Dear Editor:

The Puddingstone Community Club (PCC) is hosting a mayoral debate on May 21, giving.
Parsippany residents have a vital chance to hear from the candidates. Yet, Mayor James Barberio has not responded, continuing his troubling pattern of avoiding public engagement.

Over the past four years, Mayor Barberio raised taxes by 22% and championed multiple
residential PILOT deals that hurt taxpayers and the Parsippany school district. When residents demanded answers, he and Councilman Frank Neglia dismissed their concerns and mocked them instead of listening.

On May 15, the League of Women Voters is hosting another debate, but Mayor Barberio has
stated he will only participate via Zoom. Is facing Republican voters in person too much to ask from someone seeking their support?

It does not stop there. Councilmen Frank Neglia and Jigar Shah are refusing to debate John
Bielen and Casey Parikh for the two open council seats. Neglia, a former Board of Education
president who knows how the school budget works, voted “yes” on every one of Barberio’s
PILOT programs—programs that benefit the mayor’s allies and their “connected” few.

Jigar Shah often highlights his contributions to Parsippany, yet he has chosen not to participate in the debate. This decision leaves residents questioning why he will not take the opportunity to engage directly with the community and defend his record.

To top it off, Councilman Neglia recently told the Daily Record, “Mayor Barberio, Jigar, and My team and I work together, and we all share the same vision for our great town.” He added, “Together, we agreed it would be best to have Mayor Barberio represent all of us.” This statement underscores their unwillingness to stand independently and defend their actions.

Meanwhile, Councilman Justin Musella is showing up and answering tough questions. He proves he cares about transparency and the issues that matter to residents, like taxes and town services.

If Mayor Barberio and his allies will not face the public now, why should we trust them to lead if re-elected? Republican voters deserve leaders who respect their concerns and are willing to engage openly.

Timothy P. Berrios

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Friends of the Library (FOL) are seeking an able-bodied individual to assist with the pre-setup, setup, and breakdown of their Bag Sales, which occur four times a year. This volunteer would serve as a backup to the current helpers.

Responsibilities include lifting boxes of books (approximately 20–25 lbs) and placing them on convertible hand carts. The setup and breakdown process typically takes no more than 1 to 1.5 hours.

If you are interested or would like more details, don’t hesitate to contact Marguerite La Corte at (973) 625-4379.

PARSIPPANY — Three outstanding members of Parsippany’s Scouting community — Andrew Nicholas, Alex Spada, and Nick Spada — have achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in Scouting.

The ceremony included a welcome, an opening, a flag salute, and the Scout Oath and Law. Special community presentations were followed by the certification of the Eagle candidates by Bruce Benson, Committee Chair; Michael Corbett, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader; Nick Shatynski, Emcee; and Jaime Ackerman, Advancement Chair. Eagle badge presentations were made to Andrew Nicholas, presented by Michael Nicholas; Alex Spada, presented by Brian Nicholas; and Nick Spada, presented by Brian Nicholas. All Eagle Scouts present were invited to come forward for the presentation. The ceremony continued with Eagle Scout remarks, the Eagle Charge, and the Scoutmaster’s Benediction by Les Wu, District Commissioner and Past Scoutmaster, and Paul Lomelo, Scoutmaster.

The Eagle Scout rank is awarded to Scouts who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to the core values of Scouting. These young men completed challenging service projects, earned merit badges, and served in leadership roles within their troop.

The presentation of the Eagle Scout badge is an important event. It is the goal for which a Scout has worked for many years, an occasion for pride and joy, a time for serious contemplation, and the culmination of the Scout’s efforts and leadership. The Eagle Scout Award is the highest and most coveted rank in Scouting, the last significant step in the advancement program. Fewer than six percent of all Scouts in the United States reach the Eagle Scout rank.

Requirements for Eagle:

•Be active in your troop and patrol for at least six months as a Life Scout.
•Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Law daily.
•Earn 21 merit badges, including the 14 that are required: First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in Society, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, Personal Management, Swimming, Camping, and Family Life.
•Serve actively in an approved position of responsibility for six months after becoming a Life Scout.
•Plan, develop, and lead others in carrying out a service project worthy of an Eagle Scout.
•Take part in a Scoutmaster conference.
•Appear before a board of review of prominent persons and satisfy them that the Scout has done their best to understand and live up to the Scout Oath and Law and, in all ways, qualify for the Eagle Scout Award.

Andrew Nicholas

Andrew Nicholas, a lifelong resident of Parsippany, has achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in Boy Scouting. His journey began in first grade with Pack 5 and has been filled with adventure, leadership, and lasting memories.

After crossing over from Cub Scouts, Andrew joined Troop 173, where he immediately felt at home. From playing games and cracking jokes with the older Scouts to tossing the football around on campouts, Andrew found his place. He began attending summer camps and even enjoyed waking up at 5:00 a.m. to take the cold plunge each morning, a tradition that tested his commitment but built lasting memories.

One of the highlights of Andrew’s Scouting experience was being asked to serve as Senior Patrol Leader for summer camp. This role meant a lot to him, allowing him to demonstrate how far he had come as a leader. Under his leadership, Troop 173 had an unforgettable week at camp and even won the prestigious Greasy Watermelon Award for the fifth year.

Later in his Scouting career, Andrew had the opportunity to attend Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He and his crew backpacked through the stunning backcountry, witnessed unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, and even brought home a smoke detector from Camp Fish as a memento (yes, there’s a story behind that). To this day, Andrew remembers nearly every moment of the trek. Legend has it that you’re destined to return if you look back at the Tooth of Time before heading home. Andrew looked back because he hoped to return to Philmont with his younger brother one day, just as his dad did for him.

The Trail to Eagle wasn’t always easy. Balancing school, hockey, and the time commitment of an Eagle project proved to be a challenge. His project designing and building benches for Morris County Parks required long hours of planning, typing, revising blueprints, and Friday nights with friends and family.

Looking back, Andrew feels grateful for the long, rewarding journey through Scouting and wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.

Andrew is in his junior year at Parsippany Hills High School. He is a captain of the hockey and cross-country teams and also plays lacrosse. Looking ahead, Andrew plans to study Marketing or Business in college. As many people know him as “The Sports Guy,” he hopes to continue his passion by playing hockey or running cross country at the collegiate level.

Andrew has earned the following awards: 50-Miler, Den Chief Service, Historic Trails, and National Outdoor Award – Camping. Scouting has helped shape Andrew into who he is today: determined, adventurous, and ready for the next chapter.

Andrew earned the following 28 merit badges: Camping, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communication, Cooking, Cycling, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, Family Life, First Aid, Fishing, Hiking, Indian Lore, Kayaking, Lifesaving, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Public Speaking, Reading, Robotics, Rowing, Swimming, Sustainability, Weather, Wilderness Survival, and Wood Carving. (Bold items are required.)

Alex Spada

Alex Spada began his Scouting career as a Tiger Cub in Pack 218 under the leadership of Cubmaster Christopher Mahon. Alex earned the Arrow of Light. After attending Troop 173’s Turkey in a Can Campout, he wanted to join the troop. He crossed over in December of 2017.

As Alex advanced in Scouting, he took on many leadership roles. He was an Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Instructor, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, two-time Senior Patrol Leader, and a Troop Guide. Alex is grateful for all the help he has received in Scouting. He is especially thankful for all the Scoutmasters who gave of themselves each week, including Les Wu, Michael Catapano, David Franz, and Paul Lomelo III.

Alex has fond memories of troop activities, including time spent at Camp Winnebago. There, he won first place in the Dutch Oven Dessert competition two times, the Greasy Watermelon two times — once with his brother Nick and once with Chris J. — and the many nighttime fire watches with his fellow Scouts.

He has also been to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico twice. He loved “relaxing” before the trek at the Great Wolf Lodge and the surrounding attractions. His favorite memories in the backcountry include summiting the Tooth of Time in the dark and watching the sunrise, hanging out at Beaubien, and playing frisbee in the Carson Meadows.

Alex has earned 32 merit badges and two National Outdoor Awards, the Adventure Award and Camping Award. He spent 143 nights camping. In addition, Alex also earned the 50 Mile Award, Historic Trails Award, and the Mile Swim Award. Alex has also been awarded the Good Turn Award, a unique award for Scouts of Troop 173. To receive this award, a Scout must always resolve to help others. The Scout must be nominated by a teacher, community, or religious leader, a coach, or anyone who would have contact with the Scout. Alex completed 164.5 hours of community service with the troop.

One of Alex’s proudest accomplishments was his Eagle Project. Alex helped the Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association by refurbishing three benches and creating three portable kayak racks. Alex would like to thank his Eagle Coach, Mr. Brian Nicholas. Alex might not have made it to Eagle without his guidance, constant reminders, positive encouragement, daily emails, and extreme patience.

Alex is in his senior year at Parsippany Hills High School. He was a varsity wrestler for one year, a varsity swimmer for two years, and a varsity lacrosse player for four years. In his senior year, he was the captain of both the swim team and the lacrosse team. Alex also participated in the Morris County Vo-Tech Culinary Arts Share Time program, which allowed him to attend the County College of Morris for two years, where he has been honing his culinary skills. He recently participated in a cooking competition at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia, where he took third place for the Mid-Atlantic region.

In the fall, Alex will attend Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, majoring in the Food and Beverage Industry Management program. He will also work towards an associate degree in Culinary Arts and compete on the lacrosse team.

Alex earned the following 32 merit badges: American Cultures, Archery, Backpacking, Bird Study, Camping, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in Society, Citizenship in the World, Communication, Cooking, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, Family Life, Fingerprinting, Fire Safety, First Aid, Indian Lore, Kayaking, Leatherwork, Lifesaving, Metalwork, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting, Small Boat Sailing, Snow Sports, Swimming, Welding, Wilderness Survival, and Wood Carving. (Bold items are required.)

Nick Spada

Nick Spada began his Scouting career as a Tiger Cub in Pack 218 under the leadership of Cubmaster Christopher Mahon, where he earned the Arrow of Light. After attending Troop 173’s Turkey in a Can Campout, he wanted to join the troop. He crossed over in December of 2017.

As Nick advanced in Scouting, he took on many leadership roles. He was an Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Instructor, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, and Troop Guide. Nick is grateful for all the help he has received in Scouting. He is especially thankful for all of the Scoutmasters who gave of themselves each week, including Les Wu, Michael Catapano, David Franz, and Paul Lomelo III.

Nick’s favorite memories with the troop include time spent at Camp Winnebago, Philmont, the Big Trips, and the mud at Gettysburg. At Camp Winnebago, he won the Greasy Watermelon contest with his brother, Alex — marking the sixth time in a row that the troop won the competition. He also enjoyed the many nighttime fire watches with his fellow Scouts. His favorite memory of Philmont was climbing the Tooth of Time in the dark to watch the sunrise.

Nick earned 28 merit badges and a National Outdoor Award for Camping. He spent 107 nights camping. In addition, Nick earned the 50 Mile Award and the Mile Swim Award. Nick also won the Good Turn Award, a unique Scouts of Troop 173 award. To receive this award, a Scout must exemplify a resolve to help others at all times, and must be nominated by a teacher, community or religious leader, coach, or anyone who would have contact with the Scout. Nick also completed 143.5 hours of community service with the troop.

Nick’s proudest accomplishment was completing his Eagle Project. He would like to thank his Eagle Coach, Mr. Nicholas, for all his advice, assistance, persistence, emails, more emails, and still more emails. Without his relentlessness, he would not be here today. Nick conducted a flag retirement ceremony for his Eagle Project and built a drop-off box for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge #2078 in Parsippany, New Jersey, where people could place their worn U.S. flags.

Nick is a senior at Parsippany Hills High School. He was a member of the varsity wrestling team, the varsity swim team, and the varsity hockey team. He was also on the varsity lacrosse team for four years and was captain in his senior year.

In the fall, Nick will attend SUNY Maritime College in Bronx, New York, where he will pursue a career in engineering. While at SUNY Maritime, he will continue to play lacrosse.

Nick earned the following merit badges: American Cultures, First Aid, Bird Study, Indian Lore, Camping, Kayaking, Citizenship in the Community, Leatherwork, Citizenship in the Nation, Metalwork, Citizenship in Society, Personal Fitness, Citizenship in the World, Personal Management, Communication, Rifle Shooting, Cooking, Shotgun Shooting, Emergency Preparedness, Small Boat Sailing, Environmental Science, Snow Sports, Family Life, Swimming, Fingerprinting, and Welding. (Bold items are required.)

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, May 2025. Click here to view the magazine.

Dear Editor:

I came to this country many years ago. I work hard, raised my family here in Parsippany, and care deeply about this town. 

Mayor Barberio ignored residents in 2022 with the PLA vote, and at the end of 2023, he ignored the opinions of more than 1,000 residents during the PILOT meeting.

I always believed leaders should respect the people who elected them.

But now, I see something very wrong.

Mayor Barberio hides in the basement like Biden when it’s time to speak with voters or time for debates with opponents. 

Many of us are immigrants, seniors, and young families. We have real problems—high taxes, bad roads, too much building. And now these candidates don’t even show up to explain or answer questions?  That shows they don’t respect us. 

They will not listen later if they don’t talk to us now.

I came here for democracy. For leaders who are honest, open, and speak to the people. Parsippany deserves better than this, and local Republicans don’t have to settle. Justin Musella, Casey Parikh, and John Bielen will return the power to the people in our community, not for the select outside interests.

Strong Republican 
Sam Labkovsky 

PARSIPPANY — Every day, lives are lost waiting for an organ that never comes—but one local organization is working to change that. On Sunday, April 27, at 3:00 p.m., the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library will host A Second Chance Project, a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about the lifesaving power of organ donation.

The one-hour presentation, free and open to the public, will offer attendees a powerful, personal look into the world of organ donation. The program will feature moving stories from real transplant recipients and donor families, myth-busting facts about the donation process, and clear guidance on how to register as a donor or advocate for the cause.

“This presentation is more than just information—it’s an invitation to change lives,” said Meghana Metla, A Second Chance Project representative. “We want to help our community understand that becoming a donor is not only possible—it’s one of the most meaningful decisions you can make.”

“Attending this seminar will give you engaging ways to learn how to help in any way you can – from delivering care baskets to signing up to be a donor. Even a small effort can lead to something big,” said Vaidehi Desai, a student leading this effort.

Attendees can expect:

• Real-life stories from recipients and donor families
• Vital statistics showing the urgency of organ donation
• A clear explanation of how the donation process works
• Opportunities to register as a donor or become a volunteer advocate
• An interactive Q&A session

The event aims to educate and empower people of all ages, especially those who may be unsure about or unfamiliar with organ donation.

Whether you’re looking to get involved, seeking answers, or simply wanting to support the cause, this event offers an important opportunity to join the conversation and potentially help save a life.

Event Details:
•Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
•Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
•Location: Parsippany-Troy Hills Library, 449 Halsey Road, Parsippany
•Admission: Free and open to all

For more information, visit www.asecondchanceproject.org or follow the organization on Instagram at @a.second.chance.project.

PARSIPPANY — In response to the heartbreaking terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, the Hindu community of New Jersey will hold a Prayer Meet and Vigil on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Veterans Park, located at 1839 Route 46, Parsippany.

The event invites all community members to come together in unity, prayer, and remembrance. Attendees are encouraged to wear white as a symbol of peace and solidarity.

Organizers emphasize the importance of standing united against terrorism and violence, offering support to the victims’ families and honoring the lives lost in the tragedy.

“This gathering is a way for us to show that love, compassion, and unity are stronger than hate,” said a spokesperson for the organizing committee.

All residents are welcome to participate. Veterans Park will serve as the backdrop for the evening of reflection, with candles lit in memory of the victims.

Dear Editor:

I supported James Barberio in the past. I believed he had the experience to guide Parsippany forward. But what I’ve seen during this campaign has left me deeply disappointed.

Refusing to take part in an open, in-person debate with the community is not just bad politics—it’s a betrayal of public trust. The League of Women Voters offered multiple dates and a fair, neutral platform. Councilman Musella accepted immediately. The mayor refused in-person, insisting on a Zoom-only event with no audience. That’s not transparency. That’s evasion.

And it’s not just the mayor. Councilman Frank Neglia and Jigar Shah, who are running alongside him, also declined the League’s invitation. Silence from one candidate is concerning. Silence from three is a warning to all Parsippany voters— they think it is their civil right to keep their phony baloney jobs in perpetuity.

Parsippany deserves leaders who don’t run from tough questions. I can no longer support a team that won’t even show up and urge all voters to reject the entire Barberio ticket

Danny Smith

Dear Editor:

We are writing not out of frustration, but out of a deep love for our community and a commitment to its future.

Over the years, we’ve supported Mayor Barberio, believing in his dedication to Parsippany. However, recent developments have led us to reassess that support. Our town faces challenges—rising taxes, deteriorating infrastructure, and public safety concerns—requiring leadership willing to engage openly and work collaboratively with residents.

It’s important to acknowledge that leadership is about more than just policy; it’s about presence, transparency, and a willingness to listen. When leaders are accessible and responsive, they inspire confidence and foster a sense of shared purpose.

That’s why we are supporting Justin Musella. Justin has demonstrated a genuine commitment to our community through his active engagement and transparent approach. He listens to residents, values their input, and is dedicated to making Parsippany a place where families can thrive.

We believe Justin’s leadership will bring the positive change our town deserves. We encourage others to learn more about his vision and consider joining us in supporting his candidacy.

Together, we can work towards a brighter future for Parsippany.

Sean and Diane Byrne

Dear Editor:

I believe this is the most momentous local election in my 55 years living in Parsippany.  It would be a shame if anyone lost the election because they took the voters for granted and showed they did not have the conviction or courage to tell us why we should vote for them!  We need each SERIOUS candidate to stand face to face with all of us, the voters of Parsippany. 

I know Mayor Barberio pretty well.  He has not hesitated to show his combativeness or opinions in the past.  I am asking him to rethink his refusal to give ME and the many other voters of Parsippany the respect and attention we deserve by allowing us to attend as he and his opponents vie for our vote.

The League of Women Voters has always done a great job of ensuring the debates are meaningful and well managed.  I cannot understand why THIS year the candidates running for office in Parsippany cannot seem to come together on ANY night during this political voting season, IN PERSON, to inform the voters why we should vote for them.  I am not interested in watching a ZOOM or streaming exercise from home or the office. Internet failure around here is much more prevalent than any of us would like, and some of us are not computer literate or may not even have a computer.  I want to attend to see, hear, and feel each candidate as they tell me WHY it would be good for me to vote for THEM.

Hank Heller

New Jersey is a wonderful place to call home. Nearly ten million Americans have made their way to The Garden State, and there’s no sign of stopping. If you’re ready for a home near excellent healthcare, top-notch public transit, and access to major American urban hubs like New York City, you may find New Jersey to be a fantastic option. New Jersey has a unique housing market that can be tricky to navigate for beginners and newcomers, so you’re going to need to learn some local insight first.

Research and Consider All Markets

New Jersey is far more than just a connection to Philadelphia or New York City. There are tons of housing markets, some competitive and others cooler, that meet a wide variety of needs. Beachfront condos, forested park model homes, small-town charming cottages, and urban townhomes all fit in The Garden State easily. 

Northern New Jersey, especially near New York City, will be generally more expensive, and the market is white-hot. Central New Jersey is far more diverse, with a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas. The more rural, the less expensive. South Jersey is known for its affordability compared to other parts of the state. You can get some stunning waterfront views here, but those might come at a price, especially in Ocean City or Atlantic City. 

Each city has something to offer, so it’s important to research all of them. Taxes, housing markets, school ratings, and crime rates will all vary. You may think you’ve settled on a particular area, but give others a chance before you decide.

Don’t Forget About Property Taxes

If you’re house hunting in New Jersey, you’re likely already aware of the steep property taxes the state faces. You mustn’t forget them. Your estimated payments can skyrocket when you don’t factor in all the costs of your mortgage and property. If there’s a list price that seems affordable, check that city or county’s annual property tax rates. You’ll need to factor this into your homebuying budget. Your lender and real estate agent can help you find something you can afford, but you may have to lower your list price goals.

Get Pre-Approved

A lot of areas in New Jersey are very competitive. Homes might only last hours on the market before they’re snatched up. You’ll want to be able to make an offer with confidence and without delay. A mortgage pre-approval is the perfect way to make your offer without having to go through the full process first. A pre-approval shows a seller you’re serious and ready to get started; don’t underestimate its power.

Know the Risks of Coastal Properties

Waterfront New Jersey properties are highly appealing to many buyers, especially near large entertainment cities like Atlantic City or charming, quiet beach towns like Cape May. If you’re one of those buyers, be absolutely certain of flood zones and insurance quotes. In areas prone to floods, you may be liable for flood insurance, which can add to your annual expenses. You can check FEMA flood zones or maps from insurance companies to see how potential properties might be affected by floods. Near coastal areas or flood-prone land, expect to pay more, and protect your home the best you can from water damage.

Check Crime Rates and School Quality

If a home price seems too good to be true, make sure you check the surrounding area. Location plays a major role in home prices, and you may be in an area with a poorly rated school system or an unusually high crime rate. Even if you don’t have kids, factors like school system ratings matter; they can affect your home’s value, which can impact your financial health. If you care about your home as an investment, make sure the school district is decently rated. You can check online for school district ratings in any area.

Pay Attention to Your Commute

If you already have a job in New Jersey that you’ll need to drive to, you don’t want to spend hours commuting. Check the average traffic times going to and from work, especially at the exact times. Rush hour can even triple your trip time. New Jersey is well-known for its high-quality transit systems; make sure you have access to them if necessary, and your commute won’t be more than you can handle. If you work in New York City or Philadelphia, you’ll want your city to have excellent public transit and ways to mitigate traffic as much as possible.

Get a Jersey Real Estate Agent

In competitive markets, it’s tough to make a quick and attractive offer. You can miss out on a dream home if you don’t have experience on your side. New Jersey real estate agents have experience with the volatile market and know what a good offer for a home is. They see the difference between local markets, too. They’ll take your needs and wants and find the best match that meets your budget. Agents are very beneficial for homebuyers, especially in New Jersey.

Learn New Jersey Homebuying Programs

New Jersey has excellent homebuying programs for a wide variety of groups, including first-time homebuyers or those who haven’t purchased a home in three years. You may qualify for some of these programs or grants that offer down payment assistance, lower interest rates, or deferred, forgivable down payment loans. Options like NJHMFA’s Down Payment Assistance Program can help homebuyers manage costs and make homeownership more accessible. Your lender may know about programs you qualify for, but they may not work with all of them, so doing your research is wise.

ConclusionNew Jersey is a diverse mix of beautiful scenery, decent healthcare, and economic resources that make owning a home here valuable. It’s a great place for families, young professionals, and retirees alike, but there are some caveats that newcomers should be aware of before diving into the housing market. Competition is fierce, and property tax rates can be unforgiving. Working with an agent, learning about homebuyer programs, and researching the market can help you make a truly worthwhile investment.