Two PHS Class of ’14 Graduates Inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Frank L. Cahill
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Two PHS Class of ’14 Graduates Inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
Kathleen Zarro

PARSIPPANY — Two Parsippany High graduates were recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society.

Kathleen Zarro and Jasmine Jean, graduates of Class of 2014, were initiated at The College of New Jersey.

These residents are among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter.

Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is “To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.”

More About Phi Kappa Phi

Since its founding, 1.5 million members have been initiated into Phi Kappa Phi. Some of the organization’s notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist David Baldacci and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley. The Society has awarded approximately $15 million since the inception of its awards program in 1932. Today, $1.4 million is awarded each biennium to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, member and chapter awards, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. For more information, visit www.phikappaphi.org.

Local Students Named to Dean’s List at Loyola University Maryland

Frank L. Cahill
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Local Students Named to Dean’s List at Loyola University Maryland

PARSIPPANY — Loyola University Maryland has announced the members of its fall 2016 Dean’s List. In order to qualify for the Dean’s List at Loyola, a student must achieve a minimum QPA of at least 3.500 for the term, provided that, in the term they have successfully completed courses totaling a minimum of 15 credits.

Nelson Gonzalez, Graduated Brooklawn Middle School Class of 2010, and  St. Peter’s Preparatory School, Class of 2014.  He is a member of the class of 2018.

John Mucciolo, Graduated Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2014 and is a member of the class of 2018 at Loyola University Maryland.

Andrew Rodrigues, a 2013 Graduate of Parsippany High School, and class of 2017 Loyola University.

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.

Parsippany High School Class of 1972 to celebrate 45th Reunion

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany High School Class of 1972 to celebrate 45th Reunion

PARSIPPANY — The 1972 graduating class from Parsippany High School will be gathering for its 45th Reunion, on September 15 and 16. The two day event has been planned appealing to classmates still in the area and to entice those who travel long distances. A few classmates will be traveling from Sweden and Thailand.

Reunion activities for this gala event will include a Friday afternoon picnic, Friday night Red Hawk football game, a Saturday tour of the High School and be topped by a lively evening event at The Hanover Manor filled with period music and a multimedia presentation.

As part of the planning group, Roland Lauther has located a majority of the graduates but would like assistance locating the few remaining missing classmates. Please review the below names and if you have any current contact information, an old address, college attended, names of siblings or spouse, or married name for any of the women, please email Roland at phs72alumni@gmail.com or find him at facebook.

Assistance is requested to locate the following classmates from PHS 1972:

Michael Bassing, Nicole Beaudoin Denee, Laura Bizub, Nancy Bollick Hope, John Boutilette, Dennis Cornish, Carmen D’intino, Jeffrey Greene, Joy Hendricks, Steve Herman, Sol Matza, Joe Roszkowski, Nancy Voulgaris Newpher, Patricia Brady Devone, Edward Daly, Gary Giordano, Stephanie Jordon, Jeff Jusko, Joanne Garde Dressel.

Join The Y for The Summer and Enjoy all Full Privilege Benefits

Frank L. Cahill
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Join The Y for The Summer and Enjoy all Full Privilege Benefits

MOUNTAIN LAKES — If you’re looking for family fun near home this summer, take out a Summer membership at the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA and get everything the Y has to offer for you and the whole family! Includes everything you want in a health and fitness facility – a 6-lane indoor pool, regulation-size gymnasium, a Health and Fitness Training Center, Group Fitness Classes, Swim Lessons, Nutritional Counseling, Personal Training and much more.

Summer memberships are available beginning May 1 and are valid for four months from date of purchase through September 30, 2017.

For more information and rates, stop by or call the Y at (973) 334-2820, or visit: www.lakelandhillsymca.com

Czar Alexei Sepe to attend Boston College

Frank L. Cahill
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Czar Alexei Sepe to attend Boston College
Czar Alexei -Sepe

PARSIPPANY — Boston College is elated to welcome Czar Alexei Sepe, Lake Parsippany, to Boston College in the Fall 2017 semester. 

Czar Alexei Sepe is a senior at Parsippany Hills High School, and he plans to major in political science in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences at The Heights. His parents, Caesar and Lara Sepe, are proud of their son’s great accomplishment. 

Czar Alexei is ecstatic to be a part of a long tradition of excellence dating back to its founding in 1863, amplified in Boston College’s motto “Ever to Excel.”

Boston College is an internationally respected research university and a center of academic excellence. A national leader in liberal arts, Boston College seeks to fulfill its Jesuit, Catholic mission of faith and service; to continue to develop model programs to support students in their formation; and to seek solutions – as researchers, educators, leaders, and caregivers – that directly address the world’s most urgent problems. 

Boston College remains committed to leading its students on a comprehensive journey of discovery – one that integrates their intellectual, personal, ethic, and religious formation. Inspiration for Boston College’s academic and societal mission is drawn from the University’s distinctive religious and intellectual heritage. As a Jesuit, Catholic University, Boston College is rooted in a world view that calls us to learn, to search for truth, and to live in service to others. To fulfill this mission, we welcome and embrace the contributions of a diverse student body from many faith traditions. 

State, County Leaders Raise Concerns About State’s New Mental Health Funding Plan

Frank L. Cahill
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State, County Leaders Raise Concerns About State’s New Mental Health Funding Plan

A New Jersey assemblyman and Morris County leaders raised a red flag over the looming change to the state’s funding of mental health services at NewBridge Services’ Race to Sustain Hope Gala.

New Jersey Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno and Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco

Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco (R-Morris) urged guests to contact their legislators and talk to friends and neighbors. “I implore you to make your voices heard!” Bucco said at the event, held at the Wyndham Hamilton Park Hotel and Conference Center in Florham Park. (Residents can find their representatives by municipality by clicking here)

Under fee-for-service funding, which takes effect July 1, the state will only reimburse providers for services considered “billable,” in some cases at rates that do not cover actual costs. The state will no longer pay when clients miss sessions (not unusual for people with mental illness), and supportive services that help clients stick to their treatment plan — follow-up phone calls, help managing daily responsibilities — are not covered.

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Services estimates as many as 20,000 state residents could lose access to treatment.

“Where do the 10,000 people go, and who picks up the cost?” Bucco said, noting that hospital emergency rooms, jails, police departments and rescue squads will all be strained.

Attorney Marcy McMann, chair of the Morris County Mental Health Addictions Services Advisory Board, and Morris County Freeholder Christine Myers explained the dilemma facing county residents who rely on community nonprofits for treatment of mental illness.

“This new system, it’s not working for us!” Myers said. Last month, the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders passed a resolution urging the state to put fiscal safeguards in place during the transition to fee-for-service funding, or to delay its implementation.

“Unless the state adds safeguards to the new fee-for-serving funding, NewBridge and other community mental health providers will cease being the safety net that has sustained people in need for more than 40 years,” NewBridge CEO Robert L. Parker said.

Guests at the gala also heard from NewBridge Jobs Plus alumna Fergie Romero, who became emotional describing how the alternative education program helped her earn a New Jersey high school diploma and launch a career in community health care.

More than 160 people attended the gala, which raised $100,000 for NewBridge. The event was sponsored by: the Holmes Family Foundation; Wyndham Worldwide; The Robert Collins Fund; Columbia Bank; Boiling Springs Savings Bank; and Christian Health Care Center. Friends of NewBridge sponsors include: Atlantic Health Systems, CR Bard, Fulton Bank of NJ, Genoa, Murphy McKeon P.C., PSE&G, Robert L. Parker, Art Schmidt and Betty Cass-Schmidt.

Last year alone, NewBridge helped 10,000 children, adults and seniors a year through counseling, housing and education programs in Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties, and elsewhere. NewBridge began as a local mental health center in 1963 — the year as President John F. Kennedy called on Congress to create a national program for mental health — and has expanded and evolved over 54 years to meet the growing needs of its communities.

MOMS Club of Parsippany East Tour the Police Department

Frank L. Cahill
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MOMS Club of Parsippany East Tour the Police Department

PARSIPPANY —The MOMS Club of Parsippany East recently toured the Parsippany Police Department. Officer Remo  D’Alessandro along with Sergeant Al Keiser lead the tour for the Moms and children who attended. 

The tour was very insightful for everyone attending. The kids really enjoyed being able to see what goes on behind the scenes. 

The MOMS Club brought homemade baked goods from our Moms, as well as special drawings from our kids just for the police to enjoy. 

The group had the opportunity to tour the Municipal Court

Boy Scouts announce Mother’s Day Plant Sale

Frank L. Cahill
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Boy Scouts announce Mother’s Day Plant Sale

PARSIPPANY —  Boy Scout Troop 173 will hold its second annual Mother’s Day plant sale on Saturday, May 6; Sunday, May 7 and Saturday, May 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Parsippany Elks Lodge, located at 230 Parsippany Road.

A wide variety of plants, including annuals and perennials will be available including: Begonias, Marigolds, Vinca Vine, Geraniums, Ferns, herbs such as Basil, Mint, Parsley, and vegetables such as Tomatoes, Pickles and Peppers. Plants will be sold in flats of 24 as well as potted deck and hanging containers.

“This is one of Troop 173’s fundraising events to help with costs associated with our Boy Scout activities throughout the year,” states Assistant Scoutmaster Michael Catapano.” The turnout at last years Mother’s Day plant sale was incredible and we are hoping for an even better sale this year.”

Support your local Boy Scout troop and pick the perfect Mother’s Day gift! For more information contact Keith Porcelli at (973) 714-6939.

PAL seeks Football Commissioner

Frank L. Cahill
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PAL seeks Football Commissioner

Parsippany PAL LogoPARSIPPANY — The Parsippany PAL Youth Center is looking for someone to take on the important job of keeping youth football thriving on the east side of Parsippany.

If you are interested please contact tony@parsippanypal.org.

    Please consider this position along with a few other positions they are looking for…

  • 2017 Flag Coordinator
  • E level head Coaches 3rd and 4th grade team
  • Concession stand manager
  • Equipment manager
  • Team Coordinators (formerly known as team moms)

The Parsippany PAL Youth Center is located at 33 Baldwin Road.

Since 1965, the Parsippany PAL has been working hard to provide the children of Parsippany with various activities and sports programs. Beginning with only 240 children registered in three programs, the Parsippany PAL has grown to serve more than 4,000 children from Parsippany and the surrounding area with over 15 programs.

The focus of the Parsippany PAL is entirely on the kids!

The Parsippany PAL currently manages/hosts a wide variety of programs, including Basketball, Cheerleading, Football, Ice Hockey,  and Rugby. Additionally, throughout the year the Parsippany PAL hosts several Basketball Camps, Cheerleading Clinics and Ice Hockey Camps.

Responders come up empty handed during search on Lake Parsippany

Frank L. Cahill
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Responders come up empty handed during search on Lake Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Rescue and Recovery members were called to the scene of a dive buoy that was spotted floating on Lake Parsippany on Wednesday evening, April 25.

The dive buoy believed to be in the water since the weekend was reported by a Lake Parsippany resident. There were no reports of any missing divers.

The search brought Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Lake Parsippany Fire District 3, EMTs and other emergency vehicles from Boonton, Pequannock and Denville arrived at the scene.

Tents were also set up along the shore to provide coverage from a steady downpour of rain, which made conditions more difficult. The divers used flashlights to help investigate the underwater scene in choppy water.

Police did not speculate who may have placed the buoy in the lake.

Patrolman Joseph Chmura retired after 27 years

Frank L. Cahill
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Patrolman Joseph Chmura retired after 27 years

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer Joseph Chmura retired from the Police Department after 27 years of service to the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Patrol Officer Joseph Chmura. Photo by Patrick McCarthy

He was hired on February 2, 1990 and held multiple positions within the Police Department.

Some of his positions included being a DARE Officer, a Field Training Officer, a member of the Honor Guard, Bicycle Patrol, and Rifle Squad. He was also a long time member of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Department District 6.

In 2001, he was one of many Parsippany Police Officers who travelled to Ground Zero and assisted in the recovery efforts.

He, along with other officers, received the 2005 Parsippany Rotary Club Award for Law Enforcement Officers of the Year for traveling to New Orleans to assist in the relief efforts for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

He was also the recipient of three Life Saving Awards, six Command Citations (which includes one for assisting in delivering a baby), four Unit Commendations, and one Chief of Police Award.

One of the three Life Saving Awards was earned on June 10, 2001, when he and another officer responded to a call for an unresponsive three year old that was pulled out of a pool. After multiple cycles of CPR the child was revived and made a full recovery after being transported to the hospital by ambulance.

Officer Chmura and his family will be moving to South Carolina to enjoy his retirement.

The staff at Parsippany Focus thanks Officer Chmura for his many years of service to our community and congratulates him on his retirement.

Letter to the editor: Statement Review Analysis – Statement UNTRUE!

Letters to the Editor
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Letter to the editor: Statement Review Analysis – Statement UNTRUE!

Dear Editor:

I am reporting back on my review and analysis of the statement at the March 21, 2017 Town Council meeting by Council Member Valori that “the Town had invested $4.5 million dollars in Sedgefield and Glacier Hills on infrastructure in the past year”.

That statement is False, Untrue, a Lie (more on that later).  There was no money spent on Glacier Hill’s infrastructure in the past year (data listed below).

Let us review this experiment from the beginning.  I listen to the soundtrack of the March 21, 2017 meeting and Councilman Valori makes the statement “the Town had invested $4.5 million dollars in Sedgefield and Glacier Hills on infrastructure in the past year”. I don’t think that was true and decide to check it out.  Facts are fun and one should never pass up a good experiment!

I live in Glacier Hills and I know of no infrastructure projects in the neighborhood.  OK, only a single source cannot be considered reliable, need multiple sources. I solve that by asking my neighbors if they know of any infrastructure work in Glacier Hills. The neighbors have no memory of infrastructure work.

I next decide to check Town records to see if there was truth to Councilman Valori’s statement, and we who live in Glacier Hills just did not know about it.

On March 27 I filed an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request to see Town records noting “I would like any Financial, Planning, Zoning, Building & Construction, Engineering, Sanitary Sewer, Streets & Roads, Water Utility documents listing any infrastructure investment in Glacier Hills from January 1, 2016 to the present.”  I also sent an email to the Town Council that the public utterances of the Council were under review. This was a Public Comment at a Public Meeting by a Public Official and worthy of Public Review.

I did add a 3 month cushion to Councilman Valori’s “past year” timeline to be generous.

I have received the results of my OPRA request (after two extensions – subject for later discussion).  Per the Town’s own records Councilman Lou Valori’s statement at the March 21, 2017 Town Council meeting that “the Town had invested $4.5 million dollars in Sedgefield and Glacier Hills infrastructure in the past year.” is false. There has been no infrastructure work done in Glacier Hills for years!

The Numbers as provided by the Town are as follows (they had it down to the penny!):

Sedgefield Area Streets

2008               Consultant Design               $97,357

2010-11         Sedgefield Phase I                $747,559.64

2013               Sedgefield Phase II              $855,521.29

2014               Sedgefield Phase III            $1,260,892.71

2015              Sedgefield Phase IV              $1,217,543.88

Moraine Area Streets

2015               Consultant Design              $72,000

2017               Moraine Phase I                  $1,015, 889.10 (bid awarded, not actual expenditure)

There was no money spent in Glacier Hills.  Nada, Zero, Zip!  Moraine Phase I started yesterday morning.

I would like to request that all members of the Council try to be more truthful and accurate in their public statements.  When you make statements which are untrue, we the public will be watching and holding falsehoods accountable (it is an election year).  I will now forever wonder what other untruths have been uttered and not caught. Whose word can be trusted?  That should be all except…

Except that at the March 21, 2017 Town Council meeting Council Member Valori called the President of the Sedgefield Civic Association a Liar.  He calls him a liar and put forth no evidence that it was true.  I think they call it “character assassination”, but it is also the Council has different standards for different people.

A review of the January 24, 2017 Town Council meeting shows disparity in treatment.  Some people can speak for three minutes and then are told to stand by the microphone while members of the dais try to undermine and demean the speaker on the floor.  The Council President has given specific orders for people not to speak while the dais responds.

Others are allowed to speak and ask questions and continue a dialogue with the dais while sitting in their seats.  It’s a double standard, and a standard set by the Council President and can be seen on the video.

I have no problem calling someone a liar if I have the facts to support that position (see above).  Let us now apply Sir Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion to politics.  For every action there is an equal and opposite re-action.  If it is okay for Councilman Valori to call a community leader, The SCA President, a liar without evidence – then applying the Third Law a speaker from the floor can call the Councilman a liar and it passes muster because he set the standard (and probably the First Amendment, but then John will want to consult at $150 / hour.).  And the standard does not require evidence of untruth as I have provided above.  Imagine a speaker calling Councilman Valori a liar at a public Council meeting.  There would be an uproar against the speaker.

Members of the Council act like this to deter others from speaking about things they don’t want to hear.  Not only do you have to be willing to speak up and out about what you believe, you have to be willing to endure the dismissal and derision if your ideas and issues to not meet with the approval of the powers that be.  Speaking during the public open comment session used to be five (5) minutes, but that has been cut to three (3) since the Council does not want to spend too much time listening to the grievances of the people of Parsippany.  People are to comply with the direction of the Council, not complain about the direction of the Council.

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which specifically prohibits Congress from abridging “the right of the people…to petition the Government for a redress of grievances“.  In 1776, the Declaration of Independence cited King George’s perceived failure to redress the grievances listed in colonial petitions, such as the Olive Branch Petition of 1775, as a justification to declare independence:

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Speaking at a Parsippany Town Council meeting during the Public Comments period is the modern and local equivalent of the right to have one’s grievances redressed.  Some people are treated no better than the King treated early American colonists.  People need to be treated equally before Government, even if the Government does not like what it is hearing.

Earlier I noted the weakness of single source reporting.  The same is true on an experimental level – one experiment is just one experiment.  You solve that problem by running a parallel experiment.

On March 24 I wrote on email to Town Economic Development Advisory Committee and suggested we get together elect a new chair, and set an agenda and schedule.  I press the send button and the timer is running.  Dated March 27 (postmarked Mar 28) a letter from Councilman Valori was sent to the Economic Development Advisory Committee stating he would contact the Committee in mid-April and we would meet by the end of April.

It is April 25 as I write this email, there has been no contact and there has been no meeting scheduled.  This may be the second of two tries to document untruth.  It is not the end of April so the clock is still running.

There is no better summation than the woman who was the first public speaker at the April 11, 2017 Special Town Council meeting to rubber stamp the Salary Cap Ordinance change.  Speaking to the Town Council about the Town Council.  “You are a disgrace”.  She nailed it.

Thanks for your time.
Brian Tappen
Glacier Hills

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office promotes six

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor’s Office promotes six

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces the promotion of six individuals to fill currently open investigative supervisory positions.

Prosecutor Knapp said “Upon the retirement of Deputy Chief Denise Arseneault in February of this year, vacancies arose which necessitated several promotions.  I am extremely proud to announce the promotion of six outstanding members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office investigative staff.”

The promotions will be formally performed in ceremonies on Friday in Morristown.

Captain Stephen Wilson will be promoted to Deputy Chief.  A graduate of Rutgers University, Wilson joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2000 as a detective and has served in all divisions of the MCPO, primarily the Major Crimes Unit.  Most recently Captain Wilson supervised the Special Operations Division.

Through his career, Wilson has received numerous commendations for his investigative work in regard to homicides,  police-involved shootings, sex crimes, violent crimes and also for his response and efforts at Ground Zero on 9/11.  Deputy Chief Wilson will command all investigative units and report directly to Chief of Investigations John R. Speirs.

Lieutenant Brian Keane will be promoted to Captain.  A graduate of Seton Hall University, Keane joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 1993 as a detective.

Through his career, Keane has conducted numerous surface and undercover narcotics operations, qualifying as a Superior Court expert in the field. He has taken part in hundreds of high-risk operations, including the seizure of 675 kilos of cocaine from a residence in Madison. Captain Keane will command the Special Operations Division, which is comprised of the Special Enforcement, Fugitive, Intelligence/Homeland Security and High Tech Crimes Units. 

Sergeant Christoph Kimker will be promoted to Lieutenant. A graduate of Seton Hall University, Kimker joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2004 as a detective.

During his career, Kimker also has been a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team and has been a firearms instructor. Lieutenant Kimker will supervise the Professional Standards, Financial Crimes, Insurance Fraud, Bias and Arson/Environmental Crimes Units in the Specialized Crimes Division.

Detective Supervisor Anne-Marie Truppo  will be promoted to Sergeant.  Truppo, who graduated from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, began her career with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office as a support staff member in 2003 and was promoted to detective in 2005, serving primarily in the Sex Crimes and Child Endangerment Unit.

In 2011, she received a Certificate of Recognition from the Morris County Detectives’ Association for her outstanding work in a case involving sexual assaults of multiple children by a stranger. The perpetrator was arrested and pleaded guilty. Sergeant Truppo will supervise the General Investigations Unit of the Courts and Administrative Division.

Detective Joseph Soulias will be promoted to Detective Supervisor. A former Lieutenant in the New Jersey State Police, Soulias joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2015 after serving with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

A graduate of Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey),  Soulias has worked in the Financial Crimes Unit and is a certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist. Detective Supervisor Soulias will assist in the supervision of the Financial Crimes, Insurance Fraud, Bias, Professional Standards and Arson/Environmental Crimes Units in the Specialized Crimes Division.

Detective Jazmin Munoz-Felder will be promoted to Detective Supervisor. Munoz-Felder was hired by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2013.  She previously worked for the Middlesex County College Police Department and the Rutgers University Police Department, then known as the University of Medicine and Dentistry Police Department.  Detective Supervisor Munoz-Felder has been assigned to the Sex Crimes and Child Endangerment Unit where she has been highly commended for her work.

Munoz-Felder will continue to be assigned to the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit of the Tactical Division and assist in its supervision.

Morris County OEM participates in Gotham Shield Exercise for Emergency Medical Services

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County OEM participates in Gotham Shield Exercise for Emergency Medical Services

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Office of Emergency Management participated in the Gotham Shield Exercise for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) which is currently on-going at the MetLife Stadium in Rutherford.

The Gotham Shield is a FEMA functional exercise involving federal, state, county and local jurisdictions including New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. The exercise that we are participating in today involved an Improvised Nuclear Device (IND) detonation which occurred in the NJ/NY metropolitan area. The purpose of the exercise was to evaluate the entire response effort for an IND attack. Our challenge today, involved arriving at MetLife Stadium where thousands of people were assembled (notional) and in need of care. Our mission was to assess, treat, and evacuate casualties to hospitals and facilities away from the impact site.

The training exercise did not involve any “real” patients. However, we were challenged to exercise our plans, procedures, and equipment to simulate our actions throughout the expanded scenario.

The Morris County Office of Emergency Management along with our partners from the Morris County Park Police, responded to the MetLife stadium complex with our Mobile Ambulance Bus (MAB) which is capable of treating/transporting large numbers of  injured individuals or serving as part of a larger triage system to assess patients prior to being prioritized for transportation by other EMS assets to an appropriate medical facility.

Today’s large scale exercise focused on multiple emergency response agencies coming together from multiple states for the purpose of drilling logistics and equipment  resources, while working with each other within the framework of a large scale mass casualty event. In Morris County, they plan for the worst and hope for the best.

The Morris County Office of Emergency Management prides themselves on the capability to respond to the worst case scenario, and today’s exercise provided a framework for dealing with the type of event they hope they never experience.

Katherine Cascioli and Denis Mulroony named YMCA Educators of the Year

Frank L. Cahill
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Katherine Cascioli and Denis Mulroony named YMCA Educators of the Year

PARSIPPANY — Celebrating more than 100 years in the community, the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA has announced the winners of their annual Educator of the Year Awards.

In the K through 8 division, Katherine Cascioli, a third grade teacher from Troy-Hills School in Parsippany is the winner. Dr. Denis Mulroony, the principal at Parsippany High School has been chosen as the High School Educator of the Year.

Learn more about these very special individuals as well as other community service award winners from the Y’s service area when they will be honored at the Y’s Annual Dinner at the Knoll Country Club West on Wednesday, May 17.

Tickets are $50.00 and everyone is welcome to attend. For tickets, available through May 10, call Nancy Dunham at the Y at (973) 334-2820 or email: nancyd@lhymca.com

 

Ferring Pharmaceuticals Launches Two New Resources to Help Women Struggling with Infertility

Frank L. Cahill
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Ferring Pharmaceuticals Launches Two New Resources to Help Women Struggling with Infertility

PARSIPPANY — Infertility is no longer something that people feel they must discuss behind closed doors. Gone are the days of hushed voices and cover stories; now, hardly a day goes by without another celebrity couple sharing that they have frozen their eggs, are undergoing fertility treatment, or are struggling to conceive. Women who share their stories are celebrated for their openness and their bravery, and are praised for helping to raise awareness about a disease that touches so many lives each and every day. This broader awareness about infertility has in turn led to greater understanding, and shown women who are struggling to conceive that they are not struggling alone. Ferring Pharmaceuticals is located at 100 Interpace Parkway.

Despite these significant strides, the fact remains that one in eight couples still have trouble getting or staying pregnant, and many women who are facing infertility still find themselves feeling lost, overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help or support throughout their family building journey. The fertility journey is incredibly personal, and even with the support of family members and friends, it can be an isolating, lonely experience to endure.

Ferring has a longstanding commitment to the reproductive health community, and to providing women with the critical support and resources they need throughout their fertility journey. This National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), Ferring is proud to announce the launch of My Fertility Navigator and FertiCalm™, two new tools specifically designed to help women throughout the family building process. Whether they are just starting out, or have been actively trying, the challenges women face along the way are unique, and Ferring is committed to providing women with the resources they need every step of the way.

My Fertility Navigator is a unique, personalized tool designed to serve as a resource to individuals who are struggling to get pregnant. Through phone or email, Navigators provide guidance and support that tailors specifically to each user’s needs; providing the knowledge, resources and reassurance they need to advocate for their reproductive health. My Fertility Navigator aims to help women take charge of their fertility and be better prepared and educated about their fertility journey.

For women who have been undergoing fertility treatment and are still struggling to conceive, daily scenarios and interactions can take a toll on their emotional health. FertiCalm, a newly-released app developed by reproductive psychologists Dr. Alice Domar and Dr. Elizabeth Grill, was designed specifically to help women address the many challenging, emotional life situations that arise while struggling to conceive. Using cognitive-behavioral and relaxation techniques, FertiCalm offers users more than 500 different coping options for over 50 specific situations that have the potential to cause distress during the family building journey. From scripted dialogues for tough conversations, to relaxation techniques, FertiCalm offers users solutions to help them preserve their emotional health, and feel empowered to take control of their lives again.

“The emotional toll infertility can take on women is truly unparalleled,” said Dr. Alice Domar, reproductive psychologist and co-founder of FertiCalm. “For women who are going through fertility treatment and still not getting pregnant, everyday scenarios and interactions become exponentially difficult. We see this constantly in our patients that we treat every day, and know that women everywhere are experiencing this same emotional distress. We also know that not everyone has access to a licensed therapist or a reproductive psychologist, and even if they do, they can’t be right by their side through every single experience. That’s why we created FertiCalm – to help women in the exact moment they feel distress, whenever and wherever they are, so they can reclaim control of their lives.”

FertiCalm is completely free to users, made possible through FertiCalm’s partnership with Ferring. By making this app free for everyone, Ferring hopes to be able to help women everywhere who are experiencing these challenges in day to day situations.

“The path to fertility is long, winding, and full of challenges and obstacles you never even realized existed,” said Bobbie Thomas, author, TODAY Show Style Editor, and fertility advocate, reflecting on her own experience with infertility. “I remember feeling lost, and overwhelmingly alone. As an ambassador for Ferring Reproductive Health, I’m able to help spread the word so that other women who are experiencing those same feelings understand that the help they need is out there. It means the world to me to be able to share important resources like My Fertility Navigator and FertiCalm with women everywhere, knowing that these tools can make a world of difference for them as they navigate their own fertility journey.”

Parsippany Students Outstanding Work on Display at Rockaway Townsquare Mall

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Students Outstanding Work on Display at Rockaway Townsquare Mall

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Council of Education Associations presents “Our Pride is Showing” the Annual County-wide Mall Project. The project is a week long celebration of excellence highlighting the outstanding work of public schools in Morris County.

Parsippany Students Outstanding Work is on Display at Rockaway Townsquare Mall from now to April 30.

Visit displays of student work, listen to vocal and instrumental performances and much more. There was an Opening Ceremony held on Monday, April 24 in the lower level in front of Macy’s.

Knollwood Elementary School, Eastlake Elementary School, Intervale School, Littleton Elementary School, Lake Parsippany Elementary School, Rockaway Meadow Elementary School and Mt. Tabor Elementary School all have tables set up on the upper level of the mall near JC Penny.

Mt. Tabor eight-year old students Logan and Tyler Forgatch Logan were in front of the Mt. Tabor School display looking at all the artwork that was submitted by students from that school.

The event is coordinated by Morris County Council of Education Associations.

Kiwanis Club Trivia is a night of success

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Club Trivia is a night of success

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany recently held another very successful Trivia Night.

It was back again, for the 14th consecutive year. The Ultimate Trivia Contest was held on Saturday, April 22 at the Parsippany PAL Youth Center. Friends, family, co-workers gathered for a night of fun.

First Place Winners in Kiwanis Club Trivia Contest wereMichele Reutty, Joanne Roukens, Arlene Sahraie, Kelsey Young, Tim Dartucci, Sara Weissman, Cristian Maiullo and Steve Vega. President Greg Elbin in the back row.

Second Place Winners: John Smith, Dave Reagan, Eric Hubner, Lou Duer, Lonne Katz, Jeff Kirk and Joe Cistaro with Kiwanis President Greg Elbin.

Third Place Winners with President Greg Elbin: Suzanne Meth, Emily Russoniello, Kyle Meth, Gordon Meth, Tim O’Sullivan, Chris Russoniello and Eileen O’Sullivan.

The event was a bring your own food and BYOB. Soda, coffee, water, plates, cups, napkins, and utensils were provided. Specialty cupcakes were available for purchase.

There are a few simple rules: The use of ANY electronic device whatsoever during competition will immediately disqualify the offending team. This includes but is not limited to I-Pad’s, PDA’s, ICBM’s, drones, etc. The use of printed material such as encyclopedias, almanacs, National Geographic, and the like, is strictly prohibited and of course no tweeting!

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany chooses their own service projects that they feel need their attention. They are all local people that volunteer our time and talents to make our community a better place to live. The members, like you, are busy with making a living, church, family, and many other activities. The members, however, have found that Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany not gives a chance to give back to the community in a meaningful way, but they enjoy the fellowship, networking, and fun aspects as well.

If you are interested in Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, visit the group Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. You can also find more information by clicking here.

Sons of Italy donates to Valerie Fund; New members sworn in

Frank L. Cahill
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Sons of Italy donates to Valerie Fund; New members sworn in

PARSIPPANY — Sons of Italy, Lodge 2561 recently donated to The Valerie Fund. Accepting a check from Sons of Italy President Joseph Jannarone is Bella Rocco, Parsippany. The Sons of Italy has been supporting The Valerie Fund for a number of year.

The Valerie Fund’s mission is to provide support for the comprehensive health care of children with cancer and blood disorders.

The Valerie Fund is a not-for-profit organization established in 1976 in memory of nine-year-old Valerie Goldstein by her parents, Ed and Sue.

Families turn to The Valerie Fund because of the unique combination of medical care, counseling, and other services it provides. The Valerie Fund Children’s Centers comprise the largest network of healthcare facilities for children with cancer and blood disorders in New Jersey, and one of the largest in the nation. They host over 25,000 patient visits each year.

The Valerie Fund Walk and JAG Physical Therapy 5K will be held on Saturday, June 10 starting at 8:00 a.m. at Verona Park, corner of Bloomfield Avenue and Lakeside Avenue, Verona.

You can join Bella Rocco at the 5K by clicking here. Bella thankfully is doing well and has been tumor free for five years now.

The MRIs and doctors visits continue but thank god they have remained uneventful, just the way we like it. Her support for The Valerie Fund continues and has become a welcomed tradition with many friends and families that join us year after year.

2017 will be the 9th year that Bella’s Bunch attends this yearly event and hopefully, with your support, Bella’s Bunch will show up with big numbers both in people and in donations. Although the team is named after Bella, and they will never forget all she has gone through, we consider ourselves lucky that it wasn’t worse and we attend every year to pay it forward to all the kids that are currently going through pediatric cancer or a blood disorder.

The walk and run every year for every one of their parents that have had their world turned upside down, knowing that The Valerie Fund will help them with all they have to deal with. Hope you can join Bella’s Bunch on June 10 in support of the kids and families of the Valerie Fund.

Bella has set a goal to raise $7,500 this year for The Valerie Fund.

In addition, at its regular monthly meeting, three new members: Patsy F. Casamassa, lll., John Carmen Gammero, and Richard Fiorentino were sworn in by President Joseph Jannarone, Jr.

Club officers are President is Joe Jannarone Jr.; First Vice President is Louis Amato;
Second Vice President is John Lonero; Treasurer is Bob Iracane; Recording Secretary is Adam Gragnani and Sergeant at Arms is Sean Clark.

The Morris County of the Order of Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 is an affiliated member of the Order of the Sons of Italy In America Association.

The Lodge was founded as a non-profit organization which contributes thousands of dollars to worthwhile local charities and families and awards many scholarships to outstanding men and women. In addition to Valerie Fund, the group supports Parsippany Food Pantry, other local food pantries, Jersey Battered Women’s Service, day care centers and more.

State Troopers Arrest Parsippany Man for DWI and Seize 551 Bags of Heroin

Frank L. Cahill
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State Troopers Arrest Parsippany Man for DWI and Seize 551 Bags of Heroin

PARSIPPANY — The New Jersey State Police have arrested Sean Deckert, 29, Parsippany, and Joseph Ginexi, 26, Lincoln Park, and seized $2,200 worth of heroin during a motor vehicle stop.

On Wednesday, April 5, at 7:57 p.m., Trooper Gerald Dellagicoma stopped Deckert for a traffic violation on westbound Interstate 80 at milepost 56 in Woodland Park. During the stop, Trooper Dellagicoma arrested Deckert for DWI. After further investigation, Trooper Dellagicoma discovered that Deckert and Ginexi were in possession of 551 bags of heroin, hypodermic needles, and drug paraphernalia.

Sean Deckert and Joseph Ginexi were charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of hypodermic needles, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Deckert was also charged with criminal under the influence and DWI. Both were released pending a court appearance.

Troopers are getting drugs off of our streets daily, whether it’s from long-term invests to “routine” traffic stops.

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.

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