EAST HANOVER — The motto at Hanover Park High School is “We are family.” When one of the current students or alumnus is in need, the HP family along with the PTO is always willing to help.
Nick DePhillips is a former Hanover Park student from the Class of 2016. Last month Nick had a serious accident at work. The tragic event left him paralyzed from the chest down. Immediately following his accident the communities of East Hanover and Florham Park rallied together and raised over $71,000 for his family, and for his long road to recovery ahead. (To donate to his Gofundme account, click here.)
On Thursday, April 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Hanover Park High School Gymnasium, the Hanover Park PTO, is hosing “A Night for Nick,” Admission includes food, games, a DJ, prizes, 50/50 Raffle, face painting, and a full night of family fun. Join in the fun with your favorite teachers, administrators, community leaders and friends from East Hanover and Florham Park.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office will be holding a recognition and remembrance ceremony in observance of the 2019 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week which is observed from April 7-13. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week has been celebrated every April since 1981. It is a time of national remembrance and is dedicated to advancing the policies and programs instituted to help victims of crime.
The Keynote Speaker for the program is NBC New York Award Winning Journalist and New Jersey Correspondent, Brian Thompson. Following Brian’s presentation, the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders will present a proclamation to Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp on behalf of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in honor and recognition of 2019 Crime Victim’s Rights Week. Reverend Doctor David Smazik of the Presbyterian Church in Morristown will also provide opening and closing prayers.
The ceremony will be held in the Freeholder Public Meeting Room on the 5th Floor of the Administration & Records Building in Morristown. It will begin at 9:30 a.m. This event is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP to Morrisvw@co.morris.nj.us or (973) 285-6210.
MORRIS COUNTY — All boys and girls in grades K-5 are invited to the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Championship for Fishawack District (eastern Morris county).
The Championship will be held on Saturday, April 6, between 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Alfred Vail School, 125 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains.
You will see the fastest cars that our Cub Scouts have built during the past year as they race for the right to move on to the World Pinewood Derby Championship. Each boy or girl spectator will be able to purchase a pre-carved Pinewood Derby car and customize it on the spot with markers and stickers.
Spectator’s cars will be raced just for fun and will not be eligible for the championship.Please register by clicking here.For information about the Pinewood Derby, or other Cub Scout fun year-round, contact Senior District Executive Al Thomas, Patriots’ Path Council, BSA, al.thomas@scouting.org; (973) 765-9322 ext. 229.
MORRIS COUNTY —The club, formed in 2006, is one of the founding members of the Morris Rugby Club’s Flag Rugby program. The Colonials are kicking off their 8th year calling Madison home. The Colonials team is made up of players from the surrounding towns of Madison, Morristown, Morris Township, Morris Plains, Chatham and Florham Park.
Flag Rugby is a co-ed, non-contact, form of 7 on 7 rugby using flags. The program is open to boys and girls entering Kindergarten through 9th grade (10th grade for girls). The games are seven on seven and focus on teamwork, sportsmanship and most importantly participation for all.
Children play in 4 age groups, each group bringing in more aspects of the game as the players progress.
The Owls: entering grades K-1
The Falcons: entering grades 2-3
The Hawks: entering grades 4-6
The Eagles: entering grades 7-9
All programs are run as clinics, with two evening practices and Saturday morning matches scheduled against neighboring Morris County towns.
“Saturday morning games run approximately 30 minutes. We try and guarantee everyone at least two games. We know it is summer, so we keep things low key-the commitment level is entirely up to you,” says program director Kevin McManus
Practices for all ages will be held at the Madison Borough Athletic Fields (formerly Bayley Ellard Fields) on Monday and Wednesday beginning on June 10. Practice will be held evenings from 6:00 pm. to 7:30 p.m., weather permitting.
The season ends with the Morris Youth Rugby Festival on July 20 at Black River Fields in Chester Township.
If you would like to learn more you can find details and online registration by clicking here or contact program managers Kevin McManus at kmcmanus299@gmail.com .
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — The Township of Hanover Police Department is investigating reports of a different type of scam.
Please be extra cautious when listing items for sale, rent, or trade online. Criminals are sending the victims checks for significantly more than the asking price.
The criminal is then asking the victim to cash the check and return a portion of the funds to them via a bank transfer, gift card, or to provide the extra funds to a shipping company.
After the transaction is complete the bank reports that the check is fraudulent and the victims are out several thousands of dollars thus far.
Do not become a victim of this type of scam.
If possible, arrange a face to face meeting to conduct these types of transactions at a public location, and be wary of anyone who quickly sends funds exceeding what you are asking for.
The Township has a Safe Exchange Area, near the Whippanong Library, to conduct these face to face transactions. If you are suspicious of any of these transactions, or receive a check in the mail, please report it to the police. Remember: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
BOONTON — Best Practices in Behavior Analysis (BPBA) announces the second year of their Kids Helping Kids social skills camp for children entering Kindergarten through eighth grade during the weeks of July 22, August 12, 19 and 26.
It is no secret that in today’s technology driven society, where so much communication happens on mobile phones via text and messaging, children are struggling to develop the interpersonal and social skills they need to lead fulfilling and successful lives.
This camp, called “Kids Helping Kids”, is designed to help children of all backgrounds and with a variety of needs or exceptionality to hone their social skills and build their self-confidence and ability to work well with others.
Kids Helping Kids camp will be held July 22-25 at The Nature Nest located at 220 Vreeland Avenue, Boonton. During the month of August, it will be based at Saint Christopher’s Church on Route 202 in Parsippany in the heart of Morris County.
Kids Helping Kids is an inclusive social skills camp focused on developing face-to-face social, emotional, physical and academic skills. Campers engage in game play, physical activity, STEM projects, guided conversations, and practice their social skills. They learn from their peers and from the board-certified analysts who run the camp as well as the aspiring behaviorists who support the team.
“Last summer was our first year of this camp and we all learned so much. This camp started as a traditional social skills camp designed for children with special needs and what we quickly realized is that the kids without any sort of classification benefited just as much. They enjoyed the activities and by the end of the week everyone matured and began to improve critical social skills and start to demonstrate advanced responses such as empathy, collaboration, patience and consideration,” said Stasia Hansen, MA., BCBA-S, Founder of Best Practices in Behavior Analysis.
Kids Helping Kids Food Tasting
The goal of the Kids Helping Kids camp is to teach social repertoires to children with and without special education classification. This is done in a fun and nurturing environment where relationships can be made. The program is run by two Ivy League Board Certified Behavior Analysts with a combined total of 40 years’ experience.
Stasia Hansen, is a local mom of two from Parsippany and the founder and director of Best Practices in Behavior Analysis. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, BCBA, with more than 20 years’ experience in the field of behavior analysis. Stasia graduated from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2003.
Lisa Searls is a BCBA and has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for 20 years. She received her master’s degree in ABA from Teachers College, Columbia University. She also has a MA in Special Education, is a NJ Certified General and Special Education teacher, and a certified aerobics instructor. She currently works as a behavior consultant for several public-school districts.
This camp is ideal for children entering Kindergarten through eighth grade. Children with high functioning autism spectrum disorder, ADHD and developmental delays are welcome and encouraged to attend as are children who are not classified with any special needs but who wish to gain leadership and/or social skills.
Data will be collected on the all the skills taught to the campers and progress will be tracked. In most instances and as appropriate, the campers will track their own data which acts as an academic lesson and furthers their accountability.
To find out more visit the BPBA website here or download the camp flyer here. You can also contact camp director Stasia Hansen at stasia.bestpractices@gmail.com.
County Committee Chairman Joe Bock with Boonton Alderman Cy Wekilsky
BOONTON — Attorney Joe Bock has filed a nominating petition and will run for the Town of Boonton Board of Aldermen to represent the Town’s Third Ward. Bock has lived in the Boonton area for most of his life, and returned to his home community after graduating from Hamilton College and Rutgers Law School. He currently lives in Boonton’s Historic Main Street District. Joe Bock practices land use and local government law at the Morris County office of a prominent New Jersey law firm, and previously served as Public Defender for Boonton Township and for Parsippany-Troy Hills.
Joe Bock, Esq.
“I can think of no better way of giving back to my community than running for the Town of Boonton Board of Aldermen. As an Alderman, I will work to promote open and transparent government, reduce wasteful spending to help taxpayers, and improve parking on Main Street. I look forward to running an issues-based campaign explaining my vision to the residents of Boonton’s Third Ward,” said Bock.
Joe Bock has been endorsed by many current and former elected officials with ties to Boonton, including incumbent Boonton Aldermen Cyril Wekilsky, James Lynch and Michael Cardillo; Former Mayor Ed Bolcar; Former Aldermen Doris Yanez, Dan Piccioni, Keith Price and Tony Scozzafava; Senator Anthony Bucco, Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, Sheriff James Gannon, Freeholder Director Doug Cabana and Freeholder Steve Shaw.
Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco said, “Joe Bock is a skilled municipal attorney who understands the complex challenges that local governments face. These talents, along with his commitment to open, ethical and responsible government will make him an excellent Alderman for Boonton.”
Sheriff James Gannon stated, “It has been my pleasure to watch Joe grow from a student athlete into a community leader. He honorably served Boonton Township and Parsippany as Public Defender, and will bring this same commitment to the Boonton Board of Aldermen.”
Boonton Fourth Ward Alderman Michael Cardillo stated, “I am very excited for Joe Bock’s candidacy for the Board of Alderman. Joe shares my vision of open government and responsible spending. Together we will work to provide an affordable Boonton with honest and ethical government.”
The Tri-Town Republican Club of Boonton-Boonton Township-Mountain Lakes will host its Second Annual Spring Fundraiser on Sunday May 5 at the Zeris Inn to benefit local municipal candidates. Information about the fundraiser is available online by clicking here.
Dr. Jason Abaza, Mandy Walker and Dr. Marissa Johnson
MORRIS COUNTY — Benjamin Franklin once said, “The best doctor gives the least medicines.”
It’s no secret that medicine has become the foundational backbone for the American healthcare system.
Recently though, families are seeking more effective, natural ways to approach their health. Well, Morris County, you’re in luck! This past July, Drs. Marissa Johnson and Jason Abaza launched Adjust Chiropractic Health Center in Rockaway Township. Their goal was simple: provide a state-of-the-art, holistic healthcare facility for area residents.
Not interested in getting “cracked”? Adjust specializes in neurologically-based chiropractic care. You won’t find any twisting, popping, or cracking in the facility. Instead, non-invasive, safe technology is used to assess the nervous system to locate the root source of health issues. Additionally, the doctors use gentle, specific adjustments with the 1st ever FDA-approved chiropractic instrument, the Integratorä. By removing interference from the nervous system, the body heals, naturally.
The impact the facility has made on the overall health of the community in such a short time is remarkable. This March the Adjust team hosted “Pancakes, Coffee, and Fellowship”, an event at Parsippany IHOP, to celebrate the countless testimonials of their practice members, meet the public, and allow guests to learn more about this new version of chiropractic.
The practice specializes with infants, children, athletes, adults, and geriatrics. If you’re interested in learning if Adjust can help your family, you can take a tour of the facility located at 85 Green Pond Rd in Rockaway or call (973) 957-0836. Mention the Parsippany Focus or Morris Focus to receive a complimentary consultation with the doctors.
Adjust team hosted “Pancakes, Coffee, and Fellowship”, an event at Parsippany IHOP
Dr. Jason Abaza, a resident of East Hanover, is a 2010 graduate of Hanover Park High School and a 2016 Graduate of Life University with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Whippany Fire Company will hold its 30th Annual Golf Outing on Wednesday, July 17 at the Preakness Valley Golf Course, Totowa. The Golf Outing is being held at the Preakness Valley Golf Course, Totowa. This is a way to enjoy the day out on one of New Jersey’s pristine golf courses while supporting the volunteers at the Whippany Fire Company.
The day includes breakfast, golf cart, light lunch on the course, buffet lunch, beer and beverages, not to mention a round of golf to show off your skills and have a great time.
Cost Per Golfer is only $135.00. The Preakness Valley Golf Course is located at 209 Totowa Road, Wayne. Registration and Breakfast begin at 8:00 a.m. with a 9:00 a.m. Shotgun.
Click here to register. For questions or additional information, please call Ray Woytas at (973) 296-8998 or email us at golf@whippanyfire.com
MORRIS COUNTY — April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and for the second year, Deirdre’s House, the Center for Morris County’s child victims of abuse and or neglect, will be holding its Wine and Whiskey Tasting to raise funds to provide services to child victims of abuse and/or neglect and for children that have witnessed violence. The event will be held on Friday, April 5 at the Morristown Hyatt, 3 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown.
For the second year, Wine and Whiskey Country is the co-sponsor of the event, which will feature a wide variety Wine and Whiskies available for tasting, as well as a Wine and Spirit Pull, Silent Auction, and Buffet. Just some of the whiskies that will be available for tasting are Tommy Rotter Triple Barrel, Featherbone Bourbon, Slane Irish Whiskey, High West, Whistle Pig 12-Year-Old, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Four Roses Yellow Label, Old Forester 1870. There will also be a variety of gins and vodkas. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in the SHINE campaign, a national initiative with the goal of transforming the conversation around the issue of child sexual abuse. Event attendees will be able to have their photograph taken with special signs that feature encouraging messages for survivors of child sexual assault.
Sponsors, attendees, and silent auction donors are still needed to help raise funds to ensure that critical services provided by Deirdre’s House will continue to be available to child abuse victims and their families. In addition to Wine and Whiskey Country, lead sponsors already include Bressler, Amery and Ross, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, Charles Schwab Morristown Office, and several private donors. For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
Founded in 1994, Deirdre’s House, is the leading resource for children in Morris County who have suffered abuse, neglect or witnessed domestic violence. It is the only site in Morris County where a child victim can be interviewed and digitally recorded by law enforcement, medically examined and treated, and clinically counseled in English and Spanish, all free-of-charge and all under one roof.
Proceeds from the Wine and Whiskey event will be used to fund the Deirdre’s House Advocacy and Clinical Counseling Programs. Deirdre’s House Executive Director Maria Vinci Savettiere, Esq. explained, “By attending or sponsoring this event, members of our community can raise funds and awareness to ensure that though a child’s life may be altered by abuse, it does not have to be defined by that abuse.”
For more information on Deirdre’s House call (973) 631-5000, or click here.
