PARSIPPANY — Embracing the delightful tradition of enchanting North Beverwyck Road, the warm-hearted business owners gathered to adorn the exteriors of their establishments with whimsical fall decorations.

Smiling scarecrows, cozy haystacks, swaying corn stalks, radiant mums, and an array of other endearing embellishments came together to joyfully celebrate the arrival of the enchanting autumn season.

As daylight waned and the stars began to twinkle, these charming decorations whispered tales of friendly gatherings, where laughter echoed in the crisp autumn air, and the spirit of togetherness flourished in the heartwarming season.

As you embark on a twilight journey along the enchanting North Beverwyck Road, whether you’re indulging in a delightful scoop of pumpkin ice cream at the Dairy of Lake Hiawatha, savoring the exquisite flavors of Afghanistan at Kabab Paradise, entrusting your locks to the talented hands of Parsippany Cuts, or exploring the floral wonders of Landmark Florist, an array of exciting experiences awaits you.

Amidst this captivating parade of wonders, don’t let the bewitching Unity Bank elude your gaze. Within its newly remodeled branch, secrets of grandeur and mystique await discovery, as their decorations weave a spellbinding tale that beckons you to linger in the enchanting realm of Lake Hiawatha.

Established in April 2011, “The Friends of Lake Hiawatha” emerged as a non-profit organization driven by a singular mission: to elevate the aesthetics of the Lake Hiawatha business area and foster a stronger sense of community within the neighborhood.

One of the hallmark events orchestrated by “The Friends of Lake Hiawatha” is the highly anticipated Winterfest, a cherished gathering held annually on Saturday, December 9. This event has garnered widespread popularity among both children and parents alike. Santa Claus himself makes a grand entrance, arriving in splendid style aboard the Lake Hiawatha fire truck, graciously aided by volunteer firefighters.

Once Santa takes his seat in the charming Gazebo, children are treated to a heartwarming visit. Thanks to Santa’s diligent elves, each child receives a sweet candy cane and a ticket to participate in the organization’s annual raffle. While eagerly awaiting their turn with Santa, the little ones savor hot chocolate and cookies while being serenaded by the festive sounds of holiday music. As the evening draws to a close, “The Friends of Lake Hiawatha” host a thrilling raffle, awarding ten-inch girls’ and boys’ bicycles to two fortunate winners, adding an extra dose of excitement to the festivities.

The present custodians of this noble organization, Antoinette Piccolo-Simmons, and John Pascarella, remain dedicated to the ongoing enhancement of Beverwyck Road and the provision of community-oriented activities. Their commitment ensures that the spirit of camaraderie and the beautification of the neighborhood continue to flourish.

PARSIPPANY  — Kelly Lustig passed on October 11, 2023, at the age of 84.

She was born on September 25, 1939, to Dr. Mitchell and Sybil Shack. Though her legal name is Roberta Nancy Shack, in her teens she went by Nancy; but to most people, for most of her life she was known as Kelly. We like to think that’s why she had such a big bright personality. Kelly grew up in Newark and spent her summers at Camp Weequahic in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It was there that she met her husband, Jerry Lustig. The two were captains of the first camp-wide Olympics competition and were directors of the camp for most of their adult lives.

Kelly went to Weequahic High School in Newark, attended Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, and got her Master’s Degree at Rutgers University. She and Jerry got married on June 23, 1963.

In addition to her work at Weequahic, Kelly taught elementary school in Parsippany until she gave birth to her children Jodi and Steven. She very proudly became a Bat Mitzvah at her older age, singing her haftarah beautifully after long nights practicing with her beloved tuneful dog, Jax. She worked tirelessly for the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter, sang in Congregation Agudeth Israel’s choir, and was an avid fan of her grandchildren’s football and lacrosse games. The Twin Boro Bears, New York Giants, and Michigan Wolverines have lost a most cheesetastic fan!

Kelly Lustig was a member of the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter Board for more than 20 years and served as President, Vice President, and Secretary in addition to serving on the Development and Finance Committees. Kelly would often say that her greatest joy was doing Pet Therapy visits with her MPAS adoptees Jax and Dani. Kelly’s thoughtful nature brought smiles to the faces of those whose lives she made better.

She was a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany joining the organization in 1994.

Kelly was the beloved wife of Gerald Lustig for 60 years, the loving mother of Jodi Lustig (Adam Wattstein) and Steven Lustig (Kim Lustig), devoted grandmother of Austin, Mason, and Colton.

A funeral service for Kelly will be held Sunday, October 15, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, New Jersey. Following the funeral service will be a burial at 2:15 PM at Mount Lebanon Cemetery, 189 Gill Lane, Iselin, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a gift to Kelly’s favorite charity: the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter, 194 Route 10, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936.

PARSIPPANY  — The Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society invites you to a presentation at Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, 449 Halsey Road, Parsippany, entitled “Stories from Beverwyck: Lives Bought and Sold,” Wednesday, October 18, at 6:30 p.m.

Come listen to the story of Aunt Peggy, an enslaved person who lived and worked at Beverwyck, the large farm plantation once located at the current site of the NJ Transit Bus Stop at Beverwyck and Route 46.

PARSIPPANY — Join the Wellness Gala on Sunday, November 12, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel, 199 Smith Road. Parsippany for “An Unprecedented Day of Insight.”

Experience a gathering of globally acclaimed Intuitives and healers ready to share their wisdom on a range of topics. The event will feature an interactive Q&A session, addressing questions on love, career, spirituality, and beyond.

Delve deeper with healing sessions, engaging mini-workshops, wine tastings, food, and exclusive vendor exhibits.

Support the Humane Society through the silent auction.

Don’t miss the keynote speaker, Mas Sajady, presenting “Change your Frequency, Change your Life”, followed by hands-on healing and meditation at 5:00 p.m.

Enjoy a VIP exclusive opportunity to meet and interact with panel members and our celebrity guest, Concetta Bertoldi; a renowned psychic medium and NYTimes best-selling author.

For tickets and more details, click here.

Also, catch ‘Balance Your Life’ TV show every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the NY metro area on Optimum channel 61 and Fios 530. Or watch anytime on YouTube: by clicking here.”

MORRIS COUNTY — Senators Joe Pennacchio and Bob Singer condemned the terrorist attacks launched by Hamas into Israel over the weekend and called on New Jersey legislators to immediately return to Trenton to pass a resolution supporting Israel and the Jewish people.

“Israel is the home for all Jewish people throughout the world. It breaks my heart to see the senseless violence that has erupted in Israel after visiting the country just a few weeks ago. We must condemn the unjust violence against Israel and offer our unwavering support for our Jewish communities during this difficult time,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “The atrocities being committed by Hamas Terrorists against innocent women and children are horrible. Everyone has a right to exist in peace. The Senate should return to Trenton immediately to pass a resolution to show that we stand in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish People.”

Senator Pennacchio and Senator Singer announced that they would be drafting a resolution that shows support for Israel in the wake of ongoing terrorist attacks in the Middle Eastern nation.

“As the representative for the largest Jewish community in the State, I find the terrorist attacks in Israel to be incredibly abhorrent. The Jewish community deserves the Legislature’s unwavering support in the wake of this horrific violence,” said Singer (R-30). “My heart breaks for the families impacted by this global atrocity. It is necessary now, more than ever, for the Legislature to stand in solidarity with our Jewish communities. The Senate must reconvene in Trenton to pass our resolution and condemn Hamas for their violence against Israel.”