PARSIPPANY — Evagelia Zois achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA during the spring 2024 semester, earning a spot on the Provost’s List at Hofstra University. Evagelia Zois attended Parsippany Hills High School, graduating in 2020.
Evagelia Zois had an active and distinguished high school career at Parsippany Hills High School. She held leadership positions and was involved in several honors and service organizations:
President of the French Honors Society
President of the E.R.A.S.E Club (End Racism and Sexism Everywhere)
Vice President of Student Advocates for Change
Member of the National Honors Society
These roles reflect her commitment to academic excellence and community service.
Her major at Hofstra is Video/TV And Business.
Hofstra University’s primary mission is to provide a quality education to its students in an environment that encourages, nurtures, and supports learning. At Hofstra, new ideas take shape through collaboration, engagement, and interaction. Hofstra students create their success with small classes and dedicated faculty alongside a beautiful campus, plus all the opportunities of New York City within easy reach.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, July 2024.
PARSIPPANY — Starbucks workers at the Parsippany-Troy Hills location filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) earlier this month, joining 17 other Starbucks stores nationwide in this effort. This wave of union filings follows closely after Starbucks Workers United members concluded a second round of national bargaining with Starbucks, making significant progress towards establishing a foundational framework for store contracts.
“Our store’s decision to unionize comes from a place of deep personal investment and a desire to be here for the long run, not resentment for Starbucks corporate. We view our jobs as worth doing and are compensated fairly for them. We’re fighting as a collective to receive the support we need to continue giving our best daily for our community,” said Ness Perez, a barista for one year.
Letter to Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan Signed by 18 Organizing Stores: Click here.
James Nathanael Garavito (they/them), a one-year shift supervisor, added, “Our store is joining Starbucks Workers United because partners deserve a voice when our company makes decisions that affect our day-to-day lives. We are not a means of profit; we are not just partner numbers or coffee crafters; we enrich the lives of those in our communities and manifest joy every day. We are proud to stand in solidarity with thousands of partners who share our vision for a better Starbucks, which aims to restore respect and dignity for all.”
Through their election petitions, Starbucks partners seek to join a growing nationwide movement of over 10,500 baristas united to win justice at work, including protections on core issues such as respect, living wages, racial and gender equity, and fair scheduling.
Since Starbucks partners first joined to form a union in 2021, workers at more than 440 Starbucks stores have won union elections with the NLRB in 43 states and the District of Columbia. The historic organizing campaign hinges on peer-to-peer organizing led by workers, for workers – and has won election after election in stores nationwide.
Parsippany High School student Malik Alzubi applies a temporary tattoo on six-year-old Kendall Lapena during PHS’s Annual Redstock event.Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio with PHS Senior Robert Spero
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School’s Redstock is an annual community festival that brings together local families, students, and businesses for fun and engagement. Held on the school’s parking lot, the event features a variety of activities, including sports, games, food, temporary tattoos, face painting, arts and crafts, a bounce house, and a dunk tank. Highlights from recent Redstock events include interactive booths from school clubs and vendor areas where local businesses showcase their products and services.
Redstock provides entertainment and fosters community unity by creating a festive atmosphere where residents from all walks of life can come together to celebrate and support one another.
Aanya Sinha, Anya Patel, Devin Patel, Lithra Sankari, HOSA Healthcare Occupation Students of AmericaShop Rite of ParsippanyFurry friends get the royal treatment at Wash N Wag, where every bath is a tail-wagging experience!Parsippany PAL. Redstock at Parsippany High: A Celebration of School and Community Spirit.Ozzy and Gianluca Fernicola from Parsippany’s Best Pizza live up to their name.
PARSIPPANY — Dollar Tree received approval from Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Department to open a new store at 2930 Route 10 (Pelican Plaza). The property owner is Pelican Plaza, LLC.
Dollar Tree will occupy 9,500 square feet. As of this article, no opening date has been set since the space will require interior renovations.
Other tenants in Pelican Plaza include Bruno’s Bistro, Eastern Dental, Cinnamon, and Planet Fitness.
Dollar Tree’s product range is vast, beginning with its extensive selection of food and beverages. Shoppers can find a variety of snacks, candy, and drinks alongside canned and packaged food items. The store also boasts a selection of frozen and refrigerated foods, making it a convenient stop for quick meal solutions.
Additional locations include Route 46, Parsippany; Route 10, East Hanover; Route 53, Denville; and Route 46, Fairfield. A typical store is open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For a complete listing of Dollar Tree stores, click here.
Dollar Tree, Inc. is a well-known American chain of discount variety stores offering multiple products at multiple price points. The company is headquartered in Chesapeake, Virginia, and holds a position on the Fortune 500 list. With an extensive network, Dollar Tree operates 15,115 stores across the 48 contiguous U.S. states and Canada. These stores are efficiently supported by a comprehensive logistics network of 24 distribution centers, ensuring a steady supply of products to meet customer demand.
Dollar Tree stores are not independently owned but corporate-owned and operated by Dollar Tree, Inc. The company maintains full ownership and control over its stores, ensuring consistency in product offerings, pricing, and overall shopping experience across all its locations.
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany recently organized a food collection drive at Parsippany ShopRite to support the Parsippany Food Pantry. This initiative aimed to gather non-perishable food items to assist local families in need. Feel free to ask if you have any questions or need more information about future events or how to participate! You can contact President Carol Tiesi by emailing carol.tiesi77@icloud.com.
Club President Carol Tiesi, along with members Frank Cahill, Judi Chase, Bonnie Gessling, Susan Slaughter, Lt. Governor Nicolas Limanov, and members of the Key Club, collected ten full carts of food, which was delivered to the Parsippany Food Pantry.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Carol Tiesi said, “When I was sworn in as President in October, one of my initiatives was to work with the Key Club on their goal of collecting food for the needy. We started in Parsippany and will continue throughout next year to collect as much food as needed.” The Key Club comprises passionate, hardworking high schoolers dedicated to serving their homes, schools, and communities. We strive to make the world a better place through service and caring.
Susan Slaughter and Nicolas Limanov are collecting food at ShopRite for donation to the Parsippany Food Pantry
The Parsippany Food Pantry is a community-based organization dedicated to providing food assistance to local families in need. It operates with donations and volunteer support, aiming to ensure that no one in the community goes hungry.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Carol Tiesi and members Judi Chase and Bonnie Gessling were instrumental in organizing the recent food drive at ShopRite. Their dedication and hard work, alongside other club members and community volunteers, resulted in the collection of ten full carts of food delivered to the Parsippany Food Pantry to support local families in need.
The Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry is located at Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha; for more information, call (973) 263-7163. It is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at IHOP, 792 Route 46. On the first Thursday of each month, the club holds an evening meeting at 6:30 p.m. For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, click here.
PARSIPPANY — Officials have identified the pedestrian who died after being hit by a vehicle last week along Route 46 in Parsippany as 55-year-old Gerard Calcagno of Bloomfield. The incident occurred shortly before 10 p.m. on Thursday, near Pep Boys on Route 46 East, when the driver of a Dodge Journey struck Calcagno.
First responders pronounced Calcagno dead at the scene, according to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Further details about the incident have not yet been released.
Gerard Calcagno
This marks the second pedestrian fatality in Parsippany this year. In April, a 73-year-old woman was struck while attempting to cross Route 46 West at North Beverwyck Road. Additionally, a 36-year-old Dover woman died in a one-car crash on May 6 along Hanover Avenue.
No charges have been announced in connection with Calcagno’s death, and the investigation into the crash continues. The driver of the SUV remained at the scene, officials said.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office will lead the investigation, with assistance from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
According to his obituary with Van Tassel Funeral Home, Calcagno is survived by his sister Jean, brother Joseph, and many cousins. He was a graduate of Essex County Vocational School.
PARSIPPANY — Giovanni DiDomenico founded Shop Morris County at age 14 while still an 8th-grade student. As a lifelong resident of Parsippany, Giovanni has always advocated for the local business community. His early passion for business and his community laid the foundation for a remarkable journey.
Starting Shop Morris County in the 8th grade, Giovanni made significant strides from the beginning. Guided by his favorite quote, “Work so hard that your success becomes prominent,” he transformed a budding idea into a thriving movement. The initiative rapidly gained momentum, reflecting Giovanni’s dedication and vision.
Accomplishments and Mission
One of the notable achievements of Shop Morris County is becoming a silver sponsor at the Tri-County Fair. Giovanni’s efforts to connect with hundreds of local businesses across Morris County led him to meet influential figures like Frank Cahill, from whom he learned about Parsippany Focus and the Morris Now App. The core mission of Shop Morris County is to promote local businesses and foster a sense of community. Giovanni emphasizes that everyone in Morris County is part of one big community, and supporting local businesses is integral to this sense of unity.
Shop Morris County: Giovanni DiDomenico’s Mission To Boost Local Business
Passion for Business and Community
Giovanni’s deep interest in business and his passion for community drive Shop Morris County’s success. His enthusiasm for promoting and helping local businesses shines through in every aspect of the initiative.
Giovanni enjoys engaging with business owners, learning about new businesses, and building relationships. This interaction provides insights into the unique aspects of each local business and helps Giovanni better understand the dynamics of the local market. This knowledge is invaluable in effectively promoting the strengths and offerings of Morris County businesses.
Community Interaction
Giovanni’s interest in learning about new businesses contributes significantly to Shop Morris County’s ongoing growth and success. His engagement with business owners and the community helps maintain the initiative’s momentum.
Giovanni leverages social media to promote local businesses and the Shop Morris County movement. He finds it an effective tool for connecting with the community and spreading awareness. Through social media, Giovanni showcases the vibrancy of local businesses and engages with a broader audience, enhancing the movement’s reach and impact.
Website Integration
The Shop Morris County website further enhances social media engagement by providing a centralized platform for local businesses to showcase their products and services. It serves as a hub for information, events, and promotions, driving more traffic to social media channels and fostering a stronger online community.
The growth and success of Shop Morris County are sources of immense pride for Giovanni. He invites everyone to join in the effort to shop and support local Morris County businesses, reinforcing the sense of community and shared success.
Click here to view the Shop Morris County website.
Parsippany’s Giovanni DiDomenico: The Teen Behind Shop Morris County
PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, June 2, BAPS Charities hosted its annual “In the Joy of Others: Walk-Run” to support Carol G. Simon Cancer Center. The Walk brought together local community members to take steps and engage in selfless service to raise awareness for the fight against cancer with cutting-edge research.
The annual BAPS Charities Walk-Run, occurring in 72 cities across North America, champions various causes, including education, health and wellness, environmental stewardship, humanitarian relief, and support for local police and fire departments. The transformative power of community engagement in fostering healthier societies symbolizes unity and a commitment to impactful change beyond physical participation.
Parsippany Residents Rally for Cancer Research at BAPS Charities Walk-Run
This year, over 300 community members, including Parsippany Mayor James Barberio, Council Vice President Frank Neglia, and Councilman Justin Musella, joined the effort to support the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center and its mission to fight cancer with cutting-edge research. The event showcased a broad spectrum of participation, from youth to seniors, united for a common cause.
BAPS Charities Walk-Run: Uniting Parsippany in the Fight Against Cancer
On the occasion, Parsippany Mayor James Barberio Said, “I can’t thank enough to BAPS Charities Parsippany for what they do for the community.”
Ruchita Trambadia, a participant at the event, shared, “One of my Family members is a cancer survivor, and it’s my turn to give back to the community. That’s why I am here to support BAPS charities’ 2024 Annual Walkathon.”
Event lead Rushikesh Dave provided insights into the event’s success and expressed gratitude to participants and fundraisers, saying, “This event spreads awareness, helps people gain knowledge, and helps build unity and solidarity within the community.”
Beyond the annual Walk-Run, BAPS Charities is dedicated to five fundamental areas: Health Awareness, Educational Services, Humanitarian Relief, Environmental Protection & Preservation, and Community Empowerment. With active operations across nine countries and five continents, the organization is deeply involved in providing humanitarian aid locally and internationally. Specifically, BAPS Charities has organized over 1,000 North American walks and 500 health fairs, offering free health services to over 130,000 individuals. Additionally, it has conducted 500 blood donation drives, which have collected enough blood to potentially save 56,000 lives and delivered over 5,000 health awareness lectures. On a global scale, BAPS Charities has made significant environmental contributions by planting over 2 million trees, constructing 55 schools in regions hit by disasters, and offering humanitarian assistance to over 1,000 refugees from the Ukraine conflict in 2022.
For more information on the local activities of BAPS Charities, click here.
BAPS Charities Walk-Run: A Day of Community Service and Cancer Awareness
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, July 2024.
Mayor Barberio’s recent rhetoric about a lawsuit against affordable housing is too little too late, and it appears NJ Highlands present director Ben Spinelli has the situation finally going in the right direction.
If Mayor Barberio and his administration had smartly conformed to the regional plan in 2010 rather than allowed John Inglesino to suspend conformance and then remove Parsippany completely in June 2014, all for false reasons, which have been exposed and made available to the public. The Mayor nor any council-member at the time performed any due-diligence in seeing through Inglesino’s deliberate disinformation. In short Barberio and others should be supporting Ben Spinelli’s efforts to temper the developers in their unrealistic attempts to continue their endless and unsustainable continued building that brings minimum affordable and maximum market will bare. Municipalities need to become allies of the “Affordable Housing Reform Act”, not go off on their own at this late date, and waste more tax dollars.
It was because former Governor Christie allowed the Housing Issue to be passed to developers remedy that we are in this situation, Barberio and others should of started back then resisting this unwise move, and demanded developers stay with State Planning and Smart Growth perimeters. Apparently Barberio is still alienated, and out of touch with the reality of the situation, and promotes fear, rather than pragmatic actual solutions that are already in play. (Waterview remains the greatest failure of Barberio’s misguided fear tactics that favored unwise development, when open space was extremely possible. He betrayed his entrusted community after the No Rezone outcome) (Inglesino should be banned from practicing law in Parsippany).
See below 2-recent correspondence on the AH in the Highlands from Coalition:
Affordable Housing Reform Act what we should be supporting not a Barberio & Company Lawsuit. Nick, your concern is well founded and you are not alone in harboring that concern. Ben Spinelli has trumpeted the fact that the market rate units needed to in order to meet the number of required affordable units will far exceed the carrying capacity of the Highlands. There is no magic wand that will resolve this conflict. However, the reason we succeeded in amending the recent Affordable Housing Reform Act, which finally recognized the need to limit growth in the Highlands, was because of the impacts to the Highlands resources if numbers assigned by the state applied in the Highlands.
Parsippany has been built out already and has the highest water deficit in the Highlands. The document is the Highlands Municipal Build Out Report, which was provided for each Highlands municipality back in 2008. For the Fourth Round AH numbers, they are being updated to reflect on-the -ground changes and recent changes in the Land Use Capability Map (LUCM) Zones. However, the build out reports do not consider Designated Highlands Redevelopment Zones, which cannot be calculated because Redevelopment Zones allow for flexibility from the LUCM zone mapping (although all Highlands resources within a Redevelopment Zone must be identified and avoided, and if disturbed, mitigated under a policy of no-net-loss to Highlands resources). The extent of the designations within a municipality are not known because they are designated over time and since each is evaluated during the designation process, the amount of development (as redevelopment) is unknown until the designation is made. Parsippany is an interesting outlier because most of the development in the town, due to the extent that the town is developed, will be redevelopment. It would be safe to assume that Parsippany has the greatest percentage of impervious cover in the Highlands.
Are warehouses increasing our housing demand? Barberio never thought of this, only tax ratables, then allows PILOTSThe warehouses, or any commercial development, increase the municipal affordable housing obligation factoring the anticipated number of new employees. I don’t know what the ratio is, but it is a factor. So, not only is the commercial development (e.g. warehouse) not affordable housing, but it increases the obligation, expanding the unmet need.
MORRIS COUNTY — Centenary University President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., has announced the Dean’s List for the spring 2024 semester. To achieve this honor, full-time students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.8 or above and complete a minimum of 12 semester credits. Parsippany resident Angela Palazzo was among those recognized for this achievement. Palazzo is a 2021 Graduate of Parsippany Hills High School.
Other Morris County residents who earned Dean’s List honors are:
Budd Lake—Sydney Mullin, Courtney Nelson, Ashley Tirone, Sean Yancey
Denville—Jenna Barchetto, Emily Farese, Nicole Leonard
Dover—Elizabeth Gonzalez
Flanders—Constanza Giaquinto, Michael Rodriguez, Alexis Schumacher
Lake Hopatcong—Jessica Leek, Shanna Leek, Kasandra Pappa
Landing—Carlos Burbano, Ciara Rodriguez
Long Valley—Claire Finegan, Emilie Finegan, Erica Gallo, Morgan Garner, Joseph Hamway, Nicole Harrington, Nicolas Radovanic
Mendham—Emma Norton
Morristown—Anna Stein
Parsippany—Angela Palazzo
Pompton Plains—Savannah Mol
Randolph— Justin Carlucci, Sara Fusco, Sarah Halpern, Ryan O’Shaughnessy
Riverdale—Kayla Sampong
Rockaway—Justin Meidling, Pamela Mejia-Medina, Joseph Porretta, Grace Russo
Succasunna—Liz Angelee Asuncion, Giulianna Falquez, Thomas Miller, Jasmin Walker
Centenary University offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. Under the leadership of President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., the University aspires to advance its reputation as a world-class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.
