Friday, June 20, 2025
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Letter to the Editor: Unsafe Working Conditions

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Dear Editor:

I guess the Mayor believes the staff at the Lake Hiawatha Library does not need or deserve to have air conditioning in the summer. What other reason would there be for ignoring that the A/C stopped working at the end of the cooling season last year? Eight months later, the building still has no working A/C unit. I wonder if Mayor Barberio would subject his wife, daughter, mom, or any other family member to such outrageous working conditions. I THINK NOT!

I am sure the brain trust at City Hall will try to come up with some utterly lame excuse why nothing was done to make provisions so the staff would not put their health at risk while in the building. I suspect the response will be that they were planning on building a new library, so they decided not to repair a problem that is a life safety issue. If anyone in City Hall thought they could have a new building constructed in eight months, they were kidding themselves, the staff, and the residents who use the Library.

So please, Mr. Mayor, explain the game plan. As I understand it, you had a plan to build a new Library since you yourself said the current one is beyond repair. Is it true you planned to build a new facility on land you thought was available, only to find out it is Green Acres Land and, by law, cannot be developed? If I am misinformed, please tell me where the new building was to be constructed and why that plan was never brought to fruition.

Time and again, we see grand-scale mismanagement coming from City Hall. Issues are only addressed if they benefit the Mayorโ€™s longtime best friend, forever John Inglesino.

And while we are at it, can the DPW see if the second parking lot light across the street from the library has been repaired? The parking area had no security lighting for 17 months, until I called JCPL and asked why the lights were in disrepair. They told me it was a city issue, so I went back and forth between the two until we managed to get all the parties there simultaneously. One light fixture was placed in service, but the other light is still not working because the underground conduit has failed and the wire has been pinched, causing a short circuit. And yes, it was and is a city issue all along. If it were not for a nice employee at JCPL named Candy who went out of her way for me, the lights would still be out.

So, tell me, Mayor, how much longer do you plan on subjecting the staff to conditions you would not tolerate in City Hall for a minute? I am certain all the residents who use the Lake Hiawatha branch would love to hear your explanation. I cannot imagine what Parsippany would look like should you win another term. Now is the time for the voters of Parsippany to put party loyalty aside and vote for a candidate for mayor who will work for the city and not special interests.

Democratic candidate for Mayor Pulkit Desai and his ticket, Matt Kavanagh and Diya Patel, for city council, would be a breath of fresh air in City Hall. I will trust them to do a far superior job than Barberio and company would.

Richard Suarez

Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Waives Adoption Fees for Adult Animals

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MORRIS COUNTY — In a heartwarming effort to find loving homes for more pets, Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter is waiving adoption fees for all adult animals beginning Friday,ย June 20ย through Sunday,ย June 22. During this special weekend event, adopters can take home any eligible adult cat or dog at absolutely no cost.

โ€œAdult pets often wait longer than kittens and puppies despite being wonderful companions,โ€ explained Lorri Coppola, Executive Director of Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter. โ€œOur goal with this promotion is to remove financial barriers and match these loving, animals with caring families.โ€

Each adoption includes:

  • Spay/neuter surgery
  • Ageโ€‘appropriate vaccinations
  • Microchipping

While the adoption fee is waived, the shelter will still conduct standard adoption screening to ensure each animal is matched with the right home.

โ€œWe have so many incredible adult petsโ€”snuggle seekers, adventure buddies, and quiet couch companionsโ€”all ready to bring joy to your home,โ€ added Coppola.

Adoption Hours:

  • Weekdays: 12โ€ฏPM โ€“ 4โ€ฏPM
  • Weekend days: 12โ€ฏPM โ€“ 5โ€ฏPM

Visit Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter at 194 Routeโ€ฏ10West, East Hanover, NJ, or browse adoptable pets at www.njshelter.org. Walkโ€‘in visitors are warmly welcomed.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education Appoints Dr. Karen Chase as Superintendent of Schools

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Dr. Karen Chase, newly appointed Superintendent of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District, will officially begin her role on October 1, 2025.

PARSIPPANYโ€”The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education announced that Dr. Karen Chase has been appointed the new Superintendent of Schools. With more than 25 years of experience in public education, Dr. Chase will officially assume her role on October 1, 2025.

Grounded in the belief that effective leadership is about building strong systems, investing in people, and placing students at the center of every decision, Dr. Chase holds degrees in English Education and Educational Psychology and earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy.

โ€œOur selection process cast a wide net and, ultimately, we met with eight highly qualified candidates. We narrowed the field down to two impressive finalists before selecting Dr. Chase,โ€ the Board of Education said. โ€œWe congratulate Dr. Chase on her appointment, and we are confident that her extensive experience, deep knowledge of curriculum, management skills, and love of education will both nurture and expand the quality of education throughout the district. She possesses a realistic vision, a clear sense of priorities, and a strong advocacy for high expectations. We look forward to partnering with her as we collectively address challenges and embrace opportunities to continue providing the high-quality education that the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District has come to expect.โ€

Dr. Karen Chase, a distinguished educator and visionary leader, prepares to begin her tenure as Superintendent of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Schools on October 1, 2025.

Dr. Chase began her career as a classroom teacher in the Bridgewater-Raritan School District, where she worked with students of all abilities across elementary, middle, and high school levels.

She served as a supervisor of instruction in the Montville Township School District, assistant superintendent in the School District of the Chathams, and, most recently, as superintendent in the Branchburg Township School District.

Dr. Chase earned a Bachelorโ€™s degree in English Education from Kean University, a Masterโ€™s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Connecticut at Storrs, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University.

Parsippany PD: No Record of Officer Questioning Driver About Immigration

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Parsippany Police Department is located at 3339 Route 46.

PARSIPPANY — At the June 17, 2025, Township Council meeting, individuals raised concerns regarding an alleged incident in which a driver may have been questioned about her immigration status during a traffic stop in our township.

The Parsippany Police Department takes such allegations very seriously. In accordance with our Standards of Operation and the New Jersey State Attorney General Guidelines, our Internal Affairs conducted a thorough investigation that included reviewing CCTV footage, GPS, body-worn camera footage, state law enforcement databases, and all other avenues available to validate this complaint.

Despite our efforts, the investigation did not yield any evidence that any such motor vehicle stop occurred within our jurisdiction by any officer in our department.

The Parsippany Police Department strictly adheres to all guidelines issued by the State of New Jersey and the Office of the Attorney General, including those related to the treatment of immigrants and officer conduct during motor vehicle stops.

We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and fair treatment of all individuals, regardless of immigration status.

Any complaints regarding the Parsippany Police Department, please call our non-emergency number at (973) 263-4300 or visit www.parpolice.com

An Interview with AJ Wyman on his Upcoming Memoir, The Grace to Carry On

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Lindsey, Emma, and AJ Wyman standing together at a concert.

PARSIPPANY — When cancer steals, it almost always steals mercilessly. It can be a thief of physical liberty, a thief of mental acuity at any age, and, although often going unrecognized, it can be a callous thief of the patientโ€™s caregiverโ€”whose health may be compromised in the pursuit of caring for the ones they love.

In a heart-rending yet emotionally dynamic debut, AJ Wyman delivers a novel he never expected to write. For a book that started as a โ€œtherapeutic exerciseโ€ to deal with the repercussions of his infant daughterโ€™s cancer diagnosis, Wyman has transmuted a collection of once-scattered musings into an evocative, full-length piece, delving into poignant themes of grief, mental turmoil, and turbulent recovery.

It all started a little over a decade ago when a couple, AJ and Lindsey Wyman, discovered that no parent ever wants to hear: Emma Marie, their daughter of barely over six months, had beenย diagnosed with an aggressive undifferentiated sarcoma. The tumor, which had been spreading malignantly throughout her tiny body, was relentlessโ€”stopping her heart only thirty seconds into her first chemotherapy session and causing the young infant to go into a series of successive seizures and experience a brain-altering stroke before she had even turned one.

AJ Wyman and his daughter, Emma, as a newborn.

AJ and Lindsey, understandably, had no idea how their daughter would fare with her cancer treatment in the coming months. The life they had fought so hard to give Emma was now placed in immediate jeopardy, and the heat of that crossfire was too intense for AJ Wyman to bear.

โ€œI didnโ€™t initially cope well with everything,โ€ Wyman tells the Focus. โ€œMy wife, Lindsey, sheโ€™s a bit more methodical. She talks things out. But during the experience, I was guarded and closed off, clammed up, and angry. So when I eventually had downtime, I wasnโ€™t really being healthy with it.โ€

As detailed in The Grace to Carry On, Wymanโ€™s debut novel, forthcoming on September 1st, his bad habits slowly progressed into a seemingly inescapable substance addiction. For Wyman, after months of struggling with near-fatal drug abuse, being caught in the act was the only way out. โ€œThe novelโ€™s a cautionary tale, really,โ€ Wyman reveals. โ€œYou still have to take care of yourself even when caring for others.โ€

Now a decade removed from the experience and fully sober, Wyman has been able to reflect on his feelings more profoundly. While Emma has been cancer-free since February of 2016, it has taken AJ Wyman a little longer to process and unpack the agitation that had built up inside of him during that fateful summer. His memoir, thus, is the culmination of his newfound angle on his cancer-parent experienceโ€”Wymanโ€™s way of releasing pent-up feelings and advising others on how not to repeat his mistakes.

โ€œWriting this novel took a huge weight off my shoulders,โ€ Wyman tells the Parsippany Focus. โ€œI got a lot out there that I had never gotten out before, and it felt like a big sigh of relief.โ€

The roughly 85,000-word project, which is entirely written from Wymanโ€™s perspective, is just as much a recounting of his daughterโ€™s cancer experience as it is a vulnerable tale of a fatherโ€™s foggy, disoriented lens. Wyman doesnโ€™t shy away from the tabooโ€”in fact, he embraces it, or rather, lets you feel it as unfiltered as he did. Itโ€™s raw, honest, and โ€œintentionally open.โ€

โ€œThe goal is to get [the novel] in the hands of someone who could use itโ€”like a social worker, oncologist, caregiver, or even a cancer patient,โ€ Wyman elaborates. โ€œI want to show the importance of communication, open dialogues, and not letting things get bottled up. In other words: โ€˜This is what happened to us. Donโ€™t let it happen to you.โ€™โ€

Although the experience has left its indelible marksโ€”such as routine check-up visits for Emma to monitor her cancer remission status and addiction rehabilitation on AJโ€™s partโ€”Wyman feels โ€œlucky to be around and relatively unscathed.โ€ Now, Emmaโ€™s Angels, a makeshift community Facebook group that formed around Emma following her life-threatening chemotherapy treatment, serves as a vessel to inform supporters about other families’ journeys with cancer.

โ€œLindsey and I are both very open to talking to those going through similar journeys, whether it be addiction, cancer, or any other hardships,โ€ Wyman adds. Understanding the weight a cancer diagnosis has for everyone in the family, the couple is โ€œalways happy to help individuals in need.โ€

For more information regarding The Grace to Carry On, click the attached link to the publisherโ€™s (Open Books) page. Once the book is launched on September 1st, it will be available online on Amazon and Barnes & Nobleโ€™s websites. You can pre-order The Grace to Carry On by scanning the QR code on the cover.

Video: Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – June 11, 2025

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Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Adjustment

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – June 11, 2025.

Video: Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – June 17, 2025

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Newcomers Matthew McGrath and Judy Hernandez join returning Council mamber Paul Carifi, Jr.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – June 17, 2025.

Click hereย to download the agenda.

Parsippanyโ€™s Evolving Entertainment Scene: From Local Theaters to Digital Platforms

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Parsippany-Troy Hills, a thriving township in New Jersey, has witnessed a striking shift in its entertainment culture over the decades. From the days of community-centric movie theaters and live shows to a present driven by digital streaming and online engagement, the landscape has experienced remarkable transformation. This article delves into each element of that evolutionโ€”laying out the statistics, names, and real-world implications of how Parsippanyโ€™s residents have navigated from analog charm to digital dynamism.

The Golden Era of Parsippanyโ€™s Local Theaters

For much of the 20th century, Parsippany’s social life orbited around its neighborhood theaters. One of the most beloved was the Parsippany Playhouse, a venue that seated over 150 and frequently hosted plays, recitals, and community productions. By the late 1980s, the town had three operational movie theaters within a ten-mile radius, with a collective seating capacity of 1,100. These venues were not just entertainment hubsโ€”they were cultural centers, where families, students, and older residents gathered week after week.

Transition to Multiplexes and Regional Cinemas

As the 1990s approached, multiplexes in surrounding areas like Rockaway and East Hanover began to draw Parsippany residents. AMC Rockaway 16 opened in 1999, bringing in digital projection and surround sound, outclassing local theaters in both scale and tech. It featured 3,400 total seats and quickly became the go-to option for film premieres. By 2005, only one small-screen theater remained operational within Parsippany itself, prompting many to lament the disappearance of locally-owned cinema.

The Streaming Boomโ€™s Impact on Viewing Habits

Netflix entered the scene in Parsippany households around 2009, and within five years, over 72% of homes with broadband had at least one streaming subscription. Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+ followed, making in-home viewing the primary form of cinematic entertainment. A 2022 township survey found that 84% of adults under 40 in Parsippany now prefer watching new movie releases at home rather than in a theater, citing convenience and cost. This shift marks a definitive departure from the collective experience of moviegoing.

The Rise of Mobile Entertainment and App Integration

The 2010s ushered in an era where content consumption became 24/7. Parsippany residents averaged 3.7 hours of mobile screen time per day in 2023, up from just 1.9 hours a decade prior. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram became entertainment staples. More than 60% of teens in Parsippany report using mobile apps as their primary source for watching videos, overtaking TV by 2019. This explosion in mobile-based content reshaped not just what people watched, but how and when they consumed it.

Online Gaming and Virtual Socialization

Online gaming is another realm that has reshaped Parsippanyโ€™s entertainment landscape. Between 2018 and 2024, the number of households with at least one online gamer rose by 47%. Platforms like Xbox Live and PlayStation Network have turned gaming into a social activity. Games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Minecraft are now common topics among Parsippany youth, replacing conversations about sports or movies. A local 2023 high school poll showed 76% of students play multiplayer games weekly, illustrating just how embedded gaming has become.

The Integration of Digital Sports Betting

With the legalization of online sports betting in New Jersey in 2018, Parsippany saw an immediate uptick in participation. By 2024, more than 11% of adult residents placed bets online during major events like the Super Bowl and March Madness. As digital platforms gain popularity, many residents are exploring online entertainment options. For those interested in sports betting, utilizing a BetMGM bonus code can enhance the experience by offering promotional benefits to new users. Sports viewership increased by 38% locally during 2023, heavily influenced by interactive betting apps and personalized odds notifications.

Social Mediaโ€™s Dominance in Daily Leisure

From Facebook groups to trending TikTok clips, social media is no longer a supplementary toolโ€”it is central to Parsippanyโ€™s leisure. According to a township analytics report, over 89% of adults in Parsippany use at least two social platforms daily. Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have become primary forms of entertainment for users under 35. Residents also credit platforms like Reddit and Discord for fostering hyperlocal communities centered around niche hobbies, television shows, and tech trends.

Virtual Events and Local Content Creators

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit 2020, Parsippanyโ€™s local arts community quickly adapted by hosting digital events. The Parsippany Arts Council saw over 5,000 virtual attendees across eight online showcases in 2021. Musicians, podcasters, and YouTubers emerged from the area with increasing digital clout. One example is Parsippany native Jason Liu, whose YouTube tech review channel surpassed 300,000 subscribers by late 2023. These local creators are shaping a new type of grassroots entertainment that blends accessibility with homegrown flair.

The Role of Subscription Services in Daily Routines

Over 67% of Parsippany households now pay for at least three entertainment subscriptions. Bundled packages like Hulu + Disney+ + ESPN+ have become the norm, offering content across genres from childrenโ€™s programming to international sports. Spotify Premium and Apple Music are also prevalent, with township residents streaming an average of 14.5 hours of music weekly. This on-demand ecosystem has allowed residents to tailor their daily routines around personalized content without waiting for scheduled programming.

Economic and Cultural Implications

The evolution from local theaters to digital platforms has not come without consequences. The closure of community venues led to a 12% drop in part-time employment in the local arts sector between 2000 and 2020. At the same time, residents have gained access to global cinema, multilingual content, and real-time sports from international leagues. While this global integration expands cultural horizons, it also creates tension with preserving Parsippanyโ€™s local identity, especially for older residents accustomed to community-focused entertainment.

What the Future Holds for Parsippany Entertainment

Looking ahead, Parsippany appears poised for a hybrid entertainment futureโ€”one where community events merge with digital interactivity. Concepts like augmented reality art walks, drive-in movie reinventions, and mobile-based local scavenger hunts are being discussed by local officials and entrepreneurs. The township library is even exploring a VR program for seniors. This blend of innovation and accessibility could offer the next chapter in Parsippanyโ€™s dynamic entertainment evolutionโ€”one that respects the past while embracing the future.

This comprehensive look at Parsippany-Troy Hillsโ€™ entertainment evolution underscores a deeper narrativeโ€”one of adaptation, modernization, and communal reinvention. As digital platforms continue to grow, so too does the townโ€™s appetite for progressive, tech-infused cultural experiences

Central Middle School Moving Up Ceremony

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PARSIPPANY — Central Middle School Moving Up Ceremony

Brooklawn Middle School Moving Up

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PARSIPPANY — Brooklawn Middle School Moving Up.

Parsippany High Schoolโ€™s Redstock Festival Unites Community with Fun and Purpose

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Parsippany High School's Key Club always brings family-friendly fun to Redstock with interactive games and activities that engage children and adults alike.

PARSIPPANY — Redstock is Parsippany High Schoolโ€™s annual community festival, bringing families, students, and local businesses together for a day of fun, connection, and school spirit. The event features various activities in the schoolโ€™s parking lot, including sports, games, food vendors, temporary tattoos, face painting, and arts and crafts.

Three Parsippany High School alumniโ€”now owners of Integrated Fitnessโ€”returned to support this yearโ€™s Redstock Festival, celebrating community spirit and giving back to their alma mater.

Each year, Redstock highlights the creativity and energy of student-run clubs through interactive booths. It also gives local businesses and organizations a platform to showcase their products and services in a festive vendor area. The event continues to grow in popularity, drawing residents from all walks of life.

More than just a celebration, Redstock fosters community unity by creating an inclusive space where neighbors can come together to support one another and build lasting connections.

Parsippany High School’s Key Club always brings family-friendly fun to Redstock with interactive games and activities that engage children and adults alike.
Lakeland Youth Symphony brought their musical talent to this yearโ€™s Redstock Festival, delighting attendees and showcasing the power of youth performance in our community celebration.
Parsippany High Schoolโ€™s robotics team, RedBot 12116, showcased their engineering skills at this yearโ€™s Redstock Festival, engaging attendees with hands-on demonstrations and interactive robotics displays.
โ€œBubbles,โ€ the beloved mascot of The Learning Experience in Parsippany, made a special appearance at this yearโ€™s Redstock Festivalโ€”bringing smiles, high-fives, and plenty of photo ops for children and families alike.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire District 5 participated in this yearโ€™s Redstock Festival, engaging with the community and showcasing its fire safety equipment. Families and children had the opportunity to meet local firefighters, explore fire trucks, and learn important fire prevention tips. The departmentโ€™s presence highlighted its ongoing commitment to community outreach and public education.
Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad also joined this yearโ€™s Redstock Festival, offering families a chance to tour their ambulance and meet the dedicated EMTs who serve the community. Visitors learned about emergency medical services, received safety information, and engaged in hands-on demonstrations. Their participation increased the event’s focus on education, safety, and community connection.
School of Rock brought high-energy performances to this yearโ€™s Redstock Festival, entertaining the crowd with live music. Their set featured classic rock favorites and showcased the skills students have developed through the program. The performance added a vibrant and rhythmic element to the day, drawing cheers and applause from attendees of all ages.
The Parsippany Police Department participated in this yearโ€™s Redstock Festival, engaging with residents and promoting public safety in a fun and approachable setting.

Arrests Made in Connection with Morristown Homicide Investigation

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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, New Jersey Transit Police Chief Christopher Trucillo, and Morristown Bureau of Police Chief Darnell Richardson confirmed the arrest of Enrique โ€œFlacoโ€ Vega, 33, and Cassandra West, 31, in connection with a June 13, homicide investigation in Morristown. Both Vega and West are homeless and known to frequent Morris County.

At approximately 9:14 a.m. on Friday, June 13, paramedics and Morristown Police responded to a report of an unresponsive individual found on Patriots Path, south of Cory Road near the railroad tracks in the vicinity of the Morristown substation. On arrival, they located a deceased man, later identified as Stanley M. Robinson, 65, of Dover. The victim was discovered on NJ TRANSIT property.

It is alleged that Vega and West were present during a physical dispute between Robinson and another individual, R.E., in the early-morning hours of June 13. It is alleged that after Robinson was severely injured, Vega and West did not seek medical assistance for the victim.

A postmortem examination by the Morris County Medical Examinerโ€™s Office revealed the cause of Robinsonโ€™s death to be blunt force trauma to the victimโ€™s head, and the manner of death to be homicide.

At some point after leaving the area of the dispute, Vega and West went to the Red Carpet Inn in Hanover. It is alleged that on Saturday, June 14, Vega stole $2,500 from the cash register in the business office, while an employee had stepped away. It is further alleged that West acted as a lookout for the burglary and theft.

It is further alleged that on Saturday, June 14, Vega and West discovered R.E. deceased in an unoccupied residence on Ridgedale Avenue in Hanover. West is alleged to have tampered with this scene by discarding an empty heroin fold she located near R.E.โ€™s body.

Police found R.E. deceased in the residence on the afternoon of Monday, June 16. Final results of the postmortem examination conducted by the Morris County Medical Examinerโ€™s Office are pending. There was no noted trauma to the deceased.

On Monday, June 16, West and Vega were apprehended at the Broad Street rail station in Newark, and transported to the Morristown Police Department.

On June 17, Vega and West were charged by complaint-warrant in connection with these incidents. With respect to the Morristown incident, Vega and West have been charged with Endangering an Injured Victim (a crime of the third degree) and Defiant Trespass (a petty disorderly persons offense). With respect to the incident at the Red Carpet Inn in Hanover, Vega has been charged with Conspiracy to Commit Burglary (a crime of the third degree), Burglary (a crime of the third degree), Theft (a crime of the third degree); and West has been charged with Conspiracy to Commit Burglary (a crime of the third degree) and Conspiracy to Commit Theft (a crime of the third degree).

With respect to the incident at Ridgedale Avenue in Hanover, Vega and West have been charged with Criminal Trespass (a disorderly persons offense) and West has been charged with Tampering with Evidence (a crime of the fourth degree).

Vega has been remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing. West remains in custody pending a detention hearing.

The investigation into the death of Stanley Robinson remains ongoing.

Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, โ€œMany thanks to our law enforcement agencies participating in this investigation – the Morris County Sheriffโ€™s Office, Morristown Bureau of Police, NJ Transit Police, Hanover Police Department, Morris County Prosecutorโ€™s Office Major Crimes Unit and Special Operations Division – for their vital contributions to this investigation and which remains ongoing.โ€

New Jersey Transit Police Chief Christopher Trucillo, โ€œThe New Jersey Transit Police Department takes pride in working with local, state, and federal partners to ensure the safety and security of its riders and the public. We were pleased to participate in this multi-jurisdictional investigation, which resulted in the suspectsโ€™ apprehension.โ€

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Morris County Prosecutorโ€™s Office Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200 or the Morristown Police Department at (973) 538-2200.

Editorโ€™s Note: The courtโ€™s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Parsippany Student Honors Local Veterans Through Banner Project

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As part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Sanjana Medapati is honoring Parsippany veterans with personalized banners and patriotic displays, celebrating their service and sacrifice for our nation.

PARSIPPANY โ€” Sanjana Medapati, a dedicated senior at The Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering, is turning her admiration for our nationโ€™s service members into a heartfelt community initiative. Inspired by her brother attending the U.S. Military Academy, Sanjana has developed a deep respect for the commitment and sacrifices made by those in uniform.

As part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Sanjana is leading an effort to honor local veterans by creating and displaying banners celebrating their service. The banners will proudly feature each veteranโ€™s name, branch of service, and years of duty as a lasting tribute to the brave individuals who have defended our country.

โ€œThese banners are a way to recognize the incredible sacrifices veterans have made,โ€ said Sanjana. โ€œItโ€™s important that we, as a community, never forget their contributions and continue to honor their legacy.โ€

Sanjana is currently seeking submissions from the community. If you have a veteran in your family or know someone from Parsippany who deserves recognition, you can complete the form by clicking here.

โ€œBy sharing their stories, we can ensure that their dedication is remembered by all who see these banners,โ€ she added.

Sanjana extends her gratitude to everyone supporting this initiative and invites residents to join her in showing appreciation for our veterans. With the communityโ€™s help, this project aims to provide public, meaningful recognition to those who have served.

For more information or to submit a veteran for recognition, click here to complete the form.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Primary Election Results โ€“ 2025

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Parsippany Municipal Building located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard

PARSIPPANY โ€” Voters in Parsippany-Troy Hills cast their ballots in the 2025 primary election to nominate candidates for two open seats on the Township Council. In a competitive race, Democratic candidates emerged with the highest vote totals, setting the stage for the general election in November.

Democratic Candidates โ€“ Top Vote-Getters:

  • Matt Kavanagh โ€“ 3,290 votes
  • Diya Patel โ€“ 3,255 votes

Republican Candidates:

  • Frank Neglia โ€“ 2,989 votes
  • Jigar Shah โ€“ 2,451 votes
  • John Bielen โ€“ 2,441 votes
  • Kaushik (Casey) Parikh โ€“ 2,233 votes

The top two candidates from each party will advance to the general election in November. Democrats Kavanagh and Patel will face Republicans Neglia and Shah.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayoral Race โ€“ Primary Election 2025 Results

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Justin Musella, Pulkit Desai and James Barberio

PARSIPPANYโ€”The 2025 Primary Election results for the Parsippany-Troy Hills mayoral race have been reported. Pulkit Desai emerged as the Democratic candidate, and incumbent Mayor James R. Barberio secured more votes than fellow Republican challenger Justin Musella.

Official Primary Vote Totals:

  • Pulkit Desai (Democrat) โ€“ 3,412 votes
  • James R. Barberio (Republican) โ€“ 3,166 votes
  • Justin Musella (Republican) โ€“ 2,581 votes

In Morris County, voter turnout for the election was 23.73%, with 90,131 ballots cast out of 379,744 registered voters.

Desai will face off against the Republican nominee, Barberio, in the November General Election.

Union City Man Charged with Driving While Intoxicated in Parsippany

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Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

PARSIPPANY โ€” Edison Alvarocauja, 32, of Union City, was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) following a traffic incident on Sunday evening, June 9, 2025.

According to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Officer David Ribaudo was on routine patrol when he observed a red 2012 Hyundai parked improperly at 168 Halsey Road. The vehicle was partially in the driveway of a commercial property, with the rear half extending into the roadway, posing a traffic hazard.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Ribaudo found a lone male, later identified as Alvarocauja, asleep in the driverโ€™s seat with the engine running and keys in the ignition. The officer turned off the vehicle and removed the keys for safety. Due to Alvarocaujaโ€™s unresponsive state, EMS was dispatched to the scene.

After regaining consciousness, Alvarocauja appeared disoriented and displayed signs of intoxication, including a strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, and unsteady balance. Officers noted vomit inside the vehicle and that Alvarocauja had apparently urinated on himself.

A Spanish-speaking officer, Patrolman Harvey, assisted in translation. Alvarocauja declined to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and was placed under arrest without incident. The vehicle was impounded by Eagle Towing.

A Dunkinโ€™ Donuts cup containing a liquid with the appearance and odor of an alcoholic beverage was recovered from the vehicleโ€™s center console and documented via body camera footage.

Alvarocauja was transported to police headquarters for processing.

The following summonses were issued:

  • Driving While Intoxicated (39:4-50)
  • Failure to Submit to Chemical Test (39:4-50A)
  • Operating Under Influence of Liquor or Drugs (39:4-50)
  • Consuming Alcohol Beverage or Cannabis in Motor Vehicle (39:4-51A)
  • Obstructing Passage of other vehicles (39:4-67)
  • Improper Parking (39:4-138D)
  • Failure to Exhibit Registration (39:3-29B)
  • Failure to Exhibit Insurance (39:3-29C)
  • Failure to Exhibit Driverโ€™s License (39:3-29A)
  • Reckless Driving (39:4-96)
  • Leaving Vehicle with Engine Running (39:4-53)
  • Parking on Highway – Removing Disabled Vehicle (39-4-136)

Editorโ€™s Note: The courtโ€™s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms Executive Director to Step Down; Successor Search Begins

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Vonda K. Givens, Executive Director of The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, will conclude 17 years of dedicated service this fall, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, resilience, and preservation.

PARSIPPANY — The Board of Trustees of The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farmsโ€”Gustav Stickley’s early 20th-century historic homeโ€”announced today that Executive Director Vonda K. Givens will conclude seventeen years of service to the organization with a celebratory sendoff at the museumโ€™s annual autumn fundraiser on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

A search committee has begun selecting the museumโ€™s next Executive Director. Before departing to embrace new career opportunities, Ms. Givens will remain in her role through the fall and will work closely with the Board and staff to ensure a smooth transition. Further details about the search are located on the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms website, which can be accessed by clicking here.

โ€œVonda has been a visionary and resilient leader,โ€ said Barbara Weiskittel, Chair of the Board of Trustees. โ€œFirst as Education Director, and then over the past ten years as Executive Director, she has guided the museum with creativity, dedication, and strengthโ€”especially during some of our most challenging moments. From navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, which shuttered in-person operations, to leading the construction of a new education center and overseeing the rebuilding of the Annex, following Tropical Storm Isaias, Vondaโ€™s leadership has been both steadfast and inspiring.โ€

Ms. Weiskittel continued, โ€œUnder Vondaโ€™s direction, the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms saw significant advancement as a museum and achieved major strides in restoring Craftsman Farms, a National Historic Landmark. She also fostered deeper community engagement and built a dedicated, professional team. Her work consistently reflected the values Gustav Stickley championed in his craftsmanshipโ€”honesty, integrity, and a commitment to enhancing family and community life.โ€

โ€œVonda leaves a lasting legacy at The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms,โ€ Ms. Weiskittel concluded. โ€œWhile we will deeply miss her, we wholeheartedly support her decision and look forward to seeing her next chapter unfold. In her tenure at the museum, Vonda has well positioned us to address the opportunities and challenges of our future.โ€

The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, Inc. (SMCF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in the State of New Jersey. Established in 1989, it was formerly named The Craftsman Farms Foundation, Inc. Craftsman Farms, the former home of noted designer Gustav Stickley, is owned by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and is operated by The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, Inc., (โ€œSMCFโ€) (formerly known as The Craftsman Farms Foundation, Inc.). SMCF is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in New Jersey. Restoration of the National Historic Landmark, Craftsman Farms, is made possible, in part, by a Save Americaโ€™s Treasures Grant administered by the National Parks Service, Department of the Interior, and by support from the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust, the New Jersey Historic Trust, and individual donors. SMCF received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State, and a grant from the New Jersey Arts & Culture Recovery Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation. Educational programs are funded, in part, by grants from the Arts & Crafts Research Fund.

Cub Scout Fishing Derby at Malapardis Park

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HANOVER — Cub Scout Packs 40 and 142 are holding a Fishing Derby at Malapardis Park in Cedar Knolls on Saturday, June 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Cub Scouts is a family-oriented, youth program for K-5 boys and girls that develops character and leadership through outdoor activities and community involvement.

If you would like to learn about Cub Scouts, please join us. You can bring your own equipment or make a bamboo rod here. For more information, please contact Matt Panek atย [email protected]’t hesitate to get in touch with Matt Panek.

Womanโ€™s Club Literature Group Welcomes Local Author Brian Bothe

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PARSIPPANY โ€” Members of the Womanโ€™s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills Literature Group recently had the pleasure of meeting Parsippany author Brian Bothe, who writes under the pen name Jack Torrance, for an engaging discussion about his debut novel, The Silent Canvas.

The book, a dark romance psychological thriller, is Botheโ€™s first published work and has already sparked interest among local readers for its gripping narrative and emotional complexity. During the meeting, Bothe shared insights into his writing process, the inspiration behind his characters, and what it takes to bring a story from concept to publication.

โ€œIt was a pleasure meeting him and getting a glimpse into his mind and creative journey,โ€ said one club member. โ€œItโ€™s inspiring to see such talent come from our own community.โ€

Club members received signed copies of The Silent Canvas and expressed their enthusiasm for Botheโ€™s future projects. The Womanโ€™s Club looks forward to following his career and hopes to read more from this rising local talent.

General Meetingsย occur on theย fourth Monday fromย September through April at 6:30 p.m.ย Those interested in learning more about the clubโ€™s activities are encouraged to contactย Ginny at 973-887-0336, visit the clubโ€™s website byย clicking here, emailย [email protected], or follow the club onย Facebook and Instagram.

Parsippany PAL Partners with Somerset Patriots for a Night of Family Fun at the Ballpark

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PARSIPPANYโ€”The Parsippany Police Athletic League (PAL) is inviting families and community members toย an exciting evening of baseball on Wednesday, July 9, as the Somerset Patriots take on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m., and tickets are available for just $15 each, plus taxes and fees. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket will directly benefit Parsippany PALโ€™s youth programs and community initiatives.

The event allows the community to come together in a fun, family-friendly setting while supporting the PALโ€™s mission of fostering positive relationships between youth and law enforcement through athletic and leadership programs.

โ€œWeโ€™re excited to team up with the Somerset Patriots for this event,โ€ said Nick Bronzino, Executive Director of Parsippany PAL. โ€œNot only is it a great night out, but every ticket sold helps us continue offering quality programs for kids right here in Parsippany.โ€

Fans can expect a night filled with Americaโ€™s favorite pastime, ballpark snacks, and the electric atmosphere of a minor league game. The Somerset Patriots, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are known for delivering thrilling on-field action and engaging entertainment throughout the evening.

To purchase tickets, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit www.parsippanypal.org for full details.

Whether youโ€™re a lifelong baseball fan or just looking for a great evening with family and friends, this night at the ballpark is a home run for a great cause.

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