PARSIPPANY — A group of residents from Forest Drive, Woodland Drive, Pitt Road, and the surrounding neighborhood has submitted a petition to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council opposing a road reconstruction project affecting the area, according to a letter addressed to township officials.

The letter, submitted by Matteo Proietto of Woodland Drive on behalf of the group, states that residents oppose the project and asks the council to halt the work.

A letter distributed to residents by the township’s Engineering Department stated that construction work would include tree removal, curb installation, water system improvements, storm drainage work, road widening and realignment, and the removal of existing pavement and construction of new pavement. The letter was dated June 22 and stated that tree removal could begin by June 24, with construction work set to begin days later, on or about June 29.

Residents wrote that after reviewing that notice, along with correspondence from Mayor Pulkit Desai, it became apparent to them that the project was more extensive than routine paving work.

The letter from residents states that they were not consulted in a timely manner before the project began, and that the Engineering Department’s notice gave what residents described as little opportunity to review plans, ask questions, or provide input before work started.

“This neighborhood has been carefully preserved for generations. Once these changes are made, they cannot be undone,” said Matteo Proietto.

Council President Judy Hernandez addressed the project during a recent council discussion.

“I am an environmentalist, you all know that, and I am not for cutting down the trees. I need to have it proven, and you’re right, trees are the most important thing, and they do cut down trees in this town. We have to have an ordinance in this town, which we don’t have yet, with replacement for any removal, and I want to see why they’re cutting these trees down. I want to see why,” Hernandez said. “I’m also an engineer, and the curve in the road does slow down traffic, and I know that road, because I used to canvass that road a lot, and it’s a beautiful area. However, I do understand that there’s a lot of problems with sewage and stormwater, and so we need to talk to the engineers and find out what their plans are for that infrastructure. They might be thinking that they’re doing a good thing with these curbs, because a lot of people do like them, but as this neighborhood has complained about it, let’s see what’s going on, and of course we need to talk to the mayor too, because the mayor is part of this as well.”

Mayor Pulkit Desai, Business Administrator Khaled Madin and Township Attorney Joseph DeMarco held a meeting directly following the council meeting. “The purpose of this meeting is to get feedback so we can go and sit with the contractor and the engineer and look at adjustments,” said Madin.

Mayor Desai explained that the project was budgeted and designed years ago, and that the practice of sending out short‑notice letters before road work has carried through multiple administrations.

Both Councilman Paul Carifi Jr. and Council President Judy Hernandez agreed that curb installation and road widening appear unnecessary, unless the township engineer can demonstrate a compelling safety or drainage reason.

Because the township’s chief engineer is on vacation, a final decision will be delayed. However, Mayor Pulkit Desai and Township Clerk Khaled Madin assured residents they will present a proposed compromise before the next Township Council meeting. Until then, all work on Forest Drive and Woodland Drive will remain suspended.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Library is inviting the community to unearth a story this summer, announcing the return of its annual Summer Reading Program, which runs through Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Readers of all ages are invited to participate in the community-wide reading challenge, which encourages children, teenagers, and adults to explore new books, discover new ideas, and celebrate the joy of reading throughout the summer. Participants can track their reading through Beanstack, earn raffle tickets and prizes, and enjoy incentives tailored to each age group, whether they are reading a favorite novel, listening to an audiobook, or discovering something new.

This year’s theme, Unearth a Story, celebrates the adventures that can be found through books, from mysteries and distant worlds to family histories, memorable characters, and nonfiction.

“Summer Reading is one of the Library’s most anticipated traditions,” said Rose Schulman, Head of Children’s Services at the Main Library and Branch Manager at Mount Tabor Branch Library. “Whether you’re reading your very first picture book, discovering your next favorite author, or revisiting a classic, every story has the power to inspire curiosity and bring people together. We invite everyone in our community to join us this summer and unearth a story.”

The program is open to readers of all ages and welcomes all reading formats, including print books, electronic books, and audiobooks.

Summer Reading offers age-appropriate reading challenges with prizes designed to encourage reading throughout the summer.

Children from birth through fifth grade will track the time they spend reading, earning raffle tickets and weekly prizes as they reach reading milestones. Teenagers in grades six through twelve will earn raffle tickets by logging books throughout the summer, increasing their chances of winning prizes.

Adults will earn raffle tickets by reading books and receive special rewards throughout the challenge. After reading three books, participants can pick up a complimentary copy of “The Maid” by Nita Prose, this year’s Community Read selection, while supplies last. Adults who complete six books in total will receive a commemorative Parsippany Library mini tote bag, while supplies last.

Raffle winners across all age groups will be selected after Summer Reading concludes and notified by email.

Community members can register by creating an account or logging in to Beanstack at parsippanylibrary.beanstack.org, or by downloading the Beanstack mobile application. Summer Reading is happening now and concludes on Saturday, August 15, which is also the final day to log reading and submit raffle tickets.

Programs, prizes, and reading activities will take place throughout the summer at the Main Library, Lake Hiawatha Branch Library, and Mount Tabor Branch Library.

Visit parsippanylibrary.org to learn more about Summer Reading, upcoming programs, and how to register through Beanstack. Summer Reading is free to participate in and open to all community members. For more information about Parsippany Library, visit www.parsippanylibrary.org or call (973) 887-5150.

The Parsippany Library serves a diverse community of more than 56,000 residents across three locations: Parsippany, Lake Hiawatha, and Mount Tabor. Through its membership in the Main Library Alliance, patrons also have borrowing access to materials from over 50 libraries across Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties.

PARSIPPANY — Dharmaraj Nagarajan of Parsippany recently took part in Union Township’s inaugural America 250 Anniversary Historical Ride, representing Agadia Systems.

The event brought together cyclists and community members in Union Township to mark the beginning of America’s 250th anniversary while honoring the nation’s history, freedom, and spirit of service.

Nagarajan said the ride promoted community engagement, healthy living, and patriotism, and credited organizers, volunteers, and public safety officers for the event’s success.

“Strong communities are built through volunteerism, collaboration, and shared purpose,” Nagarajan said.

PARSIPPANY — People always say a dream can only go so far, but a vision is the one that grows. That is the definition of Hopeful Hands. What started as a simple idea grew into a student-led initiative that supports NICU parents through handmade care packages.

I am Joanna Mathew, a high school student and the founder of Hopeful Hands, a handmade care package initiative that serves and shares love with NICU parents.

Hopeful Hands has been active for just over a year. Over that time, the initiative has distributed more than 50 care packages, connected with NICU parents, built a team, and grown an online following. We also partnered with the maternal ward at Saint Clare’s Denville, and we recently crossed 1,000 followers on Instagram.

All this success is great, but it makes me want to go back to my roots — the “why” of Hopeful Hands. Why NICU parents? Why care packages? Why care at such a young age? This is the story behind Hopeful Hands.

I grew up hearing the same story over and over again. Every child has a birth story. Mine was a little different. Most birth stories sound something like, “You looked just like your mom the moment I laid eyes on you.” Mine was far from that. Mine goes more like this: “You used to wear your father’s wedding ring as a bangle,” and “the nurses and doctors weren’t sure you would survive.”

Looking back, I truly believe a miracle happened. I was born at about 24 weeks’ gestation. I spent almost four months in the NICU and had multiple health complications, including bronchitis. I relied on oxygen support for most of my time there, and it was my parents’ endless prayers and the amazing doctors, practitioners, and nurses who supported us that got me through.

Hopeful Hands is my way of giving back. The NICU is one of the scariest places for both a child and their parents — waking up every day just hoping and praying that your child will live, seeing a tiny, premature baby struggle. My parents experienced this firsthand, and it was the most emotionally difficult experience of their lives.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this essay, it all started as a dream. It was just an idea. I remember thinking, “It would be so impactful to start something like this.” For a while, it just stayed an idea, until I worked for it, and my dream became a reality. It was no longer a dream, but a working vision.

If this story resonated with you, I invite you to support Hopeful Hands as we continue to serve NICU families, whether through donations or by simply sharing our mission with the world. To learn more, follow us on Instagram or reach out to us by email at [email protected].

PARSIPPANY — Mayor Pulkit Desai issued a statement Monday thanking utility workers, first responders, and state officials for their response to storm damage across the township, while acknowledging that recovery work is ongoing.

In the statement, Desai recognized utility workers and first responders who have been working around the clock since Friday to respond to the storm and keep residents safe.

Desai also thanked Governor Mikie Sherrill for staying on top of the storm and visiting Morris County to see the impact firsthand, as well as New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Priya Jain for staying in constant communication and providing assistance where requested.

The mayor explained that where roads are blocked by trees alone, Parks and Forestry crews are clearing them as quickly as possible, but where power lines are involved, Jersey Central Power and Light must first make the area safe before crews can move in. He said the township and the utility are coordinating every step of the process.

“I’ll be transparent with you; we’re in good shape, but not great shape,” Desai said. “There’s still work to do, but every hour we’re making progress.”

Desai said the township is in constant communication with Jersey Central Power and Light and is working to move restoration efforts along as quickly and safely as possible.

Following the completion of cleanup and restoration efforts, Desai said he plans to meet with Jersey Central Power and Light, the Police Department, Fire Districts, the Office of Emergency Management, the Department of Public Works, and Parks and Forestry to evaluate the response and identify improvements for future storms.

“Every storm is an opportunity to improve our coordination, strengthen our response, and be better prepared for whatever comes next,” Desai said.

The mayor added that Parsippany fared better than many neighboring towns and thanked residents for their patience, cooperation, and for checking in on their neighbors.

“As I always say, in Parsippany, we take care of each other,” Desai said.

MORRIS PLAINS — Author Lisa Napolitan will sign copies of her book, “The Ones We Love,” on Saturday, July 11, at 1:00 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 1940 Route 10 West.

The illustrated picture book is intended for readers of any age confronting grief, from small children to adults. T

old through hand-painted watercolor illustrations and few words, the story follows a child who finds comfort in nature, accompanied by a bunny, while navigating the loss of a loved one.

Napolitan is a writer and artist whose stories and essays have appeared in numerous literary journals.

She is a doctoral candidate in literary studies and writing at Drew University, where she also teaches public speaking to international students.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in semiotics from Brown University and a master’s degree in creative writing from Hofstra University. “The Ones We Love” is her first picture book.