Death Investigation on Old Bloomfield Avenue

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief of Investigations Chris Kimker, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Andrew Miller announce the investigation of a deceased person in Parsippany.

On September 9, law enforcement received information regarding a deceased male inside a home in the area of Old Bloomfield Avenue.

Investigation confirmed that a deceased male’s body was located inside a residence in the area.  The cause and manner of death are pending and the investigation remains open and ongoing.  The identity of the individual will not be released at this time.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police investigating a death on Old Bloomfield Avenue

The investigation is being conducted by members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit.

If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200, or the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department at (973) 263-4300.

Elks Club to hold Golf Outing

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Golf Outing will be held on Friday, September 20 at the Knoll Country Club West.

Shotgun start is planned for 8:00 a.m. Coffee + will be served from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

19th hole will be held right at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks, 230 Parsippany Road with a sliced filet mignon dinner.

$125.00 includes golf, cart, coffee +, dinner, prizes and open bar until 4:00 p.m.

For more information, please call Joe Serrecchia at (973) 332-3480 or Ed Rice at (862) 703-8889.

Assemblywoman DeCroce Demands Action on Legislation to Make Teen Vaping Illegal

PARSIPPANY — As federal health authorities investigate an outbreak of severe pulmonary diseases being linked to vaping, including five deaths, Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R-26) demanded action today on her legislation to prohibit people under age 21 from possessing electronic smoking devices.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are investigating 215 cases of severe lung disease across 25 states, including five deaths, that they say may be associated with vaping. New Jersey’s Department of Health reported last week that vaping related illnesses have nearly doubled in the three weeks since the department issued a health alert regarding electronic smoking devices.

“We already prohibit people under 21 from buying e-cigarettes and other electronic smoking devices, but it’s not illegal for them to be in possession of them. My bill will extend the prohibition to possession as well. We need to put more distance between New Jersey’s youth and whatever health risks are related to these devices,” said Assemblywoman DeCroce.

A-5107, introduced by the Assemblywoman in February, establishes a $25 civil penalty, not a criminal violation, for people under 21 found in possession of electronic smoking devices.

“We don’t want to make criminals out of young people over these devices. But we need to add another buffer between them and what may be a serious health risk, and my legislation will do that. Adults can make their own informed decisions about these things, but we shouldn’t allow our young people to be unwitting guinea pigs while doctors and scientists figure out the exact problem with the devices,” said DeCroce.

New Jersey health officials have reported at least 15 cases of illnesses possibly connected to vaping over the past month. The people involved range in ages of 17 to 45 years old.

National health officials have not linked the pulmonary diseases being reported to any one product on the market and contend the exact causes of the illnesses being reported by users are not yet clear. But use of electronic smoking devices is a common thread among all the cases under investigation, according to federal health authorities.

An advisory on electronic smoking devices issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states:

E-cigarettes have the potential to benefit adult smokers who are not pregnant if used as a complete substitute for regular cigarettes and other smoked tobacco products.

E-cigarettes are not safe for youth, young adults, pregnant women, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products.

While e-cigarettes have the potential to benefit some people and harm others, scientists still have a lot to learn about whether e-cigarettes are effective for quitting smoking.
If you’ve never smoked or used other tobacco products or e-cigarettes, don’t start.
Additional research can help understand long-term health effects.

Morris County Regional College Fair Held at CCM

MORRIS COUNTY — Representatives from more than 180 colleges will be present at the annual Morris County Regional College Fair on Sunday, September 15. The event is hosted by the County College of Morris (CCM), located at 214 Center Grove Road in Randolph.

The fair is sponsored by CCM, the Morris County Association of School Counseling Directors and The New Jersey Association of College Admissions Counseling. From 12:00 Noon to 3:00 p.m., these colleges will provide information on academic departments, admissions, campus life, housing and tuition costs and support services.

Held dually in the CCM Student Community Center and the Health and Physical Education Building, the event is free and open to the public. Parking is available in lots five through nine.

Students searching for a top-tier education at a great value are encouraged to visit CCM information tables at the fair. Dedicated to seamless transition to a four-year school after graduation, CCM is an excellent choice for students who want to save money while attending a nationally-ranked institution.

For a list of institutions that will be participating in the College Fair click here.

For additional information, please contact CCM’s Admissions Office at (973) 328-5069, or email here.

European Wax Center holds ribbon cutting ceremony

PARSIPPANY — European Wax Center recently held a re-grand opening ribbon cutting celebrating the newly designed Troy Hills Shopping Center.

Co-owners Judy Cook and Diano Lupo, joined Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano, Councilman Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill and Board Member Nicolas Limanov in cutting the ribbon to celebrate the occasion.  Members of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce also joined in the celebration.

European Wax Center is located at 1121 Route  46, Parsippany.

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member Frank Cahill, Councilman Michael dePierro, Co-owners Judy Cook and Diane Lupo, Mayor Michael Soriano and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani

European Wax Center is in the business of revealing gorgeous skin. Their revolutionary hard wax and four-step process will make your skin feel smooth, luxurious, and oh so beautiful. They believe feeling gorgeous and looking your natural best isn’t just for the privileged. Waxing is for everyone who wants to flaunt the smoothest skin, whenever they want. That’s why they stand by their words when they say Waxing For All. They offer luxurious waxing at prices that won’t make you raise an eyebrow, so make a reservation at the center nearest you and treat yourself to a little European pampering!

First – Time Guest? Enjoy a Complimentary Wax!
Ladies can indulge in a brow, underarm or bikini line wax and gents can go smooth with a free ear, nose or brow wax.

For more information call (973) 352-0505.

Co-owner Judy Cook gives a tour. Karen DeChristopher, Loretta Gragnani, Diane Lupo, Michael dePierro and Judy Cook
Frank Cahill, Vice Chairman Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Committee congratulates European Wax Center on their re-grand opening and thanks them for choosing Parsippany. Councilman Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Loretta Grangani and Mayor Michael Soriano looks on.

Parsippany High School Alum Vows to Bring Sustainability to America

PARSIPPANY — Traveling often leads to discoveries about other cultures and places that make us wonder how we can improve things at home. Though it is easy to pack a souvenir and bring it back with you, not everything can fit in a 23 kg check-in bag.

That’s what Daniel Wang, a Parsippany High School alum and rising junior at Brown University, realized while returning home from his summer abroad in Berlin as a participant of the prestigious Cultural Vistas Fellowship, a fully funded internship program designed for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in international exchange.
As a mechanical engineering student interested in environmental sustainability, Daniel’s eight weeks in Germany were an eye opener for him. The country’s devotion to sustainability was both surprising and inspiring at the same time.

Finding a Souvenir to Bring Back Home
The experience left Daniel questioning why the U.S. can’t be equally devoted to sustainability, and he began comparing the two countries’ approaches to the problem for insights about what the U.S. could do differently.

One thing he noticed is how much the role of youth involvement could be improved in the U.S. “I look at sustainability as a tool that helps share a possible future and believe that the youth can use education and awareness to play a crucial role in making America more sustainable.”

This belief has a lot to do with his experience interning at the Fields Institute, where Daniel worked on a sustainability education project. His role involved communicating and teaching children about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and developing communications and advocacy material to connect with businesses. These efforts aimed to educate organizations and municipalities about how their locations can be used as sites and field trip locations to create awareness about SDGs.

Daniel also developed learning materials for children to prepare them for these trips and reinforce the lessons later. These experiences strengthened his belief in the benefits of making young people and children more aware, as well as how their efforts can make a difference.

Packing the Message of Sustainability
Being accepted into the Cultural Vistas Fellowship came at a time when Daniel needed it the most. “Before going to Berlin for the internship, I had a blossoming interest in environmental sustainability and was becoming skeptical about pursuing a career purely in engineering. Through the internship at Fields, I learned how to see sustainability from a more human perspective—not just environmental sustainability, but all other things that have something to do with the conditions of life for people.”

This experience also made Daniel realize how important it is to perfect the way we present various ideas to people. While he recalls being taught that turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can help save up to 200 gallons of water per month, he believes that other similar messages should be equally widespread.

“There are narratives that aren’t being told but are equally important. Like, avoiding eating a quarter pounder can help save a month’s worth shower water supply or that every almond sourced from California consumes a gallon of water.”

Daniel believes these are important messages, often distorted or hidden, and must be communicated to make the world a more sustainable place.

While developing an understanding of various aspects of sustainability, Daniel also got an insight into how humans communicate about these issues and what causes them to act. “The internship helped me see sustainability from a human aspect. I saw how everyone can contribute to it, including professionals and conservationists who work on it every day—and children and young people who may be unaware that their efforts matter.”

Having seen the technical and the human approach, he sees great value in combining them. This idea has refueled his passion for engineering and given him a new purpose.
Daniel is now back at Brown continuing to pursue his engineering program while trying to tailor it to focus on sustainability. Though he believes being more educated can help people make the world more sustainable, he also hopes to continue acquiring tangible experiences that remind us to take action.

ShopRite Dietitians Participate in World’s Largest Guacamole Bowl

MORRIS COUNTY — Nearly a dozen registered dietitians from ShopRite supermarkets were in attendance as “avocado ambassadors” during the New York Jets home opener on Sunday, September 8 at MetLife Stadium. Prior to the game, which resulted in a New York Jets loss to the Buffalo Bills 16-17, the dietitians were on hand for the unveiling of what was touted as the “world’s largest guacamole bowl,” held in partnership with Avocados from Peru. ShopRite supplied the avocados in a specially designed refrigerated trailer that transported approximately 9,000 lbs. of avocados to MetLife Stadium for the event.

“A great tailgate party isn’t complete without a bowl of delicious, fresh guacamole,” said Natalie Menza-Crowe, Director of Health and Wellness at ShopRite. “We’re excited to share the healthy benefits of avocados with our customers, and why they are a great choice as a snack or dip for your game day celebrations, or any time.” For more information click here.

The community helps Chmura family

PARSIPPANY — A delicious “Pasta & Meatball Fundraiser” sponsored by Parsippany Fire Districts 5 and 6, Parsippany Elks and Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 was held to benefit the family of Chris Chmura in their time of need.

Many volunteers from Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 gathered and cooked a delicious meal to raise funds for the Chumra family

The event was held at Fire House District 5 Station 2 in Parsippany. Many of the Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 members volunteered to cook, serve and do whatever was necessary to help make this event a success.

Many thanks to local business who donated to the event: ShopRite of Parsippany, Johnny’s Tavern, Encore Catering, Anthony and Sons Bakery, Walgreens and St. Peter’s Church.

Cousins Ryan, Kyle, Joseph with Chris Chmura
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Boonton Candidate Alderman Joe Bock, Assemblywoman BettyLou deCroce and Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.
Joe Bock, Dave Cavaliere, BettyLou DeCroce and Paul Carifi, Jr.
Sons of Italy Joe Jannarone mixing the gravy
Kyle Chmura, CeAnna Chmura, Joe Chmura, William Schievella, Mike Lambert, Dave Cavaliere and Patrick Minutillo
Dave Cavaliere, Joe Serrecchia, and Mayor Michael Soriano
Patrick Calabrese serving William Schievella the delicious food.
Laura Fortgang, Mayor Michael Soriano and William Schievella
Dave Cavaliere, Joe Serrecchia, Patrick Calabrese, Mayor Michael Soriano and William Schievella
Many volunteers from Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 gathered and cooked a delicious meal to raise funds for the Chumra family
Delicious desserts
Dave Cavaliere stuffing his face
Mike Zambito guarding the Pasta

There is no lack of volunteerism and community spirit in Parsippany, and that is something we can certainly be very proud of. The home made sauce was truly exceptional and there were plenty of compliments about the meatballs, sausage and penne pasta.

Earlier this year, Chris Chmura went to the hospital for an issue he was having in his chest and lower back.  After some x rays and bloodwork, the results came back positive for blood clots in his lung, requiring a CT scan.  Through the CT scan they found a mass in the lower lobe of his right lung and another one outside his lung sitting on a lymph node.  Unfortunately, they were found to be malignant and he was diagnosed with lung cancer.

On May 5, Chris went to the hospital for some pain after a terrible couple days at home. They received a horrible blow when they were told the cancer had metastasized to his bones and he was now terminally ill.

Chris was fighting valiantly against bone metastasis. He’s dealt with numerous broken bones, excruciating physical therapy sessions, painful transfers back and forth to palliative radiation therapy, and bedrest. He had pins and screws placed in his humerus just to try to get him some relief from the pain he was in. He’s been unable to walk and is completely dependent on CeAnna and the nurses for everything.

Chris never met a stranger. To the continued amazement of his wife, he made friends everywhere he went. Whether at the kid’s sporting events, at chemotherapy, or at the grocery store, he was a friend to all and would talk long into the night. He was only able to fight as long and as hard as he did, due to the support of his friends and loved ones. They carried him through the last months of his life and he knows they will carry his wife and his children through their lives.

Chris unfortunately recently passed away at the age of 41.

Chmura is survived by his wife, CeAnna; their children Anthony (Onipenco), Brayden and Candace; his parents Lois and Ed Chmura; siblings Heather and Craig Chmura of Roxbury; and countless friends and loved ones.

To donate to their GoFundMe account, click here.

Kiwanis Club welcomes new member: William Schievella

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Karen DeChristopher inducted William Schievella as a new member of the club on Thursday, September 5.

Club President Karen DeChristopher presented Bill with his membership plaque and Sponsoring Member Nicolas Limanov placed the official Kiwanis membership pin on Mr. Schievella.

Sponsoring Member Nicolas Limanov placed the official Kiwanis membership pin on Mr. Schievella

Karen DeChristopher said “We welcome Bill to this global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is the largest Kiwanis Club in the State of New Jersey with 77 members. New members are always welcome. (Click here for more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany). Kiwanis members dedicate more than 6 million volunteer hours and invest more than $100 million in service projects that strengthen communities and serve children every year. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany ensures that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives. They believe that by helping one child, you help the world.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here.

“Teaching Children to Walk and Bike Safely” course

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department and the Parsippany P.A.L. will be hosting a “Teaching Children to Walk and Bike Safely” course at the Parsippany P.A.L. Building on Saturday, September 21, at 9:00 a.m.

The class is FREE of charge and will teach children how to ride their bike with traffic, how to obey traffic signals when walking or riding a bike, how to use hand signals and much more! This class is for all ages five and up!

There is limited seating, click here to register to attend this course!

Petition: Safe Transportation for Parsippany School Children

Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by a reader and is a reprint from Change.org. Click here to see petition.

PARSIPPANY — Decreased school busing in Parsippany has led to increased traffic in and around its schools. It is a safety hazard for children and it is a problematic traffic situation for all drivers. Parsippany is convenient to many major roads, including 46, 80 and 287 and many of its schools are  “conveniently” located, which means they are on feeder roads that residents must use to get to work or other activities during the day.

Parsippany’s School Transportation page lists the last posted evaluation by the “Traffic Safety Committee” dating from February 5, 2007. This study goes way back, as it was the same year “Hey There Delilah” first came on the radio, George W. Bush was President and the original iPhone was introduced personally during a keynote address by Steve Jobs (he passed away eight years).

The Current Policy:  Parsippany’s school district policy is that elementary school kids from kindergarten to 8th grade who live within 2 miles should walk. The policy cites the state rule that high schoolers living up to 2.5 miles away should walk.  This would have a 5-year-old at the geographic limit potentially walking 4 miles roundtrip to school – in NJ, one of the most affluent states, in Parsippany where we are supposed to have “Pride.” At grade three (around 8-years-old) students are permitted to walk home alone with parent approval, leaving them the opportunity to walk alone up to 4 miles per day, to attend our public schools.

The Parsippany School District school has the discretion but chooses to provide the minimum allowable transportation under state law. At a state level, Parsippany’s taxpayers pay nearly 2.5% more than NJ average, but children living in this town can walk 4-5 miles per day in any kind of weather, on routes where hazards are not identified, weighed or explained to parents. Exceptions may be made for children on routes deemed hazardous by the school district’s Transportation Department, however, as that 2007 report “helpfully” provides, “the definition of a key term ‘hazardous’ and what constitutes a hazardous route have remained elusive.”

CONCERNS

Pedestrian Issues:  Sidewalks are crumbling, sometimes non-existent and there is not a bike path anywhere. Increased traffic has changed some roads, such as Vail that used to have a shoulder that pedestrians would walk in that was re-purposed by the town into a shoulder-less, right turning lane onto North Beverwyck. Sidewalks that are not shoveled or de-iced in winter before school (there are some in each neighborhood) result in children walking directly on dangerous roads potentially miles away from home. Crossing guards are out there, but traffic volume reports are not posted showing whether needs have ever been re-evaluated over time.

Climate:  NJ is a state with seasonal changes and school occurs during fall, winter and spring…mainly cool, colder (and, arguably rainier since last year was the rainiest year in NJ recorded history) and warm.  Does our Town have such a lack of funds that children should walk 4-5 miles roundtrip in rain and snow? Would each child have room in his backpack for changes in shoes, socks, potentially pants, an umbrella? Walking a 5K a day to get to school no doubt causes some majorly wet feet, no?

Traffic:  Let’s be real – many “walkers” rely on parent “drivers”  and this policy causes increased traffic, increases the likelihood of fender benders and adds a nice aroma of idling vehicles to our air quality.

Social: Parsippany is a proudly diverse community. Many families in our community have only one driver in the family (who also works full-time) and are forced to walk long distances to get their kids to school. Attending public school today is not supposed to be predicated on your parent driving and having access to a reliable car.

SOLUTIONS

It’s big, it’s yellow…It’s not a banana.

There are ways to get civilized here. There is courtesy busing, which means the town supports the new buses itself. There is subscription busing which a lot of towns in NJ are doing, including our neighbors in Montville who pay $250 to $350 per student for those who live outside the required bus limit, but whose parents chip in for the bus. Parsippany pays for an expensive identification process that basically checks publicly available sex offenders list, so safety-oriented funds exist.

We’re headed into 2020. Should we be blind to the fact that our school transportation policies have us walking around like Pilgrims?

Investors Bank gives grant to Community Hope

PARSIPPANY — Investors Bank Employees Robert Carrington, Vice President Retail District Manager (left) and Dinesh Jani, Assistant Vice President Branch Manager (right) present Carmine V. Deo, Executive Director of Community Hope, Inc. (center) with a grant award in support of the organization’s veterans housing programs serving 1,000 homeless veterans annually.

Community Hope is located at 959 Route 46. For more information click here.

Run On Water 5K to be held in Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, September 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Project Immerse will be hosting a run/walkathon at 5 Sylvan Way.

There is a $15.00 donation fee to enter and all proceeds will go towards The Water Project, an organization providing safe drinking water for communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This event aims to inspire community residents to take a few seconds out of their days to recycle their bottles of water, take slightly shorter showers, and feel empowered about how they can work towards positive change through every thoughtful action.

Click here to register.

Three Sentenced in Connection with Home Invasion Robbery in Victory Gardens

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, and Rockaway Borough Police Chief Conrad Pepperman announce the sentencing of three males in connection with a home invasion robbery that occurred on the evening of October 21, 2018, in Victory Gardens.

On September 6, 2019, Victor Hernandez, 20, with a last known address in Rockaway Borough, and Marlon Martinez, 24, also with a last known address in Rockaway Borough, were both sentenced by the Hon. Robert M. Hanna, J.S.C. to three years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the eighty-five (85) percent parole ineligibility requirements of the No Early Release Act.

On February 11, 2019, both Hernandez and Martinez had entered separate guilty pleas to one (1) count of second degree Conspiracy to Commit Robbery before the Hon. Catherine I. Enright, J.A.D.

Carlos Rodriguez, 22, with a last known address in Victory Gardens, was previously sentenced by Judge Enright on March 29, 2019, to five years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the eighty-five (85) percent parole ineligibility requirements of the No Early Release Act. On February 27, 2019,

Rodriguez entered a guilty plea to one count of first degree Robbery before Judge Enright.
The charges arise from a home invasion robbery that occurred in Victory Gardens on October 21, 2018.

The investigation revealed that the defendants entered a residence through a closed, but unlocked, front door during the evening hours. The residence was occupied by the leaseholder and two guests. During their guilty pleas, Hernandez and Martinez both acknowledged that they were armed with weapons, specifically metal pipes, and that they had agreed with Rodriguez and one another to enter the residence to commit theft. During his guilty plea, Rodriguez acknowledged that he entered the residence with the two other males, both of whom were armed with metal pipes. Rodriguez further acknowledged that he stole a safe and metal chains from the residence while the other males used the metal pipes to threaten the victims.

Prosecutor Knapp acknowledges Assistant Prosecutor Tara Wang, who represented the State in these cases, members of the New Jersey State Police, the Rockaway Borough Police Department, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, who contributed to the successful prosecution of this matter.

Loyola University Maryland Welcomes the Class of 2023

PARSIPPANY —  As first-year students embark on their college experience, Andrew J. Mercado will all take part in Loyola’s living learning program, Messina. The common text for Messina is Heartland, by Sarah Smarsh. Andrew is a 2019 graduate of Parsippany High School.

The book, an eye-opening memoir of working-class poverty in America that “will deepen our understanding of the ways in which class shapes our country.”

Established in 1852, Loyola University Maryland is a Catholic, Jesuit comprehensive university comprising Loyola College, home to the University’s arts and sciences programs; the Sellinger School of Business and Management; and the School of Education.

Loyola enrolls 4,000 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students from across the country.

Lauren Smith of Girl Scout Troop #96229, earns Silver Award

PARSIPPANY — Lauren Smith of Girl Scout Troop #96229, along with her sister Emily of Troop #96713 and her parents John and Colleen, were honored recently at American Legion Post 249 in Lake Hiawatha.

They received a Certificate of Appreciation signed by the Legion commander and adjutant. Lauren, while volunteering to serve at the Post fish & chips dinner, noticed the hall was badly in need of a paint job.

She asked the Legion’s permission to paint the hall as her Girl Scout Silver project, a Girl Scout’s second highest honor. Since the hall is quite large, she did receive assistance from her family members. The hall looks great and all Legion members were very appreciative.

Mayor Soriano issues a Proclamation proclaiming “Constitution Week”

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Mayor Michael Soriano presented a proclamation to “Parsippanong Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution,” at the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, September 3.

Soriano said “This week is “Constitution Week” and we have present with us the daughters of the American revolution. This is an organization that’s been around in the United States since 1890. That’s, it’s 129 years. Currently, they have about 185,000 members in the United States. And there’s 3000 chapters in all 50 states. Prominent living members include congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, former First Lady Eleanor Rosalynn Carter, astronaut Margaret Seddon. The daughters, the American illusion revolution was founded after the Sons of the American revolution voted to exclude women from their membership and the women decided we are important and important to American history as well. And let’s keep in mind one of the founding members was George Washington’s great grandniece as well.”

Taste of Parsippany Area Offers a Flavorful Night Out

PARSIPPANY — A tasteful time will be waiting attendees at the Taste of Parsippany, Hilton Hotel, One Hilton Court, Parsippany. Restaurants, catering companies and other area businesses put their delicacies on display, giving area residents an opportunity to sample a wide variety of cuisines. The event will be held on Monday, September 9 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Parsippany Visitor Center made the event possible.  Major sponsors of the event are Hilton Hotel, Hampton Inn, Parsippany Focus and Wegmans.

“This is about supporting the community, giving exposure to businesses, people learning about restaurants,” said Robert Peluso, President of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce. “Taste of Parsippany is about giving a kickstart to the local economy.”

The idea is that people attend the event, sample edibles from participating restaurants and later become loyal (repeat) customers of their favorite new eateries.

“We estimate over 300 people will attend,” he said.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill said vendor participation shows that many Parsippany business people believe in the power of the American Dream.

Among the edibles being served are Bang Bang Shrimp, Tuna Sashimi from Bonefish Grill, Savory and Sweet Crepes from CrepeTime Catering, Eggplant Rollatini, Chicken Piccata, Sandwiches, Pepperoni breads, Italian cookies and desserts from Parsippany’s Chef and Author Dana Ilic, Kale Tonic Fresh Juice – Kale, Fuji apple, cucumber and lemon from Frist Watch, Chef Matthew from Gourmet Café will cook up his Dijon Salmon, Strawberry Pecan Salad, Prime Rib, and Chocolate Stampede from Longhorn Steakhouse, Gourmet Mac and Cheese Martini’s from Michelle’s Catering. Award Winning Barbeque Sliders from Minuteman Smokehouse, Ruth’s Chris award winning Mashed Potatoes with Tenderloin, ShopRite will be serving Bourbon Braised Brisket with Red/Pancetta Slaw, and Sushi from Wegmans.

Spotlighted eateries and enterprises at Taste of Parsippany Area included  American Vending and Coffee Service, Anthony Franco’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, Applebee’s, Baldwin Pizzeria, Bonefish Grill, Boonton Station 1904, Chick-fil-A, Costco, Crepe Time, Eccola Italian Bistro, First Watch, Ferraro’s Catering, Gourmet Café, Grato Restaurant, i2i Indian Italian Fusion, IHOP, Jeremiah’s Catering and Cooking Studio, Longhorn Steakhouse, Main 233, Michelle’s Catering, Minuteman Smokehouse Barbecue, Parsippany’s Best Pizza, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Scoop House, ShopRite, Spice Grill, Tierney’s Copperhouse, Tito’s Burritos and Wings and Wegmans.

We also will feature many local businesses such as 24 Hour Fitness, Allstate Insurance, America’s Mortgage Lender, Blue Foundry Bank, Certified Financial Services, CKO Kickboxing, Denville Florist, Dream Vacations, Faisal Crafts, Frankie and Kim Jewelry, Fume 46 Cigars, Garden State Chiropractic, Golden Living Guidance, Keller Williams Metropolitan Realty, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, M & T Bank, M.L. Culter, Mary Kay Products, My Ride Worldwide, Neighborhood Urgent Care, Spavia Greater Morristown, Springwood Events and Promotions and Staples!

If attendees visit the display tables, they will have an opportunity to win “Dinner for 8 and a stretch Limo to Bonefish Grill.”

“If you purchase six or more tickets, we will even pick you up in a stretch limo, and bring your home,” said Cahill.

For more information click here or call (973) 402-6400. Presale tickets are $45.00 and $55.00 at the door.

Tri-County Orthopedics welcomes Dr. David Klein to their team

MORRIS COUNTY — David S. Klein, D.O., sports medicine and general orthopedic surgeon, has joined Tri-County Orthopedics. Dr. Klein specializes in sports injuries, arthritis and conditions of the hip, knee and shoulder. He is available to see patients at four of the practice’s offices, including in Cedar Knolls at 197 Ridgedale Avenue, Suite 300; in Bedminster at 1590 Route 206 North, in Sparta at 376 Lafayette Road, Suite 103, Route 15 S.; and in Denville at 109 Route 46 East, Suite 1. Patients in need of sports medicine care are encouraged to call (973) 625-1221 to schedule an appointment.

David S. Klein, D.O.

As a fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon, Dr. Klein’s expertise includes the latest treatments and techniques for all phases of musculoskeletal repair and reconstruction—from fracture care and ligament reconstruction to joint replacement and revision. Dr. Klein offers specialized treatment for a wide range of patients, including athletes with sports-related injuries and older adults whose mobility is limited by severe joint pain from arthritis.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Klein, who joins us with a wealth of knowledge and skill in getting patients back to their healthy, active lifestyles,” says Stephen A. Hunt, M.D., sports medicine surgeon at Tri-County Orthopedics. “He will be an excellent addition to our practice and an asset to our community.”

After earning his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City, Dr. Klein completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City. He served as the academic chief resident his final year of residency before returning to New York to gain further training in orthopedic sports medicine through a year-long fellowship at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital.

Dr. Klein is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, the American Osteopathic Association, the Arthroscopy Association of North America and AOTrauma North America. He has published and lectured extensively at local and national meetings on topics of surgical and nonsurgical treatment in sports medicine, fractures and arthritis.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Klein, please call (973) 625-1221.

For more than 30 years, Tri-County Orthopedics, the most preferred, recognized and awarded orthopedic practice in the region, and its highly trained orthopedic specialists have been committed to providing excellent treatment and care for every bone, joint and muscle in the body to area residents. Through the practice’s six centers of excellence at six locations in Cedar Knolls, Bedminster, Livingston, Sparta, Denville and Bridgewater, Tri-County Orthopedics offers care for the ankle, back, elbow, foot, hand, hip, knee, neck, shoulder, spine and wrist as well as joint replacement and revision, pain management, physical medicine and rehabilitation and sports medicine. Tri-County Orthopedics’ doctors proudly serve as the official orthopedic providers for Drew University, Delbarton School, Roxbury High School, Morristown-Beard School, Morris Hills High School, The Pingry School, Ridge High School, Bernards High School, Morris Catholic High School and Parsippany High School. For more information regarding Tri-County Orthopedics and its specialists, visit www.Tri-CountyOrtho.com, “like” Tri-County Orthopedics on Facebook or follow @TriCounty_Ortho on Twitter.

Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Restricting Sale or Lease of Dental Provider Contracts

PARSIPPANY — Delta Dental of New Jersey, the state’s largest dental benefits provider, has announced passage of legislative bill S2507, which restricts the sale or lease of access to dental provider network contracts, which is sometimes referred to as creating “Silent PPOs.”

“Delta Dental of New Jersey is proud that we directly contract with all our participating dentists and have never leased our network of dentists from another company,” said Dr. Keith Libou, Chief Clinical Officer for Delta Dental of New Jersey and Delta Dental of Connecticut. “Most major dental insurance carriers in New Jersey patch together their network of dentists by “leasing” access to the networks of other companies. This important legislation will minimize confusion for both dentists and patients and ensure that contracts and costs for services are clear, transparent, and fair.”

Network leasing is a practice whereby a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) rents (leases) its dental network from other carriers. As a result, the rented PPO’s in-network dentists are now considered in-network for the PPOs of the carrier that holds the lease agreement. The dentist must unknowingly accept that network’s patients and terms without having agreed to them. The patient does not become aware of this until they submit a claim and receive an Explanation of Benefits and may see higher-than-expected out-of-pocket costs. The practice, while beneficial to carriers, can result in unexpected costs for patients, network instability and confusion, and lost business for dental care providers. The New Jersey Dental Association and the American Dental Association has described this trade practice as unfair and unjust.

A key provision under the new law is that dentists now need to be explicitly informed of network leasing agreements by insurers. This provides dentists with an informed opportunity to refuse to sign a contract – or to opt out of an existing contract – giving them more control over the networks in which they participate. Previously, dentists typically did not have a say in their involvement within a lease arrangement when they contracted with a carrier that leased its networks from another entity.

“We applaud Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce and Assemblyman Joe Danielsen for sponsoring this bill, and Governor Murphy for signing it,” said Jeff Furbish, Chief Sales Officer for Delta Dental of New Jersey and Delta Dental of Connecticut. “This legislation will enhance transparency and peace of mind for countless New Jersey dentists and patients, regardless of their dental carrier.”

Silent PPO legislation has been addressed throughout the country. New Jersey is now the 16th state to regulate or prohibit the practice. Every state has based their legislation on the same set of facts: credentialing standards of the leased dentists, quality issues, and confusion regarding coinsurance and copays.

Delta Dental of New Jersey suggests that policyholders ask their dental insurer if their network of dentists is leased and sold.  

Offering dental benefits since 1969, Delta Dental of New Jersey’s mission is to promote oral health to the greatest number of people by providing accessible dental benefit programs of the highest quality, service, and value. We are a not-for-profit service corporation and, as a member of Delta Dental Plans Association, we’re part of a network that provides national dental coverage to more than 73 million people. For more information click here.