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Edward Wall, a Former Councilman of Parsippany, Has Passed Away

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Jane and Edward Wall

PARSIPPANY  Edward J. Wall passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023. Ed was born in Richmond Hill, New York on July 17, 1933, and moved to Elmwood Park, as a young boy.

He was the son of Edward and Bella Wall, predeceased. He attended St. Leo’s Grammar School in Elmwood Park and graduated from Pope Pius High School in Passaic.

He married his High School Sweetheart, Jane Elwood on September 17, 1955, in Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Jane predeceased him in 2021. They lived in Parsippany and attended St. Christopher Catholic Church. Ed was a teacher in Garfield School System 1962-1965. He taught at Wayne Hills High School from 1968-1997.

He was Chairman of the Business Education and Home Economics Departments. He was also Head Track Coach at Wayne Hills from 1968 to 1977. When he retired, he was asked to teach at St. Christopher’s School for two years. He formed the Parsippany Recreation Track Team in 1987 for students grades 4 to 8. The team won the League’s “B” Division championships in 1987 and 1988.

Wall served as a Parsippany Councilman from 1993 to 1997.

He was on the Morris County Park Commission for seventeen years and was acting president for three years. He was chairman of the Republican Club in Parsippany and a member of the Lake Parsippany Board of Directors.

He is the proud father of Ellen Jane Gasco (Joseph), Edward (Kathy), William (Tammy), Richard (Denise), Michael (Karen) and Thomas (Stacey). He was totally devoted to his grandchildren: Melissa (Kris), Jill, Amanda Rianne (Brooks), Joseph, Kelly (Kyle) Klaire, Justin, Kyle (Leslie), Sydney Jane, Brendan, Hayden, Michael Steven (Cooper), Rachel, Adrienne (Mike), Olivia, Ileana and Eagan. He had a special love for his great-grandchildren, twins, Dale Joseph & Kade Ryan, Everett, Merritt, Hadley, Lincoln, and Mack with many more expected.

He was predeceased by his sister Teresa, leaving behind a brother Peter, and many nieces and nephews.

Ed and Jane were snowbirds for nine years in Vero Beach. In 2011, they became owners of a home in The Villages, Central Florida. He became a member of the Community of Buttonwood Heights, taking up golf actively and joining St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church. He became a 4th-degree Knight and a member of the Color Guard. He also was a member of the YesterYear Club and enjoyed with much pleasure his golf cart.

To sum up his life: he was a true believer in his Catholic religion, a great teacher, a good husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He formed many friendships in New Jersey and Florida. He will be sadly and greatly missed.

A memorial mass will be held in the Villages, Florida on December 5 at 2:00 p.m. at St.
Vincent De Paul Catholic Church. 5323 E CR 462, Wildwood, Fl 34785.

In lew of flowers a donation to charities: Morris County Park Commission, Morris County.
St. Vincent de Paul Knights of Columbus Council 13300 Wildwood Florida, 32162.

Joseph Whritenour Honored as Boonton’s Citizen of the Year

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Joseph Whritenour

BOONTON  Mayor Richard Corcoran, acting on behalf of the Town Council and the entire Boonton community, proudly proclaims Joseph Whritenour as the distinguished recipient of the 2023 Citizen of the Year award. This prestigious honor recognizes Joe’s exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication to the betterment of Boonton and its residents.

Joseph Whritenour, a dedicated and longstanding member of the Boonton community, has been bestowed with the prestigious title of Boonton Citizen of the Year. Joe’s unwavering commitment to serving his community spans several decades.

His journey began in 1979 when he joined the Junior Fire Department, and in 1982, he became a valued member of the Boonton Fire Department. Throughout the years, Joe has displayed remarkable dedication and bravery in his service. Notably, he assumed the role of Fire Chief from 2000 to 2001, showcasing his exceptional leadership, intelligence, and skill in ensuring the safety and well-being of Boonton’s residents.

Beyond his firefighting duties, Joe’s community involvement extended to coaching baseball and softball Little League teams from 2002 to 2012 and Grayhawk football teams from 2006 to 2013. Since 2013, he has served as the BHS Booster President and actively supported BHS football as a dedicated parent. Joe’s enduring commitment to the youth of Boonton is truly commendable.

Moreover, Joe has brought boundless joy to the community during the holiday season. His natural sparkle and infectious charm have enriched the lives of Boonton’s residents since 1994, creating magical moments cherished by children and adults alike.

Joseph Whritenour’s roots are deeply embedded in Boonton, growing up in the Birch Street home of his loving parents, Bob and Theresa Venito Whritenour. He and his beloved wife, Robin, have chosen to call Boonton home, where they have raised their children, Kelly and Joe Bob, further solidifying their connection to this vibrant community.

Mountain Lakes Fire Department Heroically Battles Blaze in Historic Residence

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Upon arrival, they encountered a fully engulfed structure. Photo compliments of Mountain Lakes Fire Department

MOUNTAIN LAKES   On Thursday, November 23, at 4:05 p.m., the Mountain Lakes Fire Department received a call about a potential residential structure fire with a possible entrapment situation at 190 Laurel Hill Road, near the Craig School (Wilson School).

Mountain Lakes emergency units swiftly responded, arriving at the scene within three minutes of the initial dispatch. Upon arrival, they encountered a fully engulfed structure. Mountain Lakes Engine 1 quickly secured a hydrant and deployed two hose lines for fire suppression.

Given the severity of the situation, the fire was escalated to a second alarm, prompting the arrival of additional mutual aid resources. Multiple hose lines and two ladder trucks were deployed to combat the blaze.

Throughout their efforts, responders faced challenges including partial structural collapses and intense fire conditions within the building.

The fire was finally brought under control at 6:15 p.m. Mountain Lakes Engine 1 continued to monitor the scene until 4:30 a.m., addressing any lingering hot spots or flare-ups with support from the Town of Boonton Fire Department.

Fortunately, it was determined that no occupants were inside the structure at the time of the fire, and there were no reported injuries.

This historic home, constructed in 1911, had a unique history, as the current resident, a member of the Mountain Lakes High School Class of ’67, was the grandson of the original owners. Over the years, the house had served as the location for a Nursery School.

Climate Change Health Disparities

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 This OPED was written by Seema Chittalae

The consequences of climate change, have unequal effects in low-income countries and on poor people in high-income countries, despite significant differences in their green gas house emissions.  In 2004, the United States, Canada, and Australia produced 6 metric tons, of green gas emissions, whereas Japan and Western European countries produced about 2 to 5 metric tons. In contrast, developing countries contribute overall 0.6 -2 metric tons. The most vulnerable of the population, are poor people, minority status, female gender, young or old people, and people with diseases and disabilities are more affected than the general population.

The environmental effects of climate change include increased temperature, both at surface and sea level, bringing in drought on one hand and excess precipitation, with hurricanes and floods.

The adverse health effects include heat-related disorders, vector-borne diseases, food and water-borne diseases, respiratory illness, malnutrition, and mental health issues.

Women in low-income countries are responsible for collecting water, fuel, and food, however, have different kinds of challenges during a drought, and may have an increased possibility of injury and rape. Moreover, women are more vulnerable than men, to extreme weather-related events, and also susceptible, to waterborne diseases.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), 88% of children, less than 5 years, are affected by climate change. They are more affected by weather-related changes, have malnutrition, and their education is also affected.

Indigenous peoples, who live close to the natural environment, are more affected by weather-related climate change and will have difficulty in obtaining food, water, and shelter.

People in different geographic locations, like people in Arctic places are affected by unusual warming in the Arctic area. Likewise, people living in low-lying areas are in increased danger of flooding.

Climate change produces extreme weather-related natural disasters, 80 times more in developing countries, than in developed countries. In the United States, one recent example was the Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This hurricane affected the most vulnerable populations, like poor people, people of color, and those without any political power. People from low-lying areas were trapped and sought shelter in short-term shelter and long-term shelter, whereas rich people, were easily able to evacuate the areas.

Policies can be implemented to reduce green gas emissions, responsible for climate change, in the energy, transportation, and agricultural sectors. Energy demands can be reduced, by using renewable energy and decreased use of fossil fuels. Transportation policies can promote the use of battery-operated vehicles, walking, and biking. Agricultural policies may include decreased meat production and consumption, and reduced methane emissions. Planting more trees and expanding the forests can also help in removing green gas house emissions from the forest.

It is important to adapt and diminish the effects of climate change globally and provide impartial measures to protect all minority populations.

Climate Change, Human Rights, and Social Justice
Barry S. Levy, MD, MPH, Jonathan A. Patz, MD, MPH
Sherborn, MA; and Madison, WI
Abstract

Register Now for CCM Winterim and Spring Semester Classes

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CCM students learning on campus and virtually during the winter.

MORRIS COUNTY  County College of Morris (CCM) is excited to announce that registration for the Winterim and Spring semesters is open and there is no better time for students to enroll to set them on their path to success.  

By registering early, students can take advantage of several benefits, including securing their seat in the courses that best fit their schedules. Whether students prefer taking classes on campus or the flexibility of virtual learning, CCM offers a wide range of certificate, degree, and career-focused options designed to help students excel in their chosen field. The college is committed to providing an affordable education where students may have the opportunity to graduate with minimal or no debt, allowing them to begin earning sooner and embark on their professional journey with confidence. 

“At CCM, we understand the importance of higher education in shaping one’s future,” said Melissa Albright, Vice President of Marketing, Public Relations & Enrollment Management. “That’s why we are excited to open registration for the Winter and Spring semesters. By enrolling early, students can ensure that they get the classes they need, g keeping them on track to graduation.” 

Winterim 2023-2024 Semester at CCM  

Most of the Winterim classes at CCM are offered in an online, condensed, four-week format that begins Wednesday, December 20. This is a convenient way to earn credits quickly and complete a program sooner. The college welcomes first-time students and visiting students who are enrolled at a four-year college and seeking to fulfill a requirement, learn a new subject, or lighten their spring schedule. 

Spring 2024 Semester at CCM  

The college’s Spring 2024 semester consists of three different sessions, providing students with maximum flexibility to quickly move forward with their studies. Both the traditional 15-week session and the Early 7-week session begin on January 17. The Late 7-week session starts on March 18. For information about this upcoming opportunity, click here.

Key Benefits of Registering for the Winterim and Spring 2024 semesters at CCM: 

  • Flexible Learning Options: Choose between taking courses on campus or virtually and learning in the way that suits you best. 
  • Affordability: CCM is dedicated to keeping education accessible and affordable to encourage all students to focus on completion without the burden of heavy debt. 
  • Career Readiness: Choose from over 100 certificates, associate degrees, and workforce development programs to spring ahead and Go BIG at CCM in 2024! 

Your Next Steps 

The first step for all new students who want to take credit courses, whether degree-seeking at CCM or visiting from another college, is to submit an online application by clicking here. The Admissions office also can be reached at [email protected] or (973) 328-5100; it is located in the Student Community Center, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, and walk-ins are welcome. Upon completion of your application, notification will be provided by email with registration instructions. All students should apply for Financial Aid as well to see the actual cost, as some students do attend for free. 

Go BIG. Get started today on becoming part of a nationally-ranked community college. CCM is ranked #1 in New Jersey for Best Associate Degrees and ranked Best for Transfer Students in New Jersey who want to go on and earn a bachelor’s degree.  

CCM is committed to excellence in teaching and lifelong learning through the delivery of exceptional programs and services to our students and to the larger community that reflects a dedication to inclusiveness and diversity, educational advancement, cultural enrichment, and workforce development. The college believes in creating opportunities for all individuals to thrive and make a positive impact in their communities.   

Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi’s ‘OPERATION GIVE BACK’ Shows Appreciation for Veterans with Local Merchant Discounts

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Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, Esq.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi initiated “OPERATION GIVE BACK,” a program designed to express gratitude to our veterans for their dedicated service to our nation. This program aims to provide veterans with discounts and benefits from local merchants as a token of appreciation for their contributions and sacrifices.

The Clerk’s Office provides Morris County Identification Cards for Gold Star family members, veterans, and senior citizens. They are perfect for those who may not have a driver’s license or just want an additional form of photo identification. Veteran’s ID Cards and Gold Star ID Cards can also be used to enjoy discounts at many participating Morris County businesses.

These cards are used for identification purposes only and may not be accepted by certain agencies that require a state ID such as a New Jersey Driver License or Non-Driver Identification Card.

As a Morris County business owner, will you consider offering a special discount to veterans and Gold Star Parents who show their Morris County ID card?

The business name, location, and type of discount will be added to a discount directory on the Morris County Clerk’s website and also included in a booklet that is distributed to veterans’ organizations and other locations throughout the county. Click here to download a copy of the directory.

Please show your appreciation to our veterans by registering by clicking here.

Disclaimer: All names, addresses, phone numbers, and discounts contained throughout the directory are presented by the Morris County Clerk’s Office based on information provided by authorized representatives of the participating businesses. The Morris County Clerk’s Office is in no way responsible for the information provided by the businesses listed within and cannot attest to the quality of service they offer.

Burglaries Strike Cherry Lane, Sedgefield Drive, and Lake Shore Drive; Arrest Made, Investigation Continues

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File Photo. Vehicle may not be same, just used for reference

PARSIPPANY – Parsippany Police reports that during the early morning hours of November 26th, three different residences were burglarized. The locations were:

• Cherry Lane (2022 BMW X7 stolen)

• Sedgefield Drive (2022 BMW X7 stolen)

• Lake Shore Drive (Lake Hiawatha section)

During the investigation, one male was placed under arrest on Sedgefield Drive. (click here to read a related article)

The investigation into these incidents is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to email [email protected] or call (973) 263-4300.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite these accusations, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

NJ Recovery Institute Celebrates Grand Opening Providing Comprehensive Support For Addiction Recovery

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MORRIS COUNTY – The NJ Recovery Institute marked its official launch with a grand opening ceremony that was graced by several distinguished guests. The ribbon-cutting event saw the presence of Senator Anthony Bucco, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Wharton Police Chief David Young, and Rockaway Borough Police Chief Conrad Pepperman, along with other esteemed attendees.

Senator Anthony Bucco, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Wharton Police Chief David Young

The NJ Recovery Institute provides comprehensive support for individuals seeking to overcome drug addiction or alcohol abuse. Tailored services meet the unique needs of each person, alongside extensive guidance and aftercare to promote sustained recovery.

Grounded in the values of respect, compassion, and integrity, the institute is dedicated to assisting individuals and their families in Succasunna, to conquer the challenges posed by alcohol and drug dependency. Recognizing the difficulties in fostering a supportive environment, the institute affirms its commitment to facilitating a healthier, more hopeful future for everyone it serves.

Offering a variety of recovery programs designed to address the particular circumstances of each client, the NJ Recovery Institute positions itself as a staunch ally in the fight against addiction, providing a critical first step on the path to successful recovery.

NJ Recovery Institute is located at 106 Route 10 West, Succasunna. They can be reached by calling (973) 891-0897. You can visit their website by clicking here.

Craig School Certified Schoolyard Habitat and Vegetable Garden Leads by Example

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The Craig School’s garden was inspired by Steven Ritz’s Green Bronx Machine program in New York.

This article was submitted and written by Elizabeth Gillen, Girl Scout Gold. All photos by Elizabeth Gillen and student photo releases comply with Craig School policy confirmed by Niles Furlong, Craig School.

MOUNTAIN LAKES — Imagine attending school where you can pick fresh vegetables with your classmates and teachers, or observe the graceful flight of Monarch butterflies just outside your classroom windows. Since 2019, this has been a reality for students at The Craig School in Mountain Lakes. They have been actively involved in planting and harvesting a variety of vegetables, generously sharing their produce with groundhogs, birds, and other wildlife that frequent their school grounds. One dedicated 7th grader, G.C., has been nurturing his gardening skills since the 4th grade, thanks to guidance from his grandpa.

The inspiration for The Craig School’s garden came from Steven Ritz’s Green Bronx Machine program in New York. Niles Furlong, the Director of Student Affairs and Athletics at The Craig School, took the lead in transforming a green space at the school’s entrance into a thriving vegetable garden. What initially began as an Eagle Scout project has now become an integral part of the school’s science and social studies curriculum.

D.S., another 7th grader, has been an active member of the Garden Club for four years, alongside her friends. The garden, adorned with plants and flowers that attract pollinators like Monarch butterflies through the presence of milkweed, has become a comforting outdoor sanctuary for students like K.S. and K.M., both 7th graders who cherish their time spent there. The garden’s National Wildlife Federation certification attests to its provision of a water source, shelter, and food for native wildlife, a place for wildlife to raise their young, and the use of natural gardening methods. The NWF’s certification is attainable for any outdoor space that incorporates these essential elements, whether it be a patio, balcony, or schoolyard.

Recently, The Craig School’s Certified Schoolyard Habitat garnered the attention of Elizabeth Gillen, a Mountain Lakes resident and high school junior at the Morris County School of Technology Multimedia Academy. Gillen is working towards her Girl Scout Gold Award, focusing on raising awareness for local wildlife, abundant in Mountain Lakes and nearby Tourne Park. She registered Mountain Lakes with the National Wildlife Federation and is collaborating with the Borough’s Woodlands Sub-Committee and Gardening Club to educate the community about wildlife protection and creating wildlife-friendly spaces on public and private property. Gillen’s ambitious goal is to certify the entire Borough of Mountain Lakes through a combination of educational outreach and wildlife habitat certifications for backyards, schools, businesses, and pocket parks.

At The Craig School, the student-run Garden Club takes care of planting, weeding, and harvesting, and the harvested vegetables are sent home with students. For 5th grader M.B., picking vegetables, especially peppers, is a favorite pastime. The school’s Science Department oversees the growth of milkweed, essential for Monarch butterflies, as their caterpillars rely on native milkweed before undergoing their transformation. Additionally, the Social Studies department plays a pivotal role in managing the vegetable garden.

In 2023, the Birchwood Lake Rain Garden and Thorleif Fiflet Bird Sanctuary in Mountain Lakes achieved NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat status, adding to the community’s commitment to wildlife conservation. The Craig School is one of only nine certified schools in Morris County. Gillen hopes that other schools will draw inspiration from The Craig School’s success and empower their students to make a difference for wildlife in their school vicinity and backyards.

Mr. Furlong shared his observation, stating, “It never ceases to amaze me the amount of wildlife our students experience firsthand right outside our classrooms here in Mountain Lakes. We are firm believers in the mission of the National Wildlife Federation and are proud to be part of this important initiative.”

Florham Park Resident Receives Prison Sentence for Sexual Abuse of Boy Scout Camper

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File Photo

FLORHAM PARK — Colin Skeele, 37, Florham Park, received an 18-month sentence to New Jersey State Prison on November 15, 2023, for sexually abusing a Boy Scout camper. The incident occurred at the NoBeBoSco camp in Hardwick Township, run by the Boy Scouts of America.

The Prosecutor’s Office detailed that Skeele initiated a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old Counselor-in-Training while he was 26 and employed at the camp.

In a distressing pattern of behavior, Skeele, working in the camp’s Medical Tent, repeatedly engaged in sexual activities with the camper.

His guilty plea to fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3 led to his current sentence.

Further compounding his criminal history, Skeele has a previous conviction for similar offenses in Sussex County, dating back to 2020. He is also concurrently serving a Federal prison sentence for distributing child sexual abuse material.

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