Parsippany man charged with ‘offensive touching’ in Denville

PARSIPPANY — Denville Police have charged a Parsippany man with “subjecting another to offensive touching”, a form of harassment, after he allegedly grabbed and kissed a 17-year-old co-worker.

The man, Salvatore Iacono, 57, was arrested on August 3. According to Denville Police, officers responded to a local business on the report of inappropriate contact between two employees.

During the course of the investigation, police said it was determined that Iacono had grabbed the 17-year-old co-worker and kissed her on the mouth, against her will.

He was arrested and charged with harassment.

He was transported to Denville Police Headquarters, where he was processed and released pending a municipal court appearance.

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.

Patriot Lacrosse Elite Team Tryouts to be held

PARSIPPANY — Join one of the most respected clubs in the industry. Directed by Coach Chuck Ruebling who was named one of the most influential people in NJ Sports, Hall of Fame Honoree, Team USA-19 World Champion coach, Delbarton Lacrosse Head coach with over 500 wins, … more. YOUTH ELITE Grades 4-7!

Elite athletes unable to attend our primary tryouts in July are invited to attend our supplemental tryouts on August 15. These tryouts are for players in grades four to seven only. They will give everyone an opportunity to tryout.

Tryouts will be held on Monday, August 15 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at  Central Park of Morris County, 91 Central Ave, Morris Plains, New Jersey, 07950

Par-Troy East All-Stars Finish Season with Big Win

PARSIPPANY — Par-Troy East All-Stars Finished their season with big win against Mt. Arlington. This game was the end of their series.

Letter to the editor: Mr. Trump presents serious danger to the country

MailboxsmallDear Editor:

Like millions of Americans, the leadership and membership of the Morris County Democratic Committee has been shocked to watch the Republican Party nominate Donald Trump for President of the United States. While there have always been disagreements across the two sides of the aisle, we feel that Mr. Trump presents a clear and present danger to American democracy, prestige and civil discourse.

We are troubled by his suggestion that “2nd amendment people” not happy with a President Hillary Clinton appointing judges take matters into their own hands. We are troubled by his attacks on war heroes like John McCain, saying that he wasn’t a hero “because he was captured”. We are equally troubled by his attacks on a pair of Gold Star parents, whose son died stepping towards a suspicious vehicle in Iraq while telling others to step back. We are disgusted by his misogynist statements about women, and his comments about immigrants and minorities. We are deeply concerned about his suggestion that the military violate their own codes of conduct and engage in questionable activities, and are deeply concerned about his association with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

As such, given the serious danger that Mr. Trump presents to the country, we are calling on Republicans to put their country before their party.

Specifically, we are calling upon Morris County Republican Party Chairman John Sette to rescind his endorsement of Donald Trump.

Equally, we are calling upon Congressmen Rodney Frelinghuysen and Leonard Lance, leaders in the Republican Party for decades, to put their country first and rescind their endorsements of Donald Trump. As a party that values openness and inclusiveness, the Morris County Democratic Committee would like to welcome any Republican elected official fed up with Trump and the GOP that supports him to join our party.

We know that there are several registered Republican elected officials across this county, simply seeking to make their communities better places to live, who have been told that they have to run as Republicans in order to win election. If the Republican Party does not support, or no longer supports, your values, then the Democratic Party can be a place you can call home.

Our membership is diverse, welcoming, and seeks to make Morris County a better, more inclusive place to live; and we are united in the belief that Donald Trump is a threat to our country. I encourage you to contact my Political Director if you are interested in leaving the Morris GOP behind.

Chip Robinson 
Chair, Morris County Democratic Committee

The Library has many “Friends”

PARSIPPANY — Many of us know the lyrics to the song: ”You’ve got a Friend” but the Friends of the Parsippany Library proved that they really understand the meaning behind it!

Due to budget constraints, and the availability of electronic access, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library did not renew all of its newspaper subscriptions this year.

One example of a newspaper subscription that we did not renew is the New York Post. Soon the Librarians received complaints about not providing this newspaper subscription. It seems many people come into the Library on a daily basis to read this newspaper. One gentleman even thought that the Library had discontinued the publication for political reasons! This was far from true since the Library is very objective and is careful to include newspapers, magazines and books which portray the many sides of issues. When our Library Director told Pat Simon, the chairperson of the Book Nook and vice president of the Friends about this problem, she knew we were “down and troubled” so she and the Friends “lent a helping hand” and decided to pay the $275 so that this newspaper subscription could be renewed.

According to the subscription service, the New York Post should be back on the shelves within four to six weeks. And we hope our regular newspaper reading customers will come back too!

This subscription renewal is just one of many ways the Friends have shown their support for the Library and its two branches through the years.

The Friends have used money raised from book sales, the Book Nook, dine out fund raisers, their 30 club promotion and Friends memberships to pay for collections of books, dvds, playaways; to provide toys and books geared to children with autism; to sponsor children’s and adult programs with special presenters and speakers; and for Library equipment and furniture.

For example, the Friends have raised funds to sponsor: the stuffed animal sleepover; study and snack program; Zumba for kids; a juggling program; an adult program about FDR; a program for teens; a museum pass for the Yogi Berra museum which can also be used at Cooperstown; and special book collections such as test prep books; consumer health books and books about countries for kids; and book club in a bag kits. This year and every year, the Friends have provided financial support for the summer reading program, a 3 month incentive that is put in place to encourage the children, teens and adults of our community to read and use the Library.

Without the support of the Friends, the Library would be unable to provide all of these special services. The Friends of the Parsippany is a 501(C)3 volunteer organization.

If you are interested in paying membership dues to help support the initiatives of the Friends, visit the Library website by clicking here.

The Friends are also looking for people interested in giving back to the community. After years of service, some of our Friends leaders plan to retire from officer to member. So the Friends are seeking new officers.

If you are interested in applying to be an officer of the Friends, please email friendsofficers@parsippanylibrary.org.

Parsippany Dentist Linked to Bacterial Outbreak

PARSIPPANY — A Parsippany oral surgeon’s practices has been linked to fifteen cases of a bacterial infection of the heart called endocarditis over the last two years, including one case that lead to death due to surgery complications, Parsippany Focus has learned.

Dr.-Vecchione
Dr. John Vecchione

Dr. John Vecchione, who operates North Jersey Oral, Maxillofacial and Reconstructive Surgery outpatient surgery clinics at 265 Baldwin Road and a office located in Mt. Olive, signed a consent decree to use best practices in sanitation with NJ Board of Dentistry after more than a dozen people had to get surgery after the rare outbreak of the bacteria.

The decree comes after a two-year investigation by the New Jersey Health Department and Dentistry Board into sanitation at Vecchione’s practice that began after Jefferson Township’s Ryan Del Grosso was diagnosed with with endocarditis about five weeks after having two wisdom teeth pulled.

A doctor treating Del Grosso, 25, at Morristown Medical Center remembered a similar case of the rare disease and notified state officials.

They twice ordered procedures changed, and one investigator later said the drawers in Vecchione’s practice “reminded me of the junk drawer you’d find in your kitchen if they had syringes and multi-dose vials.”

It was found that the facility’s infection prevention practices did not follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The NJHD determined that these violations of important safety procedures likely led to the spread of the infections.

Vecchione fully cooperated with the investigation, according to the decree, which didn’t find any causative link between the infections and conditions at the clinic. He also voluntarily agreed to make sanitation improvements immediately.

Ryan, meanwhile, underwent successful cardiac surgery. But he lost 30 percent of his hearing and has severe ringing in his ears.

He is suing, and says he cries “only when I talk about it,” adding “I certainly don’t sleep at night.”

His attorney, James Lynch, found a state Department of Health report outlining its investigation, but said he could only get it through a public records request.

Currently, the state doesn’t require reporting of single cases of endocarditis. A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said there are no plans to change the reporting requirement at this time, despite the fifteen cases linked to this practice in 2013 and 2014.

One Hasbrouck Heights group of attorneys, the Lynch Law Firm, said they are pursuing a lawsuit against Vecchione on behalf of patients who suffered from an endocarditis infection after undergoing oral surgery.

“One person has died and 14 other patients of Dr. Vecchione’s have suffered from an endocarditis infection that have been associated with a variety of safety violations that occurred during their surgery,” according to the the firm’s website. (Click here to view website)  “This type of infection can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular complications.”

The law firm asked people who have suffered from an endocarditis infection, or cardiovascular issues after undergoing surgery with Vecchione, to consider filing a legal claim because they may be entitled to compensation.

Endocarditis is an infection of the heart’s inner lining or valves, and typically occurs when bacteria from other parts of the body, such as your mouth, spread through the blood stream and settle in the heart.

Dr. Vecchione is a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry. He completed a four year residency program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, a level 1 trauma center in New York where he received extensive training.

Dr. Vecchione is a member of American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, International Congress of Dental Implantology, American College of Oral Implantology, American Board of Dental Anesthesia and a fellow of American Dental Society of Anesthesia.

Lake Hiawatha Swim Team Supports “Laps for Lymphoma”

PARSIPPANY — The Lake Hiawatha Swim Team dedicated its entire hour-and-a-half practice session, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on July 14, to swimming laps in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Association.

Head Coach Bryana Cielo kicked off the event by explaining the illness to the children, and letting them know that their efforts could help local kids treat and beat their disease. The team rose to the challenge and energetically crossed their home pool at the Lake Hiawatha Swim Club 942 times. Assistant Coach, Marisa Otto, kept tally of swimmers’ individual laps.
Participants ranged in age from 5 to 51. Seventeen swimmers contributed to the group effort, including one parent, an assistant coach, and a sibling, who also jumped in for the cause.

Swimmers ranked by laps accomplished were: Alex Otto (122 laps), Darien Chea (90 laps), Enzo Vazquez (80 laps), Brooke Bierals (78 laps), Breyanne Cassimore (70 laps), Connor MacMahon (66 laps), Max Massefski (60 laps), Scott Massefski (60 laps), Ian Vazquez (58 laps), Sophia Massefski (50 laps), William Delaar (46 laps), Jorge Novoa (46 laps), Carina Maroldi (40 laps), Samantha Cassimore (28 laps), Assistant Coach Megan Smith (28 laps), Victoria Massefski (16 laps) and Tori Maroldi (4 laps).

The Lake Hiawatha Swim Team supported its members by having a pizza dinner after the event.

Prior to the event, swimmers were urged to seek donations from family or friends based on the number of laps successfully completed or a flat donation. Please consider supporting the Lake Hiawatha Swim Team’s efforts to help the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by making a tax deductible donation through this secure website by clicking here.

If the team raises $600, they have an ice cream party for their members.

About the Lake Hiawatha Swim Club
The Lake Hiawatha Swim Club is centrally located near downtown Lake Hiawatha. Membership is accepted at any time throughout the season and there are no residency requirements. Members have access to a large swimming pool, a fenced-in playground area with two professional-grade play areas, a tennis court, as well as lockers, changing rooms and showers. Avellino’s Pizza has an onsite location and serves casual food and cold beverages throughout the day. Aqua aerobics taught by an instructor are included in the membership. An onsite family campout is hosted each year. Multiple raft days are held; swimmers can enjoy playing and lounging on their choice of inflatables. Several outdoor concerts are staged throughout the summer to entertain members and guests.
The Lake Hiawatha Swim Team is open to members of the club, and is a competitive group always seeking new swimmers: participants under 8 must be able to swim the length of the pool to be eligible and all children must be 18 years or younger.
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Albert Foo Graduates from UAlbany

PARSIPPANY — The University at Albany congratulates the more than 2,800 students who graduated in May 2016.

Albert Foo graduated with a degree in Philosophy. Albert graduated from Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2012.

About the University at Albany Educationally and culturally, the University at Albany-SUNY puts the world within reach for its more than 17,300 students. A comprehensive public research university, UAlbany offers more than 120 undergraduate majors and minors and 125 master’s, doctoral, and graduate certificate programs.

UAlbany is a leader among all New York State colleges and universities in such diverse fields as atmospheric and environmental sciences, business, criminal justice, emergency preparedness, engineering and applied sciences, informatics, public administration, social welfare, and sociology taught by an extensive roster of faculty experts. It also offers expanded academic and research opportunities for students through an affiliation with Albany Law School. With a curriculum enhanced by 600 study-abroad opportunities, UAlbany launches great careers.

Home Depot Employees Enhance Community Center

PARSIPPANY — Despite hot temperatures yesterday, Home Depot of Parsippany employees donated their resources and time at the Parsippany Community Center on August 11.

Home Depot employees enhanced the inside and outside of the Community Center by donating soil, flowers, and other materials.

Home Depot is located at 780 Route 46 West.

Letter to the editor: Danger of Accumulative Impacts and Susceptibility to Contaminations

MailboxsmallDear Editor:

The danger of Accumulative Impacts and Susceptibility to Contaminations of Both Our Environment and our Humanity.

Parsippany is foolishly paving over its last remaining ground water recharge areas.

If, when given “strict scrutiny” we must see Parsippany is running out of “ground water recharge areas” and is now experiencing as in past times a water deficit. Parsippany depend on two private sources to maintain its need for water without which there would not be sufficient supply. At present 65% or less of Parsippany’s water comes from the “Buried Valley Aquifer” which suffers from drawdown in summer months and beyond. With continued loss of Environmentally Sensitive Landscapes loss of ground water recharge only increases along with its susceptibility to contaminations with accumulative effects in water quality and quantity issues, which will surely lead to future costs increases and human health issues.

Our present Administration has no Environmental resource Inventory and does not protect ground water recharge areas; as they are not recognized or considered sensitive in themselves. The recent loss of two major such “sensitive Areas” the waterview landscapes, and the UPS office complex both of which under higher standards would be recognized as such, in future long term sustainability scenarios. Instead we have private economic interest; engineering replacements that cannot and will not give to us what nature has provided at no costs.

Under Parsippany’s form of “Home-Rule” we have somehow been made second class citizens rather than first class, as large corporate landowners subvert and change our master plan; waterviews suspension and elimination of the Steep Slope Protection Ordinance is a good example. Parsippany seems to think that when developers or landowners make bad investments in property, creating hardships for themselves, through desires of market driven speculation developments; not actual needs knowing that for example; steep slopes, forest, wellhead protection areas or ground water recharge areas will be permanently erased or forever degraded by impacts, they have more rights than the citizens of this town.  Under the Title of Home Rule therefore Parsippany’s citizens are placed in a second class status over outside corporate forces; the exact opposite of the original intention of so-called Home Rule.

With the denial of science climate change seems not to be part of the decision making process, this is said being water is life and its health directly related to our welfare and safety. Already we are discovering our water has been compromised by many environmental factors; developing “remaining sensitive landscapes like the present one here in question along with the others for private economic interest over public interest is a form of sanctioned business over life and the right to profit at the expense of others. Our government; our home rule continues to ignore the people and science itself. Waterview still remains as the greatest example of this, when overwhelming public opposition with sound just cause and the elected Council vote of No was overturned on in closed session with the use of bully law suit tactics and fears of public housing. Public Housing cannot be built in environmentally sensitive landscapes, nor should any other type of development especially that not actually needed.

We must realize an economy desperate for work cannot allow work for the mere sake of dirty deals and landscapes lost forever while already existing developments stand idle, empty or abandoned.  We are destroying the future for others and this we have no right to do.

Parsippany’s further loss and degradation of our ground water recharge, well protection area’s allowing increased impacts; environmentally sensitive areas, lost forever, are a crime against the environment and the future generations. More and more impervious surface spells less and less available clean water and future problems, all this for short term results.  This is not a matter of politics but science and beyond reason and doubt what we surely can expect. We are sadly experiencing in our time a war against science and reason in the name of money. We have turned freedom and liberty itself into the prerogative of making money beyond what anyone individual or corporations actually has need for that money in any advancement of the common good.

Nick Homyak
Lake Hiawatha

Kakkaramadam Earns Degree From Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

PARSIPPANY — Anirudh Kakkaramadam, a 2012 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School earned a Bachelors in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in May, 2016.

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is America’s oldest technological research university. For nearly two centuries, the Institute has been a driving force behind breakthroughs in engineering and science in virtually every arena-from transportation and infrastructure to business, medicine, outer space, and cyberspace.

As it approaches its bicentennial anniversary, the Institute continues to define The New Polytechnic, a new paradigm for teaching, learning, and research that uses advanced technologies to enable fresh collaborations across disciplines, sectors, and regions, in order to answer the global challenges of our day.

Stop Hunger Now – Meal Packing Event

MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA hosted a meal-packing event to support the efforts of STOP HUNGER NOW. According to this organization’s website, Stop Hunger Now gets food and life-saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable people, and works to end global hunger in our lifetime. Established in 1998, they have provided over 225 million meals in 74 countries. Based in Raleigh, N.C., they operate throughout the U.S. and through affiliates in developing countries.”

Meal Packing Truck
Meal Packing Truck

Carol Herring, a member of the Y’s Board of Governors organized this event, which included 62 volunteers and 19 student members of the Y’s teen Leaders Club, supervised by the Y’s Community Service Director, BreAnne Law. The goal was to assemble and package 10,000 meals (each including rice, flour, dehydrated vegetable blend, and vitamins) in two hours for needy people!

The STOP HUNGER NOW truck arrived early containing hundreds of pounds of food, containers, hairnets, gloves, boxes and equipment for the event that the volunteers brought into the gymnasium, which served as the packing center. After some basic instructions from Bruce Ladson, STOP HUNGER NOW coordinator, the volunteers moved to their assembly line stations working in teams as they filled bins and meal bags with food ingredients, weighed and sealed the bags and finally boxed and put them on pallets which were then loaded on the truck.

At the end of two hours, the goal of packaging 10,000 meals was realized. This project was both a fun and educational experience that provided all of the volunteers a greater awareness for global hunger.

Lakeland Hills YMCA is located at 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes.

Drop off New School Supplies for Children at Jersey Battered Women’s Service

PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany – Troy Hills (WCPTH) is conducting its Annual Collection of New School Supplies for the children at Jersey Battered Women’s Service residences.

During August, there is a collection box at Boiling Springs Savings Bank at 66 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. Or school supplies can be given to any member of WCPTH. Contact information is below.  Deadline to drop off school supplies is Tuesday, August 31.

The school supplies will be donated to the children living at Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS) of Morris County residences.  JBWS provides a safe house and transitional living accommodations for victims of domestic abuse and their children.  The collection helps to provide these children with the things they need to perform their school work and enrich their education. For additional information on JBWS, please contact info@jbws.org.  For information on the Woman’s Club involvement with JBWS call Cathy Haney at (973) 335-9769.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. The next General Meeting is on Monday, September 26.

For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or click here to view their website.

Intense Rain, Wind, and Lightening storm hit Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — Short but intense rain, wind, and lightening storm hit Parsippany on Friday evening.  Sections of Parsippany had down trees or fallen branches. Sections of Parsippany are without power. At 9:00 p.m. Jersey Central Power and Light reports a number of residents without power.

There was also power outage, wires down and traffic build up at Route 53 near Park Road. Parsippany Office of Emergency Management responded to help with traffic control.

troygardens2
Clouds over Troy Garden Apartments on Littleton Road and Parsippany Boulevard

Applicants Sought for Two Seats on CCM Board Of Trustees

PARSIPPANY — Morris County residents interested in serving on the County College of Morris (CCM) Board of Trustees are invited to send their resumes to a special trustees’ search committee of the Morris County Board of Freeholders.

Resumes must be received by that search committee by September 15. The committee will review all of the applicants and then submit recommendation to the freeholders, who will make the appointments this fall.

Two four-year terms of freeholder-appointed trustees expire at the end of October. The two sitting trustees also must reapply by the September 15 deadline if they wish to be considered for reappointment.

To qualify for consideration by the search committee, a candidate must be a resident of Morris County for at least four years, and may not hold a current elected office in Morris County or be an employee of Morris County government or CCM.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate independent judgment, distinction in their profession, knowledge of higher education, and a firm commitment to serving the college. A candidate must be willing to commit at least 15-20 hours a month to his or her duties as a college trustee to be considered for appointment.

Duties of trustees include appointing, supporting and evaluating the college president; clarifying and, if necessary, revising the college’s mission statement; ratifying long term plans; approving the college’s educational program; insuring fiscal viability; and maintaining the college’s physical plant.

The CCM search committee requests that resumes be accompanied by a background statement from each applicant outlining why he or she wishes to serve as a trustees and what specific skills the applicant would bring to the board.

Applicants are asked to send eight copies of their resume and that brief background statement to the Office of the Morris County Counsel, County of Morris, P.O. Box 900, Morristown, N.J. 07963-0900.

The County College of Morris Board of Trustees is composed of eleven Morris County residents from business, education, law and other professional fields, who volunteer their services in four-year terms.

By statute, eight members are appointed by the Morris County Freeholders and two members are appointed by the Governor. The Morris County Superintendent of Schools is also a member of the Board by statute. One non-voting CCM graduate member is elected for a one-year term by each year’s graduating class.  In addition, the CCM President serves as an ex-officio member.

The Board of Trustees sets policy and has final authority over budgets and expenditures, and the President is responsible for internal administrative operations.

Wyndham Worldwide Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary by Giving Back

PARSIPPANY — Ten years ago, the launch of Wyndham Worldwide created a new type of hospitality company – one that brought together some of the most iconic travel brands, united by a set of core values, and a vision to create great experiences for every type of traveler. To recognize its first decade serving travelers, the hospitality powerhouse announced today a new global philanthropic partnership with Save the Children.

Parsippany Township Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno
Parsippany Township Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno

“For the past ten years philanthropy and volunteerism has been central to our culture and we have consistently strived to do business in a way our associates, partners and shareholders can be proud of,” said Stephen P. Holmes, chairman and chief executive officer. “It made sense to us to celebrate our anniversary with a focus on serving others, especially children and families.”

With operations in over 120 countries including the United States, Save the Children is the leading global non-profit organization focused exclusively on the wellbeing of children around the world. In its first global philanthropic partnership, Wyndham Worldwide will support Save the Children across its corporate locations around the world through workplace giving events, disaster relief and emergency fund raising, and promotion of the Save the Children signature child sponsorship program. The Company’s initial donation of $250,000 will be focused on educational programs, helping to transform over 7,500 classrooms with learning materials to reach 250,000 students globally.

Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno addressing the audience
Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno addressing the audience

While this new partnership will create a way for all Wyndham Worldwide associates to make a more collective impact on a global scale, it’s only the latest in the company’s history of community support and volunteerism. Since 2006, the company has provided its US-based associates with a paid day off “Wish Day” to volunteer in the community, as well as a company match for personal charitable donations. Most notably, the Company holds annual campaigns and volunteer efforts supporting Christel House International, founded by Wyndham’s RCI brand founder Christel DeHaan; made community support a centerpiece of the annual Wyndham Championship on the PGA TOUR, and supported local efforts for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics, community food banks, and more. Recently, the company also launched a youth scholarship program in the United States.

Wyndham Worldwide associates celebrate the company's 10 year anniversary at a special celebration
Wyndham Worldwide associates celebrate the company’s 10 year anniversary at a special celebration

To kick off the new Save the Children partnership, associates at the company’s New Jersey headquarters will assemble hundreds of emergency preparedness kits for Save the Children, as well as clothing, food, and school supply drives for various local organizations.

10 years of Global Growth
When the company was launched in 2006, it was instantly one of the largest hospitality companies in the world, and the only company providing travelers with access to a collection of local and global hospitality brands in hotels, vacation ownership, as well as unique accommodations, such as vacation exchange, holiday parks, and managed home rentals.

Over the past 10 years the company has successfully grown its core businesses by “embracing the everyday traveler,” and maintaining focus on making travel more accessible to more people in more places than any other hospitality company.

Wyndham Worldwide Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stephen P. Holmes welcomes associates at a special 10 year anniversary celebration announcing its new global partnership with Save the Children at the company's global headquarters in Parsippany
Wyndham Worldwide Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stephen P. Holmes welcomes associates at a special 10 year anniversary celebration announcing its new global partnership with Save the Children at the company’s global headquarters in Parsippany

Today, Wyndham has over 120,000 places to stay around the world, through such iconic hotel brands as Ramada and Super 8, innovative brands like Microtel by Wyndham and Tryp by Wyndham, upscale brands like Dolce and our namesake Wyndham Hotels. Beyond hotels, Wyndham is home to the world’s largest vacation ownership portfolio with brands serving nearly 900,000 owners across the US, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Brazil, Asia and the South Pacific. And, in capturing the increasing market for travelers seeking unique experiences, the company’s Destination Network offers industry-leading brands across vacation exchange, holiday parks, and private home rentals, including RCI, Novasol, Hoseasons, and Wyndham Vacation Rentals.

Since 2006, the company has continually added to this global portfolio in size, scale, and depth of options. From welcoming brands like Shell Vacations Club, Baymont, ResortQuest, and James Villas to adding new types of travel experiences like Margaritaville themed vacation ownership resorts, RCI offering the first vacation exchange travel to Cuba, and everything from castles to houseboats and treehouses through its European and US rental brands.

Tying this “house of brands” together is Wyndham Rewards, the company’s re-imagined loyalty program, which has achieved wide acclaim since its relaunch in 2015 which made the program simpler for members to earn and redeem points faster.

Doing What’s Right for Business by Doing What’s Right for Others
Fueling its decade of global growth that now encompasses unique places to stay across 100 countries, is the company’s focus on creating a unique culture that drives value for others and aspires to care for people, preserve the planet, and provide places to stay that are socially, environmentally, and economically responsible.

The company’s award-winning Corporate Social Responsibility programs and initiatives have resulted in Wyndham Worldwide being named the among DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity, FORTUNE World’s Most Admired Companies, World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Magazine, the global industry leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and listed as one of the Top 100 Greenest Companies in the World by Newsweek.

“For the past decade, we have offered travelers something no other hospitality company could – the opportunity to have great travel experiences, no matter the location or type of accommodation, and we’ve done it in a way that delivers value for our shareholders, opportunity for our associates and partners, and support for those around us,” said Holmes. “As we look ahead, I see the next ten years creating even greater opportunities for a company like ours. The consumer landscape is changing, and we’re making bold moves to meet the needs of the future traveler. For wherever they want to go, and however they want to stay, Wyndham Worldwide is ready.”

ABOUT WYNDHAM WORLDWIDE
Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN) is one of the largest global hospitality companies, providing travelers with access to a collection of trusted hospitality brands in hotels, vacation ownership, and unique accommodations including vacation exchange, holiday parks, and managed home rentals. With a collective inventory of more than 120,000 places to stay across 100 countries on six continents, Wyndham Worldwide and its 38,000 associates welcomes people to experience travel the way they want. This is enhanced by Wyndham Rewards®, the Company’s re-imagined guest loyalty program across its businesses, which is making it simpler for members to earn more rewards and redeem their points faster. For more information, please visitwww.wyndhamworldwide.com.

ABOUT SAVE THE CHILDREN
Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We invest in childhood — every day, in times of crisis and for our future. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Two Charged in Armed Robbery of Jewelry Store in Chatham Borough

CHATHAM — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chatham Borough Police Chief Philip J. Crosson, Jr. announce that two men have been charged with various crimes in relation to an armed robbery that occurred on July 28, 2016 at Crescent Jewelers, located at 251 Main Street in Chatham Borough.

Michael Reed, 46, Newark, and Raiys Grimes, 35, West Orange, have both been charged with Robbery, a crime of the first degree; Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, a crime of the second degree; Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, a crime of the second degree; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a crime of the second degree; Theft, a crime of the second degree; Conspiracy to Commit Theft, a crime of the second degree; Burglary, a crime of the second degree; Conspiracy to Commit Burglary, a crime of the second degree; Criminal Restraint, a crime of the third degree; Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Restraint, a crime of the third degree; and Aggravated Assault (pointing a firearm) a crime of the fourth degree.  Reed was also charged with Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons, a crime of the second degree.

It is alleged that on Thursday, July 28 at approximately 10:54 a.m. Reed and Grimes entered Crescent Jewelers and stole jewelry and cash valued in excess of $75,000.00.  During the robbery, a handgun was produced and a store employee was physically restrained.

During the course of the subsequent investigation, law enforcement recovered various proceeds from the robbery, as well as the handgun that is alleged to have been used during this crime.

Reed is currently being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of a $250,000 bail with no 10% option.  That bail was reviewed by the Honorable Paul Armstrong on Monday, August 8 and was not changed at that time.

Raiys Grimes remains a fugitive and is currently being sought by law enforcement.  Anyone having information related to his whereabouts is encouraged in contact the Chatham Borough Police Department at (973) 685-8000, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200, or Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers at (973) 267-2255.  Callers may remain anonymous.

This matter continues to be investigated by the Chatham Borough Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit.  No additional information will be released at this time.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Chatham Borough Police Department at (973) 685-8000, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200, or Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers at (973) 267-2255.

The charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Mt. Tabor Childrens Day Parade and Festivities

PARSIPPANY — Mt. Tabor celebrated the 147th Annual Children’s Day Weekend, starting on Thursday, August 4 through Sunday, August 7.

 

The royal court lead the parade which featured marching bands, community groups, costumes, decorated bicycles and wagons, maypoles and an array of people-created floats.

The 147-year-old celebration, which kicked off Thursday with the Howard Bell Run and the parade, concert and fire works took place Saturday throughout the historic Parsippany neighborhood. On Sunday there was a 11:00 a.m. worship at the Tabernacle with the offering going toward NJ Special Olympics.

Presiding over the special day is the led by King is Liam Anderson and Queen isTeagan Wittig. The monarchs and their court was crowned at the yearly coronation ball held for Mt. Tabor residents and guests Friday evening.

The centerpiece event of the day is the annual Midway Parade.

The parade kicked off at approximately 7:00 p.m. This event featured the prize winners and Parsippany’s Volunteer Fire Districts, Ambulance Squads, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery.

The evening ended with a concert featuring “Buster Poindexter” at the country club and then fireworks.

The concert and fireworks are funded by Margaret and Francis X. Wentworth.

Other weekend events, since their inception 146 years ago, have been funded by the residents who volunteer their time, effort and money through fund raising events including a bake sale, pancake breakfast, car wash, hoagie sale and house to house collections.  

The Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Department provided a barbecue dinner to all of the local emergency responders who participated in the parade.

United Way Honey Open Golf Outing Benefits Struggling Residents

Women who care about local philanthropy and enjoy a round of golf have an opportunity to combine both passions at the United Way Honey Open Golf Outing on Monday, September 12 at the Farmstead Golf & Club, 88 Lawrence Road, Lafayette. 

In its 39th year, this women’s-only golf event will raise funds to support scholarship opportunities for local women and their families who are ALICE — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to afford the basics.

Hosted by the United Way Women’s Leadership Council, the event honors the legacy of tournament founder Helen “Honey” Ackerman, a former Sussex County clerk who believed women and children should have access to resources to build a better life, subsequently helping to build a stronger community. The Council brings together philanthropic women across the region to help ALICE women and those in poverty become more financially self sufficient. 

“United Way is pleased to carry on Honey’s legacy to support struggling individuals and families who deserve a chance to reach their full potential,” said United Way Community Relations Manager Monica Lemperle. 

Event proceeds will go toward three ALICE scholarship programs. United Way partners with child care centers to provide professional development opportunities for educators and to allow families access to quality child care. In addition, United Way and Sussex County Community College provide matching funds to help ALICE students complete their post-secondary education. 

To participate in the outing and contribute to these scholarship programs, women can choose one of two ways to play:

  • A nine-hole scramble lesson for golfers interested in learning more about the game
  • A traditional 18-hole scramble for experienced golfers

The outing will begin with registration at 7:00 a.m. followed by an 8:00 a.m. shotgun start for 18-hole golfers. The nine-hole lesson will begin at 9:00 a.m. The $125.00 per person registration includes golf, continental breakfast and an awards luncheon. 

To date, event sponsors include Platinum Sponsor Thorlabs and Gold Sponsors Bentley Assisted Living and Van Den Heuvel & Fountain Inc. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. 

For more information or to register by Monday, August 29, by clicking here, email by clicking here, or call (973) 993-1160, ext. 409.

About United Way of Northern New Jersey
United Way of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization working to improve people’s lives and strengthen communities by focusing on Education, Income, and Health.  These are the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job; the tools needed to achieve financial stability; and good health. We lead caring communities to create long-lasting changes that transform people’s lives. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. United Way of Northern New Jersey serves Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties as well as portions of suburban Essex County, including the Caldwells, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Millburn-Short Hills, Montclair, Roseland, and Verona.  Give.  Advocate.  Volunteer.  LIVE UNITED. To learn more, call (973) 993-1160 or visit by clicking here.

 

You’ve got a Friend … at the Parsippany Library

PARSIPPANY — Many of us know the lyrics to the song: ”You’ve got a Friend” but the Friends of the Parsippany Library proved that they really understand the meaning behind it! Due to budget constraints, and the availability of electronic access, the Parsippany Library did not renew all of its newspaper subscriptions this year. One example of a newspaper subscription that we did not renew is the New York Post.

Soon the Librarians received complaints about not providing this newspaper subscription. It seems many people come into the Library on a daily basis to read this newspaper. One gentleman even thought that the Library had discontinued the publication for political reasons! This was far from true since the Library is very objective and is careful to include newspapers, magazines and books which portray the many sides of issues.

When our Library Director told Pat Simon, the chairperson of the Book Nook and vice president of the Friends about this problem, she knew we were “down and troubled” so she and the Friends “lent a helping hand” and decided to pay the $275 so that this newspaper subscription could be renewed.

According to the subscription service, the New York Post should be back on the shelves within four to six weeks. And we hope our regular newspaper reading customers will come back too!

This subscription renewal is just one of many ways the Friends have shown their support for the 3 Library branches through the years. The Friends have used money raised from book sales, the Book Nook, dine out fund raisers, their 30 club promotion and Friends memberships to pay for collections of books, dvds, playaways; to provide toys and books geared to children with autism; to sponsor children’s and adult programs with special presenters and speakers; and for Library equipment and furniture. For example, the Friends have raised funds to sponsor: the stuffed animal sleepover; study and snack program; Zumba for kids; a juggling program; an adult program about FDR; a program for teens; a museum pass for the Yogi Berra museum which can also be used at Cooperstown; and special book collections such as test prep books; consumer health books and books about countries for kids; and book club in a bag kits.

This year and every year, the Friends have provided financial support for the summer reading program, a 3 month incentive that is put in place to encourage the children, teens and adults of our community to read and use the Library. Without the support of the Friends, the Library would be unable to provide all of these special services.

The Friends of the Parsippany is a 501C3 volunteer organization. If you are interested in paying membership dues to help support the initiatives of the Friends, visit the Library website by clicking here.

The Friends are also looking for people interested in giving back to the community. After years of service, some of our Friends leaders plan to retire from officer to member. So the Friends are seeking new officers. If you are interested in applying to be an officer of the Friends, please email by clicking here.