Apply for Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy Program

Frank L. Cahill
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Apply for Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy Program

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Department of Law & Public Safety and the Morris County Board of Commissioners announced the tenth-annual Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy (MCPSYA). This program will be coordinated by the Morris County Office of Emergency Management and held at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy.

Applications for the 2023 Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy program are now open. The program is open to all Morris County high school students entering grades 9-12 in Fall 2023. The free program will take place from July 31 to August 4.

Applications are being accepted until April 14, 2023.

The MCPSYA is a distinctive program that exposes our cadets to the many facets of the public safety field and focuses on introducing our cadets to real-world issues happening worldwide today. This intensive program will provide cadets with hands-on experience in the fields of Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, Emergency Management, and more.

For more information, click here.

Parsippany Economic Releases “Meet the Merchants” Program

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Economic Releases “Meet the Merchants” Program

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee has started a new series, “Meet the Merchants.”

In conjunction with Video on The Go Producer, Cinematographer, and Director Brian Satch,  Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill began working with local businesses within Parsippany to help publicize their business.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor said, “Parsippany businesses create job opportunities here in Parsippany. And add to the Township character. They also contribute to our charitable organizations. As Mayor of the Township Parsippany-Troy Hills, I ask you to #SHOP LOCAL, #SHOP PARSIPPANY.

Brian Satch preparing to film Mayor James Barberio during the initial shoot of “Meet the Merchants.”

The video will be aired on Public Access Channel 21 and included on the Township’s social media posts. In addition, Parsippany Focus will promote the videos as a free service to the Parsippany business community.

“In addition to working with the Administration on attracting new business to Parsippany, our committee is committed to working with current businesses and helping promote business within Parsippany,” said Cahill.

Brian Satch filming De. Sheren Elsaid

The service is free to any Parsippany business. Contact Frank Cahill at (973) 559-6000 for scheduling.

Our first video features Dr. Sheren Elsaid, Zen Dental Care.

Morris County Reaffirms Solidarity with Ukraine

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Reaffirms Solidarity with Ukraine

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners is reaffirming Morris County’s solidarity with the people of Ukraine at a memorial service tonight at Saint John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Whippany on the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of the sovereign nation.

Director John Krickus, Father Stefan Bilyk, Community Leader Myron Bytz.

Commissioner Director John Krickus will present a framed proclamation cementing Morris County’s commitment to the Ukrainian people and denouncing Vladimir Putin’s ruthless assault on Ukraine. Over the past 12 months, the larger Morris County community has embraced the Ukrainian cause and delivered aid to the European nation.

“Let me announce Morris County’s donation of 100 radios to Ukraine for the first time last summer. We did not announce it then out of caution for those receiving the equipment. Morris County has also provided 100 protective vests and helmets from the Sheriff and Prosecutor’s Office, with additional donations from local police departments and surplus medical supplies from Morris County. I want to thank everyone in Morris County government who facilitated these donations,” remarked Director Krickus leading up to the event.

Director Krickus will offer some remarks on behalf of the board at the memorial, acknowledging and thanking the Morris County community for coming together to support Ukraine, a nation in turmoil. Supplies and aid from Morris County and its residents have been delivered through the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey (UACCNJ), located on the same grounds as Saint John Church at 60 North Jefferson Road.

The UACCNJ estimates that the aid moved through its center amounted to 18 shipping containers valued at over $4 million.

“The support we have received from Morris County and the Commissioners is overwhelming. People have opened their hearts and souls to our community and our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, which means the world to us. Evil will not prevail. We need continued prayers and support,” stated UACCNJ Board Member Michael Halibej, the Cultural Center’s Social Club manager.

Morris County, with an estimated 12,000 residents of Ukrainian descent, has maintained a unique kinship with Ukraine dating back more than a century when immigrants first arrived in the Whippany and Malapardis sections of Hanover Township in 1908.

They found hope for a new life and employment in the many mills that once drove the regional economy. In Whippany, Ukrainian immigrants built the original Saint John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church on a corner of what is now Route 10 and Jefferson Road, establishing a community that continues to significantly contribute to our wonderful way of life in Morris County and throughout the United States.

“As a veteran, I served, as millions of others did, to protect our democracy, and now Ukraine’s people and armed forces fight for these same values.  Their fight is our fight, and when you are fighting for freedom, you fight harder,” stated Director Krickus.

With this awful war entering its second year, inflicting irreversible damage on a nation and its people that will have lasting impacts on generations to come, the memorial will include prayers that the carnage will all end soon for our sisters and brothers in Ukraine.

Anyone interested in donating funds, goods, or medical supplies should contact Myron Bytz, a community leader with the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, by clicking here. He can also be reached by phone at (973) 585-7175 or by email: uaccnj@gmail.com.

UACCNJ Board Member Michael Halibej, Community Leader Myron Bytz, Director John Krickus, Communications Division Manager Keith Heimburg of Morris County Office of Emergency Management, Father Stefan Bilyk.

Paul Carifi Jr. Seeks Fourth Term on Parsippany-Troy Hills Council

Frank L. Cahill
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Paul Carifi Jr. Seeks Fourth Term on Parsippany-Troy Hills Council

PARSIPPANY — Paul Carifi, Jr., recently announced he will seek a fourth term on the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council. Carifi formed a team with two new candidates, Adam Kandil and Matthew McGrath.

Fellow Republican incumbents Michael dePierro and Loretta Gragnani previously declared they would not run for re-election.

dePierro has spent nearly four decades on the council, from 1982 to the present, including a break from 1998 and 1999. Gragnani served two terms on the council.

Paul Carifi, Jr., announced his candidacy for re-election to Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council.

Carifi was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the council in 2011 and was elected to a full term later that year. A 50-year resident, Carifi has spent his career in law enforcement. He served as a S.E.R.T. commander with Morris County Sheriff’s Department and now is an instructor at the Morris County Public Safety and Training Academy, where he is a  range master and basic police class coordinator.

Adam Kandil was born and raised in Parsippany. Adam graduated from Parsippany High School Class of 2002 and then graduated in 2006 from Rutgers School of Engineering. He was the captain of the Rutgers Soccer Team in his sophomore year. Adam is a Licensed Civil Engineer in both New Jersey and New York. Adam serves on various non-profit organizations focused on youth development within the community. Additionally, Adam has served on the Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Committee since 2016. He is a proud Husband and father of four.

Adam grew up and loves sports and currently coaches Youth Soccer, Football, and Basketball. Adam loves working with youth and is heavily involved with youth events. Mr. Kandil, in his professional capacity, is the President of Daetel Engineering, a Civil Engineer, and an accomplished business with 20+ years of experience.

Matt McGrath has been a resident of Parsippany for 18 years.  He has been actively coaching and supporting youth baseball, softball, and soccer programs for his four children and many others for years. Matt is a 1997 Kings College graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.

Matt has over 20 years of technology sales and support experience supporting both public sector and commercial customers. He has focused on developing marketing strategies and enablement programs and providing sales guidance across his teams.

The Carifi ticket will face its first test in the June primary on June 6. There have been several other Republican candidates rumored to enter the race. No Democratic candidates have announced a run yet. Candidates have until March 27 to file nominating petitions to the state.

The race winners will join Councilman Frank Neglia and Councilman Justin Musella, serving their second year of a four-year term on the Council.

Parsippany Receives $3,452,972 for Improvements to the Wastewater Pump System

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Receives $3,452,972 for Improvements to the Wastewater Pump System

PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, February 21, Mayor Barberio, along with Council President Loretta Gragnani, Council Vice-President Michael dePierro, Council member Justin Musella and Parsippany Sewer Superintendent Joe Beckmeyer, received federal grant monies presented by Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill for Pump Station 4, an integral part of Parsippany-Troy Hills’ wastewater treatment system. Pump Station 4 is the largest wastewater pumping station in the Township’s Sewer Service Area and, at almost 60 years old, is at the end of its useful life. “The work being done to decommission this pump and replace it with a gravity sewer connection will provide considerable energy, operational and repair savings, and the reliability of providing wastewater conveyance will be greatly enhanced,” said Mayor Barberio.

Parsippany received $3,452,972 for improvements to the wastewater pump system off Old Bloomfield Avenue.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Loretta Gragnani, Councilman Justin Musella, Mayor James Barberio, Council Vice Presiden Michael dePierro, Representative Mikie Sherrill, and Parsippany Sewer Superintendent Joe Beckmeyer.

Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) secured funding for key New Jersey priorities, including law enforcement, the Gateway Tunnel Project, flood mitigation, Picatinny Arsenal, job training, health care resources, and investments to combat the climate crisis. She also secured funding for all 14 Community Projects she championed on behalf of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, bringing federal dollars directly back to North Jersey to address needs identified by the community.

“I am proud to have voted for this bipartisan legislative package, which delivers on key priorities that will lower the cost of living for New Jersey families, create good-paying jobs, keep our nation and communities safe, and protect our environment,” said Rep. Sherrill. “Building off last year’s success, we secured funding for key projects that will empower NJ-11 communities in their fight to increase public safety, improve water quality, mitigate the risk of flooding, expand access to health care, and strengthen local infrastructure. I remain steadfast in my commitment to bringing back every federal dollar I can to make New Jersey a better and more affordable place to live.”

To meet urgent needs across the United States, the House Appropriations Committee invited Members of Congress to request funding for specific projects in their communities. Rep. Sherrill successfully championed funding for these 14 projects, directly benefiting NJ-11 residents. In addition to the Parsippany grant, they include:

  1. $600,000 for security enhancements to the Boonton Reservoir as part of a larger effort to enhance and safeguard the water quality of the Reservoir while creating recreational access with a 7.7-mile hiking trail centered in the Parsippany / Boonton area of Morris County.
  2. $809,000 to improve the flow of public safety data with a new fiber optic network that will aid the Chatham Township Police Department and county authorities in investigating, responding, and preventing crime, including auto thefts.
  3. $760,000 to expand access to technology for individuals with disabilities for the Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled (JSDD) based in Livingston and serving communities across NJ-11.
  4. $2,086,269 to support the construction of a forty-four unit, multi-family affordable housing development in Madison, featuring enhanced energy initiatives that make it the first of its kind in New Jersey to meet Passive Housing/New Zero Energy Standards..
  5. $2,056,000 to rehabilitate and create resiliency in Rand Well in Montclair, which has unacceptably high levels of PFOS and Perchlorates.
  6. $1,000,000 for upgrades in technology and improvements in facilities in the Emergency Department at the Morristown Medical Center, a vital lifeline to millions of patients and families throughout the region.
  7. $500,000 for reconstruction and improvements to Collinsville-Tucker Park in Morris Township.
  8. $1,761,700 for the Housing is Healthcare for Economic Development pilot program to provide pathways to affordable, safe housing and preventive healthcare led by Family Promise of Morris County, which will incorporate other community partners.
  9. $1,200,000 to design and construct a mini-roundabout at the intersection of McBride Avenue and Browertown Road in Woodland Park to enhance traffic safety and provide new access to over 50 businesses and three schools in the Browertown Road area.
  10. $1,000,000 for facilities and equipment at the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston to expand and enhance their existing EMS Physician Training and Mobile Health initiative.
  11. $ 1,000,000 for student scholarships to support college completion for William Paterson University students impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  12. $1,500,000 for the Whippany River Regional Improvement Initiative, proposed by local officials in East Hanover, Hanover Township, Parsippany, and Florham Park, to take critical steps to clear obstructions and mitigate flooding in the area.
  13. $300,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a General Investigation Watershed Study to determine the most effective options to mitigate flooding from the Whippany River that has long impacted the Morristown area around historic Bethel Church, as well as towns all along the river like East Hanover, Hanover, Parsippany, and Florham Park.

Henry C Liao Earns Ameriprise Client Experience Award

Frank L. Cahill
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Henry C Liao Earns Ameriprise Client Experience Award

PARSIPPANY — Henry C. Liao, CRPC®, a Private Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Parsippany, has earned the Ameriprise Client Experience Award for 2022.

Liao was honored with this award because of his ability to deliver personalized, goal-based advice and exceptional client service consistently. Award recipients earned a client satisfaction rating equal to or greater than 4.9 out of 5.0* and maintained stellar business results. The award represents an elite group of Ameriprise advisors recognized as leaders for their commitment to making a difference in the lives of their clients.

As a Private Wealth Advisor, Liao provides financial advice anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and delivered in one-on-one relationships with his clients.

For more information, don’t hesitate to contact Henry C. Liao, CRPC®, at (973) 265-1185 or visit the Ameriprise office at 90 East Halsey Road, Suite 106. 

Ameriprise Financial has been helping people feel confident about their financial future for over 125 years. With extensive investment advice, asset management, and insurance capabilities and a nationwide network of approximately 10,000 financial advisors, and has the strength and expertise to serve the full range of individual and institutional investors’ financial needs. The company was founded on June 29, 1894.

 

February MPAC Music Students of the Month

Frank L. Cahill
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February MPAC Music Students of the Month

MORRIS COUNTY — Students from Parsippany, Randolph, Budd Lake, Chatham and Morristown schools were honored as Mayo Performing Arts Center’s February 2023 Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Orchestra members — prior to the Thursday, February 16 performance by Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine.

Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the Theatre’s Education Department based on their commitment to and excellence in the performing arts. The students were honored on stage prior to the concert. The Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor.

The 2022-2023 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.

About the February Music Students of the Month (bio supplied by their instructors) 

Sanjihana Bharanidharan – Grade 7, Brooklawn Middle School; Parsippany; Nominated by Adam Austerlitz

Sanjhana is not only an excellent musician but a dedicated and passionate learner as well as a natural leader. She has been taking private lessons for several years and is currently working on the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto. Sanjhana spends much of her free time practicing or creating music with others.  Outside of school, Sanjhana participates with the Lakeland Youth Symphony orchestra. Sanjhana has also proven a highly effective leader during ensemble rehearsals. She takes her role as concert mistress seriously and does everything she can to get the best sound out of the orchestra.

Phillip Byrne –Grade 12, Morristown High School; Morristown; Nominated by Norma Davis

Phillip Byrne has been an outstanding member of the Morristown High School Orchestra and select Chamber Orchestra for the past four years.  He is incredibly dedicated and is an extraordinary musician.  Phil serves as section leader for the double basses and can always be relied upon to give one hundred percent in every rehearsal and performance.  He loves learning, is fully engaged, and is an outstanding collaborator.  A natural role model, Phil enthusiastically encourages his peers to reach for and achieve the highest level of musicianship possible.  He thrives on challenges and performs with passion.  He expertly leads bass sectionals and lessons and is committed to the success of the Orchestra.  Phil gladly takes advantage of every music opportunity, performing on the bass with the jazz band, wind ensemble, small ensembles, choir, and pit orchestra for the musicals.  He excelled in AP Music Theory, enjoyed delving into music analysis at a deep level, and used his ear-training skills to write and transcribe bass parts that he performed with the concert choir.  Phil always goes above and beyond with a great attitude and works hard to accomplish his musical goals.  He has high standards, an eye for detail, and performs with a powerful, rich sound.  Although tremendously talented and accomplished in his chosen art, Phil is humble and always ready to pitch in as needed with a positive attitude and a smile.  It is no wonder that whenever any music faculty member at MHS needs a bass player, they ask Phil.  His convivial personality, impeccable integrity, determination, and self-motivation make him a gem among his peers.  Phil has a bright future ahead and will surely make a difference to those he meets in life, his future studies and career.

Brandon Liu – Grade 12, Chatham High School; Chatham; Nominated by Liam Keller

Brandon is a Senior violinist who has been a part of the orchestra program in Chatham for his entire time in the district. I worked with Brandon for four years as the Director of Orchestras, Chamber Ensemble Advisor, and Music Theory teacher. Brandon is a highly organized and motivated musician, constantly striving to achieve his personal high standard for performance in everything he does. Brandon is a strong student leader and his peers and faculty respected his academic work and character. As a member of the orchestra program, chamber orchestra ensemble, and Musical Pit, Brandon was confident during rehearsals and consistently demonstrated excellence during many professional performances. My assessment of Brandon is extremely positive. Brandon has been a constant positive force of energy motivating his peers to excellence. Always interested in the concerns of others, he was available to help students requesting assistance by becoming a tutor for his peers. Brandon is a team player and understands the process of moving from the model of good to great. It is with great pleasure that I recommend Brandon be granted consideration for this award. I assure you Brandon’s record of strong intellectual and academic achievement, performance ability, integrity, character, leadership, respect for others, and his unfailing energy to use his talents to their fullest, merit your consideration. 

Laurily Merzatta – Grade 7, Brooklawn Middle School; Parsippany; Nominated by Adam Austerlitz

Laurily is an exceptional violist and overall musician. She recently placed 6th chair in the North Jersey Intermediate Region Orchestra. Along with her viola studies, Laurily is a very talented arranger. Recently, she arranged a unique and inspiring rendition of “Happy Birthday” for strings for my birthday. Outside of school, Laurily also performs with both the New Jersey Youth Symphony and Lakeland Youth Symphony, where she recently won the concerto competition with the Telemann Viola Concerto. Laurily’s musical abilities are not only restricted to viola. She is also a highly capable trumpet player, performing with the Brooklawn Middle School band, and vocalist, performing with the Brooklawn choir and having recently been cast as the Stepmother in our school’s production of Cinderella.

Elizabeth Morgievich – Grade 11, Randolph High School; Randolph; Nominated by Eric Schaberg

Elizabeth Morgievich is one, if not the most talented student, I have had the privilege of teaching over my 30+ year career.  She was Accepted last spring into All-State Orchestra and performed with that ensemble this past November of 2022, Elizabeth has just been given the rare Honor of being a member of All-Eastern Orchestra which has a process to select only a very few students from the Eastern United States.  The All-Eastern Orchestra will perform later this spring at the famous Eastman School of Music.  Elizabeth has just recently successfully auditioned for Region 1 Sr. Orchestra and has been a member every year in her High School and Middle School Years.  This is an orchestra in which string players audition/compete from the Northern part of NJ to become a member of the Region 1 Orchestra.  Elizabeth was given the fourth chair in the 1st violins and 6th chair overall out of the 48 violins who made it into the orchestra.  To top off an incredible year for Elizabeth, she will be playing “Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso” by Camille Saint Saens with the Randolph High School Orchestra, as the violin soloist.  She is also part of the upcoming Randolph Musical, “Fiddler on the Roof” in the spring.  With all of these wonderful accolades, Elizabeth is very kind, humble, and a true pleasure to work with as her Director and for her colleagues in the High School as well.  She is the student that every Director wishes they had the opportunity to teach in their career and I am lucky to have had the privilege! 

 Ahana Mukherjee – Grade 8, Mount Olive Middle School; Budd Lake; Nominated by Aimee Jimenez

Ahana is a wonderful student. She is always asking for more – music recommendations, additional help, videos to watch, and giving me suggestions for orchestra repertoire for the class. Not only that, she is eager to help others learn and will often jump in to help a fellow student before I can. She is confident in her abilities, but not arrogantly so, and responds well to critiques and makes the same adjustments across repertoire often without prompting. I truly believe she will go far with music.

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2022-2023 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.

Parsippany Lions Club announces the “Spring Food Festival” to support First Responders

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Lions Club announces the “Spring Food Festival” to support First Responders

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Lions Club is affiliated with Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service club organization with 1.4 million members in 50,000 clubs across 200 countries.

The club is hosting its first-ever Spring Food Festival on Saturday, March 25, at the Central Middle School, 1620 Route 46, from 12.00 Noon to 3.00 p.m. The Honorable Mayor James Barberio and the Chiefs of Parsippany First Responders will inaugurate the festival.

The event has been organized as a fundraiser for the brave men and women who serve as First Responders – EMS, Firefighters, and Police.

“We are thrilled to bring the community together for this exciting food fest and to support our First Responders,” said Pratap Jayakar, President of the Parsippany Lions Club. “We hope to see everyone there, having a great time while making a difference in the lives of those who serve our community.”

The Parsippany Lions Club invites everyone to attend to show their love and support for our real-life heroes. This event promises a wonderful afternoon full of mouth-watering delicacies, exciting games, and fun activities while garnering support for a worthy cause. Making this event a success will motivate the volunteers to organize other programs for causes, including Childhood Cancer, Diabetes, Vision, and much more.

For more information on Parsippany Lions Club, click here. The Parsippany Lions Club is a local group of service-minded men and women doing local volunteer work to support your community.

Car Jetting Through Parking Stalls in Shopping Center Hits Two Vehicles; Driver Sent to Hospital with Injuries

Frank L. Cahill
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Car Jetting Through Parking Stalls in Shopping Center Hits Two Vehicles; Driver Sent to Hospital with Injuries

PARSIPPANY — A Sunday afternoon stroll through Troy-Hills Shopping Center caused a multi-vehicle accident and sent one driver to Morristown Medical Center.

The incident on Sunday, February 19, at approximately 12:30 p.m., occurred when Ms. Gwendolyn Jackson, 75, East Orange, was jetting through the Troy Hills Shopping Center, improperly crossing through parking stalls. She struck a vehicle parked (owned by Mr. Michael Iradi) and then struck a vehicle driven by Mr. Lubos Vencalek, 58, from Verona, head-on.

Ms. Gwendolyn Jackson was driving a 2008 Grey Toyota Camry.

Ms. Jackson was transported to Morristown Medical Center by Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, while Mr. Vencalek was treated at the scene by Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene by Eagle Towing. The third vehicle sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

A witness at the scene stated Ms. Jackson was traveling at a high rate of speed through the parking lot, striking both vehicles.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Officer Paul Christal was the investigating officer.

At the time of this article, there was no summons issued.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Regular Council Meeting – February 21, 2023

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Regular Council Meeting – February 21, 2023

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Regular Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 21.

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.

Click here to download the agenda.

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.

Click here to download the 2023 agenda schedule.

Mayor and Council

Mayor James R Barberio
Council President Loretta Gragnani
Council Vice-President Michael J. dePierro
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella

DeCroce: Gov Murphy’s Energy Plan is Fantasy ‘I Would Not Vote For It’

Frank L. Cahill
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DeCroce: Gov Murphy’s Energy Plan is Fantasy ‘I Would Not Vote For It’

PARSIPPANY — BettyLou DeCroce said she will oppose any legislation the Governor puts forth on his revised clean energy plan that he introduced Thursday, calling the plan a “fantasy.”

DeCroce, who served nine years in the assembly and is running this year to return to the state legislature, said the Governor’s Clean Energy II edict will saddle businesses and homeowners with enormous costs while providing little environmental benefit. The Governor said he will need legislation to enact some of the dictates of his plan.

“The governor’s Green Energy II plan is a “no energy plan,” said DeCroce. “It is the stuff that liberal dreams are made of. New Jersey needs a realistic energy plan – not one that the left is trying to push down the throats of hard-working people.”

DeCroce said if she returns to the Assembly, she will oppose most, if not all, of the governor’s proposed legislation that sets arbitrary goals, such as outlawing gasoline-powered cars by 2035 and forcing the retrofitting of heating and cooling systems for hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses.

“My job as a legislator is to do what is best for the people in District 26, not to help the governor polish his liberal credentials so he can run for president in 2024,” said DeCroce.

DeCroce said the governor’s “fantasy energy plan” has no cost projections. “What is the governor’s blueprint going cost residents? The governor isn’t saying. Where’s the BPU (Board of Public Utilities)? Where is their estimate of the financial burden the plan will force on homeowners, business owners, and car owners?” asked DeCroce. “The Governor is asking for a blind emotional buy-in to his plan. Where are the costs estimates; what is the real environmental benefit, and what are the risks associated with this plan?”

“I care about climate change as much as anyone. I want my grandchildren to inherit a healthy environment. But I also want them to live in a state with reliable, full-time energy for a reasonable cost. I want them to have heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. I want them to have transportation that works when they need it. The Governor’s plan will not provide them with any of those things,” added DeCroce.

Ash Wednesday Service at St. Gregory’s Church

Frank L. Cahill
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Ash Wednesday Service at St. Gregory’s Church

PARSIPPANY — St. Gregory’s will hold an Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday, February 22, at Noon and 7:00 p.m.

The noon service will be about a half hour, and the evening service will be full of hymns.

St Gregory’s Episcopal Church is located at 480 South Beverwyck Road.

Ash Wednesday is a holy day of prayer and fasting in many Western Christian denominations. It is preceded by Shrove Tuesday and falls on the first day of Lent. Catholics observe it in the Roman Rite, Lutherans, Moravians, Anglicans, Methodists, and Nazarenes, as well as by some churches in the Reformed tradition.

Lent will be observed from February 22 to April 8 this year. It is a period of religious observance in the Christian liturgical calendar, marking the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert, enduring temptation by Satan.

Dog In Lap Causes Crash; Car Flipped Over

Frank L. Cahill
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Dog In Lap Causes Crash; Car Flipped Over

PARSIPPANY — Mr. Stephen Flynn, 67, Hackettstown,  was traveling west on Route 46 near Baldwin Road on Sunday, February 5 at 8:57 p.m. behind a 2005 Minni, towed by the Mobile Home driven by Mr. Kenneth Sawyer, Vermont.

Flynn told Parsippany Police Officer Pasquale Parisi that his dog was sitting on his lap, and the dog began to move, causing him to look down at the dog. When the driver looked down at the dog, he crashed into the Minni, pushing the vehicle into the Mobile Home, which was stopped at the red traffic signal.

Flynn’s vehicle crashed into the Minni, which the Mobile Home was towing.
Damage to the Mobile Home
Damage to the Mobile Home

After crashing into the 2005 Minni, Mr. Flynn’s 2020 Nissan Rogue vehicle lost control and flipped onto the driver’s side.

Mr. Flynn was charged with (39:4-97) Careless Driving.

The 2020 Nissan and the 2005 Minni were towed from the scene by C&L Towing.

Ash Stone Honored During New Jersey Region III Competition

Frank L. Cahill
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Ash Stone Honored During New Jersey Region III Competition

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School Academic Decathlon (AcDec) Team participated in the New Jersey Region III Competition on Saturday, January 28, at Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Clifton.

The six team members who participated were Haroon Afzal, Ram Gupta, Nishanth Makkithaya, Chaitanya Matrubai, Ash Stone, and Danial Tanveer. Chaitanya Matrubai earned an individual Honorable Mention, and Ash Stone took ten medals and awards, including one for being the Highest Scoring Varsity competitor for the regional competition. As a result, Ash has been invited to compete at the state level as an individual on Saturday, March 4.

Academic Decathlon is a 10-event scholastic competition for high school students. The events include math, science, social science, literature, economics, art, music, speech, essay, and interview. This year’s theme is the American Revolution. Team coaches are Jaclyn Bevacqua, Italian teacher, and Jacqueline Forte, Spanish teacher.

EnVogue Salon Celebrates Grand Opening of it’s new location

Focus contributor
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EnVogue Salon Celebrates Grand Opening of it’s new location

PARSIPPANY — EnVogue Salon opened its door for the first time in July 1994. From the moment it opened, it made a reputation for itself as a salon that creates beautiful looks, confidence, peace, and a caring environment for all its clients. From the very start, the salon had a creative team who put their best foot forward and made the salon a place for everyone to enjoy themselves.

Ratnesh Khandelwal, Uncle Om Khandelwal, Aunt Madhu Khandelwal, Bharti Khandelwal. Photo by Keshav Khandelwal.

One of its creative team is Bharti Khandelwal. Bharti is an immigrant who first came to the USA in 2003, dreaming of making a better living for herself, her husband, and her future family. She enrolled in an Artistic academy to gain her cosmetology license in 2004.

From 9-5 every day, she studied as a student at the academy and worked a retail job at night. Her hard work and passion paid off in 2005 when she received her cosmetology license and got her first job at EnVogue Salon.

There she worked as an assistant for six months, gaining and learning more and more, and finally became an official hairstylist. Thus, she worked as a hairstylist for 11 years at EnVogue, creating beautiful results and even more beautiful smiles.

For 11 years, she put forward hard work, dedication, and commitment, showing only her best to the world and, more importantly, her clients.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee Chairman Frank Cahill presents Bharti Khandelwal with a plaque congratulating her on the new location of EnVogue and thanking her for her continued support in Parsippany.

In 2017, all her hard work paid off, and she got the opportunity to take over the salon as its new boss and purchased the salon.

Once she took over the salon, she worked even harder, creating social media accounts, new clientele, and a new name and identity for the salon.

She was soon joined by Paul, a stylist who has supported her through thick and thin and is still with her in the salon today! While EnVogue was already an amazing salon, she took it to a new level by not only sticking with traditional hairstyles but also letting her creativity and passion for colors and arts flow through the beautiful hair of her clients.

Longtime and satisfied customer Carol Tiesi with Bharti Khandelwal

On some days, it’s a rainbow hair dying; on another, it’s a bride’s special day that she had the opportunity to make even more special. From haircuts, colors, blowouts, and makeup, she created a name for herself and her salon with high standards and established herself as one of the best and most professional salons in the area.

In 2022, it was time for her salon to move locations; thus, she geared herself for an entirely new journey and shift to a new location. It was a daunting task, but she was up to it and purchased a location that was originally a salon that was opened more than 30 years ago, the Vincent Ghetto salon.

The interior of EnVogue Salon

The Vincent Ghetto Salon has a history of its own, passed down from generation to generation, but it had fallen into disrepair. Bharti, seeing the beauty of the location, purchased it and started the journey to build a new salon, one that was a reflection of both the history of the original Ghetto salon, but also the EnVogue Salon that she spent years making a name for.

For months the salon was worked on and had its own issues. But the salon and hope for happy clients surpassed all problems, and the salon was built and ready in January of 2023.

On her birthday, Bharti resumed her work. The salon’s story, her story, and its ups and downs make her and this salon so beautiful.

Passion, inspiration, love, and care were and still are the foundations of this salon, no matter the location. And thus, the salon lives on as a testament to the dedication and commitment of the salon and its creative team to its clients.

The beauty of the story of EnVogue is only surpassed by the beauty of the smiles of the clients who walk out of the salon at the end of their appointment. The salon lives on, not based on how it looks or where it is, but on the hair and stories of its stunning clients. Join us in making a new story for this new salon, and visit EnVogue today to add to this beautiful legacy!

On Saturday, February 18, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio; Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill; Council President Loretta Gragnani and Councilmen Frank Neglia and Justin Musella; Robert Peluso, President Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, Nicolas Limanov and Ildiko Peluso, Board Members; as well as Nick Rafanello and Scott Donnelly, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development; and Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus, Commissioner Stephen Shaw; and longtime customer Carol Tiesi joined in the ribbon cutting celebration of EnVogue’s new location. The new location is located at 54 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. Hours at Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please call to schedule your complimentary consultation at (973) 402-5454 or visit their website by clicking here.

The Khandelwal family: Ratnesh, Bharti, Keshav and Kashvi
Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee presented EnVogue with a plaque.

“It’s Almost Spring” Parsippany Green Fair

Frank L. Cahill
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“It’s Almost Spring” Parsippany Green Fair

PARSIPPANY — The Spring Green Fair will be held at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Main Library on Saturday, March 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  The event is free and open to the public and will take place indoors on the first and second floors.

The Parsippany Green Fair will feature live presentations and discussions, local organizations’ informational tables, and much more. Presentations will feature the Parsippany Green Team, Parsippany Environmental Advisory Committee, Good Bottle Refill Shop, Parsippany Climate Action, Parsippany Bat Protection Project/Rutgers Wildlife Management and Conservation Program, Friends of the Drew University Forest, and Parsippany Robotics Club.

Table vendors include Passaic River Coalition, Wildlife Preserves, Morris County 4-H, and the Association of NJ Environmental Commissions.

“This event will educate and create awareness for residents about what they can do and what they can do better regarding local environmental initiatives,” states Lisa Plevin, Parsippany Environmental Advisory Committee. “We have an excellent slate of speakers and informational tables.”

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Main Library is located at 449 Halsey Road, Parsippany. The Parsippany Green Team and the Parsippany Environmental Advisory Committee present the Spring Green Fair.

For more information, please e-mail lisajplevin@gmail.com or click here.

Laila Tatis Representing in NJSIAA and National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Frank L. Cahill
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Laila Tatis Representing in NJSIAA and National Girls and Women in Sports Day

PARSIPPANY — Senior Laila Tatis was selected to represent Parsippany Hills High School for the NJSIAA and National Girls and Women in Sports Day for all her accomplishments on and off the field.

Laila
Laila Tatis

Parsippany Fire Inspector Charged with Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Fire Inspector Charged with Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography

PARSIPPANY — Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella confirmed the arrest of Juan P. Bonilla-Correa, 44, of Rutherford, on charges of distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material. The arrest results from an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Jason Love. Bonilla-Correa is a fire inspector in Parsippany-Troy Hills.

On Thursday, February 16, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit members executed a search warrant at the residence of Juan P. Bonilla-Correa during an Internet child pornography investigation. The investigation revealed that Bonilla-Correa used the Internet to view, download, possess, and distribute files depicting nude and/or sexually explicit prepubescent children.

As a result of the investigation, Bonilla-Correa was arrested on Thursday, February 16, in Paramus and charged with second-degree distribution of child pornography, N.J.S.A 2C:24-4b(5)(a)(i); and third-degree possession of child pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(iii). He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.

Prosecutor Musella thanks the Rutherford Police Department for their assistance and the Lyndhurst Police Department, which participates in the Bergen County Cyber Crimes Task Force.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Sherrill’s Office Distributes 6,000 Valentines for Seniors

Frank L. Cahill
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Sherrill’s Office Distributes 6,000 Valentines for Seniors

PARSIPPANY — Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11, and her Parsippany office collected and delivered 6,000 Valentine’s Day cards to District 11 seniors written by residents of the 11th District.

To kick off Valentine’s Day, the Congresswoman delivered cards and spoke with residents from the Crane’s Mill retirement community in West Caldwell.

“The outpouring of support for our seniors so heartens me. Valentine’s Day is a great time to support each other, and I know that these cards have brightened so many seniors’ day,” said Rep. Sherrill.

“Special thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s Valentines for Seniors program. Everyone got in the spirit from schools to public libraries to local businesses, and we spread Valentine’s Day love to thousands of seniors throughout North Jersey.”

This program is part of a series of community appreciation initiatives by Congresswoman Sherrill and her team, such as “Thanksgiving Thank-Yous for Veterans,” which resulted in over 6,800 thank-you notes delivered to veterans in the community last year, and “2022 Heroes,” celebrating the everyday heroes in the district that inspire.

Towns Join Together in Forming the Whippany and Passaic Rivers Flood Mitigation Task Force

Frank L. Cahill
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Towns Join Together in Forming the Whippany and Passaic Rivers Flood Mitigation Task Force

PARSIPPANY — Flood waters from the Whippany and Passaic Rivers and their tributaries have caused humanitarian and economic losses to the thousands of inhabitants who live or operate businesses in Hanover, East Hanover, Parsippany, Florham Park, Morris Plains, and Morristown. Stormwater runoff from countless storms, including a lack of maintenance in keeping the river channels free and clear of debris, reached a critical point last year when Hanover Township Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher,  Florham Park Mayor Mark Taylor, and East Hanover Township Mayor Joseph Pannullo decided that it was time to join forces and take action.

On February 18, 2022, the Mayors and their professional engineers met with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill to enlist her support in developing a  plan, including the need for federal funds.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Jamie Barberio

The outgrowth of the meeting was the creation of the Whippany and Passaic Rivers Flood Mitigation Task Force. Working with the staff of Congresswoman Sherrill, the Task Force submitted a $1.5 million dollar Fiscal Year 2023 Community Project grant under the sponsorship of Ms. Sherrill. In December 2022, the Task Force was informed that the funding application was included in the Federal Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Spending Bill approved by the United States Congress.

The allocation of these funds will be used for the first phase of a multi-year, multi-phase project in the de-snagging of the Whippany River with the removal of dangerous obstructions and debris. Stabilizing streambanks, sediment removal, and re-establishing and replanting vegetation along the streambanks to minimize erosion and improve stormwater flow will require significant additional grant funds in the coming years.

At a meeting on January 25, the Mayors of the  Townships of Hanover, East Hanover, and Parsippany and the Boroughs of Florham Park and Morris Plains agreed to enter into a Shared Services Agreement to move the project further without delay. The Township of Hanover will serve as the Lead Agency.

The Town of Morristown will soon join this collaborative undertaking. In addition, the County of Morris is also working with the Task Force, with County Commissioner Stephen Shaw attending meetings and serving as a liaison.

On February 15, 2023, the Task Force again met with Congresswoman. Sherrill to thank her for “shepherding” the grant and to strategize in moving the project forward.  Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher noted that….” while we are in a good place to take the first step, we have a lot of hard work ahead of us in the coming years.”  Mayor Gallagher pointed out that the Task Force is a regional partnership looking to remediate a long-standing problem that seriously jeopardizes the health, safety, and welfare of those towns along the Whippany and Passaic Rivers. “Government has to be about collaborating and solving problems together to improve the quality of life for our residents.

In summing up the meeting, Gallagher asserted that….”In cooperation with Congresswoman Sherrill’s office, we are working extremely hard to mitigate flooding in our area. This approach can serve as a good model or template for municipalities to follow in resolving other common, regional issues.”

After the meeting, Congresswoman Sherrill and all the participating Mayors posed for a photograph with an imitation poster board check in the amount of $1.5 million dollars representing the actual award.

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