At the most recent Parsippany Town Council meeting (October 18) a majority of the council caved to organized labor to pass Ordinance 2022:24 requiring the use of PLAs for any project over 5 million dollars. I was in the minority and part of a Goliath fight attempting to sway the majority of council members toward a position that protects the financial interests of Parsippany residents. Unlike David, we did not prevail; at least for now.
I believe my experience as a former union member (Local 333 and M.E.B.A.-2) and current employee in the public sector provides a unique and balanced perspective that is sensitive to both sides. I support the rights of all workers to earn a fair wage. Moreover, they are entitled to fair labor practices and safe working conditions. Their skills and technical abilities are admirable.
However, after listening to the majority at Tuesday night’s meeting, one might believe that hiring union workers precludes cost overruns, ensures the timely completion of projects, and guarantees quality workmanship. My experience proves different. In fact, cost overruns, and delays are so common in the public sector they are expected. Furthermore, if a newly completed project fails, the architect is likely the one accountable, not the workers.
Tuesday, October 18 was a sad night for Parsippany residents who were let down by the Mayor and the majority of the Town Council, elected to protect the fiduciary interests of the Town and its residents. My hope is that the fight to keep Parsippany fiscally solvent is not over. I encourage Parsippany residents to rally around Justin Muscella, the only council member with the courage to stand up against “Goliath,” and repeal Ordinance 2022:24 that requires the use of PLAs for contractual work above 5 million dollars.
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, October 29, 2022, colors, lights, and food fused with joy and tradition, as Diwali – The Festival of Lights – was celebrated at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Diwali is the most widely celebrated festival by Indians and Hindus around the world. October is being celebrated as Hindu Heritage Month, and community leaders as well as policymakers, including US President Joe Biden, are participating in lighting lamps and offering best wishes for the festivities.
Visitors were greeted with a festive and traditional welcome at the temple entrance by a colorful Rangoli, an ornate floor design made from colored powder, displaying various traditional Hindu symbols.
“It’s great to be starting the year off with family, friends, and community members,” said Dr. Raunaq Bhatt.
In preparation for the festivities, many devotees, young and old, gave their time to help create decorations, prepare for children’s Diwali, and set the stage for the most significant ritual of Diwali, ‘Annakut’. Annakut, which literally means ‘a mountain of food’, is traditionally offered to God to celebrate the beginning of the Hindu New Year.
Paul and Sharon DeGroot
“The preparation begins very early in the morning for us,” explained Seema Trambadia, a volunteer of BAPS. “The vegetarian food is traditionally arranged in tiers or steps in front of the sacred images of God. Today over 850 food items have been offered to God.”
“Diwali is my favorite festival because of the excitement that fills the air when the festival nears. Having recently migrated to the US, I did not know what to expect,” said Kishan Patel, “However, after coming to the mandir, I felt like I was back in India. I experienced my culture while getting a taste of fine Indian cuisine. Every person I met had an expression of warmth and happiness on their face. I truly felt at home.”
At mandirs across North America, the glow of the lights, bright colors, and festive ambiance at the mandirs welcomed visitors as they took in the colors of the rangoli. Visitors joyfully offered prayers for the year ahead, and also had the opportunity to partake in prasadam (sanctified food).
Diwali traditions are founded in deep spiritual meaning and encourage communities to reflect at each step of the celebrations. The ancient tradition of lighting diyas, or traditional lamps, symbolizes the transition from darkness to light. While the lamps lit on Diwali erase the physical darkness, the festival’s rich traditions, and rituals help individuals remove the darkness from within, in the forms of anger, envy, greed, arrogance, and resentment. The celebrations and traditions observed during the Diwali period present an opportunity to reflect and introspect on one’s personal, professional, and spiritual growth, and to start anew.
The multiple days of Diwali are steeped in traditions and rituals that symbolize new beginnings and a renewed commitment to family. The bright colors of Rangoli, the lamps, and the elaborate offering of vegetarian food (Annakut) to God, all mark a renewal of the good within and the goodwill towards all around us.
This year His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj celebrated Diwali and Annakut in Gondal, in the state of Gujarat in India. He blessed the devotees with a happy and peaceful new year. He also stressed that since this year is also the centennial celebration of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, may all be blessed to live according to his virtuous life.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a spiritual, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selfless service. Its worldwide network of 3,800 centers supports these character-building activities. Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is free of addictions as well as morally, ethically, and spiritually pure. For more details, please visit www.baps.org.
About Mahant Swami Maharaj
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He has ordained a swami by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961 and named Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As he has appointed the head (Mahant) of the Mandir in Mumbai, he became known as Mahant Swami. His devout, humble, and service-focused life earned him the innermost blessings of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Mahant Swami Maharaj travels throughout the world inspiring people through his insightful spiritual discourses and disciplined conduct. His virtuous lifestyle and profound devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals toward which devotees strive. Mahant Swami Maharaj became the guru and President of BAPS upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s passing in 2016.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Under his leadership, BAPS grew into an international spiritual and humanitarian organization with over 3,300 centers worldwide. He dedicated his life to the well-being of others, traveling throughout the world to foster love, peace, harmony, righteousness, faith in God, and service to humanity. With genuine care and compassion, he reached out to all members of society irrespective of class, color, or age. Recognized and respected as one of India’s greatest spiritual teachers, he lived by and promoted the principle: “In the joy of others, lies our own.”
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting was held on Tuesday, November 1.
Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. Council meetings are held at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.
Mayor James R Barberio
Council President Michael J. dePierro
Council Vice-President Loretta Gragnani
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
Littleton Elementary School serves 422 students in grades Prekindergarten-5.
Littleton Elementary School placed in the top 10% of all schools in New Jersey for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 20%) for the 2018-19 school year.
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 75-79% (which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 44%) for the 2018-19 school year. The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75-79% (which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 57%) for the 2018-19 school year.
The student: teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 59% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Littleton Elementary School is located at 250 Brooklawn Drive.
PARSIPPANY — Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting on October 19, 2022, was held in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany.
The announcement is made that adequate notice of this meeting has been given and that it is being conducted in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq. of the New Jersey “Open Public Meetings Act”
PARSIPPANY — Mayor James Barberio presented Barbara Krajkowski with a Proclamation at the Township Council meeting on Tuesday, November 1.
Jane Krajkowski, best known for her starring role as Jenna Maroney in the NBC satirical comedy series 30 Rock, hugs her mom, Barbara, after Mayor James Barberio presented her with a proclamation at Parsippany Town Hall on Tuesday, November 1
Barbara Krajkowski was one of the three original founding members of the Women’s Theater Company, a non-profit organization operating under a “Special Appearance Contract” with the Actors Equity Association, in 1993.
Under Barbara’s tutelage as Executive Director and Producing Artistic Director, the company evolved from a theater group that performed only original works by women to include a broader mission to produce original and established works by women, productions of interest to women, and productions by local playwrights.
Barbara earned a BA from Fairleigh Dickinson University and an MA from William Paterson University where she served for many years as an adjunct professor.
Members of Parsippany-Troy Hills Women’s Club congratulate Barbara Krajkowski
Barbara’s honors include “2008 Outstanding Arts Advocate” from the Arts Council of the Morris Area, the “2009 Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment” award from Garden State Woman Magazine, and “2010 Female Legend of Morris County” from the Morris County Chamber of Commerce; and Barbara used her 30+ years of skill and experience in theater to guide this unique group to its accolades through many venues through the years, such as The Playwright Theater in Madison, The Bickford Theater in Morristown and, since 2005, it’s current home at The Parsippany Playhouse in the Senior Center.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker announce the hiring of Jenna Powers and Gregory Federici as Detectives for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Both were officially sworn in at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office on October 31.
Chief Kimker; Lincoln and Nicole Federici; Det. Federici; Prosecutor Carroll; First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood
Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Detective Powers was as a Detective for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office since 2020, serving in the Special Victims Unit and Adult Trial Section. Before serving in that position, she was an Assistant Prosecutor for that same office from 2016 until 2020, was an attorney for a private law practice from 2015 to 2016, and was an Assistant Prosecutor for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office from 2012 to 2015 serving in the Domestic Violence Unit and Specialized Services/Megan’s Law Unit. Detective Powers possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Washington College in Maryland, and a Juris Doctorate Degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Michigan. She has been assigned to the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, within the Tactical Division of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Detective Federici was a police officer in Cranford, Union County, New Jersey since 2013, where he served in patrol operations and in the Community Policing Unit. Before serving as a police officer, Detective Federici was a Communications Officer with the Cranford Police Department from 2011 until 2013, a Personal Trainer in 2010, and a Substitute Teacher and Football Coach at Cranford High School from 2008 to 2010. Also, from 2008 to 2013, he served as a volunteer Auxiliary Police Officer for the Cranford Police Department. Det. Federici possesses an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Union County College. He has been assigned to the General Investigations Unit, within the Courts & Administration Division of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “The addition of Detective Powers and Detective Federici to our office brings a valuable cross-section of talent and experience. We welcome both and anticipate that they will contribute positively to the effectiveness of our operation.”
PARSIPPANY — Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting on November 2, 2022 will start at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany.
The announcement is made that adequate notice of this meeting has been given and that it is being conducted in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq. of the New Jersey “Open Public Meetings Act”
PARSIPPANY —The Morris County 4-H “ResistoJets” Rocketry Club is one of only 18 middle-and-high school groups nationwide to qualify for this year’s NASA Student Launch Initiative and the only team from New Jersey. More than 50 college-age teams will also participate.
During the NASA Student Launch Initiative, or SLI, student teams design, build and launch a rocket and payload according to NASA’s specifications as part of a rocketry competition. The goal of this year’s challenge is to simulate photographing the surface of a planet. The team will design and build an 8-foot-tall rocket that will lift its payload to over 5,000 feet.
During the pandemic, club president and team Captain Sean McConoughey of Califon pursued rocketry as a hobby with his father, Luke. When he learned about the NASA challenge, he approached 4-H to sponsor the team, which includes Brian Sun of Belle Mead, Holt Englander of Morristown, Mya McConoughey of Califon, and Sahisnu Santhosh of Lake Hiawatha. New team members are welcome.
“When I first heard about the NASA Student Launch program I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn and grow after running out of ideas for my own projects,” said McConoughey. “However, we quickly found out we had to qualify first, in our case through TARC. In hindsight, I think that was a great thing that helped prepare us a lot for the Student Launch. What’s driven me over the last year, since starting the competitions, has been everything I’ve learned and the experiences I have to look forward to.”
To qualify for the 2023 NASA SLI, the ResistoJets Rocketry Club’s five members had to compete and succeed in the prerequisite American Rocketry Challenge (TARC) last year, designing a rocket to transport two eggs to a certain altitude before landing them safely on the ground — intact. Their design was successful on a competitive launch day in Virginia, which enabled the 4-H group to progress.
Now that they are officially accepted into the SLI program, the team interacts with NASA along the lines of a contractor by writing and submitting precise proposals for their rocket, specifying the design, ultimate altitude, and performance. Accurate estimation of the rocket’s performance is an important piece of the proposal, said 4-H Program Assistant Britt Wagner.
The competition will take place in April at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. This phase of the challenge is built around the current Artemis NASA mission.
Team Photo
The team is currently in the preliminary design review phase and working to give a 30-min presentation on design and performance to the NASA team in early November. The next steps are to build a smaller-scale model of the design, then launch, test, and fine-tune it. The challenge also includes requirements for media presence for each team as well as a STEM education plan to reach more than 250 students in the area.
“This competition has the potential to transform students into well-qualified professionals for the modern-day workplace,” said Fred Kepner, activity lead for Student Launch at Marshall. “Many former students now work with NASA or our industry partners across the nation, some supporting the next chapter of space exploration, the Artemis program.”
“I am very proud of what the team has accomplished so far, and I look forward to everything that lies ahead,” McConoughey said.
Dear Editor:
Visitors were greeted with a festive and traditional welcome at the temple entrance by a colorful Rangoli, an ornate floor design made from colored powder, displaying various traditional Hindu symbols.
To qualify for the 2023 NASA SLI, the ResistoJets Rocketry Club’s five members had to compete and succeed in the prerequisite American Rocketry Challenge (TARC) last year, designing a rocket to transport two eggs to a certain altitude before landing them safely on the ground — intact. Their design was successful on a competitive launch day in Virginia, which enabled the 4-H group to progress.