PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills proudly raised the Pride flag at Town Hall in recognition of International Pride Day. The flag flies alongside the American flag, the State of New Jersey flag, and the Morris County flag.

Parsippany has always been strengthened by the people who call it home. The community is made up of neighbors from every background, experience, and walk of life, and that diversity remains one of the township’s greatest strengths.

The annual flag-raising recognizes the contributions of LGBTQ+ residents and serves as a reminder of the township’s commitment to fostering a welcoming community where every resident is treated with dignity, respect, and kindness.

The Pride flag will remain on display at Town Hall alongside the other official flags as a symbol of unity, inclusion, and mutual respect for all members of the community.

“Today’s flag raising serves as a reminder that Parsippany is a community where every resident deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and kindness,” township officials said.

Happy International Pride Day!

PARSIPPANY — Mahendra Patel has been elected the new Chair of the Parsippany Democratic Committee, defeating Tom Wyka by a vote of 40 to 29 in an electronic election held June 27. Sangeeta Desai was elected Secretary unopposed, receiving all 64 votes cast, with 5 abstentions.

The election was triggered by the resignation of longtime Chair Matt Clarkin, who announced Friday, June 26, that he was stepping down after 10 years leading the committee.

“I wanted our party to flip the Mayor’s office, I wanted our party to flip the Township Council. And I wanted an open and participative place in our party for our township’s minority communities, particularly our large Indian community. With all of those goals now accomplished, I will be stepping down as Chair upon the election of a successor this Saturday,” said Matt Clarkin.

The transition follows a landmark 2025 general election in which Democrats gained a majority on the Parsippany Council and the mayor’s office flipped blue, bringing Mayor Pulkit Desai, Council Vice President Diya Patel, and Councilman Matt Kavanagh to the dais. Former Mayor James Barberio was ousted after 12 non-consecutive years leading the township.

Mayor Desai praised Clarkin’s tenure in a congratulatory statement.

“One of the most significant accomplishments of Matt’s tenure was helping create pathways for a new generation of leaders, including people from diverse backgrounds, to step forward and serve. The election of Parsippany’s first Indian-American Mayor and the increasing representation of our township’s diverse communities did not happen by accident,” said Mayor Pulkit Desai.

Desai cited his mayoral victory as Parsippany’s first Indian-American Mayor as a result of “years of relationship building, outreach and a belief that leadership should reflect the communities it serves.”

MORRIS COUNTY — The Hanover Wind Symphony (HWS) will perform a free patriotic concert titled “Music of Liberty” on Tuesday, July 7, at 7:00 p.m. at Ginty Field, 50 Woodland Ave., Morris Township. The concert is part of the Morris Township Summer Gazebo Series.

The program celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, with a repertoire of patriotic favorites and pieces that trace the musical history of the nation.

“Come celebrate the 250th anniversary of America with the Hanover Wind Symphony. Our spirited ‘Music of Liberty’ concert will have you humming along with patriotic favorites, together with songs that shaped our nation from its founding until now,” said Matthew Paterno, Music Director and Conductor, Hanover Wind Symphony.

The program includes “Salute to the Armed Forces” by Jari Villanueva, “America the Beautiful” arranged by Carmen Dragon, “American Riversongs” by Pierre LaPlante, “American Salute” by Morton Gould, “American Spirit” by Dennis Eveland, “Battle Hymn of the Republic” arranged by Peter Wilhousky, “Chester” by William Billings arranged by Jari Villanueva with associate music director Ayden Khan conducting, “Chimes of Liberty” by Edwin Franko Goldman, “Concord” by Clare Grundman, “Fanfare 250” by Noah D. Taylor, “Irving Berlin’s Songs for America” arranged by James Swearingen, “Land of Liberty” by John Wasson, and “The Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa.

The Hanover Wind Symphony is a community-based adult wind band made up of volunteer musicians who are accountants, engineers, teachers, and executives by day. For more than 40 years, HWS has performed for audiences across the region, embracing its mission of bringing “music to people and people to music.” For more information, click here.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.

PARSIPPANY  – The Far Hills Race Meeting Association (FHRMA) announced that Melody Lieberman of Parsippany has won its Oh, Say Can You Sing? national anthem singing contest. Ten finalists performed their renditions of the national anthem in front of a series of judges yesterday evening at a live performance at the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, in Somerville.

The Oh, Say Can You Sing? national anthem contest was held in honor of the celebration of America 250. Liberman will take the mic at the 105^th running of the Far Hills Race Meeting, the country’s most prestigious steeplechase horse race, where she will deliver the Star-Spangled Banner and help the FHRMA officially commence the day’s events. The 105^th running of the Far Hills Race Meeting will take place on October 17^th.

“Yesterday’s performances were truly extraordinary,” said Guy Torsilieri, Chairman of the Far Hills Race Meeting Association. “Each contestant brought remarkable talent and heartfelt meaning to the national anthem, many singing in honor of loved ones and personal connections to cancer. The judges faced a difficult decision, but Ms. Lieberman’s performance stood out and the choice was unanimous. We are thrilled to welcome her on October 17^th where her voice will help set the tone for an unforgettable race day at Moorland Farm before tens of thousands of racegoers.”

For over a century, the Far Hills Race Meeting Association has partnered with RWJUH Somerset to help deliver exceptional care for patients across the county and the region. In recognition of the association’s longstanding generosity, and more than $22 million dollars of donations, the hospital’s state-of-the-art Steeplechase Cancer Center and Behavioral Health Unit bear its name. Most recently, in 2025, the association announced an additional $1.25 million commitment to the Steeplechase Cancer Center’s Far Hills Race Meeting Association Oncology Patient Assistance Fund, which provides vital support for cancer patients, specifically those facing financial hardship.

“Standing among so many talented contestants was inspiring, and I am deeply grateful to have been selected as the winner of the Oh, Say Can You Sing? contest,” said Melody Lieberman. “This opportunity carries special meaning for me, as I sang in remembrance of my grandfather and in recognition of the important healthcare support advanced by the Far Hills Race Meeting Association and RWJUH Somerset. It will be an honor to share that spirit with thousands of racegoers when I sing the national anthem at The Hunt this October.”

The 105^th running of the Far Hills Race Meeting, sponsored by Open Road Auto Group, will take place on Saturday, October 17^th.  Since its inception, it has raised over $22 million for local healthcare to date, and will support five worthy beneficiaries in 2026, including RWJUH Somerset, Crossroads4Hope,  Community in Crisis, LifeCamp and Bonnie Brae.

For tickets, details and more, visit www.farhillsrace.org or call (888) 516-5554. Stay up to date on Race Day by signing up for the email list or following on Facebook or Instagram.

About The Far Hills Race Meeting

The Far Hills Race Meeting, a 105-year-old premier social and sporting event in New Jersey, attracts diverse spectators year after year. It showcases the world’s finest steeplechase races, fosters connections with loved ones, supports worthy causes, and creates cherished memories. Sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association, Inc., the event offers the largest purses for Steeplechase races in the United States, pari-mutuel wagering in partnership with Monmouth Park, global live streaming and “America’s Day at the Races” is aired on Fox Sports in partnership with NYRA and Monmouth Park. For more information, visit www.farhillsrace.org.

PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, in collaboration with Satvik Breath, welcomed residents to Smith Field Park on Saturday, June 20, for a community celebration of International Yoga Day.

The free outdoor event drew participants to the baseball field for a morning session from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m., centered around the theme of body, mind, breath, and community.

Attendees gathered on the field as instructors led the group through breathing exercises and yoga poses, embracing the spirit of the international observance. The event encouraged residents of all experience levels to participate and connect with neighbors in a wellness setting.

Among those participating was Parsippany Mayor Pulkit Desai, who joined residents on the mat for the morning session. Satvik Breath founder Manali Thumar expressed her appreciation for the mayor’s presence.

“A special thank you to Mayor Pulkit Desai for not only attending the event but also stepping onto the mat and practicing yoga with us. Leadership is most inspiring when it leads by example, and seeing our mayor embrace the spirit of Yoga Day alongside residents made the morning truly memorable,” said Manali Thumar, Founder, Satvik Breath.

Satvik Breath, based in Parsippany, was founded by Thumar, a certified yoga educator and holistic wellness coach. She founded Satvik Breath Yoga in April 2024 to bring yoga and wellness to the local community, offering classes ranging from gentle Hatha to power vinyasa, as well as wellness workshops and retreats. She holds certifications as an RYT200 and RYT500, and is also a Certified Ayurvedic Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach. In 2026, she launched “Holistic Rituals,” a lifestyle program rooted in Ayurveda, yoga, and conscious living. More information is available at www.satvikbreath.com.

Donations collected at the event benefited Kiwanis community programs.

MORRIS COUNTY — Employment Horizons has announced the appointment of Cynthia Walsh Rintzler (Cyndy) as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 13th.

The announcement was made by the organization’s Board of Directors.

Rintzler brings more than 30 years of progressive leadership experience in vocational rehabilitation, developmental disabilities services, and behavioral and mental health. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Programs and Services at Inroads to Opportunities (The Occupational Center of Union County), where she administered a portfolio of vocational, mental health, day habilitation, and transition services.

“It is a privilege to join the Employment Horizons team as Chief Executive Officer,” Rintzler says. “This position aligns well with my lifelong vocational passion for fostering self-sufficiency and dignity through meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities. I look forward to working with the board, staff, program participants, families, and our community to continue the profound impact our agency has made and create a bright future. All good things ahead!”

“As we look toward the future, the Board is confident that Cyndy is the right leader to guide Employment Horizons into our next phase of growth,” says Paul Dolce, President of Employment Horizons’ Board of Trustees. “She believes deeply in the power of individualized personal support to transform lives. This vision perfectly aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our stakeholders, to our clients, and to the community.  We are confident that her visionary leadership and deep commitment to our mission will guide Employment Horizons into our next chapter of growth and impact.”

The Board expressed confidence that Rintzler is the right leader to guide Employment Horizons into its next phase of growth, citing her belief in the power of individualized personal support to transform lives — a vision the Board said aligns with the organization’s commitment to delivering exceptional value to its stakeholders, clients, and the broader community.

The Board also expressed gratitude to Matthew Putts, who served as Interim and former CEO, for his leadership and commitment to the organization. “He has helped position Employment Horizons for continued success,” Dolce said.

Founded in 1957, Employment Horizons, Inc. is the premier not-for-profit agency providing high-quality competitively priced services to the business community through its commercial operations while at the same time, furthering its mission to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment to achieve their vocational objectives and establish self-sufficiency in the community. To learn more, please visit www.ehorizons.org.

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.

“A 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 they’ve learned and explained how they’re contributing to their community,” said Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw. “Meeting 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.”

View a photo gallery of 4-H members and their animals.

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.

“Many people are familiar with 4-H ‘s animal science and agriculture background but we also participate in many project areas such as STEM, creative arts, hobbies and more,” said club member Raima Bera. “Through these clubs, members develop important life skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork and care for their communities.”

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 university’s outreach arm to the community and a collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. The organization’s 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.