Track and Field Thrills: Parsippany Athletes Head to Penn Relays

PARSIPPANY — Since April 21, 1895, the University of Pennsylvania has been the proud host of the Penn Relays, the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States. Held annually at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, this event, also known as the Penn Relays Carnival, showcases the talents of athletes from across the nation. Parsippany students will be among the competitors.

Parsippany Hills Girls Team will be running 4×400 — Kaia San Martin, Kira Chebishev, Anya Sadowski, Sahar Naematullah. The girls’ team will be running on Thursday, April 25th at 1:48 p.m.

Parsippany Hills Boys Team will be running 4×100 – Julio Tatis, Rafael Lindsay, Simeon Washington, Jai Royal. The boys’ team will be running Friday, April 26th at 11:20 a.m.

Julio Tatis, Rafael Lindsay, Simeon Washington, Jai Royal. Photo credit Sara Chebishev

The Penn Relays is a rain-or-shine event. There is no rain date scheduled for the Penn Relays. Please be advised that umbrellas are prohibited from being brought into the venue.

To purchase your tickets today for the Penn Relays, click here. The three-day carnival is set for Thursday, April 25 to Saturday, April 27. 

Letter to the Editor: Rebuttal to Jigar Shah. Town Hall Meeting Highlights Indian American Community’s Concerns

Dear Editor:

The mayor’s April 11th meeting with the Indian Community was a Political Rally, and a possible violation of the Hatch Act, amounting to a partisan political campaign involving appointed town officials and department heads. 

Catering to specific groups or Demographic segmentation for their votes most likely. The concerns should be the shared public trust in Parsippany’s overall quality of life, not turning Parsippany into any other aspects other than issues of environment, and honest services for quality of life for all.  

From the Focus article by Jigar Shah:

“One individual who deserves special recognition is Mayor James Barberio, whose unwavering support and insightful contributions helped illuminate the path forward for the community. His efforts in keeping the Indian American community informed about the township’s initiatives have truly strengthened our bond.”

Perhaps if such urgent concerns are genuine the Town Council Public Sessions should be expanded to more than 5 minutes when called for, or open dialogues allowed between Council, and Citizens, instead of one-way rebuttals, with no exchange.  

This meeting was most likely political, not social, what concerns do the Indian Community have that can not be addressed at Town Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, or a special meeting for all Parsippany Residents to explore? In short, this was a political marketing of the Indian Community for their votes.

 In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy says, “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” It’s a phrase that has come to mean that we have stepped outside of what is considered normal; we have entered a place or circumstance that is unfamiliar and uncomfortable; we have found. 

What is so distressing, alarming, or different, that this group is disturbed about, and how exactly is it so different from all of us? Is it our water, trash, over-development, or quality of life overall? 

Nick Homyak

Dominick Migliazza Graduated from CCU in Fall 2023

PARSIPPANY — During its Fall 2023 commencement ceremonies, Coastal Carolina University honored over 500 students, including Dominick Migliazza, at the HTC Center on December 15.

Coastal Carolina University is a dynamic, public comprehensive liberal arts institution located in Conway, just minutes from the resort area of Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Dominick is currently a First Assistant Golf Professional at The Surf Club in Little River, South Carolina.

CCU offers baccalaureate degrees in more than 100 major fields of study. Among the University’s graduate-level programs are 27 master’s degrees, one educational specialist degree, and the doctorates in education and in marine science: coastal and marine systems science. CCU boasts a growing array of internship, research, and international opportunities for students, as well as numerous online programs through Coastal Online.

More than 10,800 students from across the country and around the world interact with world-class faculty and enjoy a nationally competitive NCAA I athletic program, an inspiring cultural calendar, and a tradition of community interaction fueled by more than 180 student clubs and organizations.

 Click here for more information.

United Methodist Church Dishes Up Deliciousness at Annual Roast Beef Dinner

PARSIPPANY — The United Methodist Church hosted its yearly Roast Beef Dinner on Saturday, April 20th. Guests enjoyed an all-you-can-eat feast featuring savory roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, string beans, and rolls.

Guests enjoyed an all-you-can-eat feast featuring savory roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, string beans, and rolls

The renowned cole slaw was also served alongside a diverse array of delectable desserts.

A wide variety of delicious desserts
Happy faces were ready to serve the guests
Community Comes Together for United Methodist Church’s Delectable Roast Beef Dinner

The Parsippany United Methodist Church traces its origins back to 1830 when it was established. A generous donation of land was contributed by a member of the Presbyterian Church, to provide a place of worship for the servants of the affluent. The church’s beginnings were modest.

The original church building, situated on Route 46, was demolished in 1962 to accommodate the construction of Highway 287. Subsequently, the congregation held worship services in local schools and members’ homes until a new education building and fellowship hall were erected in 1964 at the current location.

For decades, the congregation harbored aspirations for a dedicated sanctuary. Despite worshiping in the fellowship hall, which also served as the venue for church events and productions, the congregation’s identity was forged through the warmth and inclusivity of its fellowship and worship. The church’s appeal lay not in its physical structure—a simple, unassuming building—but rather in the compassion, acceptance, humor, and artistic expression it offered. In the 1990s, amidst the HIV/AIDS epidemic when many churches shunned those affected, our congregation provided retreats for individuals seeking solace and rejuvenation. Our motto became “There’s always room in the circle.”

In 1989, the congregation’s growth facilitated plans for a new worship space. Together, they embarked on a process of envisioning, fundraising, and planning for a sanctuary characterized by simplicity and openness, reflecting the spirit of the congregation. Construction commenced in November 2001, amidst the national mourning following 9/11. As people sought solace in communal sacred spaces, the timing of the sanctuary’s construction felt poignant—an expression of God’s peace and presence in troubled times.

At the congregation’s annual meeting in October 2018, a unanimous vote was cast to declare the church a “Reconciling Congregation.” This decision reaffirmed the commitment to engage in Christian ministry with all individuals without prejudice, embodying the ethos of “open hearts, open minds, and open doors,” and striving towards a future where love is truly all-inclusive, in line with the demands of our faith.

For more information regarding United Methodist Church click here.

Aastha Jaggi Named to Fall 2023 Deans List at Widener University

PARSIPPANY — Widener University congratulates Aastha Jaggi for achieving dean’s list status during the fall 2023 semester. The dean’s list recognizes full-time students with a grade point average of 3.50 and above for the semester.

Aastha served as a junior EMT with the Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad from September 2017 to August 2018. She graduated from Parsippany High School in 2018 and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Temple University.

Widener University is a private institution known for its commitment to every student’s personal and professional success, where academic experiences are distinguished by excellence and students develop the leadership qualities employers seek.

Core values of respect, integrity, and excellence are reflected in an outstanding student experience provided through an agile, innovative, and inclusive approach to learning. Industry-shaping faculty provide close, personal mentorship and share powerful connections that help students build professional networks.

Recognized as one of the Philadelphia region’s leading universities, Widener offers programs and experiences that empower our community of learners to discover and create better futures as scholars, leaders, and globally engaged citizens.

Visit the university website by clicking here.

Editorial: Two Town Halls, Two Different Worlds for Parsippany

Dear Editor:

Wow, what a difference!  Two town halls a week apart and yet their hosts, content, and purpose were worlds apart. 

At the first Town Hall, Council member, Justin Musella, invited all Parsippany residents to join him at an open to the public session so he could listen to them and learn from them. 

At the second meeting, Mayor Barberio limited guests to Parsippany residents of American/Indian descent so he could rant and rave about how tough he is and how he feels so unfairly victimized by taxpayers willing to challenge his self-serving sell-out to developers.

The difference between the Councilman’s and the Mayor’s commitment to Parsippany’s best interests couldn’t be clearer.  

Bob Crawford

Mayor Barberio’s Town Hall or Biden Press Conference?

Dear Editor,

I attended Mayor Barberio’s recent Town Hall planned for only the Indian-American community. I wanted to hear firsthand all viewpoints on local issues being debated in the news, such as the much-talked-about PILOT programs, skyrocketing water and sewer fees, and the many car break-ins and home burglaries.

I went with an open mind, but that all ended after Mayor Barberio started the Town Hall with a 30-minute tirade. He railed against everyone with opinions different from his own: the Board of Education, citizens who feel their taxes and fees are too high, people who are against taxpayer-funded development projects, and residents/town hall employees who post anonymously on Facebook. You name it, he ranted against everyone critical of him.

The Mayor’s demeanor out of the gate was so defensive, it reminded me of President Biden’s angry State of the Union address last month.

There wasn’t even a need for the mayor to be so thin-skinned at the meeting, it wasn’t that well attended. There were so many vacant seats, and many were populated by the banquet hall’s out-of-town staff members and their friends.

The town hall was run by the Mayor’s hand-picked Indian American liaison who spoon-fed township officials with predetermined, softball questions with no interaction with the crowd. It was strictly a one-way conversation.

When the meeting finally opened up to a question-and-answer period, Barberio’s liaison announced on the microphone that only Indian Americans could ask questions of the mayor and senior municipal staff. Residents of other ethnicities could not speak.

This Mayor owes all of his non-Indian constituents a formal apology for alienating a section of his constituency at a township-sanctioned public meeting while pandering to another population.  What is he hiding to need such a choreographed meeting that instituted a gag order to a subsection of his constituency?

Sue Petrovic
Lifelong Parsippany Resident

Town Hall Meeting Highlights Indian American Community’s Concerns

Dear Editor:

Last Thursday, April 11, 2024, marked a significant event for the Indian American residents of Parsippany as a town hall meeting, meticulously organized, unfolded at the elegant Rishtta Banquet Hall.

It was an evening filled with purpose and engagement, where the voices of the Indian American community members resonated through the air. Gratitude filled my heart as I watched our esteemed panel, composed of dedicated individuals, generously devote their time to addressing the concerns and inquiries of our residents.

Together, we dove into pressing topics ranging from crime, Burglaries, and taxes to the beloved sport of cricket and the innovative PILOT Program. One individual who deserves special recognition is Mayor James Barberio, whose unwavering support and insightful contributions helped illuminate the path forward for the community. His efforts in keeping the Indian American community informed about the township’s initiatives have truly strengthened our bond.

As the evening progressed, I witnessed a sense of satisfaction watching over the attendees as their questions found comprehensive and informative responses. It was a testament to the power of open dialogue and collective action in fostering a thriving community.

Reflecting on the event, I feel deeply honored to have had the opportunity to orchestrate such a meaningful gathering. It reaffirmed my commitment to serving the people of Parsippany and ignited a sense of anticipation for the future. With gratitude in my heart and determination in my spirit, I eagerly look forward to continuing this journey of service and collaboration in the years to come. 

Jigar Shah
Parsippany

Step Back in Time: Parsippany Historical Society’s ‘Ol Time Flea Market Draws Crowds

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society recently hosted an ‘Ol Time Flea Market on April 20th and 21st. The event took place at the Parsippany Museum, located at 320 Baldwin Road. Attendees had the opportunity to browse through a wide array of items, including artwork, dishes (both loose and in sets), glassware, jewelry, silverplate, table linens, books, household items, utensils, toys, CDs, musical instruments, typewriters, and much more.

To discover more about the Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society, click here.

Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society member Doreen Brennan and President Randy Tortorello

Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society was incorporated on June 8, 1998.  Since that time the Society has worked toward the mission of preserving and interpreting the Township’s history and historic structures.  The Society works with the Township to open the Township’s historic sites, including the Parsippany Museum, also known as the Bolwsby/DeGelleke House, the Smith/Baldwin House, Old Littleton Schoolhouse and the Forge Pond and Dam property.  The Society also sponsors programs that highlight the history of the Township and are held at one of the Townships historic properties.

The Society is a 501(c )(3) non-profit organization.

Robert Peluso was selling many toys and household items.
There were plenty of items including artwork, dishes (loose and in sets), glassware, jewelry, silverplate, table linens, books, household items, utensils, toys, CDs, musical instruments, typewriters and so much more.

Parsippany Seeks Crossing Guards: Learn How to Apply Today

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department is actively seeking candidates to fill vacant crossing guard positions aimed at safeguarding schoolchildren on local roads.

Full-time crossing guards typically work four to five hours daily, offering a competitive pay rate of $20.00 per hour. Substitute crossing guards are also needed and compensated at $18.00 per hour, as per departmental guidelines.

Interested individuals can obtain an application from Town Hall or click here.

For inquiries regarding the position, please reach out to the Crossing Guard Coordinator, Haleema Ahmed, at hahmed@parpolice.com.”