redstock draws hundreds to annual event
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School held its annual Redstock on Saturday, June 13. The public participated in many sports activities and games at the school’s football field.
The event started at 12:00 Noon and ended at 4:00 p.m. and offered food, face painting, arts and crafts, bounce house, dunk tank, games and prizes and live entertainment. The PTSA will held a Tricky Tray and Raffle.
Many local business sponsored the event. The sponsors included Anette Ricciardi, Arboone, Applebee’s, Ava’s Cupcakes, Baldwin Pizzeria, Bershire Hathaway Services, Blink Fitness, Boiling Springs Bank, Brian Deegan, Wells Fargo Advisors, C-Town Supermarket, C2 Education, Class Act Embroidery and Screen Printing, DJKB Productions, Gail Napolitano, RE/MAX, Greenspan Family Eyecare, Gripp Plumbing and Heating, Heroes Journey Crossfit, Houlihan’s, Imperial Bag and Paper, Jimmy John’s, Karlital Crafts and Dolls, Kristina Resciniti, Jewels by Park Lane, Last Licks Ice Cream, Math Wizard of Parsippany, Melanie and Fred Hafdelin, Weichert Realtors, Mayor James Barberio, Mount Holleran Towne Tavern, Parsippany Focus, Parsippany High School PTSA, Party Fair, Passaic County Community College, ProMotions Training Academy, Retro Fitness, Sarah Joen, Stella and Dot, SAT by MBA, Susan J. Kroeger, CPA, The Source of Health, The Wave Set and Kona Ice.
Following the event was the Central Middle School Flag Football game, Hawkeye Community Awards and the annual Juniors vs. Seniors PowderPuff Football game.
Parsippany Focus covered all three events, so look for the articles on those events too!.
David Simon Joins Colliers International as New Jersey Market Leader
PARSIPPANY – In line with its aggressive expansion plans throughout the region, Colliers International today announced that industry leader David A. Simon, SIOR has joined the organization as Executive Managing Director, New Jersey Region and will serve as the new head of the firm’s New Jersey operations.
With more than 25 years of experience as a broker and manager in the New Jersey market, Simon will be responsible for the operational and financial performance of the firm’s Parsippany and Princeton offices, with plans to open others, while significantly increasing market share across Northern and Central New Jersey.
Simon also joins Tri-State Chief Operating Officer and fellow industry leader Kim Brennan, completing the most experienced management team in New Jersey commercial brokerage.
“David is one of the most successful, respected real estate professionals in New Jersey,” said Joe Harbert, President of Colliers International’s Eastern Region. “Our intention is to become the number one brokerage firm in New Jersey, and see David as a key to helping us get there. He is not only a dynamic broker, but a strategic thinker who has led other firms to prominence. His presence and leadership will take us to the next level, and help us recruit even more top talent.”
Most recently Simon was an Executive Managing Director with Massey Knakal Realty Services and led the firm’s expansion into New Jersey. Massey Knakal was acquired by Cushman & Wakefield in December, 2014. Previously, he has held leadership positions including: Managing Principal for the New Jersey office of Cassidy Turley, Chief Operating Officer for Colliers Houston & Co. and Principal with Newmark Real Estate of New Jersey, currently known as Newmark Grubb Night Frank.
Throughout his career Simon has completed hundreds of transactions on behalf of tenants such as: Merrill Lynch, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond and has represented properties on behalf of institutional and local owners including: Mack-Cali, John Hancock, Chase Manhattan Bank, Atlantic Realty and Kushner Real Estate Group, among others.
Simon attended Boston University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Public Relations. Additionally, he earned a Master of Science degree in Real Estate from New York University. He is a past President of IOREBA, member of the executive committee of the New Jersey Chapter of SIOR and a member of the Advisory Board for the Center for Real Estate at Rutgers Business School.
About Colliers International
Colliers International Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CIGI; TSX: CIG) is a global leader in commercial real estate services with more than 16,300 professionals operating from 502 offices in 67 countries. With an enterprising culture and significant insider ownership, Colliers professionals provide a full range of services to real estate occupiers, owners and investors worldwide. Services include brokerage, global corporate solutions, investment sales and capital markets, project management and workplace solutions, property and asset management, consulting, valuation and appraisal services, and customized research and thought leadership. Colliers International has been ranked among the top 100 outsourcing firms by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals’ Global Outsourcing for 10 consecutive years, more than any other real estate services firm.
Dr. Mulroony presents “Hawkeye Community Awards”
PARSIPPANY — The Hawk Eye Awards recognize the extraordinary efforts of the students, staff and parents of Parsippany High School that make a difference in their school and the community.
To the Native Americans, the hawk was a symbol of strength, vision, and truth. The hawk had keen eyesight which it used to open the eyes of others. The hawk was the great messenger of the skies. It soared with the power to overcome difficult situations and helped others to achieve great victory. We are looking to recognize the modern-day Redhawks with the greatest vision and strength- those parents, staff and students who, like the Native American hawks of the past, see a bigger picture and do everything in their power to make it clearer for the rest of us. These “Hawk Eyes” lift others up through their words, actions and values, and as a result, Parsippany and PHS is an even better place to live, learn and grow.
Each year, PHS will recognize students, teachers or parents for going the extra mile to make a difference in our school or community.
This years recipients of the Hawk Eye Awards were Andres Massefski, Aarin Feliz, Michael Nicosia, Ellen Jones, Joanne Davino, Steve Gilgur and Ronald Ribnik.
Hawk Eye Nomination Process and Criteria: Students must be seniors in high school. Parents must have a child that attends or attended Parsippany High School. Staff Members/Faculty must currently be on staff. All nominees must have demonstrated a generous spirit, either through their time or efforts; be proactively involved in acts of service; and go above and beyond the norm, performing acts outside of their normal duties or responsibilities.
Bella’s Bunch participates in Valerie Fund 5K Walk and Run
PARSIPPPANY — The 2015 Valerie Fund Walk and 5K Run was held on Saturday, June 13. 212 Teams, 861 Runners, 2606 Walkers and 3,467 Participants raised $994,579.89 (as of 3:00 p.m. Sunday, June 14).
Bella Rocco, Parsippany, a 13 year-old former patient has been attending the Walk since 2009 and each year her team, Bella’s Bunch has the distinction of fielding the most participants.
The Valerie Fund relies on the dollars raised to help the children who live in our community. The Walk and 5K Run supports their mission to provide comprehensive health care for children with cancer and blood disorders. Every step you walk or run and every dollar you raise helps at The Valerie Fund Centers. Patients receive far more than treatment for their physical illnesses. Their philosophy is that to truly heal the children with whose care we are entrusted, we must treat them emotionally, socially, and developmentally, as well as medically.
The Valerie Fund’s 2015 Goal is $1,000,000.00, and you can still donate to Bella’s Bunch by clicking here.
Parsippany’s Bella Rocco was one of the 212 Teams raising money. Her 2015 Goal was $5,000.00, but as of Sunday, June 14 she has raised $6,789.00. Some of her sponsors included Central Middle School Teachers, Sons of Italy Lodge 2561, Barbara Shannon, PatterneSmiles.com, Vanessa Jacobson, Valerie Fund Board of Directors, Carluccio Family, Marie Rocco, Nancy Goddard, Olivia Nicoletti, Parsippany High School Italian Club, Sy Ghosh, Mary Kudrak, Jenna Black, John Morton, Kathy Serrao, Kendall Amato, Laura Rocco, Laurie McLaughlin, Linda Egger and dozens of other. You can view all the donors to Bella’s Bunch by clicking here.
Bella Rocco thankfully is doing well and has been tumor free for four years now! The MRIs and doctors visits continue but thank god they have remained uneventful, just the way we like it! The support for The Valerie Fund continues and has become a welcomed tradition with many friends and families that join the Bella’s Bunch year after year. 2015 was the seventh year that Bella’s Bunch attends this yearly event and hopefully with your support we will show up with big numbers both in people and in donations. Although the team is named after Bella and they will never forget all she has gone through, they consider themselves lucky that it wasn’t worse and we attend every year to pay it forward to all the kids that are currently going through pediatric cancer or a blood disorder. The Rocco’s walk and run every year for every one of their parents that have had their world turned upside down and knowing that The Valerie Fund will help them with all they have to deal with.
Nearly 40 years ago, Sue and Ed Goldsteinbegan The Valerie Fund to honor the memory of their nine-year old daughter. During the six years of her treatment, Valerie and her parents would often travel several hundred miles a week to a hospital in NYC and they wanted to spare other families with critically ill children the additional suffering of traveling to and from the city for treatment. Their dream was to help children receive high-quality care in a nurturing environment close to their homes.
Today, there are seven Valerie Fund Children’s Centers located in top pediatric hospitals in New York, New Jersey and metro Philadelphia and more than 4,000 patients are treated annually—one of the largest networks of healthcare facilities for children with cancer and blood disorders in the country.
