PARSIPPANY — Caring Transitions of Parsippany is launching its second annual Handbags for Hunger campaign, a donation drive and charity auction aimed at supporting Nourish NJ’s mission to fight food insecurity among local seniors. Residents are encouraged to donate gently used handbags, jewelry, designer clothing, and accessories between February 9 and February 16.

Items collected will be auctioned online in early March, with 100% of proceeds going to Nourish NJ. Local pickup is available by appointment, and select donations can be dropped off at Nourish NJ’s Victory Gardens location.

“Every beautiful thing deserves an encore — and every neighbor deserves a meal,” said Tara Nielsen, owner of Caring Transitions of Parsippany. The company, which helps seniors with downsizing and estate transitions, views this effort as an extension of its mission to serve the community.

For more information or to schedule a donation pickup, community members can call or text (862) 332-1565.

MOUNTAIN LAKES — Lakeland Hills YMCA has officially opened the doors to its newly upgraded and reimagined Health and Fitness Center, marking a bold new era in member wellness and community connection.

This renovation represents more than new equipment; it reflects the Y’s commitment to building stronger communities through wellness, connection, and support. The upgraded facility not only enhances fitness access but also reinforces what the YMCA has always uniquely offered: a place where people feel a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a morning workout, a shared laugh in a small group session, or cheering someone on in a cycle class, the Y remains a gathering place where relationships are built, and lives are strengthened together.

“The transformation of our Health and Fitness Center is about more than aesthetics or technology; it’s about investing in people,” said Alex Martinez, CEO of the YMCA. “We’ve built an environment where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered to live their healthiest life. This renovation expands access and deepens our mission to strengthen the entire community.”

Highlights of the Renovation:

• EGYM Smart-Strength Circuit: Members now enjoy a guided, full-body workout in less than 30 minutes. Each tech-enabled machine automatically adjusts to the individual using a personalized wristband, creating a safe, efficient, and accessible experience for all fitness levels.
• Expanded & Upgraded Turf-Training Zone: Redesigned to inspire movement and strength, this dynamic space includes ropes, agility equipment, and room for functional training. Perfect for small groups or individuals looking to challenge themselves in a modern performance environment.
• High-Energy Cycle Studio: Featuring immersive lighting, a raised stage, and heart-pumping sound, this studio turns cycling into a fully engaging fitness experience. Classes are designed to motivate and connect participants through movement and music.
• FitWorks Studio: This new small group and personal training space invites members to take their fitness to the next level with expert coaching in a focused, high-impact setting, ideal for goal-oriented training.
• Enhanced Cardio, Strength & Power Zones: The Center’s main areas have been reimagined to offer more space, updated equipment, and a welcoming layout where members can train hard and work smart in pursuit of their personal goals.

Beyond the machines and studio lights, the YMCA remains committed to what matters most – people. This upgraded space invites members to not only achieve their personal wellness goals but to experience the connection, encouragement, and support that only the Y can offer.

About Lakeland Hills Family YMCA

Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the foundations of our community by supporting youth, improving health and well-being, and fostering connection. From early learning and summer camp to aquatics, fitness, and enrichment programs, we serve people of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring everyone has access to opportunities that build confidence, relationships, and lifelong well-being.

PARSIPPANY — The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, the early 20th-century historic home of Gustav Stickley, is delighted to invite the public to a FREE Valentine’s Open House on Saturday, February 14, from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m.

The Valentine’s Open House will take place across the Craftsman Farms property and will include open house access to the Log House, which will be decorated to reflect early-20th-century Valentine’s traditions. Guests will explore the colors, symbols, and sentiments of the season as they were celebrated in the Stickley household.

Docents will be available throughout the Log House to share information about the history and significance of Valentine’s Day traditions during the Victorian era and the Stickley family’s own seasonal celebrations. Completed in 1911, the Log House is one of the most important architectural achievements of the Arts and Crafts movement in America. Originally designed as a clubhouse, it became the Stickley family home and remains the heart of the property today.

The Craftsman Shop will be open for Valentine’s shopping and will feature a curated selection of contemporary Arts & Crafts and seasonal gifts, perfect for sharing with a loved one. Guests can browse custom jewelry and accessories, books, home décor, museum exclusives, toys, textiles, and special Valentine’s garlands, ornaments, and cards.

The Education Center will offer visitors of all ages the opportunity to create a personalized Valentine inspired by Victorian-era designs.

For those seeking an enhanced experience, the museum will also offer the Cavaliers & Ladies: The Stickley Valentines Tour, a ticketed guided tour of the decorated Log House that provides additional context on early-20th-century Valentine’s traditions and Gustav Stickley’s era. Advance reservations are recommended.

For more information, click here or follow the museum on social media.

PARSIPPANY — The Mount Tabor Historical Society will launch its 2026 season with a special educational program on Saturday, February 7, featuring Dr. Jonathan Clancy, Executive Director of the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms.

The event will take place at 10:00 a.m. in The Bethel, located in Trinity Park in Mount Tabor, and is open to members and the public.

Dr. Clancy will present a lively and informative talk exploring the history of Gustav Stickley’s New Jersey property, recent developments at the museum, and highlights from its nationally significant collection. Located in Parsippany, the Stickley Museum encompasses a 35-acre campus that served as the Stickley family’s home from 1910 to 1917. Although the family’s time there was brief, they constructed several cottages, farm buildings, and the iconic Log Club House, which today serves as the heart of the museum.

The museum’s collection extends beyond Arts and Crafts movement furnishings, featuring rare and important examples of Stickley’s work, personal objects owned and used by the Stickley family from the 1820s through the 1930s, and a research library that supports scholars and historians.

In addition to the featured presentation, attendees will hear about the Mount Tabor Historical Society’s 2026 event schedule, have the opportunity to join or renew their membership, and enjoy coffee, tea, and community fellowship.

“This program is a wonderful way to begin our new season,” organizers said. “Whether you are already familiar with Craftsman Farms or have never visited, Dr. Clancy’s presentation offers a deeper understanding of its history and continued growth.”

The Mount Tabor Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the unique history of Mount Tabor and fostering community engagement through educational programs and events.

For more information, visit MountTaborNJ.org or follow the Mount Tabor Historical Society on Facebook.

PARSIPPANY — Snowcone is a gentle, 7-year-old Maltese who is ready to begin a brand-new chapter—one filled with love, comfort, and companionship. This small, sweet girl is currently in foster care through WISE Animal Rescue, a completely volunteer-run rescue dedicated to saving and rehabilitating dogs in need.

Snowcone’s story is one of resilience. She spent her entire life as a breeding dog in a puppy mill and, when she was no longer considered useful, was at risk of being discarded. Thankfully, WISE stepped in just in time, rescuing Snowcone and giving her the second chance she so richly deserves.

Despite her difficult past, Snowcone has a heart full of quiet sweetness. She can be timid when first meeting new people, but with a little patience, she settles in beautifully. Once comfortable, she enjoys calmly roaming the house, gently exploring her surroundings, and soaking up affection. She is incredibly patient and welcomes being petted or held at any time.

Snowcone thrives in the company of others. She does wonderfully with dogs of all ages—including puppies—and is fantastic with children. She is also cat-friendly, making her a wonderful fit for many types of households. Her ideal home would include at least one other dog to help her continue building confidence.

Snowcone is still learning the basics of life outside a kennel, but she is making steady progress. She is adapting well to pee pads, is working on leash training, and sleeps soundly overnight in her crate when it’s placed near her humans. Her gentle nature and eagerness to please make her a joy to support as she learns.

WISE Animal Rescue partners with supportive veterinary practices to ensure every dog receives the care they need—whether standard or specialized. To help sustain this lifesaving work, adopters are asked to support the program with a minimum donation of $850, which helps care for all dogs in the rescue, not just the one being adopted.

Snowcone is available for adoption in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maine, Vermont, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.

If you’re ready to give Snowcone the loving home she’s waited her whole life for, visit WiseAnimalRescue.org to fill out an adoption application.

Sometimes the smallest dogs have the biggest hearts—and Snowcone is ready to share hers.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, February 2026. Click here to download the magazine.

PARSIPPANY — Members of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills recently volunteered at nourish.NJ in Dover on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, answering the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs’ call for clubs statewide to support projects addressing food insecurity.

Eight club members assisted with meal preparation, portioning freshly prepared food into to-go containers, and restocking the community marketplace with meals, fruits, and vegetables—helping ensure neighbors in need have access to nutritious options.

nourish.NJ provides immediate access to healthy food as a first step toward a stable future. As a center of support, the organization also connects neighbors to essential community resources and delivers direct services aimed at addressing the root causes of hunger.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a proud member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs, among the nation’s and state’s largest volunteer women’s service organizations, offering opportunities in education, leadership development, and community service.

General meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month from September through April at 6:30 p.m. Those interested in learning more or attending an upcoming meeting may contact Ginny at (973) 887-0336, visit parsippanywomansclub.org, email [email protected], or follow the club on Facebook and Instagram.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, February 2026. Click here to download the magazine.

MORRIS COUNTY — All New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission facilities will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The closure includes motor vehicle agencies, road test sites, and inspection stations, according to the commission. Facilities will be open for regular business for the remainder of the week, including Saturday, January 17.

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s website will remain available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

New Jersey residents who need motor vehicle services are encouraged to visit the website first to access more than 25 online services, schedule appointments for in-person visits, and find answers to frequently asked questions.

Most customers can complete motor vehicle transactions online. However, nearly all in-person services — including permits, driver testing, document renewals, Real ID credentials, and new titles and registrations — require an appointment scheduled through the commission’s website.

MOUNTAIN LAKES — As a leading youth-serving organization, the YMCA has a responsibility to provide safe, supportive, and nurturing environments for the 6.5 million young people in its care nationwide. The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is proud to announce that it has earned Praesidium Accreditation®, the gold standard in abuse prevention, a distinction achieved after a rigorous, year-long process of evaluation, training, and continuous improvement.

Praesidium Accreditation is an evidence-based process that helps youth-serving organizations assess and strengthen their abuse prevention systems to meet the highest national standards for child safety and protection. The accreditation process required a deep, organization-wide commitment to accountability, staff training, policy alignment, and risk management.

“We’re incredibly proud to receive this honor,” said Alex Martinez, CEO of Lakeland Hills Family YMCA. “Completing the Praesidium Accreditation process over the past year has strengthened our already strong safety culture and shows our community how seriously we take our responsibility to protect children and teens.”

Across the country, nearly 100 YMCAs have received Praesidium Accreditation, with over 200 more currently engaged in the process. This accreditation is more than a one-time achievement; it reflects the Y’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a culture of safety, transparency, and trust.

At Lakeland Hills YMCA, this commitment includes:

• Comprehensive screening and onboarding of staff and volunteers
• Ongoing child abuse prevention training at all levels
• Clear and transparent reporting procedures
• Youth-focused environments where safety is always the priority

To learn more about our child protection efforts and how Lakeland Hills YMCA is leading the way in youth safety, visit www.lakelandhillsymca.com.