This letter to the editor was submitted to Parsippany Focus after the author sent the following email to Mayor Pulkit Desai regarding the Forest Drive, Woodland Drive, and Pitt Road project:
“This email is a follow-up to a message I left for you earlier today with your secretary regarding the Forest Drive, Woodland Drive, and Pitt Road project.”
I have resided on Forest Drive for 34+ years. Since that time, our road has been resurfaced twice and this is only because the first resurfacing contractor did not do the work properly. Replacing was the only way to correct the issues.
As a resident of Forest Drive, I was blindsided by a letter that was dropped off by the Department of Engineering on Tuesday, 6/24, regarding a project beginning on or about Monday, 6/29. I reached out and verbally spoke with Mr. Niehoff on Wednesday, 6/25. I had many questions that received disturbing answers. I asked and learned comprehensive evaluations such as a traffic impact study and an environmental impact assessment were not conducted. Despite Mr. Niehoff being very professional and respectful to me, I found his responses quite upsetting. Another example is gorgeous, mighty (oak) trees are going to be removed. Mr. Niehoff explained that although the trees may look beautiful on the outside, there could be a hole inside. (could be!). They will not replace the trees as most people are grateful for the town removing them without any cost to the homeowner. Should the homeowner want the tree(s) replaced, the town will do so but only upon request, not with the same tree and at a much smaller size.
Mayor Desai, as you do not reside in this affected community, please note Forest Drive is a busy enough road that does, on occasion, become a Vail Road equivalent when there are issues on Route 287 and/or Route 46. Despite this, Forest Drive, historically, has an extremely safe record with accidents being slim to none each year; including when it is heavily traveled as explained earlier. Speeding, on the other hand, is always an issue as with most connecting roads within the township. Mr. Niehoff further explained to me we will now have on street parking, as if that was a benefit. Common sense dictates that if we acquire on street parking on both sides, the road becomes more hazardous for those walking, biking and even driving.
I strongly contend there is absolutely no local community benefit from this project, only harm, despite the letter received from the Division of Engineering on 6/24/26. My community wasn’t given the opportunity to address our cares/concerns in a timely manner with the powers that be. Other members of the community have also spoken to Mr. Niehoff. One of which was told, “You are fighting other people’s issues.” That statement alone to her is completely inaccurate. This resident may not be affected with much land loss, however, she will be impacted environmentally and physically, just like the rest of the community.
I ask you Mayor, who is benefitting from this project? Is it the residents from Pitt Road who have barely any traffic except during school morning drop off and dismissal? Is it the residents on Woodland Drive who have no thru traffic as it is a dead end? Is it the residents on Forest Drive who have historically slim to none incidents of motor vehicle and/or pedestrian accidents? Or, is it truly only the contractors and employees who will benefit from such a project?
I, along with my community residents, look forward to your response.
PARSIPPANY โ Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Pulkit Desai and Police Chief Richard Pantina officially welcomed the township’s two newest police officers during a swearing-in ceremony held at Town Hall.
Patrol Officer Caitlyn Amoroso and Patrol Officer Julia Skrobacz took the oath of office before family members, friends, township officials, and members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department.
Following the ceremony, both officers were congratulated by Mayor Desai, Chief Pantina, and fellow officers as they begin their careers in law enforcement serving the residents of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
Officers Amoroso and Skrobacz are scheduled to begin the 107th Basic Police Academy Class at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy on Monday, July 13, 2026. During the academy, they will complete months of intensive classroom instruction and practical training in criminal law, patrol procedures, firearms proficiency, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, physical fitness, and community policing before returning to Parsippany-Troy Hills for field training.
The addition of Officers Amoroso and Skrobacz reflects the township’s continued commitment to maintaining a highly trained police force dedicated to protecting the community and providing professional public safety services.
MORRIS COUNTY โ Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally and Denville Chief of Police Scott Welsch, confirmed the arrest of Joseph Rizos, 37, of Denville, following a homemade explosives (HME) investigation that yielded seizure of a massive trove of explosives and explosive precursors.
The morning of June 24, 2026, a team of investigators carried out the execution of a search warrant at a residence on Avondale Road in Denville, led by the Morris County Prosecutorโs Office.
Prior to the execution, a motor vehicle stop was conducted and Rizos was detained.
At the residence, investigators uncovered a home laboratory along with a cache of explosive precursors commonly used to make HME. Also seized were blasting caps, cell phones, and various firearms and ammunition. A subsequent search warrant for a shed was executed, which was also located on the residenceโs property, resulting in the seizure of approximately one-hundred and nine (109) individual containers of suspected HME capable of massive destruction. A search did not locate a permit issued with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Developmentโs Division of Public Safety and Occupational Safety and Health required to store these explosive materials.
As a precaution, surrounding residences were temporarily evacuated.
The Morris County Prosecutorโs Office Special Operations Division are carrying out this investigation, which includes task force officers from the Morris County Sheriffโs Office, Denville Police Department, Parsippany Police Department, Roxbury Police Department and the Town of Boonton Police Department. Other agencies that assisted with the investigation were the Morristown Police Department, Morris County Sheriffโs Office Bomb Squad, New Jersey State Police Hazardous Material Response Unit, New Jersey Office of the Attorney General and New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration Newark Division (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations Newark Office (FBI).
MCPO members initiated this investigation in March 2026. It is alleged that Rizos ran a destructive device manufacturing operation in the years 2025 and 2026.
On June 24, Rizos was charged with the following:
โข One count of Recklessly Risking Widespread Injury/Damage, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-2C, a crime of the second degree.
โข Four counts of Possession of Destructive Devices, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3A, a crime of the third degree.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be appropriate.
Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Reform Act, Rizos remains detained in the Morris County Jail pending a motion for pretrial detention.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, โI want to recognize the hard work and persistence of our investigators in shutting down this potentially dangerous operation. I also wish to thank our local, state, and federal partners in providing timely assistance with this volatile situation.
We recognize that matters of national significance are transpiring in Northern New Jersey right now, and that this arrest may prompt speculation and concern. Given the ongoing nature of the investigation, law enforcement cannot discuss additional details at this time, such as the defendantโs intent. More will be reported to the public at the appropriate time.โ
Editorโs 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.
The new Dolce Hotels and Resorts by Wyndham signage goes up at 199 Smith Road in Parsippany on June 25, 2026, marking the end of the Sheraton era at the iconicโฆThe new Dolce Hotels and Resorts by Wyndham signage goes up at 199 Smith Road in Parsippany on June 25, 2026, marking the end of the Sheraton era at the iconic castle hotel.
PARSIPPANY โ After decades as one of Morris Countyโs most recognizable landmarks, the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel has officially changed hands and changed its name. As of today, June 25, 2026, the iconic castle-themed property at 199 Smith Road is now operating as Dolce by Wyndham Parsippany.
The castle-like exterior of the former Sheraton Parsippany Hotel at 199 Smith Road, now Dolce Hotels and Resorts by Wyndham โ the Sheraton lettering already partially removed as the rebranding takes effect on June 25, 2026.
The sale had been in the works since early 2026. Host Hotels & Resorts, the nationโs largest lodging real estate investment trust, had the property under contract to sell for $15 million, with an expected close in the first half of 2026. The deal is now done.
Dolce by Wyndham Parsippany officially opened June 23, 2026, with signage changing today to reflect the new brand. The property retains its castle-inspired exterior and resort-like setting, with 370 guest rooms and over 40,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
Dolce by Wyndham is an upper-upscale brand under the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts umbrella, known for global leadership in group hospitality, IACC-certified meeting facilities, and a sophisticated food and beverage program. Wyndham, which is headquartered right here in Parsippany, has been actively expanding the Dolce brand, making the local rebranding a fitting move for the companyโs home turf.
The on-site fitness center, known as Envy, continues to operate at the property.
The hotel remains at (973) 515-2000 and 199 Smith Road, Parsippany. For more information visit wyndhamhotels.com.
Morris County 4-H members Gwennevierre Maury (cq) with a Bantam chicken; Samantha with her guinea pigs Brownie and Nugget; and Khloe Terrazas with her lionhead bunny Luna. Back row, left to right, are Morris County Commissioners Tayfun Selen, Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus and Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw.
MORRIS COUNTY — A speckled white rabbit, a pair of chickens and two guinea pigs accompanied a half-dozen Morris County 4-H Club members to the Morris County Commissioners Work Session this week, where the youth shared their experiences in the 4-H program and invited the commissioners to attend the annual Morris County 4-H Fair, scheduled for July 24-26 in Mount Olive.
By all accounts, the animals stole the show, starting with 4-H Club member Khloe Terrazas lifting Luna the Lionhead rabbit out of her carrying case. After introductions, Khloe held the leash as Luna hopped around the room, delighting commissioners and greeting attendees gathered in the Knox Meeting Room.
โA group of dedicated 4-H club members, along with their rabbit, chickens and guinea pigs, joined us at our work session to invite us to their fair at the end of July. Yet their visit turned out to be both inspiring and impressive as they described healthy living, shared stories about their animals, discussed what theyโve learned and explained how theyโre contributing to their community,โ said Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw. โMeeting these motivated young people striving to make a positive impact was truly uplifting, especially in challenging times. Both the children and the 4-H program are exceptional.โ
The annual Morris County 4-H Fair showcases the work, knowledge and skills developed by the county’s 4-H youth members. The 2026 fair will be held at High View Farms and will feature animal displays, hands-on activities, entertainment and other traditional country fair attractions.
During the 2025-26 program year, more than 240 youth participated in 25 Morris County 4-H clubs, supported by more than 80 volunteers. In addition to clubs, the 4-H program offers multi-session events and stand-alone workshops that are open to all. Youth in kindergarten through one year out of high school are eligible to attend.
โMany people are familiar with 4-H โs animal science and agriculture background but we also participate in many project areas such as STEM, creative arts, hobbies and more,โ said club member Raima Bera. โThrough these clubs, members develop important life skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork and care for their communities.โ
The 4-H members recommended several fair highlights, including the watermelon-eating contest, pickup basketball at the Teen Council booth, the art show and the small animal tent, where guinea pigs Brownie and Nugget will be on display among many others.
High View Farms is located at 416 Sand Shore Rd. in Mount Olive. Admission to the fair is free. A donation of $5 per car is requested which supports program activities. A free hayride shuttle will be offered from the parking lot up the hill to the fair. Fair sponsorships are still available. Learn more about the 4-H Fair by clicking here.
4-H Clubs are free and open to youth in kindergarten through one year out of high school. The program is part of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the universityโs outreach arm to the community and a collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. The organizationโs goal is to help distinct populations statewide to adapt to a rapidly changing society, improve lives and nourish communities through educational programs that are based in science. Learn more about Morris County 4-H by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY โ Avni Vyas of Parsippany has been named a winner of the Terumo Americas Holding, Inc. Scholarship Program, a competitive award presented to sons and daughters of Terumo Medical Corporation associates who are enrolled or planning to enroll full-time in a college, university, or technical school program.
Avni, the daughter of Nikhilesh Vyas, plans to major in Computer Science. She has been active in tennis, Key Club, track, taekwondo, and has served as a math tutor.
Recipients are selected on the basis of their academic record and personal achievements. The scholarship competition is independently managed by Career Opportunities Through Education, Inc. (Cote), a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Audubon, New Jersey.
Terumo Americas Holding, Inc. is headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey and is a leader in the medical device industry, employing 696 employees. The company manufactures a variety of medical devices including syringes used in hospitals and sold in pharmacies, blood oxygenators, and introducer kits for cardiovascular intervention.
PARSIPPANY โ The Morris County Sons of Italy Lodge #2561 will hold its Annual Charity Golf Outing on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Knoll Country Club West in Parsippany, in memory of Joseph Jannarone Sr. and Adam Gragnani.
Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by a buffet lunch at 11:00 a.m. and a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. in scramble format. The day concludes with dinner and prizes at 6:00 p.m.
All proceeds benefit area families and charitable organizations, including the Parsippany Food Pantry, Interfaith Food Pantry, The Shelter for Battered Women, Lilyโs Hope, The Alzheimerโs Foundation, and high school scholarships. The lodge returns 100% of funds raised directly to those in need.
Sponsorship Levels
Hole/Bronze Sponsor: $100.00
Silver Sponsor: $250.00
Gold Sponsor: $500.00
Platinum Sponsor: $1,000.00+
For general questions contact Bob Wilhalme at (973) 479-4835 or [email protected]. For golfer registration and groupings contact Lou Yandoli at (973) 941-2372 or [email protected]. For hole or other sponsorship levels contact Lou Amato at (973) 224-0212 or [email protected]. For prize contributions contact Harry Mangiro at (201) 919-4412 or [email protected].
The team at Marotta Controls in Parsippany celebrates the company's fifth Lockheed Martin Exceptional Small Business Performance Award for 2025.
PARSIPPANY โ Marotta Controls, an aerospace and defense supplier based in Parsippany, has been named one of 11 recipients of the Lockheed Martin Exceptional Small Business Performance Award for 2025 โ marking the fifth time the company has earned the honor.
The annual award, presented by Lockheed Martin, recognizes small business suppliers that delivered the greatest value and innovation over the previous year.
โEarning this honor for the fifth time speaks to the depth and durability of our partnership with Lockheed Martin,โ said Steven Fox, Senior Vice President of Power and Actuation Systems at Marotta Controls. โFor more than a decade and a half, our teams have worked side by side on some of the most demanding programs in the Missiles and Fire Control portfolio, consistently delivering the precision, performance and reliability those missions require.โ
Fox added that the recognition reflects the companyโs role as more than just a vendor. โBeing named among an elite group of Exceptional Small Businesses this year reinforces that Marotta is more than a supplier โ weโre a trusted extension of the Lockheed Martin team, ready to meet todayโs mission and the ones still ahead.โ
Founded in 1943, Marotta Controls was previously recognized with the award in 2022 and 2023 for fulfilling subassembly needs for Lockheed Martinโs next-generation Precision-Strike Missile (PrSM) developed for the U.S. Army, and earned the award in 2013 and 2015 for its development of missile program power supplies.
Andy Booker, Vice President of Lockheed Martin Global Supply Chain Operations, praised the Parsippany firmโs performance. โMarotta Controls has consistently out-performed every contractual milestone, delivering key hardware a full year ahead of schedule and maintaining that lead-time advantage across successive programs,โ Booker said. โBy internalizing the high-volume Motorfox line, Marotta gave Lockheed Martin direct control of a critical actuation subsystem, eliminating a single point-of-failure and markedly improving system reliability.โ
MORRIS COUNTY – Justin Jennings, 27, of Rockaway Township has been indicted on charges of securities fraud and insider trading in connection with a $2.7 million scheme in which he allegedly stole confidential documents from his girlfriend’s employer to make profitable stock trades, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced Tuesday.
Jennings was charged by indictment with one count of engaging in a securities fraud scheme, eight counts of securities fraud for insider trading, and two counts of transacting in criminal proceeds.
According to prosecutors, between February 2022 and October 2024, Jennings made well-timed trades in the securities of eight publicly traded companies in the days before major corporate announcements โ typically mergers and acquisitions โ based on material nonpublic information (MNPI). At the time of the trades, Jennings was in a relationship with an account executive at a public relations firm that had been entrusted with confidential information about those announcements.
Prosecutors allege that Jennings accessed draft press releases and other confidential documents from his girlfriend’s employer-issued laptop without her knowledge or consent. The scheme allegedly generated more than $2.7 million in illegal trading profits.
If convicted, Jennings faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison on the securities fraud charge, 20 years on each insider trading count, and 10 years on each count of transacting in criminal proceeds.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission also filed a civil complaint against Jennings based on the same conduct.
The investigation was conducted by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Webman and Farhana C. Melo of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
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.
The Parsippany High School Class of 2026 processional โ 231 graduates in red caps and gowns march onto the field to begin commencement ceremonies.The Parsippany High School Class of 2026 processional โ 231 graduates in red caps and gowns march onto the field to begin commencement ceremonies.
PARSIPPANY โ Parsippany High School celebrated the graduation of 231 members of the Class of 2026 at its commencement ceremony on Wednesday, June 24, highlighted by student speeches, musical performances, and the conferring of diplomas.
The ceremony opened with a prelude performed by the Parsippany High School Combined Bands under the direction of Erin Neglio, followed by the processional โPomp & Circumstanceโ performed by the Combined Bands and Orchestra. The Flag Salute was led by Student Council President Yusef Qasemi, and the National Anthem and Alma Mater were performed by the Parsippany High School Choir under the direction of Christine Wilson and Joseph Stella.
Senior Class President Allie Hiltz
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Student Council President Yusef Qasemi. Salutatorian Evelyn Chung addressed her classmates, followed by Principalโs Remarks from Melissa Carucci, Principal of Parsippany High School. Senior Reflections were offered by Senior Class President Allie Hiltz.
Melissa Carucci, Principal of Parsippany High School
Superintendent Dr. Karen Chase delivered the Superintendentโs Address, and Remarks and Dedication were presented by Tim Berrios on behalf of the Board of Education. Valedictorian Mishti Borkar then addressed the graduating class.
The Dedication Song, โThank You For The Music,โ was performed by the Parsippany High School Choir, conducted by Christine Wilson. Senior Class President Alexandra Hiltz performed the Passing of the Senior Gavel. Diplomas were conferred by Nicole DellaFave and Judy Mayer of the Board of Education, with graduates presented by Principal Melissa Carucci. The ceremony concluded with the recessional โBig Four Marchโ performed by the Parsippany High School Combined Bands under the direction of Michael Iapicca.
Members of the Parsippany High School Class of 2026 take their places on the field as family and friends fill the stands during the commencement ceremony.
Mostafa Abdelhamed, Sarah Aboualmaged, Hanna Abouelmagd, Lillian Von Achen, Jianna Bella Aguirre, Viktor Aharkov, Hamza Akrami, Sofia Alemany, Kanstantsin Anufryienka, Marcos Arellano, Fatima Ariayee, Alisha O. Baig, Kiana Maria Bartek, Gabriella Batarseh, Venkatanagaveera Sai Shankar Swapnil Bhandaru, George Bittar, Jared Josiah Bogart, Mishti Shailesh Borkar, Chester Alexander Braun, Valerie Brielle Flores Bravo, Dwayne Brizeus, Willie David Buhanan, Lucas Samuel Callie, Jacob Camacho, Nathan Alexander Camacho, Juliana Ravago Campos, Sofia Stella Cascio, Kcean Trima Feliciano Caylao, Jordan Daniel McDonald Charles, Enoch Chen, Priya Chopra, Evelyn Mae Chung, Samuel Lawrence Collins, Alex Colon, Yusuf Yameen Survey Cruz, Rhea Dalal, Alexa Riley DeBoer, Michael Thaddeus DeJesus, Mina Demirbas, and Avi R. Desai.
Parsippany Mayor Pulkit Desai takes a selfie with members of the Parsippany High School Class of 2026 following commencement ceremonies.
Also Suhil Dhanda, Vignesh Dharma, Alisha Dhurra, Aryam Dichpally, Caden DiMacco, Hagop Dishoyan, Jillian Marie Dohm, Charles Logan Dohm, Ziba A. Donlin, Katherine S. Dort, Ricky Duong, Jayneil Eda, Lena Elzain, Mareena Jessica Emmanuel, Karen Encarnacion, Abbey Rebecca Ernst, David Iteoluwa Faturoti, Benjamin Wallace Feggans, Nino Fergusson, Leanne Marie Onia Fernandez, Maddison Rose Ferrara, Lex A. Ferrer, Alyssa Raven Fitzgerald, Samantha Aguirre Flores, Axel G. Flores, Axel Medrano Flores, Joseph Peter Fucci, Samantha Gallo, Elijah Galvan, Navya Garikipati, Jeffin Blessan George, Ibrahim Ghani, Dhanya Girisha, Franco Gjelaj, Emma Gonzalez, Iverson Leon Guallpa, Stephanie Hannah Guan, Amairani Roque Guerrero, Aditi Guha, and Axel Isai Guzman.
Also Janellys Guzman, Rida Sajid Ali Hajwane, Kiara Hernandez, Matthew Omar Hernandez, Lesvi Ramirez Hernandez, Alexandra Claire Hiltz, Annabelle Hui, Ilissa Idres, Giana Iossa, Samantha Nicole Irwin, Mustafa Issa, Aaron Jacob, Joseph Anthony Jacoby, Riya Jain, Hasly Dessire Castillo De Jesus, Trinity A. Johnson, Angelica R. Johnson, Inderveer Kahlon, Timothy Victor Kempf, Bhumi Keny, Arnav Kindra, Irem Kuleli, Dustin Scott Kulyeshie, Rithini Ramesh Kumar, Darren Kuo, Jason Lara, Chad Daniel Lee, Vivian Grace Lerner, Angie Lin, Raymond Lin, Marvice Linares, Ramona Rahima Linton, Colin Joseph Londergan, Andrea Lopez, Isaac Alexander Lopez, Osvaldo Nieto Lopez, Isabella Lorente, Sofia Lorente, Johana A. Mendez Lozano, and Emily A. Mendez Lozano.
Advait Pandit
Also Sloane De Lucia, Jared Dylan Magrini-Forges, Krisha Mangrola, Alexis Sophia Margolin, Daphny Hernandez Martinez, Jahayra Martinez, Christian Alexander Marto, Rocco Antonio Marucci, Siripriya Masspalli, Julianna Mauriello, Alexander James McBride, Rowan C. McLaughlin, Michael P. Melvin, Maria Elena Mesa, Kylie Marie Messam, Iman Imran Mian, Aastha Mistry, Kunal Mistry, Frances Jalen Montero, Daniel Montez, Andres Mora, Sammy Murat, Ishaan Naik, Mohammad Nazari, Ryan Nelson, Daniel Nguyen, Kevin An Nguyen, David Niedermaier, Thomas Niedermaier, Aayush Nyati, Ralph J. Orcel, Freddy Orellana, Genevieve Owusu-Ansah, Ahmet Yigit Ozturk, Nayanasree Reddy Pala, Advait Pandit, Tanvee Panuganti, Isabella Parada, Vidhi Parikh, and Piya Rohit Parulekar.
Parsippany Mayor Pulkit Desai congratulates Parsippany High School graduate Tanisi Patel following the Class of 2026 commencement ceremony.
Also Aditi Sai Patchipulusu, Anya R. Patel, Aryan Patel, Barkha Salil Patel, Deep Amrishbhai Patel, Rushit Patel, Shreya Patel, Tanisi Patel, Juliana Francesca Perez, Shaylee Pham, Riya Ramesh Pillai, Sarah Piperato, Pranavi Polisetty, Alicia Sydney Polson, Apurv Prajapati, Shrujana Shriyaditha Praveen, Siddu Puligilla, Aditya Rajendra Pulliwar, Yusef Qasemi, Viktoriia Radzilovska, Gabriel Rakhlev, Emma Daniela Ramirez, Frank Rattacasa, Ryder Joseph King Raymond, Nicholas Aaron Rice, Antonio Ristevski, Anais Jael Roman, Lauren Ruiz, Alondra Simonet Perez Saeteros, Nirmal Sagayaraj, Irmak Sahin, Jose Angel Salgado, Kenneth Sanchez, Quincy Albert Salas Sanchez, Gianna Alexa Santana, Olivia Nicola Santulli, Delilah Scheffen, Alexandra Rose Serritella, Rajveer Sharma, and Mackenzie Sibilia.
Also Sahil Siddiquie, Issac Da Silva, Bharat Pratap Singh, Shashwat Shekhar Singh, Aarav Sinha, Emma Monroe Snyder, Ignacio Lopez Solano, Furkan Songun, Mason H. Stout, Zhuangfanzhe Sun, Sangeetha Seethalakshmi Sundaram, Mohammed Ayaan Surve, Caleb Swicinski, Sumaiya Syed, Sophia Ivanova Taskova, Elif Taslicukur, Stavros Tserpes, Alyssa Umali, Revent Mohanasundaram Vanchinayagam, Sydney Vannoy, Jewel Elise Vargas, Ridham Vashi, Sayuri Amira Vega, Gabriella Vignola-Pennucci, Samantha Grace Vitiello, Elaina Marie Voto, Avni Vyas, Andrew Allan Wild, Hamza Yilmaz, Matthew Mounir Youssef, and Ryan Zhang.
Parsippany Focus congratulates all 231 members of the Parsippany High School Class of 2026!
Members of the Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2026
PARSIPPANY โ Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2026 received their diplomas during a Commencement Exercise held Thursday, June 24 under a sunny morning.
Parsippany Hills High School Principal Dr. Matthew J. Thompson presented the graduates to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education, and all 246 graduates were presented with diplomas by members of the Board of Education.
The processional featured “Pomp and Circumstance,” performed by the Choir and Band, with Prableen Kaur leading the procession. The Flag Salute was led by Hallie Stringham, followed by the National Anthem performed by Anushka Kamisetti.
Salutatorian Anushka Kamisetti then addressed the Class of 2026, followed by Maya Nair, who gave the History of the Class of 2026. The Valedictorian then spoke to the graduating class.
Dr. Denis Mulroony, Assistant Superintendent, addresses the Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2026 during Commencement exercises.
Dr. Matthew J. Thompson, Principal, presented the graduates, followed by the Welcome address delivered by Dr. Denis Mulroony, Assistant Superintendent. Dr. Wendy Wright then addressed the Board of Education.
The Board of Education presided over the Conferment of Diplomas.
The Parsippany Hills High School Alma Mater was then performed by the Choir and Band, followed by the Dismissal of the Class of 2026 by Anushka Kamisetti. The Recessional was performed by the Graduates and Band.
Diplomas are stacked and ready for the 246 members of the Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2026.Diplomas are stacked and ready for the 246 members of the Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2026.
Here are the 246 2026 Parsippany Hills High School graduates:
Gabriella Jessica Albano celebrates her graduation from the Class of 2026, proudly displaying her decorated cap ahead of commencement.
Ethan C. Adams, Oluwatamilore Aimee Adebukunola Adedayo, Ayat Ahmed, Hadi Ahmed, Kaan Akin, Gabriella Jessica Albano, Aynur Alim, Vidvathi Alvakonda, Valeria Anton, Emerson Faith Arnold, Amanda Nicole Aromin, Aaron Alessandro Avelar Argueta, Timothy Ayres, Srisha Bajaj, Quinn Matthew Barbrack, Samuel Battista, Aidan Robert Bavas, James Nicholas Bavas, Ayushi Bhatt, Dirgh Bhatt, Harshal T. Bhatt, Aliyah Cassandra Bilbao La Vieja, Natalia Bogdan, Aiden Jerry Bos, Nouha Bounatirou, Alexa Victoria Cabrera, Maya Cadili, Anya M. Campbell, Michella Valeria Campos, Oscar M. Carcamo Tobar, Evan Joseph Carlson, Stephanie Carpinteyro Ramirez, Christopher Daniel Caserta, Samantha Jean Cassimore, and Julius Cespedes.
Members of the Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2026
Also graduating is Cameron Nicole Chang, Martin Jacobo Chaves Mora, Alexander Moore Codio, Audra Kathryn Crane, Angelina Cruz Vargas, Marina Victoria D’Addario, Christopher Dana, Dhyey A. Dangar, Shyam N. Darji, Timothy Alexander Davis, Angelica Ann Deegan, Vincenzo DePierro, Darshil D. Desai, Krish Desai, Ridham Desai, Gregory Richard Di Maggio, Ruvarashe E. Dodzo, Simon Dricker, Ashton Bernard Drikman, William Jake Duffy, Richard Duong, Claudia Duszkiewicz, Elizabeth Ann Elvin, Heather Fabiola Elvir Paz, Parker James Enslow, Gemma Everett, Charlotte Feng, Delfin Dante Figueroa III, Andrei Paul Filipescu, Keyry Flores Lizardo, Mario Louis Fornini IV, Kimaya Gaitonde, Valeriia Aleksandrovna Galkina, Nicholas Garces, and Celia Marie Garfunkel.
Mario L. Fornini, IV, proudly displays his Parsippany Hills High School diploma alongside a family member following the Class of 2026 commencement ceremony.
Also graduating is Emily Jane Garfunkel, Kaya Mackenzie Garwood, Anya Gaur, Izabel Glickman, Andre Robert Gonzales, Javier Gonzalez Perez, Jaelin Gonzalez Zago, Amelia June Gravitt, Jocelyn Mary Gravitt, Daniil Grishev, Austin M. Gudelanis, Sebastian Guevara, Richa Gupta, Jared Francis Hanenberg, Elisha Hannig, Emmanuel Hannig, Madeline Grace Harmon, Kimora J. Harris, Matthew Ryan Hemenway, Robert Thomas Hemenway, Ethan Denis Hernandez, Jenna Marie Herre, Abigail Rian Herzog, Charles James Hilgendorff, Ivy Hu, Omar Ibrahim, Jayden John Jachera, Thomas Jae Alfred Jachym, Skyla Jeter, Sharanya Jha, Josh Gerard Jiji, Kayla Cole Johannesen, Kayla Catherine Joyce, Sheryl Hanah Kali, and Anushka Ravi Kamisetti.
Also graduating is Prableen Kaur, Kaia R. Killian, Rebecca Juliet Kirstein, Benjamin Maxwell Kiwior, Dev Krishna, David Krysztofik, Aaron A. Kunde, Zachary Andrew Ladas, Peyton J. Lai, Jacob Prisco Lamdagan, Jordan Alfonso Ledesma, Benjamin Andrew Lee, Darian Joseph Letz, Jaslin Li, Anokhi Limbachia, Bansari Limbachia, Micah James Lopez, Emma Christine Lutkowski, Isaac David Madriz Ortiz, Adonia Shawanna Adeka Malcolm, Michele Anise Malnarick, Abdul Bari Mansoor, Keira Belle McGarry, Amelia Catherine McIntosh, Juleah McRae, Yuvraj Mehrotra, Avi Mehta, Jaslene Mendez Riera, Jayden Mendez, Jesus David Mendez, Germรกn Samir Mendoza Fajardo, Meghana Chowdary Metla, John W. Meyer, Aleena Mir, and Anthony S. Mitrakos.
Also graduating is Alyson Judith Molina, Andi Mackenzie Morgan, Aadya Shree Muley, Autumn Cheyenne Murray, Jake Murray, Shakti Murugan, Arjun Nair, Maya M. Nair, Tanvi Nakirikanti, Rithwik Narra, Youssif Nassef, Fabian Allan Nicanor Plata, Andrew Scott Nicholas, Aja Jonah Mystique Nickerson, Liam Thomas O’Dowd, Gabriel Ray Olsen, Gabriella Sofia Padilla, Aarya Amit Parikh, Julia Michelle Pars, Anay V. Patel, Aryaa Patel, Dhruv Patel, Diya H. Patel, Drashti Patel, Heet Patel, Ishita Parag Patel, Jimmy Patel, Josh Hetal Patel, Manit Patel, Om Patel, Shaan Kamal Patel, Shreeji Patel, Smit Jignesh Patel, Tanvi Patel, and Tanvi Patel.
Also graduating is Ved Patel, Veera Amit Patel, Alejandro A. Perez, Armand Zachary Perez, Nimisha Peruka, Marven J. Placide, Kency Nayeli Portillo Gonzalez, Ahmad Urfan Poya, Viswesh Prabhakar, Hamza Rabbani, Ritvik Raj, Donato Reilly, Michael Reese Rescigno, Alexander Jakob Resciniti, Silas Lynn Rhodes, Zachary Xavier Richards-Powell, Helen M. Rodriguez Santos, Mauricio Rojas Martinez, Allyson Michelle Rosario, Manuel Alberto Salcedo, Cole Tristan San Martin, Sallett Marie Sanchez Duval, Jordan Santana, Gabriela Santos Martinez, Vedika Saraswat, Omar Sayed, Clarke Kiyingi Sekadde, Aarav Shah, Adam Mustafa Shah, Jay Shah, Hari Sharma, Evrosina Shenouda, Rohan Iyer Siddiqui, Harjashan Singh, and Sanil Singh.
Also graduating is Simran Singh, Leanne Yan-Tung Siu, Snehan Sivakumar, Natalya Kalyna Soltys, Krish Somalinga Kartheesh, Tori Lynn Stampone, Ramon Antonio Steuth III, Hallie Stringham, Shrikar Subramanian, Heather N. Swanson, Faizaan Tanveer, Elian Andres Taveras Gonzalez, Ryan Nicholas Terrone, Hadia Saad Thaniana, Ashley Samantha Thompson, Zakariah Thrall, Colin Michael Tiso, Trisha B. Todkari, Leah Anne Tracey, Mari Urker, Ram Vadhadia, Isabella Velasquez Giraldo, Paul J. Velicky Jr., Nicholas Vico, Francisco Vinals, Victoria Vinals, Rohit Viswanath, Sindhu Reddy Vontikommu, Amelia Wadolowski, Benjamin Oliver Wayland, Kara Sophia Webb, Emily Addison Wilson, Georgia Worley, Julien Yang, and Mina Anton Yanni.
๎๎ค๎๎ปClaude responded: Graduates of the Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2026 toss their caps skyward in celebration at the conclusion of commencement ceremonies.Graduates of the Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2026 toss their caps skyward in celebration at the conclusion of commencement ceremonies.
Outback Steakhouse was among the retail consumption liquor licenses renewed by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council during its June 23 meeting as part of the Township's annual renewal process for the 2026โ2027 licensing term. Like the other establishments included in the resolution, Outback's renewal followed the standard review required under New Jersey's Alcoholic Beverage Control laws, including verification of state tax clearance and review by municipal officials before the Council acted at a public meeting.
PARSIPPANY โ The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council approved Resolution R2026-146 at its June 23, 2026 meeting, authorizing retail liquor license renewals for the licensing term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
New Jersey retail liquor licenses are issued for a one-year term running from July 1 through June 30. Every retail liquor license must be renewed annually, even if the license is inactive (“pocket license”).
Before a municipality may renew a license, the business must obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate from the New Jersey Division of Taxation confirming that:
State taxes are current
Sales taxes have been filed
No outstanding tax liabilities prevent renewal
Without tax clearance, the governing body generally cannot approve renewal.
Police Department
Fire District(s)
Health Department
Construction Code Office
Tax Collector
Other agencies as necessary
The purpose is to determine whether any outstanding issues should affect renewal.
Clubs & Associations
American Legion Parsippanong Post 249 โ 91 No. Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha
PARSIPPANY โ When cell towers fail and the internet goes dark, amateur radio operators keep the lines of communication open. Parsippany OEM RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) will demonstrate exactly that during Amateur Radio Field Day, a 24-hour public event taking place June 27โ28, 2026 at Puddingstone Community Center, 24 High Ridge Road, Parsippany.
The event runs from 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 27 through 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 28 โ 24 consecutive hours of live emergency communications in action. Admission is free and open to the public, with all ages welcome.
Visitors will have the opportunity to see how amateur radio operators provide emergency communications during storms, disasters, and infrastructure outages โ all without relying on the internet or cell networks. Attendees can talk around the world without the internet, see emergency communications equipment up close, learn how amateur radio supports disaster response, and meet local OEM, CERT, and RACES volunteers. Those interested in getting licensed can also learn how to become a licensed ham radio operator.
Field Day is one of the most popular events in the amateur radio community, serving as both a public demonstration and an emergency preparedness exercise. Parsippanyโs OEM RACES team plays a critical role in keeping the township connected when conventional communications infrastructure breaks down.
A local resident enjoys a quiet moment at home, reflecting on how far New Jersey has come since voters approved recreational cannabis in November 2020โushering in a new era of personal freedom and economic opportunity.
PARSIPPANY โ The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council has voted to rescind its prior support for a recreational cannabis dispensary application, after it was determined that the proposed location violates local zoning regulations.
Resolution R2026-145, adopted at a recent council meeting, formally rescinds Resolution R2025-200 and revokes the townshipโs support for Fresh Dispensary Parsippany, LLCโs application to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission for a Class 5 recreational dispensary license.
Fresh Dispensary Parsippany had proposed operating at 3159 Route 46 East โ a commercial strip that is also home to A2B Indian Veg Restaurant, Fuddruckers, and Days Inn. However, upon further investigation, it was determined that the property sits within 100 feet of a residential lot line, making it non-compliant with municipal zoning regulations under Chapter 119 of the Township Municipal Code.
The Township Attorney recommended that Resolution R2025-200 be rescinded and that support for Freshโs application to the state be revoked, citing the applicantโs failure to submit a complete and accurate application.
The company behind the dispensary, Fresh Dispensary Parsippany, LLC, lists its registered address as 445 Morris Avenue, Boonton, NJ 07005. Its members include Shoaib Iqbal of Boonton, Luis Manuel Brito of West New York, and George Tsimpedes of Wayne, all listed as Members/Managers.
With the councilโs action, Fresh Dispensary Parsippanyโs path to obtaining a state cannabis license through municipal support has been effectively closed โ at least at the Route 46 location.
Following the unanimous approval of Resolution R2026-152, Khaled Madin addresses the Township Council and residents after being officially appointed Business Administrator for Parsippany-Troy Hills. Madin thanked Mayor Pulkit Desai and Council members for their confidence and pledged to serve all residents while focusing on making Parsippany-Troy Hills "the very best place to live, work, and raise a family.
PARSIPPANY โ The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council unanimously approved Resolution R2026-152, formally consenting to the appointment of Khaled Madin as Business Administrator for the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
The action makes official the appointment of Madin, who will oversee the day-to-day operations of township government and coordinate municipal departments while working closely with the Mayor and Township Council to implement policies and initiatives.
Mayor Pulkit noted that Khaledโs appointment is about one thing: delivering better results for the residents of Parsippany.
From day one, I promised that this administration would move things forward, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, and focus on execution. Khaled brings decades of municipal experience and an unmatched understanding of Parsippany township operations. He shares my sense of urgency and my vision for Parsippanyโs future.
Khaledโs appointment strengthens our ability to move projects forward, improve coordination across departments, and better serve our residents. Just as importantly, it does so while saving taxpayers approximately over $150,000 in salary and benefits by consolidating two positions into one. Let me be clear, he is not collecting two salaries.
This appointment reflects our approach to governing: put experienced people in positions where they can succeed, eliminate unnecessary costs, and focus relentlessly on delivering results for the people of Parsippany.
During his acceptance remarks, Madin thanked township leadership for their support and emphasized his commitment to serving all residents.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Mayor and members of the Council for their confidence, support, and the opportunity to serve the residents of Parsippany-Troy Hills. I also want our residents to know that this administration is committed to serving every member of our community. We are not focused on political labels or partisan divisions. Whether you identify as red, blue, purple, green, or anywhere in between, our responsibility remains the same: to serve all residents equally and to always act in the best interests of our township. Our mission is straightforward: to make Parsippany-Troy Hills the very best place to live, work, and raise a family. We will remain focused on delivering results, strengthening our community, and ensuring that local government works effectively and responsibly for everyone we serve.”
The resolution passed unanimously, reflecting the Council’s support for Madin’s appointment and confidence in his leadership. With decades of municipal experience and extensive knowledge of township operations, Madin now assumes one of the most important administrative roles in local government as Parsippany continues to focus on economic growth, municipal efficiency, and delivering services to residents.
A small business owner reviews AI-powered forecasting tools to analyze sales trends, manage inventory levels, and make data-driven decisions aimed at improving efficiency and future growth.
By Vidhi Patel
Artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses operate, allowing companies to make faster and more efficient decisions. AI is currently being implemented to automate tasks that once took countless hours of manual work. But local entrepreneurs have one essential question. Isnโt AI only suitable for large businesses with technical experience and large budgets? After thorough research and experimentation, I found that the AI industry is changing quickly. Software that once required experienced developers and large investments is now available to anyone with a smartphone.
To understand where AI could have the biggest impact, I started to interview business owners in Parsippany. Many explained that they felt overwhelmed by the disconnected tools and frustrated by their inability to use raw data to make predictions. Furthermore, many owners were hesitant to adopt the technology as they feared the replacement of human talent with machines. At the same time, others were confused about how to start learning about this innovation.
To help diffuse the confusion regarding AI adoption, I sought the perspective of a policy leader and a technology advocate with firsthand experience using the technology. Mayor Desai of Parsippany offers a key insight, cutting through the fear and noise surrounding the AI industry. He stated that โInstead of artificial intelligence, my word is assistive intelligence.โ In addition, the mayor explained his personal experience with AI, stating that, โIt completely helped us. We found no reason to replace anybody, and everyone became better at their jobs. All the mundane, boring work that people did was reduced a lot.โ The message for business owners is that AI is here to empower people by increasing productivity, cutting costs, and helping gain a competitive advantage.
AI can impact many different business operations. But it is most advantageous for accomplishing data analysis and strategic tasks. For example, I was able to build a prototype of an AI workflow that collects conversion data from Instagram and Shopify to predict incoming orders. Next, that data is coupled with inventory data to calculate the number of days the owner has before a stockout. Rather than relying on manual data analysis, businesses can use AI to prevent problems before they arise. Also, with the integration of human-in-the-loop systems, the owner can oversee and control the system when needed. Automating repetitive tasks is an integral strategy businesses can utilize to increase efficiency.
Ultimately, the question is no longer whether AI is necessary in the business world. It is whether business owners can afford to ignore its benefits. AI has the potential to transform business operations. Small steps, like automating a single repetitive task, can have a measurable impact. Mayor Desai rightfully framed AI as โassistive intelligence,โ a tool that can help owners manage their businesses efficiently. If you are a business owner looking to increase productivity and save time and money, now is the time to explore what AI can do.
