PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) is announcing the 27 students from New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District appointed to the U.S. Service Academies and Service Academy Preparatory Schools. These students will begin their education and service careers this year at the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and their associated Preparatory Schools. Rep. Sherrill hosted an event to recognize the students yesterday in Denville.
“Each and every year, I continue to be so impressed by the caliber of students who apply to my office for nominations to the military service academies. From personal experience, I know how rigorous the course of instruction is at these schools – both academically and physically – and I’m proud to wish them well as they begin their careers as future leaders of our men and women in uniform,” said Rep. Sherrill.
The students attending U.S. Service Academies:
Kelly Keyes, Parsippany – U.S. Military Academy
Chirag Chandnani, Mountain Lakes – U.S. Naval Academy
David Farrell, Morris Plains – U.S. Naval Academy
Elizabeth Habjan, Montclair – U.S. Naval Academy
Delaney Moynihan, Chatham – U.S. Naval Academy
Kyle James, Whippany – U.S. Naval Academy
Jaycen Burke, Whippany – U.S. Military Academy
Matthew Leslie, Rockaway – U.S. Military Academy
Sophia Levitt, Livingston – U.S. Military Academy
William Parrella, Kinnelon – U.S. Military Academy
Remy Ronen, Cedar Grove – U.S. Military Academy
Gina Oswald, Riverdale – U.S. Military Academy
Heainz Manoj, Livingston – U.S. Military Academy
Robert Simone, North Caldwell – U.S. Military Academy
Joey Shi, Livingston – U.S. Military Academy
Thomas Schottland, Sparta – U.S. Military Academy
Bennett Marshall, Chatham – U.S. Military Academy
Sarah Thabit, Morristown – U.S. Military Academy
Clark Wagner, Madison – U.S. Military Academy
Vincent Wong, Millburn – U.S. Military Academy
Audrey Baker, Essex Fells – U.S. Air Force Academy
Christian Greene, Chatham – U.S. Air Force Academy
John Freeman, Montclair – U.S. Air Force Academy
Joseph White, Pompton Plains – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Zak Li, Wayne – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Rep. Sherrill graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1994 and served as a Sea King helicopter pilot and Russian policy officer in the U.S. Navy for almost 10 years.
PARSIPPANY — Bowman Consulting Group recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new offices at Six Campus Drive. Moving all employees from a nearby location in Cedar Knolls, the company leased 11,765 newly renovated square feet in the “The Arbors at Parsippany.”
Joining in the celebration with Eric Keller, Vice President/Branch Manager, was Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Township President Loretta Gragnani, Vice President Michael dePierro, Councilmen Justin Musella, Frank Neglia, and Paul Carifi, Jr., Also present was Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board member Nicolas Limanov, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill and member Jigar Shah.
Bowman is a trusted, multi-disciplinary consulting firm offering public and private clients nationwide a broad range of real estate, energy, infrastructure, and environmental management solutions. From large commercial developments to master-planned communities to local transportation projects, Bowman delivers outstanding project results, builds long-lasting relationships, and leverages our organization’s growth to serve our clients’ constantly changing needs.
As a result of systematic corporate planning and diligent implementation, Bowman’s dynamic leadership has focused on a strategic expansion that has resulted in a national project portfolio and opportunities to increase its geographic presence for both new and existing clients. Bowman offers on-demand technical genius and industry-leading talent that, when combined, produce innovative and effective results.
Bowman provided civil engineering, designing, and planning construction documents for Veterans Park in Parsippany. Working with a landscape architect, Bowman provided all necessary civil engineering documents and obtained the required permits.
Gary Bowman, Founder & CEO, has served as President, CEO, and Chairman since founding the company in 1995. Their corporate headquarters is located in Reston, VA.
PARSIPPANY — The weatherman proved uncooperative regarding the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany’s Touch-A-Truck Event at the beginning of the week, as forecasted heavy thunderstorms. However, as the week unfolded, there was a notable change. The weatherman began to cooperate and provided a more favorable prediction: temperatures in the 70s, with a slight 20% chance of rain. This shift in the weather forecast relieved Nicolas Limanov, the event organizer, as he could anticipate a more pleasant atmosphere. The event ended at 3:00 p.m., and the showers moved in shortly after.
What was an annual event was preempted due to COVID-19 and logistic issues until Liquid Church stepped up and offered their property for the massive gathering.
Touch-a-Truck, organized by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, is a remarkable fundraising event to benefit the community. It offers children of all ages a unique opportunity to engage with various vehicles while interacting with esteemed community leaders such as police officers, firefighters, first aid squad volunteers, sanitation workers, and more. This hands-on experience fosters an environment of learning and excitement.
Beyond being a fantastic outing for families, the event serves a greater purpose by supporting the Kiwanis Club’s major initiatives. Kiwanis International, a global organization of dedicated volunteers, is committed to positively impacting the world, one child, and one community at a time. With our Parsippany-based group actively involved, we contribute to and sponsor numerous community causes, striving to enhance the lives of those around us.
Among the many participants were Markovski Landscaping and Tree Service, Everest Landscaping Construction, Bob Hegarty North Jersey Crane Services, Ajaco Towing, Saraceno Disposal, Direct Waste Services and Car John Recycling, Carner Brothers, Minutemen Limousine, Tanis Concrete, A Rent-All Center, Student Transportation of America (STA), Parsippany DPW, Parsippany Parks Forestry, Parsippany Police, Parsippany Office of Emergency Management, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Department District 1, Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3, Rockaway Neck Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 5, Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 6, Boonton Volunteer Fire Department, Morris County Office of Emergency Management, Rockaway Neck Volunteer First Aid Squad, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, NJ State Police, NJ Urban Search and Rescue, NJ Transit Police, US Marines Corps, Florham Park Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, and Crime Scene and Emergency Service Units.
Lake Hiawatha Dairy played a delightful role in the Touch-A-Truck event by supplying “tickets” distributed to children by law enforcement agencies. These special tickets were a token of appreciation and excitement for the young participants. Each ticket granted the child a well-deserved treat of free ice cream, creating a sense of joy and anticipation.
The Jersey Tunes Band took the stage and delivered captivating live performances throughout the day, captivating audiences of all ages. Their musical talents and energetic presence created an entertaining atmosphere for everyone. From youngsters to adults, the band’s vibrant performances resonated with the diverse crowd, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
In addition, Liquid Church, Clean Water Cafe, Morris Now, Parsippany IHOP, Mr. Sam Ice Cream Truck, Eddie’s Amusements, The Hot Dog Guys, David Warner Photography, Cornerstone First Mortgage, Kumon, VSA Learning Center, AT & T, Mary Kay and A Rent All Center, Pinebrook were among the many local organizations donating to the success of the event.
By attending Touch-a-Truck and participating in its various activities, families create lasting memories and play a vital role in supporting the Kiwanis Club’s efforts to improve the lives of children and communities. Together, we can make a significant difference and inspire positive change.
PARSIPPANY — Coyne Public Relations has been named to Inc. magazine’s annual Best Workplaces list. Featured in the May/June 2023 issue, which hit newsstands on May 16, 2023, and prominently featured on Inc.com, the list is the result of a comprehensive measurement of American companies that have excelled in creating exceptional workplaces and company culture, whether operating in a physical or a virtual facility.
Founded in 1991 by CEO Tom Coyne, the agency’s mission statement has never wavered: “Our mission is not to be the best agency in America, but the best one to work for. If we are the best workplace, we will attract the best people. If we have the best people, we will attract the best clients. If we have the best people and clients, how can we not be the best agency in America?”
Inc. selected honorees this year after collecting data from thousands of submissions. Each company that was nominated took part in an employee survey, conducted by Quantum Workplace, which included topics such as management effectiveness, perks, fostering employee growth, and overall company culture. The organization’s benefits were also audited to determine the overall score and ranking.
“We have worked very hard to maintain our one-of-a-kind culture that has gotten us where we are over the past three decades. We are grateful to have received incredible recognition as the best place to work from across the PR industry this year,” said Rich Lukis, President. “But, adding this recognition from Inc. is the icing on the cake for us in 2023.”
“Being named to Best Workplaces is an honor that only a small fraction of companies have been able to claim,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “Proving to the world that you’re a magnet for talent and have a culture that keeps teams engaged, productive, and proud to come to work is a remarkable achievement.”
Founded in 1991, Coyne PR has become one of the top independent public relations firms in the United States. Recognized throughout the industry as “The Best Place to Work,” we have wildly creative offices in New York and New Jersey and colleagues in 115 cities, 49 countries, and six continents through a partnership with The Worldcom Public Relations Group. Our clients include many of the world’s most respected companies… and those that want to be. Our reputation is built upon three decades of creativity, strategy, and service. It is confirmed by more than 1,000 industry awards. For more information, click here.
PARSIPPANY — Josephina Spinosa and her husband Sergio Capdevielle’s culinary vision to share their love and passion for simple Italian cuisine came to fruition this past April with the opening of their beautiful new restaurant, Lo Sfizio Italian Street Food. The restaurant, which offers a new concept for the local Italian scene, is located at 77 New Road in Parsippany. It allows customers to experience a traditional and authentic touch of Southern Italian street fare, just like Josephina experienced as a child in Naples and later while growing up in her family’s pizzeria. Many of the dishes at Lo Sfizio are based on Josephina’s grandmother’s and mother’s recipes.
In Italy, street food is ready-to-eat food sold by vendors or hawkers, particularly in urban areas. Street foods are often simple dishes reinvented using a modern approach, often modifying and enhancing them to elegant simplicity. Lo Sfizio translates as “to satisfy one’s whim,” which is exactly what their menu accomplishes. More about the menu later!
The glass and brick-fronted restaurant stands among a row of other eateries and businesses in a small strip mall off New Road at the intersection of Route 46. Their large, bright white business sign is easy to spot as you pass by, and ample free parking is available.
On entering, if you use your imagination, you will be transported to a bucolic and whimsical setting reminiscent of a small trattoria on a busy street in Naples. The large full glass frontage provides soothing ambient lighting, with bright tile floors, sparsely spaced tables covered with glass over green and white checkered tablecloths, comfortable wooden chairs, walls covered in rustic decorative brick, foliage hanging from the ceiling along with straw covered basket lighting. A lighted accent tree helps to complete a serene, welcoming, relaxed, and cozy atmosphere as soft music plays in the background. The focused design, obviously carefully and painstakingly thought out by Josephina and Sergio, certainly accomplishes its intention and creates a mesmerizing ambiance that perfectly matches Lo Sfizio’s food style.
The canopy-covered open kitchen and host station are also artfully designed to accentuate the dining area. Quite frankly, taking in and enjoying the planning and commitment dedicated to the interior decor of Lo Sfizio alone is worth the visit.
Our friendly hostess, Ofelia, welcomed us immediately on arrival and offered us our choice of seating. Menus arrived quickly, and our wine was uncorked. Yes, Lo Sfizio is BYOB. As is customary with our group, we took plenty of time to review the menu and banter over our agreed-upon shared appetizers.
Ofelia was more than happy to answer any questions we had. We finally decided on the Arancini Siciliana (Rice balls filled with meat ragu, peas, and cheese), Panzarotti Napoletani (Potato croquettes with mozzarella cheese), Fried Calamari, Polpette E Patatine Fritte (Mini fried meatballs and fries with a side of sauce), and from what I have been told is the house special, Pizzetta Montanara (Fried personal pizza with sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil). Pizzetta Montanara dates way back in time and is believed to have roots in the mountains surrounding Naples.
The menu’s Frittura (Fried Food) section included Battered Stuffed Zucchini Flowers, Wurstel E Patatine Fritte, Olive Ascolana, Suppli Romani, and more. However, as tempted as we were to try as much as possible, our entrees still lie ahead.
We know that food can bring people together, and sharing these simple, finger-style foods seem to have been made for that purpose. In Italian, buono means good, gustoso is tasty, and Saporito means flavorful. All our appetizers easily fit into those categories. Every dish was high-quality, fresh, perfectly made, professionally presented, and quickly devoured.
The menu consists of Frittura (Fried Food), Italian Sandwiches, Hot Sandwiches, Croissant Sandwiches, Desserts, and Hot and Cold Drinks. Like I said, simple street food, simple menu. Simple, but plenty of delectable selections to satisfy anyone’s taste.
The Hot sandwiches section of the menu offers seven selections, which include Via Veneto (Chopped Flank Steak, Arugula, Mozzarella, Sauteed Onion, Red Roasted Peppers), Via Delle Liberta (Meatballs with sauce, basil, and Mozzarella), Via Rizzoli (Chicken Cutlet Melt with Fresh Mozzarella, Pesto, Sun Dried Tomato Spread), to name a few. The Italian sandwich section of the menu gives you ten choices, and you get to pick your bread: Piadina, Ciabatta, or Focaccia. Choices include Via Monte Napoleone (Melted Cooked Ham and melted Mozzarella Cheese), Via Della Spiga (Crispy Pancetta, Stracciatella Cheese, and Honey), and Via Polo (Grilled Zucchini, Grilled Eggplant, Red Roasted Peppers, Fresh Mozzarella, Red Onions, Arugula, Pesto) to give you a sampling. There was not one sandwich on the list that I would not be happy with. The remainder of the menu offers a choice of two Croissant Sandwiches, the Via Caprese and the Via Dell’Amore, and assorted desserts: including Nutella Croissant, Pistachio Truffle, Cannoli, Foccaccia with Nutella, Mascarpone, and Strawberries.
For their entrée, my group went with the Via Torino (Flank Steak, Fried Onions, Sauce, Provolone Cheese), the Via Mazzini (Salami, Prosciutto di Parma, Sopressata, Fresh Mozzarella, Arugula, Pesto), and the Via Dei Tribunali (Sweet Italian Sausage and spicy Broccoli Rabe). All were pleased with their picks, providing many delicious, savory flavors with high-quality fresh ingredients. Elegant, simple food!
As for me, I went with the Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Lo Sfizio Special Pasta of the Week. Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is an Italian grandmother’s common comfort dish in Naples. The ample portion of fresh homemade gnocchi was well made, light, tender, and airy and was presented in a light tomato sauce. With their mild and subtle potato flavor, these soft, fatty, chewy dumplings were a great choice.
Dessert consisted of a Pistachio Truffle and our customary Cappuccino—a perfect ending to a nice meal and our newest dining adventure.
To sum up, Lo Sfizio is a great new family-owned and operated addition to Parsippany’s diverse culinary scene. If you are looking for traditional, authentic, high quality flavorful, yet simple southern Italian street food made with fresh ingredients and prepared with love and passion, you will want to visit Josephina and Sergio at their stunning new restaurant.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School delighted the community with the Annual Redstock event on Saturday, June 10. All ages participated in many sports activities and games on the high school grounds. The festival’s highlight was the exhilarating Powder Puff flag football game, pitting senior and junior girls against each other in a battle of skill and teamwork.
With a focus on fostering community engagement, Redstock brought together local families, students, school-based organizations, and area businesses for entertainment, music, games, food, and fun. The two highlights were the Mechanical Bull and the Dunk tank. There was a continuous line of students wanting to dunk Mr. Bush. Many were very successful because, in the end, he was drenched. The festival allowed local businesses to showcase their products and services through a dedicated vendor area. Businesses interacted directly with current and potential customers, distributing samples, promotional items, marketing materials, and even making sales.
Redstock provided a platform for local businesses to connect with the community, creating an enjoyable and free experience for all attendees. The event epitomized the spirit of unity, as residents from all walks of life came together to celebrate, support, and engage with one another in a festive and vibrant atmosphere.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella met with the congregation of St. Andrew Lutheran Church on Sunday to foster discussions on potential collaborative initiatives between the church and the Township.
In the presence of newly ordained Pastor Psomi, both parties engaged in productive brainstorming sessions to identify areas of mutual interest and cooperation with Township officials.
Among the ideas explored, a key focus was on environmental initiatives, such as organizing trash and recycling drives to promote sustainability in the community. Additionally, the possibility of establishing a volunteer auxiliary corps to assist residents in need, particularly in situations where municipal services may be limited, was also discussed.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting will be held on June 13, 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.
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.
Mayor James R Barberio Council President Loretta Gragnani Council Vice-President Michael J. dePierro Councilman Paul Carifi Jr. Councilman Frank Neglia Councilman Justin Musella
MORRIS COUNTY — At its annual scholarship luncheon, the Morris County Retirees Education Association Philanthropic Fund (MCREAPF) awarded eleven $2,000 scholarships to Morris County students pursuing a career in education on Wednesday, June 7.
First-year recipients of this award include Rachel Bodnarchuk, Morris Knolls High School, who received a two-year scholarship totaling $4,000 funded by Visions Federal Credit Union; Tamara Kyle, Boonton High School, Ella Cistaro, Parsippany High School, and Madeline Tubbs, Morris County School of Technology, who received MCREAPF funded scholarships.
Emily Mylod of Jefferson High School received the MCREAPF scholarship funded by the estate of Bud Satz, Kiersten Drazek, Randolph High School, received the MCREAPF scholarship funded by the estate of Michael Protopappas, Angela Paradiso, Hanover Park High School, received the MCREAPF scholarship funded by the estate of Ann Korinda and Kyra Morena, Morris Hills High School, received the MCREAPF scholarship funded by the estate of Ray Doltz.
Second-year recipients funded by MCREAPF include undergraduates Emma Maggio, College of New Jersey (Mount Olive High School), and Abigail Diglio, Muhlenberg University (Whippany Park High School). Isabel Lin, Brandeis University (Kinnelon High School) scholarship was funded by Visions Federal Credit Union.
MORRIS COUNTY — A Morris County man was arrested for allegedly riding an electric scooter while intoxicated in Denville Township.
On June 3, at around 9:08 a.m., police stopped an electric scooter on Route 10. During the stop, it was determined that the driver, who was identified as Terrence Rush, 58, Wharton Borough, was driving while intoxicated, police said.
Rush was arrested and charged with DWI with a motorized bicycle, failure to consent to breathe samples, refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test, reckless driving, careless driving, driving with a suspended license, failure to install an interlock device, no liability insurance for a vehicle, driving an unregistered vehicle, and operating a motorized scooter on the highway.
He was released to an adult pending a court appearance.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.