PARSIPPANY — The original story appeared on Parsippany Focus on July 9. The story was read by over 35,000 people, shared over 120 times (that we can track) and still no one came forward to claim this beautiful dog. She has been living in East Brunswick with a stay at home senior that has plenty of time to shower her with affection.
The person who brought this dog into her home said “We had no choice but to name her Sweetie, because she is such a love! She’s such a sweetie and a good companion for the new owner, who decided to keep her.”
They took her for grooming and to the vet and she is in great heath. She is not spayed and is about six years old.
The dog did have a microchip, but it was not registered. Her markings make her look sad but her tail wags nonstop. She loves playing catch and is very affectionate.
Parsippany Focus has been in touch with the new owners to make sure she was being kept and had a new home. We are very happy with the outcome of this story.
The new owner had no choice but to name her Sweetie, because she is such a love.
This is a picture taken of “Sweetie” back on July 9 when she was found roaming around on Route 10 and Littleton Road. She now has a loving home.
PARSIPPANY — Officer Tyler Soto of the Hoboken Police Department’s Waterfront and Parks Unit helped rescue an unidentified woman in the Hudson River, at approximately 4:00 p.m. Monday, July 24, according to a police press release.
Soto was flagged down in Sinatra Park along the waterfront and was told a woman was in the water. Soto located the woman in the water a short distance off of the rocks at Sixth and Sinatra Drive. Sergeant Keith Rotondi and Officer Libon Schelmety got a water bag and rope to Soto, who went into the water and pulled the woman back to shore.
Those officers, with the assistance of Officer Joe Lucignano and Stevens Police Officer Enrico Gnassi, began life saving measures that ultimately helped resuscitate her. The woman was transported to CarePoint Hoboken University Hospital.
The woman is being treated at Hoboken University Medical Center.
Police reported the 34 year old woman was from Parsippany and have since reunited her family with her.
“This was a tremendous life save by Officer Tyler Soto who was on patrol along the waterfront and acted quickly and proficiently and put his own life at risk,” said Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante.
Soto is a second year officer, who is in training in the Waterfront Unit. Soto sustained minor injuries to his right hand and wrist during the rescue.
The woman was described as a Hispanic female, 34, with dark hair and a thin build. She is approximately 5’4”. She has two rings, one on her left index finger, silver with gold trim, and a second on her right middle finger which is a silver colored ring with a small design. She was wearing a black blouse with white polka dots and black stretch pants. A black key fob with a silver Honda emblem was found at the scene as was the woman’s white, mesh shoes with gold trim.
Anyone who has any information regarding this scene or the victim, contact the Hoboken Police Detective Bureau at (201) 420-2110 or 420-5101 or the Hoboken Police Front Desk at (201) 420-2131.
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation and the New Jersey District of Kiwanis International Foundation presented a grant of $5,000 to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library.
The money is going to be used to support the 2017 Summer Reading program, “Build a Better World.”
The Parsippany Library System plans to “build a better world” by improving the technology skills of children and teens, to enable them to become productive citizens. Coding, robotics, and STEAM skills are becoming the most in demand skills of those entering the work force.
With the increased use of technology in all areas of our lives it is vital that all of our students have access to opportunities to learn and develop these skills.
Karen O’Malley said “The Kiva Planks have been used to creatively engineer wooden structures by all ages from preschoolers to parents at the Lake Hiawatha Branch Children’s Department. Anyone that uses them to build either their own designed structure or one from the sample booklet included, is very proud of what they built!”
“The Chromebooks being purchased will be used to teach basic to advanced computer coding skills. There are several game based programs we will be using to teach these skills along with the LEGO Mindstorm Robotics kits purchased through this grant. We are looking forward to guiding children in small group coding activities develop problem solving skills, brainstorming, technology skills, math skills, and more! We could not thank the Kiwanis Club enough for helping us help Parsippany children advance,” said Karen.
“I am so proud of the support our Kiwanis Club has given to this Library project. We were successful in getting a $2500 grant from the New Jersey District of Kiwanis International Foundation that we were able to match from our own fundraising efforts throughout the year. If you haven’t been to your local Parsippany library this summer, I urge you to check out the ‘Build A Better World” project. It’s fascinating!” said Connie Keller, the KCGP Foundation President.
She continued “By supporting this program at the Parsippany Library, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is following the motto of Kiwanis… ‘Changing the world one child, one community at a time.’”
“The children’s department of the Parsippany Public Library has amazing technology purchased with a grant from the Kiwanis Club. The library was able to add more iPods and Ipads to the collection. These additional tools allowed more children to use the Sphero SPRK robotic spheres. The Sphero SPRK is app-enabled so it is essential to have a device for each child. Over twenty-five students attended the Sphero coding sessions plus children at three of the local elementary schools were able to view and interact with the Spheros during summer reading outreach visits. Keva planks were purchased with the grant funds. Keva planks are used as part of Build It stations that are set up in the children’s room. It is amazing to see the structures that students have created,” said Melissa Okerblom.
She continued “Students in grades K-2 are part of a Storytime Coding group at the library. They use Scratch to create animated stories in the technology lab at the library. This group meets twice a week and multiple sessions for older students are planned for the fall. More classes can be offered with the new devices. The Maker Camp begins on August 14. Children will use Lego Mindstorms EV3 in the technology lab.”
Melissa Okerbloom, Head of Children’s Library Services holding the Sphero SPRK robotic spheres. Photo by Joanne Rich
Melissa Okerbloom, Head of Children’s Library Services and Jayne Beline. Photo by Joanne Rich
Samantha Insetta, Parsippany Library Teen Librarian. Photo by Joanne Rich
Samantha Insetta, Parsippany Library Teen Librarian with Jayne Beline. Photo by Joanne Rich
Karen O’Malley, Lake Hiawatha Library Children. Photo by Joanne Rich
Samantha Insetta, Parsippany Library Teen Librarian and Jayne Beline. Photo by Joanne Rich
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library is located at 449 Halsey Road. The Lake Hiawatha branch is located at 68 Nokomis Avenue, and the Mount Tabor branch is located at 31 Trinity Park.
For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, click here.
PARSIPPANY — Drayer Physical Therapy Institute opened an outpatient center at 131 New Road, its third in the Garden State.
Joining in the ribbon cutting were Parsippany-Troy Hills Vice President Robert Peluso and Regional Vice President Drayer Physical Therapy, Kris Bouslough, Center Manager Jonathan Zaid and employees, friends and customers. Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill and Board Members Rick Wasserman and Ildiko Peluso also attended the open house and ribbon cutting.
Located at 131 New Road, Suite 4, in the Shoppes on New Road complex, the center operates from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekdays with Saturday appointments available. The center can be reached at (973) 396-8728.
Physical therapist Jonathan Zaid is the center manager. Kris Bouslough is the center’s regional vice president.
“Jonathan is incredibly knowledgeable and extremely dedicated to his patients. He gives out his personal cell phone and makes sure he is available for his patients at all times. I can’t even express how impressive this is as most people these days leave their work at the office, but not him,” said patient Jamie Savage.
She continued “You can tell he means it when he says call or text me anytime. A couple of weeks ago, I had severe pain on a Sunday afternoon. My roommate texted Jonathan and he immediately called to speak with me. I advised him of my symptoms and he walked me through different exercises until the pain calmed down. He even checked on me the next day.Drayer is a special kind of place. I have been to a number of physical therapy facilities over the years but have never been to a place like this. The employees truly care and make a difference! I strongly recommend Drayer Physical Therapy.”
The center specializes in manual therapy, neurological rehabilitation, orthopedics, pain management, pre- and post-operative rehabilitation, sports medicine, and work and industry services.
Drayer’s other New Jersey centers are in Flanders and Sparta. Overall, Hummelstown, Pa.-based Drayer (click here for website) owns or manages approximately 150 centers in 15 states.
Drayer provides rehabilitation services with a physician’s referral, offering 24-hour access to care.
The center specializes in manual therapy, neurological rehabilitation, orthopedics, pain management, pre- and post-operative rehabilitation, sports medicine, and work and industry services
PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, July 26 and Thursday, July 27 over 300 administrators and teachers from all over New Jersey converged at Parsippany Hills High Schools to learn from Google Certified Teachers, Google Apps for Education Certified Trainers, practicing administrators, and solution providers, the newest ways to engage K-12 students in learning and integrating technology.
PHHS volunteers with Superintendent Dr. Barbara Sargent
The event allows teachers to share meaningful and practical ways to utilize a variety of Google Apps and other online tools.
“We’re excited to be working with the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Schools,” Ed Tech Team’s Chief Operating Officer Chris Bell said. “Since July 2012, we have produced more than 110 of these summits and educators all around the world have experienced a “mind blowing,” “life changing,” and “downright fun” event often evaluated as “the best professional development of my career.”
The Summit brings together more than 150 of our own Parsippany K-12 secretaries, teachers, and district and site administrators who are voluntarily attending the summit. The Summit showcases ways to implement everything from individual lessons to school-wide technology programs as a way to build 21st Century skills in students while they learn academic subjects. Workshop sessions include Google Expeditions, a way of virtually touring remote destinations, using Google Docs & Drive, Google Classroom, and “Google Maps – The Map is your Textbook.”
“This summit provides our own wonderful teachers and their colleagues in surrounding districts the opportunity to explore new and innovative ways to integrate technology in every classroom. This includes helping students to develop critical social media skills, to properly vet online resources, and to develop a disciplined practice of managing or curating data,” Dr. Barbara Sargent, Parsippany-Troy Hills Superintendent of Schools said.
MORRIS COUNTY — Four separate scholarships are available for college, graduate and law school students under a program run by the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey.
Each scholarship is a one-year grant of up to $3,500 and is paid directly to the recipient. Applicants must be New Jersey residents and must demonstrate financial need. The scholarships are annually awarded by the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey, which is a non-profit corporation
The Oscar W. Rittenhouse Memorial scholarship is designed for those who have been admitted to law school and who have interest in pursuing a career as a prosecutor.
The Andrew K. Ruotolo Jr. Memorial Scholarship is open to individuals who have been accepted to law or graduate school. Applicants must show an interest in, and a commitment to, enhancing the rights and well-being of children through child advocacy programs.
The Harris Y. Cotton Memorial Scholarship is open to law school enrollees who have an interest in pursuing a career as a prosecutor with an emphasis in domestic violence or hate crime prosecutions.
The John H. Stamler Memorial Scholarship is designed for a sworn law enforcement officer seeking educational advancement on a college or graduate level to improve his, or her, effectiveness as an officer.
The application deadline is September 15 and applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision in October. Applications can be obtained by contacting Terri Eide at (609) 989-6309 or at teide@mercercounty.org. Applications are also available by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Daniel Lim, a Financial Advisor at Ameriprise Financial, participated in Staples Small Business Showcase on Wednesday, July 26.
Staples is located in the Arlington Shopping Center, 760 Route 46. Their store hours are Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can reach them by calling (973) 541-0300.
“Staples Small Business Showcase” is a monthly feature for Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) members. Member business and area non-profit groups can contact Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400 if they are interested in participating in this program.
Ameriprise Financial is located at 90 East Halsey Road; Suite 106. For more information regarding Ameriprise, click here. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but it suggested that you call ahead and make an appointment, as hours can vary.
Ameriprise is America’s leader in financial planning, and one of the largest diversified financial services firms in the U.S., with more than $750 billion in assets under management and administration.
For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here.
PACC is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents, and volunteers that provides education, information, and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area. PACC works with our local and county governments and stand ready to pursue any matter that can make our community a better place in which to live, conduct business, and make a living. They promote a healthy and more prosperous economic climate.
PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, July 19 at 6:50 p.m. Mr. Mohamm Mohammedshahbaz, 27, Lake Hiawatha, was turning left onto Route 46 west from Baldwin Road on a green turn arrow and Ms. Akhila Ponugoti, 30, Parsippany, was traveling east on Route 46 ran a red traffic light hitting Mr. Mohammedshahbaz’s vehicle in a T-bone collision.
Police Officer Jeffrey Williams investigated the accident and determined that Ms. Akhila Ponugoti was at fault and issued a summons for careless driving and failure to observe traffic signals.
The 2003 Honda Civic airbags also deployed.
Mr. Mohammedshahbaz was transported to Morristown Medical Center and Ms. Ponugoti was transported to Saint Clare’s Health System.
Mr. Mohammedshahbaz was driving a 2003 Honda Civic and Ms. Ponugoti was driving a 2015 Nissan Altima.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene by Powdermill Towing.
Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery and Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5 HazMat team were called to the scene to assist in the accident.
A two car accident at the intersection of Route 46 and Baldwin Road on Wednesay, July 19
Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Chief Louis Yuliano, Morris County Park Police Chief Gabriel DePetro with Parsippany Rescue and Recovery member Joseph Bellardino from a previous National Night Out
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s annual “National Night Out,” hosted by the Morris County Park Police and the Morris County Park Commission, returns to theMennen Sports Arena in Morris Township on Tuesday, August 1, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with more FREE attractions.
Dozens of municipal, county, non-profit, and state agencies will participate and answer your questions.
The Morris County Park Police are once again offering the popularfree Child ID Cards, an initiative launched in 2000 that registers more than 1,000 children annually.
Each year since 2007, the National Association of Town Watch has named Morris County’s National Night Out event a national award winner.
Explore police, fire, emergency, military, and rescue vehicles, such as motorcycles, ambulances, all-terrain vehicles, fire engines, and squad cars. Visit the horses of the Morris County Park Police’s award-winning Mounted Equestrian Unit. Dance the night away with a DJ, and enjoy live performances.
“For the past seven years, the Morris County ‘National Night Out’ has received national recognition because it offers a comprehensive array of participating agencies to educate the public on available community services,” said Morris County Park Police Chief Gabe DiPietro.
DiPietro and the Morris County Park Police ensure public safety throughout Morris County, and provide assistance to other area agencies. The department currently patrols park facilities with cars, motorcycles, bicycles, all-terrain vehicles, and horses.
For more information click here or contact Park Police at (973) 326-7632.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps promoted Brian Dowd from the rank of Lieutenant to the rank of Captain during a ceremony at Parsippany Municipal Building on Monday, July 24.
Captain Dowd, a Parsippany native, has been an officer in town for nineteen years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall in Administration of Justice and is also a graduate of the NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Program. He has received multiple awards and accommodations throughout his career, which include multiple Life Saving Awards, Exceptional Duty Awards, and Command Citations.
Dowd previously served in the Patrol Division and Investigative Division.
While in the Investigative Division he was the Youth Services Section Commander, where he supervised the Juvenile Detectives/School Resource Officers and oversaw the Police Explorers program reinstituted by Mayor Barberio.
His new assignment will be commanding the Support Services Division where he will continue to also serve as the Director of School Security.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps, Captain Brian Dowd and Mayor James Barberio
PARSIPPANY — 
Staples is located in the Arlington Shopping Center, 760 Route 46. Their store hours are Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can reach them by calling (973) 541-0300.
