PARSIPPANY — The Friends of the Parsippany Library and Woman’s Club of Parsippany are joining forces on Saturday, September 22 to raise funds for the Parsippany Library.  The downstairs of the Parsippany Main Library at 449 Halsey Road will be transformed into a children’s book lover’s paradise, with a continental breakfast served by storybook characters, a children’s book sale, raffle for book-themed prizes, and a special storytime and craft by author Tara Lazar.

Thanks to the donation of Children’s Day decorations by Mount Tabor residents, attendees will be able to interact with replicas of the Magic School Bus, Goodnight Moon, Very Hungry Caterpillar, and more during the event.

Volunteers dressed as characters including the Man in the Yellow Hat, Miss Frizzle, Pete the Cat, and Pinkalicious will help serve the continental breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  Donations from Udi’s, Lifeway Kefir, Cream-o-Land Dairy and Starbucks will be among the offerings and options will be available for individuals with food allergies.

New Jersey resident Tara Lazar is the featured author and will read one of her humorous picture books to the audience.  Her work is highly regarded by children, whose votes earned her most recent book, 7 Ate 9: The Untold Story, the 2018 Irma S. & James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature. She is also a recipient of the SCBWI Crystal Kite and co-chair of the Rutgers University Council on Children’s Literature One-on-One Plus Conference.  Tara will also conduct a craft with attendees and speak about a day in the life of an author.

This event is made possible by sponsorships from Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Wegmans, and Springboard Therapy.  Applebee’s was the first sponsor to sign on and Wegmans is a returning sponsor, having previously supported an anniversary gala and Bollywood Night event that benefited the library.  Springboard Therapy rounds out the sponsorships and reflects the event’s focus on children.  Springboard Therapy was created with a vision to provide a safe, fun and respectful environment where children who struggle with a variety of developmental and sensory processing difficulties can thrive and build skills, confidence and a positive sense of self.

Not able to make the event but still want to support?  Donate a “donut” by making a donation of $5.00 per donut on the registration page and your donut will be displayed at the Main Library.  If you would like to have your name written on your donut, simply enter in the comment area during checkout.  Donuts may also be purchased at the Main Library.

Registration is required for this event by clicking here.

To learn more about how you can contribute to the growth of Parsippany’s libraries and community, visit the Friends of the Parsippany Library website by clicking here and the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills by clicking here.

PARSIPPANY — Furry, fluffy, feathered, or fuzzy – all are welcome to join the congregation of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, October 7 at 5:00 p.m. for the annual blessing of Animals Liturgy celebrating the life of St. Francis who is remembered as having a deep appreciation for all of creation and a special bond with animals.

All God’s creatures are welcome however, for safety concerns, participants are asked to bring their pets leashed or caged.  Following the liturgy, refreshments are provided as an opportunity for people and pets socialize.

To support the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter donations of dog or cat food, paper towels and cleaning supplies are requested.  (For more information about Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter click here).

St. Gregory’s is a progressive, inclusive and affirming, community of faith joyfully sharing the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ with all God’s Children, we are located at 480 South Beverwyck Road.  Please call the church at (973) 887-5879 or email saintgregoryschurch@gmail.com for additional information.

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, the “People’s Clerk,” announces that Nicholas P. Tworischuk will manage her reelection campaign,

Campaign manager Tworischuk has political experience dating back to his days as a student at Marquette University in Milwaukee, when he was chair of the university Republican club and was elected the chair of the State Wisconsin College Republican organization.

He holds a PhD in higher education administration from Seton Hall University and a Masters in Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Tworischuk spent 45 years as a public research university and municipal finance executive and is an adjunct instructor in management, public finance and cyber security risk.

Looking ahead, Tworischuk said Grossi plans an active, informative campaign.

The Headquarters for the Reelect Ann Grossi County Clerk organization is located at 1711 Route 46 East, Suite 200.  The office phone number is (973) 588-5957.

PARSIPPANY — Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Jay Webber expanding crime victims’ rights was unanimously advanced today by the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee.

“The trauma resulting from a crime extends beyond the immediate victim,” said Webber (R-Morris).  “The physical, emotional, and financial harms of crime cascade to family and friends of the immediate victim, so those close individuals become victimized too from the crime.  Allowing family and friends to tell their stories gives a judge the full picture of the devastating impact the crime has had on everyone involved so the judge can determine the proper sentence.”

Current law allows crime victims to tell a judge prior to sentencing the physical, emotional, medical, or financial impact the crime has on their lives.  Webber’s bill (A1015) expands this right to people who have a close relationship with the victim, consistently allowing the testimony.  Most courts will allow such statements, but some have been denied.

The bill also allows sexual assault victims and survivors of homicide victims to attend post-adjudication hearings that determine: if a sex offender’s name may be removed from the Megan’s Law registry after serving 15 years; a sex offender’s risk of committing another crime when released; and whether a person acquitted of a crime by reason of insanity should be civilly committed.  Victims currently are excluded from such hearings.

“This measure literally gives victims and their families more of a voice in the courtroom so they receive full justice and criminals get the punishment they have earned,” concluded Webber.

PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officer G. Cacioppo responded to a residence on Woodcrest Road for a reported burglary to a 2018 Mercedes Benz E-Class.

Upon his arrival the victim advised him that between 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 9 and 12:58 a.m. on Monday, September 10 an unknown suspect(s) entered their vehicle and stole a purse, along with its contents, which was valued at approximately $4000.00. The vehicle was believed to have been unlocked while it was parked.

This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.