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Community Corner

Parsippany Seniors Beat the Heat at the Community Center

All residents advised to stay in the A/C or head to one of four designated cooling stations today and tomorrow

With temperatures set to soar into the high 90s in the next few days, it assuredly is hot in Parsippany!   

If you are a senior citizen looking for a place to keep cool, no sweat: The Parsippany Community Center  at 1130 Knoll Rd. in Lake Hiawatha has a plethora of indoor activities, including ping pong, pool, fitness classes, a small library and fitness equipment available.

In addition, the Parsippany Community Center is a Morris County Nutrition Project site, which provides a healthy, balanced midday meal for seniors for a small donation of $2, which can be waived, if needed.  

“If anyone doesn’t have air conditioning, we are here at the center," said Barbara Ievoli, director of human services at the Community Center.  There are lots of things to do here.  Also, the Book Nook is having a sale today—for just $4 you can purchase a reusable tote and fill it with books.”

 In regards to the heat, Carmela Piccotti, the township's public health nurse, had advice for seniors.

“Drink plenty of fluids and try to stay in the air conditioning,” she cautioned.

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Piccotti also asked that residents check in on any elderly neighbors, if possible.

Patch caught Parsippany resident Tony Battistuta at the center with cue stick poised.

Asked what he was doing to beat the heat, Battistuta replied, “Play pool.  Most of the time I win.”

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"I would rather be in here today than outside," said Andy Russell, a fitness buff who visits the center five days each week for a workout.

Tom Derako, who shares the same exercise schedule, noted that he would be trying to stay cool and in air conditioning for the remainder of the day.

With lunch beginning to be served, Carol Rugovin suggested, with a grin that after her meal she would “go shopping to stay cool.”

Joe Bulgarini, who enjoys daily meals at the center, summed it up by stating, “The center is a place where you can go to get out of the house, socialize and have a good meal.”

With all of the activity going on, most seniors were best captured by camera, as shown in the photo gallery.

The Township of Parsippany has issued an advisory, stating that residents can find relief on days like today and tomorrow at one of the four designated cooling sites in our town.  This includes the Community Center and the libraries.

The following are the locations and hours of Parsippany’s designated “Cooling Centers.” The centers are available to all residents in need of a place to escape the heat.  

  • Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Rd., Lake Hiawatha (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
  • Parsippany Main Library, 449 Halsey Rd,. Parsippany (9 a.m. - 9 p.m.)
  • Lake Hiawatha Library, 68 Nokomis Ave., Lake Hiawatha ( 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.)
  • Mt. Tabor Library, 31 Trinity Park, Mt. Tabor (10 a.m. - 9 p.m.)
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