PARSIPPANY — A book signing event will celebrate the release of “Cosmo the Black Cat,” part of the Stardust and Friends series, on Sunday, August 30, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Lazy Caffe, 84B North Beverwyck Road in the Lake Hiawatha section of the township.

The event will give families the chance to meet author Kellei Cosby and celebrate a heartwarming story about kindness, looking beyond appearances, and the magic of unity. Attendees will be able to get a personally signed copy of the book, and additional copies will be available for purchase. The event is intended to be fun for kids, families, and book lovers.

Cosby is an actor and writer with more than ten years of experience creating and collaborating on screenplays, stage play scripts, poetry and spoken word, short stories, and multimedia projects, and has now moved into writing children’s stories.

Those interested in following Stardust and Friends on Instagram can Click Here.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council will hold a meeting on August 4, at 7:00 p.m., at the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

Click here to download the agenda.

• Mayor Pulkit Desai – (D) Term ends December 31, 2029
  * Council President Judy Hernandez (D) Term ends December 31, 2027
  * Council Vice President Diya Patel – (D) Term ends December 31, 2029
  * Councilman Matthew Kavanagh – (D) Term ends December 31, 2029
  * Councilman Matt McGrath – (R) Term ends December 31, 2027
  * Councilman Paul Carifi Jr. (R) Term ends December 31, 2027

PARSIPPANY — Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey will host a recruitment event to introduce families to Parsippany Girl Scouts on August 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Parsippany Main Library on Halsey Road.

As a Girl Scout, participants explore new adventures, build skills, grow with friends, and gain confidence that lasts a lifetime, according to the organization.

Those interested in joining can Click Here, scroll to “Be a Girl Scout” and click “Find a Troop,” enter a zip code, and select the membership year running from October 2026 to September 2027 before searching for and selecting the Parsippany Member Recruitment Campaign to create an account. Financial assistance is available for Girl Scout membership fees, uniform supplies, program activities, and summer camp.

Families with questions can contact Service Unit Manager Jenna Salkowitz at [email protected], or Membership Manager Catherine Parrillo at [email protected] or (862) 294-2354.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Library will host a week of financial literacy workshops from August 10 to August 14, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, led by high school students Janvi Singh and Arya Malaviya.

The free five-day workshop series introduces students in grades four through eight to investing, financial literacy, marketing, branding, and public speaking, with each day featuring a different topic. Participants will build practical financial skills, learn how businesses attract customers, develop an elevator pitch, and apply their knowledge through interactive activities and projects.

Day 1: Introduction to Investing

Learn about the basics of investing, including why people invest, different types of investments, and how money can grow over time.

Day 2: Financial Management

Understand more about the core topics of financial management, including budgeting, saving, responsible spending, and setting financial goals.

Day 3: Marketing and Branding

Discover how successful businesses attract customers and learn more about the fundamentals of marketing and branding, including how companies create logos and connect with their target audience.

Day 4: Elevator Pitches

Students will get the opportunity to create and deliver a compelling elevator pitch by presenting a business or product idea in a clear and confident manner.

Day 5: Play-Dough Entrepreneur Workshop

In the last workshop of the week, students can apply the concepts they have learned throughout the financial literacy series by developing a product idea, creating a brand, and presenting their creations to the group.

Registration is required to participate and can be completed on the Parsippany Library website. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

PARSIPPANY — Bierman Autism Centers will celebrate the opening of its new Parsippany center with a free touch-a-truck event on Saturday, August 15, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

The parking lot at the center’s new location, 2001 Route 46, Suite 100, will be filled with fire trucks, police cars, construction vehicles and more for children to climb into and explore. Families will also be able to tour the new space and meet the team that will serve children in Parsippany.

The event is free, sensory-friendly, and designed specifically for children with autism ages two to nine, though all are welcome to attend. In addition to the vehicles on display, the event will include activities and games for all ability levels, snacks, and a quiet sensory-friendly comfort zone available throughout the morning for children who need a break.

Space is limited, and families are encouraged to register in advance by clicking here.

PARSIPPANY — Township tax bills are printing this week and will be mailed to residents shortly, according to the tax collector’s office.

The grace period for payment has been extended. Payments must be received in the tax office by close of business on August 31, or by 2:00 p.m. if paying online.

Residents can look up their tax bill or pay online, by clicking here.

MORRIS COUNTY — A Newark man was arrested in Denville on July 27 after a motor vehicle stop turned up multiple outstanding warrants, according to the Denville Police Department.

At approximately 10:05 a.m., an officer conducted a motor vehicle stop on Stonebridge Court after observing multiple equipment violations. During the stop, officers identified the driver as Samuel Encarnacion, 25, of Newark. Further investigation revealed that Encarnacion had active warrants issued by Pequannock Township Municipal Court, in the amount of $3,500.00, and Tinton Falls Municipal Court, in the amount of $1,000.00.

Encarnacion was placed under arrest and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing. He was released following processing pending future court appearances in Pequannock Township Municipal Court and Tinton Falls Municipal Court.

Encarnacion was charged with:

• Driving without a license
• Driving after his driver’s license was suspended
• Obstruction of windshield for vision
• Failure to wear a seatbelt

Editor’s Note: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

PARSIPPANY — A number one New York Times best-selling author is coming to the Parsippany Library this October.

Nita Prose, author of “The Maid” series, will visit the library for an evening built around her books and her writing life. The series follows Molly Gray, a hotel maid who keeps finding herself at the center of unsolved murders, and has drawn a wide following for its blend of mystery and dry humor.

The event will be held at the main library on Thursday, October 15, starting at 7:00 p.m. Prose is expected to talk about her path to becoming a novelist, what inspired her best-selling books, and how she built Molly Gray into one of fiction’s more memorable amateur sleuths.

Those interested in attending can register online by clicking here.

MORRIS PLAINS — The Bishop McLaughlin Council 3495, Knights of Columbus, presented Frank Cahill, Publisher of Focus Publications, with a plaque on July 21 recognizing his ongoing support to the council.

The award was presented by Mike Fichter. The plaque reads: “Words cannot fully express our gratitude for your unwavering support over the years. By consistently championing and promoting our charitable events. Thank you for your tireless advocacy.”

“I am honored to receive this award. As publisher, it is my pleasure to make sure I can provide publicity to all local nonprofit groups. Although I am Governor of New Jersey Kiwanis International, I never lose sight of the fact that none of this happens without the volunteers who give so generously of their time to serve our communities,” said Cahill.

Also receiving honors at the event were Sean Gallagher, who received the Seminarian Gift; Nico Sullo, named Catechist of the Year, presented by Fr. Luke; the Calderisi Family, recipients of the Joseph and Irene Selitto Memorial Award for Family of the Year, presented by Fr. Luke; Morris Plains Lt. Robert Guild and Morris Township Sgt. Robert Ribnicky, who received Police Shield Awards presented by John Boudreau; Morris Township Firefighter/EMT Patrick O’Shea, who received a Fireman Shield Award presented by John Boudreau; and Taylor Olsen, who received the Thaddeus Kosakowski Memorial EMS Award presented by John Boudreau.

In the community category, the council presented a donation to the Paterson Federation’s Keep Christ in Christmas Billboard, accepted by Mike Vaclavicek, PGK. Gary Richenaker presented donations from the council’s campaign for people with intellectual disabilities to the ARC of Morris County, Employment Horizons, Camp Fatima, the DPD Calabrese House, and Camp Marcella.

The council also presented a number of charitable donations, including gifts to the Morris Minute Men, LifeNet, Walking with Moms in Need, Birth Haven, Several Sources Shelters, JBWS (formerly the New Jersey Battered Women’s Service), Homeless Solutions, the Interfaith Food Pantry, Morristown Meals on Wheels, Operation Chillout, the Rock Steady Parkinson Foundation, and Welcome Home Vets of NJ, along with additional contributions to Remember Me Inc., the Fairchild Firehouse, and the Special Parents Organization. State Awards were presented by District Deputy Mike Spiecker.

PARSIPPANY — Merton C. Hodge passed peacefully at home on July 28. He shared eighty-two years of love, kindness and quiet generosity with everyone in his life.

Born in Massachusetts, Mert moved to Parsippany as a teenager, where his father worked as a farmer. It can’t be confirmed or denied…but this may have contributed to his love of chickens and dairy as the years unfolded.

Mert graduated from Parsippany High School and went on to build a life focused around family, service and community.

Mert was blessed with five children. Later in life, he found love with Jane, embracing not only her, but also her daughter. As his family grew, he was filled with love from grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Always a hard worker, Mert held several jobs throughout his lifetime. He owned and operated “Mert’s Imported Auto Parts,” where he earned the trust of customers through his integrity. He enjoyed another profession as a realtor, where his friendly nature made him a natural.

Mert found a career he truly loved behind the wheel, spending many years as a chauffeur with Atlantic Town Cars, Manhattan Limousine, and Carey Limousine. More than simply driving passengers to their destinations, he loved an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. His personality, quiet wit, and genuine interest in others led to countless lasting friendships that he treasured long after the rides had ended. To Mert, his clients and coworkers became much more than acquaintances—they became dear friends who enriched his life.

In his younger years he spent hours snowmobiling in the winters and later in life he enjoyed sailing in the summers, even though he didn’t know how to swim. He loved being outdoors and being active. In the spring, he adored his blooming peonies in his garden at home, which was his favorite place to be. Even in his final days, he quietly watched the birds outside his window. He had a special place in his heart for all creatures big and small. He adored his three cats Taz, Houdini and Ebony and his grand pup Colt.

Mert was a regular at Denville Dairy as well as many other ice cream shops in the tri state area. He enjoyed a good meal and great company but let it be known, cooking was not one of Mert’s talents.

He was an avid parishioner and volunteer at St. Peter the Apostle Parish and the food pantry. Mert donated much of his time to individuals and organizations always dedicated to improving the lives of others, never seeking recognition—only the opportunity to help.

Mert will be remembered as one of those rare people whose goodness was so natural that he never thought it was anything special. Those are often the people who leave the biggest hole in our hearts. His humility, steady presence, and quiet acts of love shaped the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He leaves his devoted wife Jane Hodge of forty-six years; his children Merton Hodge Jr. (Jennifer Baldwin), Caroline Sauers (David), Lenox Hodge (Amy), Deborah Peterman (Michael), Maureen Consolo (the late Michael), Sherridan Culbertson (Robert); his grandchildren Nicholas, Cassidy, Parker, Madeline, Dalton, Emily, Hunter, Lydia, Marjorie, Daniel, Jacqueline, John, Paige and Keagan; three great grandchildren and one on the way; and many more dear relatives and friends. His parents Claude and Alberta Hodge and sister Ruth Stanford passed before him.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, August 2 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 3 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 179 Baldwin Road, Parsippany. Entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Mausoleum.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Summer Concert Series continues Thursday, July 30, with a free performance by Five Wheel Drive at Veterans Memorial Park.

The event begins at 6:00 p.m., with the band taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. The evening will feature food trucks, games, amusements and family-friendly activities. In case of bad weather, a new date will be announced. Pets are not permitted.

The concert series is hosted by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills under Mayor Pulkit Desai and is sponsored in part by Provident Bank.

TRENTON — State Senators Anthony M. Bucco (R-Morris, Passaic) and Kristin M. Corrado (R-Bergen, Essex, Passaic) sent a letter to the New Jersey Division of Elections urging the agency to promptly notify county election officials of the identities of six thousand six hundred individuals who were registered to vote despite not being United States citizens.

In the letter, the senators wrote that the situation resulted from a failure in the state’s voter registration process and called for a complete, transparent, and proactive response.

“This situation resulted from a failure in the State’s voter registration process and warrants a complete, transparent, and proactive response. When the State becomes aware that ineligible voter registrations may exist, it should promptly notify the appropriate election officials so those registrations can be reviewed and addressed in accordance with applicable law. Correcting an error of this magnitude should not depend solely on the voluntary compliance of the individuals affected.”

“Commissioners of registration, superintendents of elections, county boards of elections, and county clerks may each play a role in ensuring the integrity of New Jersey’s voter registration records. Without the information necessary to identify registrations affected by this issue, they cannot effectively fulfill those responsibilities. Promptly providing this information will allow local election officials to review the registrations, take any action authorized by law, and demonstrate to the public that every reasonable step has been taken to protect the integrity of our elections.”

The full letter is available online through the New Jersey Senate Republican Office by clicking here.

PARSIPPANY — The zoning board meeting for the proposed apartment complex at 879 South Beverwyck Road, a site connected to the Islamic Community Cultural Center.originally scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, has been canceled. The next meeting will now be held Wednesday, September 2, at 7:00 p.m.

The meeting will take place at Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive, a change from the location used for the past several meetings. Due to availability, the meeting will be held at the same location used for a meeting last summer.

Residents are encouraged to carpool and arrive early, as the meeting will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.

The applicant is required to submit updated plans within 10 days of the meeting. No major changes are expected, though the applicant may make small adjustments to the hydraulic car lifts due to environmental restrictions.

Updated information is available at TroyHillsNeighbors.com. Residents are encouraged to share the information with friends and neighbors, and organizers note that the zoning board takes attendance into account, even from residents who do not speak.