MORRIS COUNTY — Having helped thousands of women to gain economic self-sufficiency and fulfilling lives, The Women’s Center at County College of Morris (CCM) recently received a $150,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and Division on Women continuing their support of the center’s mission.
“The Women’s Center offers a full range of comprehensive services to support displaced homemakers with achieving financial independence,” says Director Shannon Lengares. “We do this through goal setting, career counseling, educational and training scholarships, computer skill building, resume and cover letter writing, workshops including financial management, job search strategies, interview preparation and more.”
The center also offers a Job Club Speaker Series, Job Seekers Support Group and connections to community resources. In addition, it offers a legal program that consists of free 30-minute legal consultations with family law attorneys and a divorce workshop series that is offered twice a year. While most of its clients are women, the center’s services also are available to men who meet the displaced homemaker criteri.
Displaced homemakers are individuals who have managed their homes for several years while being financially supported by a spouse, partner or family member and due to divorce, separation, death or disability then find themselves needing to serve as the primary source of household income. In many cases, displaced homemakers are underemployed and unable to financially support themselves or their families. Others may have difficulty obtaining employment due to a gap in work history.
The Women’s Center has been a part of CCM for over 30 years. In the 1970s, when the national divorce rate rose rapidly, many women who had worked primarily in their home, raising a family, suddenly faced the daunting task of obtaining or updating skills and reentering the workforce. In 1979, the New Jersey Displaced Homemakers Act was signed into law by then Governor Brendan Byrne. The act did not appropriate funding but mandated that action be taken to address the issue of displaced homemakers. In 1982, the Vocational Division of the New Jersey Department of Education appropriated startup funds for six displaced homemakers’ centers. Today such centers are found across the state.
If you know someone who could use the services offered through The Women’s Center at CCM or to learn more about the program by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Town of Boonton Police Department, New Jersey State Police is assisting the Montville Township Police Department with an ongoing investigation. Their investigation led to an area being search in Parsippany at the Jersey City Reservoir Property and Interstate 287 Southbound.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are in that area assisting with the search.
Police arrested three suspects, and are searching for one more.
Montville Police issued this statement “Attempted burglaries to motor vehicles off of Taylortown and in the northern part of town. Review cameras and email sregan@montvillenj.org.”
As details are released, Parsippany Focus will update this article.
New Jersey State Police Helicopters flying over the area
Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — Caring for an elderly loved one can result in a multitude of overwhelming responsibilities and myriad unanswered questions. Join County College of Morris (CCM) Foundation Board member John P. Beyel, Esq., of McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP of Morristown, and CCM alumna Trish Colucci Barbosa ’85, RN-BC, CCM of Peace Aging Care Experts, LLC of Flanders, as they share their expertise and offer informative advice on the sensitive topic of caring for elderly loved ones.
This free session is being held on Thursday, September 29, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Student Community Center, Davidson Room A, on CCM’s campus at 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Refreshments will be served.
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p style=”font-weight: 400;”>Beyel, a partner at McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP, has extensive experience in many facets of the legal system. The firm’s practice areas include environmental, aviation, immigration, insurance, intellectual property, labor and employment, real estate and tax law. In addition, Beyel has been co-chair of the Trust & Estate Section of the Morris County Bar Association.
Barbosa, president and founder of Peace Aging Care Experts, LLC, began her care management agency when she realized her nursing skills combined with her care management expertise filled a special need in people’s lives. She founded Peace Aging Care in 2006 to assist people and their families with successfully navigating crisis situations, planning ahead for future care needs and getting more out of life every day.
While there is no fee to attend the presentation, space is limited. Kindly RSVP online at by clicking here or for more information contact Pam Williams at pwiliams2@ccm.edu or (973) 328-5060.
Participants can use Parking Lot 6 directly adjacent to the Student Community Center.
PARSIPPANY — Positive Development hosted an open house for families and professionals on Saturday, August 13 at its clinic on 299 Cherry Hill Road, Suite 108, including a ribbon cutting ceremony with Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James R. Barberio and more community leaders joining in the celebration.
Staff members
Positive Development provides comprehensive developmental therapy that treats children and teens on the autism spectrum. Their transdisciplinary, integrative approach includes occupational, speech, and mental health therapies as well as ongoing parent coaching and support, empowering parents as an essential member of their child’s care team. A better choice for many families, their evidence-based model meets the child where they are to build more meaningful connections and relationships.
“Through our comprehensive developmental therapy, we will help more children achieve the outcomes that are most relevant to themselves and their families as they achieve greater growth, independence, and joy,” says Positive Development CEO, Mike Suiters.
Clinical Director, Natalie Kitts, adds, “This is my dream come true, being the Clinical Director in NJ with an amazing team of therapists. Together, we plan to make developmental therapy accessible to as many families as possible.”
Positive Development staff, families, friends, and numerous other community members gathered to tour the center and its sensory-friendly gym, learn more about developmental approaches in autism care, and experience and celebrate pure joy in progress.
A very special thank you to the following community leaders who took the time to celebrate with us:
Mayor James Barberio
Council President Michael dePierro
Council VP Loretta Gragnani
Councilman Justin Musella
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.
Fr. Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce
Assemblyman Brian Bergen
Commissioner Tom Mastrangelo
Morris County Sheriff James Gannon
Parsippany Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill
For any other questions about this event and to keep informed on news and updates, schedule an assessment, or join the team, please reach out to Positive Development by calling (862) 339-4379 or click here.
PARSIPPANY — Each year the Parsippany Rotary holds events but one of the special event is supporting school children projects we do to help them on:
Distributing Dictionaries, Back to School supplies, and Scholarships for high schoolers
It is a first time ever Parsippany Rotary bicycle ride happening for a great cause! All Parsippany and Morris county residents are welcome to join the great bicycle ride.
Many Rotarian’s and Parsippany residents are registering for being part of the 10 mile ride and supporting the Cause! Holding fundraisers help pay for the many excellent educational opportunities they support to the student body.
The Rotary continues to support school kids with above categories. The purpose of this message is to both inform you of the fundraising mission, as well as asking your great support and help on the school children’s Super Cause.
They’re always delivering and building brighter hopes, but none of that would be possible without kind supporters like you!!!
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 6.
Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. All meetings will be held in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.
Mayor James R Barberio
Council President Michael J. dePierro
Council Vice-President Loretta Gragnani
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
MORRIS COUNTY — Residents are being asked to help the Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers identify this man, who is a suspect in a Denville Township burglary.
The Denville Township Police Department reports that at 4:18 p.m. on Saturday, August 20, a black male suspect shoplifted approximately $680 worth of razors from the CVS in Denville, located at 267 East Main Street.
The suspect then went to Denville’s Walgreens, located at 22 West Main Street, and attempted to shoplift several more items.
An employee confronted the suspect inside the Walgreens and chased him out of the store. The suspect was then seen getting into the back seat of a silver or beige four-door sedan, which was thought to be either an Uber or Lyft.
According to police, the suspect is believed to have been involved in similar shoplifting incidents throughout the state.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers at www.copcall.org, or call 973-COP-CALL.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella, son of Joseph and Angela Musella, married Courtney Pirone, daughter of Carmine and Beverly Pirone, on Friday, August 19 at St. Joseph Church, Bound Brook.The reception followed at The Palace at Somerset Park, where friends, family, and community leaders joined the newlyweds to celebrate their love.
The wedding partyJoseph Musella, Angela Rotella Musella, Justin Musella, Courtney Pirone Musella, Beverly Pirone and Carmine Pirone
Serving as bridesmaids were Shaelyn Schiff, Sierra Schiff, Hailey Wilmont, Shana Musella, and Ariana Tilli.
The best man was Erick Paley, with Roland Achtau, Greg Lewis, Max Pirone, Robert Gemborys, Robert Van Fechtmann, and Boonton Council Member Joseph Bock serving as groomsmen.
Courtney with Charlotte Stier, Makayla Richie and Angelina McCroire, the flower girls.
Conor Lewis was a ring bearer; Charlotte Stier, Makayla Richie and Angelina McCroire were all flower girls.
The firework show over the skys of The Palace at Somerset Park were amazingThe firework show over the skys of The Palace at Somerset Park were amazing
Justin graduated from Emory University in 2013 and is currently employed as a Senior Account Executive at Biz2X. He was elected to the Parsippany Township Council in 2021.
Courtney graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University in 2021 and most recently achieved her master’s degree in social work from Rutgers University.
The newlyweds will continue to enjoy their new life together in Parsippany, joining many others who have decided to make this beautiful township their home.
The first kiss after the ceremonyThe royal weddingJustin dancing with his momCourtney dancing with her dadJustin and Courtney Musella
All photos used were courtesy of Nick & Kelly Photography. nickandkellyphoto.com.
FLORHAM PARK — Supporters gather for an evening to raise awareness and funds for young people who have aged-out of foster care in New Jersey, which currently impacts 600-800 youths annually. Sadly, many of these young adults are not reunited with their families or placed into permanent housing, leaving them vulnerable to homelessness, poverty, unemployment, lack of education, and incarceration.
This year’s event is proud to honor Paul Heroux, an avid volunteer and supporter of Roots & Wings. The evening will also feature inspirational stories from the young people the agency serves, exciting auction prizes, and opportunities to make a significant impact on their mission.
The event will be held on Wednesday, September 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and the Park Savoy, 263 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park.
The mission of Roots & Wings, a Denville-based non-profit organization, is to provide safe housing, emotional support, life skills, and educational opportunities for youth aging out of foster care; empowering them to rise toward their greatest potential.
Roots & Wings is funded almost entirely by individual donors. The Rise & Fly Gala is the largest fundraising event of the year. This funding allows them to continue to change the course of the lives of aged-out foster youth in New Jersey.
WHO: Youth speakers will share their inspirational stories and Paul Heroux will be honored for his unwavering support of the Roots & Wings mission.
Founded in 1999 by Irene DeGrandpre, a CASA volunteer and NJ hero honoree, R&W began as a community-based volunteer operation. Intending to provide an intensive, life-changing program focused on the empowerment of education and the development of critically necessary life skills, R&W volunteers established a residential program to support these young people as they transition from foster care to independence. Today, we have housing in Morris and Union counties and accept young adults from all over the state.
Through housing and case management, we provide a safety net, protecting our clients from the risks foster youth face, when left without support and guidance. This greatly reduces their risk of lifetime poverty and hardship. Clients leave R&W having broken the cycle of poverty, abuse, and despair that research shows often continues generation after generation absent intensive outside intervention. All this, because a volunteer in her community, decided to change the world, one young adult at a time.
PARSIPPANY — With heart-wrenching personal stories, parents who lost loved-ones to overdoses and recovering addicts today joined Morris County and state officials, as well as nonprofit groups to observe International Overdose Awareness Day, as drug related deaths continued to surge around the nation.
The annual event, observed worldwide for 21 years to focus on the lives lost to drug deaths, was recognized during a ceremony on the lawn of the Morris County Addiction Center off Central Avenue, in Parsippany, where Morris County planted a weeping cherry tree in 2020 to mark the county’s inaugural recognition of the day.
Mark and Maria Broadhurst of Long Valley talk about losing their son, Joshua
Among those who talked of struggling with addiction and a need for understanding in the community were Mark and Maria Broadhurst of Long Valley, who lost a son to addiction and opened a nonprofit in his name, “Joshua’s Peace,” to advocate for support, treatment, prevention and to help others struggling with addiction.
Joshua Broadhurst
“On December 6, 2019, a day before my birthday and what was supposed to be a special weekend of celebration, our son, Joshua, the oldest of our five children, died from accidental overdose. I say accidental overdose because we know he wanted to live. We know he fought his addiction hard. We know more than anything else in his 24 years, his family was the most important thing in his life,” Maria Broadhurst said in a tearful speech.
Both Broadhursts said the public must understand that addiction is a disease that can be overcome, that people with problems must know they can ask for help and that the road to recovery is hard, but it is not impossible.
“Unless you are wearing these shoes yourself, struggling with addiction, you have no idea,” said Mark Broadhurst, holding up a pair of red sneakers that were Joshua’s favorite footwear. “You can’t truly understand how devastating, how all-encompassing and life-threatening this disease is. If we are going to help our children and those struggling, we must never forget this fact.”
Mark and Maria Broadhurst display Joshua’s favorite sneakers as they make a point
Overdose deaths spiked again across the nation in 2021, hitting 107,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That marks another record high, with records being set nearly every year for the past decade.
“Abuse and addiction doesn’t have to end in tragedy. Help is available and effective. The message must be for those wrestling with demons: Do not give up. Talk to somebody. Get help. Utilized the support of your friends, family and loved ones,” said State Senator Anthony M. Bucco, who moderated the event.
Assemblywoman Aura Dunn
His office hosted the ceremony with Morris County Commissioners Tayfun Selen and Deborah Smith, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, members of the Morris County Department of Human Services, Brad Seabury of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn.
State Senator Anthony M. Bucco
Morris County Commissioner Director Selen noted the national death toll due to overdose appears unabated, despite an increase in awareness, education and programs.
“What troubles me today, however, is that our nation seems to be accepting this terrible toll as a fact of life – and I am not sure why,” said Director Tayfun Selen.
He cited two Pew Research surveys released this year, one showing the number of Americans who say drug addiction is a major problem in their local community dropped from 42 percent in 2018 to 35 percent last year. It also showed that decline in concern is even in areas where overdose deaths are highest.
“This is terrible to learn, my friends, because when our fellow Americans no longer care, how can we expect our federal government to care. A separate Pew study this year showed that dealing with drug addiction ranked lowest out of 18 priorities for the President and Congress to address this year,” Selen explained. “Now, I know we have a lot of problems to solve in America. We live in tough times. But I think the death of more than 107,000 friends, neighbors and family members each year to overdoses should at least be among America’s top 10 national concerns.”
Sen. Bucco and Director Selen chat with Cheryl Semiz, who spoke about becoming addicted as a teenager and overdosing before entering recovery
Cheryl Semiz, Frances Harrington and Michael Dickerson, all recovering addicts, spoke to the Overdose Awareness Day gathering of nearly 100 people about turning from their personal struggles toward helping others to overcome addiction. Each also explained how they lost friends to overdoses and have watched others become addicted.
Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon
But Sheriff Gannon offered some hope, noting the news is not all dismal. Morris County’s community response over the years to addiction, through numerous nonprofits and county programs such as Hope One, Navigating Hope and a “Stigma Free” campaigns, appears to have had some impact, although tragic overdoses continue.
Frances Harrington
“As of right now in Morris County, we’ve had 71 suspected fatal overdoses so far this year –that’s a 16 percent decrease,” the Sheriff said. “We’ve had a decrease in suicides and a decrease in fatal overdoses. It could change on a dime … But we’ve also seen an increase in the number of calls for service to our police officers for emotionally disturbed persons and mental illness. I have to believe that there is something going on.”
However, nationally the problem is increasing.
Brad Seabury, Chief Assistant Prosecutor in Morris CountyMichael Dickerson
“Twenty-three and a half million individuals across our nation are in need of addiction treatment for alcohol and drugs – 23-1/2 million. Unfortunately, only around 11 percent of those individuals struggling with the disease of addiction will seek treatment. Eleven percent,” said Brad Seabury, Chief Assistant Prosecutor in Morris County. “That is why we are seeing the deaths that we are seeing in this nation and why so much of that is because of the stigma associated with this disease … I would suggest to you that it is the barrier to us beating this and we have an obligation to tear down that stigma.”
On the state level, New Jersey overdose deaths had been increasing until this year, although there are four months yet to go.
“Overdose deaths are higher than ever before in New Jersey, increasing by more than six percent – 204 more lost lives. Emergency room visits for substance abuse disorders increased nearly 30 percent,” said Assemblywoman Dunn. “For those loved ones who must live on with the pain, today we have the opportunity to turn that pain into purpose.”
New Jersey confirmed 2,914 drug overdoses in 2019, compared to 3,050 suspected drug overdose deaths in 2020 and 3,124 suspected overdose deaths in 2021. However, to date, the Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner lists 1,894 suspected overdose death, putting the state on track to actually have a decline for 2022.
Morris County’s mobile recovery access vehicle offers critical support for persons struggling with addiction, with the goals of preventing drug overdoses and deaths, as well as mental health services.
