Parsippany Honors Veterans with Memorable Memorial Day Parade

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Annual Memorial Day Parade, held on Monday, May 29, saw a fantastic turnout on a beautiful, picture-perfect day. The parade exuded a lively and energetic atmosphere, captivating all who attended. The bustling No. Beverwyck Road in the Lake Hiawatha section of Parsippany became the center of the action.

Many parade goers eagerly embraced the start of summer by participating, paying tribute to our nation’s fallen soldiers. Mayor Barberio took delight in meeting and greeting residents who lined the boulevard. He expressed joy at seeing the community unite, stating, “It’s always a remarkable day in Parsippany when our residents unite. Honoring our nation’s heroes is the pinnacle of it all!”

The crowd eagerly lined the streets, watching with anticipation as the Memorial Day Parade unfolded before their eyes. Families, friends, and community members gathered together, their eyes fixed on the procession passing by. Excitement and patriotism filled the air as they waved flags and cheered for the participants. Children perched on their parent’s shoulders, captivated by the colorful floats, marching bands, and various groups representing their community.

The crowd’s cheers grew louder as each passing entry brought joy and pride to their hearts. Smiles were exchanged among neighbors, and a sense of unity enveloped the crowd as they celebrated. Everyone from the youngest spectators to the oldest joined the festivities, appreciating the efforts to honor the fallen heroes.

As the parade continued, the crowd’s enthusiasm remained unwavering. They clapped and applauded, acknowledging the dedication and hard work of those marching past them. Their presence and support served as a reminder of the strong community spirit that existed in Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Watching the parade unfold, the crowd felt deeply grateful for the servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives for their country. They stood united, honoring the memory of the fallen and celebrating the freedom they fought to protect.

The sight of the engaged and spirited crowd watching the Memorial Day Parade served as a testament to the community’s appreciation for their nation’s heroes and commitment to coming together in remembrance and celebration.

 

 

Clowns added a touch of joy and whimsy to the Memorial Day festivities in Parsippany-Troy Hills. Their vibrant costumes, funny antics, and playful interactions brought smiles to the faces of parade-goers, creating a light-hearted atmosphere amidst the solemn occasion. The presence of clowns served as a reminder to cherish the moments of happiness and celebration, even as we honor the memory of fallen heroes. Their participation added a unique and memorable element to the Memorial Day event, spreading laughter and positivity throughout the community.

Letter to the Editor: Vote Team Kandil for Council

parsippany focusDear Editor:

I am writing to urge my fellow residents to support my neighbor and friend, Adam Kandil, in his campaign for Parsippany Township Council. I have had the pleasure of knowing Adam for many years, as he grew up playing soccer with my younger brother both as a kid and through high school in Parsippany.

It’s amazing to see Adam all grown up now – he is a great family man who has always been kind and supportive of those around him. He now volunteers his time coaching youth in our community and can always be found lending a hand at local events. His commitment to service and unwavering dedication to making Parsippany a better place is inspirational.

As someone who has lived in Parsippany my entire life, I can confidently say that Adam is the kind of leader we need on our council. He is actively involved in community events, and his passion for our town is evident through his tireless efforts to improve the quality of life for everyone in our community. 

As a neighbor, I have seen firsthand the impact that Adam has on our community. He is always willing to lend a helping hand, and his kindness and generosity make him a true asset to our town.

I am confident that Adam Kandil will be an outstanding addition to our Township Council. As someone who has known him for many years, I can say that he has the character, compassion, and experience to make Parsippany a better place for all of us. I strongly urge my fellow residents to vote for Adam Kandil in the upcoming election.

I encourage everyone to Vote for Team Kandil and VOTE for Paul Carifi Jr, Adam Kandil, and Matt McGrath this Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

Sincerely,
Lauren McGarry

Letter to the Editor: Vote Adam Kandil for Council

parsippany focus

Dear Editor:

I am writing to show my enthusiastic support for Adam Kandil, who is running for the Parsippany Township Council. I have had the pleasure of knowing Adam as a coach for both my children’s sports teams and as a fellow coach himself. He has stood out to me as a dedicated individual who is passionate about what he does. 

Adam was my son Johnny’s basketball coach and my daughter Kayla’s soccer coach. He taught them the game and valuable life lessons while playing. He always encourages his teams to be their best versions and never give up. The life lessons he has imparted have helped my children develop a never-give-up attitude and overcome challenges and hurdles.

Adam is a great family man and a born-and-raised Parsippany resident. He is an enthusiastic and committed volunteer in our local community events and strives to be the best at everything he does. I have witnessed his hard work and dedication, and I believe these qualities will make him a great leader and decision-maker for our town.

As a coach, he has always inspired the kids and parents involved in the league, bringing new energy to the game. He coached both of my children’s teams to championships. But it is the life lessons he taught them that we most appreciate.

In conclusion, Adam Kandil would make an excellent Township Council member, and I wholeheartedly support him and his running mates, Paul Carifi Jr and Matt McGrath. We could use more individuals like him, who are dedicated to the community and invested in its future.

John Cangelosi

Letter to the Editor: Desai & Martin: Here’s Why

parsippany focusDear Editor:

My name is Mario Fornini, and I have lived in Lake Parsippany for over 70 years. I went through the Parsippany education system. I am a member of the Parsippany Republican Club and a former County Committee for my district in town.

I believe that most of us have met at some time or another.

I was just a kid when John Walsh was elected the first Mayor of Parsippany and then the years of Mayor Luther (may they both R.I.P., both Democrats and good people.) Then finally, we got a Republican, and that’s why I need to talk about Parsippany, your town—my town, and ours. Several years ago, our current Mayor lost to a Democrat “for surrounding himself with the wrong people.”

If it weren’t for just “one” lone councilman, Justin Musella, to stand up amongst the others during our budget, that would have been passed without “we the people” having a right to object to certain changes. Read the Daily Record Budget Article.

The Mayor and Council (Carifi) endorsed “Mastrangelo and Bettylou.” It’s like giving the keys to Parsippany to “Bonnie and Clyde.” If you knew my dad, he would have said: “OH BOY, are we in trouble.” We need to help the Mayor and keep him in the right direction. He can, and I believe he will be a great Mayor with the right Council people around him whose concerns are “only Parsippany.”

That is why we need to support Martin and Desai for Council (column #3) and Pennacchio-Webber-Bergen for Senate & Assembly & Grossi for Clerk & Selen for Commissioner (column #2.)

Thank you for your time,
Mario Fornini

Sons of Italy and Gourmet Café Join Together for a Memorable Fundraising Event

PARSIPPANY — Whether it’s helping kids with much-needed school supplies, providing gift cards for local families in need, providing donations to the Morris County Battered Women’s Shelter, local churches, food pantries, the Parsippany Day Care Center, or just helping whenever to help is needed, Morris County Sons of Italy – Lodge 2561 is always willing to give a hand. Almost every penny raised through the organizations’ charitable fundraising events is funneled back into such community needs.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, and Councilman Frank Neglia

Whether it’s helping kids with much-needed school supplies, providing gift cards for local families in need, providing donations to the Morris County Battered Women’s Shelter, local churches, food pantries, the Parsippany Day Care Center, or just helping whenever to help is needed, Morris County Sons of Italy – Lodge 2561 is always willing to give a hand. Almost every penny raised through the organizations’ charitable fundraising events is funneled back into such community needs.

The organization’s latest fundraising event was held on Sunday, June 4, at the Gourmet Café in Parsippany. The Sons of Italy and Chef Matthew Pierone, owner of the popular Italian restaurant and an active member, coordinated the sell-out event. Chef Matt (as he is affectionately known) is always willing to lend a hand in helping local causes.

The eatery was packed; almost 50 attendees enjoyed many of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.

The eatery was packed, as almost 50 attendees enjoyed many of the restaurant’s most popular dishes while sharing great camaraderie with fellow members, supporters, friends, and local dignitaries. In attendance were Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Council Members Frank Neglia, and Paul Carifi Jr., all current members. Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, and family, were also on hand to join in the festivities.

Following the feast, Lodge President Robert Adamo and the Executive Board presented Chef Matt with a Custom Boxed Magnum of Wine in recognition of his generosity and hospitality that evening and the ongoing charity events he regularly holds at his restaurant.

The fundraiser proved a memorable success and may become an annual event. Let’s hope so!

The eatery was packed; almost 50 attendees enjoyed many of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.
President Robert Adamo and the Executive Board presented Chef Matt with a Custom Boxed Magnum of Wine in recognition of his generosity and hospitality

Morris County Maintains AAA Financial Ratings for 48th Consecutive Year

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s financial stability again has been given the highest confidence ranking by Moody’s Investor Services and Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings, both of which issued their AAA ratings of the county finances for the 48th consecutive year.

“The AAA issuer rating reflects the county’s strong and diverse economy, very high wealth and resident income, healthy reserve levels, and exceptionally strong, proactive financial management,” Moody’s concluded in an analysis released May 23.

S&P’s May 30 summary also projected a positive outlook.

“The county’s tax base continues to experience steady growth due to various ongoing private and public development projects, including the expansion of its commercial and retail sector and new housing developments. The county has consistently maintained positive finances during the past three fiscal years because of management’s conservative budgeting. For fiscal 2022, expenses came in on target while revenue, such as interest income and miscellaneous revenue, exceeded the budget,” S&P concluded.

The AAA ratings benefit everyone in Morris County.

The annual rating assignment 2023 involved a review of approximately $21.5 million in General Obligation Bonds being issued by the county, consisting of $17.1 million in general improvement, $427,000 in parks, and $4 million in bonds for the County College of Morris.

“The importance of maintaining our AAA rating cannot be underestimated. It is like a personal credit rating, and all Morris County taxpayers reap the rewards. When the county needs to borrow funding for important infrastructure projects for our community, taxpayers are spared hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest fees. It means a tax break for everyone, from small business owners and working families maintaining their homes to large corporate employers and major property owners,” said Deborah Smith, chair of the budget committee for the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.

S&P: Morris County’s ranking is higher than the federal government.

“Morris County is eligible for a rating higher than the sovereign because we think the county can maintain strong credit characteristics relative to the nation in a stress scenario. … The county has predominantly locally derived revenue with independent taxing authority and treasury management from the federal government,” S&P concluded.

Moody’s Findings on Morris County’s Credit Strength

  • Strong and stable finances
  • Large, diverse, and wealthy economy with a stable employer presence
  • Exceptionally strong, proactive financial management

Summary of S&P’s Findings on Morris County

  • Very strong local economy.
  • Historically stable budgetary performance has resulted in continued reserve improvement “due to conservative budgeting, supported by a strong revenue base.”
  • “Very strong management with strong financial-management practices and policies.” Highlights include:
  • “long-term formal financial and capital-improvement planning”
  • “formal investment and debt-management policies”
  • “reserve policy that limits unreserved fund balance to no less than 12% of expenditures.”

Parsippany Implements Water Restrictions to Conserve Resources

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Township reminds residents and businesses about the implementation of permanent lawn watering restrictions in accordance with the Township Water Conservation Ordinance. The following limits apply:

  • Residential Lawn Watering: Properties with even-numbered street addresses can water on even-numbered days between 5:00 a.m. on 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Properties with odd-numbered street addresses can water on odd-numbered days during the same time slots. No watering is permitted on Fridays or the 31st day of the month.

  • Non-Residential Lawn Watering: Watering is only permitted on Mondays and Thursdays, from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. No watering is allowed on the 31st day of the month.

These restrictions are in effect from June 1 to September 30. The Township encourages everyone to adhere to these regulations to conserve water resources.

Morris County Man Receives 5-Year Prison Sentence for Drug-Related Firearm Possession

MORRIS COUNTY — Kenneth Calvey Jr., a 21-year-old resident of Victory Gardens Borough in Morris County, has been sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison with a 42-month period of parole ineligibility. The Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr. handed down the sentence following Calvey Jr.’s guilty plea to second-degree possession of a firearm while committing a controlled, dangerous substance offense.

The sentencing stems from an investigation conducted by the Morris County Narcotics Task Force, which led to the authorization of a search warrant for Calvey Jr.’s residence. The search yielded significant evidence, including $6,908 in cash, nearly one pound of raw marijuana, multiple THC vapes, drug distribution paraphernalia, a double-barrel long gun, a handgun with a loaded magazine, and additional ammunition.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll expressed his gratitude to the agencies involved in the Narcotics Task Force, including the Dover Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Randolph Police Department, and Roxbury Police Department. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit also contributed to the investigation.

The sentencing highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related offenses and the illegal possession of firearms, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

Cheers to 40 Years of Morris County Law Enforcement Leaders

MORRIS COUNTY — Forty years ago on this day, three of Morris County’s top law enforcement officers graduated together from the Morris County Firefighters & Police Training Academy, embarking on impeccable leadership careers in local law enforcement for which they were thanked and congratulated by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.

Sheriff Gannon, 1983 and current.

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of their graduation are Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Morris County Undersheriff Mark Spitzer, and Director of Emergency Management Jeffrey Paul. They were classmates and graduates of the 20th Basic Police Academy Class at the academy in 1983.

Undersheriff Spitzer, 1983 and current.

“All three of these law enforcement leaders – Jeff Paul, Mark Spitzer, and Sheriff Gannon — have had very successful careers, and we are fortunate that they dedicated those careers to serving our community here in Morris County. Their graduating class at the academy provided Morris County with four decades of impeccable leadership, and we are grateful for their service,” said Commissioner Douglas Cabana, the board’s law enforcement liaison and the longest-serving member.

“By the way, I’ve known Jim Gannon since we were in the first grade together at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Boonton,” the Commissioner added.

After graduation, Gannon was hired as a Police Officer in Boonton Township and, by 1984, in the Town of Boonton.  In 1986, Sheriff Gannon joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, becoming Deputy Chief. He launched a new career in corporate security in 2007 before becoming elected Morris County Sheriff in 2017.

Undersheriff Spitzer spent 33 years with the Mt. Olive Township Police Department, becoming Chief of the department before joining Sheriff Gannon as his Undersheriff in 2017.

Director Paul, 1983 and current.

Director Paul was hired as a Police Officer in Morristown in 1983 and later joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 1996, where he became Captain of Tactical Operations. He later launched a new career with the Morris County Department of Law & Public Safety.

“Forty years ago, I embarked on a mission to serve and protect the community, and that mission started the moment I set foot in public safety training. Law enforcement in Morris County has come a long way since then, but the mission of our officers has always remained the same: to serve and protect. I’m honored to share the privilege and distinction of serving with such dedicated partners as Undersheriff Spitzer and Director Paul, and all our county officers, all these years later as we continue to remain vigilant in ensuring the safety and protection of our communities always utmost priority,” said Sheriff Gannon.

“When I started in the academy in 1983, I couldn’t have predicted I would be here working alongside my classmates, Sheriff Gannon and Director Paul, some forty years later, but it also shows you how meaningful the connections you make in life can be, and how much our training prepared us for careers in law enforcement. After spending 33 years with Mt. Olive PD, having the opportunity to continue to uphold my civic duty as Undersheriff with Morris County is a privilege,” said Undersheriff Spitzer.

“There is no greater service to a community, big or small, than the mission of public safety.  This was my calling; I answered the call, and I remain honored and humbled to have done so alongside Sheriff Gannon and Undersheriff Spitzer for the past 40 years,” stated Director Paul.

Parsippany Launches ‘Community Welcome Packets’ to Embrace New Residents and Employees, Promote Local Businesses

PARSIPPANY — In partnership with the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Zoomus Marketing, Parsippany Economic Development is excited to introduce the “Community Welcome Packets.” These specially curated folders are designed to extend a warm and inviting welcome to new residents and new employees joining the vibrant community of Parsippany.

Inside these thoughtfully prepared packets, recipients will discover a treasure trove of valuable resources and exclusive offers from local businesses. We aim to ensure that newcomers feel embraced and empowered to explore the community while supporting the local economy.

Each packet contains a wealth of information about Parsippany, including details about upcoming events, the latest local news, and a comprehensive membership directory from the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce. We’ve also partnered with various merchants who have generously provided exciting offers and discounts, ranging from gift cards to complimentary services, making it even more enticing to discover the unique offerings of our local businesses.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President and Economic Development Liasion Loretta Gragnani, Bowman Vice President Eric Keller, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill proudly display the “Community Welcome Packages” which will be distributed to all the employees and the new Century Drive location.

We firmly believe these “Community Welcome Packets” will help new residents and employees settle into Parsippany easily and excitedly. We aim to create a sense of belonging and encourage a thriving community spirit by fostering connections and promoting local engagement.

Parsippany High School intern, Tejas Kommuri, was busy preparing folders for Bowman Engineering, which recently relocated to 6 Campus Drive from Cedar Knolls. The folders contain a variety of exciting offers, including a $15 Gift Card from IHOP, a Free Chicken-fil-A Chicken Sandwich or Chick-fil-A Nuggets, a delicious coffee from Clean Water Cafe, and a free take-home whitening kit from Zen Dental Care. Additionally, the folders include details about local events, news updates, shopping opportunities, and a membership directory from the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information or to request a “Community Welcome Packet,” don’t hesitate to contact Frank Cahill at (973) 559-6000.

Join us in embracing the spirit of #SHOPLOCAL and #SHOPPARSIPPANY as we celebrate our community and support the businesses that make it truly exceptional.