Esporta Fitness Will Be Closing

PARSIPPANY — On August 15 at 2:00 p.m., Esporta Fitness, situated within the Troy Hills Shopping Center at 1159 Route 46, will close its doors. Customers were notified to switch their memberships to other Esporta Fitness or LA Fitness locations.

The closest LA Fitness is located at 30 Sylvan Way, Hanover, next to Wegmans Food Store. There is also a location in Randolph, 140 Route 10 in Randolph Square.

There are 135 Esporta Fitness locations in the United States as of June 15, 2023. The state with the most number of Esporta Fitness locations is Florida, with 29 locations, which is about 21% of all Esporta Fitness locations in the United States.

The Parsippany location occupied 61,221 square feet in the Troy Hills Shopping Center.  This is the second store within the past few months to close. The Dollar Tree, 1099 Route 46, closed in May. Although the Dollar Tree will be leased to Phenix Salon Suites. Phenix corporate office is located in  Encinitas, California. Phenix Salon Suites has developed an innovative approach to small business ownership by inviting Lifestyle Professionals to operate their business in a beautifully designed suite.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Swore in Two New Officers

MORRIS COUNTY — Nicole Levendusky and Mark Slinger were sworn in as Sheriff’s Officers for the Bureau of Law Enforcement. These officers were previously employed at the Sheriff’s Office for the Bureau of Corrections.

Officer Slinger hails from Roxbury. He attended the County College of Morris and York College, receiving his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Officer Slinger has been assigned to the K-9 unit since March of 2020 and currently works with a search and rescue and explosives detection black lab named Odie and a Dutch Shepard named Zara, who is trained in patrol and narcotics.

While working in corrections, Officer Slinger has received employee of the month twice at the Morris County Correctional Facility and a few awards while assigned to the MCSO Canine Unit. He and Canine Zara have received top dog at USPCA PD1 Trials twice and have completed at USPCA PD1 Nationals in Georgia.

Officer Levendusky is originally from Butler. Much of her experience before the Morris County Sheriff’s Office was focused on sports, coaching, and working/training dogs. Officer Levendusky was initially hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. She has worked in various positions within the jail, including intake.

Most recently, she has been assigned to the Canine Unit and works with Canine Ollie in narcotics.

“We wish them good luck as their careers with the Sheriff’s Office continue to evolve,” officials said.

Mayor Barberio Proclaims National Gun Violence Awareness Day

PARSIPPANY — Mayor James Barberio issued a Proclamation designating June 2, 2023, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the township. The Mayor presented the Proclamation to Jeanmarie Embler, Morris County Chapter Lead of Moms Demand Action, acknowledging the importance of raising awareness about gun violence.

The chosen date holds significance as it would have marked the 26th birthday of Hadiya Pendleton, a young victim who tragically lost her life at the age of 15. Inspired by her memory, Hadiya’s classmates initiated a campaign urging people to wear orange on June 2. Orange is the color hunters wear to ensure visibility and prevent accidents in wooded areas.

Mayor Barberio expressed his support for preventing the devastating impact of gun violence and emphasized the value of every human life. He encouraged all citizens of Parsippany to join the efforts in combating gun violence and promoting a safer community.

Parsippany High School Graduates Engage in Project Graduation Celebrations

PARSIPPANY — After the Parsippany High School graduation, 140 students participated in a memorable event held at Branchburg Sports Complex. The event featured a wide range of activities and attractions that ensured an enjoyable and safe experience for the graduates:

Sports Activities:

  • Turf fields were available for football, soccer, and ultimate frisbee, providing opportunities for friendly competition and team play.
  • Basketball and volleyball courts allowed students to engage in their favorite sports and enjoy some friendly matches.

Entertainment:

  • A four-story laser tag arena offered an exciting and immersive gaming experience.
  • An arcade provided various games for students to enjoy.
  • A gaga pit was available for a unique dodgeball-style game, adding an element of fun and competition.
  • An inflatable obstacle course provided a thrilling and adventurous challenge.
  • A climbing structure offered an opportunity for physical activity and adventure.

Additional Attractions:

  • Karaoke allowed students to showcase their singing talents and enjoy a musical experience.
  • A fortune teller added a touch of mysticism and intrigue to the event.
  • A caricaturist provided personalized drawings, creating unique keepsakes for the graduates.
  • Airbrush tattoos offered temporary body art for students to express themselves.
  • A station where students could take photos with friends and have them transferred onto t-shirts provided a fun and memorable way to capture the moment.

The event aimed to create a safe and enjoyable environment for the graduates, highlighting the importance of celebrating without the influence of drugs or alcohol. Project Graduation events like this have become a popular tradition across the country, promoting awareness of the dangers of substance abuse and reducing the number of youth involved in drug-related accidents.

By organizing such chemical-free celebrations, Project Graduation aimed to ensure a memorable and responsible experience for graduating seniors, establishing a tradition that prioritizes their safety and well-being.

PHS Seniors Enjoyed Brunch After Graduation Practice

PARSIPPANY — After their graduation practice, seniors from Parsippany High School (PHS) had the opportunity to enjoy a delightful brunch. It served as a celebration of their achievements and a chance to come together before their graduation ceremony. The brunch was a special occasion for the students to relax, socialize, and reflect on their high school journey.

The brunch was made possible through the efforts of various individuals and organizations.

Thanks to the generous contributions from various organizations and businesses:

  • Pomptonian Food Service: Donated pancakes, French toast sticks, hash browns, and a selection of orange juice and milk.
  • Applebee’s: Generously provided 30 pounds of bacon and egg beaters.
  • IHOP: Donated an additional 30 pounds of bacon.
  • Foodtown: Contributed a refreshing fruit salad.
  • Baldwin, Howards, and Anthony and Sons: Donated a variety of delicious bagels.
  • Anthony and Sons: Generously provided donuts for everyone to enjoy.
  • Dunkin’ in Lake Hiawatha: Donated additional donuts to enhance the brunch experience.

In addition to the food donations, Target and ShopRite contributed to the event by generously offering $100 gift cards. The organizers also purchased water to ensure everyone stayed hydrated during the brunch and before Project Graduation, an event held after graduation.

This post-graduation practice brunch was a memorable experience for the PHS seniors, allowing them to bond with their classmates one last time before embarking on their future endeavors. It served as a wonderful way to commemorate their accomplishments and bid farewell to their high school years.

This collective support from local businesses and organizations made the brunch a memorable experience for the graduating students of Parsippany High School.

Key Club Lt. Governor Visits Parsippany Kiwanis

PARSIPPANY — Montville High School Senior Shashank Karra visited the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.

Karra is a dedicated individual who serves as the Key Club Division 17 Lieutenant Governor. In this influential position within the Key Club organization, he takes on the responsibility of overseeing the Key Clubs at Parsippany High School, Parsippany Hills High School, Morristown High School, Mountain Lakes High School, and Montville High School.

Shashank Karra’s commitment to both academics and community service is evident as he continues to excel as a rising senior at Montville. Additionally, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany has been sponsoring Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School, further strengthening the connection between the Key Club and these institutions.

Key Club itself is a student-led organization that operates within high schools. Its primary focus is to make a positive impact on the world through various service projects. By actively engaging in service, Key Club members not only contribute to their communities but also develop their leadership skills and cultivate a compassionate heart for serving others.

For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany contact President Nicolas Limanov at (917) 499-7299 or visit parsippanykiwanis.org.

They meet weekly at the Parsippany IHOP, 792 Route 46 on Thursdays.  The first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. all others meet at 7:15 a.m.

Governor Murphy Approves Package of Bills to Boost Housing Affordability

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy, in a landmark decision recently signed a three-bill package aimed at promoting housing affordability in New Jersey. This package aligns with the Murphy Administration’s sustained commitment to invest in housing initiatives and make New Jersey a more affordable place to live, work, and start a family.

Governor Murphy commented, “As we strive to make New Jersey more affordable for all, we must ensure we remove barriers that prevent people from becoming homeowners… I am proud to sign legislation that will not only expand opportunities for first-time homebuyers and those seeking affordable housing, but will further advance our state as the best place in the nation to raise a family.”

The three bills sanctioned today encompass:

1. A-5596/S-3991, which establishes the Urban Preservation Program within the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA). This program, backed by an $80 million investment from federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds allocated in the FY2024 budget, supports investments in rehabilitation and reconstruction projects aimed at preserving affordable housing in urban areas.

2. A-5595/S-4026, which expands specific State programmatic interventions related to residential foreclosures. Backed by a $15 million investment from ARP funds in the FY2024 budget, this bill endows the NJHMFA with an extended set of tools to intervene in foreclosures, keeping New Jerseyans in their homes and rehabilitating and reselling vacant properties.

3. A-5415/S-3780, which codifies and expands NJHMFA’s successful down payment assistance program, reflecting the Governor’s Wealth Disparity Task Force’s efforts to provide tangible benefits specifically for first-generation homebuyers. This bill also introduces the Resilient Home Construction Pilot Program in the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to fund developers to rehabilitate existing homes and construct new affordable houses for sale.

The signed bill package fortifies the Murphy Administration’s dedication to housing affordability, evident in its investment of over $1.3 billion in the Affordable Rescue Plan (ARP) State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF) dollars for housing in the past three years.

Earlier in the day, Governor Murphy endorsed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, incorporating over $300 million for affordable housing initiatives, including those promoted by the newly signed housing bills. The funding will back the programs outlined in the affordable housing bill package.

“The three housing bills signedprovide breakthrough opportunities for citizens to establish roots and enrich communities in the great state of New Jersey,” stated Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who also serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs.

She emphasized the impact of affordable housing on community enrichment, family stability, and economic vitality, recognizing its importance in the nation’s most densely populated state.

Kiwanis Club Honors Empire Diner and Mourns Closure: A Thirty-Year Partnership Comes to an End

PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, a long-standing community organization, recently presented Frank Shizas, owner of Empire Diner, with a heartfelt plaque as a token of appreciation. For over three decades, Empire Diner has been the cherished meeting place for the Kiwanis Club, making the diner’s closure a poignant moment for the entire membership.

The Empire Diner closed on July 1, 2023.

Mayor Barberio Swears in Five New Officers to Strengthen Parsippany Police Department

PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, June 28, Mayor James Barberio had the honor of swearing in five new officers to the Parsippany Police Department. Patrolman Michael Bettelli, Patrolman Alex Cavaluzzo, Patrolman Angelo Macera, Patrolman Sean Golden, and Patrolman. Justin Gosden will attend the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy before joining the ranks of Parsippany’s finest protecting the Parsippany-Troy Hills community.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, July 2023. Click here to read the magazine.

Fireworks Celebration Begins with a Rock Show

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s Fourth of July celebration will be held on Tuesday, July 4 at Parsippany Hills High School.

The area will open at 5:00 p.m. and a Rock Show will begin at 7:30 p.m.  Fireworks will commence at dark.

There are no pets permitted.  The rain date is Wednesday, July 5.

Plan alternate travel routes if you are not attending the event. There will be traffic delays in the area of Route 53, Park Road., Brooklawn Drive and Route 202 during this time. Everyone in attendance will proceed through a Police checkpoint prior to entry. Intoxicated persons will be DENIED entry. All BAGS & CONTAINERS are subject to inspection.
*THE FOLLOWING IS PROHIBITED:
– GLASS CONTAINERS
– ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
– PETS
– PERSONAL FIREWORKS (Even the Legal ones)
– DRONES (or other types of Aircraft)
*PARKING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (Proper Placards Must Be Possessed) – Limited Parking at the Tennis Courts. Access can be gained via Glencove Road. Golf carts will be present to assist with transporting people needing assistance on the hill.
*O.E.M. PERSONNEL AVAILABLE FOR ASSISTANCE:
Volunteer members of the Parsippany Office of Emergency Management wearing Hi-Visibility Lime/Green Shirts at the event available for directions & guidance.