“Head for the Holidays” USATF 5K Run/Walk to raise funds

PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, December 1 the Children’ Brain Tumor Family Foundation (CBTFF) will be holding its inaugural “Head for the Holidays” USATF sanctioned 5K Run/Walk to raise funds for research focused on rare and inoperable pediatric brain tumors.

The event will be held at the Mack-Cali Business Complex on Campus Drive in Parsippany with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the CBTFF (Children’s Brain Tumor Family Foundation), a volunteer based 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding research underway at the Children’s Brain Tumor Project of the Weill Cornell Medical Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering.

The Head for the Holidays 5K run/walk is a fun way to get decked out and be festive, while racing to raise funds and awareness to support a very important cause. Runners and walkers of all levels and ages are invited to participate, and strollers are welcome.

Holiday attire is not required but is highly encouraged. Runners can stay after the race and shop. There will be a vendor and craft fair/holiday boutique available after the race until 3:00 p.m.

A virtual event has been established for those that don’t live in New Jersey or can’t attend the event on December 1. Those participants can sign up for the virtual 5K online and they will be shipped a race day t-shirt to wear when they run or walk at a location and time of their choosing.

Awards will be presented to runners age 14 & under as well as 5-year age groups starting at age 15 and ending at age 80+.  The race is being held on the USATF certified course and will be timed by Best Racing Systems.

All participants that register by November 17 will receive a free T-shirt. After this date T-shirts are not guaranteed and will be limited to those sizes on hand race day. T-shirts will be available for pick-up the day of the race prior to start time.

The CBTFF was founded in 2015 by families united in tragedy and heartbroken from the experience of watching their children and loved ones battle a devastating diagnosis.  Even though brain tumors have the highest death rate of all childhood cancers, they have one of the lowest levels of research funding.

Eleven year old Sean Ries

The organization is designed to help grieving and frustrated communities convert their passion and anger into awareness, support, and donations for research that is critically underfunded and highly dependent upon financial contributions from the private sector.

There are three local families who serve on the board of the CBTFF. The Ries family rally around “TeamSean” locally and have a son named Sean who is currently a sixth grader at Parsippany’s Brooklawn Middle School and battling a DNET tumor.

The Clayton Family of Rockaway lead “TeamJoey” which honors the memory of their son Joey who died in 2016 at age eight of a high-grade astrocytoma brain tumor. And, the Donnelly family of Caldwell who lost their daughter Juliana at the age of six to a DIPG in August of 2013.

Click here for more details on the event. From the web-site you can register on-line, sign-up for the virtual event, become a sponsor or register as a vendor.

The Children’s Brain Tumor Family Foundation is a volunteer led 501C3 founded by six families impacted by pediatric brain tumors. The organization is dedicated to raising funds for the Children’s Brain Tumor Project.

The Children’s Brain Tumor Project is a research effort at Weill Cornell Pediatric Brain and Spine Center, co-directed by Dr. Mark Souweidane and Dr. Jeffrey Greenfield. The project is “powered by families” and donations made by the families, friends, and supporters of the children, teens and young adults who confront the heartbreaking diagnoses of rare and inoperable pediatric brain tumors such as DIPG, Gliomatosis cerebri, AT/RT, and thalamic gliomas.

Employment Horizons has Successful Month of Fundraising

CEDAR KNOLLS — This October, Employment Horizons hosted two fundraising events to support their programs and to recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month. On Thursday, October 18, Employment Horizons celebrated 61 years of success at its Annual Recognition Dinner at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park.

Honorary Chair Angela Guy (L’Oreal). Photo courtesy of Michelle Zevallos

The dinner featured a 50/50 raffle, a basket auction, and a silent auction. All proceeds benefit the programs here at Employment Horizons. Angela Guy, Senior Vice President, Diversity & Inclusion at L’Oreal USA, served as Honorary Chair, and honorees Mayo Performing Arts Center for Employer of the Year; Kiehl’s Since 1851 for Fulfillment Customer of the Year; and Solix, Inc. for the Corporate Champion Award.

The President’s Award was awarded to Kevin White, an Employment Horizons program participant, and the William Huber Achievement Award was given to program participant Barbara Klien. Kevin has found success in his career at ShopRite, while Barbara has made a name for herself at Schindler Elevator Corp.

On Sunday, October 28, Employment Horizons secured Hanover Lanes in East Hanover to celebrate Halloween with the annual Halloween Bowl-A-Thon. Over 130 attendees enjoyed an afternoon of fun, food, and a costume contest, and raised funds to support employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Title Sponsors included Matthjissen, Inc., Mandelbaum Salsburg, P.C., Rubenstein Properties, and the Steven and Beverly Rubenstein Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Best Family Costume Winners (Yarbough Family as Dominos); Most Creative Costume Winner (Alek Rodriguez as a Pope), Employment Horizons Executive Director Matt Putts, Scariest Costume Winner (Mark Kasiski as a Zombie). Photo courtesy of Nisha Mistry

Employment Horizons thanks all of our sponsors, donors, attendees, staff and volunteers for making the Annual Recognition Dinner and the Halloween Bowl-A-Thon a success. Founded in 1957, Employment Horizons, Inc. is the premier not-for-profit agency providing high-quality competitively priced services to the business community. These services provide work opportunities for hundreds of people with special needs. To learn more click here.

Delta Dental Recognized at NJBIA’s 2018 Awards for Excellence Reception

PARSIPPANY — The Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc., was honored to receive a Community Service Award at New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA)’s 2018 Awards for Excellence Reception on October 24. The NJBIA commended the Foundation’s efforts in providing dental services and education to the underserved and the uninsured. Delta Dental of New Jersey was one of 13 executives and businesses recognized at The Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset award reception.

The award recognized the various ways the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation and Delta Dental’s employees gave back to the community by contributing to food and clothing drives, building homes for Habitat for Humanity, and participating in fundraising walks for oral and breast cancer awareness. This year, the Foundation awarded nearly $1 million to 34 New Jersey and Connecticut non-profit organizations dedicated to improving dental care. In 2017, the Foundation’s grants provided nearly 10,000 children, seniors, and developmentally disabled individuals with dental services and education.

“It brings me great joy to see Delta Dental of New Jersey and our Foundation recognized by NJBIA for giving back to the community and ensuring our state’s most at-need populations receive the oral health care they require,” said Dennis Wilson, president and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey.

Key 2018 Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation events and initiatives included:
• Observing National Children’s Dental Health Month in February by partnering with KinderSmile Foundation for “Give Kids a Smile” Day and celebrating Children’s Dental Health Awareness Day by partnering with Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and Hudson County Dental Society with an oral health themed carnival at Liberty Science Center;
• Hosting its 28th Annual Golf Classic in May that raised $77,000 for Special Olympics of New Jersey (SONJ);
• Teaming up with Zufall Health and the New Jersey Dental Association in November to provide veterans with free dental care at the second annual Smiles for Our Heroes Event.

Dr. Gene Napoliello, chairman of the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation Board, accepted the Community Service Award on behalf of Delta Dental of New Jersey. Zufall Health Center, the New Jersey Dental Association, KinderSmile Foundation, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Hudson County Dental Society, and Special Olympics New Jersey were also acknowledged for the role they played in helping Delta Dental of New Jersey achieve the award.

Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. is New Jersey’s leading dental benefits company, providing or administering coverage to more than 1.7 million people through contracts with groups in New Jersey and Connecticut. In Connecticut, Delta Dental of Connecticut, Inc. is a licensed insurer that writes dental coverage on an insured basis, and Delta Dental of New Jersey administers self-funded dental benefit programs. For more information click here.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir celebrates the Hindu festival of Diwali

PARSIPPANY — A glittering array of twinkles filled the night as traditional candles were lit by devotees. The ancient tradition of lighting candles, or divos, during Diwali symbolizes the transition from darkness to light. While the divos lit on Diwali erase physical darkness, the festival’s rich traditions and rituals go deeper – inviting individuals to make efforts in removing darkness in the forms of anger, envy, greed, arrogance, and resentment.  Diwali presents a time to reflect and introspect.

The five days of Diwali (including the Hindu new year) are rich in cultural traditions and rituals that symbolize new beginnings and a renewed commitment to family. The bright colors of Rangoli (intricate designs made of colored powder), the lighting of divos, and the elaborate variety of vegetarian foods offered to God (in a display called an Annakut), all mark a renewal of the good within and the goodwill towards everything around us. Diwali presents Hindus with an opportunity to connect with and celebrate the traditions of their roots with great fanfare.

Offering his prayers to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, guru and President of BAPS, prayed for devotees around the world for continued personal, and professional growth in this new year. Mahant Swami Maharaj took the occasion of Diwali to remind individuals and families about the importance of leading spiritually-centric lives, grounded in strong values and increased attachment to God.

This year, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs across North America marked the auspicious festival of Diwali and its associated five days of celebrations with an elaborate Annakut, lighted divos, fireworks, and even a special children’s Diwali celebration.

The celebrations were open to all. Visitors participated in celebration activities, offered prayers for new beginnings and had the opportunity to taste in the delicious offerings of the Annakut.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a worldwide spiritual and humanitarian organization that is dedicated to community service, peace, and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families, and individuals. Through various spiritual and humanitarian activities, BAPS endeavors to develop better citizens of tomorrow with high esteem for their roots and culture. Its 3,300 international centers support these character-building activities. Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is free of addictions as well as morally, ethically and spiritually pure. For more details click here.

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was ordained a swami by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961 and named Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As he was appointed the head (Mahant) of the Mandir in Mumbai, he became known as Mahant Swami. His devout, humble and service-focused life earned him the innermost blessings of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Mahant Swami Maharaj travels throughout the world inspiring people through his insightful spiritual discourses and disciplined conduct. His virtuous lifestyle and profound devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals toward which devotees strive. Mahant Swami Maharaj became the guru and President of BAPS upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s passing in 2016.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Under his leadership, BAPS grew into an international spiritual and humanitarian organization with over 3,300 centers worldwide. He dedicated his life to the well-being of others, traveling throughout the world to foster love, peace, harmony, righteousness, faith in God, and service to humanity. With genuine care and compassion, he reached out to all members of society irrespective of class, color, or age. Recognized and respected as one of India’s greatest spiritual teachers, he lived by and promoted the principle: “In the joy of others, lies our own.”

Ricky would like to be adopted for the holidays!

PARSIPPANY — Hi there! My name is Ricky! I am about four years old and I’m looking to give lots of love to my forever family! I am a very sweet boy who aims to please. I am the friendliest dog out there and never met a stranger — I greet every person with a wagging tail and a smile on my face! I am silly and have the cutest mannerisms that can make everyone I meet laugh!

I love to go on walks. Being on the move means I get to meet more people–the best! I love walks almost as much as I love my tennis balls. I can frequently be seen carrying around my favorite ball in my mouth. I could play fetch forever…well at least until it’s nap time. My foster family says I am quite the cuddle bug and could lay next to you on the couch or snuggled up in bed for hours!

In my current foster home, I am living with two other dogs and one teenage human sibling. I get along really well with other dogs and would do best in a home with another dog. I like to play with them or relax with them, and I’m a total gentleman when I meet new dogs. I have never met a cat, but I always like to meet new friends and W.A.R. would be happy to have me meet one! I also could live with younger children who want to play fetch with me!

Want to know even more good news about me? I am crate-trained and fully house trained AND know basic commands! I really like to please my foster family and can’t wait to do so with my forever family. My ideal family would have the time and patience to keep up my training and would be super into snuggles!

Everyone tells me how much of a good boy I am. So what do you say? Want to make me yours?

If you are interested in adopting Ricky, please fill out an application by clicking here.

Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Like Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.

Thomas Kolding has been located in Philly

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Investigations Stephen F. Wilson Jr., and Mountain Lakes Police Chief Shawn Bennett announce that Thomas Kolding, 15, Mountain Lakes, who has been missing since Tuesday, October 30 was located safe.

According to a source Kolding was found in Philadelphia. Sources also stated that Kolding was staying in a tent in Southwest Philly. He is currently being evaluated at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

The investigation concerning the missing juvenile, spanned the course of two weeks.

Prosecutor Knapp, Chief Wilson, and Chief Bennett extend their sincerest appreciation to the multiple jurisdictions and agencies involved in this investigation including but not limited to New Jersey Transit Police Department, Amtrak Police Department, New Jersey State Police Department, Camden Police Department, Philadelphia Police Department, Delaware Port Authority Police Department, Miami Township, Ohio Police Department, as well as transportation agencies who assisted in the coordination of a multi-state search for Thomas Kolding.

There will be no further press notifications concerning this investigation today.

NJAA Recognizes Parsippany’s Fieldstone Properties

PARSIPPANY —  On November 8, the New Jersey Apartment Association (NJAA) recognized the accomplishments and successes of its members at its 25th Annual Garden State Awards of Excellence gala. Fieldstone Properties is located at 1719 Route 10.

The ceremony, which again broke records in terms of attendance and number of nominees, honors the most distinguished owners, managers, developers and vendors that further advance the multifamily housing industry. The most coveted award of the night is given to the property owners/managers named Management Company of the Year. This year, the awards were given to:

Fieldstone Properties, LLC (Market Rate Management Company with Over 2000 Units)

The Westover Companies (Market Rate Management Company with Under 2000 Units)

Pennrose Management Company (Affordable Management Company) 

“Our Garden State Awards of Excellence program is a true reflection of the hard work and professionalism our members bring to their residents,” said David Brogan, Executive Director of NJAA. He continued, “The Westover Companies, Fieldstone Properties and Pennrose Management all have incredibly impressive property portfolios; but what truly strikes me as remarkable is how each of these companies, and all our award winners, make resident satisfaction the core of their company operations.”

A full list of the Garden State Awards of Excellence winner can be found by clicking here.

The New Jersey Apartment Association (NJAA) is the premier trade association representing both market rate and affordable housing owners, managers and developers of 210,000 rental homes in New Jersey, as well as hundreds of suppliers to the multifamily housing industry—including construction trades, tax professionals, and legal professionals, among others. The association provides safe, clean and affordable rental housing to more than a million residents throughout the state. 

 

CCM Art Gallery Welcomes Allan Gorman Exhibit

RANDOLPH — Allan Gorman, a New Jersey based artist, will be presenting a solo exhibition of paintings titled “The Seduction of Structure” at the County College of Morris (CCM) Art and Design Gallery.

The collection of paintings focuses on the intricacies of every day architectural structures, such as highways and electrical towers, that are oftentimes overlooked by passersby.

The exhibit runs from November 26 through January 28. A reception, which is free and open to the public, will be held Thursday, January 24, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The gallery is located in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center on CCM’s Randolph campus, 214 Center Grove Road.

To capture his unconventional subjects, Gorman travels the American landscape and focuses on buildings, elevated trains, gas stations and machines. Hidden abstract patterns, random shapes and aesthetic tensions in manufactured objects fascinates him. He says that his subject is a mere starting point for his formal and expressive exploration and defines his works as abstract compositions nested in the guise of realism.

His work has been included in more than 100 showings in museum exhibitions, galleries and major art fairs. In addition, many corporate and private collections throughout the United States and Europe feature his artwork. Gorman was awarded a resident fellowship to the Vermont Studio Center in 2011, a Fellowship for Painting from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts in 2013, and a fellowship residency by the Eileen S. Kaminsky Family Foundation at Mana Contemporary studios and exhibition center in Jersey City in 2016.

The Art and Design Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For information on the academic programs offered through the Art and Design department at CCM by clicking here.

PHHS PTSA and VFW placed flags in support of Veterans Day

PARSIPPANY — Together Parsippany Hills High School PTSA and local VFW Post 10184 from Parsippany placed flags in front of Parsippany Hills High School to show their support for Veterans Day.

Parsippany Elks to hold Craft and Vendor Fair

PARSIPPANY — The Ladies Auxiliary of the Parsippany Elks Lodge #2078 will be having a craft and vendor fair on Saturday, December 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 230 Parsippany Road.

The event is to raise funds that go directly to support children with special needs, Elks Camp Moore and Veterans.

Take a chance on winning the lottery scratch off tree.  There will be $100.00 in scratch off tickets on it.  Chances are 3 for $5.00.  Walking Tacos will be available for purchase once again. There is no entry fee for this event.

The list of vendors to date are:

Connie’s Homemade Chocolate
Keepsake Cards
B&B Apiarists All Natural Honey/Products
Fancy Frog Personalized Creations
Pampered Chef
Sunshine Unlimited
Thirty One
Geppetto’s Creations
Serenity Lanterns
Paparazzi Jewelry
Frames by Rosemary
Milly’s Christmas Crafts
Bubba Rose Gourmet Dog Treats
Hand Painted Items by Beatriz
Kim’s Illuminated Bottles
Sigal’s Crocheted Creations
Moscati’s Biscotti
Tarot Card Readings by Tina
Longaberger
Simple Man