During the travels of a Parsippany Focus photographer they were behind a New Jersey State vehicle who was “striping” new white lines on Route 80. You would think they would clean and sweep the highway before striping, since the highway was full of dead animals and garbage. The photographer did refrain from posting the pictures of the dead animals with strips across their decomposed bodies.
Kelly testifies Christie signed off on Bridgegate lane closures
NEWARK – In an emotional day of testimony, Bridget Anne Kelly refuted the charges against her in the Bridgegate scandal, telling a jury she told Gov. Chris Christie in advance about the plan to close toll lanes at the George Washington Bridge in 2013, and had gotten his approval for what she thought was a legitimate…
Bridget Kelly: Christie knew of lane closures a month in advance
This is extremely damaging testimony from Chris Christie’s former deputy chief of staff. The former deputy chief of staff testified that the governor approved the study, which prosecutors allege actually was cover-up for a revenge plot against a local Democratic mayor. Christie has long maintained that he knew nothing about the lane closures that brought traffic…
Parsippany Chamber to hold Job Fair
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce’s Employment Outreach Program will be hosting it’s 6th Annual Job Fair to be held on Thursday, November 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive. In prior years, over 450 potential job seekers and 25 hiring organizations attended this annual event.
“Our Job Fair has a reputation for supporting families and businesses over the years and in mentoring our young adults with practical business skills to become our future leaders. This is another example on how we strive to give back to our community!” stated Chamber President and Job Fair Chair Robert Peluso. The job fair is a great opportunity for job seekers to connect with area employers while gaining new skills through the event’s free workforce development seminar. However, there is much more to the event. The job fair is part of the Chamber’s Employment Outreach Program which is the Chamber’s unique approach to drive community and economic growth in the Greater Parsippany Area through providing employers with a high quality workforce. However, the success of the Job Fair and Employment Outreach Program, which assists job seekers and area employers, demonstrates the success of Chamber President and Job Fair Chair Robert Peluso’ s strategic partnership initiative.
In 2009, led by Peluso, the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce began focusing on creating strategic partnerships with other community based organizations.
To date the Chamber supports many local organizations and works with New Jersey Department of Unemployment and Morris County School of Technology which also assists in the Annual Job Fair.
“A high quality workforce creates an advantage in attracting and retaining top companies to the Parsippany Area. We provide comprehensive services, including: job postings, a website by clicking here, internship opportunities, scholarships for Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School, training events, career counseling, and workforce development opportunities for students. All of these services are provided free of charge by the self-funded and volunteer based organization, however we could not make this program a success without our dedicated partner organizations,” stated Chamber President Robert J. Peluso.
For more information on the Employment Outreach Program and the job fair click here or call (973) 402-6400.
Bucco Named Assembly Republican Whip
MORRIS COUNTY — Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick announced he has appointed Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco to the position of Assembly Republican whip. Bucco replaces Scott Rumana, who was confirmed by the state Senate to become a Passaic County Superior Court judge.
“Tony is politically savvy, intelligent, and hard-working,” said Bramnick (R-Union). “He has a proven track record of successful leadership in our caucus and will be an effective advocate to advance our message as whip.”
Previously, Bucco served as the Republican deputy leader since 2012. He has served in the Assembly since 2010, and represents parts of Morris and Somerset counties in the 25th Legislative District.
“I am truly honored that Republican Leader Bramnick has asked me to take on this new role,” said Bucco (R-Morris). “I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to advance Republican solutions that make the state more affordable for taxpayers, encourage more job opportunities in every community, and reform state government.”
Bucco’s office is located at 1040 Route 10 West, First Floor, Randolph, and can be reached by calling (973) 927-2526.
Motorists: Be on the Alert for Deer Crossing Roads During Fall Rutting Season
PARSIPPANY — State wildlife officials are reminding motorists from across Morris County, from Parsippany and Cedar Knolls to Denville and Morris Plains, to be alert for white-tailed deer crossing their roads with the arrival of the fall breeding season, a time of year when deer may unexpectedly dart onto roads and cause accidents.
Motorists are urged to be especially attentive during morning and evening commutes when visibility may be poor, according to experts from the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Deer are involved in thousands of collisions in New Jersey every year, with as many as half coming during the fall mating season, known as the rutting season.
An adult male deer can weigh 150 pounds or more, and can cause dangerous accidents whether on local Parsippany or Morris County roads or on high-speed interstates that crisscross the region, such as I-80, I-287 and I-78.
“People should always be alert for deer when driving, but especially at this time of year, when deer can suddenly run onto any roadway, from busy highways to country roads,” said Division of Fish and Wildlife Director David Chanda. “One moment of inattentive driving can result in serious or even life-altering consequences.”
During rutting season, deer are most active in the very early morning and around sunset, when visibility conditions can be very difficult. This is when bucks are most actively pursuing does.
Using caution while driving will become even more important when Daylight Saving Time ends November 6, causing commutes to align with periods when deer are most active.
For motorists, low levels of light and sun glare can make it very difficult to see deer that are about to cross the road. Moreover, multiple deer may cross the road at any given moment, usually in a single file.
Peak rutting season for deer in New Jersey runs from late October, throughout November, and into mid-December in all areas of the state, beginning earliest in northern regions.
Motorists are encouraged to inform the Department of Transportation of dead deer they find along the state highway system, and can share information by clicking here.
Municipal and county governments are responsible for removal of dead deer from roads they maintain.
The following tips are offered to help motorists stay safe:
The following tips can help motorists stay safe during rutting season:
- If you see a deer, slow down and pay attention to possible sudden movement. If the deer doesn’t move, don’t go around it. Wait for the deer to pass and the road is clear.
- Pay attention to “Deer Crossing” signs. Slow down when traveling through areas known to have a high concentration of deer so you will have ample time to stop if necessary.
- If you are traveling after dark, use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. High beams will be reflected by the eyes of deer on or near roads. If you see one deer, be on guard: others may be in the area. Deer typically move in family groups at this time of year and cross roads single-file.
- Don’t tailgate. Remember: the driver in front of you might have to stop suddenly to avoid hitting a deer.
- Always wear a seatbelt, as required by law. Drive at a safe and sensible speed, considering weather, available lighting, traffic, curves and other road conditions.
- If a collision appears inevitable, do not swerve to avoid impact. The deer may counter-maneuver suddenly. Brake appropriately, but stay in your lane. Collisions are more likely to become fatal when a driver swerves to avoid a deer and instead collides with oncoming traffic or a fixed structure along the road.
- Report any deer-vehicle collision to a local law enforcement agency immediately.
- Obey the state’s hands-free device law or, better yet, avoid any distractions by refraining from using cellular devices while driving.
As a result of New Jersey’s deer management policies, the estimated population of deer in New Jersey, derived from a formula based on deer harvested in hunting seasons, is about 101,000, down from 204,000 in 1995.
This does not factor in deer inhabiting areas where hunting is not permitted. The DEP’s Community-Based Deer Management Program is available to help municipalities control deer in areas where sport hunting is not a viable management tool.
If you should encounter an injured deer in your travels, call (973) 263-4300.
United Methodist Church holds annual Ham Dinner
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany United Methodist Church recently held successful all you can eat Ham Dinner fundraiser. The dinner included Ham, Corn, Marconi and Cheese, String Beans, Baked Beans and Rolls. Also members of the church cooked home-made desserts.
The Parsippany United Methodist Church (PUMC) is located at 903 South Beverwyck Road. You can reach them by calling (973) 887-4657, or click here to visit their website.
The Parsippany United Methodist Church congregation was founded in 1830. In 1962, the century-old original church building was torn down to make room for an interstate highway. An education building and fellowship hall were built on a new location, but for years the congregation dreamed of a new, dedicated sanctuary. An identity was shaped over the course of the forty years between the evacuation of the original church building and the completion of the new sanctuary.
The PUMC congregation worshipped together in a fellowship hall that was also used for church dinners and play productions. People were drawn to the congregation not for the edifice — the school-like building wasn’t much to look at — but by qualities they experienced in the fellowship and worship. Together we shaped a congregational life characterized by unusual warmth, inclusion, artistic creativity, humor and prayerfulness.
Following Pastor Jeff Edwards arrival in 1989, PUMC congregational growth made it possible for the church to actively plan for the construction of a new worship space. Together they engaged in a long process of envisioning, fundraising, and planning for a new sanctuary that, with its simple and open design, was in keeping with the spirit of our congregation.
You can schedule a meeting with Pastor Jeff either by speaking to him directly, or by speaking to Fred Coleman, our Office Minister. Fred is in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (973-887-4657)
Construction began in November of 2001, in the midst of the national grief of 9/11. As they witnessed people spontaneously flock to communal holy spaces seeking contact with the Eternal, there seemed a rightness to building the sanctuary as an expression of hope in unsettling times.
Six months into construction, amid the typical frustrations and setbacks that are a part of this process, the chairperson of the building committee suddenly died. Shortly thereafter his wife also died. When finally the new sanctuary was dedicated six months later in December of 2002, the joy they felt was mixed with sadness that this much beloved couple who had been so instrumental in sustaining our dream of the new sanctuary for forty years was not with us to share in the celebration.
Services are held on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
The PUMC Youth Group meets approximately every other Sunday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All 8th through 12th graders are invited.
Breakfast for Men is held Tuesday mornings at 7:15 a.m. at the Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46 East. Free form discussion is concluded with a prayer. All men are welcome.
Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner Fundraiser for Noah
PARSIPPANY — The Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 and Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire District 5 is hosting a Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner Fundraiser to benefit the family of Noah Lorencovitz on Saturday, November 19 at the Parsippany-Troy Hills District 5 Firehouse , 200 South Beverwyck Road, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tickets for children are $5.00, adults $15.00, and seniors $10.00 and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Noah and his family.
The entrance price includes all you can eat spaghetti and meatballs donated and prepared by members of the Parsippany Sons of Italy, soda, water, coffee and dessert which is donated by the ShopRite of Parsippany. Parsippany’s Best Pizza in Arlington Plaza is donating all of the gravy for evening and Anthony & Sons Bakery in Denville is providing the bread.
Chairman Dave Cavaliere extends a huge thank you to President Joe Jannarone Jr., of The Parsippany Sons of Italy, Shop Rite of Parsippany, Parsippany’s Best Pizza and Anthony & Sons Bakery for their generous donations which highly contribute in making the fundraiser a huge success.
Bring your own beer or wine and cigars are welcome on their outdoor patio.
District 5 Firefighter and Chairman of the event Dave Cavaliere would like to thank the entire committee for all of the effort they are contributing in making this annual event which gives back to the community a huge success.
The dedicated members of this years committee are Pat Calabrese, John Dente, Matt Palmieri, Pat Lorenzo, Brandon Schweizer, Mike Lambert, Glen Pelobuet and Sons of Italy President Joe Jannarone Jr.
For more information contact Dave Cavaliere at (973) 390-0982 or Joe Jannarone Jr. at (973) 632-4765.
On Thursday, March 3, what started out as a normal school day for 13-year old Noah suddenly turned tragic. During gym class, Noah excused himself to the locker room. While in there, his heart went into an arrhythmia which ultimately led to cardiac arrest. A friend found him unresponsive and contracted his teacher who immediately began CPR. The school nurse and EMT’s were summoned to help and administer an AED to get his heart started again.
Noah was rushed to nearby Morristown Medical Center. On the evening of March 3, he was transferred to Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital at Columbia Presbyterian in New York City and was in the cardiac intensive care (ICU) for almost three weeks. The doctors conducted a successful ablation procedure on Noah and shortly thereafter he left ICU.
However, his fight is not over. Even after five months in the hospital, Noah is expected to have a long road of rehabilitation ahead. Everyone is hopeful that Noah will recover from the trauma so you can hear his voice and see that infectious smile.
Please join the community to help Noah and his family. All proceeds will go to help the Lorencovitz family as they continue to tackle this difficult situation. Let’s all come out together and continue to give support and prayers for Noah and his family so NOAH can wear his #4 jersey on the basketball court with his team mates very soon.
Kafe Mozart donates to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
PARSIPPANY — Kafe Mozart, 2900 Route 10 West, Powder Mill Plaza West recently made a donation to “The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society” as part of its Dine for Dollars Program.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society treatments that are saving the lives of patients today. LLS is making cures happen by providing patient support services, advocating for lifesaving treatments and pioneering the most promising cancer research anywhere. And it’s all happening now. Not someday, but today.
For more information on New Jersey Chapter of Leukemia & Lymphoma Society click here.
Kafe Mozart opened in February 2016 serving delicious home made meals, including soups, salads, burgers, entrees, savory crepes, panini’s, sweet crepes and has a complete espresso bar. They also offer a full Gluten Free menu.
If your organization would like to participate in a Dine For Dollars program, click here.
Car rolls over several times and strikes a tree; One driver sent to hospital
PARSIPPANY — Ms. Khrystyna Fok, 32, Parsippany, was driving a 2015 Volkswagen on Route 53 South (near Tarn Road), when Ms. Nalanda Pal, 39, Randolph made a left turn from Tarn Drive onto Route 53. Ms. Pal failed to yield the right of way and struck the 2015 Volkswagen with her 2015 Lexus 300. Ms. Fok’s vehicle left the roadway to the right and rolled over clockwise multiple times before striking a tree and coming to the rest on its side.
Ms. Pal then lost control of the vehicle, crossed the double line and struck the front of a 2006 Toyota Corolla driven by Ms. Yoyanna Duque-acosta, 48, Denville.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Peter Kolln investigated the accident. It was reported that Ms. Pal caused the motor vehicle crash due to failure to yield the right of way. At the time of the incident Ms. Pal was issued a summons for careless driving.
Ms. Duque-acosta was sent to St. Clares Hospital, Denville, by Parsippany Emergency Medical Services.
This accident occurred on Friday, October 14 at approximately 5:30 p.m.
All three vehicles were removed from the scene by Hiawatha Towing.
Mt. Tabor Fire District 1, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery and Parsippany Office of Emergency management was at the scene. Parsippany OEM cleaned up the fuel spill.
Parsippany Library offers Costume Swap
PARSIPPANY — Looking to get into the Halloween spirit? Join the Parsippany-Troy Hills Library Costume Swap.
If you have children’s costumes that you wish to swap out, drop them off at the Parsippany Public Library Children’s Department during regular library hours. Costumes must be in good condition.
In return, each family can register for a time to pick up a costume on either Wednesday, October 19 from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. or Thursday, October 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. or 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Costumes that aren’t swapped will be donated.
For more information, stop by the library at 449 Halsey Road or call (973) 887-5150, ext. 233.
Man accused of killing family of 3 in fiery crash loses bid to dismiss charges
MORRISTOWN — The 24-year-old man who was charged in an indictment last month with killing a Kentucky family of three while under the influence of opiates and alcohol on Route 80 in July 2015 lost a motion on Tuesday seeking to dismiss the most serious charges against him, the Daily Record reported. Bhavuk Uppal, of Mountain…
Nearly 80 Percent of New Jersey Residents Can’t Stand Governor Christie
Arguably the only person having a worse year than Donald Trump is his part-time lapdog Chris Christie. The Governor’s already depressing favorability rating in the state has continued to sink in the wake of the revitalizing of the bridgegate scandal. This month, a state survey found that only 21 percent of the state’s residents viewed Christie…
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Retail real estate took a beating this year. The hits started in January when Walmart revealed plans to close more than 150 locations throughout the country. Sears joined the brawl in April when the department store chain announced it would close 78 Kmart and Sears stores. The bankruptcy of Sports Authority dealt another blow. The sporting…
NJ Manufacturer Insurance Partners with Junior Achievement to Teach Economic Principles to Northvail Students
PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, October 18, several employees of NJ Manufacturer Insurance volunteered to teach economic principles to students from kindergarten through fifth grade at Northvail Elementary School. Each volunteer was assigned to his or her own classroom using a curriculum that was activity-based, grade-specific, using real-world perspectives within the lessons.
Junior Achievement is part of the world’s largest non profit organization dedicated to bringing curriculum lessons to classrooms that introduce financial literacy and career and economic readiness through trained volunteers. The program emphasizes social studies, reading, mathematics, and writing skills while supporting the Common Core State Standards. The program reflects a hierarchy of economic concepts, beginning with the kindergarten focus of “Ourselves,” and concluding with “Our Nation,” in fifth grade.
Principal Jeff Martens, with the cooperation of Alicia Fusco from the Junior Achievement Organization, were instrumental in bringing this worthwhile event to Northvail.
Letter to the editor: Lake Parsippany is targeting Asian-Indian community
Dear Editor:
I would like to thank Parsippany Focus for bringing the attention about the assessment fee in Lake Parsippany.
I am a resident of Lake Parsippany and I have few other family members living in this area and own property for many years.
This kind of idea to collect assessment fees are direct target to Asian-Indian community since there population is getting larger. We have alot of seniors living here with limited income and can’t afford any additional expenses. Our tax dollars are already going to maintain this lake. If the association can’t manage the lake please surrender the property to the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
If they make the change to impose any fees we will fight this in Morris County Superior Court legally.
There are many things being negotiated behind closed doors and not inviting everyone that is involved to the meetings. At least they could let everyone they will be charging the assessment fee to be heard.
Many residents oppose this annual mandatory assessment.
DD
Prescription Drug Take Back Program
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department is taking back unwanted prescription drugs Saturday, October 22 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in front of the Harmons store located at 3189 Route 46.
They cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, ONLY PATCHES OR PILLS.
This drop off is ONLY for individual citizens. Businesses that deal with pharmaceuticals, doctors, health care providers, and pharmacies are prohibited from disposing of pharmaceuticals at the collection site under FDA/DEA guidelines.
CCM Presents Talk on Citizenship and Homeownership
RANDOLPH — County College of Morris (CCM) will present a talk on Citizenship and Homeownership as part of its “Citizenship Under Siege” project, which aims to investigate the theme of stratified citizenship.
The session, which is free and open to the public, takes place Thursday, November 3, 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) Reading Room on CCM’s Randolph campus, 214 Center Grove Road.
Georgetown University sociologist Brian J. McCabe will speak on homeownership as it relates to notions and rights of citizenship. He will be exploring ideas from his recent book, “No Place Like Home: Wealth, Community & the Politics of Homeownership” (Oxford University Press, 2016).
McCabe is highly critical of the enduring ideology that presents homeowners as better neighbors, citizens and Americans. Instead, he claims that homeownership creates a stratified citizenry – of deserving homeowners versus underserving renters – often along lines of race, class and gender.
CCM was one of seven community colleges, and the only one in New Jersey, to have been awarded a $17,500 grant last year, through the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), to take part in the nationwide “Citizenship Under Siege” project.
Public forums, supported by the grant, are exploring critical questions about citizenship such as historic struggles for social justice and how the humanities can provide fresh understanding for contemporary issues involving equality, individual dignity, opportunity, liberty and happiness.
Women’s Theater Company Presents “Spin”
PARSIPPANY — The Women’s Theater Company, a professional theater company presents Spin, written by Robert William Sherwood. The show runs through October 23.
A story of politics– a ruthless American primary campaign, a vicious rumor involving the candidate’s wife, and a campaign manager who has a single afternoon to determine what the story is, whether it’s true, and what he’s going to do about it.
Spin, starring Nancy Kutzer, Jonathan Fishman, Meridith Johnson, Tom Morrissey, and Lauren Moran Mills. Spin is directed by Barbara Krajkowski, artistic Director at The Women’s Theater Company and Associate Artistic Director Patricia Durante.
Spin runs through October 23 Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 for adults and $20.00 for seniors.
To purchase tickets online please click here or call (973) 335- 3038.
The Women’s Theater Company is located at the Parsippany Playhouse at 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. For GPS driving directions, please enter the town of Boonton, 07005.
ABOUT WOMEN’S THEATER COMPANY:
The Women’s Theater Company’s mission is to provide a fertile environment for the advancement of professional women theater artists and to provide quality theater for the community at large. Through their main stage, educational outreach, and new works development programs, the Women’s Theater Company supports the development of new women artists, promotes new works in the American theater, and provides entertaining and enriching productions for growing audiences. Women’s Theater Company is located at The Parsippany Playhouse, 1130 Knoll Road. For more information contact (973) 335-3038, or email by clicking here.
The Women’s Theater Company is proud to be a member of the New Jersey Theater Alliance.
Funding for the Women’s Theater Company has been made possible in part by funds for the Morris Arts through the New Jersey State Council on the Art/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Women’s Theater is proud to be a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Intervale Reading Music Video
PARSIPPANY — Intervale School Reads in this music video based on Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling”