Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Sairam Balaji Leads Parsippany Past Morris Knolls, Red Hawks Improve to 3-0

By
Rohan Mruthik
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Sairam Balaji controls the ball during Parsippanyโ€™s 3-0 victory over Morris Knolls. Balaji led the Red Hawks with two goals and one assist. Shot by Ryan Cobeo

PARSIPPANY โ€” Sairam Balaji recorded two goals and an assist as Parsippany High School defeated Morris Knolls, 3-0, in boys soccer on Thursday, September 10.

The win kept the Red Hawks undefeated and improved their record to 3-0 to begin the 2026 season.

Marcus Coe opened the scoring for Parsippany, finishing a play set up by Balaji. Balaji then went from assisting to scoring, finding the back of the net off an assist from Aleks Dobrijevic.

Balaji struck again for the Red Hawksโ€™ third goal, this time converting a chance created by Orhan Feldman. With two goals and one assist, Balaji led the Parsippany attack and earned Man of the Match honors.

Man of the Match Sairam scanning the field. Shot by Ryan Cobeo.

Parsippany also delivered a dominant defensive performance. The Red Hawks controlled possession for the majority of the game, kept Morris Knolls off the scoreboard, and protected their lead from start to finish.

The victory came just two days after Parsippany defeated Morris County School of Technology, 6-1, on September 8.

The win was especially meaningful against a Morris Knolls program that has given Parsippany trouble in recent years. In the teams last meeting, Morris Knolls defeated Parsippany, 8-1, on September 13, 2022.

Miguel Gonzalez controlling the midfield. Shot by Ryan Cobeo

This time, however, Parsippany dominated from the opening whistle. The Red Hawks controlled the game, earned the shutout, and walked away with their third consecutive victory.

Parsippany captain Christian Castano may not have appeared on the stat sheet, but his leadership, possession, and key through passes played an immeasurable role in securing the victory.

Authorโ€™s Note: Special thanks to Parsippany captain Christian Castano for providing information and details from the game and to Ryan Cobeo for his on the field photography.

Bingo Returns to Parsippany PAL After Six-Year Hiatus

By
Frank L. Cahill
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The room was packed with the long waited Bingo

PARSIPPANY โ€” Bingo returned to the Parsippany Police Athletic League (PAL) on Wednesday night, drawing a full house for the program’s first session in six years.

Residents had asked the PAL to bring Bingo back, and organizers said Wednesday’s turnout reflected strong community interest in the relaunch.

Organizers credited PAL staff members, who worked long hours in the weeks leading up to the event, with making the return possible.

Organizers acknowledged some issues arose during the first session and said feedback from attendees would be used to make improvements ahead of future events.

The PAL said it will hold Bingo again next month.

Local Fire Departments Honor September 11 Victims at Parsippany Football Game

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Fire District 5

PARSIPPANY โ€” Members of Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire District 5 and Fire District 6 turned out to support Thursday night’s Parsippany High School versus Parsippany Hills High School football game, drawing thanks from the Parsippany High School Redhawks Football program.

The crosstown matchup, played on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, featured a large American flag displayed by firefighters in honor of those who died that day and those who continue to be affected by it, according to a Facebook post from Parsippany High School Redhawks Football.

The football program’s post thanked the fire departments and their members for showing up, saying the community is fortunate to have first responders who “protect our community” while also supporting local kids, schools and the town.

The Redhawks Football program said the tribute made an already special night even more meaningful for everyone in attendance.

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Swears In Two New Detectives

By
Police Reports
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MORRIS COUNTY โ€” Two new detectives have joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Acting Chief of Detectives Mark Castellano announced. Det. Salvatore Grosso and Det. Michael Zangrillo were sworn in during a ceremony held Tuesday, September 8.

Det. Grosso will be assigned to the General Investigations Unit within the Court and Administration Division. He previously served as a patrol officer with the Randolph Police Department, where his duties included acting as the primary investigator in a variety of cases, serving subpoenas and search warrants, ensuring the proper handling of calls for service at the squad level, and approving the reports of subordinates. Before that, he served as a dispatcher with the East Brunswick Police Department.

Det. Grosso graduated from William Paterson University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. He holds multiple professional certifications and has completed several training courses, including crisis intervention, missing persons investigations, firearms instruction, high-risk motor vehicle stops and building clearing, and cannabis impairment and DWI recognition. He has received several recognitions, including the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association Morris/Sussex Conference Meritorious Service Award and the Life Saving Medal.

Det. Zangrillo will also be assigned to the General Investigations Unit within the Court and Administration Division. He began his law enforcement career in 2013 as a patrol officer with the Manville Police Department, where he responded to calls for service, investigated more than 60 indictable cases as the lead officer, executed search warrants, and located missing persons, among other duties. During his time there, he served as a Drug Recognition Expert for Somerset County, a member of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Fire Investigation Unit, and an officer in the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force, where he conducted investigations that led to criminal prosecutions in arson and narcotics distribution cases. He has also served his community as an emergency medical technician and firefighter.

Det. Zangrillo graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship Management and is currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Law Enforcement Executive Leadership program at Seton Hall University. A firearms and patrol rifle instructor, he has completed a number of professional certifications, including drug recognition expert, electronic surveillance, and crisis intervention team, among others. He has been recognized for his service with the Somerset County 200 Club Act of Valor Award, an Honorable Service Award, a New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association Certificate of Merit, and other honors.

“I am pleased to announce that these knowledgeable and experienced law enforcement investigators have joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office,” Carroll said. “I am confident their skills will be an asset to our investigative team.”

Florham Park Officer Charged With Choking, Slapping Woman Who Rebuffed Him

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Police Reports
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Gregory M. Dietz

ROSELAND โ€” A Florham Park police officer has been charged with aggravated assault and stalking after authorities said he choked a woman until she blacked out after she told him to stop contacting her, according to court records and a report by NJ Advance Media.

Gregory M. Dietz, 34, of Flanders, was charged out of Roseland Municipal Court on Sunday, July 19, in connection with an alleged incident on Sunday, July 5, at 10:30 p.m., according to court records.

Dietz faces the following charges:

  • Second-degree aggravated assault
  • Harassment
  • Stalking
  • Criminal trespassing

Dietz remained on the Florham Park Police Department roster as of this publication.

Gregory M. Dietz

According to an arrest affidavit cited by NJ Advance Media, the woman, a Roseland resident, met Dietz in June 2025, and the two became friends. She said he later sent her repeated inappropriate messages despite there being no romantic relationship between them. In November 2025, she alleged Dietz touched her without consent and pulled her onto his lap.

On July 5, the woman told Dietz she wanted no further contact and blocked him on her phone, Instagram and email. Dietz allegedly went to her apartment building shortly afterward and entered without an access card. She let him into her apartment intending to end their friendship, but alleged that he tried to kiss her, struck her across the face and squeezed her neck with both hands until she blacked out.

The woman contacted authorities after encountering Dietz again on July 18 and becoming emotionally distressed. Florham Park police then investigated the allegations before notifying Roseland police, NJ Advance Media reported.

Dietz was sworn in as a probationary officer with the Florham Park Police Department effective February 1, 2019. A warrant was issued July 19 and executed the following morning, court records show. The case was transferred from Roseland Municipal Court to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday, July 21.

Essex County jail records show Dietz was committed to the jail on Monday, July 20, and released four days later after a request for pretrial detention was denied.

Editor’s Note: The charges against Dietz are accusations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Letter to the Editor: Data Centers Deserve a Rational Look in Parsippany

By
Letters to the Editor
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Dear Editor:

The recent negative press directed towards data centers raises questions that should be discussed in a rational manner. Many of the cons, real or perceived, have been widely discussed. Itโ€™s worth considering some of the positive results stemming from existing data centers that can solve some of the problems the Parsippany School District, as well as its residents, will face in the years ahead.

First, data centers have many of the characteristics of computer server farms. Server farms are large groups of computer servers networked together. A data center houses large numbers of servers, but it also contains infrastructure to provide redundancies such as cooling systems, power generators, fire suppression, etc.

The August 31 Wall Street Journal featured an editorial titled โ€œThe Data Center Panic and U.S. Decline.โ€ It notes the AI industryโ€™s failure to show how data centers can benefit communities. It also cites politicians for failing to explain โ€œthe technological and economic transition now underwayโ€ฆ.โ€

More than 5,400 data centers are already in place throughout the country, with more than 80 in New Jersey, including in Mahwah, West Windsor and Edison. Here are some examples of where data centers have had a very positive impact.

Loudoun County, Virginia, just outside of the nationโ€™s capital, has the worldโ€™s largest concentration of data centers. In 2025, that county collected $895 million in tax revenue from data centers and over the last decade, has cut property tax rates by about 30%.

In Richland Parish, Louisiana, a rural district near Metaโ€™s Hyperion data center, the school district there was able to pay year-end bonuses this year of $50,935 for eligible certified teachers and $17,472 for eligible staff. These numbers were huge increases from $10,200 and $3,323 paid the prior year. Much of the increase came from sales tax from the construction of the data centers which will take 3 โ€“ 5 years to complete. Some will downplay the finite term of construction but there is little organized opposition to residential or commercial construction, even though they are of even more finite durations.

In Quincy, Washington, population 8,500, data centers pay 57% of the townโ€™s property taxes which fund, among other things, a $120 million high school. Imagine if there was a 57% tax revenue windfall in Parsippany. Further imagine if windfall tax revenue from data centers were used to invest in renovations to the aging school district infrastructure. Also, electricity rates in Grant County, where Quincy sits, rose 3.5% at a time when statewide rates rose 10.2%.

Parsippany has a 120,000 sq ft data center at 200 Webro Road and it has not raised concerns. There are certainly enough corporate parks in town to house multiple data centers and construction can be staggered to gauge the impact on the town.

Itโ€™s fair to ask questions about data centers. One of the questions concerns the use of water. The statistics often cited for water use are greatly inflated because much of the water used in data centers is recycled. When structured correctly, data centers can provide a badly needed increase to the tax base.

Parsippany should avoid the bad policy bandwagon and seriously consider options for the construction of data centers because it can add badly needed tax revenue for the school district and the town in the years ahead. With a 2% levy cap, the school district has a vested interest in a growing tax base in Parsippany. Mayor Desai can use the opposition to data centers in other towns to Parsippanyโ€™s advantage by welcoming them to open areas within corporate developments paying full tax ratables.

Jack Raia
Parsippany

Mr. Raia is a candidate for the Parsippany Board of Education.

Parsippany PAL and Stagliรณ Barber Partner to Provide Free Back-to-School Haircuts to the Community

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Local partnership brings together Morris County roots, small business and community service to help students start the school year with confidence

PARSIPPANYย โ€” Theย Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Athletic League (PAL)ย is proud to announce a new community partnership with Stagliรณ Barber & Co.โ  to provideย FREE back-to-school classic haircutsย to members of the community onย Tuesday, September 15, and Thursday, September 17, from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.ย at the Parsippany PAL,ย 33 Baldwin Road.

The initiative represents a true community giveback, bringing together the PAL and a locally owned small business with strong roots in Morris County to help students head into the school year looking and feeling their best.

Local Roots and a Commitment to Community

Stagliรณ Barber & Co. is owned by Nicholas Egidio and Marco Petruzziello, two local business owners whose connections to Morris County go back well before opening their barbershop.

Egidio is a 2008 graduate of Parsippany High School and has continued giving his time back to the local community, including coaching hockey at Parsippany Regional for the past three years. Petruzziello is a graduate of Hanover Park High School, further strengthening the ownersโ€™ ties to Morris County and the communities they serve.

Today, Stagliรณ Barber & Co. operates at 84 Broadway in Denville, New Jersey. The shopโ€™s identity is rooted in Italian craftsmanship and modern style. Its name is inspired by the Italian word taglio, meaning โ€œcut,โ€ with the business emphasizing precision, personal style and the confidence that comes from a great haircut. 

The partnership with the PAL provides Egidio and Petruzziello another opportunity to use their business and their craft to give back to the community where their roots began.

More Than a Haircut โ€” A Community Giveback

For the Parsippany PAL, the event is about much more than providing haircuts. It is about bringing local organizations and businesses together to make a tangible difference for families.

โ€œThis is what community is supposed to look like,โ€ said Nicholas Bronzino, Executive Director of the Parsippany PAL. โ€œWe are here to support our kids, our families and our community, and weโ€™re extremely thankful to Nicholas, Marco and the entire Stagliรณ team for wanting to do this alongside us. A fresh haircut might seem like something small, but for a child getting ready for school, that confidence can mean a lot. Weโ€™re proud to be able to offer this completely free to our community.โ€

The collaboration also reflects the PALโ€™s continued commitment to supporting small, locally owned businesses and creating partnerships that strengthen the greater Parsippany and Morris County community.

โ€œSupporting local businesses is important to us,โ€ Bronzino added. โ€œThese are people who live here, grew up here, coach our kids and invest back into the same communities that helped shape them. When the PAL can bring a local business into our facility and work together on something that directly benefits families, thatโ€™s a win for everybody.โ€

The PAL and Stagliรณ Barber & Co. hope the back-to-school event will be the first of additional collaborations between the two organizations.

โ€œWe are very thankful for this partnership, and this isnโ€™t something we look at as a one-time event,โ€ Bronzino said. โ€œWe have some great ideas about what we can do together moving forward. Be on the lookout for more collaborations between the Parsippany PAL and Stagliรณ Barber & Co. This is what happens when local businesses and community organizations come together with the same goal โ€” giving back.โ€

Registration Required โ€” Limited Appointments Available

Free classic haircuts will be offered during the event. Skin fades, tapers and beard services will not be available as part of the promotion.

Because appointment availability is limited, advance registration is required through the Parsippany PAL website. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Families interested in participating are encouraged to register as soon as possible before all available time slots are filled.

Event Information:ย Tuesday, September 15 and Thursday, September 17, 2026, fromย 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.ย at theย Parsippany PAL,ย 33 Baldwin Road, Parsippany

About Stagliรณ Barber & Co.

Stagliรณ Barber & Co. is a locally owned barbershop located at 84 Broadway in Denville, New Jersey. Inspired by Italian craftsmanship and modern style, Stagliรณ focuses on precision grooming, personal expression and creating an experience designed to help clients look and feel their best. 

For more information, visit Stagliรณ Barber & Co.โ .

About the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Athletic League

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Athletic League is committed to serving the children and families of Parsippany through athletics, education, community programming and partnerships. The PAL strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment where young people can learn, play, grow and belong, while continuing to develop relationships with local organizations and businesses that strengthen the entire community.

Thirteen Colony Trees to Be Planted at Central Park of Morris County for Nation’s 250th Anniversary

By
Frank L. Cahill
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File photo

PARSIPPANY โ€” Thirteen trees representing the original thirteen American colonies will be planted at Central Park of Morris County as part of a ceremony commemorating the nation’s two hundred fiftieth anniversary.

The New Jersey Arborists Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture and the Morris County Park Commission will host the ceremony from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, September 17, at Governor Chris Christie Drive in Greystone Park. The event will coincide with Constitution Day and include remarks from local and state representatives.

Organizers said the trees were selected for their ability to thrive in New Jersey’s climate while representing each of the original colonies.

A time capsule will also be placed with the trees, to be opened at a future ceremony marking the country’s three hundredth anniversary. It will contain information about New Jersey’s forests, the tree selections, tree-care practices and a vision for the future of the state’s parks and communities.

The trees will be planted before the ceremony, with the final shovelfuls of soil reserved for the program.

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to wear practical outdoor clothing, including long pants and closed-toe shoes or boots.

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by emailing Jennifer Lieberman at [email protected].

Parsippany High beats MCST With a Dominant 6-1 Win

By
Rohan Mruthik
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Parsippany High School captain Christian Castano helped lead the Red Hawks to a dominant 6-1 victory over Morris County School of Technology.

PARSIPPANY โ€” Morris County School of Technology tried to insert itself into an ongoing social media back-and-forth between Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills surrounding their football rivalry.

Parsippany High answered on the scoreboard.

The Red Hawks rolled past MCST, 6-1, in boys soccer, turning a pregame post about a supposed โ€œtakeoverโ€ into something that aged rather quickly.

MCSTโ€™s post took shots at Parsippany and encouraged its students to show up in numbers and โ€œtake overโ€ the stands. When game time arrived, however, only a handful of MCST supporters were in attendance.

Captain Christian Castano helped lead the Red Hawks, scoring one of Parsippanyโ€™s six goals. Sai scored twice, while Marcus, Aniket, and Julius also found the back of the net.

The result gave Parsippany a commanding five-goal victory and provided a fairly straightforward response to the pregame social media talk.

There is always room for friendly rivalry and school banter, especially when Parsippany High and Parsippany Hills are involved. MCST chose to join the conversation before its soccer game with Parsippany.

By the final whistle, however, the loudest response was the score: Parsippany 6, MCST 1.

Authorโ€™s Note: Special thanks to Parsippany soccer player Ajay Rathinam and Parsippany High School student Ryan Rigor for providing details, scoring information, and additional context from the game.

Five Local Students Graduate From University Of Rhode Island

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Established in 1892, URI serves as the stateโ€™s flagship institution and is widely recognized for its robust oceanographic, marine biology, nursing, and engineering programs.

PARSIPPANY โ€” Five area students were among more than 4,000 graduates at the University of Rhode Island’s commencement ceremonies, held May 15 through 17.

Claire Swenson of Lake Hiawatha graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese.

Alyssa Macauley of Parsippany graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Gabriella Leuzzi of Lake Hiawatha graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations.

Daniel Jakubiak of Parsippany graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Conservation Biology.

Lauren Sinatra of Parsippany graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Veterinary Science.

Founded in 1892, the University of Rhode Island enrolls more than 18,000 students and offers more than 200 degree programs across nine schools and colleges.

Grand Cafรฉ Manager Walter Hansberry Named St. Patrick’s Day Parade Starter

By
Frank L. Cahill
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St. Patrickโ€™s Day Parade of Morris County has selected Walter Hansberry, longtime manager of the Grand Cafรฉ

MORRIS COUNTY โ€” The St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Morris County has selected Walter Hansberry, longtime manager of the Grand Cafรฉ in Morristown, to serve as its Parade Starter.

At noon on Saturday, March 13, Hansberry will cut a green ribbon spanning South Street at the head of the parade route in Morristown. That will clear the way for what is likely to be more than 3,000 marchers who will begin the annual procession honoring Ireland’s patron saint and the Irish American community.

The role of parade starter is given to someone who has shown a longtime commitment to both Irish America and Morris County, according to a press release from parade organizers.

“Walter is a familiar and beloved presence in our community,” said Carl Stopper, president of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Morris County, Inc. “He has been a steadfast supporter of the parade and countless Irish events. His welcoming personality, generosity and genuine love of Irish culture have made him a true friend to all.”

A native of Dungarvan in Ireland’s County Waterford, Hansberry attended the world-renowned Rockwell Hotel and Catering School in County Tipperary. After graduation, he advanced his hospitality career in Europe for several years before immigrating to the United States.

Stateside, he worked with his brother Edward, founder and proprietor of the Parsippany Deli and Emerald Gifts, and was an early member of the Irish American Association of Northwest Jersey. In 1987, he joined the Grand Cafรฉ in Morristown, which was established by fellow Irish immigrants Desmond and Alice Lloyd.

Hansberry said he loves the hustle and bustle of providing for the many guests who pack the Grand Cafรฉ on Parade Day.

“Every year it seems to get bigger and bigger,” he said. “We make sure the staff is here before they start closing down the streets. Then the crowds come and the pipe bands not long after. Sometimes it’s shoulder to shoulder. The whole day is full-blown excitement.”

Land Rover Parsippany To Host Second Annual Pet Adoption And Family Fun Day

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Tabitha, left, a female medium mixed-breed Australian Shepherd, and Dug, right, a 7.7-pound male Chihuahua, are available for adoption through Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter.

PARSIPPANY โ€” Land Rover Parsippany will host its second annual Pet Adoption and Family Fun Day on Saturday, September 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the dealership, located at 220 Route 46.

The event will benefit Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing homeless animals and helping them find homes. Adoptable cats and dogs from the shelter will be on-site throughout the day.

Attendees can enjoy food trucks, a disc jockey playing music, arts and crafts for children, a vendor village featuring pet-related local businesses, and a raffle with giveaways.

All proceeds and donations from the event will benefit Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter.

Parsippany Man Charged With Trespassing At Performance GMC

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Performance GMC, located at 1247 Route 10 in Cedar Knolls, was the scene of a defiant trespassing arrest in Hanover Township.

MORRIS COUNTY โ€” Hanover Township Police Officer Jake Crane arrested Joseph Norton, 32, of Parsippany, on Wednesday, August 19, for defiant trespassing at Performance GMC.

Police Officer Crane was on patrol just prior to midnight when he observed a male in the parking lot of the business well after it had closed for the evening. The male was seen looking into vehicle windows and pulling on door handles.

Police Officer Crane had seen the same male at the business four to five hours earlier, but since the business was open at the time, he took no action. When he pulled in to speak with the male, he found that it was Norton and questioned him.

Norton was not being truthful and gave several different reasons for being at the location, and was not making sense. Due to his untruthful answers, Police Officer Crane issued him a special complaint for trespassing after hours and released him with a court date after processing him at the location.

Norton was charged with:

  • Defiant Trespassing (N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3b)

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-Troy Hills Township Offices Return to Standard Fall Hours

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Hall is located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard

PARSIPPANY โ€” The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will return to standard office hours beginning Tuesday, September 8, as summer comes to a close.

Township offices will be open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to check the appropriate department’s webpage before visiting for the most up-to-date hours and information.

Parsippany High School Graduate Joins MedVantage as Client Success Partner

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Joseph Gennarelli

PARSIPPANY โ€” Joseph Gennarelli, a graduate of Parsippany High School Class of 2022, has started a new role as Client Success Partner at MedVantage, a veteran-owned business based in Maywood.

Gennarelli graduated from Montclair State University’s Feliciano School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a minor in International Business. While at Montclair State, he was a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity.

Before joining MedVantage, Gennarelli interned at CareOne as a Marketing and Project Coordinator, where he worked on social media content, supported campaigns and events, and analyzed performance data to identify trends. He also worked as a Brand Ambassador for Infinity by Marvin, engaging with Costco members in a retail setting to generate leads for window and patio door replacement services. He gained additional leadership experience as a pool manager and lifeguard.

At Parsippany High School, Gennarelli was involved in the National Honor Society, Peer Buddies, and Student Council.

Wharton Man Arrested On Outstanding Warrant From Parsippany Court

By
Frank L. Cahill
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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY โ€” Hanover Township Police Officer Patrick Thompson arrested Samuel Poff IV, 57, of Wharton, on Friday, August 7, on an active criminal warrant issued by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Court, with bail set at $1,000.

Police Officer Thompson was observing traffic when he saw Poff walking along Route 10 and recognized that he had a warrant for his arrest. Police Officer Thompson followed him to the Red Carpet Inn, where he was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing.

Poff was able to post ten percent of the bail and was released with a new court date in Parsippany.

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.

Teddy Bear Clinic Helps Children See Doctors And First Responders As Friends

By
Janvi Singh
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Teddy Bear Clinic co-founders Duncan Felch and Francesca Piccolo stand outside Morris County School of Technology ahead of the clinic's Teddy Bear Clinic and Touch a Truck event.

MORRIS COUNTY โ€” What started as a childhood fear of doctors and firefighters has transformed into a rapidly growing initiative aimed at changing how children view community helpers.

Founded by Morris County School of Technology students Francesca Piccolo and Duncan Felch, the Teddy Bear Clinic was created to replace pediatric anxiety with familiarity, turning terrifying doctor visits and intimidating uniforms into positive, fun-filled memories.

Morris County School of Technology student volunteers pose with members of the Denville Fire Department in front of a fire engine during the Teddy Bear Clinic event.

The idea was sparked in December, leading to the launch of the group’s first clinic the following May. Rooted in the founders’ background at Morris County School of Technology within the Academy for Education and Learning, the Teddy Bear Clinic’s core mission was clear: use play-based learning to demystify healthcare and emergency services.

How The Clinic Works

The interactive event invites children to bring their favorite stuffed animals and walk them through three specialized sections. First is the Medical Clinic, where children act as the caretakers while their teddy bear becomes the patient, experiencing mock X-rays, height checks, bandages and shots. Next is the Fire Section, where children can interact directly with firefighters to learn that the uniform is just an extension of a helpful human being. And lastly, the Police Section allows local officers to engage with families to build trust and approachable relationships.

The goal is to eliminate issues like the “white coat effect,” where a child’s heart rate spikes purely from medical anxiety, and to prevent tragedies like children hiding from firefighters during emergencies out of fear.

A High School Idea To Regional Initiative

Building the clinic required tapping into local networks, starting with MCST’s principal, a retired school police officer, law and public safety instructors, and education teachers. The program bridges multiple career and technical education fields, allowing healthcare, law and policy students to combine their skill sets for community impact.

Funding was secured through grassroots efforts and major sponsors, including a $1,000 New Jersey Education Association Pride in Public Education (PEP) Grant, a $300 Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) donation, $5,000 from Colgate, $3,000 from Morgan Stanley and $1,000 from NJ Pitch. Every dollar raised goes straight back into funding future clinics.

Overcoming Early Hurdles And Looking Ahead

The first major Teddy Bear Clinic event was a true test of adaptability, with founders Francesca Piccolo and Duncan Felch and other volunteers needing to manage backed-up lines, troubleshoot stations on the fly and run on a tight budget.

By the second year, the team formalized a corporate structure, establishing a C-Suite so the clinic could thrive independently. With local partners expanding to include libraries, Orangetheory and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Francesca and Duncan are shifting their focus to broader expansion.

With chapters already reaching places like Metuchen and the University of Michigan, the ultimate goal in the next five to ten years is to establish a Teddy Bear Clinic in every county in New Jersey and beyond, ensuring no child is ever afraid of the people who are there to save them.

Children decorate first aid kit boxes and enjoy craft activities with volunteers during the Teddy Bear Clinic event at Morris County School of Technology.

Parsippany High Improves to 2-0 for First Time Since 2003 With 12-6 Win Over North Warren

By
Rohan Mruthik
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Chris Kelley propels Parsippany High to a 12-6 victory over North Warren, scoring both of the Redhawksโ€™ touchdowns. Photo by Ryan Cobeo.

PARSIPPANY โ€” Parsippany High School continued its strong start to the 2026 football season Friday, September 4, defeating North Warren Regional, 12-6, and improving to 2-0 for the first time since 2003.

Chris Kelly provided the scoring for the Redhawks, finding the end zone twice in a defensive battle that remained close throughout the night.

Parsippany Redhawks vs North Warren Patriots. Shot by Ryan Cobeo.

While Kelly delivered the touchdowns, Parsippanyโ€™s defense again played a major role in the victory. The Redhawks limited North Warren to just six points, following a 21-0 shutout of Sussex County Tech in the season opener. Through two games, Parsippany has allowed only six total points.

Parsippany High celebrates after coming up with a key defensive play against North Warren. Photo by Ryan Cobeo.

The defensive performance was a complete team effort. Davine Blackwood helped lead the unit at linebacker, while Vincent Dโ€™Accardi, Andre Aquino, Kelly, Jake Behnke, Harrison Gordon, Ryan Das, Pruthvi Shetye, and Michael Martin were among the starters contributing on defense and throughout the game.

Several of those players also carried significant responsibilities on offense. Dโ€™Accardi, Aquino, Kelly, and Behnke contributed at the skill positions, while Gordon, Das, and Martin helped anchor the offensive line. Shetye also contributed as part of a Parsippany lineup that relied on players handling responsibilities on both sides of the ball.

The early success also reflects the work of Head Coach Kenneth Brock and the entire Parsippany coaching staff. Brock and his assistants have guided the Redhawks to their strongest start in more than two decades, with the team combining timely offense with a defense that has been difficult to score against. Brock is listed by both the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District and New Jersey Record Book as Parsippany Highโ€™s football coach.

Harrison Gordon stares down the North Warren offense before the snap during Parsippany Highโ€™s 12-6 win. Photo by Ryan Cobeo.

The coaching staffโ€™s preparation has been especially important in two very different victories. Parsippany controlled its opener in a shutout and then found a way to finish a one-possession game against North Warren. Starting 2-0 after the program had not accomplished the feat since 2003 marks a significant early milestone for Brock, his staff, and the players.

For the Redhawks, the opening two weeks have been defined by defense, team contributions, and an ability to finish games. With the 12-6 victory, Parsippany now enters the next portion of its schedule undefeated for the first time in 23 years.

Authorโ€™s Note: Special thanks to Ryan Cobeo for his on-the-ground photography and to Pruthvi Sheyte for his outstanding performance and insights on the game.

Parsippany Hills Falls to Mendham, 20-13, Despite Two Touchdowns From Will Maass

By
Rohan Mruthik
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0
Parsippany Hills Vikings

PARSIPPANY โ€” Parsippany Hills High School suffered its first loss of the 2026 football season Friday, September 4, falling to West Morris Mendham, 20-13, in the Vikingsโ€™ home opener.

Parsippany Hills entered the game 1-0 after opening the season with a 23-21 victory over Paramus, but Mendham was able to hold off the Vikings and hand them their first defeat of the year.

Will Maass accounted for both Parsippany Hills touchdowns, catching two touchdown passes from quarterback Nick Napolitano.

Will Maass makes his entrance before Friday’s game, in which he caught two touchdown passes for Parsippany Hills in the Vikings’ 20-13 loss to West Morris Mendham.

The performance gave Maass three touchdowns through the first two games of the season after he also scored on a 26-yard reception against Paramus in the season opener.

Ben Ferrante handled the extra-point attempts for Parsippany Hills, converting one of his two attempts as the Vikings finished with 13 points.

Parsippany Hills remained within striking distance throughout the game but was unable to erase the deficit before the final whistle. Mendhamโ€™s 20 points proved enough to secure the seven-point victory.

The loss moves Parsippany Hills to 1-1 on the season.

The Vikings will now turn their attention to the annual crosstown matchup against Parsippany High School on Thursday, September 10, at 7:00 p.m.

After splitting their first two games, Parsippany Hills will look to rebound against its in-town rival.

Authorโ€™s Note: Special thanks to Aarnav Sinha for his on-the-ground reporting and for providing information and details from the game.

Inaugural Parsippany Resource Fair Connects Residents with Services

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Mayor Pulkit Desai and Stacy Ward staff the Township's table at the inaugural Constituent Services Resource Fair.

PARSIPPANY โ€” Mayor Pulkit Desai’s inaugural Constituent Services Resource Fair brought residents together with representatives from government offices and agencies for convenient access to information, assistance, and important services.

The Township thanked Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi’s office, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission mobile unit, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Animal Control and Shelter, Parsippany-Troy Hills EMS, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Library, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, United States Senator Andy Kim’s office, and United States Congresswoman Analilia Mejia’s office for helping make the event a success.

Marie Fragomeni staffs the Office of the Morris County Clerk table at the inaugural Constituent Services Resource Fair.

Township officials said they are already looking ahead to an even bigger Resource Fair next year, with more agencies, services, and opportunities for residents to connect directly with government.

Heidi Jensen and Library Director Melissa Kuzma staff the Parsippany Library table at the inaugural Constituent Services Resource Fair.
Chief Richard Pantina, Capt. Carney, Officer James Brennan, and Haleema Ahmed staff the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department table at the inaugural Constituent Services Resource Fair.
Heidi Mooney and Kaitlin Kopshaw staff the Parsippany-Troy Hills Animal Control and Shelter table at the inaugural Constituent Services Resource Fair.
A staffer from Senator Andy Kim’s office at the inaugural Constituent Services Resource Fair.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s mobile unit at the inaugural Constituent Services Resource Fair.
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Parsippany Focus is a digital news organization that provides news coverage of Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. The organization was founded in 1989 by Frank Cahill, who currently owns and operates the organization. Parsippany Focus covers local news, events, and community issues, and their content is primarily distributed through their website and social media channels. The organization has been serving as a trusted source of news and information for the Parsippany-Troy Hills community for over 37 years.

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