MORRIS COUNTY — One of New Jersey’s fastest-growing churches and ranked #56 in Outreach Magazine’s 2019 list of the Top 100 Fastest-Growing Churches In America, Liquid Church is raising awareness and funds for its signature Clean Water Cause by hosting the first-ever Run For Rwanda 5K & 1.5 Mile Fun Run on Saturday, October 19 in Parsippany. The 5K begins at 9:30 a.m. and the 1.5 Mile Fun Run begins at 10:30 a.m.
“Rwanda is a country with an ambitious goal – to be the first in Africa with 100% access to clean water and at Liquid Church, we’re committed to helping Rwandans reach this milestone,” said Tim Lucas, lead pastor and founder of Liquid Church. “Right now 25% of Rwandans have no other choice but to drink dirty water that carries water borne diseases and makes families ill. Globally, 2,300 children die each day from drinking unsafe water. The clean water crisis is a global epidemic and by hosting Run For Rwanda, we’re not only drawing attention to the crisis, but we’re raising funds that can be used to effect real change.”
Liquid and its overseas partner Living Water International have been working together in Rwanda since 2015, when Liquid donated a $250,000 high-speed drill rig capable of reaching and drilling wells in remote villages. To date, Liquid has helped to open 153 clean water wells throughout the Ruhango district of Rwanda. Funds raised through the Run For Rwanda will help to complete the WASH program (water access, sanitation, hygiene) in the Ruhango district, while positioning the church to help new families in another region of the country – Busasamana.
“Whether people join us to run, walk, or stroll, I want them to know that their participation in the Run For Rwanda is helping to bring clean water to the thirsty. They are having a real impact,” added Lucas. “For the millions of thirsty people in Rwanda, safe water can ultimately transform their health, safety, education, and livelihoods!”
The Run For Rwanda is a chip-timed race, and all ages, stages, and abilities are welcome to lace up and join the 5K or 1.5 Mile Fun Run that will take place on the wide open roads surrounding Liquid Church’s offices at 299 Webro Road in Parsippany, New Jersey. Participants are invited to sign-up as individuals or create and join teams.
“We’re seeing some incredible team names that certainly put a smile on my face; ‘Run Like The Winded,’ ‘Runnin’ On a Prayer,’ and ‘Grace For My Pace’ to name a few. We want people to have fun and to rally their family, friends, and neighbors to join them on the racecourse in order to multiply their impact. Together we can bring hope and healing to families in East Africa,” said Lucas.
Participants are encouraged to register in advance for Run For Rwanda – registration forms and race details can be found at www.RunForRwanda.com. The 5K begins at 9:30am and the 1.5 Mile Fun Run begins at 10:30am. Additional activities include an Outdoor Expo and Indoor Family-Friendly Funtivities such as African Drumming, a Water Walk, A Rwandan Village Sensory Experience, and Imigongo Tattoos. The event will wrap-up with a 5K Awards Presentation.
To learn more about Run For Rwanda click here. To get answers to Frequently Asked Questions, click here, and to learn more about the Clean Water Cause click here.
Liquid Church is one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing Christian churches. Officially launched in 2007 by Lead Pastor Tim Lucas, the church’s vision and mission is to “Saturate the State with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” with seven campuses in Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset, and Union Counties. Each week, over 5,000 people experience Liquid Church’s worship services in New Jersey and around the globe through Church Online. As part of its global outreach, Liquid provides clean drinking water to those in need, with hundreds of completed wells around the world, including El Salvador and Nicaragua – and most recently, Rwanda! Liquid Church’s innovative approaches to outreach and ministry have been spotlighted by CNN, FOX News, and The Today Show. For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY — Cushman & Wakefield is launching the marketing for 200,000 square feet of premier industrial warehouse space at 100 Jefferson Road. The 550,000-square-foot property, under new ownership/management, recently underwent a $4 million capital improvement program that includes new warehouse space, upgraded office space, restrooms and building entrances, resurfaced parking areas and new mechanical systems and lighting.
Located at the intersection of Interstates 80 and 287, 100 Jefferson Road sits on nearly 36 acres just minutes from Routes 10, 46 and 202, and the Morristown CBD. The property provides access to New York City, Newark Liberty International Airport and the Port of NY/NJ, all within 30 minutes.
The space is available for immediate occupancy and may be divided. The meticulously maintained and well-located building boasts exceptional curb appeal along with nine loading docks and approximately 200 on-site parking spaces. It is one the largest warehouse/distribution availabilities in the Northern New Jersey market, according to Andrew Siemsen of Cushman & Wakefield’s Iselin office, who is heading the leasing effort along with Jason Goldman and Michael Kimmel.
“100 Jefferson Road is a quality asset that provides tenants with functional space, including 19-foot ceiling heights, nine loading docks and two box truck doors,” Siemsen said. “Additionally, it provides immediate access to a residential population of more than 16 million people within a one-hour drive, making it ideal for last-mile and e-commerce distribution. New ownership, led by Turnbridge Equities, has invested millions of dollars in improving the property and providing Class A experience for tenants. This is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity in this highly sought-after market with very limited availability and an overall vacancy rate of only 3%.”
TRENTON — First Lady Tammy Murphy announced her initiative to incorporate climate change education into New Jersey’s K-12 academic standards. Over the past several months, the First Lady has met with the over 130 educators from across the state who have been charged with reviewing and revising the existing student learning standards, a process that occurs every five years. During these meetings, First Lady Murphy, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Education, has implored these educators to incorporate climate change education into all nine content areas — 21st Century Life and Careers, Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Technology, Visual and Performing Arts, and World Languages.
“We have already begun to feel the effects of climate change here in New Jersey.” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Our shorelines are disappearing, rain comes in torrential downpours, and our summers are blazing hot. But, it is not enough to understand climate change from solely a scientific perspective. We have an obligation to our kids to prepare them for the reality that awaits them as adults—and that reality will include the effects of climate change across almost every aspect of their lives.”
Since Spring 2019, the First Lady has visited elementary, middle, and high schools across the state that have already implemented strong climate change education and sustainability initiatives. These schools include Mount Arlington Public School, Whitehouse Elementary School, Millbridge Elementary School, George L. Catrambone School, and Delran High School. The First Lady will continue her tour of schools this fall with stops at Valleyview Middle School, J.V.B. Wicoff Elementary School, Egg Harbor Township High School, and Alder Middle School, with more to come. All of these schools participate in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program.
“We are already a national leader in education, but we have the opportunity to become the first state in the country to incorporate climate change into all of our core content areas,” continued First Lady Tammy Murphy. “As our students graduate and go on to become artists, economists, activists, and more, they will be prepared to report findings, write grant proposals, develop plans, advocate, communicate ideas, and innovate throughout every sector of our economy as climate literate professionals.”
Advocating for the incorporation of climate change into our student learning standards also supports Governor Murphy’s current work to put New Jersey on a path to 100 percent clean energy by 2050. As a long-time advocate for policies that combat climate change, the First Lady acknowledges that educating our youth is the next step toward securing a clean future.
“Last week’s Climate Strike and Greta Thunberg’s call to action dramatically illustrate the responsibility that current leaders have to future generations,” said New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe. “We stand with students and recognize it is up to all of us to provide them with the education and tools they need to help lead New Jersey and its response to climate change in the years ahead. The First Lady has long been a climate change champion and the DEP is thrilled to join her in our shared goal of reducing and responding to climate change.”
“The Department of Education thanks the First Lady for her involvement with the standards review teams over the past year,” said Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet. “Our goal is to design standards that continue to ensure New Jersey students are prepared to think critically, analyze data, and work collaboratively as effective stewards of the Earth’s natural resources.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Sheriff James M. Gannon, and Montville Police Chief Andrew Caggiano announce an investigation into a double fatal accident that occurred Friday evening.
On Friday, October 11, at 7:29 p.m., Montville Police responded to the intersection of Route 202 and Heritage Court on a report of a motor vehicle accident with injuries. The investigation revealed east of the intersection, a 2009 Saab and 2016 Nissan collided.
The rear seat passenger of a Saab, a 93-year old female from Hallandale, Florida, was pronounced dead at the scene. The two other occupants of the Saab were injured and transported to Morristown Medical Center.
The two occupants of the Nissan were transported to Morristown Medical Center. A passenger of the Nissan, an 85-year old male from Totowa, was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The accident is under investigation by Montville Township Police Department Traffic Bureau, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
EAST HANOVER — You may be busy raising your family or serving as a caregiver for relatives and regret not having the time to help improve your community. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and Sons of Italy #2561 has a solution to that dilemma.
On Thursday, October 17, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., you can help improve the lives of others and have fun while doing so by attending the Kiwanis annual wine tasting at the Hanover Manor in East Hanover.
This wine Tasting is the Kiwanis Club’s largest fundraising event with the goal of supporting programs that benefit children and youth.
The local programs funded by the Kiwanis Club include: sponsored youth programs in the Parsippany Troy Hills school district, such as Key Clubs in both high schools, Builders Clubs in the middle schools, and K-Kids Clubs in all of the elementary schools; Parsippany Day Care Center; Parsippany Library; the Stickley Farms family fun day and numerous other 501(c)3 organizations that serve children and families. In addition to this financial support of children’s leadership development and service initiatives, the club meets the basic needs of the less fortunate families in our community by providing food and food cards, toiletry items, and blankets through a partnership with the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Community Center. The Club also supports state and national organizations that serve the needs of children and their families.
Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 was founded as a non-profit organization, which contributes thousands of dollars to worthwhile local charities and families. The lodge is proud to be able to serve a small portion of needs to our local communities. Donations include, but are not limited to, The Parsippany Food Pantry, High School Scholarships, Gift cards to families in need, The Valerie Fund, Alzheimer’s, and many others.
Joe Canal’s is a major sponsor of the wine tasting event. The event includes silent and live auctions; delicious hot and cold buffet; wines and liquors; and an opportunity to help raise money and do good for others.
In addition, Kane Brewing Company specializing in brewing American and Belgian-style ales will be sampling their products at the event.
Tickets are only $65 each. Kiwanis is a 501(C)3 organization and your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
If you would like to purchase tickets, visit kiwaniswinetasting.com, or call Frank Cahill (862) 213-2200.
For more information on The Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 visit www.soi2561.org. For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany visit parsippanykiwanis.org.
Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Chief Zienowicz, Chief Cannizzo, SERT Commander Gino Fluri, Captain Ambrose, Lieutenant Croker, Sergeant Rae
EAST HANOVER — The East Hanover Police Department’s Emergency Services Unit — which is trained to respond to active shooter situations and to clear buildings in high-risk incidents — is the new owner of a tactical van formerly used by the Morris County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT).
The 2003 vehicle will be re-purposed by East Hanover’s ESU members for use, if necessary, in crisis and emergency situations.
“The East Hanover Police Department has a top-notch Emergency Services Unit. We understand that seconds count in emergencies and this van can make the difference,” Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon said.
East Hanover Police Chief Christopher F. Cannizzo praised the expertise of SERT and said: “They’re so proficient, and we are following suit.”
East Hanover Lieutenant Kevin Croker has run the department’s ESU since 2016. Chief Cannizzo and Lieutenant Croker joined the Sheriff, Sheriff’s Office Chief Officer Kelley Zienowicz, SERT Sergeant Jamie Rae, and East Hanover Police Captain Jack Ambrose in a visual inspection of the tactical vehicle Tuesday, October 2, at the Morris County Public Safety Academy.
Grand Marshal Chris Coccia with Friends, Family and Employees
EAST HANOVER — East Hanover Italian American Club (EHIAC) held its 15th Annual Columbus Day Parade Dinner Dance at Hanover Manor on Friday, October 11. The parade will be held on Sunday, October 13, beginning at 2:00 p.m.
This year the East Hanover Italian American Club celebrates its 36th anniversary. The founders of the club wanted to work for the betterment of their community, as well as promote our large Italian population. Over the last 36 years, the clubs mission has expanded. The philanthropic work includes a scholarship program at Hanover Park High School, and five years ago it expanded to Whippany Park High School. The scholarship funds are raised each year at the annual carnival at Lurker Park every May. The club also takes pride in helping those who are in need; as well as to support other community organizations that work toward the greater good. In 2017, EHIAC was instrumental in starting a bocce ball program in East Hanover.
2019 marks the 15th year that the club has sponsored the Morris County Columbus Day Parade in conjunction with the township of East Hanover. The Parade mission is to perpetuate the rich Italian heritage and culture. A comedy night was added six years ago and will be continued to support the parade.
This year, Chris Coccia was named Grand Marshal
Chris Coccia accepting the award for the 2019 Grand Marshal of the Morris County Columbus Day Parade
Chris was born and raised in Kearny, New Jersey. He Graduated from Queen of Peace school in 1989 and went on to Graduate from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. After a few short years of commuting into Manhattan working as a chef, Chris became a licensed Realtor in 1994 and worked in the family business ever since.
Chris lived in several different places in New Jersey such as Northvale, Saddle Brook and Clifton before settling down in Florham Park in 2002. Chris is married to wife Michelle and in 2007 had their son Chase. Chase is currently in 7th grade and is an honor roll student at St. Vincent’s School in Madison.
Chris received his Real Estate Broker’s license in 1998 and began managing his first office shortly afterwards. He held the honor of being a Board of Director of the New Jersey MLS from the years 2004 to 2007. He also held the position of Treasurer of the Meadowlands Board of Realtors. He currently is on the board of Trustees for the North Central Jersey Association of Realtors as well as the New Jersey Association of Realtors.
Chris is presently very active in the East Hanover – Florham Park community. He is a proud member of the East Hanover Italian American Club and tries to support East Hanover and Park communities whenever called upon to do so.
Chris is currently the Broker/Owner of Coccia Real Estate Group, LLC a thriving Real Estate office that has grown to over 50 agents. He recently relocated his office to their brand new state of the art building located in the center of town at 435 Ridgedale Avenue. Chris looks forward to continuing his involvement in the community and whatever else the future may hold.
The 2019 Parade Princess is Valentina Ashley Marra
Valentina Ashley Marra with Superintendent of East Hanover Schools Natalee Vaccaro Barlett
Valentina is a fun loving six year old from East Hanover. She is currently a Kindergarten student at Frank J. Smith School. Valentina loves being a cheerleader and is part of the Florham Park-East Hanover Cheerleading Squad. She likes to sing, dance and visit Disney World with mom, Mari a her dad, Anthony, and her two-year-old brother, Anthony.
The parade is dedicated to the first Italian immigrants and all of the following generations. Family, friends and church carried them through even the hardest of times.
Entrepreneur of the Year: John Gunnello
Entrepreneur of the Year is John Gunnello
He was born and raised in Newark. John Gunnello came from a hardworking, modest, blue collar family. John’s father, Edward Gunnello was a lifelong employee for the City of Newark, who worked endless hours to earn an honest pay to provide for his family.
John’s mother, Phyllis, stayed home to take care of their children. John saw the financial struggle hi family endured and knew he had to do better, for everyone. Johns dreams and ambition stem from his father’s work ethics and unconditional love he had for his family. This is what made John the man he is today. At the age of nine, John grew up learning every aspect of the garbage industry. He ha fon memories and lifelong experiences with his extended family of which were pioneer o the waste trade. John’s Grandfather and Uncles showed him the ropes of the business of which John, years later turned into an Empire. The waste industry isn’t the only icon of his achievements. Johns uncanny business sense and perseverance has given him opportunities owning and investing in a wide variety of businesses, such as night club’s to restaurants to real estate.
These are only a few of his many grand business endeavors. Johns self-proclaimed greatest two achievements are his wife Carrie and his son Johnny. “Everything I do is for them, they are my tower of strength, I am truly blessed.”
Man of the Year: Anthony Iacullo, Esq.
Anthony Iacullo, Esq.
Anthony Iacullo, Esq. is a founding member of the law firm of Iacullo Martino, LLC. The law firm was founded in 1995 and prior to that, Anthony was an Assistant Prosecutor with
Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Hackensack. Since leaving the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office where Anthony handled hundreds of criminal cases representing the State of New Jersey in various matters ranging from drug cases to homicides, he has since form the firm of Iacullo Martino, LLC. Upon entering private practice, Anthony focused on criminal defense. As a private criminal defense attorney, Anthony has represented thousands of individuals on both the State and Federal levels. He has appeared in the Superior Court of New Jersey in all counties within the State and has handled Federal matters in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Connecticut and California to name a few. He has argued before the NJ Appellate Division and the Supreme Court of New Jersey. He has also argued multiple cases before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
Woman of the Year: Natalee Vaccaro Barlett
Natalee Vaccaro Barlett
Bartlett is into her third year as Superintendent of East Hanover Schools. Natalee is a school administrator with proven effective leadership in defining educational mission and vision and in achieving organizational growth through data-driven decision making. She is a dedicated leader with comprehensive knowledge of New Jersey district and school-level operations, management, and process improvements.
Natalee was born in Newark and raised in West Caldwell, she is the eldest daughter of Geralyn and Fred Vaccaro. Natalee moved to East Hanover in 2005. She is married to Bill Bartlett and will be celebrating their 20th year of marriage. They have three sons, Christopher Thomas and Will.
A graduate of Montclair State University, a Master’s degree from Caldwell University and an additional 30 plus credits from the University of Phoenix. Natalee began her career a Catholic School teacher, then moved through the ranks in the East Orange School District, Montclair School District and Bedminster School District, eventually coming “Home” to do the job she has passion for, educating children. She is viewed as an educational visionary in the educational field. Her ideals of ensuring the whole child is educated and ensuring the social and emotional needs of students and teachers are met are impactful. She shares this with many future administrators that has mentored from various colleges and Universities throughout the state. She has received and been nominated for many awards including the prestigious Friends of Education Award given by the Morris County teachers Union, MCEA. Natalee is a firm believer in giving back to her community. Her favorite charities are Arianna’ Angels and Halos for Angels. Both are organizations that help local residents and children. She is also vice President of the Sigma Delta Phi Alumni Association.
Athlete of the Year: Giuseppe Rossi
Giuseppe Rossi
Giuseppe Rossi is an Italian American professional footballer. Born in Teaneck he began his career with the Clifton Stallions in nearby Clifton. When he was 12, he moved to Italy to join the youth club Parma. When he was as 17, he signed his first professional contract with Manchester United. A couple month later, he made his debut and scored his first goal versus Sunderland in a Premier League match. In 2007, he signed with Spanish club Villarreal, where he became the highest leading goalscorer ever for the club. Giuseppe helped Villarreal qualify for the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Champions League. After five-and-a-half years with Villarreal, he returned to Italy, signing for Fiorentina in January 2013.
Giuseppe quickly became a fan favorite by scoring three goals versus arch rival Juventus. At the international level, Rossi represented Italy at the 2008 Summer Olympics, and at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. Along with Mario Balotelli and Daniele De Rossi, he is Italy’s all-time top scorer in the FIFA Confederations Cup, with two goals.
The East Hanover Italian American Club will sponsor the Family Fun Day at Lurker Park following the parade. Entertainment will include a petting zoo, face painting, balloon art, bounce castle, wrecking ball and other attractions for children beginning at 3:00 p.m. Food vendors and a live performance by The No Cover Band will round out the festivities.
The parade will feature eleven marching bands, social and civic organizations, antique cars and police and fire departments from all over Morris County.
“This is an outstanding group of honorees who serve as great role models for young people and demonstrate how hard work and family values are the backbone of what Italian Americans are all about,” said parade spokesman, William Agnellino.
Grand Marshal Chris Coccia with Friends, Family and Employees
North Caldwell Mayor Joseph H. Alessio, Esq., Morris County Freeholder Thomas Mastrangelo and Rockaway Boro Chief of Police Conrad Pepperman
Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco with his wife Amy Bucco
Hanover Resident Barbara Freda, Michelle Brokaw and Council President Brian Brokaw Sr.
William Schievella and Natalee Vaccaro Barlett
Valentina Ashley Marra with Natalee Vaccaro Barlett
Morris County Surrogate Candidate Michael Thompson, Freeholder Candidate Cara Parmigiani and Morris County Sheriff Candidate William Schievella
Rockaway Boro Councilman Tom Mulligan, Morris Freeholder Thomas Mastrangelo
Yesterday, I attended a press conference where an app was introduced in furtherance of our RSVP-3 Program designed to keep students safe by monitoring “red-flags” through an anonymous reporting system. The purpose of this program is to prevent problems from starting in the first place, and one of the reasons students act out against other students in instances of school violence is bullying.
The internet has made bullying a commonplace occurrence, as it allows individuals to hide behind a computer screen, and often a fake persona, from which they can comfortably attack another without fear of retaliation.
They subjects of bullying suffer greatly, both at the time the bullying occurs and for the rest of their lives from the emotional scars it leaves behind.
Right here in Morris County we have had people take their own lives because of the cowardly torment of bullies.
In Chatham, less than a month ago, the Out of the Darkness Walk took place to raise awareness about suicide and help prevent the suffering that leads to this end. We have all heard stories of the impact of bullying and torment on individuals throughout the county, including elected officials who have had the courage to come forward and speak about racist attacks or harassment because of their sexual orientation that nearly caused them to take their own lives. No one should ever find themselves contemplating suicide as the result of the prejudice, jealousy or hatred that is manifested in torment by others.
I am absolutely disgusted by something I saw on social media today, directed toward one of our citizens, that is completely contrary to our efforts in Morris County to prevent bullying and the harm it causes. In Morris County, we have people who are of different genders, religious beliefs, sexual orientations and ethnicities.
I denounce online bullying and intimidation by anyone and believe that it should be accepted by no one. We all coexist here and there is absolutely no room in our community for intolerance toward others and the clearly documented damage it does to the targets of these cowards. Morris County does and always will promote a stigma-free environment, embracing diversity within our community and denouncing hate in all of its forms. There is absolutely no place in Morris County for bullying of any kind.
MORRIS COUNTY — Linda Groszew took a circuitous career path to becoming senior program manager and volunteer coordinator at Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey.
A certified dental assistant and part-time piano teacher after high school, Groszew decided in her early 20s to pursue a degree in music education. She married while attending William Paterson University, and just as she completed her degree, Groszew gave birth to a son. Four years later, in 1988, quadruplets arrived.
“They kept me busy!” said Groszew, who will be honored for 15 years of service at VLANJ’s Dining in the Dark on October 24 during Blindness Awareness Month.
While her children were young, Groszew owned and ran an independent grocery store with her husband. The couple sold the store 7½ years later, and Groszew began looking for a new opportunity. Through family friends, she learned about New Jersey Foundation for the Blind (VLANJ’s former name). In 2004, the nonprofit hired Groszew as a receptionist, and promoted her to assistant program director within a few months.
Groszew underwent intense training as part of VLANJ’s transformation to becoming the only comprehensive vision rehabilitation program for adults in New Jersey. “I was fascinated by spatial reasoning and mobility, and I found that I really loved this field,” she said. “We created some phenomenal programs.”
Groszew feels especially strong about VLANJ’s wellness programs, which enhance participants’ ability to adapt to their new circumstances. “Our wellness programs are so important for building overall well-being,” she said. “Well-being can open you up to everything you need to learn; it goes hand-in-hand with skill-building.”
For example, participants in djembe drumming have to listen intently to follow sound patterns. Not only is the experience relaxing and social, but it helps them develop listening skills that are key to spatial mapping, she said.
When asked about her favorite memories, the Denville resident said all of them are tied to the people she’s met at VLANJ. “They’ve inspired and taught me so much,” she said. Over the years, Groszew has used her musical talent at VLANJ, teaching one-on-one piano lessons and running a choir.
“Linda is the heart of this organization, and has empathy and respect for everyone who walks through the door,” VLANJ Executive Director Kris Marino said. “We’re proud to honor her for 15 years of devoted service.”
Groszew said she is honored to receive VLANJ’s Service Award at Dining in the Dark. Tony Groszew, her husband of 38 years, and some of her children will attend. The mother of five has four grandchildren and a fifth on the way.
Dining in the Dark guests will enjoy a three-course gourmet meal with all their senses — except sight. They’ll wear black eye shades to briefly experience what it’s like for people who are blind or have low vision. The event at The Meadow Wood in Randolph is VLANJ’s major fundraiser of the year.
Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. and include a cocktail hour, art auction, silent auction and live music. A wine pull has been added this year: guests can pull a cork for $20 and will go home with the bottle that matches the number on their cork.Vision Loss Alliance participants will serve as ambassadors, guiding diners.
Dining in the Dark tickets are $125.00 per person, and tables can be reserved for ten guests for $1,000. Click here. Sponsorship opportunities are still available by contacting Director of Development Jennifer Singer at jsinger@vlanj.org or (973) 627-0055 ext. 1323.
Another way to support VLANJ it to purchase bottles of wine for the wine pull. Cambridge Wines in Morristown is donating 15 percent of every purchase, click here for information. Select “store pickup” and VLANJ will collect the donated wines.
MORRIS COUNTY — In advance of National School Safety Week, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Morris County Police Chiefs Association on October 10 unveiled a mobile app called RSVP-3 Morris County through which students can anonymously report threats to school safety and behavior that could disrupt classroom security.
The free RSVP-3 app – which stands for Responsible School Violence Prevention, Preparation, Protection – is one component of a multi-faceted RSVP-3 program that Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon immediately began developing with the Morris County Chiefs of Police Association in response to the February 14, 2018, school shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that killed 17 people and wounded 17 others.
The creation and activation of the app was announced at a press conference hosted Thursday by Sheriff Gannon, and attended by Morris County Police Chiefs, School Superintendents, Morris County Freeholders, Morris County First Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Zelante, and other stakeholders.
The app can be downloaded as follows:
Go to the Google Play Store or Apple iTunes Store on your mobile device.
Search for RSVP-3 Morris County, NJ.
Click Install.
Open the application.
Enter a unique 4-digit passcode that you will remember and use as a log-in.Once the user has entered the passcode, do the following:
Select your location
Select the Town
Select the Affected School
To then report an incident or threat:
Select the action/tip you would like to report. There is a list.
You can add screenshots and attach documents.
Fill out tip report with all available information.
Click submit. Tips to the app are monitored in real time, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by law enforcement professionals working cooperatively with school officials.
The app was developed by Anderson Software’s P3 Campus, a tip reporting solution designed for the educational community. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office received $16,500 in start-up funding for the RSVP-3 application from the Sheriff’s Office CrimeStoppers program. Unlike CrimeStoppers, there are no rewards attached to making tips through RSVP-3.
“The app is a practical tool to help prevent school violence and allow for the sharing of critical information between police, school leaders and mental health providers,” Sheriff Gannon said.
So far, two public school districts in Morris County have committed to forming teams that will help law enforcement agencies investigate the tips. The app is available for anyone – students, parents, teachers and staff – to report a tip about school safety or a troubling school environment. All 36 municipal police departments in Morris County have signed on to the program.
Ciro Chimento, Butler Police Chief and President of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association
“Sheriff Gannon and the Chief’s Association have again successfully collaborated on the RSVP-3 program in congruence with the recommendation of the United States Secret Service “Operational Guide for Preventing Targeted Violence.” In particular, this app addresses step 3 of their 8-step platform, which recommends the creation of a central reporting mechanism,” said Butler Police Chief Ciro Chimento, president of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association.
Morris County Deputy Freeholder Director Heather Darling expressed support for the entire RSVP-3 program.
Darling said “As a freeholder who is committed to keeping Morris County as safe and appealing as possible, support a proactive measure like this app.”
“We want to be ahead of any violence and we want to reach the person who is making threats, or behaving erratically, or whose grades are plummeting, and get them the help they may need,” said Freeholder Darling.
Morris County Deputy Freeholder Director Heather Darling
The app is one element in the overall RSVP-3 initiative that brings together police, educators and mental health professionals in a multidisciplinary approach to stopping violence before it erupts in the classroom.
The Morris County Board of Freeholders and the federal Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) have each contributed funds used to pay for behavioral threat assessment curriculum and the costs of training school leaders and mental health professionals who work with schools.
Morris County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Ashley Craig
The curriculum, authored by Sigma Threat Management Associates, guides school leaders, mental health experts and police on how to evaluate and respond to threats to school safety in a scientifically reliable manner.
“We are training people to distinguish between the child who shouts in a moment of anger that he will kill someone and the student whose grades are dropping, who is socially isolating himself or making disturbing comments. We need to be ‘left of bang.’ We want to reach that student – before the bell rings – and get him or her the professional help they may need,” Sheriff Gannon said.
An author of the curriculum, Dr. Marisa Randazzo, in November 2018 trained 75 Morris County police, school and mental health professionals on how to develop assessment and evaluation tools.
Dr. Randazzo is CEO of SIGMA and an international expert on threat assessment, targeted violence and violence prevention. She served for 10 years with the U.S. Secret Service and most recently was its Chief Research Psychologist.
In May 2019, Dr. Randazzo and Dr. Melissa Reeves, the past president of the National Association of School Psychologists and former Chairman of the NASP National School Safety and Crisis Response Committee, trained another 40 teachers and school staff in May 2019 on how to scientifically assess troubling behavior to determine whether school safety is at risk.
Additional training of educators and police on behavioral threat assessment is planned in Morris County this November.
Former Denville Police Chief Christopher Wagner, now the Director of Public Affairs for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, spoke at the event. Chief Wagner and Steve Forte, Denville’s Superintendent of Schools, said they are longtime proponents of the overall RSVP-3 program.
“I don’t want to send a kid to school with a cell phone because they need to get hold of their mother because there’s been a violent encounter at school,” Chief Wagner said. “I don’t ever want a kid to have to send a note to their parents that ‘I’m scared because there’s a bad person in our school.’”
State Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, also present at the event, noted that he continues to push in the New Jersey Legislature for support for A-5242, a bill that would fund a pilot RSVP-3 program specifically in the counties of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic and Union and the first class cities of Newark and Jersey City – all part of the UASI zone.
Assemblyman Bucco said: “This is about our children. This is about our future. This is about the safety of our schools.”
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