PARSIPPANY — Winger is a female puppy, a mix of Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua and Shih Tzu, born April 27, and available for adoption through WISE.

WISE is entirely volunteer-run, and all donations made to the rescue go directly back to the animals in its care. By partnering with veterinary practices that support its work, WISE is able to save animals’ lives and restore them to health. While some animals need only standard care, others require more extensive veterinary or behavioral care.

Regardless of which dog someone applies for, WISE asks adopters to support the program with a minimum donation of $850. The donation may or may not be directly applied to the care of the dog being adopted, but instead goes toward supporting all of the dogs in the rescue.

Winger would thrive in a loving and patient home ready to provide guidance, structure, and plenty of affection. As a young puppy, she is still learning about the world and will benefit from a family committed to continued training, socialization, and a consistent routine. A home where someone is available to help with potty training, basic manners, and confidence-building would be ideal. She would do well with individuals, couples, or families excited to include a new companion in their daily activities.

Winger is described as playful and cuddly, with a fun, outgoing personality and a habit of making new friends wherever she goes. When she isn’t playing and exploring, she is happiest curled up next to her people for a nap. She is said to do well with kids, dogs and cats.

Like all puppies, Winger is still learning and making progress every day. She is working on house training, crate training, and basic puppy manners, and is fully pee pad trained while working on outdoor training as well. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, she is expected to continue building confidence and developing good habits.

Some large-scale breeding programs occasionally have dogs and puppies they are unable to place due to medical needs, birth defects, appearance differences, or simply a lack of demand. WISE partners with groups working to give these dogs a second chance rather than an uncertain future, and is committed to rescuing and caring for dogs of all kinds, whether healthy, medically fragile, senior, or in need of special care.

Those interested in adopting Winger can visit WiseAnimalRescue.org to fill out an adoption application.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus magazine, August 2026. Click here to read magazine.

MORRIS COUNTY — The American Red Cross has declared only the second national blood supply crisis in its history after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low. Hospitals across the country are facing critically low blood supplies, particularly Type O blood, increasing the risk of delays for patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions following accidents, surgeries, cancer treatments, and other medical emergencies.

Healthy, eligible residents are encouraged to consider giving blood. A single donation can help save multiple lives and ensure hospitals have the resources they need when emergencies arise.

To find a blood drive or donation center, residents can visit the American Red Cross Blood Donation Locator or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule an appointment.

TRENTON — Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris, Passaic) called on Governor Mikie Sherrill to fully cooperate with federal authorities investigating New Jersey’s noncitizen voter registration issue and to support legislative efforts to hold those responsible accountable.

On a recent episode of “Ask Governor Sherrill,” the governor dismissed calls for a bipartisan select committee with subpoena power as a witch hunt and again described the issue as a software error. IDEMIA, the vendor responsible for the Motor Vehicle Commission’s software, has said the automatic voter registration of noncitizens was a setting approved by New Jersey officials.

“This is a stunning revelation from IDEMIA that demands accountability from Murphy administration officials. The Governor stated this situation requires answers, but those answers will not come from wasting taxpayer dollars, dismissing legitimate questions from lawmakers as a witch hunt, or obsessing over the President. New Jerseyans deserve to know the full scope of this administrative malpractice. Is the state-led investigation examining only the so-called software error or is it looking into broader concerns raised by IDEMIA, the 75,000 or more noncitizens reportedly summoned for jury duty every year, and the significant discrepancy between the state’s 6,600 figure and the Department of Homeland Security’s estimate of 35,000 noncitizens on our voter rolls? That is why I called on the U.S. Attorney to expand its investigation and ensure every possible avenue is being pursued. Taxpayers deserve an investigation that follows the facts wherever they lead, not one limited by partisan convenience,” said Senator Pennacchio.

Last week, Pennacchio called on Assistant U.S. Attorney Harmeet Dhillon to expand the investigation after reports that 75,000 noncitizens are summoned for jury duty each year in New Jersey.

During the episode, Sherrill dismissed the jury duty concerns, as reported by Insider NJ, noting that various state databases are used to compile the state’s jury pool.

“The Governor offered to ‘educate’ me, but the facts already did. Here’s a refresher: the Administrative Office of the Courts confirmed that jury lists are compiled using records from the Division of Elections, MVC, and the Division of Taxation. The simple fact is that the same state systems contributed to multiple government functions, and this scandal proves those systems deserve scrutiny. Instead of lecturing lawmakers, the Governor should focus on providing answers,” Pennacchio said.

TRENTON — The Sherrill Administration released $165 million in Fiscal Year 2027 County Aid to fund infrastructure improvements on the local level. The program is funded through the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund.

“Every New Jerseyan deserves safe roads, reliable bridges, and modern infrastructure. This investment gives counties the resources they need to repair the transportation networks that families, commuters, and businesses rely on every day. We are partnering with county leaders to deliver reliable travel, support economic growth, and keep New Jersey moving forward,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill.

“Governor Sherrill and the New Jersey Department of Transportation are committed to ensuring New Jersey’s entire transportation network is safe, reliable, and modern, whether you are on a state highway or on county or municipal roads and bridges. County Aid provides millions of dollars to ensure our local infrastructure is maintained in a state of good repair without burdening local taxes,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Priya Jain.

The state’s twenty-one counties, including Morris County, will share the total $165 million through the County Aid program, which helps maintain roads and bridges under county jurisdiction for the thousands of motorists who count on them each day.

County Aid was increased by $15 million in Fiscal Year 2027. On March 26, 2024, legislation was signed to renew the state’s Transportation Trust Fund for five more years. With that renewal, funding for Local Aid programs to counties and municipalities will increase by $15 million for the County Aid program this fiscal year.

County Aid funds are apportioned based on population and road mileage in each county, and each county selects the projects that receive funding. Counties are required to submit eligible projects, identified in the county’s annual Transportation Program, to the New Jersey Department of Transportation for approval prior to December 1. State law requires counties be informed of their allotments for the current fiscal year by July 31 to help them better plan future projects.

Morris County’s specific allotment was not broken out in the state’s release. A full county-by-county list is available from the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

PARSIPPANY — Summer nights and live music are back at Veterans Memorial Park, 1839 Route 46, as the Township of Parsippany continues its Summer Concert Series under Mayor Pulkit Desai.

Families are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets for an evening of live music, food trucks, games, amusements, and family-friendly fun. Each event starts at 6:00 p.m., with bands taking the stage at 7:30 p.m.

The concert lineup is as follows:

August 6 — Sky City Social

Sky City Social is a New Jersey cover band that reimagines familiar songs, inspired by arena concerts and award show performances.

August 13 — Super 70’s Rock Show, featuring Super Trans Am

Super 70’s Rock Show featuring Super Trans Am recreates arena rock anthems from the Eagles, Queen and Boston with elaborate audiovisual production.

August 20 — Embers The Band

Embers The Band is a New Jersey cover band fronted by vocalist Amber Bialoglow, performing high-energy sets across the East Coast.

August 27 — Band of Make Believe

Band of Make Believe is a New Jersey cover band fronted by male and female vocalists, covering hits from Bon Jovi to Bruno Mars.

Pets are not permitted. In case of bad weather, an alternate location or date will be provided.

The concert series is made possible in part by sponsor Provident Bank.

PARSIPPANY — A book signing event will celebrate the release of “Cosmo the Black Cat,” part of the Stardust and Friends series, on Sunday, August 30, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Lazy Caffe, 84B North Beverwyck Road in the Lake Hiawatha section of the township.

The event will give families the chance to meet author Kellei Cosby and celebrate a heartwarming story about kindness, looking beyond appearances, and the magic of unity. Attendees will be able to get a personally signed copy of the book, and additional copies will be available for purchase. The event is intended to be fun for kids, families, and book lovers.

Cosby is an actor and writer with more than ten years of experience creating and collaborating on screenplays, stage play scripts, poetry and spoken word, short stories, and multimedia projects, and has now moved into writing children’s stories.

Those interested in following Stardust and Friends on Instagram can Click Here.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council will hold a meeting on August 4, at 7:00 p.m., at the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

Click here to download the agenda.

Ordinance up for second reading/public hearing:

• Ordinance 2026:31, establishing 2025-2028 salary ranges for township employees.

Consent agenda highlights:

• Two property tax cancellations/refunds for 100% disabled veterans
• A two-year shared services agreement with the Board of Education for SRO and SLEO services
• Purchase of four Western Star 47X chassis and one 2027 Ford F-550 chassis with a Godwin landscape body
• Traffic signal repair contract at Littleton Road and Park Road/Crestview Drive, plus a video detection system replacement
• Professional services contract with Nisivoccia LLP for financial consulting
• An agreement with Little Viking Football for EMS standby services at youth games
• A three-year addendum to the shared municipal court services agreement with Boonton
• Four separate redevelopment-area preliminary investigations for the Planning Board to conduct, covering properties on Littleton Road, Waterview Boulevard, and Smith Road

First reading: An ordinance amending the vehicle and traffic code regarding stopping/standing restrictions on certain streets.

Non-consent agenda (resolutions for a vote):

• R2026-174, adopting amendments to the township’s employee handbook
• R2026-175, approving a corrective action plan tied to the 2025 municipal audit

Payroll/bills: Authorization for the August 14 payroll (regular and miscellaneous, about $1,650,000 each) and payment of the August 4 voucher list, totaling $1,768,197.82.

Also on the agenda: approval of minutes from the July 7 agenda meeting and July 21 regular meeting, and department reports from the mayor, council, township attorney, business administrator, and clerk.

• Mayor Pulkit Desai – (D) Term ends December 31, 2029
  * Council President Judy Hernandez (D) Term ends December 31, 2027
  * Council Vice President Diya Patel – (D) Term ends December 31, 2029
  * Councilman Matthew Kavanagh – (D) Term ends December 31, 2029
  * Councilman Matt McGrath – (R) Term ends December 31, 2027
  * Councilman Paul Carifi Jr. (R) Term ends December 31, 2027

PARSIPPANY — Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey will host a recruitment event to introduce families to Parsippany Girl Scouts on August 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Parsippany Main Library on Halsey Road.

As a Girl Scout, participants explore new adventures, build skills, grow with friends, and gain confidence that lasts a lifetime, according to the organization.

Those interested in joining can Click Here, scroll to “Be a Girl Scout” and click “Find a Troop,” enter a zip code, and select the membership year running from October 2026 to September 2027 before searching for and selecting the Parsippany Member Recruitment Campaign to create an account. Financial assistance is available for Girl Scout membership fees, uniform supplies, program activities, and summer camp.

Families with questions can contact Service Unit Manager Jenna Salkowitz at [email protected], or Membership Manager Catherine Parrillo at [email protected] or (862) 294-2354.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Library will host a week of financial literacy workshops from August 10 to August 14, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, led by high school students Janvi Singh and Arya Malaviya.

The free five-day workshop series introduces students in grades four through eight to investing, financial literacy, marketing, branding, and public speaking, with each day featuring a different topic. Participants will build practical financial skills, learn how businesses attract customers, develop an elevator pitch, and apply their knowledge through interactive activities and projects.

Day 1: Introduction to Investing

Learn about the basics of investing, including why people invest, different types of investments, and how money can grow over time.

Day 2: Financial Management

Understand more about the core topics of financial management, including budgeting, saving, responsible spending, and setting financial goals.

Day 3: Marketing and Branding

Discover how successful businesses attract customers and learn more about the fundamentals of marketing and branding, including how companies create logos and connect with their target audience.

Day 4: Elevator Pitches

Students will get the opportunity to create and deliver a compelling elevator pitch by presenting a business or product idea in a clear and confident manner.

Day 5: Play-Dough Entrepreneur Workshop

In the last workshop of the week, students can apply the concepts they have learned throughout the financial literacy series by developing a product idea, creating a brand, and presenting their creations to the group.

Registration is required to participate and can be completed on the Parsippany Library website. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

PARSIPPANY — Bierman Autism Centers will celebrate the opening of its new Parsippany center with a free touch-a-truck event on Saturday, August 15, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

The parking lot at the center’s new location, 2001 Route 46, Suite 100, will be filled with fire trucks, police cars, construction vehicles and more for children to climb into and explore. Families will also be able to tour the new space and meet the team that will serve children in Parsippany.

The event is free, sensory-friendly, and designed specifically for children with autism ages two to nine, though all are welcome to attend. In addition to the vehicles on display, the event will include activities and games for all ability levels, snacks, and a quiet sensory-friendly comfort zone available throughout the morning for children who need a break.

Space is limited, and families are encouraged to register in advance by clicking here.

PARSIPPANY — Township tax bills are printing this week and will be mailed to residents shortly, according to the tax collector’s office.

The grace period for payment has been extended. Payments must be received in the tax office by close of business on August 31, or by 2:00 p.m. if paying online.

Residents can look up their tax bill or pay online, by clicking here.

MORRIS COUNTY — A Newark man was arrested in Denville on July 27 after a motor vehicle stop turned up multiple outstanding warrants, according to the Denville Police Department.

At approximately 10:05 a.m., an officer conducted a motor vehicle stop on Stonebridge Court after observing multiple equipment violations. During the stop, officers identified the driver as Samuel Encarnacion, 25, of Newark. Further investigation revealed that Encarnacion had active warrants issued by Pequannock Township Municipal Court, in the amount of $3,500.00, and Tinton Falls Municipal Court, in the amount of $1,000.00.

Encarnacion was placed under arrest and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing. He was released following processing pending future court appearances in Pequannock Township Municipal Court and Tinton Falls Municipal Court.

Encarnacion was charged with:

• Driving without a license
• Driving after his driver’s license was suspended
• Obstruction of windshield for vision
• Failure to wear a seatbelt

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.

PARSIPPANY — A number one New York Times best-selling author is coming to the Parsippany Library this October.

Nita Prose, author of “The Maid” series, will visit the library for an evening built around her books and her writing life. The series follows Molly Gray, a hotel maid who keeps finding herself at the center of unsolved murders, and has drawn a wide following for its blend of mystery and dry humor.

The event will be held at the main library on Thursday, October 15, starting at 7:00 p.m. Prose is expected to talk about her path to becoming a novelist, what inspired her best-selling books, and how she built Molly Gray into one of fiction’s more memorable amateur sleuths.

Those interested in attending can register online by clicking here.

MORRIS PLAINS — The Bishop McLaughlin Council 3495, Knights of Columbus, presented Frank Cahill, Publisher of Focus Publications, with a plaque on July 21 recognizing his ongoing support to the council.

The award was presented by Mike Fichter. The plaque reads: “Words cannot fully express our gratitude for your unwavering support over the years. By consistently championing and promoting our charitable events. Thank you for your tireless advocacy.”

“I am honored to receive this award. As publisher, it is my pleasure to make sure I can provide publicity to all local nonprofit groups. Although I am Governor of New Jersey Kiwanis International, I never lose sight of the fact that none of this happens without the volunteers who give so generously of their time to serve our communities,” said Cahill.

Also receiving honors at the event were Sean Gallagher, who received the Seminarian Gift; Nico Sullo, named Catechist of the Year, presented by Fr. Luke; the Calderisi Family, recipients of the Joseph and Irene Selitto Memorial Award for Family of the Year, presented by Fr. Luke; Morris Plains Lt. Robert Guild and Morris Township Sgt. Robert Ribnicky, who received Police Shield Awards presented by John Boudreau; Morris Township Firefighter/EMT Patrick O’Shea, who received a Fireman Shield Award presented by John Boudreau; and Taylor Olsen, who received the Thaddeus Kosakowski Memorial EMS Award presented by John Boudreau.

In the community category, the council presented a donation to the Paterson Federation’s Keep Christ in Christmas Billboard, accepted by Mike Vaclavicek, PGK. Gary Richenaker presented donations from the council’s campaign for people with intellectual disabilities to the ARC of Morris County, Employment Horizons, Camp Fatima, the DPD Calabrese House, and Camp Marcella.

The council also presented a number of charitable donations, including gifts to the Morris Minute Men, LifeNet, Walking with Moms in Need, Birth Haven, Several Sources Shelters, JBWS (formerly the New Jersey Battered Women’s Service), Homeless Solutions, the Interfaith Food Pantry, Morristown Meals on Wheels, Operation Chillout, the Rock Steady Parkinson Foundation, and Welcome Home Vets of NJ, along with additional contributions to Remember Me Inc., the Fairchild Firehouse, and the Special Parents Organization. State Awards were presented by District Deputy Mike Spiecker.

PARSIPPANY — Merton C. Hodge passed peacefully at home on July 28. He shared eighty-two years of love, kindness and quiet generosity with everyone in his life.

Born in Massachusetts, Mert moved to Parsippany as a teenager, where his father worked as a farmer. It can’t be confirmed or denied…but this may have contributed to his love of chickens and dairy as the years unfolded.

Mert graduated from Parsippany High School and went on to build a life focused around family, service and community.

Mert was blessed with five children. Later in life, he found love with Jane, embracing not only her, but also her daughter. As his family grew, he was filled with love from grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Always a hard worker, Mert held several jobs throughout his lifetime. He owned and operated “Mert’s Imported Auto Parts,” where he earned the trust of customers through his integrity. He enjoyed another profession as a realtor, where his friendly nature made him a natural.

Mert found a career he truly loved behind the wheel, spending many years as a chauffeur with Atlantic Town Cars, Manhattan Limousine, and Carey Limousine. More than simply driving passengers to their destinations, he loved an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. His personality, quiet wit, and genuine interest in others led to countless lasting friendships that he treasured long after the rides had ended. To Mert, his clients and coworkers became much more than acquaintances—they became dear friends who enriched his life.

In his younger years he spent hours snowmobiling in the winters and later in life he enjoyed sailing in the summers, even though he didn’t know how to swim. He loved being outdoors and being active. In the spring, he adored his blooming peonies in his garden at home, which was his favorite place to be. Even in his final days, he quietly watched the birds outside his window. He had a special place in his heart for all creatures big and small. He adored his three cats Taz, Houdini and Ebony and his grand pup Colt.

Mert was a regular at Denville Dairy as well as many other ice cream shops in the tri state area. He enjoyed a good meal and great company but let it be known, cooking was not one of Mert’s talents.

He was an avid parishioner and volunteer at St. Peter the Apostle Parish and the food pantry. Mert donated much of his time to individuals and organizations always dedicated to improving the lives of others, never seeking recognition—only the opportunity to help.

Mert will be remembered as one of those rare people whose goodness was so natural that he never thought it was anything special. Those are often the people who leave the biggest hole in our hearts. His humility, steady presence, and quiet acts of love shaped the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He leaves his devoted wife Jane Hodge of forty-six years; his children Merton Hodge Jr. (Jennifer Baldwin), Caroline Sauers (David), Lenox Hodge (Amy), Deborah Peterman (Michael), Maureen Consolo (the late Michael), Sherridan Culbertson (Robert); his grandchildren Nicholas, Cassidy, Parker, Madeline, Dalton, Emily, Hunter, Lydia, Marjorie, Daniel, Jacqueline, John, Paige and Keagan; three great grandchildren and one on the way; and many more dear relatives and friends. His parents Claude and Alberta Hodge and sister Ruth Stanford passed before him.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, August 2 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 3 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 179 Baldwin Road, Parsippany. Entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Mausoleum.