<img class="tdb-logo-img" src="https://parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2018/07/Focus-Logo.gif" alt="Logo" title="" />

-

Apr 2, 2025

Police1 — Detective Sergeant Jeffrey Papienuk with Police Chief Richard Pantina

PARSIPPANY—Detective Sergeant Jeffrey Papienuk retires after 25 years of dedicated service in law enforcement. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including one Life Saving Award, two Unit Commendations, and two Letters of Commendation. He was also honored with the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Award.

In addition to his patrol duties, Detective Sergeant Papienuk served as a Field Training Officer and most recently supervised the Internal Affairs Section.

Congratulations, Detective Sergeant Papienuk! We wish you all the best in your retirement.

A tribute to Detective Sergeant Jeffrey Papienuk’s 25 years of dedicated service. The shadow box features his badge, service patches, commendation bars, and mementos representing key moments and achievements throughout his law enforcement career.

Parsippany Library Celebrates Library Giving Day

By

-

Apr 2, 2025

PARSIPPANY—The Parsippany Library is excited to announce that Library Giving Day was on April 1st. This special event allowed the community to support vital programs, services, and outreach efforts.

This year, thanks to the generosity of three local donors—i3, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, and Sons of Italy—every dollar raised on Library Giving Day will be matched, up to $750. This means your contribution will have double the impact, directly supporting the library’s educational initiatives and community services.

“Library Giving Day is a chance for the community to come together and make a meaningful difference,” said Melissa Kuzma, Parsippany Library Director. “With the matching gift, your donation will go twice as far, helping us provide valuable programs and resources to those who rely on the library.”

Community support makes programs like International Children’s Book Week, beginning April 14th at Lake Hiawatha Branch Library, and the monthly Sensory Friendly Library Hour (launching April 6) possible. These initiatives help create inclusive and enriching experiences for all residents.

Get Involved on Library Giving Day

Here’s how you can make a difference:

Donate on April 1st: Your gift will directly support educational programs, outreach initiatives, and ongoing library services.
Spread the Word: Share the Library Giving Day campaign with friends and family, and encourage others to support their local library.
Volunteer: Join the Friends of the Library, a dedicated group of volunteers who provide invaluable support through event volunteering, program participation, and book sales.

The Parsippany Library is deeply grateful to the local businesses, organizations, and individuals who make it possible for the library to be a place where people of all ages can grow, learn, and connect.

For more information on Library Giving Day or to donate, visit parsippanyfriends.com.

About Parsippany Library

The Parsippany Library serves a diverse population of over 56,000 New Jersey residents with three library locations in Parsippany, Lake Hiawatha, and Mount Tabor. A main source of community information and entertainment, Parsippany Library has evolved the book, periodical, and audio-visual collections through membership in the Main Library Alliance, which includes access to over 50 public libraries across Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Warren Counties. Producing and hosting many classes and programs that support lifelong learning, individual health, and cultural and civic events, Parsippany Library continues to evolve past the limitations of a traditional library, remaining a cornerstone in the community. Visit parsippanylibrary.org for more information, hours of operation, and current programming.

About i3

i3 is a forward-thinking business solutions company dedicated to the financial services market. Their philosophy is simple but powerful: prioritize outcomes and transformation, guiding clients toward lasting success. Focusing on innovation and collaboration, i3 designs strategies that align with industry demands while ensuring sustainability. Visit i3intl.com/index.html to learn more.

About Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany

Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization in over 96 nations. Its major emphasis is SERVING THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany picks its own service projects that it feels need attention. A group of local people who volunteer their time and talents, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany strives to make the community a better place to live. Visit parsippanykiwanis.org for more information about the organization and its mission partners.

About Sons of Italy Lodge 2561

The Morris County of the Order of Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 is an affiliated member of the Order of the Sons of Italy In America Association, the largest and longest-established Italian-American organization in the United States. Morris County Lodge was founded as a non-profit organization, which contributes thousands of dollars to worthwhile local charities and families. Lodge 2561 is proud to be able to serve a small portion of the needs of local communities. Visit soi2561.org for more information about the organization.

Letter to the Editor: Mayor Barberio Should End His Re-Election Bid Before Further Embarrassment

By

-

Apr 2, 2025

Dear Editor:

Mayor Barberio should end his re-election bid. His and Neglia’s behavior was despicable and unworthy of public servants or candidates trusted for public office.

This brings to mind the lawfare brought against Trump by the Biden administration.

Have they learned nothing from the results of the November election?

Mr. Mayor, please don’t embarrass yourself or the republican party; end this.

Bob Scott

Mobile Services Coming to Parsippany Community Center

By

-

Apr 2, 2025

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, in partnership with Assemblyman Jay Webber, will bring “Mobile Services On The Go” to the Parsippany Community Center on Wednesday, April 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The event, which will take place at 1130 Knoll Road, aims to provide residents convenient access to various essential county and state services in their backyard.

Staff will be on-site to assist with a range of services, including:

County and State Government Issues
Senior and Veteran ID Cards
Notary Applications and Approvals
ANCHOR and Senior Freeze Property Tax Relief
MVC Troubleshooting
Milestones and Achievement Recognition

“This initiative brings government services directly to the people,” said Assemblyman Jay Webber. “It’s about accessibility and ensuring that residents—especially seniors and veterans—receive the support they need without unnecessary travel or delays.”

County Clerk Ann Grossi added, “We proudly offer these mobile services throughout Morris County. Our goal is to make county services easier to access and more responsive to the needs of our community.”

For more information, residents can call (973) 917-3420.

Letter to the Editor: One Minute Paul

By

-

Apr 2, 2025

Dear Editor:

It is appalling that the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President, Paul Carifi, Jr., announced a change in standard policy at the last minute—cutting the time a resident has to speak during the public session from five minutes to just one minute. This abrupt and unannounced change occurred during the Tuesday, March 28 council meeting held at Parsippany Hills High School.

Many residents prepare and rehearse their speeches to ensure they can communicate their point within the usually allocated time. Reducing that time to a mere 60 seconds disrespects that effort and sends a message that public input is unwelcome and unimportant.

Residents deserve the opportunity to voice their concerns, ask questions, and engage with their local government without being silenced or rushed. Reducing public comment time to a single minute undermines the democratic process and discourages meaningful civic participation.

In an article in Parsippany Focus, I read that Parsippany-based attorney Jonathan F. Cohen warned that such limitations could suppress free speech and potentially violate the Open Public Meetings Act. His warning should not be taken lightly.

The Open Public Meetings Act—often referred to as the “Sunshine Law”—is designed to ensure that public bodies operate transparently and provide citizens with the opportunity to participate meaningfully in governmental decisions. Abruptly cutting public speaking time undermines those principles by limiting residents’ ability to express their thoughts fully.

Legal challenges in other New Jersey municipalities have arisen under similar circumstances. Courts have scrutinized actions that appear to limit public participation without clear and compelling justification. While councils have some discretion in setting procedural rules, they must balance that authority with the public’s fundamental right to be heard.

In light of these considerations, it is wise and necessary for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council to revisit its public comment policy, restoring trust, respecting the community’s voice, and ensuring full compliance with the law.

Paul Carifi, Jr. will go down in history known as “One Minute Paul.”

Thomas Hunter
Parsippany resident and taxpayer

Letter to the Editor: A Troubling Trend

By

-

Apr 1, 2025

Dear Editor:

A troubling trend seems to be forming in Parsippany. During the last town council meeting, during which a move to censure Councilman Musella was on the agenda, comments by the public were limited to one minute rather than the standard five-minute time frame. No advanced notice was given of this change from the norm. This required speakers to try and change their prepared statements on the fly to accommodate the truncated time to speak.

I am sure we recall the same gamesmanship used to limit public participation during the PILOT Program protest in December 2023, when a minute and a half time limit was announced just as the public comment session was about to begin. These two incidents have one thing in common: the administration knew the residents were not in favor of either of the proposals being endorsed by the mayor and council.

Limiting the citizens of Parsippany to speak about their concerns on both matters only galvanized their opposition to both proposals being pushed by the mayor and his cohorts. This type of interference with free speech is another reason Parsippany needs new leadership from the top down. It is time to clean the house in City Hall and elect representatives who listen to the residents and do not view the taxpayers as an impediment to their preconceived plans.

Richard Suarez

Parsippany Receives $12,250 to Crack Down on Distracted Driving as Part of Statewide Safety Initiative

By

-

Apr 1, 2025

A man driving a car with phone — File Photo

PARSIPPANY — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS) have announced a month-long, high-visibility enforcement campaign to curb distracted driving across New Jersey. The initiative is titled “Put the Phone Away or Pay,” from April 1 through April 30. It includes over $1 million in grant funding to support law enforcement agencies as they step up efforts to enforce the state’s ban on handheld devices while driving.

Locally, Parsippany-Troy Hills was awarded a $12,250 grant, one of the highest amounts in Morris County, to help officers intensify patrols and identify motorists engaging in risky behavior behind the wheel. The funding will increase enforcement during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, targeting drivers who text or use handheld devices while operating a vehicle.

“Combining public awareness campaigns like this with increased enforcement efforts against distracted driving help ensure drivers keep their attention on the road and off their phones,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Staying focused behind the wheel from the moment you step into your car is crucial in preventing a possible tragedy. Working together, we can help make roadways across New Jersey safer.”

Preliminary data from 2023 indicates that 48 percent of drivers involved in crashes were distracted at the time of the incident. These crashes led to 160 fatalities and more than 1,400 serious injuries. HTS is funding saturation patrols in 158 law enforcement agencies across 19 counties. Additionally, the New Jersey State Police received $211,820 to conduct patrols on major highways, including the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and various interstate routes.

“Every second behind the wheel demands a driver’s full attention,” said Michael J. Rizol, Jr., Division of Highway Traffic Safety Director. “During National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, HTS remains unwavering in its dedication to educating drivers about the consequences of distracted driving and is fully committed to equipping our law enforcement partners with the essential resources to swiftly address and remove distracted drivers from our roads.”

Other Morris County municipalities receiving grants include Hanover ($8,750), Jefferson ($7,000), and Mount Olive ($7,000).

First-time offenders caught using a handheld device while driving face fines between $200 and $400, while repeat violations can result in penalties of up to $800 and three insurance points.

In 2024, law enforcement across New Jersey issued over 9,000 citations for cell phone use or texting while driving and nearly 4,800 for careless driving. With increased enforcement and public awareness this April, officials hope to reverse this troubling trend and make roads safer for all.

For more information on New Jersey traffic safety campaigns, visit njsaferoads.com.

Deceased Man Recovered from Passaic River in Montville Identified

By

-

Apr 1, 2025

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Essex County Sheriff Amir D. Jones, and Montville Police Chief Andrew Caggiano confirmed the deceased man whose body was recovered from the Passaic River on March 23, 2025, has been identified.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office have identified the deceased as Timothy Robinson, 21. Robinson was last seen in Cedar Grove on December 17, 2024, and had been subsequently reported missing.

On March 23, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., law enforcement was dispatched to the Passaic River near Route 46 in Montville on a report of a body observed by two fishermen. While searching the area, Montville Police officers located the body of a man. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office CSI responded, and the body was recovered from the water. The body was turned over to the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office.

A forensic odontologist confirmed the identity of the recovered body on March 31, 2025. Members of the MCPO and Essex County Sheriff’s Office notified the deceased’s next-of-kin in person that same day.

The cause and manner of Mr. Robinson’s death remain pending, however the cause of death is not suspected to be criminal. Scans of the body were negative for projectiles or foreign objects.

The investigation was conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes and Missing Persons Units, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, the Montville Police Department, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Jersey State Police Missing Person Unit.

Prosecutor Carroll thanked the investigators and the members of the MCMEO for their assistance on this investigation and for bringing closure to Robinson’s loved ones.

Video: Parsippany Board of Education Meeting of March 27, 2025

By

-

Apr 1, 2025

board of ed — Matt DeVitto, Wendy Wright, Ph.D., Michelle Shappell, Tim Berrios, Katherine Gilfillan, Board Attorney, Alison Cogan, President, Robert Sutter, Ed.D., Superintendent, Andrew Choffo, Vice-President, Robin Tedesco, Interim BA, Judy Mayer, Sheethal Abraham, Jack Raia

Letter to the Editor: Mayor Barberio Please End Your Re-Election Bid

By

-

Apr 1, 2025

Dear Editor:

I’m a longtime resident of Lake Hiawatha who thinks well of the mayor. My entire family has always voted for him.

However, in light of the terrible decision to bet the house on Musella’s speeding incident, it backfired fatally. We had been getting text messages from your campaign and articles saying he committed a crime along with being censured. I now see none of this was true.

Mayor Barberio—it’s clear that you have lost the community’s support, the town council and even your running mate Neglia who voted against your big bet.

For the sake of the Parsippany GOP, I believe it’s time for you to end your re-election campaign and spare us a nasty campaign.

My family and I will be changing our votes to Musella’s team.

Esther Rucci

Barclays to Lay Off 78 Employees at Whippany Campus

By

-

Apr 1, 2025

HANOVER — According to documents filed with the state, a global financial institution with an office in Whippany is preparing to lay off dozens of employees in the coming months.

Barclays Service Corporation, a subsidiary of the international banking firm, Barclays, announced plans to eliminate 78 positions at its Whippany campus. The job cuts were disclosed in a recent filing with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

According to the notice, the layoffs are scheduled between June 23 and July 7, as the company aims to “align staffing to current and expected business needs.”

Barclays’ Whippany campus, located at 400 Jefferson Park, opened in 2018 and serves as a hub for the Chief Operating Office and other functional teams supporting operations throughout the Americas. The firm acquired the 63-acre site in May 2017, transforming it into a high-tech workplace to encourage collaboration and innovation.

The workforce reduction falls under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, which requires employers with 100 or more workers to provide advance notice when 50 or more employees are being laid off at a single location. The goal is to give affected employees, their families, and local communities time to prepare.

The WARN filing does not indicate what percentage of the workforce is impacted or whether similar layoffs are planned at other Barclays locations in New Jersey.

Barclays is among several large companies adjusting staffing levels as part of broader restructuring efforts in response to evolving market demands.

Puerto Rican Day Parade Pageant Opens Casting Call for 2025 Miss Puerto Rico Statewide

By

-

Mar 31, 2025

puerto-rican-family — A joyful moment between mother and daughter as families prepare to take part in the upcoming 2025 Miss Puerto Rico Statewide Pageant—celebrating culture, confidence, and community.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Puerto Rican Day Parade Pageant has officially opened registration for its 2025 Miss Puerto Rico Statewide Pageant, inviting contestants from across New Jersey to participate in this vibrant celebration of culture, pride, and community.

The deadline to register is April 5, and the casting call is open for various age categories:

Tiny Miss Puerto Rico (Ages 4–7)
Little Miss Puerto Rico (Ages 8–12)
Miss Teen Puerto Rico (Ages 13–16)
Miss Puerto Rico (Ages 17–21)
Miss Embajadora (Ages 22 and up)

Winners will be able to represent their communities while embracing Puerto Rican heritage through pageantry, public appearances, and parade participation.

For more information or to register, contact Madeline at (973) 626-6647 or Pacheco at (732) 734-7610, or email nwkpageant.prpd@gmail.com.

Don’t miss your chance to shine and celebrate your Puerto Rican pride!

All Saints Academy to Host Transfer Information Session on April 9

By

-

Mar 31, 2025

All-Saints-Children — Students at All Saints Academy share smiles and school spirit as they celebrate a year of growth and learning. Families are invited to attend the upcoming Transfer Information Session on April 9 to explore what makes this PreK–8 school a special place to learn and thrive.

PARSIPPANY—All Saints Academy is inviting families to explore a fresh start for the upcoming school year during a Transfer Information Session on Tuesday, April 9, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at their campus in Parsippany.

The event will allow prospective families to learn more about All Saints Academy’s STEM-certified PreK-8 academic program, meet with school staff, and tour the facility.

Families considering a change will learn about the school’s structured, morals-based curriculum, small class sizes, and the personalized attention offered to every student. Additionally, a $1,000 transfer grant is available for eligible new families making the move.

With a commitment to academic excellence and character development, All Saints Academy continues to make a big impact through its nurturing, values-driven environment.

RSVP or request more information by emailing info@allsaintspar.org or calling (973) 334-4704. Visit www.allsaintspar.org to learn more.

Parsippany Chamber Hosts April “Juice Up Your Morning” Networking Event

By

-

Mar 31, 2025

Juice Up Your Mornign — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce "Juice Up Your Morning"

PARSIPPANY—The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly Juice Up Your Morning Networking Event on Tuesday, April 22, at 8:30 a.m. at the Chamber office, 90 East Halsey Road, Suite 322, Parsippany.

This highly interactive event is dedicated to helping local professionals build meaningful business connections in a face-to-face setting. Focused entirely on networking, the gathering provides a welcoming space for attendees to expand their professional contacts and business exposure.

Each month features a “host spotlight, ” allowing members to share a 10-minute segment about their business. In addition, every attendee will have a one-minute opportunity to introduce themselves and highlight their products or services.

Genesis is sponsoring the event, and registration is required to attend.

For more information or to register, contact the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce at (973) 402-6400 or visit www.parsippanychamber.org.

All Saints Academy to Host “Spring Into Learning” Event on April 6

By

-

Mar 31, 2025

PARSIPPANY — All Saints Academy is inviting families to experience the joy of early childhood education during its “Spring Into Learning Event” on Sunday, April 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the school’s campus located at 189 Baldwin Road in Parsippany.

The event offers a fun and interactive opportunity to explore the magic of All Saints Academy’s Preschool, PreK4, and Kindergarten programs. Families will enjoy spring-themed activities, meet the dedicated teaching staff, and take guided tours of the school’s classrooms.

Attendees will also get a first-hand look at how All Saints Academy integrates play-based learning into subjects like art, technology, STEM, Spanish, and music—creating a dynamic and engaging educational environment for young learners.

Guests are encouraged to RSVP by phone at (973) 334-4704 or by email at info@allsaintspar.org. Those who RSVP will receive a special spring treat at the event.

To learn more about the school, visit allsaintspar.org.

Parsippany to Host Free Senior Presentation on Property Tax Benefits

By

-

Mar 31, 2025

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will host a free informational session titled “Maximizing Your Tax Benefits: Navigating the PAS-1 Application” on Thursday, April 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Parsippany Senior Center, located at 1130 Knoll Road.

The session is designed to assist residents aged 65 and older, as well as those receiving Social Security Disability benefits, in understanding and applying for the new PAS-1 property tax benefit. Attendees will be guided through the application process and have an opportunity to ask questions.

In addition to the PAS-1 benefit, the presentation will cover other programs providing tax relief for seniors:

Senior Freeze – This is for eligible homeowners or mobile home residents.
ANCHOR Program – Offers property tax relief to qualifying homeowners and renters.
StayNJ Program – Provides up to $6,500 in property tax payment assistance for eligible seniors.

This session is free and open to all senior residents. Pre-registration is encouraged by calling (973) 263-7352.

Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi Announces Ballot Drawing for June 2025 Primary Election

By

-

Mar 31, 2025

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, Esq., has officially announced that the drawing for ballot positions for the upcoming June 10, Primary Election will occur on Thursday, April 3, at 3:00 p.m.

The public event will be held at the Morris County Administration and Records Building, 10 Court Street, Morristown, NJ 07963.

Each year, the ballot drawing ensures a fair and transparent process for determining the placement of candidates’ names on the ballot. The random selection is conducted under the supervision of the County Clerk’s Office in accordance with New Jersey election laws.

“The ballot drawing is an important step in the election process that ensures fairness and integrity in our democratic system,” said Clerk Grossi. “We encourage candidates, campaign representatives, and members of the public to attend and witness this process firsthand.”

All are welcome to attend.

For additional information, contact the Morris County Clerk’s Office at (973) 285-6120 or visit www.morriscountyclerk.org.

Letter to the Editor: Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. Put Personal Agenda Over Public Safety

By

-

Mar 31, 2025

Dear Editor:

Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. demonstrated a clear disregard for public safety at the Township Council meeting held on March 18. The moment it became apparent that the room was over capacity, the meeting should have been immediately suspended or canceled. Any responsible leader could see the room was packed beyond safe limits—people standing shoulder to shoulder like sardines.

Instead, Paul Carifi, Jr. allowed the meeting to continue for nearly 45 minutes, blatantly ignoring the obvious safety hazard. His inaction and delay were unacceptable and reckless.

According to the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.12), exceeding occupancy limits is a serious violation. In places of public assembly, the first offense can result in a fine of up to $2,500, and up to $5,000 for subsequent offenses. Additionally, under N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.31, knowingly allowing occupancy beyond permitted limits—especially when it endangers life or safety—can carry penalties up to $2,000 per violation, with each day counting as a separate offense.

Fire Prevention Official Bob Schmitt should not have had to repeatedly instruct Paul Carifi, Jr., to stop the meeting and clear the room. The proper course of action would have been to issue a summons for Paul Carifi, Jr.’s failure to uphold his fiduciary duty to the public. Shame on Council Vice President Frank Neglia and Councilman Matt McGraft for voting to continue the meeting despite the obvious overcapacity.

Paul Carifi, Jr. may claim to care about public safety, but his actions speak louder than words. When push comes to shove, his priority is protecting himself and his allies—not the people of Parsippany.

Public safety must never be subordinate to politics or personal agendas. It’s time for Paul Carifi, Jr., to step aside and make way for a true public servant—one who values responsibility, transparency, and the well-being of every resident over political favors and backroom deals.

Maria Rodriguez
Parsippany Resident

Council To Discuss Affordable Housing, Infrastructure, and Fireworks at April 1 Meeting

By

-

Mar 30, 2025