PARSIPPANY — Marianne Willis-Cucchiara has officially been promoted to Director of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Department of Human Services, a role that oversees a wide range of essential programs serving residents across the township.

The Department of Human Services is comprised of the Office of Health, the Office of Social Services, and the Office on Aging and the Physically Handicapped. Together, these offices provide a comprehensive and complex network of services designed to protect public health, support residents in need, and enable senior citizens and individuals with disabilities to live happy, full, and purposeful lives.

Willis-Cucchiara emphasized the importance of collaboration as the department moves forward, noting that partnerships with agencies and organizations outside the department will be critical to achieving its goals. By working together with community partners, the department aims to deliver more cost-effective, coordinated, and complete services to Parsippany residents.

A Career Rooted in Service

A lifelong Lake Hiawatha and Parsippany resident, Willis-Cucchiara has deep personal and professional ties to the community she now serves as director. She lives in town with her husband and two children, and is also the mother of two adult sons. Her passion for public service began years before her municipal career, volunteering for more than two decades with the Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad, where she served as an EMT and held leadership roles including Captain, Lieutenant, and President.

Professionally, Willis-Cucchiara has served the township since January 2016 as a Public Health Nurse with the Parsippany Health Department, and was promoted to Public Health Nurse Supervisor in April 2024. In that role, she was responsible for ensuring compliance with New Jersey Department of Health guidelines, managing federally funded vaccination programs, coordinating township health clinics, overseeing pediatric lead case management, and responding to communicable disease outbreaks in coordination with state health officials.

Her work has also included collaboration with school nurses and daycare facilities, audits of vaccination compliance, medical assessments for seniors, emergency response support at the senior center, and extensive community education initiatives.

Willis-Cucchiara holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Saint Elizabeth and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Prior to her nursing career, she spent 13 years working for Weichert, and earlier professional experience includes positions in physician offices, home care agencies, and hospital settings.

Looking Ahead

With decades of hands-on experience in emergency services, public health, and municipal leadership, Willis-Cucchiara brings a well-rounded and deeply informed perspective to her new role as Director of Human Services. Her promotion reflects a continued commitment to strengthening Parsippany’s health and human service programs while expanding partnerships that enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages.

PARSIPPANY — With township signs now updated to reflect a change in leadership, Pulkit Desai stood outside Town Hall on Thursday, January 1, in a quiet but symbolic moment marking the transition to a new administration in Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Behind the scenes, the visible changes across town were the result of coordinated work by township staff. On New Year’s Day, Joe Jannarone Jr., Superintendent of Maintenance, along with dedicated Parks and Forestry employees, spent the day traveling throughout Parsippany installing updated municipal signage welcoming Mayor Desai. The effort ensured that signage across the township accurately reflected the results of the November election as the community prepared for the official inauguration.

While the updated signs signal the beginning of a new era, the official swearing-in ceremony for Mayor Desai and the newly elected Township Council members is scheduled for Saturday, January 3, when the new governing body will formally take office.

A Symbolic Transition

The refreshed signage at Town Hall and throughout Parsippany serves as a visual reminder of the peaceful transfer of power at the local level. Residents passing through the municipal complex and along township roadways have already taken notice, reflecting anticipation ahead of the formal installation ceremony.

A Close and Historic Election

Desai was elected mayor following one of the closest mayoral races in Parsippany history, narrowly defeating incumbent James Barberio by approximately 80 votes, out of nearly 20,000 ballots cast. The final outcome was determined after all mail-in, provisional, and overseas ballots were counted, underscoring the importance of voter participation in local elections.

In addition to the mayoral contest, voters elected Diya Patel and Matt Kavanagh to the Township Council, shaping the governing body that will be formally seated on January 3.

During the inauguration, Mayor Desai will be sworn in by Raj Mukherji. Councilwoman Patel will be sworn in by Lori Grifa, and Councilman Kavanagh will be sworn in by Khaled Madin.

Looking Ahead to January 3

The upcoming Inauguration Ceremony will officially mark the start of Desai’s term as mayor and the beginning of a new chapter for Parsippany-Troy Hills. Mayor-elect Desai has emphasized collaboration, transparency, and restoring trust in local government as priorities for his administration.

As the township prepares for Saturday’s ceremony, the newly installed signs—made possible through the work of township maintenance, parks, and forestry staff—stand as an early symbol of transition, signaling both change and continuity as Parsippany moves forward under new leadership.

MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Senate has passed legislation that would require school buildings across the state to install secure exterior emergency key boxes to improve first responder access during critical situations.

The bill, S-4440, sponsored by Angela V. McKnight and Shirley K. Turner, mandates that each public school facility have at least one designated secure exterior key box containing building keys and access devices for use by first responders. The measure is designed to help law enforcement and emergency personnel gain quicker entry during emergencies without having to locate school staff first — potentially saving critical minutes in crisis situations.

Supporters of the bill emphasized that delays in accessing school buildings can hamper emergency responses during events such as lockdowns or active threats, and that standardized key boxes would complement existing school safety protocols.

Under provisions included in committee amendments, the requirement will take effect subject to the availability of state appropriations, and schools may apply for exemptions if they have equivalent emergency access plans already in place. Costs associated with installation are to be covered by the State, with reimbursement available for districts that install key boxes after the bill’s enactment.

The bill now moves on to the Governor of New Jersey for consideration.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Democrats gathered on Sunday, December 28, to celebrate the Golden Birthday & Victory Celebration of Councilwoman-elect Diya Patel, marking both a personal milestone and her successful bid for Parsippany Town Council.

The event was held at Social Hub by Dhaba on Route 46 and drew a large crowd. Friends, family, and supporters packed the venue, coming together for a spirited and well-attended evening to honor Patel’s birthday and election success.

Also attending was Mayor-Elect Pulkit Desai, who joined local Democrats and community members in celebrating the recent election results and the momentum heading into the new administration.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by the incredible support I’ve received from every corner of our community. I look forward to serving the people of Parsippany with honesty, transparency, and a service-first mentality to give back to the community that has given me so much throughout my life,” said Diya Patel.

In the 2025 General Election, Democrats saw strong results in Parsippany. Official results show that Pulkit Desai was elected mayor with 9,978 votes, narrowly defeating incumbent Republican Mayor James R. Barberio, who received 9,898 votes — a margin of just 80 votes. Meanwhile, Matt Kavanagh received 10,715 votes, and Diya Patel received 10,487 votes in the race for two open council seats, outpacing their Republican opponents.

The gathering reflected the enthusiasm within Parsippany’s Democratic community following the November election and provided an opportunity for supporters to congratulate both Patel and Desai ahead of their upcoming swearing-in.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners will convene for its annual reorganization meeting on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., when Commissioner Stephen H. Shaw is slated to succeed Tayfun Selen as director. Commissioner John Krickus will serve as deputy director in 2026.

Commissioners Douglas R. Cabana, Thomas J. Mastrangelo and Christine Myers, who were re-elected in November to additional three-year terms, will take their oaths of office. Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, who also was re-elected in November, will be sworn in to his fourth three-year term.

The meeting will be held on the fifth floor of the Administration and Records Building at 10 Court Street in Morristown and will also be accessible for viewing via Webex.

Commissioner Shaw, a lifelong resident of New Jersey, has served the past two years as commissioner deputy director. He is serving his third term on the board and was commissioner director for 2021.

About the Reelected Commissioners

Douglas R. Cabana is the longest-serving member of the Board of County Commissioners, having joined the board in April 1997, when it was still known as the Board of Chosen Freeholders.  He has been elected by his colleagues to serve as director five times and deputy director four times. Cabana is a member of the budget committee, a voting member of the New Jersey Association of Counties and serves as liaison to the county’s Department of Information Technology, the Department of Law and Public Safety and the Morris County Park Commission.

Thomas J. Mastrangelo is serving his sixth, three-year term on the board, making him the second longest-serving member of the current commissioners. Mastrangelo, a lifelong New Jersey resident, was first elected in November 2010 and was selected by his colleagues to serve as director in 2013 and 2014. He is the board liaison to the Heritage Commission, the Office of Planning and Preservation, and the Economic Development Committee.

Christine Myers is serving her third term as a Morris County commissioner and was appointed to serve as director in 2024. During her first term, she led the adoption of the county’s strategic plan and debt reserve policy. In 2017, she was appointed regional advocate to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy by the Trump administration, where she addressed regulatory challenges facing thousands of business owners. Myers is liaison to the Capital Budget/Facilities Review Committee, the Economic Development Committee, the Department of Human Services, and the Improvement Authority.

Rounding out the seven-member Board of County Commissioners is Commissioner Deborah Smith.

Morris County’s seven-member Board of County Commissioners is elected at-large to serve staggered three-year terms. The board oversees policies for six county departments, including Employee Resources, Finance, Human Services, Law & Public Safety, Public Works, and Information Technology. Day-to-day operations are managed by County Administrator Deena Leary, with each commissioner acting as a liaison to specific departments and areas of government. The essential services provided by county government are those that either cannot appropriately be provided by the state or are beyond the scope or ability of local governments.

County government responsibilities are divided into two distinct types:

1. functions the county must perform as mandated by the state
2. permissive functions the county may carry out in compliance with state law

The mandatory areas of responsibility are:

• Court facilities (New Jersey State runs court operations)
• Law enforcement and the operation of a county jail
• General assistance or welfare
• Education
• Construction and maintenance of county roads and bridges
• Conducting elections

In addition to required services, Morris County government provides a variety of programs and services which benefit the entire county. County-level management and delivery of these services provides significant cost savings and efficiencies over duplicative services from municipality to municipality. This saves taxpayer dollars, while enhancing the quality of life for those living and working in the county.

These vital services include:

• Morris County Park System
• Morris County Library
• Training for police, fire and other emergency services personnel
• Solid waste management and recycling
• Mosquito Control
• Job training and re-training
• MAPS paratransit system, a transportation program for senior citizens and people with disabilities
• A flood mitigation program
• An Office of Veterans Services
• A nutrition program for senior citizens

PARSIPPANY — Found dog! Found on Garfield Road i Lake Parsippany. Wearing a collar but no tags or microchip. Please call us at (973) 263-7083 if you recognize this dog!

NEWARK — Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill and Lieutenant Governor-elect Dale Caldwell announced that their inauguration ceremony will take place at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark. During the ceremony, the incoming administration will outline its priorities and vision for New Jersey.

“For more than a year, I’ve been up and down this state and am on a mission to deliver for all New Jerseyans — lower costs, a better future for our kids, and a more transparent and accountable state government,” Governor-elect Sherrill said. “Leadership means listening to the people about what keeps them up at night, and we will start my administration the same way we won this race — by listening and taking action for the people I serve. I couldn’t be more honored to be sworn in as your next governor and begin my administration in the Gateway City.”

Lt. Governor-elect Caldwell, who also serves as transition chair, said returning to Newark for the ceremony is especially meaningful. “As the founding executive director of the Newark Alliance, I’m always excited to come back,” he said. “I’m also forever grateful to the faith community in Newark that helped elect the first pastor to the office of lieutenant governor. Between my background as a pastor, educator, and small business owner, and Mikie’s history of service, we will bring a different kind of leadership to Trenton — focused on lowering costs, supporting small businesses, and standing up for the rights of all New Jerseyans.”

The announcement underscores Newark’s significance to the incoming administration. Governor-elect Sherrill’s first stop outside of Trenton after the election was in Newark, where she visited a local food bank to highlight her opposition to proposed federal cuts to food assistance programs. In November, Sherrill also drove the highest gubernatorial election turnout in Newark since 2005.

Local leaders praised the decision to host the inauguration in Essex County. Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. called the selection an honor, noting that Sherrill is only the second woman elected governor in New Jersey’s history. He said NJPAC’s world-class facilities make it an ideal venue to showcase Newark and Essex County.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka echoed those sentiments, calling it a high honor for the city. “As New Jersey’s largest city, Newark is an appropriate setting for such a momentous occasion,” Baraka said. “NJPAC, the crowning jewel of our downtown district, will shine bright on January 20 and showcase Newark’s radiance for all to see.”

The inauguration at NJPAC is expected to draw statewide attention, marking the formal start of the Sherrill-Caldwell administration and signaling a new chapter in New Jersey leadership.

MORRIS COUNTY — During the holiday season, Morris County distributed robotic companion pets to seniors living in county-supported housing as part of the “Joy for All” Companion Pet Program, sponsored by the Morris County Office on Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming and expanded this year to include the Morris County Housing Authority.

The Office on Aging partnered with the Housing Authority in 2025 to broaden the program’s reach to seniors residing in senior housing. As part of the expansion, the Housing Authority received 36 robotic companion pets, 26 of which have already been distributed to residents age 60 and older.

“Our aging residents are an essential part of Morris County, and their well-being is a top priority. We look forward to the comfort these companion pets will bring to our older neighbors — people who have contributed so much to our community,” said Commissioner Christine Myers, liaison to the Human Services Department.

The companion pet program was launched in 2024 to help reduce social isolation, loneliness and cognitive decline among older adults by providing the comfort and companionship of a pet without the responsibilities associated with caring for a live animal. In its first year, the program distributed 110 robotic companion pets to eligible residents and facilities throughout Morris County and partnered with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver program.

The robotic cats and dogs are designed to respond to motion and touch, offering realistic behaviors such as purring, rolling over, barking and wagging their tails.

“The companion pets have been the focus of rigorous, peer-reviewed studies demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing loneliness and social isolation,” said Christine Hellyer, director of the Office on Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming. “Recipients often name their pets and keep them as long as they wish, forming meaningful emotional connections.”

The program is funded through the Aging American Rescue Plan. To qualify, recipients must be at least 60 years old, homebound, and either socially isolated or living with dementia or a similar cognitive condition.