Jim’s Journey: Battling Glioblastoma with Unwavering Courage

MORRIS COUNTY — On a fateful day in July 2023, the life of Jim Schicke and his family took an unexpected turn. Jim, a loving father, husband, and beloved figure in his community, had been enduring excruciating headaches, leading him to check himself into the ER. Little did he know that this visit would be the start of a challenging journey.

After undergoing numerous tests and a harrowing MRI scan, the medical team revealed devastating news – Jim had five tumors in his brain, one of them as large as a lemon. The battle was about to begin.

Just two days after the shocking diagnosis, Jim faced his first brain surgery, aimed at removing the largest tumor. The skilled surgeon managed to eliminate most of the mass, providing a glimmer of hope to Jim and his family. A sample of the remaining tumors was sent to a pathology lab, revealing a heart-wrenching truth: Jim was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive and formidable brain cancer.

Glioblastoma, often referred to as GBM is notorious for its poor prognosis. It is a relentless adversary, testing the strength and resilience of those who confront it. Jim’s family, however, was determined to view this diagnosis as a detour, not the end of the road. They rallied behind him, standing strong in the face of adversity.

Jim, described by those who know him as funny, outgoing, caring, passionate, and honest, possesses a radiant soul that lights up every room. He is a pillar of strength for his family and a cherished friend to all. Even in this battle, Jim’s positivity, courage, and determination remained unshaken.

After his first surgery, Jim faced a new reality – the loss of his left peripheral vision and the inability to drive. For many, this would have been a major setback, but not for Jim. His unwavering spirit continued to shine brightly. Just before commencing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, his debilitating headaches returned, and he lost his ability to walk.

A second brain surgery became imperative, and on August 9th, 2023, Jim underwent another challenging operation. This time, the surgery left him with limited sensation on the left side of his body. Determined to regain his independence, Jim embarked on a journey of recovery at Kessler Rehabilitation, where he learned to perform essential daily tasks once again.

Six weeks of grueling chemotherapy and radiation followed, but through it all, Jim’s smile persisted. He was enveloped by a sea of love, support, and positivity from family and friends, providing much-needed strength.

Despite their efforts and the clinical trial, the tumors continued to grow, leading to a decline in Jim’s condition. Mobility became a challenge, and he could no longer sit up, walk, eat, or speak. In the quest for a better outcome, the family sought alternative treatments.

Currently, Jim is undergoing new treatments, Avastin and Optune, at a CareOne Rehab facility. The family maintains optimism that these treatments will offer Jim more precious time.

Jim’s family, including his wife Nancy and children Jimmy, Jake, and Jessica, has been his primary source of care and support. They are now preparing to bring Jim home, where he can be surrounded by love as he continues his battle.

Jim, a retired Police Officer with over 20 years of service, dedicated his life to helping others without seeking recognition. Now, his family is seeking help to give him the best fighting chance. The financial burdens of Jim’s treatment and at-home care are overwhelming.

They are reaching out to the community, asking for support to cover the costs of Jim’s care, therapy, and daily needs. Every contribution, no matter the size, is a significant step toward helping Jim in his fight against Glioblastoma.

This is a battle that no one should face alone. Jim’s family remains steadfast in their support, ready to face the challenges ahead with love and determination. They humbly request your assistance in this fight, knowing that together, they can make a profound difference.

As Jim’s journey continues, your positive energy, thoughts, well-wishes, and prayers are cherished and appreciated. The Schicke family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community.

Thank you for standing with them as they strive to bring Jim home, where they can be together as a family while he continues his courageous fight.

Click here to donate to Jim.

Letter to the Editor: Concerns Raised Over Proposed Full-Time Fire Chief and Staffing Plan in Parsippany Fire District 1

Dear Editor:

Recently I received a letter in the mail from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Fire Commissioners District 1 stating in the next budget year they are seeking tax-payer approval to hire a full-time fire chief and several per-diem firefighters and officers to staff the district from the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. In this letter, they stated that they need to urgently implement this plan due to an ever-increasing call volume as well as low volunteer turnout which is increasing response time. While I understand that both manpower and response time is critical to the protection of life and property in the district, I do not believe the commissioners have done a thorough job of explaining why this is needed now, and in such haste. In their letter they have provided no evidence to back the claims made, nor have they done a satisfactory job of explaining why this is needed so urgently. This letter does not even break down the number of calls the department receives during the Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. window nor what the current average volunteer manpower is per call or their response time.

Also, this letter does not say anything about any of the measures that the commissioners have taken to try and avoid this outcome. The Mount Tabor Fire Department is one of six fire districts in the town of Parsippany, with each district operating independently. In the past, other districts have relied on neighboring districts to help fulfill staffing when needed. Has the district looked into having another district assist them with calls? Additionally, what has the district done to try to increase recruitment? The website tells of an incentive program but does not go into any more detail than that.

Furthermore, this letter does a terrible job of explaining how they came to the $640,000 estimate that would be required for payroll and expenses. A quick Google search shows the average pay for a firefighter in New Jersey is $30 per hour. So, for 3 firefighters at 12 hours a day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year would be $280,800. Nearly half of the estimated budget and you still haven’t considered the officers and chief’s salary (which would undoubtedly be higher) as well as pension, benefits, insurance, training, PPE, and any other costs associated with having a paid staff. I believe this estimate to be deceptively low. Also, the commissioners do not explain in the letter how having a paid crew in a volunteer town would work. Would a paid crew respond to an area of the town covered by volunteers? Would a neighboring volunteer chief call for District 1 more because they know of the staffing? Or what about out-of-town calls? I don’t believe that would be fair to the residents who would pay for this staffing and have them not be available because they are covering for a volunteer crew.

Another thing is I don’t believe the current residents should have to shoulder the cost of this, at least the initial implementation if it is essential. I’m sure one of the arguments for hiring a paid crew is the amount of building happening in town right now. There have been more than a few articles about how Parsippany is using the PILOT program to develop new housing projects. Have the fire commissions been in contact with the Parsippany town council about collecting some sort of payment from those developers?

However, what this letter did attempt to do in my opinion is try to scare the residents into thinking that the volunteer members of the Mount Tabor Fire Department do not adequately protect them. Per the department’s website, they have 40+ active members, yet the commissions specifically chose to bold and italic the sentence telling you how a fire doubles in size every 30 seconds. While that statement is true, it only truly pertains to a fire in perfect conditions, i.e. NOT in a home or building with the doors and windows shut. Including that line was nothing but a fear tactic. If the commissions were truly worried about the lives and property of the tax-paying residents of the district they would be explaining with supporting facts and figures about how they have tried other options and this is the only feasible solution, instead of trying to scare you.

The Board of Fire Commissioners is holding a meeting on Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Tarn Drive Fire House located at 909 Tabor Road. I would encourage the tax-paying residents of District 1 to attend that meeting and ask these questions of your elected officials to make sure you agree with what they plan to increase your taxes for.


Stephen Cisco
Mount Tabor

Annual Holiday Party Celebrates Morris County CrimeStoppers’ Commitment to Community Safety

MORRIS COUNTY — The annual Holiday Party for the Morris County CrimeStoppers was held on Monday, December 11 at the Birchwood Manor.

The Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers is a non-profit organization operated by a board of commissioners and funded by business and private sector contributions.

Retired Dover Police Officer Harry Ruiz, Chief Warrant Officer Morris County Sheriff Officer Jack Ambrose, and Town of Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney

Board members are dedicated volunteer civilians who donate their time and effort in the fight against crime and share a common goal: they want to make Morris County as safe and secure as possible.

Designed to encourage the citizens of Morris County to assist law enforcement in solving and reducing crimes in our communities, the program provides an easy and anonymous mechanism for concerned citizens to report information relating to criminal activity…and offers cash rewards as an incentive.

Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill, Suzan Lucas Santiago, and Vice Chairman Commissioner Dr. Phillip Santiago
Parsippany’s Municipal Prosecutor Monica Madin and Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Loretta Gragnani

The board of the Morris County Crime Stoppers consist of Chairman John Sette, Undersheriff Alan Robinson, Vice Chairman Commissioner Dr. Phillip Santiago, Secretary Commissioner Jill Blake, and Commissioners Bob Ackerman, Douglas Bell, Anthony Bucco, Sal Campo, John Centanni, Robert Cuozzo, Barbara Dawson, George Dredden III, Pat Frederiks, Peter Gilpatric, Desmond Lloyd Sr., Michael Luciano, Khaled Madin, Marc Marowitz, Adam Perna, Ronald Regen, David Rubin, John Sette Jr., William Strauss, Bill Wilkins, Sidney Williams, Christopher Zipp, Bradley Zwigard, Marilyn Cioffi, and David Rubin.  

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief Assistant Prosecutor Bradford Seabury, Parsippany Municipal Monica Madin, and John Paul Velez, Partner at Arbore Velez

A presentation about the CrimeStoppers program is available for the public, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office at (973) 285-6681 to arrange a presentation.

For more information visit copcall.org, or click here to submit a tip.

Retired Mountain Lakes Police Corporal Samuel Trimble and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon
Jennifer Vuotto, Esq., Lisa C. Thompson, Esq., Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill and Parsippany Municipal Prosecutor and Managing Partner in Madin and Madin Law Monica Madin

NewBridge Services Inaugurates New HQ at Pompton Plains Campus

MORRIS COUNTY — NewBridge Services unveiled its new headquarters in Pompton Plains, where the nonprofit provider of counseling, housing, and education got its start 60 years ago.

Fifty guests cheered as NewBridge CEO Michelle Borden welcomed them to NewBridge’s new home on December 5. “I’m proud that we have established a NewBridge campus in the community where we were founded,” Borden said.

NewBridge purchased two buildings on Newark Pompton Turnpike, adjacent to NewBridge’s adult psychiatric day treatment program and its affordable apartments for adults with special needs. The NewBridge campus has six buildings in all.

NewBridge Board of Trustees President Debbie King, whose father was one of the organization’s founders, said, “I think they would be very pleased to see the creation of our headquarters and campus keeping NewBridge’s roots in Pequannock Township where it all began.”

NewBridge opened its doors in December 1963 as the Pequannock Valley Mental Health Center in the former Pompton Plains library. Initially serving Pequannock and surrounding communities, the agency grew and evolved over the decades to meet emerging needs.

Today, NewBridge tackles some of society’s toughest issues, including mental illness, substance use, isolation, and homelessness. Each year, it helps thousands of children, adults, and seniors in Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties, and beyond. NewBridge has service centers in Haskell, Parsippany, Pequannock, and Sparta, operates five group homes, created 84 units of affordable housing, and provides support services that allow people with mental illness and older adults to live as independently as possible.

Borden read a proclamation from U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill hand-delivered by her staff member, Georgia Turvey, and a commendation letter from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. “NewBridge has served as a pillar of hope in the community and has changed countless lives,” Governor Murphy wrote.

Guest speaker W. Jay Wancyzk of the Pequannock Township Historical Society discussed the nascent shift in attitudes toward mental illness in 1963 on the national stage and locally. Wancyzk noted that President John F. Kennedy that year signed legislation for providing mental health care in the community and drastically reducing institutionalization of people with mental illness.

In Pequannock, Pastor Donner B. Atwood of the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains, Municipal Court Judge Herbert Irwin, Mary Jane Kelly, Dr. Kurt Manrodt and Jim Ryan “had the vision to make treatment accessible within our six local communities,” Wancyzk said. The township allowed the nonprofit to use the former library next to the municipal building. Later, NewBridge had its headquarters on Evans Place but relocated to rental space so affordable housing could be built on the property.

NewBridge’s new headquarters once housed Irwin’s law office, Wancyzk noted. “I think he would be mighty pleased with this new connection.” Irwin’s daughter, Debbie Burklow, and her husband attended the event.

Pequannock Mayor David Kohle congratulated NewBridge on its 60th anniversary and new headquarters. “It’s a pleasure to have you back in the center of town,” Kohle said. “We look forward to many, many more years of dedicated services to the residents of Pequannock and the surrounding areas from NewBridge.”

Kohle and Deputy Mayor Ryan Herd joined Borden and King in cutting the green ribbon in front of the new headquarters. Guests then toured the building that will house administrative offices. The second building will be home to two programs, NewBridge SAIL (Senior Assistance for Independent Living) and Community Support Services, as well as the information technology department.

“This is huge! NewBridge, during its 60th anniversary, is making another clear statement for clients, for donors, for everyone to see that we are committed to this community,” NewBridge Trustee Patricia Lee said.

Robert Parker, who retired as NewBridge CEO in 2020, said the milestone bodes well for the longevity of the organization as it enters its seventh decade. “The most important thing is that NewBridge continues to provide services for people who are hurting,” he said.

NewBridge is selling commemorative bricks that will form a walkway at the new campus. Click here to order.

Public Notice

0

Take notice that Luxury Spirits International, LLC. has applied to the Director of the
Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control for a Plenary Wholesale License with an office
located at 777 Brickell Avenue, Suite 592, Office 92, Miami, FL 33131.
Objections, if any, should be made immediately in writing to the Director of the Division
of Alcoholic Beverage Control, P.O. Box 087, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0087.

Luxury Spirits International, LLC
777 Brickell Avenue, Suite 592, #92
Miami, Florida 33131
Officer/Stockholder:
Marc Hirten, Manager
449 Avenida Del Norte, Sarasota, FL 34242
Samuel Fitch, Manager
4334 Stonebrook Lane, Missouri City, TX 77459
Galaxia, LLC (Sole Member)
Ctro Pellas, Piso 10, KM 4.5 carr, a Masaya

Parsippany Focus
December 19, 2023
December 26, 2023
$100.00

Parsippany’s PILOT Protesters Shut Down Council Meeting

PARSIPPANY — More than 200 Parsippany residents shut down Tuesday night’s council meeting which was slated to take up the final vote on three PILOT agreements, also known as municipal tax abatements.

Before the meeting even started, the crowd of attendees standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the council chambers surpassed the room’s capacity limits. 

As a result, Township Clerk Khaled Madin announced the postponement of the meeting until Thursday, December 28 at the PAL building, 33 Baldwin Road, Parsippany.  

Council President Loretta Gragnani angered residents, school officials, and parents for initially setting the time of the rescheduled meeting for 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28 —  drawing accusations that council officials tried to suppress public attendance with a mid-afternoon meeting on a weekday.

After the loud criticism and “Shame on You” chants, the time of the December 28 meeting was finally adjusted to 7:00 p.m.  

The public also expressed outrage with a procedural change made by Council President Gragnani to move the general public comment period for the Tuesday night meeting to later in the agenda after the council votes on the second reading of the proposed PILOT ordinances.

The public comment period has traditionally come before the individual resolution section of the meeting. 

Many suspect the move to delay public comments is a reaction to the unanimous pushback from residents and school board officials who vigorously protested the proposed PILOT programs at the December 5 council meeting. 

PILOT agreements are deals that enable a developer to switch their standard tax payments for a property to a fixed, yearly payment to the municipality.

Township residents and school officials warn that PILOTs will allow large developers to avoid paying their full share of property taxes while straining municipal and school district resources. 

Despite the unanimous opposition to PILOTs Council members Gragnani, Michael dePierro, Paul Carifi, Jr., and Frank Neglia have voted in favor of the PILOTs being represented by former Parsippany Township Attorney John Inglesino, who served during Mayor James Barberio’s first mayoral term from 2010 to 2017.

Dissenting Council member Justin Musella and the Township’s entire school board have repeatedly stated that the proposed PILOTs will underfund the school system as new developments undoubtedly add additional students and costs.

Municipal officials and Mayor James Barberio have stated that prolonged blight of unoccupied or demolished office buildings will greatly increase the tax burden for residents if PILOTs are not used.

Parsippany Ranked as One of the Hottest Real Estate Markets in the Nation

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany has been named one of the 150 “Hottest Real Estate Markets” in the nation by Realtor.com for November. Parsippany is among 23 New Jersey towns making the list. This ranking highlights Parsippany’s continued growth, compelling amenities, and increasing demand as an attractive destination for residential homebuyers and investors alike.

Parsippany is situated in Northern New Jersey, approximately 25 miles west of Manhattan, making it a popular destination for commuters. It offers convenient access to major highways and various public transportation options. With a vast array of housing available, from single-family homes to apartments along with an active Senior Center, Parsippany accommodates various lifestyles as well. The education provided by the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District is well-regarded and students and residents alike can enjoy the many outdoor spaces and recreational areas. The events and festivals that Parsippany hosts throughout the year further cement its commitment to maintaining a high standard of living and fostering a strong sense of community for its diverse population.

“We are thrilled to see Parsippany gaining recognition on a national level for its real estate market,” said Mayor James R. Barberio. “Our community has worked diligently to create an environment that fosters growth and prosperity, and this acknowledgment reflects the dedication of our residents, businesses, and local government.”

Indoor Cricket Winter Bash 2023: Whipping Up Cricketing Magic Amidst the Storm

MORRIS COUNTY — An extraordinary event unfolded within the confines of the Indoor Cricket USA (ICUSA) facility – Winter Bash 2023, on December 9 and December 10. Despite the storm outside, the weather provided the ideal setting for youngsters aged 6-14 to immerse themselves in the exhilarating world of indoor cricket, a pursuit not just for physical activity but a transformative experience fostering character, camaraderie, and lifelong lessons.

Twenty-four players, spanning diverse age groups, were strategically organized into four teams, setting the stage for a two-day extravaganza of competitive cricket. The tournament, consisting of limited-overs league matches, became a showcase of talent, tenacity, and teamwork. Each game, a microcosm of excitement, unfolded with suspense and thrill, keeping participants and spectators alike on the edge of their seats until the final bowl was hurled.

As the league matches concluded, the top two teams emerged to engage in a battle of skills for the Winter Bash 2023 trophy. The most competitive team, undoubtedly, claimed the title, while teams in the 3rd and 4th positions fought spiritedly for their place in the rankings. The captains and players of each team were not merely participants; they were heroes, recognized and awarded for their stellar performances, adding an extra layer of celebration to the tournament.

Cricket, more than just a sport, demonstrated its multifaceted benefits during Winter Bash 2023. With billions of followers globally, the sport has become a powerful catalyst for promoting physical health, enhancing cognitive abilities, and instilling values crucial for character building. The recent announcement of cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 further solidifies its standing as one of the fastest-emerging sports in the USA.

At the helm of nurturing cricketing talent is ICUSA, a decades-old cricket organization founded and led by the passionate Coach Lalta Perusad. Far beyond the boundaries of the cricket field, Coach Lalta and ICUSA contribute significantly to the holistic development of young individuals aged 6-16. The organization is not merely about winning championships; it’s about equipping the youth with cricket skills that seamlessly translate into life skills, aiding them in overcoming the challenges that life throws their way.

Moreover, ICUSA continues to be a beacon of cricket development, offering ongoing upskilling programs and organizing a myriad of tournaments, both indoor and outdoor. This commitment ensures that the flame ignited by Winter Bash 2023 will continue to burn bright, illuminating the path for aspiring cricketers and contributing to the growth of the sport within the community as well as in the nation.

Winter Bash 2023 became a sanctuary of joy, passion, and triumph. Cricket, the sport of resilience, echoed within the walls of the Indoor Cricket facility, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the young participants. With ICUSA and Coach Lalta leading the charge, the legacy of Winter Bash 2023 extends far beyond the tournament, promising a generation of individuals enriched with the values and skills to conquer the storms of life with the same vigor they displayed on the cricket field.

Indoor Cricket USA (ICUSA) is located at 9 Whippany Road, Whippany.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, January 2024. Click here to view the magazine.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Declares December 5th ‘Bedding Shoppe Day

PARSIPPANY – Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Barberio presented a Proclamation declaring December 5 as “Bedding Shoppe Day” as owner Mike Hatler celebrated 35 years in business.

“I commend Mike for his achievement of 35 years of success and of being a community partner with the Township of Parsippany,” said Barberio.

“His yearly food drives exemplify what giving back to the community means. The Bedding Shoppe is a fixture of this town, and I wish him another 35 years or more,” continued Barberio.

Frank Cahill Presents Mike Hatler with a Commemorative Plaque

Frank Cahill, the Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development, presented Michael with a plaque and conveyed, “Bedding Shoppe, a family-operated store specializing in mattresses and bedroom furniture situated on Route 46, joyfully marks its 35th anniversary. Established by owner Mike Hatler on October 22, 1988, Bedding Shoppe has become a cornerstone of Parsippany, dedicated to serving both the local community and nearby areas. This achievement holds particular significance, considering that a mere 5% of small businesses endure beyond the 30-year milestone. Throughout the years, Bedding Shoppe has catered to over 35,000 customers, spanning three generations of families. The store’s enduring success can be attributed to its steadfast commitment to delivering top-quality products and exceptional customer service.”

The Bedding Shoppe is located at 811 Route 46 East. Click here for more information.

Frank Cahill, the Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development presented Michael with a plaque and conveyed, “Bedding Shoppe, a family-operated store specializing in mattresses and bedroom furniture.

Mayor Barberio presented a Proclamation declaring December 5th as “Bedding Shoppe Day” as owner Mike Hatler celebrated 35 years in business.

Vehicle Break-In Leads to Arrest of Suspect in Stolen BMW Case

PARSIPPANY – On the morning of Sunday, November 26 at approximately 6:23 a.m. a resident on Rita Drive reported that they observed a dark sedan drop off a person dressed in black and the individual was pulling on vehicle door handles attempting to gain entry.

As patrol officers began to check the surrounding area for the vehicle and person, Ptl. Hughes observed a 2022 BMW x7 exiting a driveway on Sedgefield Drive and leaving the area.

He also observed a dark-colored Kia with its headlights off slowly moving away from the residence the BMW x7 left.

Officers conducted a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle and made contact with the driver, Nacosh Crawford, 21, West Orange.

A check of the temporary license plate affixed to the vehicle showed that it was reported stolen by the Newark Police Department.

While on the scene, officers contacted the residents where the BMW x7 exited. They advised that their house was burglarized moments earlier and the keys to the vehicle were stolen, as well as the vehicle.

Mr. Crawford was placed under arrest and transported to Parsippany Police Headquarters. He was charged on a Complaint Warrant with the following criminal offenses:
• 2nd Degree Theft of a Motor Vehicle
• 3rd Degree Conspiracy to Commit Burglary
• 3rd Degree Exhibiting a False Government Document
• Receiving Stolen Property, a Disorderly Person Offense

He was further charged with the following traffic offenses:
• Unsealed Cannabis in a Motor Vehicle
• Failure to Inspect a Motor Vehicle
• Improper Display/Unclear Plates
• Obstruction of Windshield

He was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility. After the defendant’s initial appearance, he was released from the Morris County Correctional Facility in accordance with bail reform.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to email socialmedia@parpolice.com or call (973) 263-4300.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite these accusations, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.