MORRIS COUNTY — Democratic Congresswoman Analilia Mejia won a full two-year term representing New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District on Tuesday, defeating Republican Joe Hathaway for the second time this year. The Associated Press called the race for Mejia Tuesday night.

As of 10:30 p.m., unofficial results showed Mejia with 76,823 votes, or 55.45 percent, to 60,310 votes, or 43.53 percent, for Hathaway. Independent Alan Bond had 1,113 votes.

The race was a rematch of the April special election, which Mejia won 60 percent to 40 percent to fill the seat left vacant when Mikie Sherrill became governor.

The 11th District includes Parsippany and much of Morris County, along with parts of Essex and Passaic counties.

Mejia, of Glen Ridge, is a progressive activist who previously led the New Jersey Working Families Party and served as national political director for Senator Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign. She won a crowded Democratic primary for the special election in February, edging out former Congressman Tom Malinowski among 11 candidates, and faced no significant opposition in the primary for a full term. She is the first Latina to represent the district.

Hathaway, a Randolph Township Council member and former mayor, ran as a moderate, pragmatic Republican. His campaign received the endorsement of the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association.

Mejia’s new term begins in January.

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MORRIS COUNTY — Democrat Chris Russo holds a strong lead over Republican incumbent Commissioner Tayfun Selen in the race for the Morris County Board of County Commissioners. As of 10:30 p.m., unofficial results showed Russo with 102,627 votes to 80,559 votes, or 43.93 percent, for Selen.

If the results hold, Russo would become the first Democrat to serve on the county’s governing board since Douglas Romaine was elected in 1973.

Russo is a member of the Morristown Council and works as a pharmaceutical representative at Novartis. He won a council seat in 2023 after a competitive Democratic primary and ran for commissioner with the endorsement of the Morris County Democratic Committee and the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters.

Parsippany Focus reached out to Morris County Republican Committee Chair Laura Ali for comment but did not receive a response.

Selen’s Record on the Board

Selen, a former Chatham Township mayor, joined the board in February 2020, when Morris County Republicans selected him at a convention to fill the unexpired term of Heather Darling, who left to become Morris County Surrogate. He won the seat outright that November, defeating Democrat Cary Amaro 52 percent to 48 percent and running more than 6,300 votes ahead of the top of the Republican ticket.

In 2023, Selen defeated Paul DeGroot in the Republican primary and went on to win a second three-year term over Democrat Jonathan Sackett, 54 percent to 46 percent. He served as Commissioner Director last year.

During the campaign, Selen pointed to the county’s fiscal management, including the AAA bond rating Morris County has held for 40 years, and pledged to continue the county’s path of fiscal responsibility. He was endorsed by the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and Operating Engineers Local 825.

The Current Board

All seven members of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners are currently Republicans:

• Stephen H. Shaw, Director
• John Krickus, Deputy Director
• Douglas R. Cabana
• Thomas J. Mastrangelo
• Christine Myers
• Tayfun Selen
• Deborah Smith

A Russo victory would leave Republicans with a six-to-one majority on the board.

Results are unofficial until certified by the Morris County Clerk. Vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Election Day and provisional ballots are still to be counted.

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PARSIPPANY – The Parsippany–Troy Hills Police Athletic League (PAL) is proud to announce an official partnership with Together We Care NJ, a community-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families in need throughout Parsippany and Morris County.

Through this collaboration, Together We Care NJ will become an officially sponsored program of the Parsippany–Troy Hills PAL, further expanding the organization’s commitment to serving the community beyond traditional youth athletics and recreational programming.

As part of the partnership, the PAL will provide Together We Care NJ with a home for community events, charitable initiatives, meetings, and programs while offering organizational support and guidance as the organization continues developing its mission and expanding its reach.

Together We Care NJ focuses on addressing food insecurity, assisting children and families facing educational and financial challenges, supporting seniors and veterans, and connecting residents with meaningful resources and opportunities.

Dawn King’s Vision: A Commitment to Giving Back

At the heart of Together We Care NJ is Dawn King, a founding member and the driving force behind the initiative, whose dedication to helping others has been evident throughout her years of community involvement.

Known for her give-first mentality and willingness to step forward when others need assistance, King has spent years supporting charitable missions, bringing people together, and helping individuals and families facing difficult circumstances.

Long before the formal collaboration with the Parsippany–Troy Hills PAL, King was already actively involved in supporting community initiatives and finding ways to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

With the help of a dedicated Board of Directors, King has helped spearhead the development of Together We Care NJ, bringing together individuals who share her passion for service and her belief that communities become stronger when people support one another.

The partnership with the PAL represents an opportunity to build upon those years of service by providing additional organizational resources, a dedicated home for community programming, and a foundation for future growth.

“Dawn King is someone who has always believed in giving first and helping others without expecting anything in return,” said Nicholas Bronzino, Executive Director of the Parsippany–Troy Hills PAL. “What makes this partnership so special is that Dawn and her board have been supporting these types of missions for years. This isn’t something that started because of the PAL. The passion, dedication, and commitment were already there. We’re simply proud to provide them with another platform, additional resources, and a home where they can continue growing their impact.”

Bronzino emphasized that partnerships like this demonstrate the importance of recognizing and supporting individuals who have already established themselves as dedicated community advocates.

“Sometimes the best thing an organization like the PAL can do is recognize the incredible work already happening around us and ask how we can help take it even further. Dawn has been doing this work for years, and now we’re excited to stand alongside her and the entire Together We Care NJ team.”

Recognizing the Together We Care NJ Board of Directors

The success and future growth of Together We Care NJ will be supported by a dedicated Board of Directors committed to community service, collaboration, and helping those in need.

The organization’s Board of Directors includes:

• Dawn King – Founding Member
• Jennifer Lembo Gloria
• William Schievella
• Ruben Manuel
• Elise Anderson
• Kim Andican
• Michael Picciallo

Working alongside King, these individuals bring a shared commitment to strengthening the community, organizing charitable initiatives, developing partnerships, and identifying opportunities to assist residents throughout Morris County.

Together, the board will continue building upon the organization’s foundation while working to expand its programs and community outreach efforts.

Recognizing Michael Sifonios and His Role in the Initiative

Another key individual involved in this initiative is Michael Sifonios, whose participation and commitment to community collaboration have contributed to the development of the partnership between Together We Care NJ and the Parsippany–Troy Hills PAL.

Sifonios has been an important part of the initiative and will continue supporting efforts to strengthen the relationship between both organizations as they work toward their shared goals.

“Michael Sifonios has been an important part of this initiative, and I want to recognize his involvement and commitment to helping bring this partnership together,” Bronzino stated. “Successful community programs require dedicated individuals who believe in the mission and are willing to work together to make things happen.”

Expanding the PAL’s Mission Beyond Athletics

For decades, the Parsippany–Troy Hills PAL has been a cornerstone of the community, providing youth athletics, recreational opportunities, educational programming, and community events.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Nicholas Bronzino, the organization continues expanding its reach through new partnerships and initiatives designed to serve residents of all ages.

“The PAL has always been about much more than sports,” Bronzino explained. “It’s about people, families, relationships, and creating opportunities to make a difference. When organizations like Together We Care NJ come forward with a mission centered around helping others, we want to be part of that success.”

Through this new sponsored-program relationship, the PAL will provide Together We Care NJ with access to facilities for community events and initiatives while assisting with organizational processes, program development, and opportunities for collaboration.

The partnership also creates opportunities for the PAL to connect with families and individuals who may not traditionally participate in its athletic or recreational programs.

“One of the things I’m most proud of is our ability to bring people and organizations together under one roof,” Bronzino continued. “Through this partnership, we’re not just providing Together We Care NJ with a place to host events. We’re helping them through the process, providing support, and giving them an opportunity to grow while reaching families in ways the PAL may not have been able to reach on its own.”

Building a Stronger Community Together

The partnership between the Parsippany–Troy Hills PAL and Together We Care NJ represents a shared commitment to expanding community resources and creating meaningful opportunities for residents.

Both organizations look forward to collaborating on charitable initiatives, donation drives, volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and community events designed to provide assistance where it is needed most.

By combining the PAL’s established facilities and community presence with Together We Care NJ’s dedication to direct community assistance, the partnership aims to create a stronger network of support for families and individuals throughout Parsippany and Morris County.

“There are so many wonderful organizations and individuals throughout our community doing incredible things,” Bronzino added. “Our goal at the PAL is to continue building those relationships, supporting their efforts, and finding ways to work together. If we can help another organization succeed while making a positive impact on families, that’s a win for everyone involved.”

Additional announcements regarding Together We Care NJ’s upcoming programs, community events, and volunteer opportunities will be shared as the partnership continues to develop.

“This is another exciting chapter for the PAL and another example of what can happen when people come together for the right reasons,” Bronzino concluded. “We’re extremely happy to welcome Dawn King, her dedicated board, and the entire Together We Care NJ organization into the PAL family. We look forward to building upon the incredible work they’ve already accomplished and seeing what we can achieve together.”

About the Parsippany–Troy Hills PAL

The Parsippany–Troy Hills Police Athletic League is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing youth development opportunities, recreational activities, educational programs, and community initiatives for residents of Parsippany and surrounding communities.

Through athletics, mentorship, partnerships, and community engagement, the PAL strives to create a welcoming environment where children, families, and residents can learn, grow, and thrive.

For more information, visit ParsippanyPAL.org.

About Together We Care NJ

Together We Care NJ is a community-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting individuals and families in need throughout Parsippany and Morris County.

Spearheaded by founding member Dawn King and supported by a dedicated Board of Directors, the organization builds upon years of charitable involvement and community service.

Through collaboration with local nonprofits, businesses, schools, volunteers, and community partners, Together We Care NJ seeks to address food insecurity, educational and financial challenges, senior and veteran assistance, and other important community needs.

The organization believes that meaningful change begins when neighbors come together to support one another.

Together, We Care. Together, We Make a Difference.

MORRIS COUNTY — Greater Middlesex and Morris Habitat for Humanity will host Stand Up for Veterans Comedy Night on Thursday, November 12, at the Randolph Diner Bar and Grill, 517 Route 10, Randolph.

The evening will feature a comedy show with headliner Bob Nelson, along with a buffet dinner. A cash bar will be available. Proceeds benefit the Greater Middlesex and Morris Habitat for Humanity Veterans Initiative.

The event runs from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $75 per person. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now. Click here to purchase tickets or for more information.

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PARSIPPANY — The Mount Tabor Historical Society will host its fourth annual Mount Tabor Craft Market on Saturday, November 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., inside the Historic Tabernacle and Bethel in Trinity Park.

Admission is free. More than 25 vendors will offer quality handcrafted items and artwork, including silver and semi-precious jewelry, seasonal wreaths and decor, stained glass, candles, infant toys and stuffed animals, woodworking, watercolor and acrylic artwork, handmade chocolates, knitwear, Angel readings and more.

Organizers invite visitors to wish autumn farewell and welcome the holiday season in historic Mount Tabor.

The Mount Tabor History Museum will also be open during the market. Visitors are encouraged to stop by, as the museum will not be open the following day, Sunday, November 8.

For GPS directions, use 26 Simpson Avenue, Mount Tabor. For more information, email [email protected].

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PARSIPPANY — With voters heading to the polls on Election Day, Mayor Pulkit Desai joined Morris County Commissioner Candidate Chris Russo at the Parsippany Municipal Building on Tuesday to remind residents that the township’s official ballot drop box is available for mail-in ballots.

The Morris County ballot drop box is located outside the main entrance of the Municipal Building, facing Route 287. The drop box is outdoors and under surveillance 24 hours a day.

Residents who still have a completed mail-in ballot can place it in any official Morris County drop box until 8:00 p.m. tonight, when all drop boxes close. Mail-in ballots sent through the mail must be postmarked by Election Day.

Polling places throughout Morris County are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voters casting a ballot in person must go to their assigned polling place based on their ward and district.

For more information, call the Morris County Board of Elections at (973) 285-6715.

Mayor Pulkit Desai and Chris Russo at the ballot drop box outside the Parsippany Municipal Building.

PARSIPPANY — A Cedar Grove man was charged with driving while intoxicated after police found him slumped over behind the wheel of an idling vehicle on the side of Route 46 early Wednesday, August 12.

At approximately 12:59 a.m., Patrolman Esterlin Estevez was on patrol when he observed a white Dodge Durango parked on the side of Route 46 East near Vail Road with its emergency flashers activated. Patrolman Estevez stopped to conduct a welfare check and found the driver slumped over in the driver’s seat with the engine still running. The driver did not respond to the patrol vehicle’s overhead emergency lights or its side-mounted spotlights, and woke only after Patrolman Estevez illuminated the interior with his flashlight.

When the driver lowered his window, Patrolman Estevez detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle. The driver, identified as Donald M. Diorio Jr., 38, of Cedar Grove, told police he had a flat tire and was waiting for a tow truck. He denied drinking any alcoholic beverages.

Diorio agreed to perform standardized field sobriety tests. According to the police report, he lost his balance several times and failed to perform the heel-to-toe steps during the walk-and-turn test. Patrolman Angelo Macera arrived and administered the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, observing signs of impairment in both eyes.

Diorio was placed under arrest and transported to Police Headquarters, where Patrolman Paul Christal administered an Alcotest. Diorio’s blood alcohol content was determined to be 0.137 percent, above the legal limit of 0.08 percent.

The vehicle was impounded by M.J. Corigliano Towing. Diorio was later released to a family member.

Diorio was charged with:

• Driving While Intoxicated (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50)
• Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96)
• Careless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97)
• Failure to Possess Driver’s License (N.J.S.A. 39:3-29a)
• Failure to Possess Insurance Card (N.J.S.A. 39:3-29c)

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.

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PARSIPPANY — Parsippany residents are heading to the polls today, Tuesday, November 3, for the general election. Polling places throughout Morris County are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Voters must cast their ballots at their assigned polling place based on their ward and district. Residents who are unsure where to vote can use the Polling Place Search on the New Jersey Division of Elections website, or view the Parsippany-Troy Hills polling locations on the Morris County website at morriscountynj.gov.

Sample ballots are available from the Morris County Clerk’s Office at morriscountyclerk.org, so voters can review the contests on their ballot before arriving at the polls.

Residents who received a mail-in ballot but have not yet returned it should not bring it to their polling place, as completed mail-in ballots cannot be turned in there. Instead, completed mail-in ballots may be placed in a secure ballot drop box. In Parsippany, a drop box is located outside the main entrance of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, facing Route 287. A full list of drop box locations is available on the Morris County website.

Voters who requested a mail-in ballot but did not receive it, or who did not submit it, may vote by provisional ballot at their polling place.

Questions about voting may be directed to the Morris County Clerk’s Office at (973) 285-6066.

Parsippany Focus encourages every registered voter to make their voice heard. Take a few minutes today to cast your ballot, and remind your friends, family members, neighbors and colleagues to do the same.

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MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 continues to demonstrate that its mission extends far beyond celebrating Italian-American heritage. Through ongoing fundraising efforts, charitable contributions, and community partnerships, the organization remains dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout Morris County.

During its monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 28, held at Forte’s Pizzeria & Restaurant in Randolph, lodge members gathered for an evening of fellowship, organizational business, and, most importantly, giving back to the community.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of charitable donations to four outstanding nonprofit organizations, each providing essential services to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances.

The organizations recognized included:

Cheshire Home – An organization dedicated to empowering individuals with physical disabilities resulting from spinal cord injuries and debilitating neurological conditions. Its programs help residents achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life. Kim Eskin, Director of Development, accepted the donation on behalf of the organization.

Lily’s Hope Foundation – Providing emergency assistance, comfort, and essential resources to families of premature babies and infants receiving care in neonatal intensive care units. Terry Corigliano, a longtime member of the foundation’s Board of Directors, accepted the donation.

JBWS – A Morris County organization providing confidential support, resources, and services to survivors of domestic violence and their families. Robin M. Hughes, Manager of the Crisis Response Team, accepted the donation on behalf of JBWS.

Interfaith Food Pantry – Dedicated to addressing food insecurity throughout Morris County by providing nutritious food, educational resources, and assistance to individuals and families in need. Executive Director Carolyn Lake accepted the donation on behalf of the organization.

A Continued Commitment to Community Service

For the members of Lodge 2561, charitable giving is not simply an occasional initiative. It is a fundamental part of the organization’s identity.

Throughout the year, the lodge organizes fundraising events, receives charitable contributions, and brings members together to support causes that directly benefit the surrounding community.

From its upcoming annual beefsteak fundraiser to other lodge-sponsored initiatives, the organization works to ensure that money raised through its activities is reinvested into programs and services that make a difference.

While the Sons of Italy is widely recognized for preserving Italian culture, traditions, and heritage, Lodge 2561 continues to demonstrate that its commitment to service reaches well beyond its membership.

By supporting organizations addressing disabilities, premature infant care, domestic violence, and food insecurity, the lodge helps strengthen the network of nonprofit organizations serving Morris County.

More Than Heritage — A Tradition of Giving

The Morris County Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 takes pride in bringing people together through a shared appreciation of Italian-American heritage while maintaining a strong commitment to philanthropy, volunteerism, and civic responsibility.

Its members recognize that successful fundraising efforts are made possible through the generosity of local businesses, community supporters, and individuals who believe in giving back.

The lodge also expressed its appreciation to Forte’s Pizzeria & Restaurant in Randolph for its outstanding hospitality and continued support in hosting the October gathering.

As Lodge 2561 looks toward future fundraising events and charitable initiatives, its members remain committed to supporting organizations that provide critical services throughout Morris County.

The message behind the lodge’s efforts remains clear: preserving heritage is important, but creating a lasting, positive impact on the community is equally meaningful.

Through continued generosity, collaboration, and service, the Morris County Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 is helping ensure that the tradition of giving back remains strong for generations to come.

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PARSIPPANY — Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi hosted her annual Get-Out-The-Vote Breakfast on Sunday, November 1, at Knoll Country Club, drawing over 100 supporters just days before the general election.

The morning event, held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., featured New Jersey Republican State Committee Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon as guest speaker. Hanlon, who also serves as Monmouth County Clerk, was elected to lead the state party in January.

The breakfast is an annual tradition for Grossi, offering residents and party members an opportunity to gather and rally support ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, November 3.

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PARSIPPANY — Mayor Pulkit Desai and the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills invite residents to bring a backpack and join a community 5K Ruck March to honor and support veterans on Saturday, November 7, at 9:00 a.m. All are welcome.

Participants are asked to fill a backpack with essential supplies and carry it along the 5K route. All donated backpacks will be distributed by the New Jersey Veterans Network (NJVN) to veterans in shelters, hospitals, and nursing homes throughout New Jersey.

The march will begin at Knoll Country Club West, 990 Greenbank Road, and finish at Super Foodtown, 435 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha.

Backpacks should be filled with socks, underwear, soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, wipes, non-perishable snacks, and other personal hygiene essentials.

To help organizers plan for a great turnout, participants are asked to complete a quick registration survey. Click here to register. For questions, email [email protected].

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PARSIPPANY — Residents get an extra hour of sleep this weekend as Daylight Saving Time comes to an end.

Clocks officially fall back one hour at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, when the time becomes 1:00 a.m. Most people simply set their clocks back before going to bed on Saturday night.

Smartphones, computers and most cable boxes update automatically, but many household clocks do not. Remember to change the clocks on ovens, microwaves, coffee makers, thermostats, wall clocks, watches and car dashboards.

The change means brighter mornings but earlier sunsets, with darkness arriving around 5:00 p.m. in the weeks ahead. Drivers are urged to use extra caution during the evening commute, and to watch for pedestrians, children and school crossing areas as dusk falls earlier.

Fire officials also recommend using the time change as a reminder to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace their batteries.

Daylight Saving Time returns in March, when clocks spring forward one hour.

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