PHS honors two more inductees to Hall of Fame

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School inducted their 2018 Hall of Fame Class on Tuesday, February 13. This year’s induction class consists of two impressive members: Andrew “Andy” Ladas graduated from PHS in 1994 and Michael Yesunas graduated from PHS in 1969.

Andrew “Andy” Ladas graduated from PHS in 1994. A strong student in addition to a being a tough wrestler and an outstanding soccer player, Andy was super-involved while at PHS and was loved by his classmates and teachers for his sense of humor, kindness and competitiveness. He was one of five Ladas children to attend Par High including his twin brother Stephen and his sisters Vanessa, Cindy and Christina (also a Par High Hall of Famer). Andy attended Central Connecticut College with his brother Stephen where they played soccer for four years. After college Andy began his extensive commitment to community service. He is a Board Member of the Parsippany Education Foundation which provides educational grants to Parsippany teachers. In honor of his father, he also awards two scholarships each year (one to each high school) through the Tom Ladas Memorial Scholarship Fund.

A lover of sports, Andy is also a Board Member of the Parsippany Soccer Club where he volunteers as a coach and serves as Treasurer and Co-Director of the Parsippany Pride Soccer Tournament. Andy has also been heavily involved in Christian Youth Programs in the community. He currently runs the middle school youth group for Christ the King Church and opens up his own home twice a month for meetings, fun activities and to plan service projects. Andy has also led three high school mission trips to Cap Haitien, Haiti, delivering supplies and providing meals for the local impoverished families. He even organizes soccer clinics for the children. Andy Ladas is a fine example of the type of person we want to produce at Par High. He is intelligent, kind, hard-working and generous. Andy has devoted his life to helping others and to making a difference. We appreciate all that he has done for the town of Parsippany and for people in need.

Mike Yesunas was a mainstay at Parsippany High School for over 30 years as a student, an athlete, an educator, a coach and a mentor. As a student, Mike excelled in the classroom and on the athletic fields, participating in Football and Track & Field. After graduating from PHS, Mike attended Montclair State University where he majored in Physical Education and Health. Upon his graduation, he returned to his alma mater and started his career as a Health and Physical Education teacher at Par High. As a teacher, Mr. Yesunas was positive, encouraging, organized and caring. He worked hard every day to make sure his students were getting the most out of themselves and developing a life-long love of fitness. Mike served as the Head Football Coach from 1984-1989 after serving as an Assistant Coach for many years prior. He was also an Assistant Coach for Wrestling and a Throwing Coach for Track & Field.

After finishing up his coaching career, Mike served as the Athletic Site Coordinator at PHS where he quickly became a steadying presence in our Athletic Department. From readying fields, to coordinating officials, to organizing equipment, Mike was an asset to administrators, coaches and athletes and served as a great ambassador for Parsippany High School.

Through it all, Mike Yesunas was a devoted and knowledgeable educator who loved working with student-athletes and the PHS community. He was respected and appreciated for his pride in PHS and his tireless work ethic and belief in the community he came from. Mike is a proud Par High Alumni, and we are proud to have him.

The entire list of inductees into the Parsippany High School Hall of Fame include, George P. Johnson, Roy Baker, Ltc. Mark T. Little, Jack Mott, Annette Delaney Ricciuti, George W. Wesner, Garrett E. Reisman, Lisa Codella-Pesci, Robert Martin, Michael Codella, Dolores Femister, Anthony R. Scatton, Jr., Gary Vittorio, Philip Meehan, David Guida, John Karolchyk, Christina Ladas, Doris McManus, Francine “Micky” Walsh, Bruce Biddison, Randy Frankel, Patricia Behnke, James Vigilante, Jack Pruden, Suzanne Rubenstein, Violet Schicke, Colonel Harold F. Gantert, David Shaffer, 1986 Girls’ Softball Team, Harold Feintuch, Victor Labbate M.D., Roy Helmlinger, Ron Foreso, Dragan “Dan” Ilic, Robert Peluso, Michael Pignatelli, Jerry Russo, 1965 Boys Basketball Team, Clarence Curry III, Ann Greiner, Nancy Russo Petryna, Dr. Jon Molinare, 1977 Football Team, Joe Bernabe, LeRoy Williams Collins, Jr., Fei-Fei Li, Robert Sabella, Andrew Landas and Michael Yesunas.

Brooklawn Middle School evacuated on Monday for chemical odors

PARSIPPANY — At approximately 3:20 p.m. on Monday, February 12, members of Parsippany District 5 Fire Department HAZMAT Team were dispatched to assist the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company District 3 and Par-Troy EMS with a chemical odor coming from the main office at Brooklawn Middle School.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5

A “noxious odor” was found coming from the ventilation system around 3:15 p.m., police said. Students and staff had already already evacuated for pick-up by the time first responders arrived.

While en-route, members were updated that the school was being evacuated and a few employees were being evaluated by EMS personnel on scene.

Upon arrival, Chief 5 directed crews of Squad 5 and Engine 51 to meter the building. During the investigation process, members of the Hazmat team identified the issue to be coming from work that had been completed on the roof the same day, and the odor from what was used was coming through. Ventilation was conducted before the building was turned back over to the Board of Education.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade scheduled

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County 2018 St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 10 starting at 12:00 Noon. The parade kicks off at Morristown Town Hall and continues down South Street, straight on Washington Street and turns right on Aton Street and ends in the Morristown High School parking lot. This year, John Murphy is the Grand Marshall.

Murphy was born and raised in Morris County. In his early years, John grew up in a section of Morristown called Little Dublin which is in the shadow of Assumption Church, the parish his family belongs to today. His parents, Michael and Bridget, were both born and raised in Ireland. His father hails from County Kerry and his mother from County Clare. After independently immigrating to the United States as young adults, Mike and Bridie met in New York City and decided upon their marriage to make Morristown their home.

John has received numerous Leadership and Achievement Awards from organizations including the first Alex DeCroce Leadership Award by Governor Christie in 2012.

He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Morris Township with their four children.  John is a Financial Advisor at Private Advisor Group in Morristown.

Woman Found Guilty of Eluding Law Enforcement

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Asha Patterson, 23, Queens Village, New York, was found guilty of one count of Eluding while Creating a Risk of Death or Injury to Any Person, a crime of the second degree, after a jury trial before the Honorable Salem V. Ahto, J.S.C., Retired and Temporarily Assigned on Recall.

On July 12, 2015, members of the New Jersey State Police attempted to pull over the defendant for various motor vehicle infractions on Route 80 Westbound in the area of Parsippany-Troy Hills. Instead of complying with their signals to stop, the defendant led the Troopers on a high-speed chase that ultimately culminated with the defendant being arrested in Roxbury.

On the morning of February 14, 2018, the jury returned a verdict in this matter.  In addition to the verdict of guilty on the charge of Eluding, the jury acquitted the defendant of the charge of fourth degree Obstructing the Administration of Law.  Defendant was remanded to the Morris County Jail and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 29.

Assistant Prosecutor Catherine LaQuaglia represented the State in these proceedings.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the New Jersey State Police for their efforts in this matter.

New Jersey State Police

Morris County Teens Exploring Careers In Law

PARSIPPANY — Six teens from different towns in Morris County attended the first meeting of 2018 for Law Explorer Post 22 on Saturday, February 3.  Guest speaker Carolyn F. O’Connor, Esq. spoke on the environment and culture of a large law firm. Ms. O’Connor is regional managing partner of Wilson Elser, LLP, a national law firm. She is also a member of the firm’s equity committee, equity partnership compensation chairperson, and chairperson of the firm’s women’s initiative program.

Explorer Doug Carter from Parsippany said, “The meeting gave me a very good insight on what being a lawyer actually means. The talented lawyers told us the opportunities there are to be a lawyer. They talked about different fields within law and added several of their own experiences.”

Law Explorer Post 22 is chartered to the Morris County Bar Foundation.  Post advisors Andrew Jacobs, Esq. and Linda Mainenti-Walsh, Esq. lead monthly meetings and invite guest speakers including judges, prosecutors, and attorneys practicing in fields such as criminal, family, environmental, immigration, and intellectual property.

Exploring is Learning for Life’s career education program for young men and women who are 14 to 20 years old.  Exploring’s purpose is to provide experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults.

New members are welcome at any time. For further information please contact Al Thomas, District Executive at (973) 765-9322 ext. 229, al.thomas@scouting.org.

 

Exploring is a worksite-based program of Learning for Life, a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America, for young men and women who are 14 through 20 years old.  Exploring units, called “posts”, usually have a focus on a single career field, such as police, fire/rescue, healthcare, law, aviation, engineering, or the like, and may be sponsored by a government or business entity.

Littleton School collects soup for Parsippany Food Pantry

PARSIPPANY — Littleton School Kiwanis K-Kids held a “Souper Bowl” collection for the Parsippany Food Pantry.

K-Kids Advisor Ms. Carol Tiesi said “Our K-Kids organized a great event, and collected over 600 cans of soup to be donated to the Parsippany Food Pantry.” They made posters and hung them on the walls in the school to spread the word to all the students. Mayor Michael Soriano visited the class and thanked the K-Kids for their hard work.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill presented K-Kids Advisors Mr. Archer and Ms. Tiesi with a Certificate of Appreciation to the Littleton School K-Kids, thanking them for their hard work on the “Souper Bowl” soup can collection.

Students throughout the school dropped off the Soup Cans in Ms. Tiesi’s class and Mr. Acher’s class. Both Ms. Tiesi and Mr. Archer are the Littleton School K-Kids advisors.

The students held up cans of soup they collected during “Souper Bowl”
Mayor Michael Soriano doing a “selfie” with the students. Ms. Tiesi, Principal Michele Hoffman, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill and Mr. Archer
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill presented K-Kids Advisors Mr. Archer and Ms. Tiesi with a Certificate of Appreciation to the Littleton School K-Kids, thanking them for their hard work on the “Souper Bowl” soup can collection. Mayor Michael Soriano looks on.
A sign the K-Kids students made promoting the event

God of adorable looks and personality, it’s Zeus

PARSIPPANY — This seven-year old male Boxer is a big boy fully grown at 75 pounds. He was dumped in the Pine Barrens by his original owner who decided he could no longer care for Zeus. He went days without food or water until he was rescued. After a warm bath and a roof over his head, Zeus plans on never going back to how he lived before. He is an amazing dog who has so much love to give! He does well with other dogs and would do best in a home with kids 10+. He has a mellow disposition but enjoys going on walks to check out the neighborhood! Zeus is a very loyal companion who can’t wait to find his forever home!

If you are interested in adopting this sweet boy, please fill out an application by clicking here. Wise Animal Rescue us a volunteer-based group and want to ensure that all applicants are as serious about the adoption process as we are.

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

W.A.R.’s goal is to find the perfect family dynamic and place our dogs in a loving, safe and permanent home. All of our dogs available for adoption are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on shots and microchipped.

Our adoption process starts with filling an application, home visit, meet and greet and then finalizing with an adoption contract and fee.

Adoption fees range from about $300.00 to $600.00. These fees help defray costs of veterinary and foster care and are tax deductible.

Boiling Springs distributes Valentines to our Veterans

PARSIPPANY — Silvia Cooper, Manager of Boiling Springs Bank, 66 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha shows off the Valentines Day cards made by local students. The cards were on display at the bank for a few weeks so residents can see the creative ability of the students.

Littleton School Kiwanis K-Kids prepared the cards and delivered them to Boiling Springs Bank to put on display before they were given to the Veterans. Kings of Kings Lutheran Pre-School also made cards and posters for the Veterans.

Cooper will distributing the cards to American Legion NJ Post 249 Parsippany and other area posts.

Boiling Springs Manager Silvia Cooper, Kristen McGovern, Courtney Ammeraal and Kimberly Garcia distributing the “Valentines for Vets” to local Veterans
Some of the Valentines Day Cards designed by Littleton School K-Kids
Some of the Valentines Day displays designed by King of Kings Pre-School children
Some of the Valentines Day displays designed by King of Kings Pre-School children

Kitchen Fire in Colonial Heights Apartments

PARSIPPANY —  A morning apartment fire at 300 Parsippany Road, Colonial Heights started in the kitchen. Fire crew arrived at the scene and put out the fire quickly.  There were no injuries.

Parsippany Christian Varsity Girls Basketball finish conference schedule

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Christian varsity girls’ basketball team defeated Trinity Christian 47-15 to finish their conference schedule 14-0 (22-3 overall).  The Parsippany Christian girls’ basketball team is the top seed in the next week’s Metro Christian Athletic Association tournament hosted at Trinity Christian School in Montville.

The Lady Patriots have enjoyed a memorable 2017-2018 season. The girls’ team won their first regular season conference championship in seven years and their third title this season. The Lady Patriots won the PCS Tip Off Classic back in November and then claimed the Garden State Association of Christian Schools tournament championship in early January for the first time in 16 years.  

The Lady Patriots will look to win the conference tournament championship for the first time since the 2010-2011 before heading to Maryland to compete at the Mid-East Region Of Christian Schools tournament in early March.

Afternoon of music performed by the MRB Jazz Project! Concert

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Library presents “Afternoon of music performed by the MRB Jazz Project! Concert,” on Sunday, February 25 starting at 2:00 p.m.

The music will be performed at Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, 449 Halsey Road.

Their repertoire encompasses music that virtually spans the past ninety years of American songwriting.  MRB Jazz Project always weaves a diverse tapestry of music to appeal to a wide variety of musical tastes. The trio is comprised of Michael Pasqua on piano, Bruce Riccitelli on percussion and Gerry Babo on acoustic bass.

For additional information please call (973) 887-5150 ext. 213 or click here.

Knollwood Elementary School to hold Tricky Tray

PARSIPPANY — Knollwood Elementary School will be hosting a Tricky Tray on Thursday, April 26 at the Hanover Manor.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The price is $45.00 per person which includes a sheet of Tier 1 tickets.

Ticket sale information is located there as well as Ticket Bundle pre-orders and table charts.

If you have any questions, please contact knollwood5thgrade@gmail.com.  100% of the proceeds go back to Knollwood School!

Kiwanis Club welcomes new member: Joe Plescia

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany welcomed new member Joe Plescia at a recent meeting.  Club President Frank Cahill presented Mr. Plescia with his membership plaque and Club President-Elect Karen DeChristopher placed the official Kiwanis membership on Joe.

Joe is the Superintendent of Recreation for ‎Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Frank Cahill said “We welcome Mr. Plescia to this global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”

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.

Trespassing in abandoned home in Mt. Tabor

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to a call of a person inside an abandoned home on Morris Avenue at 7:02 p.m. on Sunday, February 4. After arriving on scene Patrol Officers Jeffrey Williams, Arthur Ohlsen, Brian Keck, and Class II Special Officer Paul Christal made contact with Christina Miller, 50, Glen Lyon, PA.

After a brief investigation it was determined that a properly affixed notice of eviction was placed on the house from the Morris County Superior Court. Ms. Miller was charged with defiant trespass.

She was released on her own recognizance pending her court date.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Fight outside Red Roof Inn; Stephen Laverty arrested for Disorderly Conduct

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrol Officers Christopher Dottino and Jesse Hughes were patrolling the parking lot of Red Roof Inn, 855 Route 46, at 3:26 a.m. on Sunday, February 4, when they were advised by a passerby that fight was occurring on the other side of the building.

As they arrived on scene, a male identified as Stephen Laverty, 20, Morris Plains, immediately began to run away from the officers and initially failed to stop when told to do so. Mr. Laverty eventually stopped running and was detained by responding officers. While speaking to Mr. Laverty he began yelling while seated outside of the motel. He also shouted profanities at a passing pedestrian and officers.

He was subsequently arrested for disorderly conduct and transported to police headquarters. He was processed and charged with disorderly conduct.

He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

County College of Morris Offers Online Faculty Speakers Bureau

RANDOLPH — County College of Morris (CCM) offers an easy-to-use online Faculty Speakers Bureau for civic organizations, nonprofits, and other groups looking to find a speaker to inform their audiences.

The service is part of CCM’s mission to deliver exceptional programs to the larger community and to assist individuals in their quest for lifelong learning and professional development.

The bureau features more than 30 full-time CCM faculty members who can speak on a wide range of topics, including alternative fuels, criminal justice and policing, cyber security, fantasy and myth, journalism, meditation, philosophy, public relations, understanding Islam, women in STEM and much more.

Those interested in securing a speaker can visit the online Faculty Speaker Bureau by clicking here to select a topic and contact the appropriate faculty member to arrange for time, location, equipment and any other details related to the desired event.

CDS and Warrant Arrests in Lake Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrol Officer Garza was speaking to Matthew Diana, 25, Orange, who approached him while he was on a traffic stop on Halsey Road (near Summit Road). This incident occurred on Saturday, February 3 at 11:51 a.m.

Mr. Diana thought the vehicle that Officer Garza had pulled over was his car service that he had requested. Patrol Officers Zachary Koch and Gregory Bloete responded to assist Officer Garza. While speaking to Mr. Diana, officers detected the odor of marijuana emanating from him.

After a brief investigation it was determined that he had three active warrants for his arrest. He was placed under arrest and found to be in possession of marijuana. Mr. Diana requested his belongings be turned over to a female who lives in close proximity to where they were currently located. Officers made contact with Jessica Faber, 19, Parsippany, and found that she also had an active warrant for her arrest. She was placed under arrest due to her active warrant.

Both individuals were transported to police headquarters and processed. Ms. Faber was able to post the $250.00 bail on her traffic warrant for failure to appear from Hillside Municipal Court. She was released pending her new court date.

Mr. Diana was charged with Possession of less than 50 grams of Marijuana.

He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date on the Parsippany charge. His custody was transferred to the Clifton Police Department since he could not post the $1000.00 bail for the active warrant from their municipal court.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Two car accident on Parsippany Boulevard sends passenger to hospital

PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, February 10 at 1:30 p.m. Ms. Somasundaram Kavitha was traveling on Parsippany Boulevard and while attempting to turn left in the driveway of Morris Hills Shopping Center, struck a vehicle driven by Mr. Mahendra Patel.

Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad transported Ms. Smita Patel, a passenger, to Morristown Medical Center.

Ms. Somasundaram was driving a 2016 Black Honda CRV, which was eventually towed from the scene by Powdermill Towing.

Ms. Patel was driving a 2005 Red Dodge Durango, which was also towed from the scene by Powdermill Towing.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Robert Apell determined Ms. Somasundaram was at fault and she was issued a summons for careless driving.

The 2005 Dodge Durango was towed from the scene by Powdermill Towing
Pieces of the vehicle on the roadway
Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad transported Mr. Patel to Morristown Medical Center
Pieces of the vehicle on the roadway

Atlantis Sports Clubs and Spa joins Parsippany Chamber

PARSIPPANY — Atlantis Sports Clubs and Spa, located at 199 Smith Road, inside the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel, is one of the newest members to join the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Atlantis Sports Clubs goal is for you to succeed in achieving optimum health and wellness. Whether you are new to fitness, seasoned athlete, want to relax in the sauna and steam rooms, or swim in our salt water pool, Atlantis Sports Clubs will help you reach your goal to for you to succeed in achieving your health and fitness goals. We believe that results are attain a great fitness experience that will restore and enhance your mind and body leaving you feeling refreshed, alive, and ready to meet life’s challenges.

Atlantis is open Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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. PACC promotes a healthy and more prosperous economic climate.

For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here.

PHS Band Boosters held successful “Trivia Night”

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Band Boosters hosted a Family Trivia Night fundraiser on Saturday, February 10 at the Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road.

Teams of eight competed to see who comes out on top with categories that span a broad range of topics. All ages were welcomed. There were a total of 100 questions and team #5 came in first place. Team #5 members were Dave Reagan, Bonnie Reagan, Rebecca Reagan, Sarah Katz, Lonne Katz, Abby Katz and Paula Katz.

The volunteers who planned, organized the event were Ann Berdetta, Bonnie Gessling, Sanjay and Archana Kakirde, Niketa Lad, Peter and Nora Lustig and Tom and Betty Wyka.

Band Parent Betty Wyka was the emcee for the evening.

The following businesses and individuals help make the event successful: Fine Arts Connection, Greg Contaldi, The Gessling Family, The Lee Family, The Lopez Family, The Martucci Family, Jimm Volarich, Longhorn Steakhouse, Doherty Enterprises (Applebee’s of Parsippany), Lake Hiawatha Swim Club, Parsippany Focus, Therapeutic Massage and Training Center, Annabella’s, Delicious and Best, Jersey Mike’s, Kabab Paradise and Taco Bao.

The Parsippany High School Band Boosters would like to thank Mr. Dalakian and Mrs. Neglio for all they do for the music education at Parsippany High School.

The volunteers who organized the event: Ann Berdetta, Bonnie Gessling, Sanjay and Archana Kakirde, Niketa Lad, Peter and Nora Lustig and Tom and Betty Wyka (not all pictured)
The scoreboard. Table #5 was the winner, followed by Table #7
The judges: Peter Lustig and Tom Wyka (standing). Nora Lustig and Archana and Sanjay Kakirde
The wonderful and personable emcee Betty Wyka
The event was well attended with over eighty participants
The winners: Dave Reagan, Bonnie Reagan, Rebecca Reagan, Sarah Katz, Lonne Katz, Abby Katz and Paula Katz