PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced the launch of her fifth annual Congressional Art Competition for NJ-11 students. The competition allows high school students to showcase their creativity and artistic expression.
“New Jersey’s 11th District is home to so many incredible young artists,” said Rep. Sherrill. “Each year, I am impressed with all of our students’ submissions. The Congressional Art Competition is a great way to come together to celebrate their hard work. I look forward to seeing the artwork and encourage each high school to participate.”
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent nationwide and in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panel judges select the winning entries. The winner’s artwork will be displayed alongside winners from nationwide for one year in the U.S. Capitol.
Artwork submitted for NJ-11’s competition will be displayed at an art show and reception at Montclair State University on May 4. The winner will be announced at this reception.
Due to limitations of gallery space, NJ-11 high schools can select up to two students’ work to submit, and their art must be dropped off at Rep. Sherrill’s District Office. The deadline to submit is April 21. Rep. Sherrill’s office is 8 Wood Hollow Road, Parsippany, NJ, 07054. Click here to view the full guidelines and information about the Congressional Art Competition.
PARSIPPANY — Five candidates petitioned to compete in the Republican primary for Township Council on Tuesday, June 6. The deadline to file petitions with Khaled Madin, Municipal Clerk, was Monday, March 27. There are three Council seats up for grabs.
Team Carifi consists of current Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., and his running mates Adam Kandil and Matthew McGrath, who will be on the Regular Republican Organization line on the ballot. This is the first time that Kandil and McGrath are running for political office.
Lake Parsippany resident Danny Desai filed his petition to compete for a seat on Parsippany-Troy Hills Council.Council Candidate and Former Board of Education member Gary Martin
Former Board of Education member Gary Martin and Lake Parsippany resident Danny Desai also submitted petitions. This is the first time Desai is running for public office. Martin lost the election in 2021 to current Councilman Frank Neglia.
Bernard Clarkin, Judy Hernandez, and Matt Kavanagh
The three Republican winners in the Primary will compete in the General Election on Tuesday, November 7, with three democrats. On Monday, three Democrats filed a petition: Judy Hernandez, Bernard Clarkin, and Matt Kavanagh.
The winners in the General Election will join Councilman Frank Neglia and Councilman Justin Musella, serving their second year of a four-year term on the Council.
Fellow Republican incumbents Michael dePierro and Loretta Gragnani previously declared they would not run for re-election.
In addition to local elections, the Board of Commissioners and County Clerk will have competition during the primary.
Current County ClerkAnn F. Grossi will be challenged in the primary by Rockaway resident Andrew Agliata. The primary winner will be challenged in the General Election by Democrat Caroline (Carrie) O’Brien. O’Brien is a Towaco resident.
Current County Commissioner Tayfun Selen is being challenged in the Republican Primary by Pine Brook resident Paul DeGroot and Parsippany resident Robert Snyder. The winner in the Primary race will then face off in the General Election with Democrat Jonathan Sackett, a Rockaway resident.
Parsippany residents BettyLou DeCroce and Robert Peluso is running against current Assemblymen Jay Webber and Brian Bergen for the Assembly race.
MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Highlands Coalition announced the availability of grants of up to $5,000 for local citizens’ groups fighting to protect the natural or cultural resources of the Highlands.
Past funding has supported groups opposing unwise development proposals such as million-square-foot warehouses on prime farmland or trying to prevent the logging of large trees in maturing forests that store atmospheric carbon and serve as the best defense against climate change.
Applications for the 2023 Small Grants Program must be received by June 1.
Grants will be presented on Oct. 11 at the N.J. Highlands Coalition’s 2023 Annual Meeting.
“Our Small Grants Program is one of the unique strengths of the Highlands Coalition,” said Julia Somers, executive director. “We work at the state and regional levels, but most members of our coalition are from local grassroots groups who are in touch with breaking issues in their communities. They’re our early warning system.”
The grants can also go to historical projects that include “brick-and-mortar” projects for specific historic sites or districts. This is the seventeenth year of the Coalition’s Small Grants Program for environmental projects and the ninth year for projects that protect cultural, historical, and archaeological resources in the Highlands, an important part of the Highlands Regional Master Plan.
Grassroots organizations are non-governmental organizations with a total annual operating budget of less than $200,000. The organization doesn’t need to be incorporated. To be eligible to apply for a grant, an organization must become a member of the Coalition, but dues are as low as $20 a year. Grants from the Highlands Coalition cannot be used for political purposes.
A grassroots group may apply for one or more grants, either environmental, cultural or components of both. But the total amount requested by any organization cannot exceed $5,000.
Projects covered by the grant should meet at least one of the following five criteria, with the items at the top getting more weight than those below:
1. Projects that focus on developing a stronger Highlands Regional Master Plan (RMP) and/or implementation of the RMP. For example, projects that identify, map, or verify mapped Highlands natural or cultural resources or monitor the implementation of RMP standards at the local level; projects that advocate for and result in municipal conformance with the RMP;
2. Projects that would establish a precedent, advancing strong environmental or cultural protection in the Highlands. For example, hiring a consultant to help achieve the most environmentally protective decision by NJDEP, the Highlands Council, or other regulatory bodies on a Highlands matter or for meeting local affordable housing needs;
3. Projects that may not help set a precedent but would assist an organization in to fight against development in the Highlands Region – such as residential, commercial, agribusiness projects, etc. – that seriously threatens or damages natural or cultural resources in the Region;
4. Projects that support capacity building of Highlands Region grassroots organizations, for example, a membership mailing, a strategic planning exercise, a workshop, conference or public educational event, etc.;
5. Projects that educate about Highlands water and resources and/or increase public awareness of the use and conservation of Highlands water.
Applicants are advised to view the full guidelines for the program on the Coalition’s website, particularly for cultural and historic grant components with very detailed requirements. Go to www.njhighlandscoalition.org/small-grants for more information. To join the Coalition, place click “Donate,” check “Make this gift on behalf of an organization,” and join with your $20 (non-voting) or $30 (voting) membership contribution.
Applicants seeking more information are encouraged to contact Julia Somers at (973) 588-7190 or julia@njhighlandscoalition.org.
The New Jersey Highlands Coalition represents a diverse network of organizations working to protect the Highlands, ranging from small citizen groups working in one community to large state-wide organizations. The Coalition works to protect, enhance and restore the New Jersey Highlands and to preserve the quality and quantity of the region’s drinking water upon which 6.2 million people depend. More information is available at www.njhighlandscoalition.org.
PARSIPPANY — The Human Robotics non-profit organization, in partnership with STEM NJ Pathways, recently hosted a STEAM poster competition in Parsippany on March 25. The event featured 38 elementary and middle school students displaying their posters on various topics ranging from green energy, how technology works, save the earth to nuclear fission.
Over 80 people attended the event. The young participants were given a platform to present their posters for one minute, during which they shared their ideas and concepts with the audience.
The Guests of honor were the Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor, Mr. James Barberio, and Kiwanis Lt. Governor, Mr. Frank Cahill.
Mr. Barberio spoke highly of promoting STEAM education and encouraging youth to create a sustainable future actively. Mr. Cahill also commended the kids for their excellent work and highlighted the importance of such events to create awareness and encourage sustainability.
Human Robotics team Volunteers: Youth volunteers – Arjun Jadhav, William Bonfanti, Rishith Bhoopathi, Tvisha Singh, Varun Shankar, Aarjun Bodade, Raayan Bodade. Adult volunteers – Vivek Jadhav, Swati Jadhav, Jill Bonfanti, Peter Bonfanti, Satish Bhoopathi, Rajni Bhoopathi, Vinod Singh, Bhavana Singh, Bhanu Prakash Mutukulloju, Lakshmi Mutukulloju, Nilesh Bodade, and Meg Bodade.
The event was hosted by a Parsippany High School student, and Human Robotics lead volunteer, Aarjun Bodade. The addition of trivia questions during the poster presentation was a hit with the kids and adults, and they learned more about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
The judges for the competition, Dave Reagan and Joseph Cistaro, were impressed with all the student’s work and ideas and had difficulty deciding on the top three posters. Eventually, the top three posters were awarded to Krisha Movalia, Tvisha Singh, and Raayan Bodade.
The event also featured seven talented musicians from the Allegro Music School, who performed an outstanding violin performance to honor the art in STEAM. The organization thanked Ms. Debra Seftel, director of Allegro music school, and her students for their performance.
Violin performance by Allegro Music School. Director – Debra Seftel, Students – Ellie Stafford, Aarohi Vemula, Raayan Bodade, Harika Dinesh, Manogna Darshan, and one student.
Representatives from the Parsippany High School robotics team and coach Ms. Kathleen Effner, the lead Math teacher, also attended the event. The Redbots and Techhawks Robotics team members talked about the robotics programs offered by Parsippany High School and encouraged the kids to learn more about robotics.
The STEAM poster competition was a great success and is a testament to parents, volunteers, and educators’ role in developing kids’ skills and abilities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. The organization hopes to continue this tradition, encourage more students to participate in such events, and help the kids showcase the potential of the youth to create innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.
In addition, the non-profit organization is now accepting tax-exempt donations and looking for potential sponsors. Your donations will help conduct more events and volunteer work to impact young minds positively. They appreciate any amount you can give. Please click here for more information.
The success of the STEAM poster competition was made possible by the dedication and hard work of both young and old Human Robotics volunteers. The event provided an opportunity to give back to the community and inspired several parents to inquire about the volunteering program. Human Robotics is committed to continuing its efforts to promote volunteerism by giving back to the community and promoting STEAM education, leadership, and selflessness. The Human Robotics Non-profit plans to organize more volunteering activities this year, allowing children to learn from peers and positively impact their community.
Top Poster award: Krisha Movalia and the event host Aarjun Bodade, Mayor James Barberio, and Frank CahillTop poster award: Raayan Bodade and the event host Aarjun Bodade, Mayor James Barberio, and Frank CahillTop poster award: Tvisha Singh, Mayor James Barberio, and Frank CahillParsippany High school robotics teams – Redbots & Techawks. Robotics coach and lead math teacher- Mrs. Kathleen Effner, Redbots team captain – Aarjun Bodade, Techhawks team captain – Stevanie.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Rescue and Recovery with Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance recently held its Installation Dinner at Hanover Manor. Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio administered the “Oath of Office” to all the members.
The 2023 officers are Paul Anderson, Chief; Andrew Ludwig, Deputy Chief; Jake Beg, Captain; Josh Levine, Lieutenant; Alexis Bota, Lieutenant; and John Bota, Dive Coordinator.
In addition, the Executive Board consists of Billy Sanford, President; John Walsh, Vice President; Rafael Ortiz, Secretary; Andrew Ludwig, Treasurer; and Nick Limanov, Sergeant At Arms.
Parsippany Rescue and Recovery is a 100% volunteer rescue department with an active membership roll of 25 fully trained first responders and heavy rescue. We operate out of two strategically placed stations in town, allowing for the quickest response time.
The Unit has been serving the town since 1960 and provides heavy rescue, vehicle extrication, dive rescue/recovery, confined space rescue, elevator entrapment, downed tree and limb removal, board ups, pump outs, emergency power generation, lighting, and special services to its residents.
They provide mutual aid to our town’s six fire departments, two ambulance squads, and one EMS. In addition, the Unit assists the fire departments and rescue squads of Denville, Mountain Lakes, Randolph, Morris Township, Morris Plains, Morristown, Hanover, East Hanover, Boonton, Montville, Fairfield, as well as any other requests from any other municipalities in the New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania area.
The squad had a confined space team, providing pump-outs and board-ups after fire or theft.
President Billy Sanford and his wife, Vasila. Paul Anderson, Dan Morgan, and Josh LevineParsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Frank Neglia, Bill Sanford, Joe Jannarone, Morris County Commissioner Tom Mastraangelo with Mayor James Barberio.Nicola and Louis YulianoParsippany Rescue and RecoveryMr. and Mrs. Limanov Nicolas, Former Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, and Morris County Commissioner Tom Mastrangelo.
For more information on Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, click here. If you would like to volunteer, click here for a membership application.
The good is bad we don’t do. The rake needed no improvements; how has a leaf blower improved our lives?
As of the last few months, an attempt to bring the annoyance, pollution, and degradation of the quality of life and sense of community by leaf-blowers to the Council has been ignored. Councilman Musella stated to me “privately” he could never support such a Resolution to phase out leaf-blowers for better alternatives available. The better being battery-powered rather than 2-cycle black-carbon polluting and noise-making in excessive 90-100 decibels.
At the last Council meeting, Councilman Justin Musella had to have his own words back in his mouth; “He could never support such a resolution because it was government interfering with business.” It is ok for businesses to interfere with our health, well-being, privacy, and sense of community. He says he is for the community; what he means in his rhetoric is he cares and supports business over the community, no matter the impacts or outcome.
Sensible Human-beings are not perfectionists but Meliorists. They believe in trying or making things better by putting things right and improving them when they do not work well enough.
Some things have to be the best they can be; Medical procedures, airline journeys, and maintaining the security of bank accounts; because of what is at stake.
Here with the lawn industry, the stakes are Human Health and well-being, a sense of community violated, disturbing the peace, invasion of privacy through the noise and air pollution, and continuing anti-ecological industry that does more harm than good in quality of life and ecological sense. Why would a person or a Council be against such a Resolution supporting such proposed legislation as A6238 or S4273?
In close-quarter neighborhoods like Lake Hiawatha, and many suburban places, these blowers are especially offensive, other factors like acoustic properties of home locations. The randomness of one blower being used (after enduring mower noise) and then another, from another property, at another period leaves peace and quite near impossible for long, arbitrary on any given day. (During the recent past summer drought, when grass shuts-down it, growth landscapers were cutting the lawns as usual, despite the lack of ecological sense or need, for their fees).
Even in areas like Parks and Natural Areas, Pyramid Mountain, Wildcat Ridge, and others, the setting is disturbed by these noise creators and air pollution devices.
Many towns and places have finally come to the limits of tolerance in realizing the obvious negative impacts of this unhealthy intrusive industry. The Green here is the money, not any sense or science of ecology. To reject a resolution to improve an industry through available new and better tools is merely a slap in the face of the community and environmental health in favor of business or the common good.
I am pro-free market which has, for the better part of human history, always improved the lives of all people. Competition makes us better. Justin Musella.
Nothing can be further from the truth. Competition wastes energy and resources and has not been the catalyst for better human cooperation, or we would never have gotten this far. Progress is another word for pollution and has improved the lives of some, not most. At present, our economy exists outside the laws of nature. It is unsustainable and promotes endless growth, an impossibility. The competition also leads to a monopoly as one puts the other out of business. Free Market is also an illusion and a deception.
Never in the history of democratic societies has the populace been more removed from the decision-making process than it is today. Our Collective Global future is being made behind closed doors by trade representatives-appointed officials with the blessing of amorphous, transnational corporations. Our Constitution has been hijacked and keeps proving it’s a flawed document; “we the people matter little,” as does science or ecological sustainability. Above all, corporations’ rights and profits are responsible for the present demise of the Republic and any hope of democracy or equitable justice.
Lawn culture is a self-centered anti-community annoyance we are made to suffer, as it encourages life in a vacuum as if no one else exists at the time, and that the impacts of air pollution, noise pollution, and injury to mother earth are sanctioned somehow by private property and individual rights, which puts private property opposed to community and environment itself!
No economic interest should ever be placed above the reverence for life, but that is what we have in a free market. The recent train wreck resulted in free market deregulation, as its cargo of Vinyl chloride is used to make even more plastics, not less has spread harm and sickness; as we see the plastics about us everywhere, that citizens is the free market, making our lives better? Not only is vinyl chloride used in plastic production, it also requires mercury. Cancer, one would suppose, is spread by free-market products made with vinyl chloride and mercury.
The opposite side of progress is pollution from man-made chemicals that don’t exist in nature. The pollution outcome of progress has long ago brought an unsustainable scale of waste, which costs and affects us, not the corporate efficient cause that produces it; they pass off the negative to others, which is another free-market downside. Plastics are the most obvious example of free market delusions of the outcome.
Free Markets are the opposite of free people, and the sanction of corporations are people or better and above people. Free Market is the economy not serving people, but people the economy, a return to the plantation model of the master-slave paradigm.
It appears our present town council is a Chamber of Commerce on steroids. If you are not in business or a Fortune 500, you don’t count. The council has no checks or balances against this. Not supporting this resolution concerning progress in better lawn equipment, specifically leaf-blowers, is shameful.
PARSIPPANY — Thor is a 4-year-old German Shepherd therapy dog raised by Lisa and Steven Klink since birth. Lisa is a special education teacher at Schuyler Colfax Middle School in Wayne. Thor was trained to be a Seeing Eye dog, but that was not his true destiny. Thor was just too social and not quite a match for the Seeing Eye, so the Klinks decided to adopt him. Lisa helped Thor to obtain his therapy dog certificate through Bright and Beautiful, where he passed with flying colors.
Since then, he has spent his Fridays with his family at Schuyler Colfax.
Becoming a Certified Therapy Dog was Thor’s destiny. His gentle and patient demeanor makes everyone fall in love with him. He is always happy to be at school, with his tail-wagging, making sure he visits all his friends (and, of course, getting lots of treats!). He loves getting brushed, having the students read to him, playing ball in the gym, and listening to classroom lessons while his mommy teaches. Thor makes everyone happy and relieves stress for both the students and staff.
Thor has helped many people over the years and needs our help. He was recently diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease and is experiencing partial paralysis that needs to be evaluated by a veterinary neurologist. He will need intensive care, treatment, and surgery. Thor is an incredibly special dog who needs our love and support to help him and his family in their time of need. Please consider helping our sweet Thorkins so he can continue to bring love, joy, and happiness to all that know him.
Recently, an MRI showed Thor’s issue was a ruptured disc, so he went into emergency surgery that night! This was great news because the surgery success rate for this procedure was very high, but it required a longer hospitalization for Thor. The Klinks brought our Thor home today, and he already can put 50% weight on the back legs, but apparently, he wants FOOD to do the work. His paws are in the right place to walk, and he even started wagging his tail again! Unfortunately, the final bill was over the original estimate, which doesn’t even include his medicines, aqua therapy, or PT. He will need to learn to walk again. Please continue to show your love and support by donating.
A very special shoutout to Thor’s vet, Dr. Elizabeth Boggier, at Mountain View Vet in Rockaway, and Dr. Katherine Crook at Eclipse Pet Care in Whippany, who performed the surgery.
Click here to see updates about Thor and to make a donation.
PARSIPPANY — The Easter Bunny arrived in Parsippany on Saturday, March 25.
He visited Town Hall, and children of all ages came to say “hi,” give a high five or hug the Easter Bunny.
The recreation staff takes a break from handing out candy to the children
Recreation staff helped the Easter Bunny hand out chocolate bunnies, coloring books, and treats.
Mayor Barberio enjoyed seeing how happy the children were to meet the Easter Bunny and said, “We know spring can’t be far off when the Easter Bunny arrives!”
Easter is celebrated on Sunday, April 9, 2023.
Councilman Frank Neglia and Mayor James Barberio visit the Easter Bunny
Carter, 8, and Liam, 2, Malson visit the Easter Bunny
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Denville Police Chief Frank Perna confirmed the arrest of two students following an incident at Morris Knolls High School on Thursday, March 23.
On Thursday, Denville Police Department responded to Morris Knolls High School after receiving a report that school staff discovered two students possessing a gun. The department’s School Resource Officer and other responding officers arrived quickly. The involved students were already identified and secured by school staff, as was the weapon, by the time officers arrived. The two juveniles involved were arrested and charged with the unlawful possession of a weapon and related charges. Since this matter involves juveniles, no further information will be released.
There was no active threat to the school, staff, or students, and the matter remains under investigation.
“This afternoon, the Morris Knolls Administration discovered a weapon on campus. The weapon and those responsible were immediately secured, and there was never an active threat to students or staff. Our onsite School Resource Officer and other officers from the Denville Police Department immediately responded and took custody of the weapon and the involved parties. We assure you that this matter was dealt with swiftly and that the students and staff were not in danger. As this is an active police investigation, we cannot provide further details. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We will continue to work closely with the Denville Police Department to ensure a safe learning environment for our school community,” said Ryan MacNaughton, Principal of Morris Knolls High School
All Denville schools’ safety and security are paramount to the Denville Police Department. There is no ongoing activity or suspected threat to the school, staff, or students related to this incident. However, the Denville Police will have an increased presence at the school over the next few days to help alleviate any fears or concerns.
Prosecutor Robert Carroll thanks the Morris Knolls administration and staff for their actions and cooperation in identifying and quickly resolving this incident.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department is attempting to locate the driver of the above-pictured vehicle.
Earlier this morning, a silver, four-door sedan with window tint and black rims, driven by a black male with a beard, approached a juvenile on River Road.
The juvenile was asked if he needed a ride and was told to get into the vehicle.
The juvenile stated no, and the vehicle quickly left the area and headed towards Hoffman Avenue. If anyone can identify the owner or operator of the vehicle, don’t hesitate to contact (973) 263-4300 extension 0.
PARSIPPANY — Mayor James Barberio executed the Oath of Office to Mayor Sydney Strumolo, a 7th grader at Central Middle School, as “Mayor for the Day” on Thursday, March 23.
Mayor Sydney Strumolo
A Police salute greeted Sydney, and then Mayor Barberio administered the “Oath of Office” to Sydney in the Council Chambers. Mayor Strumolo then presided over the staff meeting.
Mayor Strumolo then presided over the staff meeting
Mayor Strumolo ran the meeting efficiently and commanded the respect of the department heads as she listened to their reports. “Mayor Strumolo is a very smart young lady, and we loved having her at Town Hall today,” the Mayor said.
Mayor Strumolo then presided over the staff meeting
The Strumolo family: Peter, Tami, Devin, Sydney, and Mayor James Barberio.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment 2023 Members and Term Dates
Robert Iracane Chairman 12/31/25
Dave Kaplan Vice-Chair 12/31/23
Bernard Berkowitz Member 12/31/24
Scot Joskowitz Member 12/31/25
Nancy Snyder Member 12/31/23
Sridath Reddy Member 12/31/25
Davey Willans Member 12/31/24
Casey Parikh Alt. No. 1 12/31/23
Chris Mazzarella Alt. No. 2 12/31/23
John Chadwick, Planner, John T. Chadwick IV P.P.
Chas Holloway, Engineer, Keller & Kirkpatrick
Peter King, Attorney, King Moench Hirniak & Collins, LLP
Nora O. Jolie, Board Secretary
Agenda subject to change without notice
Although the information on this site is believed to be reliable, online postings of meeting agendas are not considered official copies.
The Colony Plaza building is being demolished by TriCore Construction to make room for a new Chick-fil-A restaurant.
The Colony Plaza building is being demolished by TriCore Construction to make room for a new Chick-fil-A restaurant.
The Colony Plaza building is being demolished by TriCore Construction to make room for a new Chick-fil-A restaurant.
The Colony Plaza building is being demolished by TriCore Construction to make room for a new Chick-fil-A restaurant.
PARSIPPANY — Those motorists driving on Route 46 this morning saw the excavators as they began tearing down the Colony Plaza building. TriCore Construction crew was out bright and early on Thursday, March 23, with heavy machinery to make room for the new Chick-fil-A, which will be constructed on the site.
Colony Plaza along Route 46 East was sold in 2020. The buyer purchased four more commercial properties across the highway in 2021, for which Top Golf received preliminary approval from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment.
TriCore Construction Group was contracted to complete the demolition of the Colony Plaza property. Earlier this month TriCore also demolished the Inn Crowd on Route 46 to make room for Taco Bell.
Colony Plaza was the home of Parsippany Focus in the early 1990s and the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Drawing of proposed Chick-fil-A
The new building will be 5,338 square feet with 62 interior seats and 18 exterior seating. 81 total parking spaces and eight electric charging stations. In addition, the drive-through will consist of two lanes with enough room to stack about 60 cars.
Colony Plaza was slowly dying and required a new life. The property had only 30% occupancy, and in the last three years, there were about six robberies, and there was evidence of people using this site at night time to abuse drugs. The property is an eyesore.
The property could have been developed with a 24-7 365 days Wawa or QuickChek. However, the landlord chose Chick-fil-A since it wasn’t a 24-7, 365-day business and closed on Sundays. The property could also have been used by a Bolla, Supermarket, Auto Repair Shop, Pub, section 8 residential, and many other uses.
Chick-fil-A will employ approximately 80 residents, with residents having the first opportunity.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a 2023 Budget, with no increase in the tax rate, as funding expanded for public safety, infrastructure, human services, education and training, and economic development.
“We are proud to adopt a 2023 Budget that continues to encourage the high quality of life consistent with Morris County while also being sensitive to the financial strain placed on taxpayers amid historical inflation rates.
Strong ratable growth and prudent financial planning made this budget possible. Morris County’s wise planning on healthcare benefits enabled us to have a much lower impact on increasing costs than other counties experienced with the state health plan. This enables us to provide and increase services such as public safety while maintaining a flat (tax) rate,” said Commissioner Deborah Smith, Chair of the Board’s Budget Committee.
Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus
The $343.5 million 2023 Budget includes a $124.3 million Capital Spending Plan for the calendar year, of which $10.3 million is covered in grants and $85 million will apply towards the new Courthouse project. With those factors accounted for, the net 2023 Capital Spending Plan for traditional projects is approximately $29 million. This year’s fund balance also grew by $2.8 million, bringing it to $60.7 million, to safeguard against unforeseeable economic changes and help ensure Morris County maintains the AAA Bond rating held for 47 years.
“Our AAA standing saves everyone money in both the short and long term because it enables our towns and school districts, as well as the county, to borrow funds for important infrastructure projects at the best possible finance rates,” said Commissioner Director John Krickus.
The 2023 spending plan dedicates an estimated $74.6 million to public safety, including full dispatch services to 23 municipalities and continuing daily backup services to local Basic Life Support and Emergency Medical Service units for all 39 Morris County towns. Morris County’s Basic Life Support Emergency Medical Service Unit responded to over 3,866 Emergency calls in 2022.
Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers
“The county government is involved in carrying out the mission-driven allocation of financial investments that help target a myriad of programs meeting our community’s diverse needs and challenges. Initiatives like our Navigating Hope program and the Sheriff’s Office Hope One are combatting issues like substance use while raising awareness about county resources and available support,” Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers, a member of the Budget Committee.
Critical Community Investments
The Preservation Trust Fund Tax, which has protected and enhanced Morris County for over 30 years, will stay level for 2023 at 5/8 cent per $100 of total county equalized property valuation. The tax pays for improvements to our county parks and grant programs like Farmland Preservation, Open Space Preservation, Historic Preservation, Flood Mitigation, and Trail Design and Construction.
Among the educational, cultural, and economic development incentives included in the 2023 Budget is:
• $8.9 million to support the Morris County Park Commission, stewards of the largest county park system in New Jersey (20,455 acres of parkland)
• More than $12 million to support the County College of Morris, an increase over 2022
• Almost $6.4 million to the Morris County Vocational School District, also an increase over 2022
• More than $800,000 for Economic Development and Tourism
Critical Infrastructure Investments
Overall, the county’s 2023 Capital Spending Plan designates approximately $25.5 million toward enhancing road resurfacing, improving intersections along the 287 miles of county roadways, and replacing bridges and culverts this year. Nearly $8 million in grants will offset county costs.
Road Resurfacing Projects Include:
• 3.3 miles of Mendham Road (CR 510) from Indian Head Road to Cold Hill Road in both Mendham and Morris Townships
• 2.2 miles of Main Road (US 202) from Fulton Street to Route 287 Northbound Ramps in Montville Township
• 4.1 miles of Ridgedale Avenue (CR 632) from Littell Road (Route 10) to Route 80 in both Parsippany and East Hanover Townships
• 3.8 miles of Tempe Wick Road/Glen Alpin Road (CR 646) from Leddell Road to Blue Mill Road in both Mendham and Harding Townships
• 1.8 miles of Newark Pompton Turnpike (CR 660) from Jacksonville Road to Route 23 in Pequannock Township
Intersection Improvements Include:
• Ridgedale Avenue and Greenwood Avenue, Florham Park
• Center Grove Road and Quaker Church Road, Randolph
• Guide Rail Upgrades and Installations throughout the County Bridge and Culvert Projects Include:
• Dickson’s Mill Road Bridge in Harding Township
• Parsippany Boulevard Bridge in Parsippany
• Beach Street Bridge in Rockaway Borough
• Morris Street Bridge in Denville
Click here to download the 2023 operating and capital budgets PowerPoint presentation.
PARSIPPANY — At the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council meeting on Tuesday, March 21, Parsippany resident Dylan Mazzarella was recognized by Mayor James Barberio and presented with a Proclamation proclaiming March 21 as “Dylan Mazzarella Day.”
Dylan Mazzarella has been chosen for the id2 National Selection Team based on his performance in the Program cycle targeting players born in 2009. US Club Soccer invites him on the 2023 id2 National Selection International Tour to England, which will be held March 30 – April 11, 2023. Dylan is a student at Central Middle School and will be attending Delbarton School in the fall.
National Selection International Tour provides a multi-faceted experience on- and off-the-field, including competing against top youth academy teams, watching professional games, and playing at top-quality venues, as well as the unique educational and cultural experiences of traveling internationally.
Ed Barbary (Grandfather), Diana Mazzarella, Ava Mazzarella, Mayor James Barberio, Dylan Mazzarella, Debby Barbary (Grandmother), and Chris Mazzarella
The 2023 id2 National Selection International Tour officially begins March 30 with a two-day domestic camp in New Jersey before traveling to London and Manchester for an immersive experience of training, competition, and culture.
The tour, which concludes on April 11, represents the final progression of the current id2 age group cycle targeting players born in 2009.
Eighteen boys and 18 girls were selected from id2 National Training Camps held in Florida and California over the past two months. This is the first time US Club Soccer is taking the id2 National Selection girl’s team overseas; in previous years, the girls participated in a domestic camp alongside the ECNL.
For the id2 National Selection boys team, the tradition of foreign competition continues, and this year’s roster joins an elite community of alumni, including Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Tim Weah.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee proudly introduces the residents to “Envy Sports Club.” Envy Sports Club is located in the lower level of the Sheraton Hotel, 299 Smith Road.
Did you know Parsippany has a YouTube channel? You can check it out here: Video On The Go YouTube Channel. Our new “Meet the Merchants” series is the most recent addition to the channel. Each installment focuses on a Parsippany business with a few words from the owner about what their business offers and why they love being a part of Parsippany. #Pride In Parsippany. #Shop Local #Shop Parsippany
James R. Barberio, Mayor
Loretta Gragnani, Liaison; Council President
Frank L. Cahill, Chairman
Dr. Bhagirath Maheta, Vice Chairman
Raj Dichpally, Secretary
Committee Members Michael Pulsinelli, Dr. Phil Santiago,
Robert Peluso, Raviram Medapati, Scott Donnelly, Adam Kandil, Jigar Shah, Drew Blind, and Nick Rafanello.
If you are a Parsippany business and want to be featured on “Meet the Merchant,” contact Chairman Frank Cahill at (973) 559-6000.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee proudly introduces the residents to “Zen Dental Care.” Zen Dental Care is located at 2200 Route 10 West.
Did you know Parsippany has a YouTube channel? You can check it out here: Video On The Go YouTube Channel. Our new “Meet the Merchants” series is the most recent addition to the channel. Each installment focuses on a Parsippany business with a few words from the owner about what their business offers and why they love being a part of Parsippany. #Pride In Parsippany. #Shop Local #Shop Parsippany
James R. Barberio, Mayor
Loretta Gragnani, Liaison; Council President
Frank L. Cahill, Chairman
Dr. Bhagirath Maheta, Vice Chairman
Raj Dichpally, Secretary
Committee Members Michael Pulsinelli, Dr. Phil Santiago, Robert Peluso, Raviram Medapati, Scott Donnelly, Adam Kandil, Jigar Shah, Drew Blind, and Nick Rafanello.
If you are a Parsippany business and want to be featured on “Meet the Merchant,” contact Chairman Frank Cahill at (973) 559-6000.
PARSIPPANY — You may not realize it at first glance. Still, a somewhat quaint downtown Lake Hiawatha, comprised of an approximately one-mile stretch of North Beverwyck Road, offers a wide, ethnically diverse variety of great little family-owned restaurants and shops, including a homemade ice cream specialty store. A vibrant section of Parsippany that is not without its multicultural charms, and which now is home to Carnales Mexican Restaurant, formerly Maddy’s Mexican, which was initially opened in 2012 by the Matos family as a Mexican Restaurant & Pizzeria and then acquired in 2015 by Andres Santiago and Isabel Salazar.
The small, cozy, warm interior is set up with approximately ten tables, comfortably spaced throughout the dining area so as not to feel crowded.
Now, continuing with another independent, family-owned business, we welcome brothers Saul, Ricardo, and Romel Santiago, who bring their take on Mexican cuisine to Los Carnales (which translates to “the brothers”), which they opened in September of 2022. The Santiago family hails from the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, which is internationally renowned for its regional cuisine. I did get to sit down with one of the cordial Owners and Chef, Romel Santiago, during my visit, who told me that he arrived in America when he was 16 years old, following in his older brothers’ footsteps, and acquired his cooking skills working in the food industry over the years. He said his goal is to offer delicious, fresh food and to keep working on his cooking skills to continue to please his customers. Romel emphasized that “everything at Los Carnales is made to order, and only the freshest ingredients are used.” He also said old family recipes and cooking styles ensure the authenticity of the food.
By my count, we are fortunate to have no less than nine excellent restaurants and cantinas, plus a few of those fast food Tex-Mex franchises serving Mexican and Mexican fusion cuisine, all within a several-mile area of Parsippany. Ranging from more high-end, formal dining establishments to tiny, casual eateries, all offering up their take, often based on family recipes, regional differences, and traditional dishes, on this unique, flavorful, savory, earthy, and hearty fare. Which is best depends on your tastes and preferences, but I recommend trying them all and then deciding. It would be a fun family dining experience making the rounds, trying out the various eateries, many with their blend of spices, seasonings, textures, flavors, and cooking styles.
I enjoyed my visits to Maddy’s Mexican Restaurant and was sorry to hear they closed their doors late last year. I always hate to see these wonderful little family-owned shops move on, and I was hoping not to see an empty storefront at the location. Those concerns were quickly assuaged when I saw that another Mexican restaurant, Los Carnales, was taking over the location. I enjoy Mexican cuisine, and I always thought that the previous restaurant offered some tasty dishes, so I figured it was time to stop in and check out the new kid in town.
Colorful plastic tablecloths cover the tables, and the black leather cushioned wooden chairs provide that rustic look common to Mexican restaurants.
We were greeted by our very friendly server and hostess, Carla, who offered us the seating of our choice. The small, cozy, warm interior is set up with approximately ten tables, comfortably spaced throughout the dining area so as not to feel crowded. Colorful plastic tablecloths cover the tables, and the black leather cushioned wooden chairs provide that rustic look common to Mexican restaurants.
Romel Santiago, Carla and Pat Munutillo
The room is comfortably lit by the large storefront window, which is enough to allow you to enjoy the food and ambiance. Low Mexican music plays in the background. The décor throughout the restaurant is relatively simple yet appropriate to this venue. Brick wall accents, bright and colorful native American/Latin murals, assorted festive Mexican artifacts, and artwork adorn the walls. Altogether creating an appealing, bold, and cohesive color scheme that sets the tone for an enjoyable dining experience.
On their website, Los Carnales boasts that they offer “Authentic Mexican food, in addition to their unique twist on classic meals. Hearty Mexican and American specialties in an easygoing, BYOB space with festive décor.” After my visit, I must agree that they live up to their statement. I enjoyed the casual, comfortable atmosphere and friendly and efficient service. I found the food very tasty, well-prepared, expertly seasoned (spicy, as I like it, but not too spicy), beautifully presented, generously sized, and reasonably priced.
Nachos and Nopales con Chorizo
My friend and I started with a couple of shared appetizers. The extensive menu has many tantalizing selections, but we settled on the Nachos and Nopales con Chorizo. The Nachos (freshly made crispy corn tortillas mixed with melted cheese, Mexican sour cream, pico de galo, lettuce, guacamole, jalapeno & black beans) were a very large serving, delicious, and quickly devoured. Bowls of fresh Salsa Roja and Salsa Verde for dipping accompanied the nachos. Our other appetizer was the Nopales con Chorizo (roasted cactus mixed with Mexican sausage). Absolutely delicious!
Bowls of fresh Salsa Roja and Salsa Verde for dipping accompanied the nachos.
The chorizo was cooked perfectly, moist, savory, and with a hint of vinegar and chili peppers, and the cactus, with its slightly sour and citrusy taste, perfectly complemented the chorizo. Like the nachos, it was a very large serving! I honestly could have left a happy and satiated diner right there, but being me, I had to soldier through and try their signature dish, the Molcajete.
Their signature dish, the Molcajete
Carla, our server, arrived with my Molcajete, and I quickly realized my eyes were bigger than my stomach. A very ample variety of Mexican Sausage, Steak, Chicken, Shrimp, Pork Chop, Cactus, Jalapenos, Fresh Cheese slices, and Cambray Onions filled and overhung the enormous molcajete. A molcajete is a traditional mortar and pestle bowl made of volcanic stone that keeps the food hot. Fantastic entrée, but enough for two or three people. I knew by now that I was taking most of it home. It also came with sides of hot tortillas, rice, and beans. Wow! Different textures, different tastes, and different seasonings, but it all came together perfectly. Wonderful dish.
Chicken Fajita, served with soft flour tortillas, rice, beans, pico de gallo, Mexican sour cream, and guacamole.
My friend ordered the Chicken Fajita, served with soft flour tortillas, rice, beans, pico de gallo, Mexican sour cream & guacamole. Again, a generous portion and, according to him, delicious.
Tres Leches
Common sense would dictate that I should skip dessert by now, but no one ever said I had common sense. Tres Leches cake was on the menu, and I loved it; it is a Mexican-origin cake. The vanilla sponge cake, soaked in three kinds of milk, was moist, sweet (not too sweet), and decadent and made for the perfect grand finale to a great meal.
I would recommend you stop in and give Los Carnales a try. I’m sure you will enjoy it. Delicious food, nice people, and you will be supporting a relatively new local business.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday- 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Dine-in – Take Out – Curbside Pickup – No Contact Delivery – BYOB. Catering Available. Street Parking
Los Carnales Mexican Restaurant, 52 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. (973) 794-6700; www.loscarnalesmexican.com.
MORRIS COUNTY — Stanley Fiel, MD, FACP, FCCP, has been named Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center, ranked by U.S. News & World Report the #1 hospital in New Jersey for five consecutive years. Dr. Fiel has served as interim CMO since May.
“We are honored that Dr. Fiel will continue to play a highly instrumental medical leadership role at Morristown Medical Center,” said Trish O’Keefe, Ph.D., RN, President, Morristown Medical Center and Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive, Atlantic Health System. “Dr. Fiel’s leadership during this time has been invaluable. He has guided and collaborated with our medical and nursing staff throughout the COVID pandemic and recent pediatric respiratory surges, skillfully leading our team during challenging, high-volume periods at our hospital.”
Dr. Fiel has served as the chairman for the Department of Medicine and as a leading physician at Morristown Medical Center for nearly 20 years and is an experienced and accomplished clinician, educator, and researcher. Dr. Fiel is also a Professor of Medicine at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and is the author of numerous published works and an active member of local and national societies.
“Witnessing the impact of the compassionate care demonstrated by our health care teams here, I am reminded daily to seek out and strengthen my connections with my patients, their families, and all of the staff that support the care we provide to our community,” said Dr. Fiel. “For those of us at Morristown Medical Center and Atlantic Health System, we see our responsibility to deliver unparalleled health care and to elevate our reputation for extraordinary care.”
After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut, Dr. Fiel was awarded his Medical Degree and inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha honor society at the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He then completed an internship and residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia and a fellowship in the pulmonary disease section of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Since 1978, Dr. Fiel has held key hospital appointments, including Chief of the Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine and Hahnemann University in Philadelphia.
A Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians and the American College of Physicians, Dr. Fiel also is a member of the American Thoracic Society and other professional societies. He has served on the editorial boards for journals such as the Journal of Asthma, Chest, and Clinical Pulmonary Medicine. Dr. Fiel’s many contributions to medical literature have appeared in publications such as The New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of the American Medical Association, the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, and Chest. His major research interests include the mechanisms of inflammation in cystic fibrosis and therapeutic advances in treating obstructive pulmonary disorders, including asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He has published over 200 articles, abstracts, chapters, and monographs in the Medical literature.
Atlantic Health System is at the forefront of medicine, setting standards for quality health care in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the New York metropolitan area. Powered by a workforce of more than 19,000 team members and 4,800 affiliated physicians dedicated to building healthier communities, Atlantic Health System serves more than half of the state of New Jersey, including 12 counties and 6.2 million people. The not-for-profit system offers more than 400 sites of care, including its seven hospitals: Morristown Medical Center in Morristown and Overlook Medical Center in Summit. Newton Medical Center in Newton and Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains. Hackettstown Medical Center in Hackettstown, Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute in Madison, and through its partnership with CentraState Healthcare System in Freehold.
Atlantic Medical Group, comprised of 1,600 physicians and advanced practice providers, represents one of the largest multi-specialty practices in New Jersey and joins Atlantic Accountable Care Organization and Optimus Healthcare Partners as part of Atlantic Alliance, a Clinically Integrated Network of more than 2,500 health care providers throughout northern and central NJ.
Atlantic Health System provides care for the full continuum of health care needs through 23 urgent care centers, Atlantic Visiting Nurse, and Atlantic Anywhere Virtual Visits. The transportation fleet of Atlantic Mobile Health facilitates the connection between these services on both land and air.
Atlantic Health System leads the Healthcare Transformation Consortium, a partnership of six regional hospitals and health systems dedicated to improving access and affordability, and is a founding member of the PIER Consortium – Partners in Innovation, Education, and Research – a streamlined clinical trial system that will expand access to groundbreaking research across five health systems in the region.
Atlantic Health System has a medical school affiliation with Thomas Jefferson University and is home to the regional campus of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Morristown and Overlook Medical Centers and is the official healthcare partner of the New York Jets.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany–Troy Township Council Meeting – March 21, 2023.
Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. Council meetings are held at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request auxiliary aid.
Mayor James R Barberio
Council President Loretta Gragnani
Council Vice-President Michael J. dePierro
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
Agenda subject to change without notice
Although the information on this site is believed to be reliable, online postings of meeting agendas are not considered official copies.
Dear Editor:
