Assembly Candidates’ Clothing Drive Will Help Dozens Of Women Get Back To Work In Style

Frank L. Cahill
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Assembly Candidates’ Clothing Drive Will Help Dozens Of Women Get Back To Work In Style

PARSIPPANY —  On Saturday, May 11, in honor of Mother’s Day, Laura Fortgang and Christine Clarke, Democratic General Assembly candidates for Legislative District 26, hosted a clothing drive for Dress for Success at the IHOP, 792 Route 46, that yielded two car loads of business clothes for women in need.

Donations of new and gently used professional clothes collected will go to help women have appropriate clothing for interviews and the workplace once hired.

Dress for Success is a group that helps low-income and economically disadvantaged women by providing professional clothing, skills development, and networking opportunities to empower women to become independent and achieve success.

“The turnout was fantastic. Some donations even had the tags still on them!” says Laura Fortgang. “This was a win-win. The community could feel good knowing what they no longer needed could be paid forward to help a woman get a fresh start as she enters the workforce.”

“It’s critical to see and uplift all members of our community. I’m proud that Laura and I are running campaigns committed to representing all of our constituents,” says Christine Clarke

The Democratic primary is Tuesday, June 4, and the general election is November 5, with polls open from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Parsippany Education Foundation Hosted Annual Golf Outing

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Education Foundation Hosted Annual Golf Outing

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Education Foundation along with presenting sponsor Doyle Alliance Group Inc. hosted their annual golf outing on May 14 at the Knoll Country Club West. 55 golfers competed for prizes including a 2019 Luxury automobile sponsored by Trend Motors. Funds raised will further the mission of the PEF to enrich the opportunities and experiences of students in the Parsippany-Troy Hills School district.

“We are grateful for the support of our sponsors, volunteers and participants in making this year’s golf outing another success. The group came together, braved the elements and had a lot of fun on the course while contributing to the important mission of the Foundation” said Stella Gizas, Parsippany Education Foundation President.

The Parsippany Educational Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 1996 to enrich the opportunities and experiences of students in the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District. The Foundation has contributed over $350,000 to the district raised through private donors, its annual spring golf outing and events held through the year.  Its Board of Directors consists of volunteers committed to developing a community of learners.  For more information, the Foundation may be reached by clicking here  or pef4kids@aol.com.

Leasing pets banned under bill passed by Assembly

Frank L. Cahill
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Leasing pets banned under bill passed by Assembly

MORRIS COUNTY — Leasing dogs and cats would be banned under a bill sponsored by Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney and approved today by the Assembly. The legislation (A4552/A4385) prohibits pet leasing as a violation of the consumer fraud law.

Pet stores and breeders are pressed to sell puppies while they are young and most attractive to buyers. With the skyrocketing cost of dogs, especially purebreds and designer breeds, some pet dealers have resorted to deceitful leasing contracts to place animals.

“Families looking to bring a pet into the home can easily fall in love with a dog or cat they can’t afford,” said Rooney (R-Bergen). “The breeders sign them up for a payment plan, but usually the offer is too good to be true. Buyers end up signing a lease without understanding the fine print or knowing the total cost.”

When the lease is up, typically in three years, Rooney explained there is still a final payment that must be made before ownership of the pet is transferred.

“You’re not buying a dog, you are renting it,” Rooney said. “The lease can double or triple the cost, and with some dogs going as high as $5,000, it can add up fast. Families can suffer a serious financial hit, and if they miss a payment, the family pet can be repossessed.”

Rooney’s bill establishes a penalty of $10,000 for leasing a dog or cat, and $30,000 each for additional violations.

New Jersey would be the fourth state to prohibit the predatory practice. California, Nevada and New York recently passed bans, and bills have been introduced in several other states.

Bill removing obstacles to land preservation moves to governor’s desk

Frank L. Cahill
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Bill removing obstacles to land preservation moves to governor’s desk

MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation enabling municipalities to preserve land they acquired through tax foreclosures is on awaits Governor Phil Murphy’s review after gaining Assembly approval today.

Sponsored by Assemblymen Parker Space and Hal Wirths, the bill (S1707/A2534) exempts municipalities from community fees on land acquired for open space. It eliminates deed covenants that have blocked the state Department of Environmental Protection’s purchase of three parcels from Sandyston Township for the last four years.

“This bill accomplishes two goals,” said Wirths (R-Sussex). “It encourages land preservation where it makes sense and brings in new revenue to a municipality like Sandyston, which can use the proceeds to hold the line on property taxes. It’s a win-win.”

The township acquired eight acres on Devita Road bordering Stokes State Forest in tax foreclosures. An agreement with DEP was stalled by language in the deeds allowing property owners to form a community and asses fees to maintain its private road and lakes. There are more than a dozen residences and undeveloped lots and one road.

“Unnecessary restrictions are interfering with municipalities trying to sell unwanted parcels of land,” said Space (R-Sussex). “Property taxpayers are on the hook for these properties. This measure promotes open space while protecting the rights of landowners.”

The Senate passed a version of the bill sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho in September.

 

Mayor Michael Soriano Vetoed Ordinance 2019:26

Frank L. Cahill
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Mayor Michael Soriano Vetoed Ordinance 2019:26

PARSIPPANY — Mayor Michael Soriano’s Statement on Veto of Ordinance 2019:26:

“This afternoon, I am returning the first veto of my administration on Ordinance 2019:26.  This ordinance would eliminate checks and balances from the appointment of members of the Knoll Golf Advisory Committee (KGAC).  The passage of this ordinance was immediately preceded by a rejection of this year’s slate of KGAC appointments, and it is my belief that this ordinance was passed solely to prevent new members from serving effectively on the committee.

As a municipal utility, the Knoll Golf Course is an executive operational function, with the members of the KGAC reporting concerns directly to the administration.  For twenty-five years, twelve of the thirteen members of the committee have been appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Township Council; the thirteenth member is a member of the Council appointed solely by the Council.  This allows for a check-and-balance between the two branches of government on oversight of the golf utility.  This ordinance would mandate that seven (7) members would be appointed solely by the Council and six (6) members would be appointed solely by the Mayor, giving unimpeded control of the committee’s majority to the Council.

In considering appointments to the KGAC, I have made it a priority to introduce new members in order to broaden the makeup of citizen representatives in Township government.   Eliminating checks and balances from the appointment process would impede these efforts to make citizen involvement in our Township more inclusive.

The current method for appointment to the KGAC has operated without opposition for over twenty years.  I believe the sole justification for this change in appointment procedure is a short-term desire by the Council majority to keep the committee’s membership from evolving.  Membership of the KGAC must be available to new blood as well as existing members.  That is why my initial appointment list, which was rejected immediately prior to the drafting of this ordinance, included both current and new appointments.

I am open to further discussions on altering the appointment process to the KGAC, but only under conditions of good faith.  I am not open to any ordinance designed to purposefully exclude well-qualified appointees due to lack of political ties to members of Council.  Indeed, if the Council had shown the same vigor for public safety as they have for golf, they may not have cut two EMT positions from the township’s workforce.

Accordingly, I have elected to veto Ordinance 2019:26.

Mayor Michael Soriano

 

TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS
LEGAL NOTICE TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS
MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES

NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the following Ordinance was submitted in writing at a Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, held on April 16, 2019 introduced and passed on first reading and the governing body will further consider the same for second reading and final passage thereof at a Meeting to be held on May 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m., prevailing time, or as soon thereafter as the matter may be reached, at the Municipal Building in said Township at which time and place a Public Hearing will be held thereon by the governing body, and all persons and citizens in interest shall have an opportunity to be heard concerning same. A copy of this ordinance has been posted on the Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building. During the week prior to and up to and including the date of such meeting, copies of said Ordinance will be made available at the Clerk’s Office in said Municipal Building to the members of the general public who shall request the same.

KHALED MADIN
Township Clerk

TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
ORDINANCE NO. 2019:26 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF
THE TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS, MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
AMENDING CHAPTER 4, ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT, OF THE CODE OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS

WHEREAS, the Township finds that it is in the best interests of the Township to revise the appointment provisions for the Knoll Country Club Golf Advisory Committee in order to improve the functionality of the Knoll Country Club Golf Advisory Committee of the Township. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, NEW JERSEY AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 4, ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT, §4-38, Subsection B(10), Golf Advisory Committee, of the code of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, is hereby amended as follows (additions are underlined and in bold typeface, and deletions are crossed out): B(10). Golf Advisory Committee. There shall be a Knoll Country Club Golf Advisory Committee whose function shall be to provide independent advice to the Knoll Country Club Utility as to how to maximize the benefit of the Knoll Country Club to the citizens of the Township. The Golf Advisory Committee shall consist of 13 members who shall each serve for a term of three years without remuneration. One such member shall be a member of the Township Council and shall be appointed by the Council; of the other remaining 12 members, who shall hold no other Township office, 6 shall be appointed by the Council and 6 shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council.

SECTION 2. If any section, paragraph, subsection, clause or provision of this Ordinance shall be declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of this Ordinance as a whole or any part thereof.

SECTION 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills heretofore adopted that are inconsistent with any of the terms and provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.

SECTION 4. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its final passage, approval and publication as provided by law.

Meet Lola, a seven-year old Bulldog/Beagle mix

Frank L. Cahill
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Meet Lola, a seven-year old Bulldog/Beagle mix

PARSIPPANY — Meet Lola, a seven-year-old Bulldog/Beagle mix! This sweet, happy girl cannot wait to become your best friend!

Lola is a potty-trained, friendly, outgoing girl who needs a forever home! Some of her favorite activities include playing with toys, snuggling with her foster dads, and running around in the backyard. She is well-trained and will even tell you when she has to go out by tapping the door! Lola’s a smart girl!

While she is an adult dog, she still has a lot of fun left in her. Lola really loves toys but is a good mix of lazy too as she also enjoys watching a movie on the couch. Lola has not lived with a dog in the past but may be able to. A meet and greet is required.

Let Lola snort her way into your heart.

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

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

Parsippany Hills High School Softball Record Set By Jaclyn Carifi

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Hills High School Softball Record Set By Jaclyn Carifi

PARSIPPANY — Jaclyn Carifi of the Parsippany Hills Vikings girls softball team set the school’s varsity base hit record on Tuesday, May 21.

Carifi recorded her 150th varsity hit against Morris Catholic High School. Photo by Chris Chambers

Carifi recorded her 150th varsity hit against Morris Catholic High School with a single up the middle of the infield.

After the base hit, the softball was removed from the game and was presented to the coach. Carifi finished the season without one strikeout and had 11 Doubles, 5 Triples, 1 Home Run and 18 Stolen Bases. She finished this year with a .602 Batting average. Parsippany Hills won the game 6-0.

Carifi a senior, who will be playing softball for TCNJ next year had this to say when asked about her accomplishment.  “Setting the school record is an amazing feeling and I am so proud.  I couldn’t have done it without the support of my teammates. It all comes down to hard work and preparation in the off season and staying after practice in season. This gave me the opportunity to have a great senior season and reach this milestone”,

Ironically, Jaclyn’s brother (Justin who graduated in 2017) currently holds the school’s record in wrestling for most varsity wins (118).  Jaclyn has now left her own legacy behind with her own school record with a total of 151 hits.

PACC Member of the Month: Patricia Harrity, East Hanover Costco

Frank L. Cahill
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PACC Member of the Month: Patricia Harrity, East Hanover Costco

PARSIPPANY — Every month, the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce honors one of its own by selecting a Member of the Month. Members are selected for a variety of reasons. Some are businesses celebrating special anniversaries. Others are honored for long-time service to the community or their great charitable work. And still others are simply deserving of special recognition for being an active member of our ever-growing Chamber family. If you or someone you know is a prime candidate for Parsippany Area Chamber Member of the Month, please fill out a nomination form by clicking here, or contact Board Member Alan S. Golub, Esq. via e-mail at agolub@feinsuch.com.

PACC Member of the Month – May 2019

East Hanover COSTCO (Warehouse 244)
156 State Route 10 West
East Hanover, NJ
Chamber Contact: Patricia Harrity
(973) 560-4140

The East Hanover COSTCO Warehouse has been proudly serving our local community since its grand opening in October, 1997. And what was once primarily known as one of the first and best “bulk item” retail stores where you could find tremendous savings on household goods, foods, and electronics, has grown far beyond that into an all-purpose provider of a wide variety of goods and services, some of which may surprise you! For example, these days COSTCO houses its own pharmacy and tire service center, offers a unique haggle-free auto buying program, sponsors a dedicated COSTCO travel program that offers discounts on all phases of travel (vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, hotels), and even boasts a sophisticated COSTCO insurance program that offers life, home, and auto insurance to its members.

Even with today’s expanded services at numerous locations across the country, COSTCO remains dedicated to the folks who live and work in the local community. According to Patricia Harrity, who handles marketing and public relations for the East Hanover COSTCO, “It is so important for us to always be aware of, and supportive of, the community around us – otherwise folks see us as just another big box store, and that’s not who we are.” To that end, Patricia says that Warehouse 244 is very much involved in supporting local community events in a variety of ways – from frequent donations to the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, to participating in local events such as the Whippany Fire Co. 5K Run/Walk (May 5) and the Kiwanis Club of Parsippany’s Touch-A-Truck Event (June 15), COSTCO is very much involved through sponsorships, donations, and employee attendance at local events all year round.

Of course, COSTCO’s biggest community support effort is its annual fundraising drive on behalf of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Since 1988, COSTCO has raised over $345 Million on behalf of CMN Hospitals, including over $845,00 just last year alone. This year, COSTCO once again kicks off its annual fundraising drive beginning on May 1st and lasting the entire month of May. COSTCO believes in helping its favorite charity $1 at a time, which is how the bulk of its successful fundraising campaign usually works. For the entire month of May, cashiers at all COSTCO warehouses will be asking customers at checkout if they’d like to make a $1 donation to CMN Hospitals. There is no pressure to donate, only a gentle ask and a hearty thank you for every dollar given. There are also sponsorship opportunities for those interested in participating at a higher level. This year, COSTCO is offering a GIANT Balloon (47”x32”) Sponsorship – for a $250 sponsorship donation, you or your company’s name will be printed on the side of a giant balloon that will hang in the warehouse near the registers for the entire month of May! Interested parties can contact Patricia Harrity via the contact information provided above.

For its long-standing commitment to our local business and residential communities, its welcome return to our Chamber after a few years away, and to provide a friendly Chamber “bump” for its May fundraising drive, East Hanover COSTCO is our May 2019 PACC Member of the Month!

Member of the Month’s Q&A of the Month
Provided by Patricia Harrity, East Hanover COSTCO

Q: What was the greatest piece of marketing or networking advice you ever got?

A: Always stay positive and be out in the community. Face-to-face interaction is essential to building useful and meaningful business connections that really work.

Sheriff’s Officers and Explorers Post 140 Members Honor Veterans by Placing Flags on Their Graves

Frank L. Cahill
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Sheriff’s Officers and Explorers Post 140 Members Honor Veterans by Placing Flags on Their Graves

EAST HANOVER — Morris County Sheriff’s Officers from the Bureaus of Corrections and Law Enforcement – along with some of their children and members of Explorers Post 140 – paid their respects on May 18 to servicemen and women by placing American flags on hundreds of graves at Restland Memorial Park in East Hanover.

Paige Lohmus, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections Corporal Pete Lohmus, Sheriff’s Office K-9 Section Detective Sergeant Aaron Tomasini and Bureau of Law Enforcement Corporal Brian Ahern prepare to place flags at the graves of veterans at Restland Memorial Park in East Hanover on May 18, 2019.

The pre-Memorial Day tribute was on behalf of American Legion Post 421 in East Hanover, whose Commander, Herman Marmon, a retired Lieutenant Colonel who completed three tours in Vietnam, greeted the group and supplied the flags.

Members of Explorers Post 140 – paid their respects on May 18 to servicemen and women by placing American flags on hundreds of graves at Restland Memorial Park in East Hanover.

Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Bureau of Corrections Undersheriff Alan J. Robinson and Morris County Correctional Facility Warden Chris Klein were part of the group that spent hours at the sprawling cemetery where veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and even the Spanish-American War, are buried.

Morris County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Post 140 Member Andrew Garcia places a flag on the grave of a veteran at Restland Memorial Park

“When you place those flags, keep in your memory those people who have gone before us and made this country the beautiful one that it is. Thank you and God bless,” Sheriff Gannon told the group before they set out across the lawn with their flags.

Morris County Correctional Facility Warden Chris Klein and his son, Chris, participated May 18, 2019, in placing flags on the graves of veterans at Restland Memorial Park in East Hanover.

Bureau of Corrections Officer Dave Wasilewski participated in placing the flags with his son Cross, a student at the Delbarton School. Officer Wasilewski said he brings his mother every Father’s Day to a cemetery in Lodi, where they place flowers on the graves of his grandfather, a World War II U.S. Army veteran, and his great-grandfather, a veteran of World War I.

Morris County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Post 140 members Jeffrey Brodhecker and Andrew Garcia, along with Andrew’s father, U.S. Navy veteran Rick Garcia, volunteered for the activity.

Between placing flags, Bureau of Corrections Lt. Michael Schweizer had the chance to visit the grave of his grandmother, who is buried near the chapel at Restland Memorial Park.

Morris County Sheriff’s Officers from the Bureaus of Corrections paid their respects on May 18 to servicemen and women by placing American flags on hundreds of graves at Restland Memorial Park in East Hanover.

Sheriff Gannon endorses Freeholders Cabana, Mastrangelo & DeFillippo

Frank L. Cahill
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Sheriff Gannon endorses Freeholders Cabana, Mastrangelo & DeFillippo

MORRIS COUNTY — Republican Freeholders and proven conservatives Doug Cabana, Tom Mastrangelo and Kathy DeFillippo received the official endorsement from Morris County Sheriff James Gannon. The Sheriff joined other Republican elected officials across Morris County who announced their support of Cabana, Mastrangelo and DeFillippo. That brings the total endorsement count to over 168 Republican elected officials, county-wide including four Senators, nine Assembly members.

“Morris County needs leaders who understand the value of a dollar and what it takes to balance budgets, leaders who will bring a commonsense conservative approach to our county’s government,” said Morris County Sheriff James Gannon. “Doug, Tom and Kathy’s proven record of protecting Morris County taxpayers, by passing responsible budgets including three straight years of no tax increases and reducing debt by over $55 million, demonstrates their strong commitment to taxpayers while at the same time providing to my Office of the Sheriff the necessary funding and support to fight the war on the opioid epidemic. Doug, Tom and Kathy are great friends who are well-respected by Republicans throughout Morris County, and I am excited to run for re-election with them and look forward to supporting them on Tuesday, June 4.”

Cabana said “It’s an honor to earn the support of Sheriff Gannon, a strong and effective Morris County leader.” I truly appreciate the Sheriff’s support and look forward to campaigning with him said Kathy DeFillippo. Tom Mastrangelo said “I am humbled to have Sheriff’s Gannon’s support and endorsing our leadership and great accomplishments for the people of Morris County. Sheriff Gannon, Cabana, Mastrangelo and DeFillippo will be running together as a team including Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carrol for Surrogate, Betty Lou DeCroce for Assembly (D-26) and Anthony Bucco for Assembly (D-25).

 

Letter to the editor: Vote for the Future of Morris Team

Frank L. Cahill
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Dear Editor,

On Tuesday, June 4 Republican Voters have a critical decision to make.  Do we want to continue to support the incumbents  who raise our taxes and support special interests who finance their campaigns or do we want candidates who will do what is right for the citizens of Parsippany and the County. Well I think most of us our tired of giving money to special interests which is why I am supporting The Future of Morris Team. Don Dinsmore, Will Felegi, and Cathy Winterfield for Morris County Freeholders.

The future of Morris Team will represent the people of Morris County. They will keep our taxes in line, maintain services, improve oversight which will lead to stimulating the economy. They will also do what is right for the Township of Parsippany.

For too long our Township has been ignored by the current Freeholder administration.

We provide more tax dollars to the county than any of the other municipalities and we are getting very little back in return.  Please join me on Tuesday, June 4 to support the ticket of Donald Dinsmore, Will Felegi and Cathy Winterfield.

Eric Densmore

Relay for Life of Morris County raises $70,204.32

Frank L. Cahill
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Relay for Life of Morris County raises $70,204.32

PARSIPPANY — The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled all types of cancer, remember our loved ones lost, and take action to help find a cure…and these events won’t stop until we finish the fight against cancer once and for all!

The 2019 American Cancer Society Relay for Life Morris County took place on Saturday, May 18, at the Parsippany Hills High School.

At the time of this article, Saving The World One Cure At A Time was the top team raising $8,025.08; Karen DeChristopher was the top individual, raising $6,756.00 and Western Pest was the top company raising $7,981.00, raising a total of $70,204.32. Their goal is $90,000.00. It’s not too late to donate. Click here to make your donation to the Relay For Life Morris County.

Sean Ries, Hannah Cerullo, and Emma Wyman

This year’s event was dedicated to Sean Ries, Hannah Cerullo, and Emma Wyman.  All three of these superheroes have battled a form of pediatric cancer and are our inspirations for this year’s Relay For Life event!  A portion of proceeds from this year’s event is being directly fed into pediatric cancer research.

The Relay For Life is a community event where teams and individuals come together to honor, celebrate, and raise funds and awareness in an effort to free the world from the pain and suffering of cancer. There are three points to every Relay for Life Event, Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back. The celebration portion includes a special dinner for any cancer Survivor and their Caregiver. The remembrance portion includes a moving Luminaria Ceremony in which friends and loved-ones lost to cancer are remembered.  The entire event is a way of fighting back against cancer by raising the much needed funds.  93% of the money raised will help the American Cancer Society provide free information and support for people facing the disease today, and fund continuous cancer research that will help protect future generations from all types of cancer.

The Luminaria Ceremony occurs at every Relay For Life event. As the sun sets, luminaria lining the track light up the night. A hush falls over the crowd that had been overflowing with celebration. Relay For Life participants, survivors, and caregivers then gather to remember loved ones lost to cancer and to honor those whose fight continues.

Karen DeChristopher explained “The Empty Table.”  She said “We call your attention to the small table that occupies a place of dignity and honor. It is set for one, symbolizing the fact that some of our loved ones are missing from this gathering. They have been diagnosed with cancer, and they are some of the names and faces behind luminaries.

The chair is empty. Many of those who fought the battle with cancer are no longer with us, but rather than mourning their loss, we choose to celebrate their life.

These people are unable to be with their loved ones and families now, so let us join together to recognize and honor them, and to bear witness to their struggle and their memory.

The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of a single patient, sometimes alone in the fight against his or her disease.

The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the medical profession: doctors, nurses, and researchers who help fight the battle for life.

The single rose in the vase signifies the enduring love of their families and friends and the strength of a patients’ will to fight the disease that ultimately claimed many of them.

The pink ribbon on the vase represents the ribbons worn on the lapels of millions who support a continued search for a cure not only for breast cancer, but for other cancers as well — cancers that are expected to kill over half a million people in the United States this year.

A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of the bitter battle against a deadly disease, a battle fought by more than 1.3 million new patients each year.

The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless tears of personal anguish shed by the patient and those shed by family members and friends who have lost a loved one.

The glass is inverted in memory of those people who are not here to join our celebration of successes.

But, the lantern represents the light of hope that lives in the hearts of all of us — hope represented by cancer survivors and the hope for a cure discovered as a result of the detailed work of the medical profession made able through funds generated through events such as Relay For Life.”

It’s not too late to donate. Click here to make your donation to the Relay For Life Central Morris team.

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce to host “Business Networking Soiree”

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce to host “Business Networking Soiree”

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a “Business Networking Soirée” on Wednesday, May 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Mountain Lakes Club, 16 Lake Road, Mountain Lakes.

Among the businesses featuring their products and services will be Staples, ADP, Tito’s Burritos & Wings, Kiwanis International and Mary Kay products.

The Wellness Gala will be offering complimentary “mini sessions” with experts in the fields of Health, Beauty & Wellness. Experience unlimited sessions to reduce stress, massage, reiki, executive and life coaching, Bemer, intuitive readings and more!

The event is free and open to the general public, but registration is required. Click here to register.

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce just released it newest “Guide to Greater Parsippany Area Businesses, Residents and Visitors. Copies of the directories are available in PACC’s visitor brochure racks located at Applebee’s Grill and Bar, Parsippany; IHOP, Parsippany; IHOP, Boonton and Boonton Station 1904. Copies are also available at Parsippany Municipal Building, Parsippany Community Center, Parsippany Police Station, Parsippany Libraries and Foodtown, North Beverwyck Road. You can view a digital copy by clicking here.

PACC is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents, and volunteers that provides education, information, and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area. We work 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. We promote a healthy and more prosperous economic climate.

For more information contact Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member, at (973) 402-6400, or visit www.parsippanychamber.org.

Girl Scouts place flags on graves in Vail Memorial Cemetery

Frank L. Cahill
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Girl Scouts place flags on graves in Vail Memorial Cemetery

PARSIPPANY — Ever wonder how the flags get into the cemetery just before Memorial Day? The Girl Scouts were out placing flags on graves in Vail Memorial Cemetery.

The girls even took a picture of the map of the graves in Vail Memorial Cemetery and now can find their graves of the fallen buried there on their phone.

The Vail Memorial Cemetery is located at the corner of Route 46 and Vail Road.

The Vail Memorial Cemetery at Parsippany Presbyterian Church is a historic cemetery dating nearly 300 years. Including graves of veterans from nearly every major war the United States has been a part of, Vail Cemetery has a long history of celebrating our heroes. Predating the American Revolution, the site is a favorite of genealogists and historians.

The Cemetery is currently still in active use.

Click here to view the headstones of the graves.

“Click It or Ticket” campaign in effect

Frank L. Cahill
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“Click It or Ticket” campaign in effect

PARSIPPANY — Law enforcement officers from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department will join with police from around the country in cracking down on unbuckled motorists and passengers as part of the national “Click it or Ticket” campaign.

Beginning Monday, May 20 and running through Sunday, June 2, the annual “Click It or Ticket” national mobilization utilizes high visibility seat belt checkpoints and saturation patrols, in combination with local and national publicity efforts, to reiterate the life-saving value of seat belts.

During the 2018 “Click it or Ticket” campaign, 357 New Jersey police agencies participated in the two-week initiative. As a result of the effort, law enforcement officers issued 19,659 seat belt citations, 4,437 speeding summonses and made 661 impaired driving arrests.

Why Buckle Up?
-Studies show seat belts do save lives and reduce injuries during crashes.
-Seat belts work with air bags to protect occupants. Air bags alone are not enough to safeguard occupants.
-In New Jersey, an average of 131 unrestrained motor vehicle drivers and passengers are killed in crashes each year.
-Seat belts saved almost 15,000 lives during 2017 in the United States.
-Seat belt use in 2017 reached 89.6 percent, a significant increase from 84 percent in 2011 in the United States.
-In 2017, 37,133 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States. Forty-seven percent were unrestrained at the time of the crash
-More than 1,500 unbuckled motor vehicle occupants died on New Jersey’s roadways in the past 10 years.
-NHTSA has estimated that child safety seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants (younger than 1 year old) and by 54 percent for toddlers (ages 1 to 4 years) in passenger cars.

Letter to editor: Response to Board of Ed Negotiations Team

Frank L. Cahill
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parsippany focus Dear Editor,

Having just read the statement by the Board of Education Negotiations Team, I feel compelled as a parent to respond.  My letter is not to take a stance as to what the final outcome should be but rather about the tone of this statement.

To describe requests by the teachers or union as “irresponsible” and to characterize teachers’ behavior as using our children as “pawns” is not acceptable.  How does such language pave the way for smooth and civil negotiations?  This language also seems to be encouraging a rift between parents and teachers, which could only harm our children, who are in need of us building a strong school community and working alliances.

I have no doubt that Board members are losing time with family as a result of these meetings;  teachers are, too.  Nobody is winning.  Negotiations require both sides to abandon the concept of “winning”.  It’s time to model what we expect of our children via compromise and language that avoids defensiveness and further division.

I do not envy any parties involved their task of negotiating the complex issues involved in these negotiations.  I also appreciate the time and energy volunteers put into bettering our community.  I sincerely hope that the next statement we receive is one announcing successful compromise.

Christina Liparini

2017 Nissan Rogue stolen from Fairview Place

Frank L. Cahill
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2017 Nissan Rogue stolen from Fairview Place

PARSIPPANY — On Friday, May 17, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrol Officer D. DeMuro responded to a residence on Fairview Place for a reported motor vehicle theft. Upon his arrival, he spoke to the victim who advised him that between 3:30 a.m. and 7:51 a.m., an unknown suspect stole their 2017 Nissan Rogue.

The victim believed that the keys were left in it, along with two wallets.

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

Hanover Police arrest Parsippany resident on active warrant

Frank L. Cahill
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Hanover Police arrest Parsippany resident on active warrant

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township Police Officer Josh Williams arrested Mr. Matthew Ollerenshaw, 33, Parsippany, for active warrants, on Saturday, May 11.

Mr. Ollerenshaw was originally stopped for a motor vehicle violation when the warrant was discovered.

Mr. Ollerenshaw was able to post bail and was released.

Letter to Parsippany Parents and Community Members

Press Release
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Letter to Parsippany Parents and Community Members

PARSIPPANY — As members of the Parsippany Board of Education’s PTHEA negotiations team, we would like to take the opportunity to tell you – we hear you.

We are neighbors, parents, and volunteers in this community. We have children and grandchildren in Parsippany elementary, middle, and high schools. Our children hear what the teachers are saying about negotiations and have been affected as much by the teachers’ job actions as your families have.

We were elected to represent all students, all staff, and all community members while also ensuring that the District is operated in a fiscally responsible manner – not just this year, not just next year, but for many years to come. As part of the negotiations team we are conducting ourselves with those obligations in mind. We listen to teachers tell us the misinformation that is being relayed to them by their negotiations team. The PTHEA team has accused the Board/Administration for months of delaying a contract. It simply isn’t true. The PTHEA’s team has come to these negotiations sessions unprepared – using incorrect information and not accepting it was incorrect until it was confirmed to them by the mediator and their NJEA representative. They’ve arrived at mediations without proposals to discuss causing the Board’s team to sit for hours while missing our children’s and grandchildren’s functions.

The PTHEA has made it clear that they expect the Board to bring their net pay back to where it was before they started contributing for their healthcare. This is fiscally impossible and an irresponsible request. While the Board has offered significant relief from Chapter 78 contributions, it cannot return to a no-cost contribution toward health insurance premiums. The Board has offered a cap on the percentage contribution which is lower than what many of our most senior staff pay. The Board cannot again cut programs, services, and staff in remedying a cost imposed by the State – not the District. Net pay is not controlled by the Board or the District; it is controlled at the individual level, and the Board proposals give each employee options that can increase their net pay. Our negotiations team has given the PTHEA proposals that would:

● Provide salary raises consistent with the County average
● Increase health insurance options – with only employee voluntary changes
● Cap teacher health insurance contribution rates lower than is currently being paid by the majority of our teaching staff

Each of these items increases the annual cost to the District, so we have proposed a $5 prescription co-pay increase to help offset some of this cost. Even that concession has been rebuffed. The PTHEA’s proposals increase District expenses well in excess of the taxes raised, which means that other district expenses, programs, and services must be cut. We are very disappointed that the teachers have chosen to use the students as pawns in negotiations. While we personally support and respect the teachers in our District, refusing to support student’s activities as a stand for a “better” contract is simply wrong. The community, parents, and students have to come to expect and should continue to expect that the excellent education our children receive is not dependent upon whether their teachers are content with the status of negotiations. Negotiations are procedurally very complex and require both parties to work towards finding common ground.

The Board will not sacrifice students’ education or the present or future fiscal security of our District. Notwithstanding any disagreement about the process, we continue to be optimistic about reaching a contract that will be fair and reasonable to all parties.

Additional details of our offer and history of the negotiations can be found on the District website, by clicking here.

Alison Cogan – Chair, George Blair, Joseph Cistaro, Susy Golderer
Board of Education Negotiation Team

Mayor Soriano’s Puddingstone Area Town Hall 

Frank L. Cahill
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Mayor Soriano’s Puddingstone Area Town Hall 

PARSIPPANY — Join Mayor Soriano as he continues his Parsippany Town Hall series for the Glenmont, Skyview, and Puddingstone neighborhoods on Monday, June 17.

Doors to the Puddingstone Community Center will open at 6:30 p.m. and the Mayor and his panel will begin at 7:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please call the Mayor’s Action Center at (973) 263-4262.

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