Mayor Honors Parsippany Volunteers, Marks Upcoming Events

Proclamations were awarded to honor citizens and events at the start of Tuesday's Town Council business meeting at the municipal building.

Mayor James Barberio came forth to spotlight the achievements of a veteran firefighter and a group dedicated to the town's Parsippany Free Public Library.

Clarence Ricker, of the Lake Parsippany Fire District #3, received a proclamation for his 50 years of service to citizens. Ricker, has served as the volunteer company's commissioner from 1970-79 and from 2002 to the present.

The mayor commended Ricker "for consistently demonstrating bravery, professionalism and a commitment to the community." 

The audience in a packed council chambers, which included many firefighters in their dress uniforms, gave the longtime firefighter a rousing standing ovation.

Also honored was the Friends of the Parsippany Library, a group of literacy-loving volunteers that raises funds for library programs and purchases. The organization held its fall fundraiser earlier this week.

Barberio also issued a proclamation officially designating Oct. 21-27 as Red Ribbon Week in Parsippany-Troy Hills. The week-long effort, being organized by the township's Municipal Alliance Committee, offers events designed to motivate residents to take a stand against drug and alcohol abuse.

Accepting the proclamation was Lauren Barrese, who represents Parsippany Hills High School on the committee. The teenager told the audience that MAC is sponsoring two events for Red Ribbon Week:

• On Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m., comedian, psychologist, motivational speaker and author . The free event takes place at Parsippany Hills High School.
• Area residents ages 62 and above will be showcased in a MAC-sponsored art and poetry contest. Seniors are asked to contribute their artistic creations—paintings, drawings, poems, quilted works crafts, or other creative expressions—that demonstrate personal commitment against drug and alcohol abuse or interprets how drug and alcohol abuse impact Parsippany senior citizens. Deadline for submissions is Friday, Oct. 20.

The mayor's final proclamation declared Jan. 11 each year as Human Trafficking Day of Awareness in Parsippany. The plaque itself went to Regina Goel of the Morris County Human Relations Commission, who spoke briefly of the horrors of what's known as modern-day slavery.