Candidates Forum for Candidates of Parsippany Board of Education

PARSIPPANY — The League of Women Voters of the Morristown Area, the Daily Record, and the Parsippany Woman’s Club co-host a candidates forum for candidates running for the Parsippany Board of Education on October 3, 2023.

The candidates are Nilesh M. Bagdai, Falgun Bakhtarwala, Lily Benavides, Timothy P. Berrios, Andrew Choffo, Nicole Dellafave, Matthew Devitto, Balakrishna “Bala” Samaga, Deitria Smith-Snead, Kendra Von Achen, and Wendy Wright.

This recording is owned and copyrighted by the League of Women Voters and can only be shared in its entirety. For Spanish subtitles, go to the video first on YouTube, choose settings: Choose subtitles, automatic translation, Spanish. Para los subtítulos en español, vaya a el vídeo primero en YouTube, escoja configuración: Elegir subtítulos, traducción automática, español.

When Brian Bergen Hosts a Fundraiser, the Turnout is Substantial

MORRIS COUNTY — Recently, Assemblyman Brian Bergen organized a fundraiser in support of his re-election to the Assembly. The event highlighted his widespread appeal and popularity, as every time Brian Bergen hosts such an occasion, there’s always an impressive turnout.

Dignitaries from various levels of government were present in the audience, showing their support for Bergen.

Brian Bergen has been a member of the Assembly since January 2020.

The event highlighted his widespread appeal and popularity, as every time Brian Bergen hosts such an occasion, there’s always an impressive turnout.

A combat veteran, Brian Bergen served with distinction for eight years in the U.S. Army after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point. During his military service, he was an officer, company commander, and Apache helicopter pilot – assignments that earned him a Bronze Star and the Combat Action Badge for his actions in Iraq.

Morris County Commissioner, Stephen Shaw, along with Randolph resident, Anthony Somma, were among the attendees.

In business, Bergen rapidly progressed through a variety of positions in multiple industries, including finance, operations management, process improvement, general management, executive management at the vice president level, and entrepreneurship. He is the owner of Bergen Botanicals, an interior landscape company, and is in the process of purchasing a second business.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from West Point, an MBA from Rutgers Business School, and a master’s degree in administration of justice and security from the University of Phoenix. He also earned a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certificate in business operations improvement from Villanova University.

Previously he was a Denville Township councilman from 2017 to 2019 and as vice chairman of the zoning board.

Each time Brian Bergen organizes an event, it consistently draws a notable crowd.

He and his wife, Kristin, and their two children, Samantha and Justin reside in Denville.

Revolutionizing Clean: Sud City Laundromat’s Grand Opening

PARSIPPANY  — Sud City Laundromat, situated at 83B North Beverwyck Road in Lake Hiawatha, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting event.

Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Justin Musella, Frank Neglia, Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill of Parsippany-Troy Hills, and Nicolas Limanov from the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce graced the event.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill presents Anthony with a plaque on behalf of Parsippany-Troy Hills

Chairman Frank Cahill expressed warm greetings to the laundromat owners, Anthony Puzino and Wayne Holland. Presenting them with a commemorative plaque, he remarked, “On behalf of Parsippany-Troy Hills, I extend hearty congratulations on your grand opening! We’re truly grateful that you chose Parsippany for your enterprise. Wishing you growth and success in your new endeavor. Thanks for enriching our community! #PRIDE IN PARSIPPANY.”

A dedicated Sud City staffer will then handle the washing, drying, folding, and packaging.

Sud City Laundromat promises a top-notch laundry experience to its patrons. Every aspect, from the in-store facilities to the machines, is tailored to ensure customer convenience. One of their standout services is the wash and fold option, allowing customers to either drop their laundry off or arrange a pick-up or delivery. A dedicated Sud City staffer will then handle the washing, drying, folding, and packaging.

For those preferring a hands-on approach, the laundromat offers self-service, featuring robust, commercial-grade machines suitable for heavy usage and large loads. While these machines operate on coins, customers have the flexibility to pay through credit card, Apple Pay, or their bank account via the Payrange mobile app. Sud City is committed to delivering unparalleled laundry services, focusing on superior quality and customer satisfaction.

Sud City Laundromat promises a top-notch laundry experience to its patrons.
Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development, Presents a Commemorative Plaque to Sud City’s Owners, Anthony Puzino and Wayne Holland.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee and Area Chamber of Commerce Warmly Welcome Sud City to Parsippany.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Council Meeting – October 2, 2023

PARSIPPANY  — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Agenda Meeting was held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

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.

Click here to download the agenda.

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 before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request auxiliary aid.

Click here to download the 2023 agenda schedule.

Mayor and Council

Mayor James R. Barberio
Council President Loretta Gragnani
Council Vice-President Michael J. dePierro
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella

CCM Announces the Morristown College Promise

MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) and the Morris School District announce the Morristown College Promise (MCP) Program, a partnership committed to helping motivated, income-qualified middle and high school students and their families by offering free services, such as tutoring and mentoring, while preparing students to go to college.  A press conference to officially launch the partnership was held on Tuesday, October 3 at 11:30 a.m. at Morristown High School, joined by state, county, and local officials and administrators.  

“As the community’s college, CCM’s college promise programs are designed to ensure all students have access to a great education,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, President of CCM. “CCM, the Morris School District, and the community are committed to ensuring more students are college ready, have access, and can affordably achieve their educational and career goals.”  

Senator Anthony Bucco, Legislative District 25, was extremely pleased admitting, “The partnerships like these that CCM has formed, put Morris County on the map and sets the stage for the rest of the state to follow. Setting these young minds on a path while still in high school alleviates the stress and fears of college and encourages them to go further with their education.” 

“The Morris School District serves a student body that is 35% first generation and the Morristown College Promise Program takes direct aim at removing barriers through practical support systems that help guide students to a successful college experience and future career,” added Dr. Anne Mucci, Superintendent of Schools, Morris School District. 

“The partnership between CCM and Morris School District is a significant milestone in our commitment to education and the future of our youth. I am excited to see the transformational efforts of this collaboration and the positive impact it will have on the lives of countless students,” said Angelica Allen-McMillan, Ed.D., Acting Commissioner, Department of Education enthusiastically. 

CCM has been recognized as #1 for Best Associate Degrees in the state and Best for Transfer Students in New Jersey by Intelligent, and many of its programs have gained national recognition. 

“This program is an example of walking the talk in Morris County. It encourages students to not give up and helps them get beyond their obstacles,” stated Honorable John Krickus, County Commissioner Director. 

CCM began the Promise Programs in 2020 during the pandemic and looks to continue expanding and partnering with other high schools in Morris County. 

“CCM is thrilled to expand into Morristown,” comments Iacono proudly, “and MCP would not be possible without community partnerships.”  

“We talk about how we are in many ways reformatting post-secondary education to adapt to student’s needs, but there’s no question it remains the best investment we can make by helping students attend college,” commented Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Legislative District 25. 

Special thanks to the Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation as the inaugural funder of the program’s expansion into Morristown and to the Morris School District for welcoming CCM to the high school. 

“County College of Morris is a leader in connecting members of the community with available resources so they may thrive in all areas of life. The Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation is very proud to partner with the CCM Foundation in support of the expansion of  
The College Promise Program into Morristown, helping students and their families realize the potential their future may hold,” commented Sarah Ahart, President of Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation. 

Marotta Controls Named Exceptional Small Business Supplier

PARSIPPANY — Marotta Controls, a rapidly growing aerospace and defense supplier, today announced that the company has received the Lockheed Martin Exceptional Small Business Award for 2022 – one of twenty companies selected for this honor. Presented annually by Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control, the award showcases the company’s dedication to fostering relationships with exceptional small businesses that provide significant value and innovative solutions over the course of the previous year. 

This latest award recognizes Marotta’s commitment to fulfilling the subassembly needs of Lockheed’s next-generation, long-range precision-strike missile (PrSM) designed for the U.S. Army. Marotta was also named Exceptional Small Business Supplier in 2015 for demonstrating dedicated program performance and achieving a 100 percent quality and delivery rating for a power supply on a missile program. 

Marotta is a critical partner to Lockheed Martin on several platforms and has been selected as one of three small businesses to strengthen the defense industrial base for a high-priority program. This is part of the Department of Defense (DoD) Mentor-Protégé Program, which encourages prime contractors to serve as mentors in developing the technical and business capabilities of small businesses.

“When Marotta began working with Lockheed Martin, we were hungry for the business and eager to please. Here we are, more than a decade later – still hungry and eager – but also recognized as a trusted and highly valued Lockheed partner,” said Steven Fox, senior vice president, of Power & Actuation Systems, Marotta Controls. “Through our expertise, products, and transparency, Marotta has earned its place as an integral member of the Lockheed Martin team, and each successive award is further proof of the hands-on, collaborative approach we bring to the table.”

Marotta has invested heavily in its relationship with Lockheed Martin. Over the past 13 years, the partnership has yielded:

  • The development of 20+ new products
  • Delivery of 40,000+ units
  • 6 franchise production programs
  • 18 current programs (11 development programs and 7 production programs)

For more information about the Marotta Controls power and actuation capabilities, click here.

Founded in 1943, Marotta Controls is a fully integrated solutions provider that designs, develops, qualifies, and manufactures innovative systems and sub-systems for the aerospace and defense sectors. Our portfolio includes pressure, power, motion, fluid, and electronic controls for tactical systems, shipboard and sub-sea applications, satellites, launch vehicles, and aircraft systems. With over 200 patents, Marotta Controls continues to build on its legacy as a highly respected, family-owned small business based in the state of New Jersey. Twitter: @marottacontrols LinkedIn: Marotta Controls, Inc.

Woman’s Club Transforms Town Hall Planter into Halloween Spectacle

PARSIPPANY  — In the spirit of the spookiest time of the year, the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills has once again shown its creative flair by decorating the Town Hall planter with an array of Halloween-themed ornaments. As townsfolk pass by, they are greeted by a mesmerizing blend of jack-o-lanterns, pumpkins, and flags, ensuring that the spirit of Halloween is alive and well in the heart of the community.

Members of The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills gathered over the weekend, armed with pumpkins, and an assortment of decorations, turning the once simple planter into a festive Halloween masterpiece. With the full moon approaching and the chill of fall in the air, the transformed planter adds to the ambiance and serves as a delightful reminder of the upcoming holiday.

“I love seeing the children’s faces light up when they walk by,” commented Marilyn Marion, Co-President of the Womans Club. “It’s a small gesture, but it brings so much joy to our community. We’re always looking for ways to give back and brighten people’s days, especially during these times.”

The decorated planter not only highlights the club’s dedication to community involvement but also showcases their talent and creativity. As the days grow shorter and Halloween inches closer, the Town Hall planter stands as a beacon of festivity and celebration, all thanks to the dedicated women of the Womans Club.

The Women’s Club plans to organize more events and initiatives in the coming months, further fostering a sense of community and togetherness. Their efforts continue to be a shining example of how small acts of kindness can have a significant impact.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a dynamic group of women of all ages and walks of life committed to volunteerism and service to our community.

Reminder: Nationwide Emergency Alert Test to Take Place Today

NEW JERSEY — On Wednesday, October. 4 at approximately 2:20 p.m., there will be a nationwide emergency alert test on coming ell phones, wireless devices, radios, and TVs. This is a standard test that occurs at least once every three years.

FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) on October 4 with a backup testing date of October 11, 2023 in the event of widespread severe weather or other significant events.

About the National Test

The national test will consist of two portions to help ensure that Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) continue to be effective ways to warn the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.

Information about the WEA test

The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. This will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of your device.

All major U.S. wireless providers participate in Wireless Emergency Alerts and will transmit the national test to their subscribers.

If your mobile phone is on and within range of an active cell tower from a participating wireless provider, you should receive the national test. Wireless providers will transmit the national test for 30 minutes, but your phone should only receive it once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test:

For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”

WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To help ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.

Information about the EAS test

The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers.

The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – October 3, 2023

PARSIPPANY  — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting was held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

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.

Click here to download the agenda.

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 before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request auxiliary aid.

Click here to download the 2023 agenda schedule.

Mayor and Council

Mayor James R. Barberio
Council President Loretta Gragnani
Council Vice-President Michael J. dePierro
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella

Professional Physical Therapy Hosts Ribbon Cutting Celebration

PARSIPPANY  — On Saturday, September 23, Professional Physical Therapy proudly opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, offering guests an inside look at their cutting-edge facility equipped with the latest in rehabilitation technology.

Meera Bajaj, Clinical Director of Professional Physical Therapy, shared, “This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to our commitment to delivering tailored and impactful care to our patients. We’re excited to introduce our services to the community.”

Attendees enjoyed guided tours of the facility, highlighting the sophisticated equipment and spaces optimized for patient care. The event also allowed them to interact with the skilled team of therapists and gain insights into the range of services provided, spanning pain management, post-operative rehabilitation, sports injuries, workplace injuries, chronic conditions, fall prevention, and balance training.

Mayor James Barberio commended Meera Bajaj on the opening, noting the vital role such services play, from aiding student-athletes to assisting adults in their fitness journeys. “Your offerings fill a significant gap in our community, and I foresee a bright future for Professional Physical Therapy here.”

Key community figures, including Councilman Justin Musella, Frank Neglia, Chairman Frank Cahill of Parsippany Economic Development, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, and board members Nicolas Limanov and Ildiko Peluso, graced the occasion.

Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development presented a plaque to Meera Bajaj, Clinical Director of Professional Physical Therapy, thanking her for choosing Parsippany

Chairman Cahill conveyed his congratulations, stating, “We’re grateful you chose Parsippany for your venture. Wishing you tremendous success. You’ve added to our community’s pride.”

Offering both physical and hand therapy services, each patient at Professional Physical Therapy is assured personalized care tailored to their needs, delivered by seasoned therapists.

Situated at 333 Littleton Road, the center is a proud member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.