PARSIPPANY – Despite challenging weather conditions, township employees and supporters gathered on Wednesday, February 12, at the Knoll East Country Club for Mayor James R. Barberio’s re-election announcement. The evening included the introduction of his running mates, Councilman Frank Neglia, who is seeking re-election to the Township Council, and Jigar Shah, a first-time candidate for office seeking a seat on the Township Council.

The municipally-owned venue hosted the gathering of dignitaries, including all seven Morris County Board of Commissioners members, Sheriff James Gannon, Parsippany Police Chief Rich Pantina, and Parsippany Board of Education Vice President Andrew Choffo.

Also in attendance were gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea, Assembly Members Brian Bergen and Jay Webber, County Clerk Ann Grossi, Parsippany Council Members Paul Carifi, Matt McGrath, Business Administrator Jamie Cryan, Township Clerk Khaled Madin, current Township Attorney Michael Lavery, and former Township Attorney John Inglesino. Past Council Members Michael J. dePierro and Loretta Gragnani were also present.

The event, which was not a fundraiser and had free admission, featured food and a cash bar. Barberio expressed gratitude for the turnout and highlighted his vision for the upcoming election during his address.

As the June Republican primary approaches, the race is expected to be a hard-fought contest, especially with Councilman Justin Musella running for mayor. Musella announced his candidacy last June.

Andrew Choffo, the Parsippany Board of Education Vice President, introduced Barberio at the event. This appearance was notable due to Choffo’s previous public disagreements with the mayor during his time as the president of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education. In addition, Choffo had also introduced Musella at his campaign kickoff event last June.

On the same evening, Councilman Justin Musella held a fundraiser at the Social Hub, a few miles from the mayor’s gathering. The event drew large crowds eager to support his bid for Mayor.

No Democratic mayoral or council candidates have been publicly announced, leaving the race open as the primary season heats up.

PARSIPPANY – In yet another move that underscores his administration’s disregard for transparency and ethical governance, Mayor James R. Barberio has added self-admitted ballot handler Jigar Shah to his reelection slate. This latest alliance signals a continued effort to prioritize political self-interest over the needs of Parsippany residents.

Jigar Shah’s most infamous political contribution dates back to the 2011 primary election, where he admitted in court to “mishandling some of the ballots,” as reported by the Parsippany Patch. Collecting at least 32 ballots in a hotly contested race—what is widely recognized as ballot harvesting—Shah engaged in a practice that has since been severely restricted by bipartisan legislation due to its vulnerability to abuse. (Click here to view the article).

Beyond his troubling election history, Shah has also enjoyed taxpayer-funded advantages to bolster his political ambitions. Residents have already witnessed their hard-earned tax dollars funneled into events, such as an Indian-American-focused town hall, strategically orchestrated to position him for a Council run. This is eerily reminiscent of Barberio’s infamous taxpayer-funded newsletter in 2017, which conveniently served as campaign propaganda for his slate.

Even more damning is Shah’s record—or lack thereof—as Barberio’s so-called liaison to the Indian community. Despite holding a position intended to advocate for and address concerns within the Indian-American population, he has delivered nothing but silence and inaction. Residents seeking engagement with their government have instead been funneled through an unelected appointee who has failed to deliver results.

A vote for Jigar Shah is a vote for more of the same: a mismanaged, unresponsive administration that prioritizes political maneuvering over good governance. Parsippany residents deserve accountable leadership, not more of the Barberio administration’s taxpayer-funded self-promotion. The choice on June 10 is clear—reject the cronyism that has plagued this administration for too long.

Editors Note: This press release was submitted by Justin Musella for Mayor 

PARSIPPANY — On January 31 and February 1, the Friends of the Library helped community members at the Main and Lake Hiawatha branches celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Featured attractions included a visit by the author Sylvia Chen, who presented a lively version of her book Tricky Chopsticks. The Friends held a free raffle of three book copies for attending families. Many crafts were available, and Deanna Kwan helped celebrate the Year of the Snake by teaching adults and children how to fold an origami snake.

Vizzio’s Institute of Martial Arts dazzled with a martial arts demonstration and a colorful Lion Dance.

To add to the celebration’s artistic flair, Isabel Lu coordinated a fashion show and singing performance, and Sheila Yang represented the Morris Language Academy.

A photo booth captured many young smiling faces.

The Friends of the Library work to support all these events that celebrate our Parsippany community through sales at the Little Nook and Bag, jewelry, and accessory sales throughout the year.

The Friends of the Library in Parsippany is a dedicated volunteer organization that supports the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System through fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement. The group plays a vital role in enhancing library services by funding special programs, events, and resources that the library’s budget may not cover. Through activities such as book sales, membership drives, and donation campaigns, the Friends help provide educational materials, technology upgrades, and cultural programming for residents of all ages. Their efforts ensure the library remains a vibrant hub for learning, literacy, and community connection in Parsippany.

For many people, a kidney transplant is a life-changing procedure—one that offers hope, renewal, and the chance to regain a sense of normalcy. For Karen Zabriskie, this journey has been both anticipated and unexpectedly urgent. Diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) at a young age, she always knew that a transplant might be in her future. Now, with dialysis looming, she is searching for a living donor to help her continue living a full and active life.

A Positive Experience at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center

Throughout her medical journey, Karen has received unwavering support from the team at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. From her initial outreach to the hospital’s transplant program to the ongoing coordination of her care, she has been guided by compassionate and knowledgeable professionals.

“The entire team has been informative, supportive, and their guidance has been invaluable,” Karen shares. “When my doctor suggested I reach out to the clinic, I attended a group orientation where I met with doctors, nurses, coordinators, and a social worker. They made sure I understood every step of the process.”

Even now, as she awaits a potential donor match, Karen has a dedicated transplant coordinator who remains responsive and helpful. The rigorous testing process, though extensive, never felt overwhelming because she always had someone to turn to for answers.

Why Living Donation Matters

Karen’s need for a transplant has become more urgent as her kidney function declines. “Dialysis is knocking at my door,” she explains. “The doctors believe I will need dialysis in the near future, but I know that finding a living donor before starting dialysis is my best hope for a smooth recovery and a better long-term outcome.”

Studies have shown that kidney transplants from living donors lead to better survival rates and require fewer anti-rejection medications compared to transplants from deceased donors. Additionally, the body adapts more easily to a living donor’s kidney, improving the chances of long-term success.

Karen has also witnessed the impact of living donation firsthand. Years ago, her brother donated a kidney to their father. Though the procedure was more invasive at the time, her brother recovered well and continues to lead an active lifestyle, enjoying hiking, fishing, and camping. “Having only one kidney hasn’t slowed him down at all,” Karen says. “Our family has always been incredibly grateful for the gift he gave us—the gift of more time with our father.”

Addressing Concerns About Kidney Donation

For those who may be considering donation but feel hesitant, Karen wants to reassure them that donor safety is always the highest priority.

“The clinic goes to great lengths to ensure that donating a kidney won’t negatively impact the donor’s health,” she explains. “If someone ever needed a kidney in the future, they would receive priority on the transplant list.”

Moreover, the donation process is entirely voluntary, and there is never any pressure to proceed. Potential donors can inquire about donation confidentially, with the ability to withdraw at any time without judgment.

“The emotional benefits of donating are profound,” Karen adds. “The bond between a donor and recipient is priceless. It truly is the gift of life.”

A Call for Help and Hope

Karen is now in a “holding pattern,” waiting and hoping for a match. She knows that the right person is out there—someone willing to step forward and make an incredible difference in her life.

To learn more about kidney donation or to see if you could be a potential match, please consider reaching out to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s transplant team. If you have any questions or would like more information, please call their center at (973)-322-5938 or go to  http://cbmclivingdonor.org//. 

“Thank you for taking the time to hear my story,” Karen says. “Spreading awareness about living kidney donation can save lives, and I’m hopeful that my match is out there somewhere.”

For Karen and countless others like her, a kidney donation isn’t just a medical procedure—it’s a second chance at life.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Education Foundation’s (PEF) biggest annual fundraiser, the Tom Ladas Memorial Golf Classic, is set to take place on Tuesday, May 13, at the beautiful Knoll West Golf Club in Parsippany. This highly anticipated event will bring together community members, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts for a day of friendly competition, networking, and charitable giving.

Established in 1996, the Parsippany Education Foundation has played a vital role in enhancing educational experiences for students in the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District. Over the years, PEF has granted more than $470,000 to fund innovative programs that introduce students to new cultures, support STEM education, provide advanced technology for learning, and enrich the arts.

The Tom Ladas Memorial Golf Classic is a cornerstone of the foundation’s fundraising efforts, helping to sustain and expand these initiatives. The event will follow a Four-Person Scramble format and feature various contests, including the longest drive, Closest to the Pin, and Straightest Drive, as well as a Putting Green Contest with a $500 prize. As part of the hole-in-one contest, participants will also have a chance to win a 2025 Luxury Automobile courtesy of Trend Motors in Rockaway, NJ.

The day’s schedule includes:

• 11:30 a.m. – Registration & Lunch
• 1:00 p.m. – Shotgun Start
• 6:00 p.m. – Reception
• 7:00 p.m. – Dinner
• 8:30 p.m. – Awards & Raffle
• 9:30 p.m. – Event Completion

Participants and businesses can support the event through various sponsorship opportunities, including Premier, Presenting, Golf Cart, and Putting Green Sponsorships, with benefits such as company branding on promotional materials, signage on the course, and more.

For those who cannot attend but wish to contribute, donations to the Parsippany Education Foundation are welcome.

To register, sponsor, or donate, visit www.pef4kids.com or contact pef4kids@aol.com. For updates, follow the foundation on Facebook at @pef4kids. Click here to download the brochure.

This event is expected to sell out quickly, so early registration is encouraged!

PARSIPPANY — For over 40 years, Jim Walsh has played a vital role in shaping and maintaining Parsippany’s parks, recreation facilities, and public works. A lifelong town resident, Walsh started his career 1982 as a seasonal worker before joining the Shade Tree Department full-time in 1984. Over the decades, his career grew alongside Parsippany’s evolving park system, earning him a reputation as a dedicated steward of the town’s natural and recreational spaces.

In the early years, Walsh worked his way up through the department, holding positions as a laborer, tree maintenance worker, forestry aid, and supervisor. When the Shade Tree Department merged with Parks and Recreation, forming the Parsippany Forest and Recreation Department, he took on even greater responsibilities. By 2003, Walsh had become the superintendent of parks and forestry, overseeing the care and expansion of Parsippany’s vast park system, including some of the town’s most significant projects.

One of Walsh’s earliest and most unique contributions was serving as the first caretaker of Craftsman Farms in 1990, ensuring the historic property was properly maintained as it transitioned into an important landmark. He also played a key role in the expansion of Smith Field, one of Parsippany’s largest and most frequently used parks. Under his leadership, the town’s recreation system grew to include a wide variety of facilities, from pickleball and tennis courts to four artificial turf fields and one full-sized cricket field and one temporary cricket field, reflecting the town’s increasing diversity and changing recreational needs.

Throughout his career, Walsh worked under eight different mayoral administrations, navigating the challenges and opportunities that came with each. In 2021, under Mayor Michael Soriano, he was appointed director of public works, becoming a certified public works manager, overseeing an even broader range of municipal operations while continuing to prioritize the town’s parks and natural spaces.

Among the many responsibilities Walsh took on, one of the most unconventional was his role as the first and only town employee to train and run border collies to chase geese off the golf course, an innovative and effective method of park maintenance. But perhaps one of his greatest points of pride is Parsippany’s longstanding designation as a Tree City USA community. The town first earned this national recognition in 1976, and today, it remains one of only two towns in New Jersey and 17 in the entire country to have held the designation for this long. To maintain the status, the town must meet strict requirements, including a per capita budget for tree planting and an annual Arbor Day celebration, a program that Walsh helped organize and sustain.

Looking back on his career, Walsh describes his time with Parsippany as more than just a job—a lifelong commitment to the town he grew up in and loved. From park expansions to forestry programs, his contributions have helped shape the town’s recreational landscape for generations.

PARSIPPANY – Much of North Jersey are bracing for a messy winter storm set to arrive Saturday afternoon, bringing snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory, warning of hazardous road conditions and potential power outages due to ice accumulation.

When Will the Storm Arrive?

Snow is expected to begin falling between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in Parsippany, with the heaviest precipitation occurring between 4:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. As temperatures fluctuate, snow will mix with sleet and freezing rain overnight, creating icy conditions on roads, sidewalks, and driveways. The storm should taper off by 7:00 a.m. Sunday.

How Much Snow Will We Get?

Parsippany could see between 3 to 5 inches of snow, with up to a quarter-inch of ice on top. This combination could lead to dangerous driving conditions and possible power outages if ice accumulates on tree limbs and power lines.

What You Need to Know

• Travel may be hazardous: Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm, as untreated roads could become slick.
• Potential power outages: Ice accumulation on power lines could lead to outages, so it’s a good idea to charge devices and have flashlights ready.
• More snow ahead: Another storm is in the forecast for Tuesday, possibly bringing an additional 4 to 6 inches of snow.

Residents should prepare by stocking up on essentials, checking their heating systems, and staying informed through weather updates. If you must travel, drive cautiously and allow extra time to reach your destination.

Stay safe, Parsippany! ❄️

MORRIS COUNTY — As I write this before the Chiefs and Eagles face off in Super Bowl LIX, the outcome remains uncertain—who will emerge victorious, and will the referees make any controversial calls? While those questions linger, one thing is certain: it’s the Sunday before the big game, which means it’s time for Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi’s highly anticipated Annual Big Game Event.

Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted another six weeks of winter earlier in the morning, but that did not cause much concern for the significant number of attendees who happily arrived at the Lake Hopatcong Elks Lodge in Mount Arlington for what always promises to be a casual, fun-filled event.

Attendees packed the spacious Elks Lodge party room for the event, which lasted from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m., as friends, supporters, local, County, and State political figures came and went throughout the afternoon. In-house, you could meet and converse with several 2025 gubernatorial candidates, including Jon Bramnick, Jack Ciattarelli, and Bill Spadea, who were all in attendance for the majority of the event and were all more than happy to engage in dialogues and take photos with the very energetic crowd. In addition, there were many, too many to name, other State representatives, local Morris County Mayors, Commissioners, Councilpersons, and other potential office seekers who were having a blast meeting with constituents and new friends.

But probably, the ones having the most fun were those individuals and families who were happy to enjoy some delicious hot dogs and maybe a refreshing soda or cold beer at the bar. As usual, each team was represented by a decorated team-themed cake with a final cup of coffee.

The overall vibe was one of unity and celebration, blending the excitement of the Super Bowl with friends gathering with friends, sharing meaningful interactions, and filling the room with fun discussions and laughter. With that in mind, this party checked all those boxes.

One thing that makes this annual political event—designed to be laid-back and fun, bringing together individuals from all walks of life in Morris County and beyond who share a common interest in politics while also celebrating the upcoming Super Bowl—unique is that it is sponsored and provided free of charge as a courtesy by Clerk Grossi (The People’s Clerk). No one in the room seemed more pleased with the event’s success than Clerk Grossi herself.

PARSIPPANY – The Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board is set to meet on Monday, February 10, at 7:30 p.m., to review several key applications, including redevelopment investigations and land use requests.

Mayor James Barberio, members of the Planning Board, and township professionals, including Planner Christine Winter (ARH), Engineer Andrew Cangiano (GPI), and Attorney Marina Stinely (Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri, Jacobs), will attend the meeting.

Postponed Application for 30 Holmdel Road

The board has received a request from attorney Lawrence Calli to postpone the discussion of Application 24:524, which seeks a minor subdivision and soil moving permit for 30 Holmdel Road. The applicant, Ashutosh Desai, is looking to divide the R-4 zoned property into two lots. The hearing is expected to be rescheduled for April 7, 2025, with the board granted an extension until April 30, 2025, to make a final decision.

Agenda Items for Review

Major Soil Moving Permit for Puddingstone Road

The board will review an application from Celal Andican for a major soil moving permit at 7 Puddingstone Road (Block: 9 Lot: 9, Zone: R-1). The permit would allow significant excavation and grading work at the site.

Redevelopment Investigations on the Agenda

Two properties will be reviewed for preliminary investigation to determine whether they qualify as Areas in Need of Redevelopment (AINR) under New Jersey’s redevelopment laws:

1. 4 Gatehall Drive (Block: 175 Lot: 52, Zone: ROL)
2. 2 Sylvan Way (Block: 202 Lot: 1.1, Zone: ROL)

The properties in office and research (ROL) zones are being considered for redevelopment due to potential economic and infrastructure needs. These sites could qualify for revitalization efforts and economic incentives to boost investment and job creation in Parsippany if deemed eligible.

Public Participation Encouraged

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the February 10 meeting to share their perspectives and learn more about the potential developments.

For further details or to review application documents, visit the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board website or attend the in-person meeting.

Click here to download the agenda.